Genesis/32X/CD setup and S-video questions, Help!

[Bear78]

Hey guys, I finally got "the full setup", US Genesis 2, US CD 2, and US 32X. I have it all hooked up and its working great but I had a few questions that I can't seem to get a good answer to after digging though this forum.

First off, here is my current hook up:



So my first question is, I have read about the better sound that comes from the CD, but what about with a 32x hooked up? Is my current configuration the best sound I am going to get? Or if I have sound output from the CD and video from the 32x, is that the best?

Second question, Is there a way to do the S-Video conversion with this setup? I am not looking to mod anything, looking more for the converter path. I have read some about the SCART stuff but I always end up getting confused as to what is exactly needed. Is the only way to get true S-video out of the Genesis to mod it or can it be done using converters? If so, what converters would I need to pull it off with my current setup?

Any help would be appreciated!

[Lastcallhall]

Build a s-video circuit/audio out into a project box, and buy a 9pin m-m cable off of eBay...


Or I could build one for you

[lumclaw]

You must mod the 32x for S-video or install an external device. S-video won't work with 32x attached, if done on the Genesis side. Because 32x requires RGB to operate. (why it has its own video encoder)

Though I'd still recommend adding S-video to the Genesis later. Master System games won't benefit otherwise as they don't run from 32x.

SCART simply takes a suitable external converter. Some solutions upscale 240p, others leave it alone for the TV to decide what to do. Either way part of your setup needs to be 240p compatible.

[Chibisteven]

Hey guys, I finally got "the full setup", US Genesis 2, US CD 2, and US 32X. I have it all hooked up and its working great but I had a few questions that I can't seem to get a good answer to after digging though this forum.

First off, here is my current hook up:



So my first question is, I have read about the better sound that comes from the CD, but what about with a 32x hooked up? Is my current configuration the best sound I am going to get? Or if I have sound output from the CD and video from the 32x, is that the best?

Second question, Is there a way to do the S-Video conversion with this setup? I am not looking to mod anything, looking more for the converter path. I have read some about the SCART stuff but I always end up getting confused as to what is exactly needed. Is the only way to get true S-video out of the Genesis to mod it or can it be done using converters? If so, what converters would I need to pull it off with my current setup?

Any help would be appreciated!

If your Genesis does have the Crystal Clear Audio Mod, use the line from the 32X. If you're using a stock Genesis (hopefully one of the later model 2s), use the SEGA CD. If you get a ground loop (loud hum) you may have to make more adjustments or use the other option.

[Bear78]

Build a s-video circuit/audio out into a project box, and buy a 9pin m-m cable off of eBay...


Or I could build one for you

So I assume you are talking about something like what is in this thread: http://www.sega-16.com/forum/showthr...apter-For-Sale

Does this kind of adapter actually improve the video quality coming out of the 32x/genesis? This would be going into a standard s-video compatible TV. Would I be getting improvements like what is shown on this site: http://www.jamma-nation-x.com/jammax/genesismods.html

Sorry for my ignorance, I really don't know anything about wiring/chips/etc.

@Lumclaw, I leave the 32x in all the time so ideally I would want the S-video to work with the 32x. I do have the tototek Master System converter but when I want to use that I just remove the 32x.

Anyone know about the audio question?

Thanks again guys!

[lumclaw]

Yeah I agree. An outside box is probably what you want. That would allow both. In addition to supporting Nomad. (pointless as that is, owning a Genesis)

s-video inside the genesis won't work for 32x games. s-video inside the 32x won't work for master system games.

[ApolloBoy]

I'd also recommend getting S-video from a separate encoder box. You can mod the 32X itself with S-video but when I tried it, it looked no different than composite and so isn't worth the effort. If your TV has component inputs you're much better off getting a SCART cable and a SCART-to-component converter as that will get you the best picture quality available from the 32X.

[Lastcallhall]

So I assume you are talking about something like what is in this thread: http://www.sega-16.com/forum/showthr...apter-For-Sale

Does this kind of adapter actually improve the video quality coming out of the 32x/genesis? This would be going into a standard s-video compatible TV. Would I be getting improvements like what is shown on this site: http://www.jamma-nation-x.com/jammax/genesismods.html

Sorry for my ignorance, I really don't know anything about wiring/chips/etc.

@Lumclaw, I leave the 32x in all the time so ideally I would want the S-video to work with the 32x. I do have the tototek Master System converter but when I want to use that I just remove the 32x.

Anyone know about the audio question?

Thanks again guys!

Exactly.

I use one and I see a significant improvement from my 32x for the video. I use the Sega CD for the audio, so I run that to my TV. That said, the 9-pin connector does support stereo audio out from the 32x, so you could also run the audio from that and use the box as a simple passthrough.

[villahed94]

I use the Genesis headphone out, mostly because I only have Model 1s.
BTW, I highly recommend to install an Svideo circuit based on the CXA2075 inside the 32X...

[Guntz]

There's little advantage to installing S-Video inside the 32X, with or without a new encoder. Not only does the 32X need a Genesis and won't work with Master System games, but there's very little physical room on the 32X shell. The easiest method is an external box, that way the RGB encoder can be used on a variety of systems. The Nomad, Genesis 2, Genesis 3 (I think), Sega CDX and probably some other systems all have the same Mini-DIN connector and the pinout never really changes.

If you were to make an S-Video box for the Model 1 Genesis, it'd also work with the Master System (Model 1) and the Neo Geo (AES).

[Breetai]

There's little advantage to installing S-Video inside the 32X, with or without a new encoder. Not only does the 32X need a Genesis and won't work with Master System games, but there's very little physical room on the 32X shell. The easiest method is an external box, that way the RGB encoder can be used on a variety of systems. The Nomad, Genesis 2, Genesis 3 (I think), Sega CDX and probably some other systems all have the same Mini-DIN connector and the pinout never really changes.

If you were to make an S-Video box for the Model 1 Genesis, it'd also work with the Master System (Model 1) and the Neo Geo (AES).

Do you have a link for how to build these, or where to buy them? I'm guessing if it works for an SMS, model 1 Genny and AES, it would also work on a PCE/Duo.

Does this kind of adapter actually improve the video quality coming out of the 32x/genesis? This would be going into a standard s-video compatible TV. Would I be getting improvements like what is shown on this site: http://www.jamma-nation-x.com/jammax/genesismods.html

I recognize that guy from Neo-Geo.com.

[lumclaw]

Do you have a link for how to build these, or where to buy them? I'm guessing if it works for an SMS, model 1 Genny and AES, it would also work on a PCE/Duo.

Use a SCART plug for the s-video box input. Then virtually any RGB console will plug in.

[Bear78]

Thanks again guys! Looks like the external convert is the best choice for me. S-video is the best the TV I use for classic games has so that is what I would like to roll with.

[Guntz]

Do you have a link for how to build these, or where to buy them? I'm guessing if it works for an SMS, model 1 Genny and AES, it would also work on a PCE/Duo.

There's no guide(s) available, but assembly theory is very simple. You essentially just make an application circuit for your RGB encoder of choice inside a box with an 8-pin DIN cable. The app circuit for the CXA2075 is pretty simple, but the chip is surface mount. The datasheet for the encoder contains an app circuit.

As for buying, I know Shadowkn55 on NG.com has sold them before. They are meant for Neo Geo but should work on the Model 1 SMS and Genesis.

[Breetai]

As for buying, I know Shadowkn55 on NG.com has sold them before. They are meant for Neo Geo but should work on the Model 1 SMS and Genesis.

I guess PCE, also? I'll have to PM him over there later on when I get a chance.