The Official Pioneer LaserActive Player thread-

Vecanti · 05/18/2013, 11:35 PM

Quote from: SignOfZeta on 05/18/2013, 09:26 PM
Quote from: laseractiveguy on 05/18/2013, 07:42 PMBelieve it or not, this is percisely what the PC pac allows a person to do.. by making LD discs readable, searchable, and perhaps put txt on screen, with user selectable options. If software could be made that fits in a MegaDrive or PCE flashcard to do similar operations, it can easily be done! Not original games, but some creative stuff could be done witha lot of 'fairly easy' to get LDs. Now, I have heard that once 'cart' mode is enacted, it basicly locks down the LD drive. That will have to be circumvented somehow.
I think the PC PAC basicaly just gives you the serial port that many LDV series players have. This is nice, I guess, but you can't do much except control the disc transport. If a MD/PCE flash cart was used you'd be able to do that but also generate good quality graphics, score counters, etc.

Right, it's the serial port and controls, but it's the "Genlock" that basically makes it special. Or the combining of the two really. So that is a great idea, if you can't make new laser disc content you can still make new Game contact based around the 1000s of laser disc content and you still have the Magic of the combined Genlock and instant controls of the laserdisc system.

SignOfZeta · 05/19/2013, 12:28 AM

Ah! So the PC PAC has RGB in on it? That's pretty great.

SuperDeadite · 05/19/2013, 05:05 AM

Quote from: Vecanti on 05/18/2013, 11:35 PM
Quote from: SignOfZeta on 05/18/2013, 09:26 PM
Quote from: laseractiveguy on 05/18/2013, 07:42 PMBelieve it or not, this is percisely what the PC pac allows a person to do.. by making LD discs readable, searchable, and perhaps put txt on screen, with user selectable options. If software could be made that fits in a MegaDrive or PCE flashcard to do similar operations, it can easily be done! Not original games, but some creative stuff could be done witha lot of 'fairly easy' to get LDs. Now, I have heard that once 'cart' mode is enacted, it basicly locks down the LD drive. That will have to be circumvented somehow.
I think the PC PAC basicaly just gives you the serial port that many LDV series players have. This is nice, I guess, but you can't do much except control the disc transport. If a MD/PCE flash cart was used you'd be able to do that but also generate good quality graphics, score counters, etc.
Right, it's the serial port and controls, but it's the "Genlock" that basically makes it special. Or the combining of the two really. So that is a great idea, if you can't make new laser disc content you can still make new Game contact based around the 1000s of laser disc content and you still have the Magic of the combined Genlock and instant controls of the laserdisc system.

You sure it uses the Genlock? The Karaoke PAC doesn't, and that serial port uses the standard Japanese 50pin serial connector that all Japanese computers did, I really doubt it does anything beyond the standard serial specs.

laseractiveguy · 05/19/2013, 08:11 AM

In my theory, it (PC Pac) also allows 'computers' to access individual field interlaced frames... ie Look at Triad Stone or Road Prosecutor without seeing both fields at the same time, as if putting it into a normal LD player. As far as I know though, this software IS NOT included in the normal floppy discs... but I am sure the pac can do it.

BigusSchmuck · 06/14/2013, 09:44 PM

I'm now a proud owner of a Laseractive! This is so cool.

allyourblood · 06/14/2013, 11:10 PM

I've got one of these beasts and it's quite the showpiece, but since my Laserdisc collection has been relegated to my closet, I just haven't had much need to hook it up. I really got a charge out of playing Sega CD games on it at first, and Triad Stone was entertaining for a while (my only LD game), but the thing is so massive and slow that it's more of a chore than anything else.

After 10+ years of searching for the TG pac (without resorting to you-know-what, of course), I've given up completely. I've got a Karaoke pac but I've never hooked it up to see what it does. This thread just reminded me about the ol' behemoth... it might be time to put her out to pasture...

Congrats on the purchase, BigusSchmuck! It's always a nice feeling to get your hands on that new toy you've had your eye on!

esteban · 06/15/2013, 12:30 AM

STATUS: I remain envious of all you bastards with LaserActive.

BigusSchmuck · 06/15/2013, 01:03 AM

Quote from: esteban on 06/15/2013, 12:30 AMSTATUS: I remain envious of all you bastards with LaserActive.

I still have to get the turbo/pce pac but not for the going rate...

BigusSchmuck · 06/18/2013, 11:58 PM

Out of curiosity, once you get a cap replacement how long before you need to do another one? I'm trying to get one of our lovely forum members here to do it for my sega pac (apparently the actual console doesn't need it just yet?) and I'm hoping this is the first and last time having to do this. The good news is, my beast has only had one owner (an all the manuals strangely enough) so I'm hoping there aren't any leaking caps going on.

BlueBMW · 06/19/2013, 12:19 AM

I would hope that once replaced you shouldn't need to replace them again for 15 - 20 years or more. The problem is not so much that the caps are drying out but that they're leaking (as was typical of a lot of SMD caps from that time period) Not to say new caps wont leak in the future, but one could hope that the technology that goes into them has improved some since then.

BigusSchmuck · 06/19/2013, 12:49 AM

Quote from: BlueBMW on 06/19/2013, 12:19 AMI would hope that once replaced you shouldn't need to replace them again for 15 - 20 years or more. The problem is not so much that the caps are drying out but that they're leaking (as was typical of a lot of SMD caps from that time period) Not to say new caps wont leak in the future, but one could hope that the technology that goes into them has improved some since then.

I just hope when I power this thing on it won't start having issues with the caps off the bat. I also haven't seen anyone with the manuals on this thing on the web, I probably should scan them and post them somewhere at the very least to archive them.

esteban · 06/19/2013, 07:21 AM

Quote from: BigusSchmuck on 06/19/2013, 12:49 AM... I also haven't seen anyone with the manuals on this thing on the web, I probably should scan them and post them somewhere at the very least to archive them.

I'd be happy to host any and all LaserActive scans! They belong here:

Instruction Manuals @tg-16.com

...and here...

LD-ROM @tg-16.com

McKie1 · 06/19/2013, 08:05 AM

I e-mailed a couple of scans to http://www.videogameconsolelibrary.com/pg90-pioneer.htm#page=specs a while back for the S10 and N10
manuals.

One day i'll scan the PC1 manual too.

Let me know Esteban if you want me to e-mail over the same scans?

esteban · 06/19/2013, 08:44 AM

Quote from: McKie1 on 06/19/2013, 08:05 AMI e-mailed a couple of scans to http://www.videogameconsolelibrary.com/pg90-pioneer.htm#page=specs a while back for the S10 and N10
manuals.

One day i'll scan the PC1 manual too.

Let me know Esteban if you want me to e-mail over the same scans?

Heck yes!

Don't forget you are welcome to turn your "FAQ" into a LaserActive resource (I think you were considering updating it first...or something along those lines...)

ACTUALLY, the offer is out to anyone: I would like to have a LaserActive resource at tg-16.com, but I have to rely on you folks for content...I can make it look pretty, copy edit it, provide supplemental writing, etc.

Ha! It will happen one day...

McKie1 · 06/20/2013, 04:32 AM

E-mails on their way to you

BigusSchmuck · 08/10/2013, 02:29 AM

So I came across something a little concerning when I removed my sega pac tonight after doing some light gaming, there was a strange smell coming from the actual connectors to the pac. I'm wondering if thats a tall tale sign that the caps are going bad and if its time to replace them? I was going to do it eventually, but I haven't really played much of my Laseractive as of late and been mostly using it as a Laserdisc player...

SuperDeadite · 08/10/2013, 05:51 AM

At this point in time, all PACs are due for a recap. Just do it regardless of condition, the earlier you do it, the easier it is. Once the flood gates open, you're gonna need pro-level skills.

BlueBMW · 08/10/2013, 07:43 AM

Yep, pioneer offered a nice little "sniff hold" on the back. If you smell ze fosh, change ze caps asap. Contact thesteve, he can do em good.

BigusSchmuck · 08/10/2013, 01:34 PM

Trying to get a hold of Chop as he sounds like the man to do the job. I thought about even offering a trade to one of these guys to see if someone would rather do that... It kind of sucks because I really wanted to play some more Triad Stone too!

turboswimbz · 08/11/2013, 09:50 PM

Chop mentioned he was taking a break on repairs, but he was working with steve on fixing up the pacs . . . of course you'll need to talk to him on all of that though.

Steve is def. the guy to go to though if you nave no luck with choppers.

BigusSchmuck · 08/11/2013, 11:12 PM

Quote from: turboswimbz on 08/11/2013, 09:50 PMChop mentioned he was taking a break on repairs, but he was working with steve on fixing up the pacs . . . of course you'll need to talk to him on all of that though.

Steve is def. the guy to go to though if you nave no luck with choppers.

Yeah I contacted thesteve too. I'll wait eagerly for either his or Chop's response. In the meantime, I got plenty of Sega Master System loving to do.

turboswimbz · 08/12/2013, 02:29 PM

Ah. well hopefully you have a re-caped pack soon, I have a MD and now a sega pac to have done. looking forward to gaming on it. watching my first LD is proving to be fun as well.

laseractiveguy · 08/14/2013, 10:43 AM

Would anybody be willing to trade some of their LA games (1 or 2) for Myst 110? Get ahold of me at LaserActiveGuy channel on youtube if interested... (Season 2 of LaserActiveGuy coming soon...)

xcrement5x · 08/16/2013, 01:34 PM

Did you ever get that repro cover printed out?

laseractiveguy · 08/28/2013, 11:41 AM

You want me to honestly tell the truth? I have yet to see the artwork. I dont even know who did it.... We only had one submission... so unless its total crap (which I doubt), I have a copy of Zoom 5 ready to be shipped out.... someones gotta pull his finger out of his butt... For some reason its being held from me...and I'm not sure why. If that person would like to resubmit it to me personaly... instead of the site, please do... I want to keep my promises.

laseractiveguy · 08/28/2013, 11:49 AM

There is an auction for 2 japanese Time Gals... sealed no-less.... anybody want to go half/half on them?

xcrement5x · 08/28/2013, 01:04 PM

Good luck, I've never seen a sealed sample disc though, seems kind of odd. I can't tell from the pictures if the bag is original though, the brand new games have a particular feel and look to them that's hard to duplicate. They both look like they're in really nice shape though.

It's also odd though that they seller didn't put the text "Mega LD" of any type in the listing though, seems like you'd really decrease your buyer pool by doing that.

xcrement5x · 09/18/2013, 04:06 PM

BUMP!

I recently received some PAL Laserdiscs for free with another purchase. I've no clue what to do with them, but from what I've read they probably will not work in a LaserActive because it's NTSC based right?

BigusSchmuck · 09/18/2013, 09:30 PM

Quote from: guest on 08/28/2013, 01:04 PMGood luck, I've never seen a sealed sample disc though, seems kind of odd. I can't tell from the pictures if the bag is original though, the brand new games have a particular feel and look to them that's hard to duplicate. They both look like they're in really nice shape though.

It's also odd though that they seller didn't put the text "Mega LD" of any type in the listing though, seems like you'd really decrease your buyer pool by doing that.

Want to know something weird? I had a sealed sample of rocket coaster I just sold not to long ago.... I probable should have kept it.

Keith Courage · 09/19/2013, 04:52 AM

I am also actively doing recaps of these pacs if anyone else ever needs it done.

DragonmasterDan · 09/19/2013, 05:48 AM

Quote from: guest on 09/18/2013, 04:06 PMBUMP!

I recently received some PAL Laserdiscs for free with another purchase. I've no clue what to do with them, but from what I've read they probably will not work in a LaserActive because it's NTSC based right?

Correct, I have a few PAL LDs and they won't play on my LA (or any other player I own).

xcrement5x · 09/19/2013, 02:03 PM

Quote from: DragonmasterDan on 09/19/2013, 05:48 AM
Quote from: guest on 09/18/2013, 04:06 PMBUMP!

I recently received some PAL Laserdiscs for free with another purchase. I've no clue what to do with them, but from what I've read they probably will not work in a LaserActive because it's NTSC based right?
Correct, I have a few PAL LDs and they won't play on my LA (or any other player I own).

Boo! Well I guess I'll just keep them around for now. Not much else I can do with them unless I use them as a Frisbee.

BlueBMW · 09/19/2013, 06:22 PM

Quote from: Keith Courage on 09/19/2013, 04:52 AMI am also actively doing recaps of these pacs if anyone else ever needs it done.

You are a brave soul...

xcrement5x · 10/28/2013, 06:47 PM

Just thought I would post this up if anyone was in the market for a Time Gal:
http://page6.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/f133374629

Starts at 120,000 yen, but it does include free shipping!

From what I remember, the pair that was up previously and was mentioned ended at around 220K.

BlueBMW · 10/28/2013, 10:49 PM

It will be interesting to see what it goes for. I'm sure there will be many proxy bidders on it. I dont expect to ever get that particular game.

In other Laseractive news, I played some Quiz Econosaurus tonight.... I cant quite articulate how to describe how truly awful it is. I'm even a more enviromentalist type and I think the "game" is awful.

SuperDeadite · 10/29/2013, 06:50 AM

Quote from: BlueBMW on 10/28/2013, 10:49 PMIt will be interesting to see what it goes for. I'm sure there will be many proxy bidders on it. I dont expect to ever get that particular game.

In other Laseractive news, I played some Quiz Econosaurus tonight.... I cant quite articulate how to describe how truly awful it is. I'm even a more enviromentalist type and I think the "game" is awful.

Edit to clarify, the 120,000 is Buy it Now, you can still bid which is at zero so far though.

Opethian · 10/29/2013, 05:41 PM

no time for gal if you buy that...

TheClash603 · 10/30/2013, 12:49 AM

In related hard to find but good game news, Road Prosecutor is up on ebay now.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Road-Prosecutor-Mega-LD-Pioneer-LaserActive-US-Version-Laser-Active-/151152422517?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item233162ee75

Both better and cheaper than Time Gal, this is the one you want!

P.S. - Quiz Econosaurus is awful.

SuperDeadite · 10/30/2013, 12:37 PM

Quote from: TheClash603 on 10/30/2013, 12:49 AMIn related hard to find but good game news, Road Prosecutor is up on ebay now.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Road-Prosecutor-Mega-LD-Pioneer-LaserActive-US-Version-Laser-Active-/151152422517?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item233162ee75

Both better and cheaper than Time Gal, this is the one you want!

P.S. - Quiz Econosaurus is awful.

USA versions are for n00bs.

TheClash603 · 10/30/2013, 08:52 PM

Quote from: SuperDeadite on 10/30/2013, 12:37 PM
Quote from: TheClash603 on 10/30/2013, 12:49 AMIn related hard to find but good game news, Road Prosecutor is up on ebay now.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Road-Prosecutor-Mega-LD-Pioneer-LaserActive-US-Version-Laser-Active-/151152422517?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item233162ee75

Both better and cheaper than Time Gal, this is the one you want!

P.S. - Quiz Econosaurus is awful.
USA versions are for n00bs.

Dare you to post that in squigglies so I can't understand it.

BlueBMW · 10/30/2013, 10:56 PM

If it makes you feel any better Clash, I played that Quiz Engrishosaurus on YOUR Pac...

TheClash603 · 10/31/2013, 12:19 AM

Quote from: BlueBMW on 10/30/2013, 10:56 PMIf it makes you feel any better Clash, I played that Quiz Engrishosaurus on YOUR Pac...

The fresh caps wanted to be welcomed to gaming with something less awful than that.

BlueBMW · 10/31/2013, 08:06 AM

Oh dont worry, Soldier Blade and Dracula X were first.

xcrement5x · 10/31/2013, 12:44 PM

Quote from: TheClash603 on 10/30/2013, 12:49 AMIn related hard to find but good game news, Road Prosecutor is up on ebay now.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Road-Prosecutor-Mega-LD-Pioneer-LaserActive-US-Version-Laser-Active-/151152422517?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item233162ee75

Both better and cheaper than Time Gal, this is the one you want!

P.S. - Quiz Econosaurus is awful.

Good lord US games are expensive! I wonder what the Buy It Now price on that was. I've actually got a bundle of LA games coming in from Japan sometime next week hopefully and will post them in teh haul thread.

BigusSchmuck · 10/31/2013, 01:09 PM

Quote from: guest on 10/31/2013, 12:44 PM
Quote from: TheClash603 on 10/30/2013, 12:49 AMIn related hard to find but good game news, Road Prosecutor is up on ebay now.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Road-Prosecutor-Mega-LD-Pioneer-LaserActive-US-Version-Laser-Active-/151152422517?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item233162ee75

Both better and cheaper than Time Gal, this is the one you want!

P.S. - Quiz Econosaurus is awful.
Good lord US games are expensive! I wonder what the Buy It Now price on that was. I've actually got a bundle of LA games coming in from Japan sometime next week hopefully and will post them in teh haul thread.

Not really, I bought a brand new copy of Rocket Coaster for $40 off the bay. I guess you just need to be patient...

xcrement5x · 11/01/2013, 12:23 PM

True, some games are a lot cheaper to find than others. But until the LaserActive is emulated I think some games are going to be a lot pricier than others. JP games seem to be cheaper than US ones just in general since a lot more JP copies were printed compared to the US games .

TheClash603 · 11/01/2013, 10:21 PM

Quote from: guest on 11/01/2013, 12:23 PMTrue, some games are a lot cheaper to find than others. But until the LaserActive is emulated I think some games are going to be a lot pricier than others. JP games seem to be cheaper than US ones just in general since a lot more JP copies were printed compared to the US games .

The majority of US games are $80 or less. Considering the scarcity and format, I actually think the prices aren't bad. Only 4 games really go into the "pricey" category, Road Prosecutor, Blue Chicago Blues, Don Quixote, and 3d Museum. The bad news is 3 of those games are pretty damn good!

BlueBMW · 11/02/2013, 09:52 AM

The original retail price of these games was what $125 each I think? So most games are still under their retail cost.

3D Museum aint that bad....

TheClash603 · 11/02/2013, 03:15 PM

Quote from: BlueBMW on 11/02/2013, 09:52 AMThe original retail price of these games was what $125 each I think? So most games are still under their retail cost.

3D Museum aint that bad....

3D Museum is well worth the price of admission for the JP version, if you have the 3D Goggles. The tech is actually pretty damn cool and the 3D is really well done for the time. There is a mode where you essentially watch 3D screen savers, but it is well worth looking at a time or two.

The U.S. game is going to cost 3 times the amount, to which I cannot recommend unless you are a die hard.

Mathius · 11/02/2013, 08:56 PM

I dug up some of my old EGMs from the 90s the other day and have been re-reading a lot of LA articles. I remember playing the system at HH Gregg bitd and have always held a fascination with the behemoth. I might turn around and actually get one some day. My fiance will probably kill me though lol

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The Official Pioneer LaserActive Player thread-