Magnavox cdi

[Sapicco]

Hi everyone. Not very hip on this console, was thinking about picking one up. Any recommendations as to the best version? I have seen Phillips and magnavox. Also, what is the purpose of the " video cartridge" and is it required to play? Thanks all!

[OldSchoolRetroGamer]

I have and like the Magnovox 450 cdi model. The Mpeg video cartridge is definitely required to play some titles yes. Off the top of my head you want to be sure whichever you get the battery / timekeeper module is proven working, I have heard when they die it causes problems and they are difficult to replace / repair depending on ones skill. You also want to get a hold of a gamepad in place of the odd remote wand type controller. That is about all I now, I am sure more wise people will reply or correct my post.

[Sapicco]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Magnavox-CDI-Console-LOT-GAME-TESTED-/121708362255?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c56623a0f Thanks for the advice. I'm eyeing this one. How's this look?

[OldSchoolRetroGamer]

Seems pretty good but does not include the video cartridge, not sure how hard it would be to get separately but it is a good start.

 

I DO WONDER THOUGH why the Detailed item info is for a TG16 console lol.

Edited July 24, 2015 by OldSchoolRetroGamer

[Sapicco]

Is this the right video cartridge to buy? Sorry for all the questions, but you are my only hope!

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/331488476130?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[OldSchoolRetroGamer]

Is this the right video cartridge to buy? Sorry for all the questions, but you are my only hope!

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/331488476130?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

It seems to be as the box says for the Magnovox CDi450 but if you bought that Magnovox one in the auction was it the 450 model? The description was very basic. Also I don't know if it matters that the video module comes from a PAL territory if the console is NTSC? I got my bundle all together so I cannot say for certain with these details, hopefully someone more knowledgeable chimes in...............

Edited July 24, 2015 by OldSchoolRetroGamer

[Sapicco]

the box says compatible with tv's worldwide, so I think I should be ok! Hopefully someone else chimes in too!

[CatPix]

From what I heard, CD-i software works worldwide, and that cart is for MPEG, so fully digital, standardised video. Also, the CD-I 450 MPEG carts are fully digital video, unlike the previous, larger carts that had analog video processed is as well as digital.

It's hard to say because as the CD-i is as equally common (or uncommon) in Europe and the US, and most software is common on both, I don't know people that bother to import from the US to Europe and vice versa.

 

For the versions; Philips bought Magnavox in 1974. So it doesn't matted if you pick up a Philips or Magnavox CD-i - it's just a brand sticker that make a difference. You might find the Magnavox cheaper because people might prefer the more famous Philips name - it's all good for you if that's the case.

 

The most common players are the CD-i 200 series and the Philips 450 series.

The big difference is mostly in the video cart - small format for the 450, large format for the 200 (the Philips 910 in the US is part of the 200 series... don't ask. Philips)

 

Also, the CD-I 450 doesn't have an IR port, so if you want to use your 450, you HAVE to be sure to get a wired controller with it, or the IR module and a remote.

 

There are other versions but they are less common (high end or professionnal) so you have less chances to find one and they doesn't offer more than a 450 or 200 series with a digital video card, as far as gaming goes.

Interestingly enough, some LG (then Goldstar) versions are portable, if that's of your interest, and more importantly have integrated MPEG video build in (not removeable) and also a standard replaceable batterie for save RAM. So if you stumble across a LG CD-i player it can be interesting to check it out!

[+thegoldenband]

I held out for a LG GDI-700M, and so far I'm very glad I did. Perfect picture and sound, DVC included, built-in PAL/NTSC switch, and no battery issue (it's user-replaceable).

 

That model doesn't get a lot of press, but after doing some research it was the one I picked, and it seems great. I read a claim that it doesn't get along with certain games, but I haven't seen any evidence of that so far, except maybe the original version of International Tennis Open which keeps crashing (the updated 2P version works fine, though).

[Austin]

except maybe the original version of International Tennis Open which keeps crashing (the updated 2P version works fine, though).

 

You're not missing out on much there.

[CatPix]

I would get a LG player.. if they had RGB out. Sadly when looking at the specs, none of them, even the PAL models, are said to have RGB, only composite.

I then will try to mod my Timekeeper battery to add a replaceable battery to it.

[+thegoldenband]

You're not missing out on much there.

 

Heh, could be, but it was actually one of the reasons I got a CD-i! (I have a project of playing every tennis game on every system.)

 

I need to get a proper gamepad or a Sega > CD-i adapter, though, since it's unplayable with the remote.

 

Ironically enough it's, um, the only original CD-i game I own...and it crashes. Sigh. You try to do the right thing...

[Austin]

 

Ironically enough it's, um, the only original CD-i game I own...and it crashes. Sigh. You try to do the right thing...

 

It's a sign that you should be spending your time playing good games. The CD-I is trying to do you a favor.

[Sapicco]

Hi everyone. So I got this thing in the mail. Hooked it up to make sure it worked. Played a little tennis. Either this game is really tough, or I am really bad at it! One thing though, there is slight static coming through the speakers like there is a bad connection or something. I used the same av cables from they 3do and same problem. Any ideas how to eliminate this "noise"?