Panasonic Q RGB out / D-Terminal questions

[fuse]

I've searched through here and couldn't find a clear answer for the main question I'm trying to answer, nor the scattershot of follow-ups. I've bought a Panasonic Q (only today, so yet to arrive), however I'm told that the RGB scart lead has died and as such am wondering about my options.

- Would any kind souls from around these parts be able/willing to fix it? I can share pictures once it arrives if that helps.
- If I were to go down the D-terminal route instead (into say an XRGB) would I get the same quality (RGB) picture?
- Would it be a generic D-terminal lead I'd need, or something specific? How readily available are they?
- Would D-terminal do sound too all via the same lead?

Any help appreciated.

[J0e Musashi]

D-Terminal is equivalent to Component. There are different versions of D-Terminal however. The Q only goes up to 480p, so it'd be D2. It's a dedicated cable mind. Expect to pay around ?50 for it on eBay. Sound runs via RCA.

[speedlolita]

I'd just suggest getting the SCART lead "fixed".

I could possible take a look at it, if you could describe symptoms.

You do specifically need a GC D-Terminal/Component cable as it has a proprietary DAC in the plug.

[fuse]

Cheers both - all makes sense. Does seem like sticking with the Scart would be better even if I do go down the XRGB route. Soon as I get my hands on it I'll share some pics of the lead, although it sounds like the seller had no idea what was wrong, which probably means I'll be equally as clueless.

[briareos_kerensky]

- If I were to go down the D-terminal route instead (into say an XRGB) would I get the same quality (RGB) picture?

Yes and no. The XRGB-3 has three different D-Terminal inputs and the first input (back of the unit, not shared with the VGA port) has the lowest video noise. You'll get the best solution with a YPbPr-SCART adapter and hook it in the GAME IN.
However the XRGB-3 isn't exactly the best processor for 480p; it's incredible with 240p material but there are better solutions for scaling 480p sources. The FrameMeister is an improvement over the XRGB-3 for 480p but still inferior to other processors...but as all-in-one solution (240-480i/p) there's nothing better.

[fuse]

You lost me a little on the last bit - if I'm understanding right, the Framemeister (another name for the Mini, yeah?) is better than the XRGB3 at 480p but not as good for 240p? Don't suppose a site exists that documents all of the plus and minus points for all of the versions (inc 2 and 2+)?

Just thinking it through I'm also wanting to hook up a PSX, which I believe I have a D-Terminal lead for already, and then some other bits like a (RGB modded) PC Engine Duo R, a Saturn, and so on.

[briareos_kerensky]

You lost me a little on the last bit - if I'm understanding right, the Framemeister (another name for the Mini, yeah?) is better than the XRGB3 at 480p but not as good for 240p? Don't suppose a site exists that documents all of the plus and minus points for all of the versions (inc 2 and 2+)?

I was a bit confusing. The FrameMeister (or XRGB-mini) is slightly better at 480p than the XRGB-3. For 240p the results are consistent throughout the whole XRGB family (2, 2+, 3, mini) - excellent.
Both XRGB-3 and mini however are inferior to other processors when it comes to 480p; however such processors are usually oriented to the home teather crowd, therefore more expensive.

[fuse]

Ahhh, I'm with you now. Makes a lot of sense, thanks!

edit: another thought - regarding the D-Terminal cable, would one from a Wii suffice?

[speedlolita]

No it wouldn't. Has to be the GC one.

[Adrock]

See as I've been pm'ing fuse a couple of times and I've got no idea for certain if the cable I have will actually work for a Q I thought I'd post in here.

I have a Saurian modded GC cable that has the d-terminal cable with an analogue gc connection too that is used for the audio. I have seperate audio cables. Would this suffice for a Q? That is the main question.

[punio75]

Just bought a Modded Saurian Gamecube Component RGB Cable with breakout box from hexxed on this very forum.
Was thinking of hooking this up to my sony 14" trinitron.
Will this work without any issues?

[speedlolita]

Yes.

And to the other guy, yes. Panny Q is nothing special, it's just a GC with some plastic chrome shoved on.

[punio75]

Mmm, didn't work- sound but just red/black picture.
going to bed now, will have another go Tom.

[speedlolita]

Yes. -

[punio75]

Update- my modded gc works- plug in the component rgb cable into the digital av out and the analog av out. Scart in trinitron- all good.

Panny Q has only digital av out (no analog av out) so no picture- what else do I need?