Master Phruby Posted August 24, 2017 Share Posted August 24, 2017 What is the best way to plug a Saturn into HDMI? Is it worth getting a SCART cable and SCART to HDMI converter box? Is there a special SCART cable to use on a NTSC model 2 Saturn? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KeeperofLindblum Posted August 24, 2017 Share Posted August 24, 2017 SCART works really well if you have a decent upscaler for it to work with. My understanding is the SCART to HDMI converters are pretty lackluster. S-Video or composite to HDMI are going to look pretty bad though as well... The only options that really exist outside of a SCART to HDMI box is basically a more expensive SCART to HDMI box like the Framemeister or OSSC. If you can, HD Retrovision makes a Sega Genesis component cable that you can combine with a Saturn adapter to get an easier to access signal. However, their cables are made in batches and they are currently sold out. More details here ---> http://www.hdretrovision.com/saturn/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+-^CrossBow^- Posted August 24, 2017 Share Posted August 24, 2017 I'm sure that RGB with scart to component to HDMI would look best or an HD retrovision cable with the Saturn adapter, but I'm quite happy with the picture quality I'm getting using S-video through a composite/s-video to HDMI converter that I've had for years. I only use the 720P mode from it that requires NO upscaling from the TV side through the HDMI so the only upscaling is through the converter itself and seems to have little input lag in doing so. The s-video to HDMI converter method would be the cheapest route I would say. But really up to you. Anything going through a converter including the SCART to component and again to HDMI will introduce some lag in the video. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keepdreamin Posted August 25, 2017 Share Posted August 25, 2017 OP asked for best way, which is: RGB through Framemeister or OSSC. Framemeister is much better at deinterlacing, which is great for the 3D fighters on the saturn. Most of which run at the higher resolution. Model 2 vs Model 1 doesn't matter as far as cables. Just search for "ntsc csync saturn scart". I got mine from retro console accessories on ebay. Retrogaming cables UK would be the other good choice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Professor Gull Posted August 25, 2017 Share Posted August 25, 2017 Hmm I could not afford one of those fancy Framemeisters but I did find what I thought was a good upconverter that can take the S-video out from the saturn and convert it to HDMI. Here is a short video with the RCA box I use as a switch which does S-video out. Maybe look at the video out on this and give it a thought. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
racketboy Posted August 25, 2017 Share Posted August 25, 2017 I'm getting the cables from HDRetrovision: http://www.hdretrovision.com/saturn/ And then running through my Denon receiver that will convert to HDMI. Haven't got it hooked up yet, but I've heard good things about them and I've liked my receiver's performance so far. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keepdreamin Posted August 25, 2017 Share Posted August 25, 2017 (edited) Hmm I could not afford one of those fancy Framemeisters but I did find what I thought was a good upconverter that can take the S-video out from the saturn and convert it to HDMI. Here is a short video with the RCA box I use as a switch which does S-video out. Maybe look at the video out on this and give it a thought. 4:3 stretched to 16:9 is automatic , unless it's anamorphic widescreen, and panzer zwei is one of the only Saturn games I know that allows that. Not even considering the quality of picture or lag. Again, OP asked for "best way". Which is.... (sigh) RGB through the OSSC or Framemeister plugged up to a low lag TV or monitor. If you've got your Saturn plugged up to a VCR via RF, then composite out to a switch box fed to a Harbor Freight special composite>HDMI converter. which you're then sending to a HDMI splitter that feeds a capture card and wireless HDMI transmitter to your tv.... nifty for you. But again, not the best way. Edited August 25, 2017 by keepdreamin 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+-^CrossBow^- Posted August 26, 2017 Share Posted August 26, 2017 HD retrovision from Saturn to component --> HDMI converter is way cheaper, produces no more lag than you would have with the OSSC or Framemeister (They still upscale afterall), to the TV is still an excellent method. We've been having this very discussion over at Sega-16 in fact. The less equipment needed to get the signal there the better overall. So HD retrovision cable to a component to HDMI converter will still get the job done with about the same amount of lag as the frameister/OSSC setup and possibly less. In my setup, should I purchase the adapter, I could go from HD retrovision cable straight to the component inputs on my TV. The Saturn and Genesis 240p do work on my modern TV, but SNES, Master System, and I suspect my TurboDUO would not. I know the SMS and SNES don't pass the 240p test on my TV. The average person isn't going to notice the difference between using the frameister/ossc setup and RGB to component to hdmi. It all starts with the pure RGB. I'm not looking to argue here, I'm just stating what gets excellent results for the best price. Or...best bang for the buck as it were. Also, not all TVs will allow a digital signal to go to 4:3 aspect. One of the reasons I upgraded my older flatpanel TV to my new one. Because it allows me to set 4:3 aspect on all inputs. So the Bomber Man shots above wouldn't be stretched on mine setup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keepdreamin Posted August 26, 2017 Share Posted August 26, 2017 (edited) HD retrovision from Saturn to component --> HDMI converter is way cheaper, produces no more lag than you would have with the OSSC or Framemeister (They still upscale afterall), to the TV is still an excellent method. We've been having this very discussion over at Sega-16 in fact. The less equipment needed to get the signal there the better overall. So HD retrovision cable to a component to HDMI converter will still get the job done with about the same amount of lag as the frameister/OSSC setup and possibly less. In my setup, should I purchase the adapter, I could go from HD retrovision cable straight to the component inputs on my TV. The Saturn and Genesis 240p do work on my modern TV, but SNES, Master System, and I suspect my TurboDUO would not. I know the SMS and SNES don't pass the 240p test on my TV. The average person isn't going to notice the difference between using the frameister/ossc setup and RGB to component to hdmi. It all starts with the pure RGB. I'm not looking to argue here, I'm just stating what gets excellent results for the best price. Or...best bang for the buck as it were. Also, not all TVs will allow a digital signal to go to 4:3 aspect. One of the reasons I upgraded my older flatpanel TV to my new one. Because it allows me to set 4:3 aspect on all inputs. So the Bomber Man shots above wouldn't be stretched on mine setup. I'm calling BS on "no more lag than Framemeister or OSSC" Which component -> HDMI converter are you using? Are you claiming it's as fast as the Framemeister or OSSC? The framemeister has been shown to be faster on the same TV vs just analog directly (TV handling upscaling). I'm guessing the cheap component to HDMI boxes aren't going to be any more capable than what's on board your television. The OSSC specifically is essentially lag free. I actually own the HD retrovision cables with Saturn adapter. I use them where they really shine, which is a late model CRT. On my particular HDTV, the picture does look very good. But it has a soft emulator-like bilinear filtered image using the component cables. If I had to guess, your cheap converter is probably yielding the same results. Edited August 26, 2017 by keepdreamin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+-^CrossBow^- Posted August 26, 2017 Share Posted August 26, 2017 If you read my post again, you would see that I can actually plug the HD REtrovision cables directly to the component input on my hdtv without the need for additional converters. But I also hear many that swear that going scart to a component converter to TV or scart to hdmi converter to TV looks equally as good as RGB would normally. And...I'm NOT a fan of scanlines and prefer to see the pixel sharp graphics of every detail. So the only crt I use on a routine basis is my tiny little 8inch PVM for bench testing modded consoles through composite and s-video. My eye are over 40 years old and a CRT image will always produce an overall fuzzier image than any of the flatpanel hdtvs I use. Is it the way they were originally meant to be seen? No...but it looks great and better than I ever remember. Then again, maybe I just had crappy crt TVs when I was a kid? I was only suggesting a very good option for the OP. I've nothing more to say in this thread. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keepdreamin Posted August 26, 2017 Share Posted August 26, 2017 (edited) If you read my post again, you would see that I can actually plug the HD REtrovision cables directly to the component input on my hdtv without the need for additional converters. But I also hear many that swear that going scart to a component converter to TV or scart to hdmi converter to TV looks equally as good as RGB would normally. And...I'm NOT a fan of scanlines and prefer to see the pixel sharp graphics of every detail. So the only crt I use on a routine basis is my tiny little 8inch PVM for bench testing modded consoles through composite and s-video. My eye are over 40 years old and a CRT image will always produce an overall fuzzier image than any of the flatpanel hdtvs I use. Is it the way they were originally meant to be seen? No...but it looks great and better than I ever remember. Then again, maybe I just had crappy crt TVs when I was a kid? I was only suggesting a very good option for the OP. I've nothing more to say in this thread. I was primarily responding to your first line, which was: "HD retrovision from Saturn to component --> HDMI converter is way cheaper, produces no more lag than you would have with the OSSC or Framemeister" If you could point me to a product page for said fast converter, I would greatly appreciate it. Edited August 26, 2017 by keepdreamin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KeeperofLindblum Posted August 26, 2017 Share Posted August 26, 2017 I was primarily responding to your first line, which was: "HD retrovision from Saturn to component --> HDMI converter is way cheaper, produces no more lag than you would have with the OSSC or Framemeister" If you could point me to a product page for said fast converter, I would greatly appreciate it. Here's the adapter you need. https://shop.hdretrovision.com/collections/component-cables/products/saturn-a-v-port-adapter Here's the cable you need... but it's out of stock. https://shop.hdretrovision.com/collections/component-cables/products/genesis-component-cable?variant=22630695427 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keepdreamin Posted August 26, 2017 Share Posted August 26, 2017 (edited) Here's the adapter you need. https://shop.hdretrovision.com/collections/component-cables/products/saturn-a-v-port-adapter Here's the cable you need... but it's out of stock. https://shop.hdretrovision.com/collections/component-cables/products/genesis-component-cable?variant=22630695427 Not that. I have those, I'm asking about the "component -----> HDMI converter" which is supposedly as fast as the lagless OSSC, and faster than the 20ms of the framemeister. That's the product page I'm looking for. So far this is a theoretical device, and you can't buy those on amazon. but seeing how Crossbow is done with this thread, I'm assuming he doesn't actually know of an existing product he was touting Edited August 26, 2017 by keepdreamin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KeeperofLindblum Posted August 26, 2017 Share Posted August 26, 2017 Oh... My bad! >_< Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Dangerous Posted August 26, 2017 Share Posted August 26, 2017 These sort of solutions are useless to most people, who don't want to bother with various adaptors, upscalers, interfaces, etc. etc. More or less one cable or a direct mod is what I am holding out for these days. Had my N64 HDMI modded recently, and it was worth the wait. Looks amazing. Hoping the Saturn will get this treatment some day.. PS1 I just play on a PS2 or 3 for HD 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keepdreamin Posted August 26, 2017 Share Posted August 26, 2017 (edited) I still want to buy that as-fast-as-OSSC component to HDMI adapter. and not just for saturn. TV's are dropping component inputs and I own a soft modded wii and XBOX. Edited August 26, 2017 by keepdreamin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keepdreamin Posted August 26, 2017 Share Posted August 26, 2017 (edited) So I did a little research which pointed me to the following, both going under the brand name Portta: The first (the blue one) is simply a component to HDMI converter, not an upscaler. It'll take whatever the component input resolution is and discharge it in HDMI. This is interesting as it will pass along a 240P HDMI signal (not officially noted, but I read it on another forum), however, it's a crap shoot though if your TV will accept a 240P HDMI signal. I was curious, and being only 20 bucks I've ordered one. I'll report back next week on saturn results specifically. I imagine at the very least, 480i games will work. But again, that's a $20 gamble if your TV likes 240P over HDMI. There's no database anywhere that I'm aware of that even covers that. https://www.amazon.com/Portta-YPbPr-Component-Converter-support/dp/B003VJ9RP6/ Now Portta also makes a gold version, which is actually an upscaler. After reading that it treats 240P as 480i like every other cheap scaler... yeah, that's an automatic pass . So I wouldn't even put this one into consideration. https://www.amazon.com/Portta-YPbPr-Component-Converter-support/dp/B00ATNIFPA/ Edited August 26, 2017 by keepdreamin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jce3000gt Posted August 27, 2017 Share Posted August 27, 2017 (edited) Didn't see this posted yet but please do your homework before getting any of these cables. Make sure your TV is compatible before getting the HD Retrovision (or SCART, etc) cables. The framemeister is stupid expensive so these cables seem like a great alternative (my preference) but just make sure your TV will play nice! I will say HD Retrovision has awesome customer service. Spoke with the owner about my rest results and he was very helpful. You may find your desired LCD/LED TV may not allow this video input. I know all three of mine won't after running the tests posted on HD Retrovision's site. I really want a Saturn (and 3DO for that matter) HDMI mod but I won't hold my breath. Saturn's just weren't that popular in North America like they were in Japan. Our only hope is that emulation gets better. Edited August 27, 2017 by jce3000gt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keepdreamin Posted August 27, 2017 Share Posted August 27, 2017 Compared to buying software for the Saturn, the framemeister is cheap. The money I didn't spend on games like radiant silver gun and hyperduel went towards a Framemeister and Rhea ODE. Now I can still play those games and tons more on any HD set. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jce3000gt Posted August 27, 2017 Share Posted August 27, 2017 Compared to buying software for the Saturn, the framemeister is cheap. The money I didn't spend on games like radiant silver gun and hyperduel went towards a Framemeister and Rhea ODE. Now I can still play those games and tons more on any HD set. I suppose, but consider that price is subjective. for each individual their idea on what is "cheap" differs. I for one don't have $300 to spend on ANYTHING much less Saturn titles or a framemeister. This is why emulation appeals because you'll only have the cost of the games to worry about as the emulator is free for a computer you already own. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Professor Gull Posted August 28, 2017 Share Posted August 28, 2017 So just on another thought since the Framemeister is discontinued did anyone pick up the spec prints for the unit? It would be nice to see someone else make another version of it and all. I will admit the upconverter I use is not the best as well but it functions for what I use it for for the most part. The cables though seems like a very interesting option. I might have to consider those in the upcoming days when I change out my TV again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg2600 Posted August 28, 2017 Share Posted August 28, 2017 I have an old DVDO iScan which is my upscaler, but use SCART for the Saturn, on my HDTV. On my CRT, I just got the HDR adapter and cable for component. I wouldn't pass anything 240p via component directly to an HDTV anymore. Compatibility is simply cruddy, not to mention net sets are eliminating component video. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keepdreamin Posted August 28, 2017 Share Posted August 28, 2017 So just on another thought since the Framemeister is discontinued did anyone pick up the spec prints for the unit? It would be nice to see someone else make another version of it and all. I will admit the upconverter I use is not the best as well but it functions for what I use it for for the most part. The cables though seems like a very interesting option. I might have to consider those in the upcoming days when I change out my TV again. The framemeister is still currently available from solaris. Even if you had the spec sheet, it wouldn't matter. Marvell stopped production on the upscaler chip it uses. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keepdreamin Posted August 29, 2017 Share Posted August 29, 2017 Unfortunately, the blue Portta component -> HDMI converter was a bust. I plugged it up to the Saturn via HD retrovision cables and turned on the saturn. My TV was blank and the "picture" LED on the converter was off. On a hunch I hooked up scart and fired up the Framemeister so I could boot Virtua Fighter 2 (480i gameplay). Switched back over to the HD retrovision cables and Portta converter, sure enough it was working. The picture quality is quite good, however knowing the character select menu is in 240P, I soft reset to the menu, sure enough the picture dropped out at the character select screen. Selected a character blindly and the picture came back for the gameplay. Just to be sure it wasn't some weird compatibility issue with the HD retrovision cables, I hooked up my saturn via component using my universal RGB scart to component box. Same story, the Portta converter doesn't like 240P. So, for classic games it's pretty much a useless device. It might be good for an original XBOX or Wii, as long as you weren't running anything in 240P. I'm not sure if the older revisions of the Portta blue were working with 240P? But this new one certainly doesn't. Until someone can point me to a component to HDMI converter that passes along 240P OR a cheap upscaler that doesn't treat 240P as a 480i signal... I'm sticking with my original assessment. The best way to plug up a Saturn via HDMI is with a Framemeister or OSSC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Austin Posted August 29, 2017 Share Posted August 29, 2017 These sort of solutions are useless to most people, who don't want to bother with various adaptors, upscalers, interfaces, etc. etc. More or less one cable or a direct mod is what I am holding out for these days. Had my N64 HDMI modded recently, and it was worth the wait. Looks amazing. Hoping the Saturn will get this treatment some day.. One upscaler that takes nearly every type of input seems like a more valuable solution to me than shelling out hundreds of dollars per console to have them modded for HDMI. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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