Sega Mark III and XMD-1

[gatsu25]

I am a proud new owner of a Sega Mark III with the FM unit! Of course, I would like the best video quality I can get from it, and from what I have read the XMD-1 or 2 will work to convert it to an S-Video signal?

I am looking at pictures of the unit, and while I could be completely wrong, it looks like a VGA connection to me. In actuality, my HDTV doesn't have S-video inputs, but rather Component, D-Terminal, HDMI and a "PC" input, which looks the same as this input in the picture. Will my Mark III work by plugging it in using this method? Any help would be appreciated!

Edit: I just looked again, my PC RGB input has three rows, while this looks like it only has two. Is there any way I can get this to work? Like I said, my TV has no S-Video input

[fagin]

That isn't a VGA output. Looks like a parallel port, but is probably a multi av output for various breakouts.

[gatsu25]

So is there any way one can take a parallel port and convert it into any of the inputs on my TV? Also, does anyone know anything about the audio output?

[Fudoh]

The XMD-1 only has RGB outputs, one's a Din8 for use with Mega Drive / Master System RGB cables, the other one's a connection for japanese 15khz RGB monitors (X68k etc).

RGB to S-Video conversion was only introduced with the XMD-2, see here: http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/2789 ... deouq7.jpg

[gatsu25]

So is there any way to get from that Din8 output into my TV then? For instance, is there such a thing as Din8 to D sub, or Composite (the 3 separate plug type). I have seen the Scart Cable, but I don't really know what I could do with it, as I have no way to plug it in.

I suppose if I can't do anything I will just have to live with the component

[Fudoh]

you're mixing things up. Composite = 1 yellow RCA plug = worst connection. Component = 3 RCA plugs for video = best connection.

What TV do you have ? There are RGB Scart to component transcoders and there are RGB Scart to VGA upscalers.

[gatsu25]

Yes, and no matter how many times I read it I still manage to mix them up in my head! Anyway, I have a Sony Bravia LED KDL-32EX420. Here is the product website http://www1.jp.sonystyle.com/Qnavi/Purc ... 2EX420_03/

It has 4 HDMI, 1 D5 (I believe its also called D-Sub or terminal [the Japan only one]), 1 composite (the crappy one), and what says RGB PC (it looks like VGA to my eyes, and is what I use from my computer to use my TV as a Monitor).

It is actually my mistake, I thought I had a Component input, but it looks as though I do not.

I have an older CRT with composite that I will probably use, but I was hoping I could get something to get it to work fairly nicely on my HDTV.

I was thinking for the future, I would like to get something like the new XRGB-Mini that is coming out, but I don't have my old game systems here for the most part, and I might wait for a while.

Let me know if you need any more info.

[Fudoh]

D-Terminal and component are the same thing. It's a just a different connector.

So, still your choice. RGB to component or RGB to VGA. RGB to VGA would have the better quality.

[gatsu25]

OK, where would one find a cord that would connect the RGB Din8 to VGA ? I would prefer the VGA, as it gives me more options. Would it be something I would have to make myself, or is there something like a converter that you can purchase? Can you maybe direct me to some info or website?

Oh, and do you know anything about the audio output? Will this take care of it? I don't expect to get stereo from it though. I just want to make sure the audio will also be fine.

[Fudoh]

There is no cable for Din8 to VGA. You need an upscaling device to convert 15khz RGB into 31khz VGA. If you want something cheap, have a look at this one: http://shmups.system11.org/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=35423

Where do live ? Japan ? Yahoo has great RGB cables for all your needs available and I hear that custom modders aren't a problem either.

[gatsu25]

I live in Yokohama, so it's very easy for me to get to Tokyo as well. I guess I have access to anything here, just not sure where exactly to look.

I suppose I should just wait a while until I can get one of the XRGB devices? This will be able to convert the signal correct? I don't believe the XRGB-Mini had a scart input though, so I would be better off just getting the XRGB-3? It has been out for a while though, should I hold out for the XRGB-4? What is the usual time period for bringing out a successor on those?

[Fudoh]

The combination of Master System + XRGB + Sony TV is problematic, so I would expect the Mark III to give problems as well.

[gatsu25]

Hmm, are you saying that in general all sony TVs are a problem with the XRGB? If so, what is the problem exactly?

[Fudoh]

Hmm, are you saying that in general all sony TVs are a problem with the XRGB? If so, what is the problem exactly?

My last Sony played fine with the XRGB, but my new Sony won't at all unless I use another machine to link them.
But this wasn't what I was refering to. The problem is the Master System's sync signal which causes problems with the XRGB-3 in general, so I probably wouldn't risk it trying it with a Mark III. But after all you have so many possibilites - why not just try something else. Pretty much all the machines are listed at my website.

[gatsu25]

Where would I find this website? I hadn't heard before that any particular system wouldn't play nice with the XRGB-3. I'm a bit bummed because I have so many systems back in the US that I would love to hook into it as well.

[Fudoh]

http://retrogaming.hazard-city.de/