Thoughts on adapters for TGs/PCEs/Other AV cable to HDMI?

[OC2010]

There appear to be a ton of options from the very cheap to what seems like silly expensive. What do people like using? I am worried about lag, and the quality of the video and sound... You know... The whole reason the cables exist... The reviews on Amazon and others don't really help. Often they are someone's mom or wife that bought it as a gift and likely is not invested enough to know, or someone who you have no idea what their standards are. I am picky and want things to feel and look as "right" as possible.

I am trying to get back all of the old systems I owned/played and build my game libraries over the next 5 years or so. I want to be able to have a fun man cave for my son and I to chill in and play the games he enjoys and share with him what I played when I was his age! Hooking into HD TVs is kind of the only easy way to go at this point...

[gatsu25]

There are a ton of different options, and it all just depends on what kind of money you are willing to put down, and what systems you will be using.

I myself use an XRGB Mini, and an RGB modded Duo-RX.

The XRGB is extremely good, but it comes at a high cost.  On the flip-side, it will work with any console that outputs RGB.  I think it's the best option for people who want to use and HD TV, and do a lot of retro gaming.

The Duo R works is effectively exactly the same, and is cheaper.  There are also now no-mod cables that work with the ext port on PC Engine or Turbografx-16 machines.  I haven't used them, but they seem to output good quality RGB.  The downside is no CD games.

If you are just wanting to plug the system into some sort of HDMI adapter, it kind of depends on the tv you use, and what kind of upscaling capability it has built in.  One thing is for sure.  It will not be as pretty.  If you use normal composite cables, even if you put them into an HDMI adapter, it will still be composite video.

Another option is to run an emulator on your PC and play them through your tv.  I don't like it personally, but it's the cheapest way and I'm sure there are plenty of people on these boards who do that.

[Black Tiger]

If you have the space for a man cave, get a crt TV for 240p consoles.

[SavagePencil]

If you plug your newly-purchased Duo into an HDTV right now with the original composite (yellow) cable, it will look like a horrible smeary mess.

As Black Tiger pointed out, you'll get the best results out of a CRT.  There is no lag for them.  Almost every LCD/HD TV will introduce some element of lag.

If you are determined to go the upscaled, pristine route on your HD TV, you will need to:
1.  Mod the console to spit out RGB, usually through a SCART or JP21 cable
2.  Have a device take the RGB signal and upscale it for your TV  <- be careful, as many of these devices, such as the XRGB Framemeister, expect JP21 and yet many of us use the European SCART standard.  The two have the same plug-end but are NOT compatible.
3.  Just dive in here:  http://www.retrorgb.com
4.  This gets expensive.

EDIT:  And as gatsu25 points out, you will never get a better picture out of a box than what you put in.  Composite video (yellow cable) carries all of the video image, plus sync information, which is why it blurs and bleeds color.  You can't improve that.

[ginoscope]

If you are worried about lag then your choices are either a CRT for the older systems or go for an XRGB mini.  The mini route is very expensive because you have to invest in the device and the cables.  Not to mention the system mod if you are doing turbo.  The advantage of this is that once you have the mini you can use it on the genesis, saturn, snes, and others with no modification.

I personally like having both options and have a crt and a mini.  I really want a PVM but they are getting pretty hard to find in my area.

[esadajr]

Like everyone else said, it depends on what you want to accomplish and your budget. Remember to try the 240p test suite (available for pretty much every console).

Personally I use a huge ass 25" CRT and composite switches. Works for me. Like said, depends on what you want to accomplish.

I remember back in the day, using a 75 to 300 ohm adapter to hook up the NES to the kitchen TV, from time to time I had to pause the game, turn off the TV and give it a smack to get the sound back.

[OC2010]

Thanks all! I think I have decided to ultimately go with the XRGB Mini. The results just speak for themselves. I have checked out all the YouTube videos suggested from My Life Gaming, and there is no doubt. But... The Duo-R looks like it might take a back seat for a bit. I have limited space and really want the most bang for my buck to get going, so I am going to purchase a Cyber Gadget Retro Freak. If you haven't seen it and aren't a purist (needing every console and playing natively on a CRT) it is pretty sweet and you should check it out! Then the only thing I am missing are the CD games (which sucks because that library rocks), but I will eventually get a Duo-R and an Arcade Card just because I want one, and that will cover those. It makes me a little sad to have to hold on it, but a teacher's salary only does so much! You guys have been great! I look forward to taking part in discussions as I move forward.

[Johnpv]

If you're buying a retrofreak there's no point in buying a Mini.  Also know that the retrofreak is an emulation machine, just like the retron 5.  So there's going to be some inherent lag in that.

[OC2010]

If you're buying a retrofreak there's no point in buying a Mini.  Also know that the retrofreak is an emulation machine, just like the retron 5.  So there's going to be some inherent lag in that.

All of the reviews from collectors, most have been skeptical at first (like yourself), have been extremely positive on the machine and how it works. The only lag they have experienced with it has been with specific 3rd part usb controllers that I would not use to begin with. All that I have watched, which is almost every review that exists on YouTube, have stated there is little to no noticeable lag with all games they have tested and that they are really impressed. This is actually really important to me because I love SHMUPs, one of the things the PCE is most known for. Many of the reviewers have bought a machine for themselves, stating it is a far superior experience to the Retron 5, because of the convenience of playing from one machine.

I want a Duo-R because I love the games and the experience it offers beyond that of the Retro Freak, not to mention it being one of the best looking pieces of hardware to ever grace an entertainment center. If however you are trying to say that I am not "worthy" of an actual console because I am willing to have a machine that emulates as well... Well, I am not sure what I can do to change your mind on that, and I am sorry if I have unwittingly insulted you. I will continue my pursuit of a Duo-R when I have the funds and enjoy in the meantime the awesome library the PCE has to offer on a less expensive machine that does a wonderful job recreating the experience of my youth while upscaling it beautifully without the need for extra equipment.

The Duo-R will run me over $1000 when all is said and done for all the equipment and mods needed... And that's before games. So, I feel that I am making the right choice for myself to be able to scratch the itch of being able to play all the great games on these 14 systems sooner than later. I apologize if that has offended anyone here.

[esadajr]

If you're buying a retrofreak there's no point in buying a Mini.  Also know that the retrofreak is an emulation machine, just like the retron 5.  So there's going to be some inherent lag in that.

Not like the Retron 5. The Retrofreak has a more honest (or should I say less dishonest) approach. At least they aren't hypocrites and let you use roms, making it a true emulation machine.

[majors]

I want a Duo-R ... it being one of the best looking pieces of hardware to ever grace an entertainment center.

Fixed.

R(X) is(are) the ugly fat sister(s) of the hot sexy one.

I apologize if that has offended anyone here.

Never do that...it's like opening a flesh wound in a piranha infested pool.

[OC2010]

To each their own, right? 

[martinine]

Hey OC

Welcome. Instead of worrying so much about all the mods, etc. Grab a 12-14 late model CRT at Goodwill or thrift store. I scooped one last year, and it was a whopping $4. It's a flat tub Toshiba, and it's possibly, the best picture quality I've ever seen. I've not ever seen a pvm in person, so go figure. My main Retro monitor is a Sony Trinitron 27 inch BC I like the bigger screen, but the little Toshiba blows it out of the water. You can get a Duo and a little CRT for less than $300. Good luck.

Also, if you are trying to go the emulation route, get a Wii from GameStop for 29.99 and put Mednafen on it. The machine outputs in 240P component and supports cd games (via iso).

[Bonknuts]

That NES HD mod kit looks pretty great. Nice options too (the additional audio mappers built into it is probably worth it alone).

[Gentlegamer]

Here's how you play PCE over HDMI to your HD TV: plug in a PC and run an emulator.

If you're concerned about authenticity, play on a CRT.