PS2 S-video to XRGB-mini Framemeister

[deepression]

Salutations,

I'm new to the forum, but have been following for a while now.
I have an XRGB-mini and have the following connections so far:
1.) SNES connected via RGB Scart cable with left and right audio connected.
2.) Wii connected via HDMI through Wii-to-HDMI-converter
3.) PS3 connected via HDMI
All of these have audio being output through my AVR-receiver
I have just tried using a PS2 RGB Scart cable, but the colors were all green and oversaturated.
I'm actually fine with not having to use the Scart cable since I'm not sure how to have both the SNES and
PS2 connected at the same time without having to swap the cables out.
My first question is, would it be possible to connect the PS2 via S-video cable and connect the left and right audio
to my receiver to get output to the speakers since the left and right on the mini are being used by my SNES?
I also have a Dreamcast, but decided to connect it to the TV's VGA input after running through a separate upscaler
and SLG-3000 scanliner. Is this a good idea or is there a way to connect it to the mini since I feel to be lacking inputs.
Last, the mini does not turn off by itself and I was hoping someone could tell me if it's okay to leave it on indefinitely.
I'm in the U.S. so if anyone could help me it would be greatly appreciated.
Please provide a link to any cables you suggest I buy for the suggestion(s).

Thank you,

-Blues

Someone once told me it's good to be important, but that it's more important to be good

[Fudoh]

I have just tried using a PS2 RGB Scart cable, but the colors were all green and oversaturated.

PS2 menu: set the output to RGB instead of YPbPr.

[deepression]

Thanks Fudoh, I thought I tried that, but I'll do it again and see what happens.
Is it ok for me to leave my mini on or do you recommend turning it off when I'm not using it?

[broken harbour]

I'm actually fine with not having to use the Scart cable since I'm not sure how to have both the SNES and
PS2 connected at the same time without having to swap the cables out.

You can buy a scart switch, which is what I did. (Keene Scart Commander)

[deepression]

Is the Scart Commander pretty easy to use?
What are opinions of this device?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/LINDY-Way-SCART ... +rgb+scart
I can plug it into main Scart cable for the mini then plug my PS2 and Snes into the inputs.
Do you think it will work?

[HydrogLox]

I'm actually fine with not having to use the Scart cable since I'm not sure how to have both the SNES and
PS2 connected at the same time without having to swap the cables out.

You can buy a scart switch, which is what I did. (Keene Scart Commander)

On the other end of the spectrum is to take an inspiration from rCadeGaming's My Analog A/V Setup - Major Update! by using re-purposed VGA monitor switches in front of the XRGB-mini.

I have just tried using a PS2 RGB Scart cable, but the colors were all green and oversaturated.

Don't like using a PS2 component cable with a D-Terminal to Component Adapter Cable?
Maybe you are in the "PS2 component sucks" camp. If so you are pretty much committed to the PS2 RGB>SyncStrike>Extron RGB>XRGB-mini chain (ArcadeForge SyncStrike, example ebay: Extron RGB 190F).

I also have a Dreamcast, but decided to connect it to the TV/monitor's VGA input after running through a separate upscaler
and SLG-3000 scanliner. Is this a good idea or is there a way to connect it to the mini since I feel to be lacking inputs.

Why is the Dreamcast running through a scaler - can't the TV's VGA input handle 480p? In my experiments Dreamcast VGA looked best when hooked up directly to the TV's VGA input.

Now if you are looking into a SCART/VGA switching setup anyway then you may decide to put the Dreamcast on the XRGB-mini. The main obstacle is that the XRGB-mini mini-DIN 8 jack accepts composite sync while VGA delivers separate horizontal and vertical sync - the solution is to combine the sync and there are a number of ways to do it:

• DIY sync combiner circuit. (Passive, Active (74xx86 based)). Either modify the DC VGA box or make a cable with the sync circuit.
• Use an Extron RGB.
• Use an ArcadeForge UMSA which works for 15/31kHz (report of success, background).

Adding a 15/31kHz switch to the DC VGA box will let you run both DC RGB and VGA through the same connection to the XRGB-mini. Kuro and Hanzo VGA boxes already have that switch - but still have separate H/V sync.

[deepression]

broken harbour wrote:
Don't like using a PS2 component cable with a D-Terminal to Component Adapter Cable?
Maybe you are in the "PS2 component sucks" camp. If so you are pretty much committed to the PS2 RGB>SyncStrike>Extron
RGB>XRGB-mini chain (ArcadeForge SyncStrike, example ebay: Extron RGB 190F).

I'm so glad you suggested this. I was wondering if using the mini-Din would be an option and now I see it is.
So I'm going to purchase the component to mini-Din adapter you provided a link to (Just as soon as I find out why my card payment
is being denied on his site), as well as this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/251271826097
An official Sony component cable, unless you know of another cable brand to get for the adapter.
I'm thinking I'll just hook up the 2 audio wires to my receiver.

broken harbour wrote:
Why is the Dreamcast running through a scaler - can't the TV's VGA input handle 480p? In my experiments Dreamcast VGA looked
best when hooked up directly to the TV's VGA input.

I actually didn't know that the Dreamcast would like great just connected to the HDTV directly, but now I do. I am thinking of still having the SLG3000 for scanlines, unless you think it's not necessary.

broken harbour wrote:
Now if you are looking into a SCART/VGA switching setup anyway then you may decide to put the Dreamcast on the XRGB-mini. The
main obstacle is that the XRGB-mini mini-DIN 8 jack accepts composite sync while VGA delivers separate horizontal and vertical sync -
the solution is to combine the sync and there are a number of ways to do it:

Btw, what did you think of this item VS the Keene Scart Commander:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/LINDY-Way-SCART ... +rgb+scart

Please let me know what else you think, I really appreciate the feedback. I'm still relatively new to learning about the best visual components (no pun intended) of the gaming world so it's a big help.

Thanks!

Ben

[HydrogLox]

So I'm going to purchase the component to mini-Din adapter you provided a link to

Component to D-terminal - it connects to the other side (D5 IN) of the XRGB-mini, where the HDMI ports are - not the mini-DIN 8 jack on the front. The adapter can also be used for Wii-component, so a component switcher might be a good idea.

as well as this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/251271826097 An official Sony component cable, unless you know of another cable brand to get for the adapter.

I own those cables - refuse to work on my 27" FD Trinitron WEGA KV-27FS100L despite both being Sony products and they work fine on other TVs - shouldn't be true as they are only cables but I'm not trying to explain it. I had to go with a Sony PS3 Component AV Cable.

I am thinking of still having the SLG3000 for scanlines, unless you think it's not necessary

Simply a matter of preference. However as a scanline enthusiast you may be interested to know the a french reviewer actually preferred beharius' scanliner over the SLG3000 - not defending it, just noting it.

Btw, what did you think of this item VS the Keene Scart Commander

No idea - I have no experience with SCART switchers. I've just noted that it usually doesn't pay to go "cheap" as lousy physical contacts could cause all sorts of grief. Also you may as well look for a 4-to-one rather than 2-to-one switcher as Euro-SCART tends to be the easiest connector to get RGB cables for. So don't just jump on the first one you see, do your research and be quick about it as SCART switchers are going out of style due to HDMI being mainstream.

Please let me know what else you think.

Why is the PS3 hooked up to the XRGB-mini? It is great for 240p/480i/480p sources but not good for much else. I think (better check!) you could run a Component AV cable from the PS3 to the XRGB-Mini and HDMI to your AV setup - then simply switch in the PS3 settings setup when you are going 480p.

[deepression]

Thanks for the clarification HydrogLox. a D-terminal is different from a mini-Din, got it
I didn't know that you could use a PS3 component cable for a PS2, but that's great since I have the cable the system came with.
As for the Keene Scart Commander...where do I buy one?! I can't find it anywhere but Amazon, and they don't ship to the U.S.
I know this is a silly question again, but is it okay to leave my mini on all the time? I have it hooked up to a Belkin surge protector, but if it's safer to turn it off I will.
I don't even know what the warranty is on this thing, but would rather not have to find out.

Thanks,

Ben

[HydrogLox]

I didn't know that you could use a PS3 component cable for a PS2, but that's great since I have the cable the system came with.

Funny my PS3 came with a composite cable. Are you sure yours came with a component cable? In XRGB-mini land you need to keep your video cables, video connects, and video signals straight.

As for the Keene Scart Commander...where do I buy one?! I can't find it anywhere but Amazon, and they don't ship to the U.S.

Did you try Keene proper?
The most recent topic topic on SCART switches is Scart Switchers. Somebody might have some additional ideas over there.

I know this is a silly question again, but is it okay to leave my mini on all the time?

My choice would be to turn it off - but that is just me.

[deepression]

Hmm...maybe I'm mistaken, I could've sworn there were five wires, but maybe it's a composite. If it is I'll just head on over to a Target and grab a component cable.
Thanks for the link to the Keene site, I'll try and see if they ship to me.
Initially I put the PS3 into the mini because faginrs500 suggested it. I honestly didn't see a difference aside from being able to adjust the sharpness to 1,
which made everything reeeeeally crisp...but I think I will just route it to my TV. That way I can keep the mini off since I'm on Netflix so much, and
can just turn it on when I'm gaming on my PS2, Dreamcast, Snes, Wii, and eventually my NES when bunnyboy decides how he's going to sell his HDMI nes mod.
I'm hoping Jason Rauch and him can work something out and include the mod for the toaster NES and not just the toploader because there's a custom exterior paint mod
by Jayrod2 that I want sooooo bad.
It's like you're helping me clear up my conscience on how best to set up my gaming system Thanks!
I was watching Donkey Kong Country on the Wii in 1080p:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Msu87UYqrBY
but my Wii doesn't look as good through the mini via Wii-to-HDMI converter...any thoughts?
I'm going to try to hook it up to the TV via component then HDMI to compare, but I'm baffled.

Thanks,

Ben

[NWrain]

That link is an example of a Wii Emulator with a lot of anti-aliasing. You won't get that quality with a Wii to HDMI converter.

[deepression]

Ah...I see. I was planning on Homebrewing my Wii. If I did, would I be able to use an emulator and output a similar image?

[eightbitminiboss]

Ah...I see. I was planning on Homebrewing my Wii. If I did, would I be able to use an emulator and output a similar image?

No. Dolphin is a Wii/GC emulator for the PC. You will not be able to attain that level of visual quality on the Wii to begin with.

[deepression]

Thanks, I learned something new
Damn I love this forum!

[HydrogLox]

but my Wii doesn't look as good through the mini via Wii-to-HDMI converter...any thoughts?

While you won't be matching the emulator quality output you should try Wii-component into the XRGB-mini once you have the Component to D-terminal adapter - you may prefer the results of the XRGB-mini's analog-to-digital conversion/scaling over what the Wii-to-HDMI Adapter (Mayflash?) delivers.

If you decide to add a component video selector switch to your setup (to give your XRGB-mini multiple component inputs) consider also picking up a Component (male) to D-terminal adapter in addition to the Component (female) to D-terminal adapter - that way you won't need an extra component (male)-component (male) cable in addition to the adapter cable. All-in-all the female adapter is more versatile though.

[broken harbour]

but my Wii doesn't look as good through the mini via Wii-to-HDMI converter...any thoughts?

While you won't be matching the emulator quality output you should try Wii-component into the XRGB-mini once you have the Component to D-terminal adapter - you may prefer the results of the XRGB-mini's analog-to-digital conversion/scaling over what the Wii-to-HDMI Adapter (Mayflash?) delivers.

If you decide to add a component video selector switch to your setup (to give your XRGB-mini multiple component inputs) consider also picking up a Component (male) to D-terminal adapter in addition to the Component (female) to D-terminal adapter - that way you won't need an extra component (male)-component (male) cable in addition to the adapter cable. All-in-all the female adapter is more versatile though.

I used to have the Wii2HDMI adapter and it's scaling was actually pretty good (especially for the price) however component into the framemeister looks better, with a little tweaking of settings.

[deepression]

Thanks for that update broken harbour, I have the component cable as well, but haven't tried it yet.
I'll definitely fiddle with the settings, but for comparison what do you have yours set to?