ArcadeVGA and "S-Video"

[GrizzlyAddams]

I've already posted about my problems with ArcadeVGA, but I've got a different question now. Although still hoping to resolve my other problem, I'm getting sort of fed up with ArcadeVGA, (and probably the age of my Electrohome monitor,) so I'm debating throwing a TV in the cabinet in the interim until I can afford a better, newer monitor.

However, the "S-Video" out on my ArcadeVGA is actually more like an RCA Style Composite video plug. Why is this?

Am I going to have to buy one of those composite <-> svideo adapters? Because those are like, $20.00 around here.

[Bgnome]

the video quality with that adapter will be just as bad, if not worse, than composite.

[sonicflood]

How old is your ArcadeVGA?  Did yoou order it from Ultimarc?  Mine is a new one (3 weeks old)  and it has an actual S-Video output.  No adapter needed.  I've not hooked mine to a TV, so I can't say how the PQ is via that connection.

Let me know & I may be able to help.  Post a pic of the card outputs if you can.  If it is in fact, a composite output, I have an adapter for composite to S-Video.

Scott

[GrizzlyAddams]

I just got my ArcadeVGA 2 days ago so it had better be brand new.

Either way, I ran RCA out from the card to RCA in (not SVideo) and I get a wierd double screen until it boots into windows. Then everything is fine.

Edit: It's not just a double screen (one on top the other) it's completely out of sync. Like TV won't go lower than 640x480. This could be because I am using an RF Modulator since the TV I have dug up for this only has COAX in. Either way, to be honest, the picture is not that horrible. I may just go with this. My actual arcade monitor had hideous burn in anyway. I would like to be able to see my BIOS and DOS screens though.

Even if I am in windows, and the picture is fine, if I go to a full screen DOS Prompt, the picture screws up again. Any ideas?

[DYNAGOD]

i just got my arcade vga a few days ago and it doesnt have an svideo either.

[sonicflood]

Grizzly & Dyna:

Are either of yours based on the R9200 Series?  It has this ID on the video card, right above the heatsink.  Mine is this card:


I'd contact Ultimarc and ask why yours does not have an s-video output!  From the Ultimarc web site (ArcadeVGA--> Installation):

http://www.ultimarc.com/avgainst.html

Using the S-Video Connector.

This connector can be connected to a TV for troubleshooting purposes. We do not recommend using TVs for gaming for the reasons we explain in the Arcade Monitor FAQ (poor TV picture quality).

Mine does most definitely!  I'll even post a pic if you guys need it.

Scott

[GrizzlyAddams]

Grizzly & Dyna:

Are either of yours based on the R9200 Series?  It has this ID on the video card, right above the heatsink.  Mine is this card:


I'd contact Ultimarc and ask why yours does not have an s-video output!  From the Ultimarc web site (ArcadeVGA--> Installation):

http://www.ultimarc.com/avgainst.html

Using the S-Video Connector.

This connector can be connected to a TV for troubleshooting purposes. We do not recommend using TVs for gaming for the reasons we explain in the Arcade Monitor FAQ (poor TV picture quality).

Mine does most definitely!  I'll even post a pic if you guys need it.

Scott

Nope. Mine definately has composite out. Not SVideo

[DYNAGOD]

the first one i got had an svideo out, but it was crushed in shipping by DHL..
andy had not taken out insurance on the package and replaced the arcadevga card for me, but the card he sent me as a replacement a few days ago has composite not svideo...

[sonicflood]

Interesting!  I'd still contact Andy and tell him to make certain his buyers know which card they are getting.  I would not be a happy camper if I received something that was not as presented on his site.  What series cards did you guys get, if it was not the R9200?

Andy, BTW, is a fair and equitable sort of guy.  He would probably swap it out for you if you really needed it.  He was quick to send me some replacement microswitches, when I received my T-Sticks w/broken ones.  He was also concerned about the shipping and how he might improve the packaging to prevent damage on the trip over the pond.

Scott

[DYNAGOD]

ill take a pic of the card and post it up tomorrow ,im curious now myself.

[AndyWarne]

There are two versions of the card, with RCA or DIN connectors. It's the same thing really, both are composite video.
In fact those connectors are only there because the ATI reference design PCB layout has them. There is no real point in using them, other than to check the card is working. None of the benefits of the card are gained when using the composite connector, and you may as well use a normal VGA card. Or better still, not use composite as it is generally nasty quality.

[DYNAGOD]

kewl, as long as both cards ahave the same vga capabilities..
mine is in a cab so its really irrelevant for me how the svideo or composite video perform.
thanks for the info, and thanks for the replacment!
 

[GrizzlyAddams]

There are two versions of the card, with RCA or DIN connectors. It's the same thing really, both are composite video.
In fact those connectors are only there because the ATI reference design PCB layout has them. There is no real point in using them, other than to check the card is working. None of the benefits of the card are gained when using the composite connector, and you may as well use a normal VGA card. Or better still, not use composite as it is generally nasty quality.

I am forced to use the Composite out on the ArcadeVGA for the time being, because the ArcadeVGA refuses to vertically sync with my Eletrohome GO7 monitor. I have resorted to a TV until I can afford a newer monitor. The quality is Ok. I get nearly no flicker and no interference, at least. I am using monster cables though.

[ChadTower]

Excellent... I actually have Dynagod's card that he's talking about above... I'm just waiting on some monitor cables to come in, using the composite will allow me to get the card installed in the meantime.