Gen I HDG console for $15, should I grab it?

[Scooter]

With the help of Ace's great thread about telling good Gens from bad ones, I found out that the Mk I Genesis I've had for years (got it new) is the naughty VA7 model. I have a non-HDG VA6 model I got along with a Mk I Sega CD I was after, but this Gen is really skanky and I didn't want to install it with my SCD and 32X to get better sound just because it looks so bad.

The other day I found a HDG Genesis, no idea if it is TMSS or not, for $15 with a control pad and all the hook ups. I suppose I should snag it so I'll have the better sounding unit, huh? I think I'll do a sound comparison with my VA7 and VA6 units to see if I can actually tell the difference and go from there. I've had my Genesis since I got it new so many years ago and I've always thought the sound was pretty good. Guess I need to do a quick comparison to know if it can actually be better!

I also have a spectrum analyzer I use to set up my home stereo system, I might just hook it up to see if there really is any measureable difference between the two.

[ApolloBoy]

You can check to see if it has TMSS or not by looking at one of the labels on the bottom of the console. If it has a silver section where it lists patent numbers, then it has TMSS.

But yeah, you should definitely grab it for that price, especially if it doesn't have TMSS.

[17daysolderthannes]

TMSS doesn't matter, buy it.

[jerry coeurl]

Does TMSS indicate sound quality? Because I see no reason why anyone would otherwise avoid it. I'm rather fond of the TMSS screen myself, and it displays for all of, what? A whole second? Hardly bothersome.

[Devil N]

TMSS is only a minor inconvenience, it doesn't say anything about hardware quality. Most people just prefer to be rid of it. If the console has a HDG label, it means it is of good quality, and definitely worth the 15 bucks, whether it has TMSS or not. So I say, go for it!

[Jesse813]

TMSS is only a minor inconvenience, it doesn't say anything about hardware quality. Most people just prefer to be rid of it. If the console has a HDG label, it means it is of good quality, and definitely worth the 15 bucks, whether it has TMSS or not. So I say, go for it!
I Agree :ok:

[nathanallan]

Heck yeah, I say go for it. The accessories alone are worth that much.

[Ace]

Take it. TMSS or not, it doesn't make a difference, if it says High Definition Graphics, you KNOW it's good. Keep in mind the FCC IDs of TMSS and non-TMSS High Definition Graphics Genesis Model 1s:

non-TMSS: FJ846EUSASEGA
TMSS: FJ8USASEGA

[TheRollingStoner]

For $15 you should definitely buy this. In fact, you should have this in your possession before you read this post. There, I said it.

[kool kitty89]

Non-TMSS models tend to have "rainbow band" artifacts int he composite video (and RF), and also, MUCH noisier RF output. (except on TVs with excellent AFT) So if you don't plan on modding for S-video or using RGB/component adaptors, TMSS models are the better option.

[Ace]

I do want to check something with the "rainbow banding" issue on non-TMSS systems. Since they all seem to have absolutely horrendous capacitors in there(made by one of the worst capacitor brands possible, Chhsi), it could be that the rainbow banding is as a direct result of those capacitors being very cheaply made, with most of them starting to dry up. I'll have to take note of all the capacitors on the Genesis motherboard and replace each and every one of them before they dry out or leak.

[Devil N]

Now that you mention it, my non-TMSS HDG model 1 did not have the rainbow banding when I connected it through RF. I thought it was because I have a PAL machine and the PAL composite signal might not suffer from the same artifacts as NTSC, but it could also have something to do with the quality of the capacitors.

[SegaDreamer]

I have a non-TMSS HDG Model 1, and I have noticed the rainbow banding. It's not too noticeable though, so if it's in good shape, I'd pick it up for $15. I paid $20 for mine on Ebay and I though that was a good deal.

[nathanallan]

Stoneagegamer has the Genesis consoles shipped for ~$30 right now, and since it's from a shop that I trust I'd even get that one (if I didn't have plenty already).

Shameless plug:rock:

[MN12BIRD]

I would grab it. I'm surrounded by $10-15 Genesis model 1's in my area so I always pass them up but they are rarely HDG's and for $15 I would definitely grab it!

[Scooter]

I picked it up tonight. It came with a nice Propad 6 too. It isn't a non-TMSS version but of course it does have the good sound. The Sega CD connector still had it's little red cover and the contacts were clean and it all works fine. Cosmetically it has a few blemishes but it's not real beat. The sound is good and the graphics are certainly "High Definition". ;)

[kool kitty89]

Like I said, there are some advantages to the TMSS models, specifically the lack of rainbow banding and cleaner RF output. (Ace mentioned the banding is probably fromt he cheap capacitors an dmight be resolved by replacing, but you avoided that problem alltogether) I think those tend to be more tolerant to overclocking as well.

The only disadvantage is the time used by the tmss screen and lock-out of a handfull of games.

[Scooter]

The only disadvantage is the time used by the tmss screen and lock-out of a handfull of games.

Which is entirely overcome by using a Game Genie which I also own so I can play Zany Golf!