SCART switching unit

[Breadboy]

I've just heard that the official leads are overpriced, and that for the most part, the 3rd party ones are just as good. In fact, perhaps even better in a sense since they tend to have the separate stereo left and right audio connectors, and a G-con connetcor on them, which the official lead lacks.

[speedlolita]

So you lost the G-con connector? :P

I don't like to believe the hype, but the unofficial RGB21 cable I was using on my PlayStation 2 with my XRGB makes the PS2 video look dark and indeed "noisy" compared to the official cable into my EU SCART to RGB21 adaptor I use now.

Generally though, a third party RGB cable is superior to not using RGB by lots.

[nakamura]

You don't sound elitist dvdx2. It just seems like you have either been really unlucky with stuff or I have been extremely lucky. I have had none of those problems you have mentioned. I have a blaze lead for PS2 and another unbranded one and there is no difference in sound or picture quality. No ghosting, buzzing, bleeding etc.

[dvdx2]

I've just heard that the official leads are overpriced, and that for the most part, the 3rd party ones are just as good. In fact, perhaps even better in a sense since they tend to have the separate stereo left and right audio connectors, and a G-con connetcor on them, which the official lead lacks.

not sure who told you that - as its not true for console analogue leads

Ask most people on this forum, and they will recommend you go official

if your on a tight budget, get the BLAZE lead as its excellent

[Breadboy]

I have seen it said on many forum posts. But then there are individuals like nakamura who don't see any difference. Perhaps just bad luck on your part like he suggested?

[fallenangle]

I too have have and do use use third part RGB SCART cables with no issues at all. I've also had inteference and even incorrect wiring with some. I know from my own experience and other forums that some cables come with non-standard value capacitors on the colour channels which could cause some of the problems reported here.

I think the point to make is that the official leads will guarantee top quality, interference free results as should the high end independent cables too. Other independent RGB SCART leads of whatever price are more of a lottery and may even vary from example to example.

I bought two 'identical' PSOne RGB SCART leads from GAME for ?4.99 years ago now. One still works perfectly the other developed interference problems very quickly and eventually failed completely. I think one of the PS2 plug end contacts was badly soldered or just badly made.

I'm actually using an independent cable on my PS2 I bought from eBay this year for <?10. Sold, laughably, as a 'HD' PS3 lead it is nevertheless genuinely good in every respect. Nice thick braided cable, decent SCART plug and as good RGB image quality as I've ever had.

[speedlolita]

Just bought one of those boxes dvdx recommended. Will post thoughts on arrival.

[redstar_dan]

Is this the best splitter that was mentioned

http://www.tvcables.co.uk/cgi-bin/tvcables/BT945-Quintro+.html

[speedlolita]

That's the one I bought! Haven't actually tried it yet mind. Room is too small to have that many SCART set up.. ;(

[redstar_dan]

I would be super interested to hear your thoughts when you get round to testing it out. Where did you buy from?

[speedlolita]

eBay. I'll set it up now for a short test.

[redstar_dan]

Awesome, I would be interested to hear a ball park figure for how much you paid, going by that website, is 60 quid an average price?

[speedlolita]

I paid &#163;10 for the one I have, plus &#163;9 postage.

The first port doesn't seem to be working - sound but no video - but otherwise I'd say it's really good. No noise at all.

[redstar_dan]

Cool, I take it the other ports worked properly for you? I will keep my eyes peeled on ebay for one after Xmas. Thanks once again

[speedlolita]

Yes, I tried ports 2, 3, 4 and 5 and they worked fine.