Some very interesting information here, this is a great thread.
I just purchased a Duo-RX, nearly new condition in the original box; it looks great I am very happy with it. I purchased it from D-Lite, he also moded it before I received it. It has the region selector switch on the back this mod, which he offers on his site, is less than cost of a converter on eBay, with nothing to loose. I also had the Super VHS mod done as well, it is awesome I will try to make some videos in super VHS mode vs. regular composite video.
I think there is some real flawed logic here about the relative quality of the various models of Duo’s. Having been involved with electronics for some time I find the logical order of actual device quality is Dou (lowest quality), Duo R (middle quality) and the Duo RX (highest quality).
How can I say this? I know I’ve heard all the arguments, the Duo RX was made to be cheaper, I know, I know. The primary cost saving measure in the production of the R and RX was the removal of the headphone jack.
The other and more obvious cost saving measure on the R and the RX respectively is quite frankly the date of production. The NEC consoles, not unlike any computer-based device would become cheaper to produce each year as production methods improved and streamed lined. In addition to becoming increasingly inexpensive to produce the quality would also improve. Any person who has actively used computers for any amount of time knows the chips, all chips become better, faster and cheaper every year.
As far as I can tell the Duo was produced starting in 1991, the R in March of 1993, and the RX in June of 1994. The actual cost of producing the primary processor chips and peripheral chip sets would have improved dramatically from 91 to 94. Not to mention the improvement in the quality of CD drives. I hear often the problems playing burnt, copied games, on the original Duo and the higher rate of success using burnt games on Duo RX machines. This is far from a random occurrence. Each year that passed the components improved in kind.
I think it is logical to assume like any computer related device the newer the better. I guess time will ultimately show us which machines were built to last the longest.
I would also like to say most of the reliability of these devices would be dictated by their use and treatment since their production. I also think this entire dialog is mostly intellectual, if you have a Pc engine, a Duo, a Turbografx 16 with CD rom or the Duo R or RX, and it works then that’s what should matter most.
Thanks for a great Thread.
Topic: Turbo Duo vs PC Engine Duo (Read 1241 times)
