Question about video output / converters / options

tjsnh · 10/26/2016, 10:13 AM

So I'm sure I'm not the only one who faces the challenge of making older consoles work on newer/current generation displays that don't have RF inputs.

I'm hesitating to pick up a TG-16 (have wanted one since I was a kid) until I'm confident I can get it's display output working on a modern screen, preferably preserving the original aspect ratio instead of "stretching" the image sideways to widescreen.

Anyone have any guidance on the topic? Good luck using the built-in composite out plugged into green component on modern displays? Converters-to-HDMI that are known to work ok for the TG-16?

tbone3969 · 10/26/2016, 10:33 AM

The turbo booster will work just fine. The image will not be up-scaled however and it will not be the best the system can output. If you want "RGB" output from the TurboGrax 16, which is the best it can output natively, you will have to get it modded. I had Keith Courage do mine. It looks great on my LCD which is upscaled through my AV receiver to 480P. I think it would look good in 240P direct RGB as well but my LCD doesn't work when receiving RGB via component so I have to run it though my receiver to get it to run the video signal via HDMI.

crazydean · 10/26/2016, 10:45 AM

Well, the best solution is just to use a high quality CRT. If you must use an LCD, buy an RGB modded system and run it through an XRGB-mini. Think about what you want as far as mods go and try to get a system that already has it done. This will save some you some money.

If money is no object and you want to play original games, I would recommend getting a Turbo Duo modded for RGB and maybe a region mod to play PC Engine games.

The other extreme would be to buy a PC Engine Duo modded RGB, then buy an everdrive for card games and use CD-Rs for disc games.

tjsnh · 10/26/2016, 11:01 AM

Forgive my ignorance on this - I'm competent with a soldering iron, just not familiar with the TG hardware - does adding the CD unit complicate things?

I've seen a few modded systems with the RGB/Component output built in to the right hand side of the case, but if you attach the CD-ROM add on does it's own composite output "override" those kinds of mods?

Does my question make sense?

tbone3969 · 10/26/2016, 11:06 AM

Quote from: tjsnh on 10/26/2016, 11:01 AMForgive my ignorance on this - I'm competent with a soldering iron, just not familiar with the TG hardware - does adding the CD unit complicate things?

I've seen a few modded systems with the RGB/Component output built in to the right hand side of the case, but if you attach the CD-ROM add on does it's own composite output "override" those kinds of mods?

Does my question make sense?

The CD attachment acts like a Turbo Booster, in essence, by providing composite out, not RGB component. You can get the CD attachment RGB component modded or just the TurboGrafx RGB component modded. I suggest getting the CD attachment as it has so many good games. Although if you are going to go that route it is cheaper and easier to just get a DUO. Remember the DUO has the System 3.0 card built into it.

tbone3969 · 10/26/2016, 11:11 AM

Quote from: tjsnh on 10/26/2016, 10:13 AMSo I'm sure I'm not the only one who faces the challenge of making older consoles work on newer/current generation displays that don't have RF inputs.

I'm hesitating to pick up a TG-16 (have wanted one since I was a kid) until I'm confident I can get it's display output working on a modern screen, preferably preserving the original aspect ratio instead of "stretching" the image sideways to widescreen.

Anyone have any guidance on the topic? Good luck using the built-in composite out plugged into green component on modern displays? Converters-to-HDMI that are known to work ok for the TG-16?

I just re-read your initial post and I want to make a point about what you said here:

"Good luck using the built-in composite out plugged into green component on modern displays?"

The TurboGrafx only has RF out. It does not have composite out. Google "RF adapter" to see exactly what I mean. The RF out is horrible IMHO.

tjsnh · 10/26/2016, 11:43 AM

Quote from: tbone3969 on 10/26/2016, 11:11 AMThe TurboGrafx only has RF out. It does not have composite out. Google "RF adapter" to see exactly what I mean. The RF out is horrible IMHO.

I meant composite out using something like this : http://www.cgquarterly.com/2010/04/26/building-a-turbografx-16-pc-engine-composite-av-cable/

Sorry, I shouldn't have said "built in" :-)

crazydean · 10/26/2016, 12:02 PM

I'm not sure what you are asking. It sounds like you already know what you want.

tbone3969 · 10/26/2016, 12:20 PM

Quote from: tjsnh on 10/26/2016, 11:43 AM
Quote from: tbone3969 on 10/26/2016, 11:11 AMThe TurboGrafx only has RF out. It does not have composite out. Google "RF adapter" to see exactly what I mean. The RF out is horrible IMHO.
I meant composite out using something like this : http://www.cgquarterly.com/2010/04/26/building-a-turbografx-16-pc-engine-composite-av-cable/

Sorry, I shouldn't have said "built in" :-)

What you linked here is a cheap alternative to get AV composite out. It till work just fine if you set it up / install it correctly. If you ever upgrade to the CD unit you will not need it anymore.

mjsaville · 10/30/2016, 05:17 PM

I would highly recommend the xrgb-mini great box, slightly expensive though.

I don't understand the keenness for Composite , just use a RGB mod and get a far superior video output - end of story.