RamrodHare

Hi Guys! I hope I'm posting this in the right place, since it actually applies to the 2600, 7800 and Flashback consoles when connected to Vizio smart TVs. Here's a little background on the issue, before I tell you the solution. (This may be a problem with other HDTVs, so it may possibly help more than just the Vizio owners). When connecting the various Atari systems to a 47 inch Vizio smart TV, some games would simply go black for a second or two. Space Jockey being the worst. It was completely unplayable. At first, I thought this was an issue with the 2600, but then I had the same issue with the 7800 and a Flashback 3 and 4. I searched google for a solution. Some people said turn off the backlight, others said turn on "Game mode". Of course some said the TV needed repair. LOL I tried turning off different options and changing settings on the TV and noticed something. The game wasn't the only thing going black. The TV menu window was also disappearing when the atari was turned on. So, after going through all the settings and then going through all the advanced setting, I finally ended up on the "smooth motion" setting. When I turned this feature off, the screen stopped going black. Making all 2600 and 7800 games playable (including the Flashback console games). I don't know if this will help other people or not, but I wanted to share it, just in case. If it helps at least one other person, then I feel it was worth posting. I know a lot of people prefer to play on CRts (I do myself), but in some cases, due to limited space or lack of a CRT, we are forced to play on what we have available.

I knew a lot of people liked the Genesis controllers. I just figured that there might be interested in a professionally made two button controller, specifically designed for the 7800. I'm pretty happy with my modded NES controllers, but I haven't used a Genesis controller since back in the early 90s. I'll have to pick one up and try it out. I like the idea of the adapters, but on my limited income, it's cheaper for me to rewire the controllers myself. The seagull 78 is extremely tempting, since it would allow me to use any Genesis controller without modding it first. That makes it worth the price just for testing purposes. Being able to decide if I like the feel of a controller before I went to the trouble of modding it would be nice.

I've just finished modding a few NES and SMS controllers to work with the 7800. Both are a step up from the Proline. I haven't had my hands on one of the Euro controllers, so I can't comment on those. The SMS controllers have a "sloppy" directional pad compared to the NES, which is rather precise feeling. I also added thumb sticks to my NES controllers which I find to be easier on my thumb with extended play. I'm rather surprised that someone hasn't designed and built some 7800 gamepads. It seems to me that there's a demand there. I was just doing the modded controllers for myself, but if people are interested and don't want to attempt the mods on their own, I'm willing to help.