Hank Rearden Posted March 24, 2017 Share Posted March 24, 2017 I've already let it be known, I'm not a big fan of my composite upgrade so I've been debating upgrading one of my units with RGB. However, you not only have the issue of the cost of the RGB upgrade itself but then how to display it on a modern TV. It really looks like the best way to go is to buy a Framemeister, which go for $330 or so. There are probably cheaper options but I am curious to hear about anyone's experience with an RGB upgrade combined with a Framemeister. Or any other setups that benefit from the RGB upgrade. Please share. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AtariBrian Posted March 24, 2017 Share Posted March 24, 2017 I would go with a framemeister . I have also seen a cheap scaler and framemeister with a nes and the cheap scaler looked like garbage in comparison to the framemeister . Also , with an rgb mod you get a super nice s-video . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGQuarterly Posted March 24, 2017 Share Posted March 24, 2017 An Open Source Scan Converter is supposed to be at least as good as a Framemeister (mine is on the way, so I can't say for sure yet) and costs about half the price (although it has fewer bells & whistles). The catch is that you have to put your name on a waiting list. If you're impatient and don't mind paying, the Framemeister is an awesome piece of kit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hank Rearden Posted March 24, 2017 Author Share Posted March 24, 2017 From what little I've learned so far the OSSC is very good but still needs work to match up fully with the Framemeister. I haven't seen many YouTube videos of a modded 2600 using either really. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Pez Posted March 24, 2017 Share Posted March 24, 2017 just wait for the retroblox Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hank Rearden Posted March 24, 2017 Author Share Posted March 24, 2017 just wait for the retroblox That might be a long wait and while there is a niche for a unit like that, it doesn't sound like anything vastly different than Retron. There will always be those that like to combine the old with the new. And if this does ever come along it might be something I'd be interested in to fill in many holes for systems I don't yet have but might want to try Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeremy Popp Posted March 24, 2017 Share Posted March 24, 2017 (edited) I've already let it be known, I'm not a big fan of my composite upgrade so I've been debating upgrading one of my units with RGB. However, you not only have the issue of the cost of the RGB upgrade itself but then how to display it on a modern TV. It really looks like the best way to go is to buy a Framemeister, which go for $330 or so. There are probably cheaper options but I am curious to hear about anyone's experience with an RGB upgrade combined with a Framemeister. Or any other setups that benefit from the RGB upgrade. Please share. I have a framemeister, and I actually did my RGB 2600 mod just a few weeks ago. It looks excellent, as close to pixel perfection that you will probably find, however I haven't used any other scalers. Even though it's a large investment, I actually run a lot of consoles through my framemeister, most sega consoles output RGB natively with the right cable and look stunning. BTW, I had previously installed the standard 2 resistor, 1 transistor mod on my 2600, and RGB/S-Video is a large improvement. The RGB kit's composite output even looks a lot better than that basic mod. Edited March 24, 2017 by Jeremy Popp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hank Rearden Posted March 24, 2017 Author Share Posted March 24, 2017 I have a framemeister, and I actually did my RGB 2600 mod just a few weeks ago. It looks excellent, as close to pixel perfection that you will probably find, however I haven't used any other scalers. Even though it's a large investment, I actually run a lot of consoles through my framemeister, most sega consoles output RGB natively with the right cable and look stunning. BTW, I had previously installed the standard 2 resistor, 1 transistor mod on my 2600, and RGB/S-Video is a large improvement. The RGB kit's composite output even looks a lot better than that basic mod. What RGB kit did you use? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeremy Popp Posted March 24, 2017 Share Posted March 24, 2017 (edited) What RGB kit did you use? http://etim.net.au/shop/shop.php?crn=207 Keep in mind, those prices are in AU and not USD. With the conversion rates, it's less. I also bought the cable set for mine. I like the fact that it ouputs s-vid, composite and rgb - also component with an adapter. Edited March 24, 2017 by Jeremy Popp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hank Rearden Posted March 25, 2017 Author Share Posted March 25, 2017 http://etim.net.au/shop/shop.php?crn=207 Keep in mind, those prices are in AU and not USD. With the conversion rates, it's less. I also bought the cable set for mine. I like the fact that it ouputs s-vid, composite and rgb - also component with an adapter. And you have to have some sort of upscaler to take advantage of RGB, correct. Meaning there really isn't a connector for the RGB to HDMI or something like that. Or maybe there is but the picture won't look right since the TV won't likely recognize the 240P input. So you more or less need to use SCART. And regarding the Framemeister, the one to by is the EU version? The one listed for $338. JP21 is a Japanese version. Looks the same but it's pinned differently. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeremy Popp Posted March 25, 2017 Share Posted March 25, 2017 (edited) And you have to have some sort of upscaler to take advantage of RGB, correct. Meaning there really isn't a connector for the RGB to HDMI or something like that. Or maybe there is but the picture won't look right since the TV won't likely recognize the 240P input. So you more or less need to use SCART. I think there are some CRT's that will take the RGB natively, but for the most part yes, you would need an upscaler to take advantage of the RGB. I do use scart as my main connector, though I believe you can just run the 8 pin din cable straight to the framemeister. In that case you may have to run audio separately. And regarding the Framemeister, the one to by is the EU version? The one listed for $338. JP21 is a Japanese version. Looks the same but it's pinned differently. As far as I know, all framemeister upscalers are the same, and come with the JP21 adapter (similar to euroscart connector). You just have to decide if you want to stick with the JP21 for your connectors, or get a euroscart adapter instead, and then use standard scart cables. I personally went with buying a euroscart adapter because euroscart cables for systems are more common. I went through all this about a year ago, and it's kind of a headache to wrap your brain around everything, once it's set up though, it looks really good. I'm using a 51" samsung plasma for reference. Edited March 25, 2017 by Jeremy Popp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hank Rearden Posted April 1, 2017 Author Share Posted April 1, 2017 Well I took the plunge and ordered a Framemeister. Now my 3 month wait begins. In the meantime I will order an RGB upgrade kit for my 4 switch woody and use S - video until Framemeister arrives. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheRedEye Posted April 4, 2017 Share Posted April 4, 2017 FWIW I think RF > TV tuner > Composite > Framemeister looks pretty cool, it's upscaled but with authentic ugliness. If you're going for RGB I'd just do an AnalogueNT Mini at this point. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keatah Posted April 4, 2017 Share Posted April 4, 2017 Yes. At what point does the conversion chain become too long, too cumbersome? Better to synthesize the game image directly into the desired output format. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hank Rearden Posted April 4, 2017 Author Share Posted April 4, 2017 Part of the fun is modding the old system and breathing some new 21st century life into it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keatah Posted April 4, 2017 Share Posted April 4, 2017 I guess.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keepdreamin Posted April 7, 2017 Share Posted April 7, 2017 I guess.. You "Guess"? Thousands of Framemeisters sold. Preorders for months out. I'd say, Yeah 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SignGuy81 Posted April 12, 2017 Share Posted April 12, 2017 And you have to have some sort of upscaler to take advantage of RGB, correct. Meaning there really isn't a connector for the RGB to HDMI or something like that. Or maybe there is but the picture won't look right since the TV won't likely recognize the 240P input. So you more or less need to use SCART. And regarding the Framemeister, the one to by is the EU version? The one listed for $338. JP21 is a Japanese version. Looks the same but it's pinned differently. Just wanted to add for anyone looking for a TV that does accept 240P over component cables I have a Hisense 55 inch Smart TV that does. It has more options than most name brand expensive TVs I've had. I would have to look at the model number but I have the 1080p version I'm not sure if the newer ones do or not support 240p over component. Reason I wanted a TV that does was at the time was trying to find a TV I could use with my PS2 and have component cables and be able to play PS1 games. I'd before have to have it hooked compenent for best picture with PS2 games then everytime I wanted to play a PS1 game had to swap it back to composite. My Hisense TV solved that problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubersaurus Posted April 13, 2017 Share Posted April 13, 2017 FWIW I think RF > TV tuner > Composite > Framemeister looks pretty cool, it's upscaled but with authentic ugliness. If you're going for RGB I'd just do an AnalogueNT Mini at this point. I will back this up. I recently got a Framemeister and hooked up my 2600 through an RF demodulator last night. It looks about as close to a CRT display as you'd get on an HD set thanks to the RF fuzziness. Looks cool! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
AtariAge on Instagram
Watch us on YouTube
Chat on Discord
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.