Maximizing Graphics ?

[MaxSpeed]

I have just set up my 2600 and want to make the graphics as good as possible.

 

Is channel 2 or 3 better ? I can not see a difference.

There is a line on the left side of the screen in some games, any way to get riid of this ?

 

In some games little dots appear on the left also. Maybe my TV is not optimal ?

 

I realize this is a 20 year old machine and I do not expect perfection, but any tips are appreciated. I am having a blast with many games I have not played in 20 years !

 

Thanks for any tips !

[MegaManFan]

I have just set up my 2600 and want to make the graphics as good as possible.  

 

Is channel 2 or 3 better ? I can not see a difference.

 

Then don't worry about it. The channel switch is best applied to whatever is not broadcasting locally in your area; which is why some people (such as me) use 2. If nobody broadcasts on either one there will be no quality improvement in the picture either way.

 

There is a line on the left side of the screen in some games, any way to get riid of this ?

 

No. For Asteroids, Berzerk and other early Atari games, this was a side effect of the programming routines used to draw and refresh the screen. If you concentrate on the game play in the middle you'll learn to tune it out, but if bothers you a lot you could always apply black masking tape to that side of the screen.

 

In some games little dots appear on the left also.  Maybe my TV is not optimal ?

 

Again, side effect of the drawing routines. You have to keep in mind that while the things a 2600 +CAN+ do are amazing, the early developers worked within what they believed the limits were at the time, and that involved leaving some garbage on the screen while the rest was active.

 

Enjoy your 2600!

[MaxSpeed]

with this machine ! Cheers !

[SS]

if bothers you a lot you could always apply black masking tape to that side of the screen.

 

[KAZ]

   

 

[Myrmidon]

if bothers you a lot you could always apply black masking tape to that side of the screen.

 

Lovely lateral thinking. And you can use the same tape to solve the annoying flashing "12:00" problem on many VCR's

 

Cheers

Olaf