XRGB2+ questions

[Dock]

I have some questions regarding the XRGB2+ unit. I'm thinking of getting a Samsung LCD hi-def TV in about a month, and AFAICT this unit seems to be the thing to get if you're planning on playing any old consoles.

1. What exactly is the deal with the PAL support? I've read a lot of conflicting sources, including some people saying it works with SVHS in PAL mode.

2. Can I plug in multiple sources, and then toggle through them? IE can I plus a Famicom into Composite, a SNES into svhs, a PS2 into component and a RGB splitter into RGB?

3. How effective is it with the PS2? Given that most games don't seem to support prog scan, I was thinking of hooking up my PS2s via this instead.

4. Would it make much difference if I used RGB SCART or Component cables? I'd like to avoid buying component cables for my three PS2s if possible, not to mention splitters.

5. If it receives a prog-scan signal (480p for instance) does it still try to deinterlace it, or does it leave it alone?

Thanks in advance for any feedback on this product. It would be good to know people's general opinions of the unit too.

[andrewfee]

1: The box itself works with PAL stuff without any problems, however I've yet to see an LCD that supports 50Hz over VGA. (I've used it on an old CRT monitor and it worked)

2: Yes you can.

3: I'd say it's very effective. You do loose a little quality, but it makes up for it with the added sharpness and lack of blur.

4: You can only use Japanese RGB cables, not RGB SCART. Japanese RGB cables are wired up differently. (it's not hard to rewire them though; I've done 5/6 now)
If you put JRGB in, there's no conversion from Component > RGB, it stays RGB all the way through. I've not done a comparison with the same systems though (eg ps2 rgb then component) but it does look good with both.

5: Just doesn't work.

[sj33]

I was also considering this box for PS2, thanks to the lack of Prog. Scan on most PS2 games.

Shame it just doesn't work on 480p PS2 games (as opposed to passing it through), but I assume the 480p mode in games would be redundant anyway?

[Dock]

Thanks for all the feedback. I think I'm going to rewire a SCART cable between my splitter and this unit in order to make it work okay... I'll have to find the pin alterations.

As for PAL prog scan mode... it's a little annoying, as of course those games would look a bit better in true prog-scan. I might just keep a seperate cable handy for the added image quality for the one game (Shadow of the Colossus!) that I care about.

[andrewfee]

Well I'd say it's about 80% of the way there, when compared to progressive scan, so it will look better... but I'm happy just to use it as it is, without bothering to swap cables around.

Rewiring the cable between the switch and TV is a good idea; that's what I did. Just make sure you're not using an amplified one (joytech, for example) or the power will be going to the wrong pins and might fry it.

[Dock]

This suits me perfectly then, as I already have a well wired RGB setup for all my consoles.

The only console I'd want to hook up through component for prog scan would be my Gamecube... and I suppose my xbox (I don't have my xbox hooked up AT ALL right now, hehe).

Re: Question number 2. Come to think of it - it only has one audio input source, so switching wouldn't be much use - right? I guess I could just just use a simple audio doubler to do that though, or perhaps use composite-to-SCART blocks in my splitter.

[andrewfee]

It'll take audio through the JRGB input, has an input on the front for the d-term connection, and the svid/composite each have their own RCA inputs as well.

[Dock]

Aha, I just found the IGN review of the unit, which has a much better selection of photos than lik-sang.

http://gear.ign.com/articles/358/358098p1.html

I see what you mean about the composite and svhs inputs having their own audio inputs. That's really useful, there are quite a few consoles I could immediately and conveniently hook up that way.

Still annoying about the 60hz and prog though, but ah well, I'll live with it.

Really handy that it has a VGA through-port on it!! (HERE) I have a laptop and I was dreading having to get a splitter for VGA input. Actually, I might just use a Dreamcast VGA-box with that instead, for genuine prog-scan DC! Crazy to think that the DC supports prog scan much better than the PS2 does.

[Dock]

I've ordered one of these now!

Will I have to wire up my own Euro SCART to JRGB cable?
andrewfee - Where did you get yours, or do you use something different?

[andrewfee]

I bought mine from Lik-Sang, and modified the cables myself.

Don't seem to have the notes I made for rewiring though, you'll have to google it.

[Dock]

I found the Japanese pinouts here: http://www.gamesx.com/avpinouts/rgb21pinj.htm
I should be able to wire up one myself - thanks for the help!

[The Boatman]

Does this need an AC adapter?

[andrewfee]

Does this need an AC adapter?

Yes it does, as it has to process the image to convert it to VGA.

I just use the included one plugged into a smaller step-down I have.

[Dock]

Does anyone run a Sega Saturn through the XRGB2+?

I can't seem to get a signal at all on my Samsung, it just says 'mode not supported'. I'm using 60hz on the Saturn, and I've tried several different Saturns (60hz UK and JPN) and both RGB Scart and SVHS, with no joy from anything.

Any ideas?

[sj33]

1: The box itself works with PAL stuff without any problems, however I've yet to see an LCD that supports 50Hz over VGA. (I've used it on an old CRT monitor and it worked)

Argh, have to find a way to find out if my DVI-I accepts 50Hz through analogue then.
It seems to work fine through DVI-I using a DVI-D device, but I suppose that doesn't necessarily mean analogue (VGA) stuff will work...