XRGB2 is a bit dark.

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neorichieb1971
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XRGB2 is a bit dark.

Post by neorichieb1971 »

Hi,

Just wondering if anyone can help. On my XRGB2 I have to set everything on the highest settings to get a bright picture. Even the monitor has 100% R, 100% G and 100% B.

When V-line is off, the brightness is acceptable, but its crap.. with V-line on, the picture is acceptable but its too dark. So i'm wondering if anyone else gets this?

The RGB cables were made by Matt. I took a few of them apart, the PS cable has 220uf capacitors on the RGB lines, I think the SNES one does too. Others do not.

I cannot believe this is normal, I've tried different monitors but the same effect happens.

One thing I did not try is using svideo with the XRGB2 to see if that is any brighter, if thats no brighter then I suppose i'm getting max potential out of this thing. I must admit Raiden DX looks amazing, something like Mushimesama looks really dull and bland. Maybe its the filtering I wouldn't rule anything out. But right now I spend more time fiddling with the XRGB2 and monitor than I do playing the games. So something ain't right.

Any help or suggestions would be greatful.
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Michaelm
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Post by Michaelm »

I only had to use the brightness setting on the xrgb2.
It might be a little bit dark but I like it that way.
There was another setting I had to turn to max to get better colors.
Most other settings are just on half.
I have to turn the AFC setting to half every time cause otherwise the picture isn't completely still.
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Dave_K.
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Post by Dave_K. »

You are using a computer monitor, not an arcade monitor. Computer monitors don't let you adjust the RGB or Contrast/Brightness as much as an arcade monitor, and for good reason, you don't normally display 240 lines (vline mode enabled) on a VGA screen. So with vline enabled on the xrgb2, its naturally going to be darker since it only draws half the lines! Try the other vline options to make the blank lines more narrow if you want it brighter.
neorichieb1971
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Post by neorichieb1971 »

XRGB2 only has on/off as v-line option.

So this is normal then?
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oxtsu
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Post by oxtsu »

Yeah, it's quite dark with v-line on. I got used to it eventually (and closed the blinds).

The settings I use are GAMMA = 4 , BRIGHT = 60-something%, BLACK = 5%
Turning GAMMA down to lowest or 1, and BRIGHT to 90-100% yields a similar effect. Just set it where there is no red bleed.

On my monitor I have to use 100% contrast and highest color temp, bright around 30%.
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Post by neorichieb1971 »

Do you find the audio has a bit of a hum over 25% volume? I think thats a SCART problem as it happens on most TV's as well through this connector. Can't seem to stop it though.
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Post by PC Engine Fan X! »

Sometimes brightness can be adjusted for some arcade PCBs by simply flicking the micro switch setting to "arcade" or "normal setting" on the XRGB-2. That usually does the trick for me with some arcade PCBs. Of course, each arcade PCB will be different in terms of outputting of RGB levels -- some will be higher than others (such as with the case with a Ketsui PCB which outputs at very high levels, RGB signal-wise). ^_~

By using a true low-resolution monitor that's capable of accepting 15 kHz horizontal sync rate (such as the Commodore Amiga monitors like the 1080 to the 1084S models), you're basically seeing what is used at the arcades (although in a smaller format at 14" screen size)-- can't get any better than that..... ^_~

I do have a Supergun setup that has adjustable individual R, G, & B levels to set to my liking...doing adjustments on an Amiga monitor is a snap when in screen test mode to check for proper screen calibration and cross hair line check for each respectable arcade PCB. When everything is properly adjusted, it will make your arcade game sessions the best it can possibly be...of course, I bypass the XRGB-2 + a PC SVGA monitor setup though for an authentic low-res monitor look and feel. ^_~

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~
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Post by neorichieb1971 »

I'm not using PCB's with my unit yet.. still working on the consoles ;)
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Post by eretsua »

does the xrgb2 have a gamma correction option? if so you can try upping that, not sure what gamma is supposed to do but it makes the image on your screen brighter.

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Post by neorichieb1971 »

Gamma settings on the XRGB are 1 2 3 and 4.

3 is about as high as you can go without ruining other aspect of the picture. I notice halo'ing, ringing etc etc.

I am quite impressed with Svideo for DVD though, very vibrant and it works well with vline off.
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