XRGB2+ some questions for tha specialists

[Skykid]

Okay, finally got a JP RGB scart for use with my US Super Nintendo - now I see the true power of the XRGB2+!
I have no idea why everything looked so horrific through S-video (as I tried it before) but this looks a million times better, to the point where I'd almost say running via s-video is completely redundant - it makes it look worse than a direct connection.

Anyhow, a few nooby questions:

- Reducing shimmering? Is there any way?

- What does the CRT sync do exactly?

- Is there a way to reset the menu settings back to default (I spent ages tinkering - too dark, too light, too colourful!) (ANSWERED, THANKS!)

- Sound! n I'm probably being a dope, but through VGA there's of course no sound from the TV. I've tired setting little PC speakers up to the XRGB2+'s several L-R ports with no luck. How do you guys play? (ANSWERED, THANKS!)

- Any recommendations for optimal menu settings (interested in your v-line preferences, gamma, brightness choices etc.)

- How do I switch to 47khz... and what does it do? (ANSWERED, THANKS!)

- Finally, I tried my PS2 through the box via component, and the frame rate is choppy as hell on fast moving images (like scrolling backgrounds of Gradius V), any advice? (and is it best to go RGB scart with PS2 and other 128bit hardware too?)

Sorry, I know that's a bunch, but I appreciate the help! Looking forward to getting more out of this ingenious piece of kit.

[Fudoh]

How do I switch to 47khz... and what does it do?

It's a terrible 1024x768 output mode. It was just implemented for compatibility reasons and there's no way this looks good on anybody's display.

Sound

you have to use the 3.5mm Line out socket on the back.

[Skykid]

How do I switch to 47khz... and what does it do?

It's a terrible 1024x768 output mode. It was just implemented for compatibility reasons and there's no way this looks good on anybody's display.

Right, cool. I don't know how to access it anyways.

Sound

you have to use the 3.5mm Line out socket on the back.[/quote]

Yeah, I figured as much. I suppose that means I need an extra set of speakers (which in turn need an audio terminal/subwoofer) sitting around the TV, which is a bit of a pain in my little flat.

What do you use, a whole additional audio setup?

[HDgaming42]

I believe the factory reset is to hold down the left and right facing arrows on the unit while you power it on. Can't test that for you ATM. Tell me if you try it and it works!

[Shou]

I believe the factory reset is to hold down the left and right facing arrows on the unit while you power it on. Can't test that for you ATM. Tell me if you try it and it works!

That's how to do it.

Optimal settings for each console vary so it will be up to which system you are trying to play.

For sound, I take the mini earphone output on the back and plug it into my HDTV which converts it from analog to digital and then pipe it to an amp. For optical audio modded consoles, audio goes directly to a switch and then to the amp.

[DC906270]

I suppose that means I need an extra set of speakers (which in turn need an audio terminal/subwoofer) sitting around the TV,

if you already have an amp for your hifi or tv, you can just plug the line out of the XRGB into that, so no extra speakers. Thats what i do.

[Skykid]

I suppose that means I need an extra set of speakers (which in turn need an audio terminal/subwoofer) sitting around the TV,

if you already have an amp for your hifi or tv, you can just plug the line out of the XRGB into that, so no extra speakers. Thats what i do.

No, nothing external like a surround sound setup or additional speakers. Just use the TV's internals.

HDgaming42 - that did the trick, thanks.

For sound, I take the mini earphone output on the back and plug it into my HDTV which converts it from analog to digital and then pipe it to an amp. For optical audio modded consoles, audio goes directly to a switch and then to the amp.

I can plug the X2+ into my TV by the earphone output (as the TV has an earphone input). Then what do I do, run speakers from the L/R sockets on the back of the TV?

[neorichieb1971]

Most HDTV have 3.5mm audio input on back with the VGA input.

I just bought from ebay a 10ft cable 3.5 into 3.5, works brilliantly for £1.80.

[HDgaming42]

HDgaming42 - that did the trick, thanks.

No problem. I've added that to the wiki.

[Shou]

I can plug the X2+ into my TV by the earphone output (as the TV has an earphone input). Then what do I do, run speakers from the L/R sockets on the back of the TV?

Yes, either use your TV's speakers or hook up extra speakers to the TV.

[Skykid]

I can plug the X2+ into my TV by the earphone output (as the TV has an earphone input). Then what do I do, run speakers from the L/R sockets on the back of the TV?

Yes, either use your TV's speakers or hook up extra speakers to the TV.

Hmm, pretty sure when I ran the line out from the headphone jack on the X2+ to the TV's headphone jack it didn't produce any sound from the internal TV speakers. I'll give it another go though.

[Fudoh]

to the TV's headphone jack

that would be an OUTPUT, not an INPUT - so it can't work....

[Skykid]

to the TV's headphone jack

that would be an OUTPUT, not an INPUT - so it can't work....

Ah, got it! I actually never realised there was a line in next to the TV VGA socket. Sorted, I have sound and a beautiful picture. This is nice.

Now I need to get:

Saturn JP scart
Playstation JP scart
MD JP scart
(N64 JP scart? Anyone know if this looks good?)

The hunt begins.

Still wondering what the CRT Sync does though, anyone?

[thamasha69]

What do you use, a whole additional audio setup

I use the line out to a splitter -> RCA into a Kenwood receiver - then to powered sub and speakers.

Any recommendations for optimal menu settings (interested in your v-line preferences, gamma, brightness choices etc.)

I usually set sharpness to 2 and scanlines to 3. I also boost the RGB Gamma levels a bit (pending system and cabling of course - PS2/Saturn were quite dim for me at factory settings).

[Shou]

(N64 JP scart? Anyone know if this looks good?)

Still wondering what the CRT Sync does though, anyone?

N64 requires a mod that is only possible on earlier models. Looks great especially with the 2D titles but the blurriness of the games become sharper if that makes sense. lol

CRT sync is for problematic CRT displays.

[Fudoh]

Still wondering what the CRT Sync does though, anyone?

changes the sync polarity, four settings available: (1) +/+, (2) -/-, (3) +/-, (4) -/+. Absolutely no need to change this unless you have problems with your display.

[Skykid]

Sweet, thanks again guys. Won't bother fiddling with the crt sync then.

I usually set sharpness to 2 and scanlines to 3. I also boost the RGB Gamma levels a bit (pending system and cabling of course - PS2/Saturn were quite dim for me at factory settings).

\

That's really helpful actually, just so I know I'm not the only one who finds it a bit dim on defaults. I usually have to turn up the RGB gamma a bit, but I find if the scanlines are too strong it's really dull, so I go for scanlines 1 and sharpness 3 I think.

N64 requires a mod that is only possible on earlier models. Looks great especially with the 2D titles but the blurriness of the games become sharper if that makes sense. lol

Ah, I didn't know you could RGB mod the 64, is it done in the same fashion as the PCE (with a lead hardwired into it.) I wonder which model I've got...