Retrovision component cables half ass review

[IvanBeavkov]

I really meant to make a better review than this but I just don't have the time to do a better review and they are releasing there second batch of cables today. So for anyone who cares here is my 2 cents.

First off the build quality is top notch. The cables are very thick and properly shielded. This does make them a little harder to bend around corners but unless you are real tight on space this should not be a problem.

As for video quality it is what you expect for a good RGB to Component conversation. Also the brightness switch is nice if your system's video is a little dark.

The cables plug in nice and snug not too tight and not too loose, baby bear would be proud.

The SNES cable also works well with an N64 with the RetroFixes RGB amp mod. With the N64 I noticed an improvement over S-video. It was most noticeable in Dr. Mario 64. While playing on S-video my eyes would get fatigued really quickly on component this was not an issue at all. I'm not sure how to describe it better than that. Looking closely at the screen I didn't really see anything like dot crawl that I could easily describe as the problem. But my eyes reacted drastically differently to each cable.

So in summary it you have a TV with component inputs and don't already have a big investment in RGB cables and hardware, then these cables might be for you.

I will gladly answer questions but probably not today. I'm on my way to one of the best beer tasting events in Pittsburgh, the Big Pour, for 3 hours of unlimited craft beer goodness. So just imagine my responses as "That's what she said!", Just spelled much more poorly.

[crazydean]

I really meant to make a better review than this but I just don't have the time to do a better review and they are releasing there second batch of cables today. So for anyone who cares here is my 2 cents.

First off the build quality is top notch. The cables are very thick and properly shielded. This does make them a little harder to bend around corners but unless you are real tight on space this should not be a problem.

As for video quality it is what you expect for a good RGB to Component conversation. Also the brightness switch is nice if your system's video is a little dark.

The cables plug in nice and snug not too tight and not too loose, baby bear would be proud.

The SNES cable also works well with an N64 with the RetroFixes RGB amp mod. With the N64 I noticed an improvement over S-video. It was most noticeable in Dr. Mario 64. While playing on S-video my eyes would get fatigued really quickly on component this was not an issue at all. I'm not sure how to describe it better than that. Looking closely at the screen I didn't really see anything like dot crawl that I could easily describe as the problem. But my eyes reacted drastically differently to each cable.

So in summary it you have a TV with component inputs and don't already have a big investment in RGB cables and hardware, then these cables might be for you.

I will gladly answer questions but probably not today. I'm on my way to one of the best beer tasting events in Pittsburgh, the Big Pour, for 3 hours of unlimited craft beer goodness. So just imagine my responses as "That's what she said!", Just spelled much more poorly.

I would like to know what your setup was before and after using the Retrovision cable. What kind of tv are you using, etc? Could you get a comparison picture of Dr Mario 64?

[IvanBeavkov]

Same TV a JVC DLP from 2005. Old but a workhorse that still has a good picture. I'll try to get some pics next week.

Also, That's what she said! 

[Medic_wheat]

Don't see any cables avilable. Do you know what time the second batch will be avilable or did it sell out already?

[technozombie]

Thanks for the review. I thought about trying to buy some because I've had problems with my scart to compenent converter. I'm kind of split because i have component output for my DuoR and SNES and RGB scart for my Genesis and Saturn.

[CrackTiger]

Anyone considering these for N64, keep in mind that you first need to RGB mod the console.

[technozombie]

Don't see any cables avilable. Do you know what time the second batch will be avilable or did it sell out already?

I just got an email saying the cables are for sale. There website is kind of weird though. The cables are listed under the shop tab. You have to go to the item page.

[bartre]

aren't these like $40-50?
at that price, you're in at $100 for 2 systems.
I'd honestly rather invest in an XRGB or RGB capable monitor.

plus, it seems that the collectards are going scalper for these all day long.

[Medic_wheat]

aren't these like $40-50?
at that price, you're in at $100 for 2 systems.
I'd honestly rather invest in an XRGB or RGB capable monitor.

plus, it seems that the collectards are going scalper for these all day long.

That's pretty much what my order came out to.


On the scalper side I found HD Retrovisions Twitter post rather funny. Basically they said that the scalper better hurry to sell their cables for $150 before their second batch goes on sale. A bit of self aware humer.

[Gypsy]

Yeah as long as they keep pumping these out, scalping won't be an issue. This is an easier solution, which is why many will flock to it. I'm already using scart cables for all the old systems I put much play time in, so this whole thing doesn't effect me at all. Nice option for people that want it though.

[Medic_wheat]

For the moment I am being lazy. Eventually I plan on RBG modding my various systems and what not.

[technozombie]

I have a couple of powered component switch boxes in series, that automatically switch to the correct input. If i go all component then I dont need to buy a scart switch. It's 6 one way half a dozen the other.

[Gypsy]

I have a couple of powered component switch boxes in series, that automatically switch to the correct input. If i go all component then I dont need to buy a scart switch. It's 6 one way half a dozen the other.

I have a couple AA 1154As which are quite nice (and affordable). Which model(s) did you go with?

[technozombie]

I have a couple of powered component switch boxes in series, that automatically switch to the correct input. If i go all component then I dont need to buy a scart switch. It's 6 one way half a dozen the other.

I just have a couple of  Philips PH61150 from garages sales that i got for dirt cheap.

[Enternal]

I just got to test out my Genesis Retrovision cables on a Trinitron KV-27FS13 and a VA3 Model 1 I previously had modded my system for SVideo and the difference is amazing. I hate to compare it this way, but the image is so sharp and clean it looks like an emulator running on a CRT monitor.

[technozombie]

I said screw it and went ahead and ordered some Genesis cables. I'm tired of not being able to play.

[Dicer]

I said screw it and went ahead and ordered some Genesis cables. I'm tired of not being able to play.

Will be doing the same myself, I have a component card on my PVM, might as well put it to use.

[technozombie]

Got my cables in today. The picture is great, much better than what I was getting from my Scart to component adapter, which just wasn't working right. I took some photos with my phone, but they don't do it justice.

[GohanX]

I already have a good RGB to scart setup going into my Wega, but curiosity got the better of me and I ordered a Genesis cable too. The thing is fantastic, the image is pretty much perfect, I don't think I could get any better outside of a straight RGB monitor. It is slightly better than my RGB to component converter, which has a minor sync issue with the Genesis.

[DragonmasterDan]

I've considered these cables, but I'm doing RGB through most of my older consoles and a lot of my monits don't take component. So no major reason to buy these at their current prices.

[IvanBeavkov]

So it has taken me a while to follow up, sorry about that. So first here are some pictures of the HD Retrovision cable compared to other component cables. I do have to say after using the cables for a while I have no complaints.

I tried taking some pictures of Dr Mario and I just couldn't take any good pictures. Everything was blurry due to me or just the game motion.

From left to right Wii Component, XBOX 360 Component, HD Retrovision Component cable.
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Here is a picture of part of my setup. Everything in the picture except the NES is connected via component. I am using 2 composite switch boxes as component switching and a DJ power strip to control power to each console.
 
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