Blaze PS2 VGA Box Questions

[nZero]

Does anyone have one of these? Do they work on all models of Playstation 2? Is there a compatibility list for games anywhere?

Thanks in advance for any responses.

[Cugel]

I recommend the HORI UPSCAN CONVERTER 2. I've tried one other VGA adapter in the past and it was crap. The image was extremely fuzzy. The Hori has a sharp image and games like Espgaluda and Dodonpachi look great.

The Hori works with every PS2 game and it includes a VGA passthrough. The quality of the cable is excellent and you will see no fuzziness that is endemic with cheap cables.

It's a bit more expensive than the Blaze VGA but it works unlike cheaper solutions.

http://tinyurl.com/5wdbg

[nZero]

Hmm, aside from the costing more part you already mentioned-- it also needs the component cables I don't have for best quality, and needs a USB port for power. Thanks for your input, but I think I'll pass on that for now.

I was interested in the Blaze because it's apparently the closest to a real VGA box, forcing the PS2 to output in progressive scan instead of just upscanning the NTSC signal. Just trying to get other's impressions on it before taking the plunge, though.

[sancoa]

I was looking at buying some sort of RGB/VGA adapter for PS2 and other systems. I searched on the internet and found some useful info. Take a look at these threads (one has some Dreamcast VGA adapter talk mixed in):

http://www.hdtvarcade.com/hdtvforum/vie ... =blaze+ps2
http://www.hdtvarcade.com/hdtvforum/vie ... =blaze+ps2

They also have a list of prog scan compatible games:
http://www.hdtvarcade.com/ps2list.htm

Apparently, the game itself needs to support prog scan to work properly with the Blaze adapter.
From an FAQ on gamefaqs I found this:
Progressive Scan features are only in the SCPH-50000 or later models.

As for the Hori Upscan converter, yes it needs a USB port for power, but the PS2 has a USB port, so that's no problem. Also, I don't think you need component cables for the PS2, this is what NCSX says,
"Please note however that there are no direct component RGB inputs on the converter although it will support component RGB on the PS2 through the direct connect multi-AV cable attached to the unit."
Here's the full NCSX description of the Hori Upscan converter:
http://www.ncsxshop.com/cgi-bin/shop/HP2-143X.html

I don't know what people's impressions of the Hori converter are, I haven't really looked. After looking at some of the other VGA options, I decided that at some point I'll just get an XRGB2.

[Cugel]

You don't need component cables. The Hori Upscan Converter plugs right into the PS2. It comes with an adapter for X-BOX. As for the USB power, the plug fits directly into the USB port of the PS2. It also comes with an extra VGA cable for pass-through. The pass-through capability is excellent. So, you don't need to buy anything extra with this kit.

The great thing about this upscan converter is that it works with everything. The image is great. I've been playing the Tekken 5 demo and it looks sweet. I'm not a big fighting game fan, but Asuka is hot.

I know what a poor VGA solution is since I paid $49 for the Sagestar VGA adapter and it sucked. The image was fuzzy. The difference between this and the Hori Upscan is night and day.

[nZero]

I was looking at buying some sort of RGB/VGA adapter for PS2 and other systems. I searched on the internet and found some useful info. Take a look at these threads (one has some Dreamcast VGA adapter talk mixed in):

[...]

Thanks for the threads, that's the kind of stuff I was hoping for. Looks like the compatibility on the Blaze software solution isn't so hot.

Apparently, the game itself needs to support prog scan to work properly with the Blaze adapter.

I was under the impression that the boot software was supposed to fix this. However, judging from those impressions, it sounds like it's not very good anyway. Not to mention the cable being of apparently less-than-ideal quality.

From an FAQ on gamefaqs I found this:
Progressive Scan features are only in the SCPH-50000 or later models.

I thought that was only for DVD playback. Well, not that it matters, I've got an SCPH-70012 anyway.

As for the Hori Upscan converter, yes it needs a USB port for power, but the PS2 has a USB port, so that's no problem.

You don't need component cables. The Hori Upscan Converter plugs right into the PS2. It comes with an adapter for X-BOX. As for the USB power, the plug fits directly into the USB port of the PS2.

Good point, I'd forgotten about those, although I wish they were on the back. Thanks for the NCSX link, too, glad to see I wouldn't need cables for the Hori if I went that route.

It also comes with an extra VGA cable for pass-through. The pass-through capability is excellent. So, you don't need to buy anything extra with this kit.

Excellent? Meaning I wouldn't see any impact on image quality even with my 1280x960x85hz display? I'll wait and see that for myself. I'm perfectly used to switching manually with my DC VGA box, I keep it conveniently located for that reason and I'm sure I could do the same with the Hori.

The great thing about this upscan converter is that it works with everything.

True. Thinking about it a little more, I also wouldn't have to boot from a disc for it to work. If I wanted to do disc swapping all the time, I wouldn't have modded the damn thing in the first place.

The image is great. I've been playing the Tekken 5 demo and it looks sweet. I'm not a big fighting game fan, but Asuka is hot.

Heh. I'll give it some thought. Thanks for the replies.

[Cugel]

Excellent is a subjective term. Is it going to be HDTV quality? Hell no. Is it going to be as good as a Sony Wega TV? No.

It's the best solution I've seen for a PS2 VGA adapter. The PS2 doesn't have a native VGA output like the Dreamcast. Yes, the Dreamcast with a VGA adapter will look better.

Take it for what it is. I don't make any money on what solution you buy nor do I care what solution you buy. So no need to be testy.

[nZero]

Excellent is a subjective term. Is it going to be HDTV quality? Hell no. Is it going to be as good as a Sony Wega TV? No.

No no no, you misunderstand. I was talking about the passthrough. I've had bad experience with display ghosting on the PC output to my monitor from such a thing before. So.. because of that, I'll take a wait-and-see tack on that particular feature.

It's the best solution I've seen for a PS2 VGA adapter. The PS2 doesn't have a native VGA output like the Dreamcast. Yes, the Dreamcast with a VGA adapter will look better.

Yes, I know, I'm not expecting as much in quality. I'm sorry if I came across that way. I'm familiar with the technicals of the situation, and I'm just trying to do the best I can without spending too much.

Take it for what it is. I don't make any money on what solution you buy nor do I care what solution you buy. So no need to be testy.

I appreciate your input, honestly. I'm weighing the options still, and your comments and impressions have been very helpful. I'm not trying to bash or criticize here, or to come off as "testy", I'm just trying to keep my train of thought visible in the thread.

[oxtsu]

Does anyone have one of these? Do they work on all models of Playstation 2? Is there a compatibility list for games anywhere?

Thanks in advance for any responses.

I bought one last year for curiosity sake (only $10 so not much to lose). It's worth it for Contra:SS, Metal Slug 3, and Silpheed:TLP, which display much like the quality of DC VGA. Same sharpess and resolution, but color is not perfect.

The adapter is of mediocre quality though (color is slanted to green), and most games will have some screen cut-off or double image with the software. There's two modes that can turned on or off (can't recall the names), which will increase the compatibility but the image will be very poor quality.

It's the best solution I've seen for a PS2 VGA adapter.

Maybe, if that's the only console someone wants to use. Micomsoft's XRGB-2 is a better option all around.

[PC Engine Fan X!]

Just be prepared to shell between $150.00-$200.00 for a used XRGB-2 though. They don't appear as much as the XRGB-2+ does on eBay and is worth the money alone to play those cool SP1 games on a SVGA monitor.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[Specineff]

I wonder if someone could build an adapter so you can use your other RGB consoles with the Hori one. It's just a matter of hooking up the R G B and sync pins to those in the Hori plug right? I don't care for progressive scan and stuff, as long as it looks as sweet as with an Amiga RGB monitor.

[Dave_K.]

I wonder if someone could build an adapter so you can use your other RGB consoles with the Hori one. It's just a matter of hooking up the R G B and sync pins to those in the Hori plug right? I don't care for progressive scan and stuff, as long as it looks as sweet as with an Amiga RGB monitor.

If you don't care about the progressive scan stuff, then why not just use an RGB scart cable?

As for Hori compatibility with other consoles, not only would you have to hack the input cable, but also the power input as it has some stupid requirement where you have to plug it into a USB slot for +5v. Just plain stupid if you ask me.

[Specineff]

I forgot to mention I would like to do that so I can use only one VGA monitor for all my consoles, instead of that and an RGB one.

The USB power is easily supplied by a powered hub.

[beatriziya]

What cord can i use to hook up my vga laptop to my tv? I need a cord that can be used to hook up my vga laptop to my telivison. Some kind of a vga to tv cord that works for computers since most of the ones on amazon do not.
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[antron]

there are lots of older extron video processors on ebay that can remove sync on green. I got a new one for $10 shipped. Looks awesome.

[dmauro]

I've got one of these and a pair of official Sony component cables I could sell you. The only problem with this is that it displays 15KHz with a green tint to the blacks. It's great for 480p though.

[thamasha69]

I've got one of these

Nice...been looking for one of those (if original poster does not scoop up).

[nZero]

The original poster posted this over 4 years ago and has long since solved the problem the thread was meant to address. By all means, go for it. Also somebody please help the poor fellow that can't spell television and drags up long dead threads with unrelated questions.

[beatriziya]

How do you hook up a laptop with vga out to a hdtv with component in ports? Need a cable or a converter? I need a laptop that can be hooked up to my hdtv that's best input is component (no hdmi) Will a cable from vga to component video do it or do i need a converter box. Also if that doesn't work does s video really stink that bad? I can do that if i have to.
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[stuntman]

As for Hori compatibility with other consoles, not only would you have to hack the input cable, but also the power input as it has some stupid requirement where you have to plug it into a USB slot for +5v.

You can use a regular 5v PSU as long as the input plug is the correct size (or one of those multi-voltage PSUs with interchangeable plugs). That's how I power mine when used with Saturn via S-Video (of course RGB would be preferred, but it still looks pretty good on a 29" CRT). The biggest problem with the Hori Upscan Converter 2 is a lack of availability.

EDIT: I just realized how old this thread is I'm replying to!