i sense that you love that console beside you i really feel it everytime you make a video about it its nice to see gamers still love the dreamcast its an awesome console.
Very cool. I've been avoiding a VGA box thus far because of the compatibility issues with games that don't support it. I'm going to have to get one of these. Thanks for posting this up!
Why doesn't the Dreamcast support Component? Because in 1998, 480p/720p TVs were non-existent. The only way people could get 480p, was with computer monitors. Computer monitors never supported Component, only VGA.
I just perform an internal VGA mod, and HOLY CRAP, I never thought that the picture would be so great. How have I missed this awesome stuff for so long? It looks phenomenal on a LCD screen!
I bought my first Dreamcast on Saturday and have been watching your Keep Dreaming videos in anticipation of its approval. Just ordered one of these after watching this video. Thanks Adam, you've been a big help for me because I don't know jack shit about the Dreamcast.
I remember when i first connected my Dreamcast to a CRT monitor 1600x1200 resolution by VGA to see if there was a difference from S-Video, when i fired up the DC with Power Stone 2 it blew my mind, i never seen a console look so good before, the colors, sharpness, contrast, brightness, it looks perfect!
Welp. it's been two years. I hope you finally learned that dreamcast can output vga signal without any boxes. That's why this box can double as scanline generator, because it's precisely is that: scanline generator.
Yup. I have a cheap VGA DC cord hooked up to a VGA2HDMI adapter going to my OLED and it looks phenomenal. I wouldn’t spend that kind of money for a VGA box that is practically just a scan like generator.
This video brings me way back. I had a Japanese launch Dreamcast and an American launch Dreamcast, and had to show my friends what a dramatic difference the VGA box made in image and graphic quality. I loaded up Soul Calibur on my high resolution flat screen 17 inch NEC monitor, and proceeded to watch jaws drop. Back in 1998 and 1999, 480p from Dreamcast with games like Shenmue and Soul Calibur were the equivalent of HD. I used the Performance box, and it was great. It had VGA pass through, so I could hook my computer up at the same time. I also jerry rigged games like Hydro Thunder to run in VGA mode.
Wow, and I was already impressed with the quality I got from RGB SCART (on an ok CRT TV). When I get myself a Dreamcast again -gave my collection to a friend as a birthday gift when I became a student with little room or time-I will definitely get a Hanzo if they are still available, as well as a VGA to HDMI scaler. Thanks for the many great, and informative, videos.
Hey +AdamKoralik sorry I'm such a idiot when asking this but from the Hanzo to the television what kind of cable(s) do you use? A VGA cable? I'm pretty sure I have a VGA hookup on my television.
Jeff Krug Yes, a VGA cable for video. You need separate audio cables. If your TV supports VGA, it will have a dedicated 3.5 mm audio jack for that purpose.
You can also use the dreamcast import converter disk which allows diffrent region games to work with us consoles and the vga box as well be cautious though bleem for dreamcast had been known to burn out vga boxes on the dreamcast
I finally received my Kuro and you weren't kidding, the picture quality is amazing. I don't care about scanlines either or any of the other features of the Hanzo so that's why I chose the Kuro instead, and so far I'm very happy with it.
AdamKoralik ahh, I need help. I got the hanzo hooked up to my atlona upscaler and am able to get the image to come up but I can't seem to get any audio. I tried connecting a red and white rca cable from the hanzo to the tv and still no audio. Please help adam.
SuperJumpReviews The Toro has to RCA audio output ports on it. If you're connecting that to the VGA to HDMI scaler by Atlona you're going to need an RCA to 3.5 MM audio patch cable to link them. I showed this in the video bud.
It's funny i'm on the waiting for the Hanzo's arrives from Turkey, and you just uploaded a video about it!! Thanks Adam, for all your Dreamcast's passion.
Great review Adam. I bought a racketboy model and then bought one of those cheap Chinese made vga boxes (don't kill me) and I'm 100% convinced that cheap DC vga boxes have a very limited shelf life before they start either flickering or giving a yellow picture no matter how gentle you are with them. I definitely will invest in one of the models that the Behar Bros are selling..
Rock solid review Adam, much appreciated! Let me take that half-critique about the RCA audio outputs, and turn it into a positive one ;) I think the designer of the Hanzo did well in choosing RCA over 3.5mm, and for the following reasons: 1) Ground connections 3.5mm connections have a common ground for the left and right channel inside the jack, and as evident on the plug itself. RCA has separate grounds for both channels. This might potentially mean a better audio experience, although I'm not sure if the grounds are linked together on the circuitboard. 2) Strength The RCA connector itself is a lot more rugged than say a board mount 3.5mm connector. Just think of all those walkman's with snapped off headphone connections on the inside (i cry evertim). on the other side; male RCA jacks are almost indestructible, and as an added bonus, because of their bulkier size, have a lot more physical support when properly soldered on the circuitboard. 3) Replaceability When broken, RCA jacks are much easier to solder / desolder, and because they're separate, you can save money by only replacing the channel jack that is needed. The added cost of having to buy a 2xRCA to 3.5mm cable could actually be a benefit, because it would break before the jacks would, thus saving the time, and trouble to pull out the soldering iron.
So Adam, Besides all the features you named for the Hanzo, is there any difference Video Wise from the VGA Box you normally use and the Hanzo? I am just wondering cause i know most of the time you used the other one thats been in your other videos on the dreamcast. Are you going to be switching from your old one to the Hanzo? Thanks for the video. I enjoy them always even though i barely comment.
Thanks for commenting this time. No, there is no difference in the video quality. You'd get this one for the build quality, features, and reasonable pricing. I still primarily use my VGA modded Dreamcast as it results in less clutter. But for any non VGA modded Dreamcast (IE all of them I have except for one), I use the Hanzo.
The nice thing about having RCA out is that RCA doesn't use a shared ground, plus RCA connectors tend to be a bit more durable; not to mention you can easily adapt it to TRS.
AdamKoralik Thanks for the heads up. Gonna get the hanzo then since it has that extra feature for more games then. If one of them chinese crap VGA cables work with this setup there's no reason as to why the hanzo wouldn't, to be honest.
Couldn't figure out the shipping costs but ~50€ sounds about right to me, seeing what differences you get by just using different connections. Nice video again, Adam! Definitely gonna get one by some time.
oooh, see now i *do* like the look of those scan lines.. and i just had a revelation as to why they're appealing to some people.. it's sort of like a time warp.. cos when you see those, you instantly feel like you're looking at an old CRT tv from about 4 feet away, like we used to play games in the early nineties.. mmmm time travel.. mmmmmmm this is a thing i definitely need. already have a vga box somewhere, but i was never sure if i was gettin anythin out of it..
First, I'd like to say thank you for your videos. I've watched a bunch of them now and they were all very informative. I was searching for the best way to use VGA on my DC, and ultimately decided to go with that white wire you show in the video(sorry. I made the purchase before I knew about the Hanzo) My question is; besides the white wire being of poor quality of a physical structure stand point, does the picture from the Hanzo box make THAT much of a difference, if at all? I've been using the wire I bought and the picture looks really great on my 52 inch bravia, but I want to make sure I'm getting the most out of my dreamcast. So would it be enough of a difference(again, if at all) between the two to go ahead and get the Hanzo? Thanks.
The differences are, as you mentioned build quality. But also compatibility. if you have it running on your TV, then that's not so much of an issue. The other is bonus features such as support for non VGA compatible games, scanlines, higher quality audio, etcetera. If these things don't matter to you, then it probably won't make much difference over all. But traditionally cables like that have very poor video quality when compared to their high grade counterparts. In other words, they're cheap for a reason. Thanks for watching by the way!
I just bought this VGA box from their website and Shenmue off of ebay just so I can see what all the hype is. (I also kickstarted Shenmue 3 for a physical copy, so I figured it owed it to myself to get my hands on the originals)
Why does it FIGURE one of my favourite Dreamcast game does NOT support the VGA cable which is the main reason why I bought the thing. I'll have to track down that disc and try that trick.
Hey Adam, I'm looking for some help attaining the best picture quality I can with the Dreamcast, but I have no idea what I'm doing. My TV has HDMI, AV, component, RF, and VGA ports, and I noticed you had done a video that appears to be older than this one where you're talking about using a VGA box and an HDMI scaler, but this Hanzo box appears to be a better option, but I'm not sure, I'm incredibly confused. What all I do need and considering what ports I have available on my TV, what would the best stuff to get be? Judging from looking at the box on the product site, it looks like I need at least some other cable [unless it comes with it and it's just not pictured on the site] but I have no idea what, or if I need a scaler, or what all. I've never done anything like this before and only a few months ago actually upgraded to an HDTV to be able to do anything like this.
AdamKoralik Does it come with everything I need or will I have to get extra cables? Sorry, the website doesn't specify that so I thought I'd ask before I bought.
Thanks for this vid, Adam. Glad it got your thumbs up. I've seen such good reviews but haven't seen any vids for it. Mine is probably somewhere on a boat (ordered one a week ago).
How's the volume on this box? I have two orange VGA boxes: one by Madness Gameware and one, I believe, by Nyko. The Nyko one was too loud, but the Madness Gameware one has a volume knob to dial it back down to normal levels. That really is the only thing keeping me from getting the Hanzo. Also, how are you getting RGB SCART? Where do you the cables? And do I have to look out for differences between Euro and Japan SCART? I don't exactly love playing Gunbird 2 in s-video when I know there's something better.
Can't say I ever found the volume to be an issue. I wouldn't recommend RGB SCART on the Dreamcast except for games that don't support VGA, all of which are in the description.
AdamKoralik You can cross off Gunbird 2, then. When you try it the game slows to a crawl. I guess I could upload a video. Now about those RGB SCART cables? I'm thinking any cable on eBay plus an RGB-to-component converter.
AdamKoralik Hey, so I made that "Gunbird 2 in VGA" video I hinted at. It's on my channel. Kinda fun to make, actually... On another note, I found out the S-Video output from my Madness Gameware VGA box doesn't actually work! Or if it did, it certainly doesn't anymore. I hope I didn't wreck it or something by flicking the TV/PC switch at exactly the wrong time. Food for thought if one wants to pony up for the higher-end VGA boxes, I suppose.
Hey Adam! Love your videos. I'm new to vga on the Dreamcast and wanted to ask a question. Do you see a dotted grid pattern on top of the game image? Like a crappy filter layer. I've narrowed it down to either the Dreamcast or the cable. I've only found one article that indicated it might be a ground wire not connected correctly. Any information you can offer would help out greatly.
Sorry, I must have missed that part ^^' But yeah, thanks for the very informative video. I will remember this Hanzo VGA Box when I get a Dreamcast any soon. Also I've got a question which has nothing to do with this video at all. Why the heck are component cables for Gamecube overly expensive today and why aren't there any third party cables? Right now, the best I can get it RGB, and that's what I am using right now.
emshomar All good, I'm very long winded. I don't blame people for missing some stuff. Simple, high demand, low supply. Nintendo put a custom chip in them that makes it impossible to replicate them, IE no third party versions. They only sold them in stores in Japan. Nintendo of America's part shop sold them briefly, and they were never released in Europe. So, just not many out there.
Thanks for your answer! Well that's just disappointing to read. I guess I will never get a component cable for my Gamecube.. Well, at least RGB looks fine as well I guess.
Hey Adam, I was finally getting around to ordering a vga and came across the Tomee. Any thoughts on that one? It's about 20 bucks as opposed to the $70 Hanzo.
Hey what's up Adam great videos I have started making a couple retro videos my self. I understand vga is the best signal for dreamcast . But is scart cable through an HDMI upscaler an improvement over composite? I have not been able to find any side by side comparisons between composite and scart to see the actual quality difference.
Hi Adam, I have a quick question; I have the Hanzo which works fine, it gets a signal from my Dreamcast but I can't seem to get the VGA signal to be read by several VGA to HDMI converters. I'm assuming there is something wrong with the VGA cables I've tried, but I'm not sure. Is there a specific kind of VGA cable that reads the DC output resolution or should any basic VGA cables work? Thanks a lot, and thanks for your video series.
Man, that's a good question. If we're talking about strictly VGA function, then the mod is better. But the Hanzo's RGB SCART feature makes it the winner.
AdamKoralik I don't think I fully understood SCART so now it makes sense. That being said I do believe only the "Toro" version allows SCART and VGA. Assuming I go for that which SCART to HDMI upscaler do you use?
+AdamKoralik Awesome, I didn't want to have to run component cables. I'm not sure there's a difference in quality to HDMI, but, one cord is nicer. Got a link for the specific scaler or is it just the first on google?
does the Hanzo come with VGA cord ? if not any recommendations, just got a dreamcast and looking to get the best possible set-up thx adam channel has me helped a lot.
I really love your videos! I have run into a problem, just bought a Elgato Game Capture HD and tried setup it with my Dreamcast. Currently using a VGA Box with a VGA > HDMI converter, so I'm trying to use that HDMI into the Elgato, tried different settings in the elgato software (older version) but the software keeps telling me that "640x480 isnt supported". You got any idea how to get this to work? :) I need to get a VGA > HDMI converter with built in upscaler in other for it to work?
R TelleT Can I see what kind of VGA to HDMI converter you go? Personally, mine adjusts to the resolution to something more modern so that the capture device doesn't have issues with it.
TheKillermike83 Thanks, no it does not have any lag. Though not all fighting games are compatible. There's a list in the description of all games that don't support it. If you don't see the game on the list, you're good to go.
I just bought one, nice to see they have a website now & not taking orders through assemblergames forums :-) I bought one of thoughts cheap cables & ended up with colour bleeding & what I can only describe as Star Trek lens flares on white images. Don't buy cheap crappy cables. Also to note, there is a Russian guy who makes good vga cables properly can't remember his name but he uses Facebook for orders.
I agree, it was always hard to tell people to check it out without a site. I agree whole heartedly, if you pay less don't be surprised when you get less.
I have the Tomee VGA cable and I think it's awesome! It works even better than my Naki VGA box in terms of compatibility (Hydro Thunder won't work with my VGA box but it works with the Tomee VGA cable) and it looks just as good. It doesn't feel cheap at all either. It looks very professional and feels "quality". Even though it looks like those cheap VGA cables you see on eBay from China, I doubt it's the same. All I can say is it's great! Haven't had any issues with it. I did a video on it if you want to check that out. This VGA box looks nice but I don't have any need for the extra features. I agree with you about the scanlines. I don't get why people want to add a graphical defect to the image. lol
Yeah, I know you have it bro. I'm honestly still baffled you bought it. I'm glad you're liking it, but you were lucky enough not to have compatibility issues with it. Here's hoping the cable itself doesn't die as well. Then it will have worked out for you.
AdamKoralik I mainly bought it because it was much cheaper than buying one of the original VGA boxes and I also had an Amazon gift card to buy it with. I had heard good things about it from some of the members at Dreamcast-Talk as well. I didn't want to spend a whole lot because I needed a VGA-to-HDMI converter as well to be able to use it on my TV. I've really only heard good things about it from everyone else that's bought one and it's worked great for me so far.
***** Your review compelled me to buy the Tomee cable and I'm loving it so far! Haven't seen any negative reviews on it to be honest both on the forums as well as amazon 0_o
Can you play games in 480i with this for the games that don't support VGA at all? I see the box has a switch to trick games into running in 480p, but for the games that won't work, can you just keep the switch in RGB mode and play 480i?
Do you know if adding scanlines means that the lightguns works? I might be completely wrong but I'd heard they worked by detecting them. Either way great vid as always, I'll be purchasing one as soon as their back in stock!
That's a shame, my copies of House of the Dead and Confidential Mission shall continue to gather dust. Still I need a VGA box since my old tv finally broke and I can't take how jagged Shenmue looks on a hdtv without.
If only I had a kiosk..... ah well, worth it to hear you house of the dead voice and be reminded of that awful dialogue. 'THE CHAOS OF THE CITY IS INCREASING!!'
Scanlines don't make sense in 480p over VGA. Scanlines refer to ALL of the lines in a CRT display, but we most commonly are referring to the black lines on a 240p signal. This is because 240p is just an exploit of 480i which results in every other line missing from the video output, resulting in the black lines we're so fond of. On a VGA input on a CRT PC monitor, you shouldn't get any obvious scanlines, as a progressive signal in the usual sense (480p and higher) is not exploit an equivalent interlaced video output, but a genuine line by line output that results in no blank spaces. So, a scanline generator on a VGA output for a 480p signal is just an absolute gimmick as far as I'm concerned. However, they're definitely necessary for something like an SNES or Mega Drive on flat panel displays where line-doubled or scaled footage can damage the razor-sharp pixel look that we would probably expect. Just my $0.02 on the subject.
Ever heard of the Dreamcast's amazing 2d fighting game library? Most of then, like MvC: clash of super heroes and Street fighter III: 3rd strike, look great in 480p, but using the "Scanline Generator" on a Pc Crt can mimic the appearance of a Pvm/Bvm.
Personally I jumped on the 1080p upscaling with a VGA cable going from the dreamcast and into the scaler box. Though I am very likely to change out the cable for this now that you say this can actually force boot many games without VGA support and make things look better. Definitely having a look.
Got another one ,.. None of my TVs have a scart input don't think I can even buy one in Oz, is there a scrt to VGA box I can get or can you recommend something?
I got a $13 single cable, Works great, Yes I am aware a few games will not play but my CRT is a 36" late model 4:3 HD crt with VGA inputs including RCA ports so it looks amazing. PS: S-Video is closer to VGA then Composite is to S-Video so if your TV has S-Video then you are in a pretty good place and might not be worth going VGA especially on smaller TV's.
Also, I have read and watched videos where people play dreamcast fighting games without the scanlines they are really jagged. What are your thoughts about using the VGA without the scan lines visually?
So it doesn't clean up the jagged edges on the objects and even if it did you still wouldn't do it? I just want to know if it actually has a purpose other than to "give it that retro feel" If it doesn't help the objects look better I don't want it on either
4second40 I think you hit the nail on the head there. I'm sure people more passionate about scanlines would debate this, but frankly I think your assessment is totally accurate.
I suppose getting that Hanzo thing will allow you to play with what settings you like the best, that's a nice perk. If a guy wants the scan lines I don't care, and I might end up liking them but hey if don't then I can game down on a Dreamcast once more! Do you think it looks good without running it through a 720p and up upconverter?
I just commented on another video of yours, and thought I might as well bang out this third "issue" at the same time: The company (guy) makes about a half a dozen versions of his VGA box: which is the best?
Adam, first of all thanks for your videos and your support to the Dreamcast community. And secondly, what is the best alternative to this vga you can tell me? I think the prices of this product are a bit high.
Happy to. The poor man's solution would be to get one of those cheaper VGA cables, I wouldn't recommend that though. The much poorer man's solution would be to get some S-Video cables. But you may not be happy with the result.
Hey adam im currently using one of those clear vga boxes though an atlona upcoverter and it looks amazing. Other then the skart for non vga games (which is awesome) I dont care about scanlines. will this box make the vga games look better?
I am not a fan of scan line either, which is something the Hanzo specializes in. Would any other VGA boxes by them be more to my interest, like the Kuro, which doesn't bother with scan lines? I hope someday I will finally be able to get my hands on more Dreamcast games. I only have 3 right now, and though they are some of the best (Sonic Adventure, Jet Set Radio, and Soul Calibur), I would like more exclusive/superior versions of DC games to justify a purchase of a VGA box.
Thanks for the video, I finally pulled the trigger on this to replace my Blaze VGA box. I'm one of those "Scanline" weido's, but I like the 240p mode on a lot of DC games and hate having to use the S-video rather than VGA on my PVM-20l5.
Is there a cheaper VGA option? 65 is too much for me right now and I don't care afor the scanlines or any of the other extra functions. Just good quality vga for the kickass dreamcast fighting games
Cameron Porter I use a VGA to HDMI adapter made by Atlona. It's an incredibly high grade one, but as a result is rather expensive and uncommon now. I did a video on it if you're interested. There are cheaper Chinese mass produced ones, but I can't honestly say they're any good. Odds are, frankly, that they're not. But you could get lucky. Just understand that you're proceeding at your own risk.
Ok Adam.. I did purchase the original dreamcast VGA box recently as well as the broadband adapter for it as well. Will you recommend the Original dreamcast VGA Box HKT-8100? IT DOES THE JOB OR IT HAVE FLAWS?
What's the difference between vga cables and vga boxes. You probably might of talked about it in the video but I might of not understood what you said. Something about " compatibility issues"? It would be nice to know more in detail because I already bought a vga cable on ebay( not the cheap chinese ones I'm sure.) If the cable is inferior to the box, then is it at least better than composite or s-video. If so then I'm satified. I'm using a VIZIO HDTV hdmi tv by the way.
Matthew Snell Compatibility issues, a lot of monitors won't support the cables but will support the boxes. Build quality on the cables tends to be very inferior. And lack of bonus features. Boxes tend to offer things like RGB, S-Video, and Composite passthrough support as well as scanlines. Personally, I wouldn't recommend those shitty cables to anyone.
AdamKoralik Thanks! I looked and realized that my hdtv doesn't have vga input to begin with. What vga box should I get and what cords and cables do I need to convert it to hdmi. Also do component cables work because I remember in your gamecube video you praised them a lot!( my hdtv has component inputs) I want to make the right decidson because I already spent nearly $100 on a boxed dreamcast as well as bought some games for it. I don't want my friends and family to think I'm throwing my money just to get the parts for a new system. Sorry for the small there, just wanted to tell how I feel. P.S I bet you're feeling tired as all hell about people asking you about things relating to the dreamcast or just questions already explained in your videos in general. :(
AdamKoralik Okay, today I got a kuro vga box instead, but now I need to know how to connect the box to the HDTV ( I mentioned before that my tv doesn't have vga input). Can I just use a regular hdmi cable? Sorry if the question is Obvious.
AdamKoralik Ok. Thanks again! Can I ask you something? I just got my dreamcast delivered to me yesterday and it was awesome! It works nice and everything, but there is a minor issue with it though... Whenever its reading a disc it makes a weird scratchy sound. Is it just normal since its just the sound of the motor speeding up? I'll record a video of it, in case you don't know what I'm talking about.
So this will bypass the need to use utopia, gen-x, and code breaker when booting imported games(may have misunderstood at 5:45 )? Have you tried any of there other products? dont care about scan lines so im looking at the Kuro. What is hands down the best vga box out there?
Adam Koralik I’ve watched both vids now on Hanzo and Toro....being in the UK I think the Toro would be better..... But now you say there’s a Gekko!!😩😂 How does that differ/what’s better about it?
Adam Koralik So......this is getting insane😝😩😂 There’s so many...I’m really going down the rabbit hole tonight! What is the difference between the Gekko and the Akura, which is best and are these HDMI variants hands down better than the VGA ones, period?! (Hanzo, Toro) I have HD TVs with HDMI, VGA , S-Video and Scart inputs and just want to know what is the best solution for me 😖 Appreciate all your advice Adam 👍
It's been a while since I tinkered with the Hanzo and Toro. I THINK the Toro was better as it had SCART options. The Gekko and Akura are basically the same. The Gekko is cheaper, smaller, and has a couple features removed. Personally, I consider these features useless. The Akura had an optional brightness setting, as well as scanlines, and scanline thickness.
The absence of 3.5 mm audio isn't a problem for us with "big boy" stereos :) jk. I have the 1st party dreamcast one I keep in the box as well as a used 3rd party clear orange one that also does s-video and has 3.5mm output, that has worked well since I bought it like 10 years ago. I think I paid $8 used. But sadly it isn't compatible with KOF dream match 99, which happens to be probably my favorite game of all time next to Shenmue 2. Do you know if this one will work with it?
King of Fighters Dream Match '99 is not VGA compatible. A full list of all games that will not work with the Hanzo (or any VGA box) is in the description.
AdamKoralik Hey Adam, love your videos. Question about the hanzo and vga outputs: Do they suffer from under-scanning like the ps2 and gamecube in 4:3? I'm wondering if i should get the toro instead to fix that using xrgb mini.
Hey Man great vid! I just ordered the Hanzo. My question is with the Hanzo would I still benefit from a Atlona Technologies AT-HDVIEW VGA to HDMI Scaler Up to 1080p/60Hz?
So I bought one of those cheap vga cables( cause the hanzo not available till January)and I know you say they’re crap but holy hell on a computer crt my Dreamcast looks amazing, coming from playing it on my hdtv. But I had to expand the image on the screen because there res is 480. Does the Hanzo scale to the the res of the screen automatically or do you still expand the image to fit the screen on the crt monitor?
I got the Hanzo and omg I did not think the picture could get any better but the Akura noticeable sharper and clearer and colors pop out more than the 15 dollar vga cable from amazon. I am super impressed the quality of cable makes a huge difference.
Hi Adam, I have a Hanzo box, and when you said about the switch that allows non vga games to load up, and you can switch it over mid game to work in vga...I tried this out with one of my favourite games Deadly Skies (Delta Force in US) - anyways, I was playing this with the switch off to allow the game to load previously, and was happily playing the game in the lower quality (even though for some reason on my display the screen is constantly flicking up and down slightly - not sure what this is), anyways I tried to flick the switch to on whilst the game is playing, but nothing changes. I think the VGA switch only fully functions when the console is first booted up with that switch enabled. It will not change the signal mid game. If you could attempt this yourself to check - I know you have every Dreamcast game anyways, so test Delta Force :)
Ahh okay, I was thinking that you meant that any game that the hanzo got to load could be switched to a VGA image halfway through gameplay. I'll have to try one of those you listed in the first list. I have had a game not work at all with either mode on the switch. But i'm talking PAL here and some games might boot up differently? Is there any games you're aware of that were VGA in NTSC but not PAL, or vice versa?
TheSkillJim The PAL VS NTSC thing is a valid claim. Some PAL versions of games don't boot with VGA (Skies of Arcadia most famously) while their NTSC counterparts do.
AdamKoralik Believe it or not, after testing myself, it seems Soul Calibur is also a victim of region specific VGA support. I'd say that's the most shocking/famous one.
AdamKoralik Hey bud, got my Hanzo today, I just tried it on Headhunters and the picture is pretty awesome, however I just had one question or quandry, do you notice a lot of pixels? Am I using the wrong kind of VGA? Its an LCD via VGA mode... interested to hear what you think
***** MAY HAVE just answered my own question, I think Headhunter probably wasn't the best first try game, Just Played Soul Calibur, Ikaruga and Sturmwind on it and I must admit, I had a hard on lol. Still be interested to hear what you think, have you played Headhunter on it at all?
no worries... so far everything else on it has been pant-wettingly good so all good! Question for you though, Any idea how I could get the VGA from the Dreamcast converted to a valid Component signal? One guy on TH-cam I found has done it but he's not responding. I've got a VGA - Component cable but its pretty useless to say the least lol
Personally, I use a high-grade VGA to HDMI scaler by Atlona. There are cheap versions of the same thing, but they usually suck. Just be careful when buying scalers, expensive ones are good. Cheap ones...generally not so good.
AdamKoralik www.retrotowers.co.uk/dreamcast-vga-cable Is this one a shitty one? If not, that means that the box is only made to have the other features. I don't know if the quality of this one is as good as the Hanzo box of course.
joel agostinho I wouldn't advise those, no. Like I said in the video, those have compatibility issues and often suffer from poor build quality. You could get the Hanzo, or the Kuro (slightly cheaper version of the Hanzo) for about the same money. I don't know why anyone would ever get cables like that to be honest. Though, if you do decide to get those. Use my name (Adam K) as a coupon code at RetroTowers. You'll get 5% off the order.
I saw your review for the Toro and from what I understand, to get around the games that can't be forced into VGA at all, you can switch it to the RGB SCART mode. Also from my understanding, the Hanzo has a VGA/RGB switch as well, only not SCART. Using the Hanzo, can I play the no-VGA-at-all games by just having the Hanzo switch to RGB?
Yes, I saw it. It's what got me wondering about that switch. :p Thanks for the heads up. So then that switch on the hanzo is just strickly to force boot those select games?
hey adam have you come across any problems with the hanzo? i bought mine after watching your videos used it a handful of times and has completely stop working i get no picture and very little sound out of it. sounds come out with static and no picture at all. i used a couple of different dreamcast and nothing. any tips?
No, mine works great. I would contact their website and maybe they can help you troubleshoot it. This may sound stupid, but I'd suggest being sure the connection between the VGA adapter and the Dreamcast itself is secure. You'd be amazed how often that's all the problem is. Happens to me constantly.
i contacted then hopefully ill hear something in the next couple of days. after testing it a few times i notice the connector is loose and basically falling off.
It'd be nice to get a SVGA or XVGA boxes someday. I built a scanline generator into my CGA to VGA scaler and I think artificial scanlines look like crap. Real scanlines are barely noticeable on a real CRT, so thats why I keep a small SVGA monitor around for my retro gaming. The Scart to HDMI adapter I had died (kind of).
RCA is so that you can split the stereo channels into two mono (Left and right channel) with out two dedicated cables/adapters and that is useful for connecting to older equipment with separated 1/4 inch TRS or RCA sockets. 3.5mm TRS connectors are also not nearly as reliable and adapters or sockets or adapters to change to 1/4 inch TRS or 3.5mm TRS extinction cables tend to have connection issues with in the connectors.
many thanks for the awesome videos. I'm slowly back-watching them all. Quick question though if you don't mind. My Dreamcast has slight yellowing. How would I remove it? Again, keep up the good work. Going to purchase one of those Hanzo VGA adaptors. Thanks.
Hey Adam when I originally tried using VGA on my 22in. HDTV, it said the signal wasn't supported. What would be a good solution? Is there something I could do or should i buy the VGA to HDMI converter?
yay!!! a new keep dreaming video, I love to see that always is something new out there for this console. Also, I read on the last month gameinformer magazine that a game will come out for the dreamcast, is true? that will be awesome to see on gamestop or walmart selling this game xD
13:27 I bought the cheapest dreamcast VGA "cable", not box, on ebay ($15). It has the same video quality as the one shown in this video. Spending $65 for 480p and some scanlines is pretty excessive. But the VGA cable is really an improvement over composite and it delivers the same video as this box just without all the extra frills.
Hey Adam! I bought the Hanzo but my Flat TV only has HDMI Input. Should I use a converter box or a normal vga to hdmi adapter. Is there a certain one you recommend? ps: I could use the Toro without an adapter because my TV has a Scart Input but as you said in the Toro Video VGA looks much better. And since I wanna play Shenmue 1 and 2 before Shenmue 3 will be released of course I wanna experience it in VGA.
Houssein Ali Jaber I use one made by Atlona. Super expensive and uncommon now, sadly. I don't have any others I could personally recommend, but don't buy some cheap Chinese one. You'll end up regretting it. Yes, you could using the Toro via SCART. But that would defeat the point of having VGA capabilities.
i sense that you love that console beside you i really feel it everytime you make a video about it its nice to see gamers still love the dreamcast its an awesome console.
I do, it's awesome!
Very cool. I've been avoiding a VGA box thus far because of the compatibility issues with games that don't support it. I'm going to have to get one of these. Thanks for posting this up!
No problem. Check the description for games that don't work or need to be force booted.
Why doesn't the Dreamcast support Component?
Because in 1998, 480p/720p TVs were non-existent. The only way people could get 480p, was with computer monitors. Computer monitors never supported Component, only VGA.
Correct.
Adam Koralik it's cable jepeordy!
Would it have been around in 1999/2000 when Sony was designing the Playstation 2?
You can buy Component cables for PS2. I'm not sure of all the specifics.
I just perform an internal VGA mod, and HOLY CRAP, I never thought that the picture would be so great. How have I missed this awesome stuff for so long? It looks phenomenal on a LCD screen!
I bought my first Dreamcast on Saturday and have been watching your Keep Dreaming videos in anticipation of its approval. Just ordered one of these after watching this video. Thanks Adam, you've been a big help for me because I don't know jack shit about the Dreamcast.
No problem, thanks for watching!
To see Dino Crisis not working with VGA almost breaks my heart :(
AlucarD Hellsing it works however the fmvs dont play. A vga compatible version was created and can be downloaded
I remember when i first connected my Dreamcast to a CRT monitor 1600x1200 resolution by VGA to see if there was a difference from S-Video, when i fired up the DC with Power Stone 2 it blew my mind, i never seen a console look so good before, the colors, sharpness, contrast, brightness, it looks perfect!
Agreed.
Welp. it's been two years. I hope you finally learned that dreamcast can output vga signal without any boxes. That's why this box can double as scanline generator, because it's precisely is that: scanline generator.
Yup. I have a cheap VGA DC cord hooked up to a VGA2HDMI adapter going to my OLED and it looks phenomenal. I wouldn’t spend that kind of money for a VGA box that is practically just a scan like generator.
This video was very helpful!! And i appreciate it alot how your actually talking to us gamers and being very blunt and tell it how it is. :)
Happy to help, thanks for watching!
This video brings me way back. I had a Japanese launch Dreamcast and an American launch Dreamcast, and had to show my friends what a dramatic difference the VGA box made in image and graphic quality. I loaded up Soul Calibur on my high resolution flat screen 17 inch NEC monitor, and proceeded to watch jaws drop. Back in 1998 and 1999, 480p from Dreamcast with games like Shenmue and Soul Calibur were the equivalent of HD. I used the Performance box, and it was great. It had VGA pass through, so I could hook my computer up at the same time. I also jerry rigged games like Hydro Thunder to run in VGA mode.
Thank you for watching!
Wow, and I was already impressed with the quality I got from RGB SCART (on an ok CRT TV). When I get myself a Dreamcast again -gave my collection to a friend as a birthday gift when I became a student with little room or time-I will definitely get a Hanzo if they are still available, as well as a VGA to HDMI scaler. Thanks for the many great, and informative, videos.
Thanks for watching.
I just ordered one of these bad boys a few days ago. Can't wait! $65 is a fucking STEAL for something like this. Great video Adam.
Hope you like it! Thanks for watching.
Hey +AdamKoralik sorry I'm such a idiot when asking this but from the Hanzo to the television what kind of cable(s) do you use? A VGA cable? I'm pretty sure I have a VGA hookup on my television.
Jeff Krug Yes, a VGA cable for video. You need separate audio cables. If your TV supports VGA, it will have a dedicated 3.5 mm audio jack for that purpose.
Ok now I understand. Thanks for the clearification
Does the quality of the vga cable to the tv matter or is anything good?
@@jeffkrug9045 Most of the time, anything other than cheap Chinese/Hong Kong manufactured cables work wonderfully.
I have the Hanzo and absolutely love it!
Brilliant piece of kit!
You can also use the dreamcast import converter disk which allows diffrent region games to work with us consoles and the vga box as well be cautious though bleem for dreamcast had been known to burn out vga boxes on the dreamcast
I've never heard that thing about Bleemcast, seems highly unlikely to me to be honest.
I finally received my Kuro and you weren't kidding, the picture quality is amazing. I don't care about scanlines either or any of the other features of the Hanzo so that's why I chose the Kuro instead, and so far I'm very happy with it.
I'm glad you like it!
was the footage captured used with the atlona upscaler?
The VGA footage was, yes.
AdamKoralik ahh, I need help. I got the hanzo hooked up to my atlona upscaler and am able to get the image to come up but I can't seem to get any audio. I tried connecting a red and white rca cable from the hanzo to the tv and still no audio. Please help adam.
SuperJumpReviews The Toro has to RCA audio output ports on it. If you're connecting that to the VGA to HDMI scaler by Atlona you're going to need an RCA to 3.5 MM audio patch cable to link them. I showed this in the video bud.
It's funny i'm on the waiting for the Hanzo's arrives from Turkey, and you just uploaded a video about it!!
Thanks Adam, for all your Dreamcast's passion.
Thank you for watching.
Great review Adam. I bought a racketboy model and then bought one of those cheap Chinese made vga boxes (don't kill me) and I'm 100% convinced that cheap DC vga boxes have a very limited shelf life before they start either flickering or giving a yellow picture no matter how gentle you are with them. I definitely will invest in one of the models that the Behar Bros are selling..
I'll be doing a review on their new one, the Toro, hopefully in a couple weeks.
Good news, I'll be on the look out for that.
YES! Another Dreamcast video!!!!
Great an thorough review Adam really enjoyed it!
Thanks!
Rock solid review Adam, much appreciated!
Let me take that half-critique about the RCA audio outputs, and turn it into a positive one ;)
I think the designer of the Hanzo did well in choosing RCA over 3.5mm, and for the following reasons:
1) Ground connections
3.5mm connections have a common ground for the left and right channel inside the jack, and as evident on the plug itself. RCA has separate grounds for both channels. This might potentially mean a better audio experience, although I'm not sure if the grounds are linked together on the circuitboard.
2) Strength
The RCA connector itself is a lot more rugged than say a board mount 3.5mm connector. Just think of all those walkman's with snapped off headphone connections on the inside (i cry evertim). on the other side; male RCA jacks are almost indestructible, and as an added bonus, because of their bulkier size, have a lot more physical support when properly soldered on the circuitboard.
3) Replaceability
When broken, RCA jacks are much easier to solder / desolder, and because they're separate, you can save money by only replacing the channel jack that is needed. The added cost of having to buy a 2xRCA to 3.5mm cable could actually be a benefit, because it would break before the jacks would, thus saving the time, and trouble to pull out the soldering iron.
Thanks!
I knew people would be there to defend that, and I'm glad. :D
So Adam, Besides all the features you named for the Hanzo, is there any difference Video Wise from the VGA Box you normally use and the Hanzo? I am just wondering cause i know most of the time you used the other one thats been in your other videos on the dreamcast. Are you going to be switching from your old one to the Hanzo? Thanks for the video. I enjoy them always even though i barely comment.
Thanks for commenting this time.
No, there is no difference in the video quality. You'd get this one for the build quality, features, and reasonable pricing.
I still primarily use my VGA modded Dreamcast as it results in less clutter. But for any non VGA modded Dreamcast (IE all of them I have except for one), I use the Hanzo.
The nice thing about having RCA out is that RCA doesn't use a shared ground, plus RCA connectors tend to be a bit more durable; not to mention you can easily adapt it to TRS.
Does the Hanzo support VGA to HDMI scaler boxes? I see the Toro does, but that one doesn't have the additional VGA support for "unsupported" games.
It supports the HDMI scaler I use, yes.
AdamKoralik
Thanks for the heads up. Gonna get the hanzo then since it has that extra feature for more games then. If one of them chinese crap VGA cables work with this setup there's no reason as to why the hanzo wouldn't, to be honest.
finally bought this pretty excited for it to come.
Do u like it? Is this the best one of the vag boxes they make?
beefcurtainz69
i do like it. its the only one ive ever used though so i cant say if it the best or anything.
Couldn't figure out the shipping costs but ~50€ sounds about right to me, seeing what differences you get by just using different connections.
Nice video again, Adam!
Definitely gonna get one by some time.
Thanks for watching!
oooh, see now i *do* like the look of those scan lines.. and i just had a revelation as to why they're appealing to some people.. it's sort of like a time warp.. cos when you see those, you instantly feel like you're looking at an old CRT tv from about 4 feet away, like we used to play games in the early nineties..
mmmm time travel.. mmmmmmm
this is a thing i definitely need. already have a vga box somewhere, but i was never sure if i was gettin anythin out of it..
First, I'd like to say thank you for your videos. I've watched a bunch of them now and they were all very informative. I was searching for the best way to use VGA on my DC, and ultimately decided to go with that white wire you show in the video(sorry. I made the purchase before I knew about the Hanzo) My question is; besides the white wire being of poor quality of a physical structure stand point, does the picture from the Hanzo box make THAT much of a difference, if at all? I've been using the wire I bought and the picture looks really great on my 52 inch bravia, but I want to make sure I'm getting the most out of my dreamcast. So would it be enough of a difference(again, if at all) between the two to go ahead and get the Hanzo? Thanks.
The differences are, as you mentioned build quality. But also compatibility. if you have it running on your TV, then that's not so much of an issue. The other is bonus features such as support for non VGA compatible games, scanlines, higher quality audio, etcetera. If these things don't matter to you, then it probably won't make much difference over all. But traditionally cables like that have very poor video quality when compared to their high grade counterparts. In other words, they're cheap for a reason.
Thanks for watching by the way!
I actually just bought the Hanzo on impulse. They had free holiday shipping so I figured I'd snag one. Thanks for the reply.
havokorqui
Hope you like it. :D
I just bought this VGA box from their website and Shenmue off of ebay just so I can see what all the hype is. (I also kickstarted Shenmue 3 for a physical copy, so I figured it owed it to myself to get my hands on the originals)
Why does it FIGURE one of my favourite Dreamcast game does NOT support the VGA cable which is the main reason why I bought the thing. I'll have to track down that disc and try that trick.
What game?
The Next Tetris (lame, I know) but the 2 player mode is the most fun I've ever had with a Tetris game!
Farmhouse the Adequate Gamer
Lucky for you, that one can be force booted.
Huzzah! Good news. Thanks!
Farmhouse the Adequate Gamer
No problem.
Hey Adam, I'm looking for some help attaining the best picture quality I can with the Dreamcast, but I have no idea what I'm doing. My TV has HDMI, AV, component, RF, and VGA ports, and I noticed you had done a video that appears to be older than this one where you're talking about using a VGA box and an HDMI scaler, but this Hanzo box appears to be a better option, but I'm not sure, I'm incredibly confused.
What all I do need and considering what ports I have available on my TV, what would the best stuff to get be? Judging from looking at the box on the product site, it looks like I need at least some other cable [unless it comes with it and it's just not pictured on the site] but I have no idea what, or if I need a scaler, or what all. I've never done anything like this before and only a few months ago actually upgraded to an HDTV to be able to do anything like this.
***** Get the Toro or the Hanzo, you'll be all set.
AdamKoralik Does it come with everything I need or will I have to get extra cables? Sorry, the website doesn't specify that so I thought I'd ask before I bought.
***** It's just the box, you'll need your own set of VGA cable or audio cables.
AdamKoralik Okay, good to know, thanks.
Thanks for this vid, Adam. Glad it got your thumbs up. I've seen such good reviews but haven't seen any vids for it. Mine is probably somewhere on a boat (ordered one a week ago).
I hope you like it!
How's the volume on this box? I have two orange VGA boxes: one by Madness Gameware and one, I believe, by Nyko. The Nyko one was too loud, but the Madness Gameware one has a volume knob to dial it back down to normal levels. That really is the only thing keeping me from getting the Hanzo.
Also, how are you getting RGB SCART? Where do you the cables? And do I have to look out for differences between Euro and Japan SCART? I don't exactly love playing Gunbird 2 in s-video when I know there's something better.
Can't say I ever found the volume to be an issue.
I wouldn't recommend RGB SCART on the Dreamcast except for games that don't support VGA, all of which are in the description.
AdamKoralik You can cross off Gunbird 2, then. When you try it the game slows to a crawl. I guess I could upload a video.
Now about those RGB SCART cables? I'm thinking any cable on eBay plus an RGB-to-component converter.
Justin Sison I would recommend an RGB SCART to HDMI scaler instead.
Dreamcast RGB SCART cables aren't too hard to track down.
AdamKoralik Hey, so I made that "Gunbird 2 in VGA" video I hinted at. It's on my channel. Kinda fun to make, actually...
On another note, I found out the S-Video output from my Madness Gameware VGA box doesn't actually work! Or if it did, it certainly doesn't anymore. I hope I didn't wreck it or something by flicking the TV/PC switch at exactly the wrong time. Food for thought if one wants to pony up for the higher-end VGA boxes, I suppose.
I ordered this box for the extra features. BUT I would like to say that I own the white Tomee cable and it works flawlessly.
I'm glad yours is holding up.
You just saved me a lot of trial and error, thank you for this!
No problem.
Hey Adam! Love your videos. I'm new to vga on the Dreamcast and wanted to ask a question. Do you see a dotted grid pattern on top of the game image? Like a crappy filter layer. I've narrowed it down to either the Dreamcast or the cable. I've only found one article that indicated it might be a ground wire not connected correctly. Any information you can offer would help out greatly.
Dear Adam,
I am wondering, how do Dreamcast VGA cables compare to VGA Boxes ?
Best regards,
emshomar!
I covered that in the video man.
Sorry, I must have missed that part ^^'
But yeah, thanks for the very informative video. I will remember this Hanzo VGA Box when I get a Dreamcast any soon. Also I've got a question which has nothing to do with this video at all. Why the heck are component cables for Gamecube overly expensive today and why aren't there any third party cables? Right now, the best I can get it RGB, and that's what I am using right now.
emshomar All good, I'm very long winded. I don't blame people for missing some stuff.
Simple, high demand, low supply. Nintendo put a custom chip in them that makes it impossible to replicate them, IE no third party versions. They only sold them in stores in Japan. Nintendo of America's part shop sold them briefly, and they were never released in Europe. So, just not many out there.
Thanks for your answer! Well that's just disappointing to read. I guess I will never get a component cable for my Gamecube.. Well, at least RGB looks fine as well I guess.
emshomar Sorry bro.
An original Wii with component cables is a decent alternative, but has its own negatives.
Hey Adam, I was finally getting around to ordering a vga and came across the Tomee. Any thoughts on that one? It's about 20 bucks as opposed to the $70 Hanzo.
Yeah, it's a fucking piece of shit. I'm sorry you threw away your money on it. :(
Ha! I didn't buy it yet. That's why I came to ask your opinion first.
Check out my video on the Akura, this is what I'd recommend: th-cam.com/video/zosZPMWQ_ZQ/w-d-xo.html
Hey what's up Adam great videos I have started making a couple retro videos my self. I understand vga is the best signal for dreamcast . But is scart cable through an HDMI upscaler an improvement over composite? I have not been able to find any side by side comparisons between composite and scart to see the actual quality difference.
Hi Adam, I have a quick question; I have the Hanzo which works fine, it gets a signal from my Dreamcast but I can't seem to get the VGA signal to be read by several VGA to HDMI converters. I'm assuming there is something wrong with the VGA cables I've tried, but I'm not sure. Is there a specific kind of VGA cable that reads the DC output resolution or should any basic VGA cables work? Thanks a lot, and thanks for your video series.
Hey Adam, do you prefer using this VGA box over your custom Dreamcast with built in VGA Justin made for you? Quality difference?
Man, that's a good question. If we're talking about strictly VGA function, then the mod is better. But the Hanzo's RGB SCART feature makes it the winner.
AdamKoralik Im hooking it up to an upscaler hdmi 1080p. Im assuming the RGB SCART feature your talking about is to force VGA mode correct?
Jonathan Thompson No, I talk about it in the video. It's a separate video format. I know it's long, but you'll learn a lot.
AdamKoralik I don't think I fully understood SCART so now it makes sense. That being said I do believe only the "Toro" version allows SCART and VGA. Assuming I go for that which SCART to HDMI upscaler do you use?
Jonathan Thompson I recommend this one: th-cam.com/video/RS55pmLIEjA/w-d-xo.html
Hey Adam,
Are you still using the converter for component cables with this VGA box? Basically, how do I get it into my 1080p TV and upscaled properly.
+Lord Rayken VGA to HDMI via an Atlona scaler is what I use.
+AdamKoralik Awesome, I didn't want to have to run component cables. I'm not sure there's a difference in quality to HDMI, but, one cord is nicer. Got a link for the specific scaler or is it just the first on google?
+Lord Rayken I did a video on the one I use: th-cam.com/video/JXvXE-Nqr54/w-d-xo.html
Unfortunately, it's long since been discontinued. :/
+AdamKoralik I looked on Ebay and it's not really there either. Damn. I'm wondering what alternatives exist.
+AdamKoralik I guess I can just get the older box you had with component lol, unless that one sucks
does the Hanzo come with VGA cord ? if not any recommendations, just got a dreamcast and looking to get the best possible set-up thx adam channel has me helped a lot.
+jbmstang1 Happy to help, it does not include a cable. But just about any should be fine.
I really love your videos! I have run into a problem, just bought a Elgato Game Capture HD and tried setup it with my Dreamcast. Currently using a VGA Box with a VGA > HDMI converter, so I'm trying to use that HDMI into the Elgato, tried different settings in the elgato software (older version) but the software keeps telling me that "640x480 isnt supported". You got any idea how to get this to work? :) I need to get a VGA > HDMI converter with built in upscaler in other for it to work?
R TelleT Can I see what kind of VGA to HDMI converter you go?
Personally, mine adjusts to the resolution to something more modern so that the capture device doesn't have issues with it.
This is the one I got: www.konigelectronic.com/en_us/1095283
HI Adam does the vga box introduce any input lag? I play mostly fighting games and any lag would be a problem.Love your channel great content.
TheKillermike83 Thanks, no it does not have any lag. Though not all fighting games are compatible. There's a list in the description of all games that don't support it. If you don't see the game on the list, you're good to go.
I just bought one, nice to see they have a website now & not taking orders through assemblergames forums :-)
I bought one of thoughts cheap cables & ended up with colour bleeding & what I can only describe as Star Trek lens flares on white images.
Don't buy cheap crappy cables.
Also to note, there is a Russian guy who makes good vga cables properly can't remember his name but he uses Facebook for orders.
I agree, it was always hard to tell people to check it out without a site.
I agree whole heartedly, if you pay less don't be surprised when you get less.
I have the Tomee VGA cable and I think it's awesome! It works even better than my Naki VGA box in terms of compatibility (Hydro Thunder won't work with my VGA box but it works with the Tomee VGA cable) and it looks just as good. It doesn't feel cheap at all either. It looks very professional and feels "quality". Even though it looks like those cheap VGA cables you see on eBay from China, I doubt it's the same. All I can say is it's great! Haven't had any issues with it. I did a video on it if you want to check that out.
This VGA box looks nice but I don't have any need for the extra features. I agree with you about the scanlines. I don't get why people want to add a graphical defect to the image. lol
Yeah, I know you have it bro. I'm honestly still baffled you bought it. I'm glad you're liking it, but you were lucky enough not to have compatibility issues with it. Here's hoping the cable itself doesn't die as well. Then it will have worked out for you.
AdamKoralik I mainly bought it because it was much cheaper than buying one of the original VGA boxes and I also had an Amazon gift card to buy it with. I had heard good things about it from some of the members at Dreamcast-Talk as well. I didn't want to spend a whole lot because I needed a VGA-to-HDMI converter as well to be able to use it on my TV. I've really only heard good things about it from everyone else that's bought one and it's worked great for me so far.
***** Well I'm glad, I hope it stays functional. If it does go bust, let me know okay?
Will do.
***** Your review compelled me to buy the Tomee cable and I'm loving it so far! Haven't seen any negative reviews on it to be honest both on the forums as well as amazon 0_o
I bet the DC is SO happy!
Can you play games in 480i with this for the games that don't support VGA at all? I see the box has a switch to trick games into running in 480p, but for the games that won't work, can you just keep the switch in RGB mode and play 480i?
+Tenchi Ryu No, for that I suggest the Toro.
So until getting a proper scart to hdmi adapter, would a scart to rca adapter work just so I can acutally see the game?
Do you know if adding scanlines means that the lightguns works? I might be completely wrong but I'd heard they worked by detecting them. Either way great vid as always, I'll be purchasing one as soon as their back in stock!
I wish, but no. It's not possible to get traditional lightguns to work on modern TVs.
That's a shame, my copies of House of the Dead and Confidential Mission shall continue to gather dust. Still I need a VGA box since my old tv finally broke and I can't take how jagged Shenmue looks on a hdtv without.
Nadia Keep Dreaming - Sega Dreamcast Lightgun on a VGA Monitor - Adam Koralik
If only I had a kiosk..... ah well, worth it to hear you house of the dead voice and be reminded of that awful dialogue. 'THE CHAOS OF THE CITY IS INCREASING!!'
Nadia You don't need one, you just need an old PC monitor.
Scanlines don't make sense in 480p over VGA. Scanlines refer to ALL of the lines in a CRT display, but we most commonly are referring to the black lines on a 240p signal. This is because 240p is just an exploit of 480i which results in every other line missing from the video output, resulting in the black lines we're so fond of. On a VGA input on a CRT PC monitor, you shouldn't get any obvious scanlines, as a progressive signal in the usual sense (480p and higher) is not exploit an equivalent interlaced video output, but a genuine line by line output that results in no blank spaces.
So, a scanline generator on a VGA output for a 480p signal is just an absolute gimmick as far as I'm concerned. However, they're definitely necessary for something like an SNES or Mega Drive on flat panel displays where line-doubled or scaled footage can damage the razor-sharp pixel look that we would probably expect.
Just my $0.02 on the subject.
Ever heard of the Dreamcast's amazing 2d fighting game library? Most of then, like MvC: clash of super heroes and Street fighter III: 3rd strike, look great in 480p, but using the "Scanline Generator" on a Pc Crt can mimic the appearance of a Pvm/Bvm.
Personally I jumped on the 1080p upscaling with a VGA cable going from the dreamcast and into the scaler box. Though I am very likely to change out the cable for this now that you say this can actually force boot many games without VGA support and make things look better. Definitely having a look.
For that games that don't support VGA, will you have to swap out the cables, or will it just display a lower-quality image?
For the games that just straight up will not work with VGA, I recommend RGB SCART. But yes, it would mean swapping out with a different set of cables.
AdamKoralik
Would leaving the switch at rgb (15khz) work for these at all? If so, I would happily just weld the hanzo to the port forever :D
AdamKoralik
Would leaving the switch at rgb (15khz) work for these at all? If so, I would happily just weld the hanzo to the port forever :D
Noobsaibot021 No, I wish, but no. I did test that though.
How long did you wait for your Hanzo? I ordered mine about a week ago, I think I might have screwed myself on christmas, lol
From Turkey to the US, about five weeks.
The "fracturing" artifact you're seeing around the Capcom logo with the composite output is called "dot crawl."
Got another one ,.. None of my TVs have a scart input don't think I can even buy one in Oz, is there a scrt to VGA box I can get or can you recommend something?
Gamerade - Best Video Quality With Old Game Consoles - SCART to HDMI - Adam Koralik
I got a $13 single cable, Works great, Yes I am aware a few games will not play but my CRT is a 36" late model 4:3 HD crt with VGA inputs including RCA ports so it looks amazing.
PS: S-Video is closer to VGA then Composite is to S-Video so if your TV has S-Video then you are in a pretty good place and might not be worth going VGA especially on smaller TV's.
Also, I have read and watched videos where people play dreamcast fighting games without the scanlines they are really jagged. What are your thoughts about using the VGA without the scan lines visually?
Personally, I don't like scanlines. I don't really see the point.
So it doesn't clean up the jagged edges on the objects and even if it did you still wouldn't do it? I just want to know if it actually has a purpose other than to "give it that retro feel" If it doesn't help the objects look better I don't want it on either
4second40
I think you hit the nail on the head there. I'm sure people more passionate about scanlines would debate this, but frankly I think your assessment is totally accurate.
I suppose getting that Hanzo thing will allow you to play with what settings you like the best, that's a nice perk. If a guy wants the scan lines I don't care, and I might end up liking them but hey if don't then I can game down on a Dreamcast once more! Do you think it looks good without running it through a 720p and up upconverter?
4second40 Just so I'm clear on what you're planning, you'll take the VGA signal and attach it to...?
I just commented on another video of yours, and thought I might as well bang out this third "issue" at the same time: The company (guy) makes about a half a dozen versions of his VGA box: which is the best?
+jlink09 My favorite is the Toro.
Adam, first of all thanks for your videos and your support to the Dreamcast community.
And secondly, what is the best alternative to this vga you can tell me?
I think the prices of this product are a bit high.
Happy to.
The poor man's solution would be to get one of those cheaper VGA cables, I wouldn't recommend that though.
The much poorer man's solution would be to get some S-Video cables. But you may not be happy with the result.
AdamKoralik
Thanks I'll do just that to try out and in the near future get one of these!
sweet. my friend just gave me his old dreamcast without any video cables. thinking about trying this.
It's worth it.
Hey adam im currently using one of those clear vga boxes though an atlona upcoverter and it looks amazing. Other then the skart for non vga games (which is awesome) I dont care about scanlines. will this box make the vga games look better?
I am not a fan of scan line either, which is something the Hanzo specializes in. Would any other VGA boxes by them be more to my interest, like the Kuro, which doesn't bother with scan lines?
I hope someday I will finally be able to get my hands on more Dreamcast games. I only have 3 right now, and though they are some of the best (Sonic Adventure, Jet Set Radio, and Soul Calibur), I would like more exclusive/superior versions of DC games to justify a purchase of a VGA box.
If you don't value scanlines, then the Kuro is the way to go.
I see an RGB PC port on my TV. Is that where I plug my Dreamcast VGA cable
Hey Adam, i want to know if the NTSC-U version of Soul Calibur is VGA compatible like the NTCS-J version. Greetings.
It is.
All the non-VGA games are in the description. If you don't see it there, then it works.
Thanks!
Thanks for the video, I finally pulled the trigger on this to replace my Blaze VGA box. I'm one of those "Scanline" weido's, but I like the 240p mode on a lot of DC games and hate having to use the S-video rather than VGA on my PVM-20l5.
Thank you for watching, I hope you enjoy the Hanzo.
Great video! I just ordered the Hanzo, thanks!
Is there a cheaper VGA option? 65 is too much for me right now and I don't care afor the scanlines or any of the other extra functions. Just good quality vga for the kickass dreamcast fighting games
Try the Kuro, also available on the same site.
Cameron Porter
I use a VGA to HDMI adapter made by Atlona. It's an incredibly high grade one, but as a result is rather expensive and uncommon now. I did a video on it if you're interested.
There are cheaper Chinese mass produced ones, but I can't honestly say they're any good. Odds are, frankly, that they're not. But you could get lucky. Just understand that you're proceeding at your own risk.
Adam Koralik are there any adapters for component?
Ok Adam.. I did purchase the original dreamcast VGA box recently as well as the broadband adapter for it as well.
Will you recommend the Original dreamcast VGA Box HKT-8100?
IT DOES THE JOB OR IT HAVE FLAWS?
Henrick Rawlins Unfortunately I don't own it, so I can't really say.
I still use VGA on my TV for my PC, that TV literally has every port in it
Does it have an s-video port?
If it does, I'll be envious.
Same here! Mine has too s videos 2 composite 2components. 3 hdmi 1vga
What's the difference between vga cables and vga boxes. You probably might of talked about it in the video but I might of not understood what you said. Something about " compatibility issues"?
It would be nice to know more in detail because I already bought a vga cable on ebay( not the cheap chinese ones I'm sure.)
If the cable is inferior to the box, then is it at least better than composite or s-video. If so then I'm satified.
I'm using a VIZIO HDTV hdmi tv by the way.
Matthew Snell Compatibility issues, a lot of monitors won't support the cables but will support the boxes.
Build quality on the cables tends to be very inferior.
And lack of bonus features. Boxes tend to offer things like RGB, S-Video, and Composite passthrough support as well as scanlines.
Personally, I wouldn't recommend those shitty cables to anyone.
AdamKoralik Thanks! I looked and realized that my hdtv doesn't have vga input to begin with. What vga box should I get and what cords and cables do I need to convert it to hdmi. Also do component cables work because I remember in your gamecube video you praised them a lot!( my hdtv has component inputs)
I want to make the right decidson because I already spent nearly $100 on a boxed dreamcast as well as bought some games for it. I don't want my friends and family to think I'm throwing my money just to get the parts for a new system. Sorry for the small there, just wanted to tell how I feel.
P.S I bet you're feeling tired as all hell about people asking you about things relating to the dreamcast or just questions already explained in your videos in general.
:(
AdamKoralik Okay, today I got a kuro vga box instead, but now I need to know how to connect the box to the HDTV ( I mentioned before that my tv doesn't have vga input). Can I just use a regular hdmi cable? Sorry if the question is Obvious.
Matthew Snell You'll need a high grade VGA to HDMI scaler. Frankly, I'd suggest using a monitor with VGA input.
AdamKoralik Ok. Thanks again! Can I ask you something? I just got my dreamcast delivered to me yesterday and it was awesome! It works nice and everything, but there is a minor issue with it though...
Whenever its reading a disc it makes a weird scratchy sound. Is it just normal since its just the sound of the motor speeding up? I'll record a video of it, in case you don't know what I'm talking about.
I really enjoy your videos Adam. I will pick one of these bad boys up.
Thanks for watching!
I mean I need to order quick Looks damn good brother.
So this will bypass the need to use utopia, gen-x, and code breaker when booting imported games(may have misunderstood at 5:45 )? Have you tried any of there other products? dont care about scan lines so im looking at the Kuro. What is hands down the best vga box out there?
ianthegamer The VGA box won't make the console region free, no.
Adam! How does this compare to the “TORO” box, also by Beharbros?
I think I did videos on both, honestly I don't remember. I think the best one they ever made is the Gekko.
Adam Koralik I’ve watched both vids now on Hanzo and Toro....being in the UK I think the Toro would be better.....
But now you say there’s a Gekko!!😩😂
How does that differ/what’s better about it?
It's native HDMI output, so you can bypass VGA entirely.
Adam Koralik So......this is getting insane😝😩😂
There’s so many...I’m really going down the rabbit hole tonight!
What is the difference between the Gekko and the Akura, which is best and are these HDMI variants hands down better than the VGA ones, period?! (Hanzo, Toro)
I have HD TVs with HDMI, VGA , S-Video and Scart inputs and just want to know what is the best solution for me 😖
Appreciate all your advice Adam 👍
It's been a while since I tinkered with the Hanzo and Toro. I THINK the Toro was better as it had SCART options.
The Gekko and Akura are basically the same. The Gekko is cheaper, smaller, and has a couple features removed. Personally, I consider these features useless. The Akura had an optional brightness setting, as well as scanlines, and scanline thickness.
hello from the future woah says there about 80USD now :(
The absence of 3.5 mm audio isn't a problem for us with "big boy" stereos :) jk. I have the 1st party dreamcast one I keep in the box as well as a used 3rd party clear orange one that also does s-video and has 3.5mm output, that has worked well since I bought it like 10 years ago. I think I paid $8 used. But sadly it isn't compatible with KOF dream match 99, which happens to be probably my favorite game of all time next to Shenmue 2. Do you know if this one will work with it?
King of Fighters Dream Match '99 is not VGA compatible. A full list of all games that will not work with the Hanzo (or any VGA box) is in the description.
AdamKoralik oh, bummer. anyway, thanks for the review. Looks like a rock solid piece of equipment.
AdamKoralik Hey Adam, love your videos. Question about the hanzo and vga outputs: Do they suffer from under-scanning like the ps2 and gamecube in 4:3? I'm wondering if i should get the toro instead to fix that using xrgb mini.
Hey Adam, I was wondering, what is your name on the dreamcast-talk forums if you are still active on there? Thanks, Love your videos :D
My username is AdamKoralik. I lurk there all the time, but I don't comment much.
Hey Man great vid! I just ordered the Hanzo. My question is with the Hanzo would I still benefit from a Atlona Technologies AT-HDVIEW VGA to HDMI Scaler Up to 1080p/60Hz?
Definitely, that's what I used it with to capture the footage since I have no way to capture VGA directly.
So I bought one of those cheap vga cables( cause the hanzo not available till January)and I know you say they’re crap but holy hell on a computer crt my Dreamcast looks amazing, coming from playing it on my hdtv. But I had to expand the image on the screen because there res is 480. Does the Hanzo scale to the the res of the screen automatically or do you still expand the image to fit the screen on the crt monitor?
I got the Hanzo and omg I did not think the picture could get any better but the Akura noticeable sharper and clearer and colors pop out more than the 15 dollar vga cable from amazon. I am super impressed the quality of cable makes a huge difference.
Hi Adam, I have a Hanzo box, and when you said about the switch that allows non vga games to load up, and you can switch it over mid game to work in vga...I tried this out with one of my favourite games Deadly Skies (Delta Force in US) - anyways, I was playing this with the switch off to allow the game to load previously, and was happily playing the game in the lower quality (even though for some reason on my display the screen is constantly flicking up and down slightly - not sure what this is), anyways I tried to flick the switch to on whilst the game is playing, but nothing changes. I think the VGA switch only fully functions when the console is first booted up with that switch enabled. It will not change the signal mid game. If you could attempt this yourself to check - I know you have every Dreamcast game anyways, so test Delta Force :)
Yeah man, I talked about the feature in the video. I even included a list of games in the description that that would work with. :P
Ahh okay, I was thinking that you meant that any game that the hanzo got to load could be switched to a VGA image halfway through gameplay. I'll have to try one of those you listed in the first list.
I have had a game not work at all with either mode on the switch. But i'm talking PAL here and some games might boot up differently? Is there any games you're aware of that were VGA in NTSC but not PAL, or vice versa?
TheSkillJim The PAL VS NTSC thing is a valid claim. Some PAL versions of games don't boot with VGA (Skies of Arcadia most famously) while their NTSC counterparts do.
AdamKoralik
Believe it or not, after testing myself, it seems Soul Calibur is also a victim of region specific VGA support. I'd say that's the most shocking/famous one.
Hey bud thanks for this, brilliant video! I have bought one of these on the strength of this vid, looking forward to getting it
Thanks for watching!
AdamKoralik Hey bud, got my Hanzo today, I just tried it on Headhunters and the picture is pretty awesome, however I just had one question or quandry, do you notice a lot of pixels? Am I using the wrong kind of VGA? Its an LCD via VGA mode... interested to hear what you think
***** MAY HAVE just answered my own question, I think Headhunter probably wasn't the best first try game, Just Played Soul Calibur, Ikaruga and Sturmwind on it and I must admit, I had a hard on lol. Still be interested to hear what you think, have you played Headhunter on it at all?
***** Personally I haven't noticed that, but it's been years since I tried that game to be honest.
no worries... so far everything else on it has been pant-wettingly good so all good! Question for you though, Any idea how I could get the VGA from the Dreamcast converted to a valid Component signal? One guy on TH-cam I found has done it but he's not responding. I've got a VGA - Component cable but its pretty useless to say the least lol
So what's the cable you use to connect that box to your hdtv if the tv hasn't vga input?
Personally, I use a high-grade VGA to HDMI scaler by Atlona. There are cheap versions of the same thing, but they usually suck. Just be careful when buying scalers, expensive ones are good. Cheap ones...generally not so good.
AdamKoralik
right. But a DC vga cable would do the same as that box but you wouldn't be able to get the audio ?
joel agostinho The direct cables? Like the shitty Tomee ones?
AdamKoralik
www.retrotowers.co.uk/dreamcast-vga-cable
Is this one a shitty one? If not, that means that the box is only made to have the other features. I don't know if the quality of this one is as good as the Hanzo box of course.
joel agostinho I wouldn't advise those, no. Like I said in the video, those have compatibility issues and often suffer from poor build quality. You could get the Hanzo, or the Kuro (slightly cheaper version of the Hanzo) for about the same money. I don't know why anyone would ever get cables like that to be honest.
Though, if you do decide to get those. Use my name (Adam K) as a coupon code at RetroTowers. You'll get 5% off the order.
I like the "In Japan..." annotation, mostly because I was almost angry because I vividly remember 9/9/99 :)
I saw your review for the Toro and from what I understand, to get around the games that can't be forced into VGA at all, you can switch it to the RGB SCART mode. Also from my understanding, the Hanzo has a VGA/RGB switch as well, only not SCART. Using the Hanzo, can I play the no-VGA-at-all games by just having the Hanzo switch to RGB?
No, I suggest the Toro, watch this video: th-cam.com/video/HuTYgAyUhTE/w-d-xo.html
Yes, I saw it. It's what got me wondering about that switch. :p Thanks for the heads up. So then that switch on the hanzo is just strickly to force boot those select games?
Daniel Alonzo Cital
Correct, it doesn't allow for SCART support on the Hanzo. I think that confusion is what lead to them building the Toro.
AdamKoralik Alright. Thanks for the heads up. Now I know what to invest in.
Daniel Alonzo Cital Happy to help.
hey adam have you come across any problems with the hanzo? i bought mine after watching your videos used it a handful of times and has completely stop working i get no picture and very little sound out of it. sounds come out with static and no picture at all. i used a couple of different dreamcast and nothing. any tips?
No, mine works great. I would contact their website and maybe they can help you troubleshoot it.
This may sound stupid, but I'd suggest being sure the connection between the VGA adapter and the Dreamcast itself is secure. You'd be amazed how often that's all the problem is. Happens to me constantly.
i contacted then hopefully ill hear something in the next couple of days. after testing it a few times i notice the connector is loose and basically falling off.
leon g :( Sorry to hear that.
shit happens man hopefully they''ll help me fix it. i finally had it running through the hdmi upscaler and i cant go back :)
It'd be nice to get a SVGA or XVGA boxes someday. I built a scanline generator into my CGA to VGA scaler and I think artificial scanlines look like crap. Real scanlines are barely noticeable on a real CRT, so thats why I keep a small SVGA monitor around for my retro gaming. The Scart to HDMI adapter I had died (kind of).
RCA is so that you can split the stereo channels into two mono (Left and right channel) with out two dedicated cables/adapters and that is useful for connecting to older equipment with separated 1/4 inch TRS or RCA sockets. 3.5mm TRS connectors are also not nearly as reliable and adapters or sockets or adapters to change to 1/4 inch TRS or 3.5mm TRS extinction cables tend to have connection issues with in the connectors.
Got mines today. I jizzed all over myself. Thanks for sharing Adam, you are a badass!
Thanks for watching, enjoy the Hanzo!
many thanks for the awesome videos. I'm slowly back-watching them all. Quick question though if you don't mind. My Dreamcast has slight yellowing. How would I remove it? Again, keep up the good work. Going to purchase one of those Hanzo VGA adaptors. Thanks.
Thanks for watching.
This should answer that: Gamerade - Remove Yellow from Super Nintendo, Other Consoles, Plastics - Adam Koralik
Many thanks. I should've searched your channel first.
Hey Adam when I originally tried using VGA on my 22in. HDTV, it said the signal wasn't supported. What would be a good solution? Is there something I could do or should i buy the VGA to HDMI converter?
Frank Wilbert I would test another monitor/TV to make sure nothing is wrong with the device first.
AdamKoralik I did, it worked on my monitor but would it work on my tv through a vga to hdmi converter.
Frank Wilbert Yeah, provided the HDMI scaler adjusts the resolution. But don't buy a cheap crappy one, you will be really disappointed by the results.
I bought the one from racketboy since they said it was an original dc cable what I got was complete crap. Getting the hanzo asap. Thanks Adam
Thanks for watching.
yay!!! a new keep dreaming video, I love to see that always is something new out there for this console. Also, I read on the last month gameinformer magazine that a game will come out for the dreamcast, is true? that will be awesome to see on gamestop or walmart selling this game xD
13:27 I bought the cheapest dreamcast VGA "cable", not box, on ebay ($15). It has the same video quality as the one shown in this video. Spending $65 for 480p and some scanlines is pretty excessive. But the VGA cable is really an improvement over composite and it delivers the same video as this box just without all the extra frills.
I purchased a Dreamcast to VGA cable with built in SLG off a Czeck reseller on eBay and it works mint. Cost me $25 Cdn shipped.
So you've got it? Liking it I take it?
Have you or anyone here tried the Hanzo / Kuro with Bangai-O? My Blaze VGA box doesn't work with it despite trying the the "switch trick."
Is this better than having the VGA mod that you have by Justin ? Excluding the region free mod.
***** I'd say it's the same. I actually recommend the Toro though, that's actually better than the internal mod.
Ok gonna try that, I have VGA mod made by Justin too. But I'll try the toro later on.
What i definitely need is shenmue 3 !! LOL
Keep up the dream.
Hey Adam! I bought the Hanzo but my Flat TV only has HDMI Input. Should I use a converter box or a normal vga to hdmi adapter. Is there a certain one you recommend?
ps: I could use the Toro without an adapter because my TV has a Scart Input but as you said in the Toro Video VGA looks much better. And since I wanna play Shenmue 1 and 2 before Shenmue 3 will be released of course I wanna experience it in VGA.
Houssein Ali Jaber I use one made by Atlona. Super expensive and uncommon now, sadly. I don't have any others I could personally recommend, but don't buy some cheap Chinese one. You'll end up regretting it.
Yes, you could using the Toro via SCART. But that would defeat the point of having VGA capabilities.