XRGB Info

[SuperDanX]

So, Im now running my sfc via scart on my LCD and it is an improvement but I'm still not satisfied. I'm now in the Market for an xrgb upscaler (if your selling drop me a pm) but I'm a little confused about a few things,

1) whats the best version to get?

2) whats the difference between xrgb and the xrgb+ models?

3) how much should I be looking to pay?

4) can I expect CRT visuals using this device? And finally,

5) are there any alternatives to the xrgb boxes?

Cheers chaps.

[vanpeebles]

I used a GBS-8220 RGB to VGA on my QL

http://www.qlforum.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=12

[sj33]

I gather the main advantage that the XRGB3 has for gamers over other upscalers is the ability to apply scanlines. I don't think this works over all outputs, though.

btw the menu for that GBS-8220 is identical to the HD Box Pro...

[briareos_kerensky]

1 and 2) The XRGB2+ or the XRGB3.
The XRGB3 has two operation modes, DVI and VGA output and component via D-Terminal input. The XRGB2 and the XRGB2+ only have one operating mode and no DVI output; the XRGB2 does not have component input.
All new XRGB3 units include one component-to-Dt converter.
The XRGB3 can operate in B0 and B1 modes. B0 is full deinterlace, 2-frames delay, no scanline emulation. B1 is essentially the same as a XRGB2+, no delay, scanline emulation, VGA output only.

An alternative is the DSPL-TV, a XRGB2+ with RF input instead of RGB (useful for the Famicom).

3) Paid 300? plus shipping for a XRGB3 unit few years back.

4) In B1 it's as close you can get as a CRT, with adjustable scanline (horizontal and vertical) strenght.

5) DVDO/Anchorbay products, but they cost more than the XRGB and aren't as good for 240p material (no scanlines, more delay even in game mode, generally softer image). However the XRGB isn't not as good for 480i and 480p sources and lacks the menu finesse of other upscalers.

Random thoughs:
I have a XRGB3 and I love it, though it has its quirks.
Out of the box it only comes with B0 mode and updating the firmware is a must to add 16:9 resolutions and correct some bugs; firmware 2.12 in is English and it greatly improves useability, though menus aren't particularly friendly. Unfortunately the firmware update software must run on a WinXP machine...no luck in using it on a Vista x64 machine.
You'll spend the first hours trying to understand the best setup for your monitor. You will want the unit operating in B1 to get scanlines and you will have to reset the machine multiple times to get the largest resolution useable on your monitor: I was never able to get 1920x1200 working on two Dell monitors, while 1920x1080 works perfectly; strangely enough B0 has no problems with any resolution.
Sources also influence what you will get. The newly acquired Neo Geo (with RGB mod) is almost unplayable in B1 due to shacky screen even after customizing NTSC AFC and dot clock via the XRGB's menu; the unmodified PC Engine DUO-R looks great in B1 and ugly in B0; Saturn and DC look fantastic in both modes.
Some functions are linked between them and to get the zoom function to work (for the PSP) you have to first change the screen size option to D2Zoom in a completely different section of the menu.
You cannot have both DVI and VGA cables plugged in into the unit at the same time and B1 is restricted to VGA only, which sucks if your monitor/TV doesn't have a VGA input. The B1 mode is also the hardest to properly set up, while B0 is almost (almost) painless.

However there's nothing like the XRGB for 8 to 32 bit deinterlacing. It's something I cannot stress enough, the XRGB is the upscaler to get for old consoles. There's nothing that can compete with it, even among 1000?+ upscalers in term of frame delay and scanline emulation.

XRGB-3 wiki
Deinterlancing guide

[SuperDanX]

Thanks for the info guys, xrgb 3 or xrgb 2+ seem to be the ones to go for then, anyone know where I can get one?

[sj33]

Sorry for hijacking the thread, just got some quick questions.

1) What kind of output resolutions does it have? Does it have 1360x768?

2) I seem to recall the XRGB2 having JRGB instead of Scart. Does the XRGB2+ and 3 have the same problem?

[briareos_kerensky]

anyone know where I can get one?

Got mine here

1) What kind of output resolutions does it have? Does it have 1360x768?

4:3, 16:9 and 16:10 resolutions, with possibility to adjust vertical and horizontal shift and proportions. Check the Wiki for full resolution list.

I seem to recall the XRGB2 having JRGB instead of Scart. Does the XRGB2+ and 3 have the same problem?

Yep, Japanese pinout for the RGB port, you'll need a converter or stick to composite/s-video.

[SuperDanX]

Got mine here

Awesome thanks for that, very expensive ill think it over. Are these thinks simple to use? I'm not very technically minded to say the least (I'm thick)

[briareos_kerensky]

Awesome thanks for that, very expensive illnthink it over. Are these thinks simple to use? I'm not very technically minded to say the least (I'm thick)

Mhm, no, they aren't. Check my edited post for some problems I've run into. Normally B0 is straightforward to set up, but defeats the purpose of having an XRGB.

[vanpeebles]

It might be worth trying the GB-8220 first with it only being around 40 dollars

[dosucol]

I used a GBS-8220 RGB to VGA on my QL

http://www.qlforum.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=12

[dvdx2]

looks great =

anyone know were i can get one?

[Yakumo]

My Toshiba has it's own game upscale that's so good I don't even use the XRGB2+ for the Saturn anymore. You see, I really wanted scan lines but the TV has no VGA input so I was stuck with HDMI or D-Sub (Component) so I could never use the scan line option on my TV. The Toshiba's upscale really is spot on. Now if only it had scan lines Or if only the new box from the makers of the XRGB give scan lines over HDMI.

[speedlolita]

The flame meister will..

[muddy]

yeah, that looks mint. (the youtube vids)

Anyone prepared to make and sell?