Duo RX with SCART RGB mod... how do I use this input on an American TV?

[tpivette]

So I recently aquired a Duo RX with an awesome RGB mod and SCART cable. However, no CRT or LCD/Plasma TV in the States is equipped with the provisions to hook this cable up to. Wondering what you guys are doing or what converters are being used to make this connection a reality. I reeeeaaaaally want to see all my favorite games with the sharpness this input can provide.

[PunkicCyborg]

American TVs don't have scart inputs but scart is kinda like the standard connection for RGB so you can adapters easily to hook up to different converters.
For your big samsungs you can either get a video upscaler like a dvdo edge or xrgb which would give you a really nice pic. You could also get a scart to component converter but you wont benefit from the upscaled image and it's hit or miss if new TVs will even except the image.
If you get a nice newer CRT that has component inputs a scart to component converter would look great.
Also find out whether the rgb cable is japanese or euro. If you get a xrgb in the future you will need a Japanese wired cable. DVDO edge and most other connectors/converters you buy will be euro scart.

[tpivette]

Thanks for the quick response!

I've heard about the XRGB units... and I think my cable is euro SCART, I'll have to double check. Wonder how much a Japanese SCART cable would cost...

I'd entertain the idea of a SCART to component converter, but most I've seen just convert the video signal (red/blue/green) out of the SCART cable and leave the audio out. if thats the case, would I be able to utilize the left/right audio outs in addition to the SCART cable? Or would it have to be an all-in-one converter?

[PunkicCyborg]

If you end up getting a xrgb you could always get a converter to switch from japanese rgb21 to scart. I originally got my duo with a Japanese cable but I ended up using a sony monitor so i was able to open up the end of the cable and just rewire it. They are custom made so if you ended up needing a replacement or a different one you 'd pretty much have to have one made for you.
Most of the scart to component converters I've seen also break out the audio to RCA plugs. I'd recommend going that route first to see how it looks then you can always upgrade later to an upscaler. Whats nice about the upscalers is if you watch older media like Laserdiscs or VHS you can upscale those too. Once you get the gear set up you can also hook up your other older consoles too via RGB as most already output if from the jack in the back. You just need the cables.

[Frank_fjs]

A SCART to component encoder is a great option. Re audio, one way of solving that problem is to use one of these: http://www.retro-access.com/ourshop/prod_1615892-169-to-43-mode-converter-box-for-Sega-Megadrive-Neo-Geo-and-other-SCART-RGB-cables.html

[Tatsujin]

Get an old european crt tv

[broken]

Modding the Scart to component encoder box and adding a pair of stereo rca jacks is a far more reasonable option.

[SuperDeadite]

If your cable is a "SCART" it's Euro wired.  Japan uses the same connector, but has always called it "RGB 21pin."  The word "scart" does not exist here.

[Drakon]

square peg round hole.

[Trenton_net]

I'm guessing with all these add-on boxes and encoders, lag starts becoming an issue? Also, I guess you need to worry about where the RGB signal gets boosted from? Some people put the boost inside the console, and some build it into the AV cable?

[SuperDeadite]

If you use a quality upscaler like XRGB there is no lag.  Lag is really an issue when you go from analog->digital.  But a good unit like the Framemeister is pretty much lag free as well.  The RGB amp matters not if it's in the console or in the cable.

[tpivette]

If your cable is a "SCART" it's Euro wired.  Japan uses the same connector, but has always called it "RGB 21pin."  The word "scart" does not exist here.

To be honest, I'm not sure which cable I have... I only know the console has been "RGB modded" and included a cable with the system. Guess I'll have to do a google search

[PunkicCyborg]

open up the scart cable and take a pic of the connections with the colored wires on the inside and we can tell. Just spin off the plastic nut and it should open up like a shell.

[tpivette]

Wow, looks like I'm gonna have to do that to tell... as I did a brief google search last night and found the exteriors of the connections are identical.

I'll crack it open later today and post a photo of the guts...

[SuperDeadite]

If you bought a SCART modded Duo off ebay, it's 99% positive to be Euro.