PS2 to CRT Monitor - a good vga box?

[lostdreamer50]

Hello,this is my first time posting in this forum.
I see that you must be the experts on making old games look nice so I decided to give it a shot
and ask you before I buy anything worthless.So I purchased an old used Eizo flexscan monitor for 20 Euro that used to be preety
expensive when it was new.Unfortunately I can't recall the model number of the monitor but I tried it with some emulators and it was awesome.Anyway, I got it when I learned that CRT is better for older games because of the variable resolution,And I wanted to enjoy my PSX and PS2 consoles without hurting my eyes on the HDTV.
The monitor has BNC component and VGA inputs.
I got some Component RCA to BNC converter thingies but unfortunately i could not try them (i had to leave home for university).
The instuctions say that the monitor is able to use ''Sync On Green'' and it may work but after a big search on the net I still have no idea.
Then i found about the vga boxes,scalers, etc.
So what do you think? Do you know if PS2->Component->BNC converters->CRT will work..?
If I buy a VGA box which will it be? I'm willing to spend around 80 euros if it means I'll get the best quality but i'd rather spend 50-60.
Sorry for this long post...I hope you can help me.
Thanks for your time reading this.

[fagin]

First off you need to ensure your monitor syncs as low as 15khz. If it does not (which I suspect it won't) your direct connection method won't work and you'll have to look at a linedoubler/scaler device, to sit between the PS2 and the monitor.

If you need a scaler / linedoubler you'll need to find something that accepts a 15khz signal via your chosen interconnect method.

After you have defined that, your choices of scaler / linedoubler is varied, but will depend on how easy you want the set-up to work, physically get hold of, new or secondhand as well as overall "quality".

Hit us with some more info and we'll try and advise the best we can.

[lostdreamer50]

First off you need to ensure your monitor syncs as low as 15khz. If it does not (which I suspect it won't) your direct connection method won't work and you'll have to look at a linedoubler/scaler device, to sit between the PS2 and the monitor.

If you need a scaler / linedoubler you'll need to find something that accepts a 15khz signal via your chosen interconnect method.

After you have defined that, your choices of scaler / linedoubler is varied, but will depend on how easy you want the set-up to work, physically get hold of, new or secondhand as well as overall "quality".

Hit us with some more info and we'll try and advise the best we can.

Thanks for the reply!
Sorry I'm new at this... Unfortunately I don't have the monitor's manual...So,
Let's say the direct approach won't work and i need a scaler.
What do you mean by ''...You'll need to find something that accepts a 15 khz signal via your chosen interconnect method''
Umm...I'm thinking about this setup: PS2->Component Cable->VGA Box->VGA cable->Monitor
When you say something that accepts a 15 khz signal what do you mean...?
Geez,sorry if I'm being ignorant...

[Fudoh]

Unfortunately I don't have the monitor's manual

then you could check the monitor's label on the back to read the exact model and get the specs online....

PS2->Component Cable->VGA Box->VGA cable->Monitor

that's the standard approach. Using component inputs gives you the widest choice of linedoublers and scalers. If you plan on using older systems as well, you might consider something with a RGB input instead.

Your cheapest possibility would be a HDBoxPro (or one of it's clones). For everything else you have a wide choice of machines. Check my page http://retrogaming.hazard-city.de/

If you plan on using PAL games on your PS2, then you have to make sure that the monitor will accept 50Hz signals (or make sure the deinterlacer does a framerate conversion to 60Hz. That introduces sloppy scrolling of course).

[lostdreamer50]

haha, You are the owner of this site!?
I was just reading through it!
I was thinking of contacting you.
Haha,nice.
OK I found the manual online.
The monitor is EIZO FLEXSCAN T57S.
Well on the specs chapter I found this:

Scan Frequency
Horizontal: 30 kHz-92 kHz (Automatic)
Vertical: 50 Hz-160 Hz (Automatic)

I guess that's what you are talking about?So I need a scaler then?

[lostdreamer50]

Unfortunately I don't have the monitor's manual

then you could check the monitor's label on the back to read the exact model and get the specs online....

PS2->Component Cable->VGA Box->VGA cable->Monitor

that's the standard approach. Using component inputs gives you the widest choice of linedoublers and scalers. If you plan on using older systems as well, you might consider something with a RGB input instead.

Your cheapest possibility would be a HDBoxPro (or one of it's clones). For everything else you have a wide choice of machines. Check my page http://retrogaming.hazard-city.de/

If you plan on using PAL games on your PS2, then you have to make sure that the monitor will accept 50Hz signals (or make sure the deinterlacer does a framerate conversion to 60Hz. That introduces sloppy scrolling of course).

Actually about older systems I prefer to use Emulators so I don't really care.
Now about PAL...As i stated above it says this in the manual:
Scan Frequency
Horizontal: 30 kHz-92 kHz (Automatic)
Vertical: 50 Hz-160 Hz (Automatic)
Is this OK?

[lostdreamer50]

So this hdboxpro is the best option?
What about the lenkeng products I see on your site?
Aren't they better?

[Fudoh]

PAL through a linedoubler would be fine. The HDBox (and clones) are locked to 60Hz though.

Lenkeng does a number a processing devices, but I don't see any to fit your needs. And as usual I would recommend something old, but high-end instead of something new & cheap. Eventually the costs are often close.

[lostdreamer50]

Locked at 60hz?
So does this mean I can only play NTSC games?The HDboxpro won't work at all on my console?
Could you please give me some examples about models?
I see you have the XRGB-Mini aka Framemeister
on your site as the best ps2 480i solution but it seems expensive...
Even numbers 2-4 are quite expensive.
About Faroudja and other old high end devices could you give me some links I can look into buying them?
Do they still sell them or should I look on Ebay for used?

So the middle one in this picture is not for me?
http://retrogaming.hazard-city.de/lenkeng_a.jpg

Also this:
http://retrogaming.hazard-city.de/hdbox_clones.jpg

I found this in a shop in my country...for 64 euros...

By the way I have a PAL console if that matters...
Sorry..i'm flooding with questions and a bit confused.
What is a linedoubler?I need another device ?

[fagin]

A HDBOX clone will at least enable you to either transcode a 480p signal from your PS2 or indeed deinterlace a 480i signal from the PS2. The majority of titles are 480i in respect to the PS2. However, don't expect "great" quality. It's OK, but not great in comparison to some of the other units available, that Fudoh refers to on his website. If I'm being honest, I know a number of people with a HDBOX clone who are very happy though. It all depends on your expectations.

The HDBOX clone solution is virtually plug and play with your set-up, utilising the component input, that can be taken from your PS2.

Another solution (and imo easier, cheaper and better overall results) is to buy a SCART enabled CRT TV. I assume you're in the EU, so these devices are 10 a penny. This will unfortunately mean you can't take advantage of any 480p output image, but natively these are few and far between for PS2 titles in reality - although there are other ways to increase this number, but we're going down another avenue of conversation with that one.

[lostdreamer50]

A HDBOX clone will at least enable you to either transcode a 480p signal from your PS2 or indeed deinterlace a 480i signal from the PS2. The majority of titles are 480i in respect to the PS2. However, don't expect "great" quality. It's OK, but not great in comparison to some of the other units available, that Fudoh refers to on his website. If I'm being honest, I know a number of people with a HDBOX clone who are very happy though. It all depends on your expectations.

The HDBOX clone solution is virtually plug and play with your set-up, utilising the component input, that can be taken from your PS2.

Another solution (and imo easier, cheaper and better overall results) is to buy a SCART enabled CRT TV. I assume you're in the EU, so these devices are 10 a penny. This will unfortunately mean you can't take advantage of any 480p output image, but natively these are few and far between for PS2 titles in reality - although there are other ways to increase this number, but we're going down another avenue of conversation with that one.

Hmm...I have an eye for quality but I don't expect much...I just want a way to play decently until I get a stronger pc
capable of running pcsx2 .So, you are suggesting I should get a used CRT tv with SCART input and find the official Sony SCART cable(I had bad experiences with cheap SCART cables...)?
But...Isn't component better than SCART...?I thought SCART was the same as COMPOSITE...
Am I wrong? Is the CRT monitor obsolete?

[fagin]

I'm not saying get a CRT, I'm saying it's another option..... and assuming your EU based and have the room, I would suggest the best option.

However... just one point to clear up. You're looking at using an actual console on this set-up right? As you have mentioned emulation a few times and I just want to be sure we're talking apples and apples.

Assuming the above.....

Don't confuse SCART with RGB over SCART (which is what I'm referring to). Composite and RGB are signals. SCART is just a connector type.

You can have Composite, SVIDEO and RGB (for example) over SCART. I'm referring the RGB, as this is the best quality with a SCART connector.

Your PS2 will output via AV, SCART and Component.

AV will be Composite - crap
SCART can be composite, svideo and RGB - You want RGB

Component will carry the same quality of signal (in fact that's not strictly true with the PS2, as component output is not as good as SCART RGB because of an interference issue on the PS2) - read normally - as SCART RGB.

SCART RGB will carry 240p & 480i
Component will carry 240p, 480i and 480p

Confused yet?!

[lostdreamer50]

I'm not saying get a CRT, I'm saying it's another option..... and assuming your EU based and have the room, I would suggest the best option.

However... just one point to clear up. You're looking at using an actual console on this set-up right? As you have mentioned emulation a few times and I just want to be sure we're talking apples and apples.

Assuming the above.....

Don't confuse SCART with RGB over SCART (which is what I'm referring to). Composite and RGB are signals. SCART is just a connector type.

You can have Composite, SVIDEO and RGB (for example) over SCART. I'm referring the RGB, as this is the best quality with a SCART connector.

Your PS2 will output via AV, SCART and Component.

AV will be Composite - crap
SCART can be composite, svideo and RGB - You want RGB

Component will carry the same quality of signal (in fact that's not strictly true with the PS2, as component output is not as good as SCART RGB because of an interference issue on the PS2) - read normally - as SCART RGB.

SCART RGB will carry 240p & 480i
Component will carry 240p, 480i and 480p

Confused yet?!

Yeah actual ps2 console!The slim silver one in particular.
Anyway I understand now thanks for the info! Seems I can try it...My gf has a small BLUESKY CRT TV with SCART input I can try
it on.
I also can find many used old good CRTs,especially SONY ones here in Athens.
But about a good SCART rgb cable?I don't know...
Is this one any good?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/K%C3%96NIG-SCAR ... B003UQRE9Q
I can't find official SONY ones not even on ebay.
Please send me any links if you can help me...Amazon.co.uk is good I shop from it all the time...
Thanks again for the info!

[fagin]

I bought a fairly cheap one (£10) from a electronic chain here in the UK called Maplins. Works fine.

I've personally never had a problem with 3rd party RGB SCART leads for retro consoles.

[lostdreamer50]

I bought a fairly cheap one (£10) from a electronic chain here in the UK called Maplins. Works fine.

I've personally never had a problem with 3rd party RGB SCART leads for retro consoles.

I see...So the one I posted is alright?because they sell it at a store close to me.
There is also a cable by Logic3 marketed as '''PS2-3 RGB SCART CABLE'' that sells for 9.90 Euro,
on another convenient shop:

http://www.gameexplorers.gr/item.php?id=6026407

They also have the KONIG one I found on Amazon,but it hoes the absolutely crazy price of 19.90 Euros!

Shall I get the cheaper one?
Also one last question....
The CRT monitor I have used to be high end in the old days,doesn't that mean that it would have better colours
and stuff than a TV?

[fagin]

Get the logic one.. That's the one I have.

What's the relevance of the colour quality on your monitor.... It's not 15khz compatible.

[lostdreamer50]

Yes,but i imagined that with a vga box i could take advantage of the monitor's high quality display.
Anyway, I think I'll test the SCART cable first and see...
I really wonder how it'll be since I never played PS2 with this.I always thought SCART was inferior!
I recently played PS2 on that crtTV but using a composite connection and it was still ok if a bit blurry.Also i noticed that not the whole screen was shown;it was kind of zoomed in...
Anyway,I will test this as soon as I can.

However,can you recommend me a nice vga box?so i can keep it in mind if a crt is no avaliable....
I'm inclined towards either an HDBOXPRO, a clone(I can find the XCM MEGA COOL BOX in a shop here) or the LENKENG Component one which in http://retrogaming.hazard-city.de/
is said to be relatively good.
What do you think?
the budget limit is about 80-90 euro...

[Fudoh]

I'll pm you with a nice offer and something that would be suited for you !

[lostdreamer50]

I'll pm you with a nice offer and something that would be suited for you !

Nice!I'll get this then,seems like exactly what I wanted.
Thanks!!

(I'll still try the CRT tv with SCART RGB btw and compare the two... )