RGB SCART cable questions

[robodude00]

Hey guys, I'm starting to obtain SCART cables for each console(SNES, Genesis, Saturn, Jaguar) to run on a HDTV and just wanted to know a few things:

1) Would it be best to source the official RGB SCART cables as compared to third party items? Do these have to be modifed to run optimimally on an XRGB mini(something about CSYNC)?

2) Are there any compatability issues between official SCART cables and their console(I think a PAL Saturn needs a PAL cable)?

3) Do consoles that offer component output benefit with SCART? I have component cables for the original Xbox, PS2 and Wii(for Gamecube games and Wii). Would there be any benefit of getting RGB SCART cables for them?

4) I'll be runnng these off an XRGB Mini when I get the funds. I know about the Euro-scart to mini adapter but will this adapter run a Japanese SCART cable(for an NTSC Saturn for example) or would I have to continually swap the adapter for the Japanese 21 pin adapter?

Thanks very much in advance!

[blizzz]

1) Pick high quality cables from known modders, for example retro_console_accessories on eBay. Many official RGB SCART cables have caps in them that have leaked over time.

2) You have to match your cables to your console version. Often times PAL and NTSC consoles require different cables. A PAL console might have 12V on the CSync pin and damage your display device if you try to use a cable that was made for NTSC consoles.

3) It depends. Component has the benefit that it can carry 480p or higher, while SCART only supports 240p and 480i. The Framemeister can handle RGB input better, so if you want to use the Mini and only play in 240p/480i, a SCART cable would be the better choice.

4) SCART is a European standard that uses the same plug as the Japanese RGB 21-pin connection, but with a different pinout. To avoid confusion it's best to call the Japanese cables JP21. These cable types are not compatible with one another and plugging a SCART cable into a JP21 input can damage or fry the input. The easiest solution is to buy cables with the same pinout for all your consoles. The difference is just the pinout, so if you buy a cable with Euro SCART pinout for your Japanese consoles you will be fine. If you have a mix of SCART and JP21 cables you will need to swap the adapter.

[neorichieb1971]

4) Just buy all JP21 or Euro scart.. don't mix and match.