Vertical lines in picture

[Joe Redifer]

That I do not know. My model 1 is not noisey without a 32X, but it does have the vertical bars. When using the 32X, the RGB is output from the Genesis to the device, so I wouldn't think it would be noisey.

[Timstuff]

Sorry if anyone is annoyed by me bumping up such an old thread, but I too am getting a somewhat noisy picture on my model 2 Genesis's image, and it's hooked up through composite A/V cables. Has anyone been able to confirm that a 32x will solve the problem? I hate the thought of having to keep one hooked up to my Genny on a regular basis just to get a clean picture, but is that the only option with a model 2 genesis? Do all model 2s have the vertical line / noise problem when hooked up through AV, or is it only a specific run of them?

If a 32x is what it takes to get a crystal clear image out of the genesis, then I might consider doing a "neptune mod" on my Genesis at some point in the future, if I can find a 32x at a decent price. It'd sure be a lot of hassle, though...

[Joe Redifer]

It'd be easier to get a new Genesis.

[Timstuff]

Hah, I just thought of that. I know that the obvious solution would be just to get a Model 1, but I'm one of those weird people who prefers the model 2's design (also, my brother owns a model 1). So, is there a model 2 genesis out there that doesn't have the "sega lines" problem? Are they significantly rarer than the ones with crappy picture quality, and is there a specific model number to keep an eye out for?

[TmEE]

If you'd use RGB you won't get any lines, or use 32X for better Composhit conversion as mentioned before... I personally would just locate a RGB to YUV converter and enjoy the best possible image on any system you have that can output RGB (MD, SMS, Saturn, DC, SNES....).

[evildragon]

I get lines on RGB out of a non-tms model 1, but only on SOME TVs..

[Ace]

I get noise out of these systems:

-VA3 Model 1(this has no TMSS), but this one only has vertical rainbow-colored stripes(not sure what's up with that).
-VA1 to VA1.8 Model 2 - The image on these units is disgusting: highly pixellated and noisy. This is all because of a stupid RGB>Composite encoder used in those Model 2s(even worse than the one used in the Model 1) that's incredibly cheap(it's made by Samsung). Some Model 2s(most VA2s and all VA3s and VA4s) are spared from this garbage because they use a much higher-quality video encoder, the Sony CXA1645(the video encoders rank like this: CXA1645(Genesis 3/most VA2 Genesis 2s/VA3 Genesis 2/VA4 Genesis 2), CXA1145(few Genesis 2s and all Genesis 1s), KA2195D(most Genesis 2s; the source of the noisy image)). It's not too obvious to spot a VA2 Genesis 2 with a CXA1645 encoder unless you open it or turn it on. VA3s and VA4s are much easier to spot, as they have an open space through the bottom air vents. Typically, a Genesis 2 has a big silver-colored aluminum plate that goes through all the air vents. VA3s and VA4s have that same plate, but also have a black, open space(those models have motherboards that take up 3/4 of the casing).

[Timstuff]

It figures that Sony would put out a superior chip than Samsung.

So what I need to look for is a Genesis that has black space underneath parts of the bottom vents, instead of just metal (like mine has)? Interesting... So how rare are they? I'd definitely like to pick one up if I can find one, although that might be a bit tricky in my current living suitation since I'm in a dorm with no car, and I pretty much have to buy everything through the mail.

If I can somehow get ahold of a VA3 or VA4 before Christmas, I might give my VA1 to my little cousins.

[tomaitheous]

I get lines on RGB out of a non-tms model 1, but only on SOME TVs..

Well, technically you're running it through a component converter and not directly RGB.

[Ace]

It figures that Sony would put out a superior chip than Samsung.

lol

So what I need to look for is a Genesis that has black space underneath parts of the bottom vents, instead of just metal (like mine has)? Interesting... So how rare are they? I'd definitely like to pick one up if I can find one, although that might be a bit tricky in my current living suitation since I'm in a dorm with no car, and I pretty much have to buy everything through the mail.

I own 2 of the 3/4 motherboard Genesis 2s out of the 9 Genesis 2s I have lying around my house. They are pretty hard to come by. Even while I was on vacation in New Hampshire this summer, the video game store I went to had only 2 3/4 motherboard Genesis 2s out of an undisclosed amount of systems(at least 10-15 Genesis 2s, that's for sure), both of them VA4s. So yeah, like I said, 3/4 motherboard units are pretty hard to come by, as they were the newer versions of the system and were released between late 1994(VA3) and 1996(VA4, at least that's what the VA4 motherboard says), when the Genesis was on its way out(they're certainly easier to come by that a Genesis 3).
Some VA4s have a different model number on the sticker underneath the unit. Typically, a Genesis 2 has model number MK-1631, but very late Genesis 2s(which happened to be released by Majesco before the Genesis 3 came along) have model number MK-1451(this is what tells it's a Majesco system, as the Genesis 3 has model number MK-1461).

[evildragon]

Well, technically you're running it through a component converter and not directly RGB.

true true.. i figured that if it's taking the composite sync and putting it on the luma line it'll still have the effect is present.

[Timstuff]

lol



I own 2 of the 3/4 motherboard Genesis 2s out of the 9 Genesis 2s I have lying around my house. They are pretty hard to come by. Even while I was on vacation in New Hampshire this summer, the video game store I went to had only 2 3/4 motherboard Genesis 2s out of an undisclosed amount of systems(at least 10-15 Genesis 2s, that's for sure), both of them VA4s. So yeah, like I said, 3/4 motherboard units are pretty hard to come by, as they were the newer versions of the system and were released between late 1994(VA3) and 1996(VA4, at least that's what the VA4 motherboard says), when the Genesis was on its way out(they're certainly easier to come by that a Genesis 3).
Some VA4s have a different model number on the sticker underneath the unit. Typically, a Genesis 2 has model number MK-1631, but very late Genesis 2s(which happened to be released by Majesco before the Genesis 3 came along) have model number MK-1451(this is what tells it's a Majesco system, as the Genesis 3 has model number MK-1461).

Hmm... Well, I suppose my best bet would be to check Game Crazy and the local used game shops if I want to find one. My odds might not be great, but as long as the people running the shops don't have problems with people peeking at the underside of a game console, it's worth a try.

[Timstuff]

I just found out that the Sega Genesis 2s put out by Majesco are incompatible with both the Sega CD and 32x peripherals. Are all 3/4 PCB Genesis 2s made without add-on compatibility, or is it only the very late ones produced by Majesco? I know that Majesco's Game Gears were incompatible with the TV tuner, so was this only something that was removed solely at Majesco's choice?

Ugh, Genesis 2... It has such a sexy exterior, yet it's such a pain to get one that does everything you want it to. Headaches like this are certainly something that Genesis does that Nintendon't, lol.

[TmEE]

A real MD2 does work with MCD and 32X. Mine is doing 3some with MCD and 32X right now :P

[Ace]

It's Majesco's Genesis 3 that's incompatible with all add-ons(Majesco Genesis 2s are VA4 Genesis 2s, which are compatible with everything). No 3/4 motherboard Genesis 2s are incompatible with any add-ons or Virtua Racing.