Questions that do not deserve a thread

[beatsgo]

Can anyone tell me if L4 series PVMs need clean sync? There's conflicting information on this on the net...

PVMs are kind of mix bag of "I can clean it" or "I'm useless at extracting clean sync". I would test if it does clean sync through composite video by using a PS1 since it outputs composite video on the sync line.

[okerlo]

My Wii is currently giving me a hard time.
I'm using a PAL-Wii, first generation, with a component cable by BigBen on my LG 32LW4500 television. I don't know if I expected to much from this combination but the picture really looks ugly. The settings on the Wii console are correct as far as I can tell:
HDTV (480p) and 16:9 picture (I also tested 4:3, same result) but most of the games are unplayable.

What should I do different? Should i look for an original Nintendo component cable? Should I get an ntsc-console with ntsc games? Or does my television suck for Wii gaming?

Thanks in advance

Regards

[Xan]

Can anyone tell me if L4 series PVMs need clean sync? There's conflicting information on this on the net...

PVMs are kind of mix bag of "I can clean it" or "I'm useless at extracting clean sync". I would test if it does clean sync through composite video by using a PS1 since it outputs composite video on the sync line.

I don't have any chance of testing one before buying it, which is why I asked.

@okerlo: what exactly is ugly about the picture? 16:9 and 4:3 should not give the same result (with games that support both, anyway); with pillarboxed 4:3 the same resolution occupies a smaller space on the TV if that makes sense, so it's supposed to be somewhat sharper there. But in general it was a very common complaint that the Wii looks terrible on HD LCDs. Wii games also tend to have low color depth textures and dithering, which is even more visible on LCDs.

[Shuco13]

Hi, I've almost read all the threads connected to my questions but I really couldn't find the definitive answers I was looking for. I really hope you guys can help me:

1. Concerning the xrgb-mini and connecting a Wii/Gamecube via component signal: Is there a difference in picture quality between a connnection directly through a D-terminal cable and one through a component-to-D-terminal-adpater? If yes, please explain your point. (Please don't explain the difference between Gamecube and Wii output, I'm aware of that)

2. Now I've read a lot of threads about different SNES models but couldn't come to a conclusion which one has the best output. People always refer to price and availability but I don't care about those circumstances. If you could choose any SNES/SFC model, which one would you choose ONLY in terms of picture quality (US/JP?, which 1-chip board, MINI/JR?)?

3. Is there any way I can get an (HID) USB-controller to work with Wii homebrew such as snes9xgx or Retroarch? Please don't link to Controller-GC or Controller-Wiimote adapters.

[okerlo]

@okerlo: what exactly is ugly about the picture? 16:9 and 4:3 should not give the same result (with games that support both, anyway); with pillarboxed 4:3 the same resolution occupies a smaller space on the TV if that makes sense, so it's supposed to be somewhat sharper there. But in general it was a very common complaint that the Wii looks terrible on HD LCDs. Wii games also tend to have low color depth textures and dithering, which is even more visible on LCDs.

Ah well, my word choice was a little bit clumsy, with "same" I meant the picture looks not pleasant regardless of choosing the 4:3 or 16:9 picture. Looks like Wii on HD LCDs is just a straight no-go.

Thanks for your answer

[Xan]

Something else to consider is that the Component output on the Wii is considered as one of the worst overall, while the RGB one is excellent. An option would be to use some old CRT TV with an RGB cable, and although you lose a bit of FOV when running 4:3 and a few games don't have 4:3 modes, the result will be vastly superior to what you have now.

[okerlo]

Something else to consider is that the Component output on the Wii is considered as one of the worst overall, while the RGB one is excellent. An option would be to use some old CRT TV with an RGB cable, and although you lose a bit of FOV when running 4:3 and a few games don't have 4:3 modes, the result will be vastly superior to what you have now.

Oh, I din't know that the Component output of the Wii is considered pretty bad.
I'm currently talking with someone who is seeling a Trinitron for about 10€, maybe I'll get it and then I don't need to worry anymore about playing somewhat "old" consoles on a modern LCD.

[coffeyrt]

Is it better to use a computer monitor with 5ms response time and HDMI input or a sony LCD? Which will give the lowest delay and best picture quality when attached to a framemeister?

[blizzz]

Oh, I din't know that the Component output of the Wii is considered pretty bad.
I'm currently talking with someone who is seeling a Trinitron for about 10€, maybe I'll get it and then I don't need to worry anymore about playing somewhat "old" consoles on a modern LCD.

The component output on the Wii might be bad, but it's still the only way to get a progressive signal. Also some games only support (anamorphic) 16:9, like Zelda Skyward Sword. Personally I prefer the look of the Wii on my Sony TV with component compared to the Wii on my CRT TV with RGB.

Is it better to use a computer monitor with 5ms response time and HDMI input or a sony LCD? Which will give the lowest delay and best picture quality when attached to a framemeister?

Depends on the monitor / TV. What's important is the input lag. The 5ms you mentioned is probably just the Grey-to-Grey time, which is only useful for marketing. You'll have to check proper review for input lag measurements. If you want the lowest delay with best quality you should look into IPS monitors. If you want a bigger screen than 27" you'll have to look into Sony's TV line (for example the BRAVIA KDL-42W705). If input lag is your main concern you'll have to sacrifice quality and size for a super fast TN monitor.

[Xan]

Is it better to use a computer monitor with 5ms response time and HDMI input or a sony LCD? Which will give the lowest delay and best picture quality when attached to a framemeister?]

Depends on what games you want to play. IPS has glow which can make the borders in 4:3 output look more gray rather than deep black. Likewise, I find very dark content nearly unwatchable on IPS panels, and unfortunately only the best professional monitors seem to implement measures against that glow. A VA panel might be a better solution all around, but of course they aren't as good in the areas where IPS panels excel.

[brownvim]

Is there a VA panel out yet that's got 3ms input lag or better?

[Xyga]

Currently the two leading 1080p60Hz monitors are the Iiyama XB2783HSU-B1 (AMVA+), and Samsung S27D390H or S27D590P (AD-PLS).

Both are similarly priced but the Iiyama is without a doubt the best value, better colors/blacks and much better equipped (rotating stand ftw).
As Xan already mentioned it's just a matter of preference between VA and IPS/PLS, if you already know the strengths and weaknesses of both panel types.

The only things the Samsungs may be better at;
- Some pixel/tone transitions will be faster compared to any VA. Though only trained eyes may notice the actual differences (and while playing insanely fast games like FPS).
- The Samsungs may be better at upscaling 720p to 1080p (from prad.de's review, but that doesn't tell everything).

The Iiyama has been the best all-rounder VA monitor since January, it may change before the end of the year, but you can't go wrong with it no matter what.
Pick one of the Samsungs only if you know exactly why you would need an IPS/PLS over a good VA. Because those glow a lot (AD-PLS panels are among the most 'glowy' on the market).

Both the Iiyama and Samsung(s) are fast (for standard 60Hz monitors), have very low input lag (around 5-6ms), are flicker-free, 'affordable', and stand at the top of their respective categories...as we write. Chances we will see better-performing models appear on the market in the next 6-12 months are high.

[brownvim]

Thanks for the very informative reply

[Taiyaki]

Here's a question that doesn't deserve a thread.

Is it alright to use a 6 foot 2 outlet extension cord on a power surge strip to hook up a console and pc speakers? know normally this sort of thing isn't recommended though but I'd like to hear what members here have to say about it.

[bobrocks95]

It's against fire code in most places. If you're just playing low wattage old game systems, and one at a time anyway, it's pretty much fine.

[Ed Oscuro]

Extension + surge strip is what I've been using for my own setup, actually. The only reason I'm not totally happy with it is that I'd like line filtering for the television plugged into it.

http://www.ehow.com/how_5101904_use-ext ... ector.html - note that the amps ratings should match. Note that section about the amps of the extension cord - this should be at least the same rating as the surge suppressor, but it could be higher.

I would put the surge protector at the end of the extension cord, and resist the temptation to plug other things into the surge suppressor *or* the extension cord.

[Galgomite]

Would people please recommend a good U.S. modder? I've had two of my favorite consoles develop video problems while running through scart to component adapters. I want really clean mods to component output for an already region modded turbo duo-r, for starters. Anyone?

[Shuco13]

Hi, I've almost read all the threads connected to my questions but I really couldn't find the definitive answers I was looking for. I really hope you guys can help me:

1. Concerning the xrgb-mini and connecting a Wii/Gamecube via component signal: Is there a difference in picture quality between a connnection directly through a D-terminal cable and one through a component-to-D-terminal-adpater? If yes, please explain your point. (Please don't explain the difference between Gamecube and Wii output, I'm aware of that)

2. Now I've read a lot of threads about different SNES models but couldn't come to a conclusion which one has the best output. People always refer to price and availability but I don't care about those circumstances. If you could choose any SNES/SFC model, which one would you choose ONLY in terms of picture quality (US/JP?, which 1-chip board, MINI/JR?)?

3. Is there any way I can get an (HID) USB-controller to work with Wii homebrew such as snes9xgx or Retroarch? Please don't link to Controller-GC or Controller-Wiimote adapters.

Has nobody got an answer to my questions? I'd really like to know what to buy since I'm currently in Japan and might have easy access to most types of hardware.

[Galgomite]

1. No observable difference.
2. The late "Junior" model is considered the best.
3. No idea, and there are probably better forums to find this answer.

Hi, I've almost read all the threads connected to my questions but I really couldn't find the definitive answers I was looking for. I really hope you guys can help me:

1. Concerning the xrgb-mini and connecting a Wii/Gamecube via component signal: Is there a difference in picture quality between a connnection directly through a D-terminal cable and one through a component-to-D-terminal-adpater? If yes, please explain your point. (Please don't explain the difference between Gamecube and Wii output, I'm aware of that)

2. Now I've read a lot of threads about different SNES models but couldn't come to a conclusion which one has the best output. People always refer to price and availability but I don't care about those circumstances. If you could choose any SNES/SFC model, which one would you choose ONLY in terms of picture quality (US/JP?, which 1-chip board, MINI/JR?)?

3. Is there any way I can get an (HID) USB-controller to work with Wii homebrew such as snes9xgx or Retroarch? Please don't link to Controller-GC or Controller-Wiimote adapters.

Has nobody got an answer to my questions? I'd really like to know what to buy since I'm currently in Japan and might have easy access to most types of hardware.

[Shuco13]

Great, thanks a lot!
2. What about the banding issue some people described?

1. No observable difference.
2. The late "Junior" model is considered the best.
3. No idea, and there are probably better forums to find this answer.

Hi, I've almost read all the threads connected to my questions but I really couldn't find the definitive answers I was looking for. I really hope you guys can help me:

1. Concerning the xrgb-mini and connecting a Wii/Gamecube via component signal: Is there a difference in picture quality between a connnection directly through a D-terminal cable and one through a component-to-D-terminal-adpater? If yes, please explain your point. (Please don't explain the difference between Gamecube and Wii output, I'm aware of that)

2. Now I've read a lot of threads about different SNES models but couldn't come to a conclusion which one has the best output. People always refer to price and availability but I don't care about those circumstances. If you could choose any SNES/SFC model, which one would you choose ONLY in terms of picture quality (US/JP?, which 1-chip board, MINI/JR?)?

3. Is there any way I can get an (HID) USB-controller to work with Wii homebrew such as snes9xgx or Retroarch? Please don't link to Controller-GC or Controller-Wiimote adapters.

Has nobody got an answer to my questions? I'd really like to know what to buy since I'm currently in Japan and might have easy access to most types of hardware.

[Galgomite]

Great, thanks a lot!
2. What about the banding issue some people described?

[/quote][/quote]

It's sharper but has that issue. It's like jailbars, only you know if it really matters. The alternative is a blurrier older model without that issue.

[Shuco13]

Ok thanks, so back to 240p emulation then...

[Bancho]

Guys, Is a BVM-20F1E useless without the control unit? Is it possible to get any input to display without it or is it necessary?

[Fudoh]

Guys, Is a BVM-20F1E useless without the control unit? Is it possible to get any input to display without it or is it necessary?

without the control unit, it will turn on on a preset channel and you can't change the input. It might not even power on at all unless that's activated in the menus as well.

[pigswill]

I want to RGB mod my PC engine Duo-R and I know that I need an amp, but there seem to be many different versions. So I'm wondering, what is the best amp to make for the Duo-R?

[eightbitminiboss]

I want to RGB mod my PC engine Duo-R and I know that I need an amp, but there seem to be many different versions. So I'm wondering, what is the best amp to make for the Duo-R?

ApolloBoy mentioned a guy on the neo-geo.com forums that made a proper amp. Follow the link there:

http://shmups.system11.org/viewtopic.ph ... 4#p1042794

[pigswill]

I want to RGB mod my PC engine Duo-R and I know that I need an amp, but there seem to be many different versions. So I'm wondering, what is the best amp to make for the Duo-R?

ApolloBoy mentioned a guy on the neo-geo.com forums that made a proper amp. Follow the link there:

http://shmups.system11.org/viewtopic.ph ... 4#p1042794

That looks good thanks!

[speedlolita]

Complete bargain if you ask me, especially considering the hassle of making an appropriate SCART cable.

[Bancho]

What type of cable is needed to connect the BKM-10R control unit to a 20F1E monitor? Is it a standard cable that can be got cheaply or a specialized one? Thanks

[Fudoh]

standard, straight connection, NOT a nullmodem cable. I bought mine for about $5 each.

Male/male I think (somebody else should confirm this).