[Coury] Thank YOU for putting the info out there! I can't believe that this hasn't been talked about more - it came as a huge surprise to just about everyone I asked about it!
RGB video via mod has been doable on the 3DO for years now, you just need a console with a VP536 or BT9103 video encoder inside, and OSH Park already has boards for it. (Hint: The older Otaku-store mods are larger/require more chips) If it has the Anvil or 9101 encoder, it's no-go (For now at least). The only further developments are improved board designs and potential for getting the BT9101 supported. There's even an SPDIF mod already available for digital audio out. People still stick by the FZ-10 because of drive reliability (Fewer moving parts), and the fact that most FZ-10s seem to use the VP536.
yhep, I ended up buying an RGB modded 3DO back in 2007 I think. It's a model FZ-1. I seem to remember with the early mods you had to find some kind of arcade machine part sort of like the old NES RGB mods.
There's so many retro gaming channels out there but... Mlig has to be one of the most informative/detailed I've seen. Still lost on the framemister and the wacky cables but your videos are extremely encouraging and in depth. Without this channel, couldn't and wouldn't understand the rash concepts of video input/output Thx boyz
Noooo now the price of Japanese 3DOs are gonna skyrocket! How dare you make videos! Information is best when it's hoarded so that prices stay low and only a few select elites can appreciate it. JK I'm full of it... I'm so glad that this feature exists... and that I now also have a Japanese FZ-1.
No, they're a pretty cool channel run by Joe and Dave. Pretty cool gaming related stuff. But the Game Chasers (another fantastic channel) calls them nutsack, because thats what they really are deep down.
Hey guys! Love the video. I almost skipped it though, because of the red bar on the bottom of your thumbnail. It really looks like the 'played' bar that TH-cam uses to display how much of a video you've watched. They also display that red bar underneath a thumbnail. Might be nice to check that out. Keep it up!
Nice! I learned about this via the AA post as well and it turned out my FZ-1 has the switch. I have been binging on 3DO occasionally since thanks to it. It's a shame not everything is perfect (Out of This World like you mentioned, or Microcosm as another example), but for everything else this is a game changer.
Thank you for this! eBayers are sadly jacking prices as high as $250+ and doing auction only, but I still see them pop up from Japanese stores on the site. Just this morning found one that was in great shape, tested working, and only $120. As someone who is documenting all the 3DO games in HD for a series on my own channel, this is as Coury puts it, "a game changer." I was about to pay someone a lot of money to mod my FZ-10 I bought in the late 90s.
2:33; Oh man, Star Control 2 really is the best game on the 3DO. (The Star Control 2 Hyperspace theme is in the background.) I highly recommend The Ur-Quan Masters HD, the amazing and free HD remaster of Star Control 2 for modern windows, it’s seriously incredible. In fact, it’s my favourite game of all time.
As a kid we once traded our Sega Genesis with the neighbors for their 3DO. It was so cool playing Gex and my absolute favorite - the original Alone in the Dark! Once my parents found out however, they made us swap back, which was certainly for the best in the long run, but it was really cool to experience the system for a little while. Thanks for showing us how to get the most out of the console!
I used to have an FZ-10, FZ-1, and an Australian Goldstar. I eventually sold all the panasonics but I've kept the Goldstar. I never knew much about the output issues or options. Thanks for this!
Thanks for the content and information guys! Never seizes to amaze me though, in less than seven minutes you probably just made me change my setup. Now I have to get another FZ-1......lol...thanks Coury!
My dad got my brother a 3DO at launch (I don't know how he afforded it honestly) and I thought it was okay. I think it's biggest weakness is there's some really great games and then there's a ton of junk games for the system. Cool mod though.
You guys do such a great job I always learn so much from every one of your videos. This is better stuff than any show that was on Tech TV. The whole RGB series I would have never known about any of that stuff or understood it as well as I do now if it weren't for you.
I was excited when I first read about this some time ago. My system is a US launch model that I (sadly) purchased from Electronics Boutique back in the day.
OMG samuri showdown looked like a remake the pallet was AMAZING & the testured & sprits were 10 of 10 i used to play that game dailiy at the arcade it NEVER looked to sharp
I was one of those guys who sacrificed everything to get a 3DO around launch. 2 others guys & myself, were the only ones who had the console in middle school. We were the 3 Kings. Lots of heat, this system gets. It has some really great games & I happen to love FMV games. If you fact check, this system was too ahead of its time with the features it has but failed to capitalize on. It was to play games, run multi-media formats, & the vision was to get it on the internet. If managed & supported properly, it was supposed to have been the PS3 of yesteryear. Of all the years I have supported the 3DO, I have never heard of this. Definitely on my to do list now. It is also rumored the Video CD attachment (Japan Only) for the FZ-1 & FZ10 models, also improves the FMV quality on the games. I don't have the attachment so I can't confirm this nor is there solid information online. Thank you very much for your video.
Actually not all 3DO games are region free, the PAL version of Power Kingdom, Wolfenstein 3D and Soccer Kid are region locked. Anyway great video as always, I tried out those settings on my Framemeister and was impressed with the outcome.
Nice. I never knew this about the 3DO. Maybe I’ll try to find one of those Japanese units mentioned in your video. I’m surprised they did this. Why did they bother upscaling the video output of the 3DO, when most TVs back then could only display a 240p image? It sounds like a waste of time. I used to play my console systems on a Commodore Amiga RGB monitor, so I always had a better picture than someone who used a TV. My Neo-Geo AES looked especially nice connected to my RGB monitor.
[Try4ce] Televisions were actually designed for 480i, not 240p. 240p isn't really a proper standard, more like a way of tricking a 480i analog TVs into doing progressive. This is part of the reason 240p is hit or miss on modern TVs. So the 3DO was actually conforming to the standard of the day, but it still made no sense because it was rendering in 240p and TVs back then wouldn't have had a problem with it.
I've very recently become interested in the 3DO and its library, but after watching this I'm not sure whether I should choose the more reliable FZ-10 model and run 480i through S-Video or get lucky and find an FZ-1 model with the 240p switch. Have either of you guys by chance tried either model and video output (240p and 480i) using the RetroTink2x via S-Video? Perhaps the "bob" de-interlace can output a picture quality comparable to the mode switches 240p video. It would most likely be easier to do that than to hunt down a console with the switch as well, but I may be wrong. Let me know what your thoughts are, it would help a ton in making my final decision. :)
I have a Japanese FZ-10 using S-Video and have issues with the picture quality (and it looks a lot nicer than in this video). I am using a Pioneer DVD-recorder taking the S-Video from 3DO, outputting with Component.
Awesome to see and know, thanks for the video--3DO--best bad system of all time, bro.I need this in my life...oh wait, you pointed out the other day that I already do have this in my life, but it's currently broken...the console, not my life. So I need a repaired 240p capable 3DO system in my life in gaming.
This comment was a journey but a worth while one also weren't you in that slopes game room video I think the game was called the oh no's a japan only ps1 game? That video was one of the channels best in a while and I would personally like to give you a digital *high five*
Today I learned there was a console release of Starblade. I feel like this game was a huge inspiration for Starfox. The game blew my mind when it came out in he arcade.
So there's no benefit if you're running on a CRT? I just picked up a 3DO, and have the A/B switch hooked up to a CRT via composite. It's been in the A position, and everything looked crisp and clear to me?
[Try4ce] Is it the switch that goes between 240p and 480i? A CRT should get a nice benefit as well. 3DO graphics are 240p, there's no reason for them to be 480i. The difference may be harder to see on some CRTs though, especially in composite or on smaller CRTs.
Is there any chance you guys will do a segment on the Philips CD-i? I'd love to know I'm getting the best possible output out of mine. In December 1990, the CD-i 910 machine was my very first taste of Svideo outputted video. It looked beautiful on our new Sony Trinitron. Especially with Kodak Photo CD images. They were by far the best looking video that TV had seen.
Those S-Video captures look pretty damn good. There was talk of adding a function to the OSSC to de-interlace 480i back down to 240p, but it didn't seem to go anywhere. It would be handy in this case.... at least for RGB modded consoles since S-Video isn't supported by the OSSC.
I think the mod technique being referenced here is a bit outdated. The original version of the mod just used a DPST(on-off) to pull one of the pins on the video encoder high without actually lifting the pin from the board. If you actually lift the pin and use a DPDT (on-on)switch, the console will boot just fine in 240p, eliminating the need to boot it and then flip the switch. I've never once had it boot up on the wrong update line. Just based on the behavior described in this video, the 240p 3DO mods that I've done are functionally identical.
Why would you go to all that trouble - the Framemeister settings, when you can just connect the 3DO to what it was designed for, a CRT. It seems nuts to finally discover a 240p mode, only to then connect the system to a HDTV. A serious, proper Retro Channel would only be using a CRT.
[Try4ce] We show CRTs and upscalers and let people decide for themselves which works for them. We enjoy CRTs, but it's unrealistic to expect everyone to have them, or to say they aren't allowed to enjoy original hardware without one.
[Coury] I had some in there, but since the only FMV seems to be in the opening, it wasn't exciting enough. I swapped it out for some explosion footage from Drug Wars instead.
Gracias por tanta info, todos los días aprendemos algo nuevo, de los mejores canales de TH-cam, felicitaciones!!!! Thanks for so much info, every day we learn something new, one of the best TH-cam channels, congratulations!
This video's mentioning of S-video reminded me that I should really get S-video cables for my Wii, since I can't afford a component capture right now, and I do have an S-video capture device, heh
lol, i just checked my Console I have since 03/27/1994 and it has the mode switch. I never knew what that was or bothered to check for the past 24 years.
[Coury] I do use the OSSC for a lot these days, but since it has no S-Video input on it, I'm using the Framemeister for the 3DO currently. So thats the FM you're seeing on the TV.
I have 2 CIB 3do systems with this (I have more than one incase my original dies on me).. My original 3DO I bought just has the channel switch. Curious though, as for collectors, which would be worth more? I figure that this revision would be more sought after..
I just got my hands on one of these and it's legit for sure! I have a question though. Is it ok to switch the mode while it's on or should I do it while it's off? I can see how it does introduce some minor timing issues with FMVs and some games mentioned in this video.. but in the end the in-game performance boost is noticeable.
I have already tested 2 different japan fz 1 with 240p and unfortunately the consoles no longer play CDrs after some time, always as soon as the consoles get warm. Does anyone have any ideas? I'm in europe.
it is too bad we will never know what the ACTUAL cost of making a 3DO back in 1993 when it came out so we can see how much Panasonic was making it when it sold for $699.
I have a japanese FZ-1 but it has a blank space for the RF out section.. any chance something is behind that or the entire RF and/or 240p switch is simply missing? I wonder if this would be relatively easier to install into one of these vs an RF equipped unit?
I considered trying to remember where I put my Panasonic 3DO FZ-1 when I had a nostalgic urging to play Immercenary. I ended up just using 4DO instead. It worked well enough for me.
That's so baffling that they'd design a 240p console to output only in 480i. Honestly while i'll never buy a 3do or a lot of the more off beat things you cover I always love it when you cover these sorts of things.
I was at a friend's warehouse and found 3 3dos, no controllers. They seem good condition exterior. Each one has a sticker Orange that says new brushless motor. I connected to tv and and 3do menu comes up with logo and stays there. Each one does that. I get no asteroid or please insert disk menu? Any help would be appreciated.
Coury & Try, today I discovered that the other non A/B Japanese 3DO FZ-1 have the necessary footprint on the PCB, just unpopulated. If somebody sent me a photo of a populated one, I can write a manual for a conversion. I just opened an AtariAge thread. Please send me a photo and then people will have even more possibilities.
You mean to be permanently in either A or B? Sure. Without having one I would assume it is done like this: The stetting pulls a reference pin to either +5 VDC or to Gnd. Wire the appropriate connection and it will be set permanently.
So I'm a little bit confused here. I get that the Japanese Console can output 240p through the switch in MODE B, but what did you CONNECT the system to the TV with? are you using an RGB SCART? or S-Video? Do you STILL have to get it mod to take SCART? I'm Asking because my entire setup (except O.G Xbox) uses SCART on the OSSC and I'm planning to get a 3DO soon.
[Try4ce] This version is only really relevant if you want to use unmodded consoles. You can have 240p, but you'll have to use S-video. I'd you want to mod, then this is the RGB+240p mod you want. shop.dansprojects.com/3dorgb.html
My first 3DO was a second-hand Japanese FZ-1 with the mode switch. If I recall correctly, Dragon`s Lair would not run properly under one of the modes. Unfortunately I parted with the system many years ago when it developed an overheating problem and now I have just a Japanese FZ-10.
Which is the difference between this variant and a home made 240p mod (both visually and electrically)? In other words... Can we improve the home made mod and make it perfect 100% of the times?
Wow I just bought one of these and was comparing it to my US FZ-1 and wondering what the mode switch was all about. Thank you! I have an 3DO ODE coming in and I think I`ll do the swap between consoles and put the good Japanese drive into the US and use the ODE on the Japanese model with the 240p switch making it maybe the ultimate 3DO?
the question is, can we use the native switch on this revision to improve the mod? Like, what do they do different? Is it circuitry? Is there a different IC? Can we start replicating thqt with the mod?
Can you answer me this ive seen us models that have that same switch but say channel 3 or 4 i think its the same mode like the Japan model just labeled different. Im sure its. Not to be played on channel 3 or 4 its probably that mode switch any input?
I know how get the best picture but what is the best way to get the best sound out of a retro games console ? Connecting rf to hdtv then optical out surround system / rac to surround system / scart to hdtv and then optical out to surround system / or scart to hdmi convert to hdtv then optical out to surround system /or scart with audio rca cables out to surround system . Then retro games console ummod vs moded consoles for audio sound output ?
I just bought Japanese FZ-1 from eBay along with the ODE from Fixel. My collection of 5th gen consoles is about complete. I'm just missing the toilet, er CD attachment for my Jaguar.
Knowing that 480 effectively doubles the resolution, what is the main reason that 240p offers the better output? Does it have to do with how its rendered from the console? Is it because upscalers on tv sets don't manage the native resolution that the game devs intended? It makes me wonder if this show is primarily play tested around CRT's or High Definition sets.
[Try4ce] Originally we were only upscaling to HDTVs, but we've been doing a mixture of that and CRTs for the past several years. 240p works better for these games for a lot of reasons. They were originally designed for that resolution, but output as 480i. This adds an interlacing effect that is not needed on CRTs, and wreaks havoc with upscalers, especially for content designed at 240p. When your output matches the resolution of the content, you simply have more control over what you do with it, whether upscaled or direct to a CRT.
I recognize the logic since I've been working with it and finding reasonable success. I guess the area that makes things fuzzy is how in the world does 720x240 not make the image like reading a scroll? The only thing that I can think of is that the scaling device operates like a pseudo third eye. We have two eyes, but only detect a singular view. So each eye is rendering at 360x240 and the sum of the horizontal makes it certain that both of them detect a definitive 360 frame, which is for all intents and purposes, lossless. If that is the case, why wouldn't the science behind interlacing function the same way? Its 240 twice over, just odd and even renditions of it. I guess I'm confused as to whether there can even be a 480 scale that was intended by the manufacturer to be its optimal resolution.
I'd better grab one of these before sellers catch on and charge a premium for the "Rare Mode Switch" version! It's a shame that the US F1 versions don't have this. Is there anything hidden in the Goldstar model of US 3DO? Or the F-10 US? I own 2 factory sealed models, but if either of those have a a native way of displaying 240p I'd crack them open!
![ประสบการณ์ จ้าง Developer ที่ผมจะไม่มีวันลืม [ภาค1]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/bzivN4KDg-k/mqdefault.jpg)
Thanks for bringing some attention to this 3DO variant! Great video as always 👍
[Coury] Thank YOU for putting the info out there! I can't believe that this hasn't been talked about more - it came as a huge surprise to just about everyone I asked about it!
Love both of yalls videos thanks to both for putting out such information
Yo! I can't believe your channel got a shout out! I feel like I'm the only one who watches your sonic/overrated videos.
Rad to see you get a shout-out here, Kris!
implantgames love your videos, one of the best review channels on TH-cam
I immediately went and checked my two FZ-1 units. The first one doesn't have the switch but the second one does! Score! :)
I just received a 3DO from Japan yesterday. Thought it was unlikely to have this switch.... but it does!
The 3DO was so far ahead of its time that even the company didn't realize it.
Rosemary Marie I second this.
@Sleepy_Rainy_Day I paid about $70 for mine and had it until a fire on november 30th 2018. I miss it so much.
RGB video via mod has been doable on the 3DO for years now, you just need a console with a VP536 or BT9103 video encoder inside, and OSH Park already has boards for it. (Hint: The older Otaku-store mods are larger/require more chips) If it has the Anvil or 9101 encoder, it's no-go (For now at least). The only further developments are improved board designs and potential for getting the BT9101 supported. There's even an SPDIF mod already available for digital audio out. People still stick by the FZ-10 because of drive reliability (Fewer moving parts), and the fact that most FZ-10s seem to use the VP536.
yhep, I ended up buying an RGB modded 3DO back in 2007 I think. It's a model FZ-1. I seem to remember with the early mods you had to find some kind of arcade machine part sort of like the old NES RGB mods.
I believe the Sanyo TRY also uses BT9103 from the motherboard I have seen.
There's so many retro gaming channels out there but... Mlig has to be one of the most informative/detailed I've seen.
Still lost on the framemister and the wacky cables but your videos are extremely encouraging and in depth.
Without this channel, couldn't and wouldn't understand the rash concepts of video input/output
Thx boyz
Noooo now the price of Japanese 3DOs are gonna skyrocket! How dare you make videos! Information is best when it's hoarded so that prices stay low and only a few select elites can appreciate it. JK I'm full of it... I'm so glad that this feature exists... and that I now also have a Japanese FZ-1.
Gamesack? More like nutsack.
Who is Game Sack? Are they part of the MJ crew?
No, they're a pretty cool channel run by Joe and Dave. Pretty cool gaming related stuff. But the Game Chasers (another fantastic channel) calls them nutsack, because thats what they really are deep down.
now include in a future episode Plumbers Don't Wear Ties on 240p
That's exactly right, Joe!
Hey guys! Love the video. I almost skipped it though, because of the red bar on the bottom of your thumbnail. It really looks like the 'played' bar that TH-cam uses to display how much of a video you've watched. They also display that red bar underneath a thumbnail. Might be nice to check that out. Keep it up!
WOAH Native 240P Video Output on 3DO, sweet! Implant Games is an amazing channel!
I loved my 3DO, especially playing Demolition Man, back in the day.
Whenever I hear that intro music I know I'm in for a high quality TH-cam experience.
Nice! I learned about this via the AA post as well and it turned out my FZ-1 has the switch. I have been binging on 3DO occasionally since thanks to it. It's a shame not everything is perfect (Out of This World like you mentioned, or Microcosm as another example), but for everything else this is a game changer.
Gameplay and Talk what about doom? The modded version of doom? I heard wolf 3d runs too fast
Yes it does
Changing "sharpness" from 0 to 1 is the most important step. Do not forget about it.
Maybe the 3DO chose 480i over 240p because of the FMV?
Yes that is the reason. Plus also for vcd's.
Thank you for this! eBayers are sadly jacking prices as high as $250+ and doing auction only, but I still see them pop up from Japanese stores on the site. Just this morning found one that was in great shape, tested working, and only $120. As someone who is documenting all the 3DO games in HD for a series on my own channel, this is as Coury puts it, "a game changer." I was about to pay someone a lot of money to mod my FZ-10 I bought in the late 90s.
2:33; Oh man, Star Control 2 really is the best game on the 3DO. (The Star Control 2 Hyperspace theme is in the background.) I highly recommend The Ur-Quan Masters HD, the amazing and free HD remaster of Star Control 2 for modern windows, it’s seriously incredible. In fact, it’s my favourite game of all time.
I don't even have a 3DO, but your videos are so awesome I'm watching it anyway
As a kid we once traded our Sega Genesis with the neighbors for their 3DO. It was so cool playing Gex and my absolute favorite - the original Alone in the Dark! Once my parents found out however, they made us swap back, which was certainly for the best in the long run, but it was really cool to experience the system for a little while. Thanks for showing us how to get the most out of the console!
I used to have an FZ-10, FZ-1, and an Australian Goldstar. I eventually sold all the panasonics but I've kept the Goldstar. I never knew much about the output issues or options. Thanks for this!
Thanks for the content and information guys! Never seizes to amaze me though, in less than seven minutes you probably just made me change my setup. Now I have to get another FZ-1......lol...thanks Coury!
that's the 3DO model I had as a kid. SSF2 on 3DO used to be my favorite Street Fighter, until I discovered the Dreamcast version with RGB enabled
Awesome video the 3do deserves the attention! Already knew about this mode for some time now but its great that this information is being shared!
You guys should have a million subs, the content and expertise is at the Digital Foundry level.
*continues waiting patiently for the Xbox display recommendation video*
Thanks for the tip... I have 2 FZ-1 units, one will be going up for sale (long story), they both have the switch ! Thanks for the info here !
My dad got my brother a 3DO at launch (I don't know how he afforded it honestly) and I thought it was okay. I think it's biggest weakness is there's some really great games and then there's a ton of junk games for the system. Cool mod though.
That clip of the Star Control 2 Hyperspace Theme hit me right in the nostalgia!
You guys do such a great job I always learn so much from every one of your videos. This is better stuff than any show that was on Tech TV. The whole RGB series I would have never known about any of that stuff or understood it as well as I do now if it weren't for you.
Your work is awesome!!
Great stuff, man!! This kinda makes me want to own a 3D0. So much hype back in the day.
great video! i love these variant pieces. insanely valuable as collector myself.
I just bought this version of the 3DO, thanks dude!
Smooth video as always! Good to know there's this tip to enjoy 3DO in its full glory
I own 2 FZ-1 and an FZ1-10. I’ve got RGB mod and USB loader to the FZ-1. It’s amazing!
That Star Control 2 music was a nice touch
You’re almost at 100k subs! Keep up the good work!
I was excited when I first read about this some time ago. My system is a US launch model that I (sadly) purchased from Electronics Boutique back in the day.
YES!!!! I bought this on a whim last week for $30.
I bet the prices for these went way up when this was discovered^^
RetroProGamer Yup. Japanese resellers used to sell them for less than $200 on eBay. Now they cost well over $400+.
@@worldofretrogameplay6963 no they don't you liar.
I dare you to deliver a bad video! Another top quality interesting document of videogame History.
I have the Goldstar console, can it be modded for better resolution?
OMG samuri showdown looked like a remake the pallet was AMAZING & the testured & sprits were 10 of 10 i used to play that game dailiy at the arcade it NEVER looked to sharp
480i looks better in some of your examples because the hard pixel edges are softened. What you called vaseline-smeared, I call blemish softened.
I was one of those guys who sacrificed everything to get a 3DO around launch. 2 others guys & myself, were the only ones who had the console in middle school. We were the 3 Kings. Lots of heat, this system gets. It has some really great games & I happen to love FMV games. If you fact check, this system was too ahead of its time with the features it has but failed to capitalize on. It was to play games, run multi-media formats, & the vision was to get it on the internet. If managed & supported properly, it was supposed to have been the PS3 of yesteryear. Of all the years I have supported the 3DO, I have never heard of this. Definitely on my to do list now. It is also rumored the Video CD attachment (Japan Only) for the FZ-1 & FZ10 models, also improves the FMV quality on the games. I don't have the attachment so I can't confirm this nor is there solid information online. Thank you very much for your video.
Actually not all 3DO games are region free, the PAL version of Power Kingdom, Wolfenstein 3D and Soccer Kid are region locked. Anyway great video as always, I tried out those settings on my Framemeister and was impressed with the outcome.
Nice. I never knew this about the 3DO. Maybe I’ll try to find one of those Japanese units mentioned in your video.
I’m surprised they did this. Why did they bother upscaling the video output of the 3DO, when most TVs back then could only display a 240p image? It sounds like a waste of time.
I used to play my console systems on a Commodore Amiga RGB monitor, so I always had a better picture than someone who used a TV. My Neo-Geo AES looked especially nice connected to my RGB monitor.
[Try4ce] Televisions were actually designed for 480i, not 240p. 240p isn't really a proper standard, more like a way of tricking a 480i analog TVs into doing progressive. This is part of the reason 240p is hit or miss on modern TVs. So the 3DO was actually conforming to the standard of the day, but it still made no sense because it was rendering in 240p and TVs back then wouldn't have had a problem with it.
I will have to look into this soon...fantastic.
Awesome video! Just snagged one on Epay for $89.99.
I've very recently become interested in the 3DO and its library, but after watching this I'm not sure whether I should choose the more reliable FZ-10 model and run 480i through S-Video or get lucky and find an FZ-1 model with the 240p switch. Have either of you guys by chance tried either model and video output (240p and 480i) using the RetroTink2x via S-Video? Perhaps the "bob" de-interlace can output a picture quality comparable to the mode switches 240p video. It would most likely be easier to do that than to hunt down a console with the switch as well, but I may be wrong. Let me know what your thoughts are, it would help a ton in making my final decision. :)
I have a Japanese FZ-10 using S-Video and have issues with the picture quality (and it looks a lot nicer than in this video). I am using a Pioneer DVD-recorder taking the S-Video from 3DO, outputting with Component.
Awesome to see and know, thanks for the video--3DO--best bad system of all time, bro.I need this in my life...oh wait, you pointed out the other day that I already do have this in my life, but it's currently broken...the console, not my life. So I need a repaired 240p capable 3DO system in my life in gaming.
This comment was a journey but a worth while one also weren't you in that slopes game room video I think the game was called the oh no's a japan only ps1 game? That video was one of the channels best in a while and I would personally like to give you a digital *high five*
Love the use of star control 2 music.
Today I learned there was a console release of Starblade. I feel like this game was a huge inspiration for Starfox. The game blew my mind when it came out in he arcade.
Sprang right up to see whether my Japanese FZ-1 has the switch. It doesn't^^
So there's no benefit if you're running on a CRT? I just picked up a 3DO, and have the A/B switch hooked up to a CRT via composite. It's been in the A position, and everything looked crisp and clear to me?
[Try4ce] Is it the switch that goes between 240p and 480i? A CRT should get a nice benefit as well. 3DO graphics are 240p, there's no reason for them to be 480i. The difference may be harder to see on some CRTs though, especially in composite or on smaller CRTs.
Outstanding video and shirt. I wonder if the circuitry for this is still available but unused in other revisions.
Is there any chance you guys will do a segment on the Philips CD-i? I'd love to know I'm getting the best possible output out of mine.
In December 1990, the CD-i 910 machine was my very first taste of Svideo outputted video. It looked beautiful on our new Sony Trinitron. Especially with Kodak Photo CD images. They were by far the best looking video that TV had seen.
Wow!
Those S-Video captures look pretty damn good. There was talk of adding a function to the OSSC to de-interlace 480i back down to 240p, but it didn't seem to go anywhere. It would be handy in this case.... at least for RGB modded consoles since S-Video isn't supported by the OSSC.
Great video guys.
Very well done video!! Nice work
Cory looking good w the beard. Love u guys!
I think the mod technique being referenced here is a bit outdated. The original version of the mod just used a DPST(on-off) to pull one of the pins on the video encoder high without actually lifting the pin from the board. If you actually lift the pin and use a DPDT (on-on)switch, the console will boot just fine in 240p, eliminating the need to boot it and then flip the switch. I've never once had it boot up on the wrong update line. Just based on the behavior described in this video, the 240p 3DO mods that I've done are functionally identical.
You are doing God's work.
Why would you go to all that trouble - the Framemeister settings, when you can just connect the 3DO to what it was designed for, a CRT. It seems nuts to finally discover a 240p mode, only to then connect the system to a HDTV. A serious, proper Retro Channel would only be using a CRT.
[Try4ce] We show CRTs and upscalers and let people decide for themselves which works for them. We enjoy CRTs, but it's unrealistic to expect everyone to have them, or to say they aren't allowed to enjoy original hardware without one.
No footage of Plumbers Don't Wear Ties?
[Coury] I had some in there, but since the only FMV seems to be in the opening, it wasn't exciting enough. I swapped it out for some explosion footage from Drug Wars instead.
We miss the chance of have one or two laughs on this mini episode after hearing some random gold cheesy line from that game.
Gracias por tanta info, todos los días aprendemos algo nuevo, de los mejores canales de TH-cam, felicitaciones!!!!
Thanks for so much info, every day we learn something new, one of the best TH-cam channels, congratulations!
Back in the day I genuinely thought the 3DO was going to be a big deal. Sadly they just fell flat. A shame as the FZ1 is a gorgeous design.
Nice find!!! Be prepared for eBay to be wiped of these now lol can't wait for all the rgb mod options to become available to install the best one
This video's mentioning of S-video reminded me that I should really get S-video cables for my Wii, since I can't afford a component capture right now, and I do have an S-video capture device, heh
If you are playing a PAL game with the switch toggled in the 240p position, does the PAL game output at 240p or its native 288p?
RGB video via mod + 240p Video mod is theway to go
lol, i just checked my Console I have since 03/27/1994 and it has the mode switch. I never knew what that was or bothered to check for the past 24 years.
Always excited for a new video of you :)
When is the time for neo geo rgb?
Thanks for your work as always
Did Coury get a new HDTV or is he fully switched to the OSSC? Seems like there's less lag compared to the CRT than in an order video.
[Coury] I do use the OSSC for a lot these days, but since it has no S-Video input on it, I'm using the Framemeister for the 3DO currently. So thats the FM you're seeing on the TV.
I just got up to check my FZ-1. It has a channel 3 or 4 selection where the button is. I am guessing this is not the same thing?
[Try4ce] This is for which channel you need to set your TV to if you're using RF output.
What are the best 3DO games? Gex always is mentioned. Any exclusives? I knew nothing about Panasonic 3DO growing up.
I have 2 CIB 3do systems with this (I have more than one incase my original dies on me).. My original 3DO I bought just has the channel switch. Curious though, as for collectors, which would be worth more? I figure that this revision would be more sought after..
I just got my hands on one of these and it's legit for sure! I have a question though. Is it ok to switch the mode while it's on or should I do it while it's off? I can see how it does introduce some minor timing issues with FMVs and some games mentioned in this video.. but in the end the in-game performance boost is noticeable.
I have already tested 2 different japan fz 1 with 240p and unfortunately the consoles no longer play CDrs after some time, always as soon as the consoles get warm. Does anyone have any ideas? I'm in europe.
Get the USB mod from MNEMO its amazing!
Dope video game dads shirt!
it is too bad we will never know what the ACTUAL cost of making a 3DO back in 1993 when it came out so we can see how much Panasonic was making it when it sold for $699.
I have a japanese FZ-1 but it has a blank space for the RF out section.. any chance something is behind that or the entire RF and/or 240p switch is simply missing? I wonder if this would be relatively easier to install into one of these vs an RF equipped unit?
I considered trying to remember where I put my Panasonic 3DO FZ-1 when I had a nostalgic urging to play Immercenary.
I ended up just using 4DO instead. It worked well enough for me.
That's so baffling that they'd design a 240p console to output only in 480i. Honestly while i'll never buy a 3do or a lot of the more off beat things you cover I always love it when you cover these sorts of things.
I was at a friend's warehouse and found 3 3dos, no controllers. They seem good condition exterior. Each one has a sticker Orange that says new brushless motor. I connected to tv and and 3do menu comes up with logo and stays there. Each one does that. I get no asteroid or please insert disk menu? Any help would be appreciated.
I got no issues with 240p games shows as 480i,aslong i don’t see combing motion artifacts because i really hate combing motion artifacts.
Coury & Try, today I discovered that the other non A/B Japanese 3DO FZ-1 have the necessary footprint on the PCB, just unpopulated. If somebody sent me a photo of a populated one, I can write a manual for a conversion. I just opened an AtariAge thread. Please send me a photo and then people will have even more possibilities.
Could one with the channel switch have that disabled and rewired to do the a/b mode?
You mean to be permanently in either A or B? Sure. Without having one I would assume it is done like this: The stetting pulls a reference pin to either +5 VDC or to Gnd. Wire the appropriate connection and it will be set permanently.
So I'm a little bit confused here. I get that the Japanese Console can output 240p through the switch in MODE B, but what did you CONNECT the system to the TV with? are you using an RGB SCART? or S-Video? Do you STILL have to get it mod to take SCART? I'm Asking because my entire setup (except O.G Xbox) uses SCART on the OSSC and I'm planning to get a 3DO soon.
[Try4ce] This version is only really relevant if you want to use unmodded consoles. You can have 240p, but you'll have to use S-video. I'd you want to mod, then this is the RGB+240p mod you want. shop.dansprojects.com/3dorgb.html
Good job, boiz.
My first 3DO was a second-hand Japanese FZ-1 with the mode switch. If I recall correctly, Dragon`s Lair would not run properly under one of the modes. Unfortunately I parted with the system many years ago when it developed an overheating problem and now I have just a Japanese FZ-10.
Which is the difference between this variant and a home made 240p mod (both visually and electrically)?
In other words...
Can we improve the home made mod and make it perfect 100% of the times?
Wow I just bought one of these and was comparing it to my US FZ-1 and wondering what the mode switch was all about. Thank you! I have an 3DO ODE coming in and I think I`ll do the swap between consoles and put the good Japanese drive into the US and use the ODE on the Japanese model with the 240p switch making it maybe the ultimate 3DO?
the question is, can we use the native switch on this revision to improve the mod? Like, what do they do different? Is it circuitry? Is there a different IC? Can we start replicating thqt with the mod?
Can you answer me this ive seen us models that have that same switch but say channel 3 or 4 i think its the same mode like the Japan model just labeled different. Im sure its. Not to be played on channel 3 or 4 its probably that mode switch any input?
I know how get the best picture but what is the best way to get the best sound out of a retro games console ? Connecting rf to hdtv then optical out surround system / rac to surround system / scart to hdtv and then optical out to surround system / or scart to hdmi convert to hdtv then optical out to surround system /or scart with audio rca cables out to surround system . Then retro games console ummod vs moded consoles for audio sound output ?
I just bought Japanese FZ-1 from eBay along with the ODE from Fixel. My collection of 5th gen consoles is about complete. I'm just missing the toilet, er CD attachment for my Jaguar.
How can I get the best HD picture from my VMU using the framemeister and RGB - please give me a video about this subject.
Knowing that 480 effectively doubles the resolution, what is the main reason that 240p offers the better output? Does it have to do with how its rendered from the console? Is it because upscalers on tv sets don't manage the native resolution that the game devs intended?
It makes me wonder if this show is primarily play tested around CRT's or High Definition sets.
[Try4ce] Originally we were only upscaling to HDTVs, but we've been doing a mixture of that and CRTs for the past several years. 240p works better for these games for a lot of reasons. They were originally designed for that resolution, but output as 480i. This adds an interlacing effect that is not needed on CRTs, and wreaks havoc with upscalers, especially for content designed at 240p. When your output matches the resolution of the content, you simply have more control over what you do with it, whether upscaled or direct to a CRT.
I recognize the logic since I've been working with it and finding reasonable success. I guess the area that makes things fuzzy is how in the world does 720x240 not make the image like reading a scroll?
The only thing that I can think of is that the scaling device operates like a pseudo third eye. We have two eyes, but only detect a singular view.
So each eye is rendering at 360x240 and the sum of the horizontal makes it certain that both of them detect a definitive 360 frame, which is for all intents and purposes, lossless.
If that is the case, why wouldn't the science behind interlacing function the same way? Its 240 twice over, just odd and even renditions of it. I guess I'm confused as to whether there can even be a 480 scale that was intended by the manufacturer to be its optimal resolution.
I'd better grab one of these before sellers catch on and charge a premium for the "Rare Mode Switch" version!
It's a shame that the US F1 versions don't have this. Is there anything hidden in the Goldstar model of US 3DO? Or the F-10 US? I own 2 factory sealed models, but if either of those have a a native way of displaying 240p I'd crack them open!
I payed 200 dollars for this type of model and it runs no better what the heak