Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Monitor/Video Forum => Topic started by: Dr Zero on July 19, 2009, 09:28:03 pm

Title: RGB to NTSC/PAL Video Converter opinions
Post by: Dr Zero on July 19, 2009, 09:28:03 pm
I have a cab with a 32 inch monitor that is needing some work and I was wondering if one of these with a decent tv might be a good stand in till I could get a replacement monitor?

RGB to NTSC/PAL Video Converter
http://www.jammaboards.com/store/cv-04-rgb-to-ntsc-pal-tv-converter-pcb/prod_253.html?ccSID285e73f64c04744fc5f33ff68f529742=2f72b1322d20af4952858e0d056a7c5d
Title: Re: RGB to NTSC/PAL Video Converter opinions
Post by: bkenobi on July 20, 2009, 11:12:51 am
Looks like a nice price.  I have a vga -> rca adapter that I picked up off ebay years ago for ~$50.  It works great, but apparently wasn't the right tool for the job I needed.  Anyway, if you have RGB and not vga, then this looks like a nice option.  Is that a svideo connection next to the rca?
Title: Re: RGB to NTSC/PAL Video Converter opinions
Post by: Dr Zero on July 20, 2009, 12:03:53 pm
Looks like a nice price.  I have a vga -> rca adapter that I picked up off ebay years ago for ~$50.  It works great, but apparently wasn't the right tool for the job I needed.  Anyway, if you have RGB and not vga, then this looks like a nice option.  Is that a svideo connection next to the rca?

Yes it is  :D
From what I have read on other pages it will be S-Video and composite out, so theoretically you could just plug the game board outs to this converter and then into a standard tv if I'm reading it right.


 
Title: Re: RGB to NTSC/PAL Video Converter opinions
Post by: MonMotha on July 20, 2009, 08:59:31 pm
That's the exact same thing as the one at arcademvs.com which is sold for $23.99 + ship.  You might consider comparing prices.

I built a similar device a few years ago using a different design (same function), and quality was excellent with a good TV.  Quality on a bad TV was, well, bad.  Composite will always look bad.  S-Video can look almost indistinguishable from an arcade monitor on a quality TV.

Note that these devices only work with standard res (CGA) games.  They cannot be used with medium res (EGA) or VGA games.  Most games, especially classics, are standard res.
Title: Re: RGB to NTSC/PAL Video Converter opinions
Post by: Dr Zero on July 20, 2009, 09:13:43 pm
That's the exact same thing as the one at arcademvs.com which is sold for $23.99 + ship.  You might consider comparing prices.

I built a similar device a few years ago using a different design (same function), and quality was excellent with a good TV.  Quality on a bad TV was, well, bad.  Composite will always look bad.  S-Video can look almost indistinguishable from an arcade monitor on a quality TV.

Note that these devices only work with standard res (CGA) games.  They cannot be used with medium res (EGA) or VGA games.  Most games, especially classics, are standard res.

Cool that is good to know!

How might you check to see if your game is not a CGA?
Title: Re: RGB to NTSC/PAL Video Converter opinions
Post by: tokyogameaction on July 20, 2009, 10:04:45 pm
That's the exact same thing as the one at arcademvs.com which is sold for $23.99 + ship.  You might consider comparing prices.

In his defence though, the site he listed is $54 shipped (basic shipping), they ship from the new york area, and arrive roughly 2 days east coast 4 days west ups. The site you listed is $47 shipped ($7 cheaper) but is 5-10 day expected shipping via courier to usps. In my opinion I would opt for the first of the 2, y'know?
Title: Re: RGB to NTSC/PAL Video Converter opinions
Post by: MonMotha on July 20, 2009, 10:17:31 pm
That's the exact same thing as the one at arcademvs.com which is sold for $23.99 + ship.  You might consider comparing prices.

In his defence though, the site he listed is $54 shipped (basic shipping), they ship from the new york area, and arrive roughly 2 days east coast 4 days west ups. The site you listed is $47 shipped ($7 cheaper) but is 5-10 day expected shipping via courier to usps. In my opinion I would opt for the first of the 2, y'know?

Hence my suggestion to compare.  ~15% cheaper is substantial, but if you don't want to deal with the shipping arrangements, then consider a US source.  I actually hadn't even compared prices w/ shipping.   Just pointing out that it's the exact same device from a different source.
Title: Re: RGB to NTSC/PAL Video Converter opinions
Post by: tokyogameaction on July 20, 2009, 11:16:09 pm
My math was pretty off, $24 + $12 shipping + $1 insurance is $37. Thats $17 cheaper. Thats a bit more money.