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[drizzle]

My genesis is somewhat dead and I can't figure out what it is/don't bother enough.

Recently I tried to hook it up, but the video was all messed up, with wavy lines and dropping off every second, there was hella interference and shit was bad.

Anyway, I opened it up and noticed that a capacitor on the backside of the console discharged all it's capacitor fluid on the entire half of the motherboard, making everything slimy and grimy.

I cleaned it up, resoldered a new capacitor in place (which was hard as hell by itself), but no deal: the genesis still doesn't output video.

Since the capacitor threw up it's content on the side of the motherboard that has the video encoder, I wonder if something is shorted.

I... I don't think I care enough about it to try to do anything else.

Edit: Maybe I could use it to try an SVideo mod... hmm..

 

[sixteen-bit]

just got back from Japan, my only megadrive purchases were Space Harrier 32x complete in box for 400 yen and Shining Force 1 from a junk bin for 50 yen. MD stuff seems to be even rarer than PC Engine over there, I did see a bunch of wondermegas but I had to draw the line somewhere. bought a ton of PCE and Famicom stuff though.

How much were the Wondermegas? I seen some sell on eBay for $600+ Maybe you could buy a couple and recoup?

Wondermega RG1 is one of my dream systems. If I ever get one I'll get it RGB modded for sure though, lol.

 

[sixteen-bit]

lol, I've never thought about that before. Krazee =D

How bout $1000 for Maximum Carnage?

http://kotaku.com/5059242/whats-the-most-expensive-game-we-saw-in-akihabara

Some of the later western-developed MD games are crazy expensive. Comix Zone is another example.

 

[ViewtifulJC]

I always wished Comix Zone was twice as long as it is. I felt like the first third of the game is more developed than the last two thirds, and maybe they just had to hit that deadline and get it out. Great game, though. Awesome soundtrack, lovely comic book aesthetic. Reminded of Viewtiful Joe, in a way.

 

[A Black Falcon]

When did I say it was?

Spoiler

Actually, yes, but it was heavily edited into Universal Soldier. That said, I kinda meant the Amiga/DOS game.

Universal Soldier is a pretty decent port, really... sure, the graphical changes are silly, but otherwise it's good. I don't really mind that they cut the shmup levels (from Turrican 2) and replaced them with some more platforming levels; the new levels are fine and gameplay-wise fit in okay with the rest of the game. And I like the added password system. Universal Soldier is, I think, the only Turrican with password save... well, it's much appreciated.

So yeah, the graphical changes are silly, but still, it's well worth getting for sure. Turrican 1 can't really be recommended; it's an okay game, but has some issues, such as blind jumps, level designs that aren't as good as the second game, etc., but the other four games in the franchise are very good.

 

[IrishNinja]

^never saw the later bits of Comix Zone, and looks like Universal Soldier is worth checking out!

okay, so since i ordered an XRGB mini & am looking for RGB cables, looks like i might not have use for this stereo/s-vid modded genny, might sell it in a lot of extra carts to recoup on the damage.

if i run with this model 1 HIGH DEFINITION genesis i got here:

1) what do i gotta do to get stereo sound again? i know it's from the headphone jack, i think bocos pointed me to an RGB that accommodates that, gotta double check

2) this unit looks great, but the tip of the volume switch is missing. if i open up both cases, will it be problematic grabbing the whole one from the other unit & switching them, you know? its just a detail, but still

 

[televator]

props televator, good pickups man!

Goodwill, and the fact that judging a game based on the cover still works for old games, can get some nice results. ;P

 

[ACESmkII]

So this bad boy came in earlier today...

I got it hooked it up to my TV, connected my Mega Drive via RGB and then magic happened. I was blown away by how clean and crisp the picture was. It made my 50'' Plasma look very close to a CRT monitor.

I took a few pics with my iPhone 4s but I don't think they do justice because you can see a little bit of noise that was not there. These pics are taken of the games running in 1080p. I know a lot of people prefer to have the XRGB mini running in 720p but my tv has a terrible scaler so the native res will have to do.

EX-RANZA

Pulseman

 

[IrishNinja]

^props Aces, that looks dead sexy! god i cant wait till mine comes in, talking to retro console accessories @ ebay to sort out the cords...i too have a panny plasma, i'm hoping to make a similar post in the coming weeks. you gotta try more games & post back man, im dying to mess with the options!

 

[baphomet]

That pretty much just sold me on one. Those pictures look amazing.

 

[IrishNinja]

unfortunately, it also sold me on finding a copy of Pulseman

 

[Doczu]

Dear lord that looks superb. But the price for that thing. It's way too much.

Serious question here. How would Dreamcast games look with that thing? Much better?

 

[Teknoman]

Dear lord that looks superb. But the price for that thing. It's way too much.

Serious question here. How would Dreamcast games look with that thing? Much better?

If you've got a CRT and can use 240p over component, a SCART cable + component converter gets the job done too.

 

[ACESmkII]

^props Aces, that looks dead sexy! god i cant wait till mine comes in, talking to retro console accessories @ ebay to sort out the cords...i too have a panny plasma, i'm hoping to make a similar post in the coming weeks. you gotta try more games & post back man, im dying to mess with the options!

You are gonna be blown away! I will definitely take some more pics of other games, maybe tomorrow. In the meantime I'm gonna play some more before I crash.

That pretty much just sold me on one. Those pictures look amazing.

Do it! It was worth every penny.

 

[sixteen-bit]

Dear lord that looks superb. But the price for that thing. It's way too much.

Serious question here. How would Dreamcast games look with that thing? Much better?

If you're looking for a cheaper alternative on Dreamcast, get a VGA box and SLG-3000.

---

Neat XRGB pics, ACESmkII. I'm a CRT diehard, but if my Trinitron ever kicks the bucket, I'll have to consider one!

 

[drizzle]

Dear lord that looks superb. But the price for that thing. It's way too much.

Serious question here. How would Dreamcast games look with that thing? Much better?

Dreamcast? Just use a VGA Box. 480p instead.

 

[Sapiens]

Need a framemister now.


Fucking school draining me resources.

Ex-Ranza...drool. One of the best MD games ever. Short but sweet and a big FU to people who doubt the system's capabilities. It goes beyond Gunstar and other graphic powerhouses, IMO.

 

[Genesis Knight]

Need a framemister now.


Fucking school draining me resources.

Ex-Ranza...drool. One of the best MD games ever. Short but sweet and a big FU to people who doubt the system's capabilities. It goes beyond Gunstar and other graphic powerhouses, IMO.

And it plays amazingly well to boot. Best use of the 6-button controller ever.

 

[Dave Long]

I love Ranger X/Ex-Ranza. I tried to sell everyone at Electronics Boutique who owned a Genesis a copy of that game and Gunstar Heroes, too.

 

[Diablohead]

EX-RANZA
http://i.imgur.com/VDg3KNc.jpg?1[IMG]
[IMG]http://i.imgur.com/VoujJSP.jpg?1[IMG]

[B]Pulseman[/B]
[IMG]http://i.imgur.com/MKX2mNW.jpg?1[IMG]
[IMG]http://i.imgur.com/rcR9wLW.jpg?1[IMG][/QUOTE]
Wow those look so clean and sharp, excellent scaler :o

 

[sixteen-bit]

Need a framemister now.


Fucking school draining me resources.

Ex-Ranza...drool. One of the best MD games ever. Short but sweet and a big FU to people who doubt the system's capabilities. It goes beyond Gunstar and other graphic powerhouses, IMO.

I remember my friend thinking it was a Saturn game when she saw me playing it. Definitely on the higher end of Genesis graphics.

Trivia: Former members of Gau Entertainment handled the atrocious Bayonetta port on PS3. It's funny people responsible for one of the most technically savvy games on the Genesis churned out one of the worst for PS3.

 

[Dave Long]

Maybe they should've made a 2D Bayonetta instead? Think about something like that for a moment...

 

[sixteen-bit]

Maybe they should've made a 2D Bayonetta instead? Think about something like that for a moment...

dat mockup.

 

[Shadow Hog]

Maybe I should save up for an XRGB or something... I was watching the intro to Earthbound on my HDTV and thought the ghosting around Ness's eyes and mouth was kinda unbearable, so one S-Video cable swap later, and I'm doing it on a CRT TV instead. Much cleaner. I'd rather use the HDTV, though...

I don't think I'd go full-on RGB, though. Just getting a scaler would be enough wallet strain.

 

[Genesis Knight]

Maybe I should save up for an XRGB or something... I was watching the intro to Earthbound on my HDTV and thought the ghosting around Ness's eyes and mouth was kinda unbearable, so one S-Video cable swap later, and I'm doing it on a CRT TV instead. Much cleaner. I'd rather use the HDTV, though...

I don't think I'd go full-on RGB, though. Just getting a scaler would be enough wallet strain.

Just going RGB SCART with a cheap ($40) converter to Component would solve the ghosting.

 

[Dereck]

Video cable GAF, please explain to me how RGB/VGA/S-Video/SCART is better or different to component.

 

[Shadow Hog]

Just going RGB SCART with a cheap ($40) converter to Component would solve the ghosting.

It would solve the ghosting by making the video signal completely unusable. This TV doesn't support 240p over component.

 

[Quackula]

I've got an XRGB as well, but it's scanlines look better in 720p output. A bit thicker, more natural looking and CRT-like. I suggest you give it a try sometime.

(yeah yeah SNES image in a genesis thread, but it's what I had on me)

Crazy expensive box, but I love it.

Tiny thing too!

Dreamcast? Just use a VGA Box. 480p instead.

If you use a sync combiner and build an adapter for VGA to SCART, you can just feed the Dreamcast VGA into the XRGB and get the best of everything.

Video cable GAF, please explain to me how RGB/VGA/S-Video/SCART is better or different to component.

RGB, VGA, and Component are pretty much equivalent. They handle the signal in different ways, but the end result is more or less the same. SCART is just a connector type. S-video is a step down from any of those.

 

[gryz]

How much were the Wondermegas? I seen some sell on eBay for $600+ Maybe you could buy a couple and recoup?

Wondermega RG1 is one of my dream systems. If I ever get one I'll get it RGB modded for sure though, lol.

I think they were around $200. sadly I was already overloaded with a Sharp Twin Famicom in box and a PC Duo RX. I'll probably get one next time.

I am starting to regret not picking up an xrgb mini for 300 though.

 

[Danneee]

I'm soo on the edge of buying a MD2 and my favourite games just to have them (SoR2, Jungle Strike and Road Rash 2). Or a nice watch. Decisions, decisions...

 

[Shadow Hog]

How nice is the watch?

 

[Danneee]

Double post:/

How nice is the watch?

It's this one: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004QKN76Y/

 

[sixteen-bit]

How nice is the watch?

 

[IrishNinja]

that's not Ryo's watch

 

[Yes Boss!]

I am starting to regret not picking up an xrgb mini for 300 though.

It is $300 right now on amazon.com.jp given the better exchange rate. Even with a proxy service you could probably get it delivered for $350 or under.

I'm probably going to finally get an XRGB-3 soon to add to the Mini.

 

[BosSin]

images

Looks amazing, too bad it costs ~£350 on ebay

 

[BocoDragon]

I've got an XRGB as well, but it's scanlines look better in 720p output. A bit thicker, more natural looking and CRT-like. I suggest you give it a try sometime.

Yes. In fact, no one should ever used the scanlines in 1080p. They are straight up broken. Far too thin.

You should switch to 720p or just turn the scanlines off, because those thin lines won't do what scanlines are meant to accomplish at all.

1080 doesn't really improve the image anyway.

 

[bitoriginal]

My ultimate megadrive has been complete for a while. Megadrive Model 1, Sega wireless controllers (missing battery covers but they only cost me £25), Mega Everdrive with every game, and an RGB to Scart cable (PAL baby yeah). All I need to do is region mod it but it's taking the time to be arsed (I work in electronics so it could be done in an afternoon).

Anyway, I've been taking it to my friends recently and I'm telling you, modern day gaming really fucked up with the lack of local multiplayer. We played Columns, Fifa 93, Battletoads, Speedball Delux, Dr Robotniks Mean Bean Machine, Micro Machines (got the most play time by far), Streets of Rage, Golden Axe etc. We even played the Might Morphin Power Rangers fighting game lol. SO good.

Best is when you get a friend who hasn't played for ages and you just try and remember games you played in your youth. Not so good when playing with a dude who never
owned an MD though!

Best thing is that I just chuck it in a bag and it's not heavy at all. Much better than lugging an Xbox or PS3 about.

 

[IrishNinja]

solaris wanted just under $400 for the mini, so yeah if you can swing $350 on amazon.jp that's a deal!
boco talked me into solaris cause they have a d-link (which we dont use) to component adapter on the cheap, which is gonna be great for PS2/etc

 

[BocoDragon]

solaris wanted just under $400 for the mini, so yeah if you can swing $350 on amazon.jp that's a deal!
boco talked me into solaris cause they have a d-link (which we dont use) to component adapter on the cheap, which is gonna be great for PS2/etc

Amazon.co.jp will only ship within Japan anyway. If you have a place to ship there, you can make it happen.

My girlfriend's family is in Japan and I had the option, but I still found it too much of a hassle!

And yeah, you need that cable.

 

[ACESmkII]

Unfortunately 720p is a no go on my TV but do I personally really like how the picture looks in 1080p although as you say the scan lines are not a 100% accurate.

 

[Quackula]

I got mine from solaris. Definitely nab that cable!

Also keep in mind that the scart adapter thing that comes with it is wired for Japan RGB21, not European SCART. You'll need to rewire it or buy JP RGB21 cables for your RGB capable systems.

 

[BocoDragon]

Unfortunately 720p is a no go on my TV but do I personally really like how the picture looks in 1080p although as you say the scan lines are not a 100% accurate.

Really? That seems odd to me. Aren't all HDTV sets 720p compatible?

 

[ACESmkII]

Really? That seems odd to me. Aren't all HDTV sets 720p compatible?

Oh it is definitely 720p compatible but the scaling algorithm is very non linear and the worst I've ever seen from Panasonic. The model is a 50" ST50. I previously had the ST30 and before that the G10 and those had decent scaling. I know two other people with the same TV so there is nothing wrong with my set and it is fully calibrated. I love the TV but the scaling is a joke in it.

There are plenty of threads on the subject on AVS and other message boards. Here is a link to somebody from SRK talking about it.

http://forums.shoryuken.com/discussion/comment/7677856/

 

[IrishNinja]

oh crap...really!? im upgrading from a P50S1 to a ST60, please tell me the scalers aren't shit!

 

[nopenopenope]

So this bad boy came in earlier today...

That looks awesome, how much was it and where did you get it from?

 

[ACESmkII]

oh crap...really!? im upgrading from a P50S1 to a ST60, please tell me the scalers aren't shit!

I'm not sure but like I said I love the TV and it blows everything away on my previous Panny Plasma's just the scaling took major nose dive.

That looks awesome, how much was it and where did you get it from?

I picked it up from Solaris Japan for around $400.00 came w/ a 6 month warranty as well.

 

[IrishNinja]

yeah, that's my feelings here too - got it with 2 free pairs of 3d glasses (broke em in with Super hang on!), looks like i got some research to do tonight to make a decision. shit.

wait, if it scales 720p poorly, shouldnt the framemeister be able to take care of that for the most part? also im totally assuming it does 240p because the wiki i read said the ST50 did

 

[ACESmkII]

yeah, that's my feelings here too - got it with 2 free pairs of 3d glasses (broke em in with Super hang on!), looks like i got some research to do tonight to make a decision. shit.

wait, if it scales 720p poorly, shouldnt the framemeister be able to take care of that for the most part? also im totally assuming it does 240p because the wiki i read said the ST50 did

Yeah it does a pretty damn good job of scaling 720p to 1080p. Almost as good as my DVDO Edge Green did but I had to ditch that because lack of support.

Back on topic, I'm gonna take a couple more pics of some other games when I get home in a few.

 

[BocoDragon]

Oh it is definitely 720p compatible but the scaling algorithm is very non linear and the worst I've ever seen from Panasonic. The model is a 50" ST50. I previously had the ST30 and before that the G10 and those had decent scaling. I know two other people with the same TV so there is nothing wrong with my set and it is fully calibrated. I love the TV but the scaling is a joke in it.

There are plenty of threads on the subject on AVS and other message boards. Here is a link to somebody from SRK talking about it.

http://forums.shoryuken.com/discussion/comment/7677856/

Ah. I have the ST30 and yeah, I can't even tell the difference when I toggle between 720p and 1080p on the XRGB.

That sucks about that ST50 scaler

yeah, that's my feelings here too - got it with 2 free pairs of 3d glasses (broke em in with Super hang on!), looks like i got some research to do tonight to make a decision. shit.

wait, if it scales 720p poorly, shouldnt the framemeister be able to take care of that for the most part? also im totally assuming it does 240p because the wiki i read said the ST50 did

Yeah. XRGB mini scales to 1080p perfectly. The problem is that scanlines are busted in 1080p mode.

But you shouldn't care whether your TV does 240p. That's why you got the Framemeister. If your TV did 240p, it would look like crap compared to how it looks through the mini.