Sega Dreamcast ??? Region - Noobfest 2012

[ryu]

i plan on getting a dreamcast soon, but i'm not entirely sure about some of the details here. generally i'll probably mostly play japanese games on it anyways, but i've heard that playing import games on it is supposed to be really easy. so while that may come in handy, i've also heard that there's quite a few differences between different models of the console. what would be best, considering prices? i'm just going to assume that, like with the saturn, jp dreamcasts are a bit pricier than western models.

i'm also confused about getting 480p vga output from a dreamcast. can't you just hook up a vga cable and be done with that? i keep hearing about people using vga boxes with their dreamcasts.

[Fudoh]

You can set any DC to any region with a very simple mod http://www.mmmonkey.co.uk/console/sega/dc-region.htm

The VGA boxes do not contain any processing. It's basically the same as a cable...

[ryu]

so there's no need for a vga box if you got a vga cable?

i've also heard that there's apparently only component cables for the dc ... i'm not sure if that's true. but if it is, that's what the vga box is there for right?

the mod you linked requires a disc. does that work like a boot disc that needs to be inserted ans swapped each time you want to run a game? sounds like a hassle if so.

something else i forgot earlier: what about 60hz output? even a pal dc will play everything in 480p60, right?

[Fudoh]

the mod you linked requires a disc

just one single time. Add the cable (see the mod link above), boot the disc, set the region, remove the cable (or you add a switch if you want to switch the region more often).

so there's no need for a vga box if you got a vga cable?

I've never seen a DC VGA cable without some kind of little box built into it, but I can imagine that there are some. Do you have a specific cable in mind ? The VGA boxes do nothing but short two pins, so the DC is switched into VGA mode. And the offer a DB15 connector and a audio through 3.5mm line or stereo RCA.

i've also heard that there's apparently only component cables for the dc

The DC does not output component.

[beatsgo]

i've also heard that there's apparently only component cables for the dc

The DC does not output component.

Further reference of Dreamcast's AV Pinouts. As you can see it only outputs RGBS, RGBHV, S-Video, and Composite so you're out of luck with component.

[ryu]

Do you have a specific cable in mind ?

not really. what would normally be used in conjunction with a vga box? btw does the hdbox pro fulfill whatever functions i need out of a vga box for this?

[Fudoh]

I think you're mixing stuff up here.

The HDBox is a upconverter (e.g. from 480i to 480p). The DC already outputs NATIVE VGA, as long as the connected cable bridges the two correct pins.

There are DC VGA cables like this:



or VGA boxes like this:



The difference is merely that the VGA box offers more connectivity for audio and additional SD video outputs (video and s-video). If you use a VGA box like the latter you need a standard VGA to VGA cable to connect the VGA box to your monitor.

[ryu]

alright. so how does one get sound when using a dc vga cable? does the dreamcast have another output where i can hook up one of these 3 way cinch composite, audio L + R cables to get audio out from?

[Fudoh]

There are audio connectors on the little box in the cable. If it doesn't make a great price difference I would get a VGA box though.

[ryu]

alright. thanks for all the input.

[mrsmiley381]

I'd suggest the second VGA box Fudoh showed. I think it's still only like thirty bucks. For region mods just toss a mod chip in there. They're like ten bucks and four or eight wires. Way better than having to switch region all the time with a disc. Additionally, I hear keeping that one wire in place can cause long term damage to the Dreamcast. Verified? Not as far as I can tell. But for ten bucks you get permanent region-free goodness.

Just make sure you get a revision 0 or 1 Dreamcast. Revisions 2 systems will not boot CD-R backups, including legitimately purchased games from NG-DEV Team and other post-death developers.

[ryu]

Just make sure you get a revision 0 or 1 Dreamcast. Revisions 2 systems will not boot CD-R backups, including legitimately purchased games from NG-DEV Team and other post-death developers.

any way to spot which model a dreamcast is?

[Endymion]

Just make sure you get a revision 0 or 1 Dreamcast. Revisions 2 systems will not boot CD-R backups, including legitimately purchased games from NG-DEV Team and other post-death developers.

This is not true. I am not surprised that you believe it though, because there is a very good reason that so many people think it.

The later revision Dreamcast model will not boot discs written in MilCD format. When the Dreamcast homebrew scene was very new, almost all that was going on was copying of Dreamcast games to CD-R. When making these copies, pirates chose to use MilCD format because an exploit was discovered within it, bypassing any security of the system. Later, not long before the Dreamcast closed up shop, these pirates and their buddies, sharing their ISOs of copied games, learned that new Dreamcasts would not boot their ripped copies, and it was discovered that Sega had removed the MilCD boot from the new model. None of the pirates wanted to go through the (sometimes considerable) work of remaking their images in a new format just for the newer model, and so many images that are still floating around out there do not boot on the newer model. However, MilCD is not a required format for CD-R games in your Dreamcast. The Dreamcast does not require signed code, and boots can be made with other formats. It is not even required for the use of copied retail games. The makers of recent Dreamcast titles are aware of this, and they do not need to use MilCD anyway, so their titles will boot on any Dreamcast.

[mrsmiley381]

I did not know about the MilCD stuff. I suppose it's a little hard to get the right info with the Dreamcast scene being so scarce any more. So I guess grabbing a revision 0 or 1 is still good for people who want to easily bootleg it. I think revision 1 is most common anyway.

To tell what model a Dreamcast is, flip it over. Near the serial number is a circle with a 0, 1, or 2 in it. You can't miss it, really.

[lrdr]

OK dumb question: I want a Dreamcast (and have already bought a couple of games, heh) but here in Aus they tend to go for stupid prices on eBay. However, there are some console-only (ie. no wires, memory cards etc.) auctions overseas that are going for what I'd consider a good price, and the necessary accessories are generally pretty cheap too.
What worries me, though, is the fact the DC plugs straight into the power socket, which would be a problem if I get, say, a Japanese console (which are 100v vs. 240v locally. I think. Anyway, it's different). What would I need to buy to get around this problem? Transformers are expensive and seem like overkill anyway, and I don't think the plug converter things change the voltage or anything do they (I am a spaz)?

[beatsgo]

You'll be needing a Australian/Pal 240V Dreamcast Power Supply which will replace the power supply in any non-Australian Dreamcast. That or you can get this which if you decide to take your dreamcast out of the country.

Source of Reference

EditeD: Dumb moment with voltages o_O

[lrdr]

Cool, thanks mate. Now I just have to find someone who'll ship a PSU to Australia, hnngh.

[ryu]

i was just told that the first model jp dreamast had better picture quality than other models. this probably only affects composite output, right? i mean, if at all. i googled and couldn't find anything on varying picture qualities between differing dc models.

more importantly: can the vmus be used interregionaly?

[mrsmiley381]

i was just told that the first model jp dreamast had better picture quality than other models. this probably only affects composite output, right? i mean, if at all. i googled and couldn't find anything on varying picture qualities between differing dc models.

more importantly: can the vmus be used interregionaly?

First part sounds like BS or that it only effects composite output. S-Video and VGA look gorgeous on my US Model 1. VMU's are region free.

[ryu]

great. thanks

[ryu]

am i getting this right that many dreamcast games play in 240p (or at least have an option for this) when not using vga mode?

[Fudoh]

I wouldn't say many, but some, yes. 3rd Strike for example boots into 480i, can be forced into 240p by holding a certain button combination during boot-up.

[ryu]

I wouldn't say many, but some, yes. 3rd Strike for example boots into 480i, can be forced into 240p by holding a certain button combination during boot-up.

alright. i also tried some more googling and it really doesn't seem worth it getting a rgb scart cable for commercial games.

would you happen to know what resolution the ngdev games display in?

[Fudoh]

240p through RGB and 480p through VGA.

[ryu]

sounds good, that might actually warrant buying a scart rgb cable. well, if the pal dreamcast can be set to output 60hz in tv mode using the above modding method (with soldering 1 cable and using a disc). though it sounds that way anyways.

but i just realized: won't a pal dc be set back to pal region and 50hz output once the battery's gone empty? in that case i should probably replace it whiel i'm at it opening the system. i'm also wondering how much save data a vmu can hold and for about how long they last with their batteries. i'm surprised by how incredibly cheap they are... looks kinda like sega had produced way too many.

[ZellSF]

Slight topic hijack, but I've been looking at Dreamcasts recently... As I understand it, there's no reason to worry about PAL/50hz games on a Dreamcast? Even PAL games (with a few exceptions) will run at RGB/60hz over VGA?

[ryu]

yeah.

can anyone tell me if it's normal for the dc's rom drive to be a bit noisy?

edit: well, that was a dumb question. it's not like i could easily replace just the drive anytime now anyways.

i got a dc and applied the mod with the 1-cable solution. the region change works perfectly and doesn't revert when the battery discharges.
thanks again everyone.