A few misconceptions and things to clarify about Analog RGB. 1: SCART is NOT RGB. It is a video connector/lead. It CAN and very often carried Composite video signal and Mono/Stereo audio. 2: The availability of Analog RGB in the UK and western Europe on consumer grade TV sets in the late 80s early 90s was considerably rare. And typically reservered for very expensive high end sets or Home Computers, such as the Amiga. 3: Most people in the aforementioned regions were playing Mega Drive and other consoles of that time period, in Composite video over SCART or even RF video. Save for the few children that had parents with high end equipment or adult gamers with $$$$. 4: RGB SCART didn't become common or "standard" on affordable TVs until the mid-late 90s.
Can confirm, hooked up basically every console by ketchup mustard & mayo as a kid (born 2000), right up to the Wii. I was familiar with the SCART connector but only via composite adapters, I thought it was just a more convenient way of plugging stuff in.
Hey Adam, does it blow your mind how far the RGB and video quality scene has come since the early 2010s? I still remember when the definitive way to play retro consoles was a Scart to component transcoder on both a CRT and LCD. Now, we have the Framemeister, OSSC, Analogue consoles, HDMI mods/plug n’ play solutions, PVM monitors, the list goes on.
Even though all consoles before the Dreamcast are called the "240p" consoles, only the Saturn, N64, and PS1 realistically fill 240 lines vertically. The Genesis and SNES are 224 pixels high and the Master System is 192 pixels high (yes, really). The NES technically output 240 lines, but most (though not all) of the time the top and bottom of the images are just visual garbage.
Every time I watch one of one of these showcase videos, I always think the Sonic-themed GameCube controller & the Lego(?) Sonic behind it are some sort of Sonic spidermech.
The RetroTink 2X with the RetroTink RGB2COMP transcoder work flawlessly no hiccup no added input lag. The best for the price. Line Doubler is output at 480p. Looks gloriously sharp.
In Case you were wondering Adam, the Sega Genesis/MegaDrive outputs 2 types of 240p signals. 1. *320x224* 2. *256x224* Plus the System can output true 480i via 320x448 like the 2 player split-screen mode of Sonic 2, but it was rarely used, like the 480p mode provided by the PS2. Also HDMI acutally supports resolutions below 480p, like 480i and 240p, it's just that HDTVs are far less likely to support those types of resolution over their HDMI ports verses their coax, composite, S-Video, and Component video ports. *TRY4's* Samsung HDTV from *My Life in Gaming* actually supports *240p* native-ally over HDMI.
Yes exactly I have I believe it's the pound cable and before I was using the retro RGB cables so I had a model one to model two adapter for that and the pound cable did not work properly with that so I had to find my old 32x model one to model two adapter cable. and use that cable to get it to work.. and not only that these cables don't have any kind of way of inputting stereo audio it seems to come out mono. We're the one you were describing seems to be a lot better option
Thank you for talking about the widescreen which is one thing reviews don’t talk about. My TV won’t allow me to switch to 4:3 if I use HDMI and I brought Pound first before moving to Hyperkin due to the widescreen issue. While I am a gamer, I don’t play the systems enough to justify the price for a Framemister.
On E-Bay in the listing for the Hyperkin HD HDMI Cable Adapter Please DO NOT use it continuously for more than 3 hours, otherwise it may be damaged in red text, so I guess it's Crap.
An HDMI output from an old console is a flawed concept from the get go. At the very least you should introduce a good scanline filter somewhere in the chain for 5th gen or earlier. These consoles are not meant to be played with crisp pixels. RGB (modded if necessary) into a good scaler is pretty much the best option for everything before the 360. VGA for the Dreamcast if you never plan on playing the incompatible games (I find connecting a different cable to play Bangai-O a pain in the ass personally)
Still never owned a Sega console when they were first party … I did get the Genesis Mini as an excuse to spend my Best Buy $5 "mystery" certificate last month … I was considering a RetroTink 2x, but it looks more like I'm going to pre-order Rad2x for the older consoles I still have
I bought the Pound cable for my Mega Drive, not expecting too much out of it but hopefully doing a better job than the cheap SCART lead into my plasme tv. No difference at all so sent it back. Going to the extreme I then bought the Mega SG and couldn't be happier with it, cost a lot by the time it got to the UK but worth it
You can use a Pound cable on a Saturn with the HD Retrovision adapter but the Hyperkin won’t work. How To Use a Pound HDMI Adapter For The Sega Genesis For The Sega Saturn th-cam.com/video/IKAT1ep5oeU/w-d-xo.html Here’s the “live” version with more games- Using a Pound Genesis Cable on a Sega Saturn - Thanks HD Retrovision! (Live): th-cam.com/video/qqk58evPGqU/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for showing off options for playing the Genesis with your honest opinions. I don't currently have many games for mine but eventually I'd like to and seeing the various options on an HDTV is useful.
You are the only other person I've seen mention the Master System! I was really happy that the Hyperkin cable worked with the Master System when I also reviewed it.
I keep seeing people turn their noses up at solutions that cost less than 400 dollars and it blows my mind. I'm getting perfectly enjoyable results from HDMI adapters on wii, xbox, and ps2, and great results from component, but composite works fine for my TG16/pc engine, genesis (i'll admit I'd like to improve the signal with a triple bypass, but it's FAR from terrible) and SuperFamicom. mine ARE in good shape with good caps, nothing blown out, no bad jailbars, they're fine. I get I might get a better picture for 400 dollars, but... a 400 dollar better solution? I just can't see where it would get the gains.
Hey Adam, will you ever make a retrospective on Handheld consoles? I know you don’t like handheld’s but your retrospective videos are my favorite in your channel 👍🏾
I got the Hyperkin Genesis cable because it plays 32x with less saturation than the Pound cable. Pound cable makes the pic too bright. Only issue with playing 32x with Hyperkin is it doesn’t Audio with Genesis model 1.
This is interesting. I was just browsing SCART to HDMI on ebay, and I found a new product. There's a device that resembles the Pound cable. Same plug for HDMI, same mini-USB input for power, same 720p/1080p switch. Only instead a multi out lead, it has a SCART lead hardwired to the other side. Search "Universal Scart to HDMI Converter Adapter 720P/1080P Audio Output for TV". It looks like an inferior version of your old SCART to HDMI scaler. I think this is what Pound and Hyperkin are using to make their HDMI adapters. Probably snipping off the SCART lead, soldering on a multi-out, and then replacing the outer casing.
A lot of people looking for a budget solution don't know if they buy these Pound / Hyperkin or the Chinese Scart to HDMI. It is around the same range of price. Which one is better? Because when you turn on the Scart to HDMI without a video cable the same NO SIGNAL warning appears on screen... I think all of them are the same circuit...
Hey Adam ! Maybe rude of me to say this here, but this is a new post and I've been wanting to thank you for a couple of years now for what you did with BttF 4 and 5. Amazing work, I watch them often and do kinda see them as movies ! Posting this here, because I have no idea if you read comments on old video's, but I still wanted to finally let you know how awesome I think those video's are. I'm sure they were a hell of a lot of work to put together in a coherent way !
Sad that analog to digital conversions are still so shitty even to this day, but, I'm glad were getting better options both high and low end. The framemeister was probably my best retro gaming purchase I've ever made.
I've been using the Hyperkin cable on my Mega Drive for a few months now and I have to say I was quite surprised. I was expecting it to be hot garbage like their PS2 cable was. The only thing I didn't like was what you already pointed out about it, the hard-wired cable. But I use it on my master system also. And although it's a very tight fit, it works pretty good! I have also been using several of the LevelHyke cables and some of those were decent. I did a video of their Super Nintendo cable and it looks pretty good! Lag seemed negligible but I had no way to accurately test what the actual lag was. Maybe you could get the to send you some review cables! Good informative video, Adam. :)
Thanks for another great video Adam! I own the Pound cable, but recently got the Analogue Mega Sg. I do think these are good for the price and are perfect for the casual gamer.
I have the hyperkin cable and was disappointed that it loses sync with my modded pal megadrive when switched to 60hz. This is despite the fact that I have a dual frequency osscilator in there to improve the timings! I even swapped out the dfo for a ntsc osscilator for a bit to check it wasn't faulty - same result.
I've since installed a 4.4333619mhz Osscilator to fix the colour in 60hz over composite and now my hyperkin cable works on my pal megadrive in 60hz too. Interestingly this indicates that these hdmi solutions probably don't run from RGB.
Master System compatibility was the one information I needed, thank you! Here in Germany it was my first gaming console, and even in the german Amazon there is no any information about Master System compatibility, what in my case doubles the value because this year I added a Mega Drive 1 and 2 and a Master System 2 to my collection. Mega Drive and Master System are both still easy to find for cheap money here, only the games are stupidity expensive, so Everdrive is my only option.
These things are all great, but I think we finally need a great solution for systems that don't support RGB. I can only think of the retroTINK right now
I wonder if the LEVELHIKE HDMI Cable for Sega Genesis Model 1 / 2 / 3, Sega CD, Sega CDX, Sega 32X, Sega Nomad, Original Sega Master System Console is the same as the Hyperlink without the hard wired HDMI cable or the POUND Cable with a added aspect ratio switch? It seems to have the high contrast issue with bright colors but low brightness levels for darker colors.
@@AdamKoralik Yay! Now all I need to do is throw out my HD Retrovision Genesis cables and RetroTink, get a 32X, and get the POUND cable and I'll be in business!
I would think that having a choice for the aspect ratio is the right way to do it, just select 4:3 and if you want choose 16:9 you can choose that if you don't mind the distorted image or are the average non nerd game player and don't notice the image distortion but the fact that thee pound cable has a detachable HDMI Cable makes it better.
@@AdamKoralik I think he's saying for the Framemeister. I enjoyed your video Adam and it puts everything in perspective. Sucks you got bombarded with Redditors.
How well does the Hyperkin cable work withGames like Street Fighter 2, NHL ‘94 or Tecmo Super Bowl as they use a special 256x244 rendering that makes the screen shimmer and show horizontal lines on the Hyperkin Megaretron HD
Have you tried using the RAD 2X HDMI cables? They correctly interpret 240p and 288p and linedouble them to 480p and 576p, and of course you can further boost that to 1080p using the mClassic or even the HDMI input on that old SCART to HDMI that you used to use.
@@WhiteJarrah You can preorder. Unless ofcourse the first wave of cables released. In which case they literally only just released. Im not saying you couldnt buy them only that he wouldnt have had a chance beforehand to look at them considering preorders only just started shipping.
Using the USB ports on the Switch dock isn’t an issue for external devices. They typically pull 5V 1amp but the console has to be docked for it to work. On the console spectrum Switch is the least ideal to feed power from for sure. The power issues with Switch largely stem from people using improper power supplies to work with 3rd party docks. Honestly any adaptor like that I’d power from a separate USB phone charger or a USB port on a TV (if it can support).
Assuming thats the case wouldnt 3rd party docks work fine as long as you were using them with an oem power cable? I see literally no one bring this up and instead fault the dock itself. You never know cause no one is willing to test and risk bricking their own switch lol.
Ian Cowell yeah most USB C adapters for HDMI output or 3rd parry docks are totally fine with with the OEM charger. The only one known to have caused issues was the Nyko dock and the charger it came with. Lots of misinformation surrounding Switch but works with many 3rd party docks just fine.
The reason they don't list Master System is probably because the levels are different and incorrect for their cable. It's why HD Retrovision has a different adapter for Master System and Gen1/MD1. I'm also surprised you didn't mention that they got the adapter wrong. They use a C-shaped DIN-8 (270°) arrangement when it should be a U-shaped DIN-8 (262°). This causes a bad fit due to two pins flaring out a bit. The cable can push back out, especially if you wiggle/move the console.
Thanks for this video pal. Rules them out for me. Hard to find the ultimate cost effective solution isnt it! A lotta the cables and parts are also hard to get or import without high charges. Hmmm.
In regards to the scaler chip, I doubt they're identical underneath. More than likely, they used an off-the-shelf Chinese chip to scale things, or they used a reference-designed cable from an unknown Chinese factory, and made a few adjustments of their own before having them shipped out with their name on it. Or both have different scalers and just produce the same results.
Dont normally give poor feedback but the service and knowledge at Video games new york is abysmal - they had no knowledge of what japanese games were lol
I’m nee to my mega drive, for the snes there was an easy plug and play hdmi option but the mega drive no one seems convinced by the picture. Would the pound converter with a gaming specific hdmi lead be the best ‘cheap’ option? The stretched image using my scart cable isn’t ideal
How are these cables used with a Majesco Genesis model 3? I can't get the Hyperkin version to output any picture at all. Everything is working fine. Anyone can chime in. 👍
What's going on with your captures, the shadows are super messed up like funny looking ghosting and when you show the frameister the enemies shadow is completely missing. I never get either of those problems when I capture using the RetroTink hardware.
Also, which cable has a better model 1 adapter? I saw other videos where the adapter for the model 1 didn't fit right and could potentially damage the pin connector on the back of the unit.
Another great, honest, informative review Adam! Just got a new 4K tv for my living room and it literally only has HDMI inputs. It doesnt even have composite so im definately in the market for HDMI solutions for my retro consoles. Is there anything cheaper than the Framemister that comes close in quality?
I really don't understand who will pay $400 for a frame whatever it's called. For just a grain salt size of difference. That is absolutely ridiculous I have the pound cable on my Genesis model 3 and there is absolutely no different. I mean to see the difference you literally have to have X-ray vision.
I really enjoyed your console generation stuff. You should try to figure out how to go back to that. I'm not hating I just think you excell more at that than the technical/product review stuff
Would it be possible to do game franchises like you did the console videos. I know your not into doing a handheld series. Maybe you could start with Shenmue
Is the hyperkin a good option for the casual gamer that just wants to connect my sega mega drive to my modern TV that does not have yellow/white (composite) ports?
@Adam Koralik thanks for the reply. I'm a bit stuck with what options I have. I don't have room for a crt TV, my TV does not have the composite ports and hdmi seems like my best option. Unless scart or an adapter perhaps? I'm also on a small budget
@@CommanderFr3cklz The thing is the cable will work in the sense that you can play it, but it's not even close to the best option. It's kind of like getting a brand new name brand car versus a used one that is from some company you've never heard of that's been in a few accidents. It'll drive you around, but it's not nice or particularly reliable, but it is cheap.
Question. My scart cables for model 1 use the headphone jack to get stereo sound, as apparently the back port doesnt have stereo. These don't seem to have this, so are they all mono?
Does this work with the 32x? I'm guessing so but you never did specifically say it unlike The Sega CDX, The Master System, etc so I just wanted to make sure.
Hi Adam, this is great video! I bought Hyperkin and all is good except for one thing; each time I touch the cable where it connects to my AV (Genesis Model 2) port, I get black screen, or no audio, or colors get screwed, if I dont touch it, it works just fine. So I wonder if this is due to the Hyperkin cable pins or if it has to do with my AV port which is super clean and no dust. Did you experience anything like it if you touch your cable?
Hey my man great video! I have all 3 systems connected, the sega model 2, 32X and Sega CD, will the POUND cable support all three?? Let me know thanks!
Would anyone know if either of these HDMI upscaler cables fixes frame judder also known as tearing? I was using a PAL 625-line / 50 field (25 frame) per second SEGA Mega Drive console through composite video. Before I got my Analogue Mega SG for HD I used to plug my PAL Mega Drive into my Sony Smart HD TV via composite and about every 7 seconds there would be a judder in the frame rate, it's really noticable in games where you're going fast like Sonic The Hedgehog or Back To The Future III where you're Doc Brown on a horse going left to right. I'm very sceptical when it comes to playing old analog video game consoles on modern HD equipment that wasn't built for HD in mind, I always experience judders and game lag.
@@AdamKoralik with the hdmi pound cable the adapters you got like for the Saturn and Neo Geo stuff like that it came with your Genesis h d retrovision cables
Adam, also I'm thinking about the Sinclair Spectrum 128k. It has the same pin out as the Master System model one and Megadrive model one. Theoretically speaking it should work as I have used the same scart cable for both of my systems.
No footage of master system... no footage of 32x... And not all xeye are compatible. Only those with a multi a/v port (model 2 genesis) are supported. There is an initial first batch that did not have that port (I know as i own one).
I have a question for you sir. I actually got the Hyperkin version and it looks spectacular on my LCD TV with the Genesis. I am assuming it is upscaling it because it looks crazy good. Do you know if the N64 version of this cable would be able to do the same thing? Or does it have to do with the Genesis being able to output RGB naturally whereas the N64 doesn't? I'm just trying to not blow $ on an N64 cable and find out it doesn't do anything to help upscale like this Genesis one does.
@@AdamKoralik Hey thanks for the info dude! I did get the Hyperkin one and was blown away by how nice it looks. I got some knockoff N64 to HDMI one and it doesnt do anything to reduce artifacts or blur. I was thinking maybe that has to do with the Genesis adapter pulling from RGB whereas the N64 pulls from Svideo. I guess the good thing is Amazon is pretty good about returns so I could technically buy them and if they suck just return them right!
Don't Use the adapter for the Genesis model 1 that comes with the hyperkin cable. its the wrong shape and can ruin your genesis. The hyperkin adapter shape for the genesis model 1 is shaped like a circle where the actual shape is more like a "U"
man I got a question not related to the genesis but could u try to connect the ps2 with the bad ps2 to hdmi to an Mclassic also runing if u need to GSM TO GET 480p out of games that can not do it but also with games that have video enhancements like hunting grounds (with out GSM) just to see what can be ? thanks p.s the ps2 to hdmi is because the retro tink 2x can not run 480p input but the ps2 to hdmi can run higher resolutions even ps1 with GSM ps1 settings
Actually that would be an interesting test. I didn't personally like the effect of GSM, but I suppose checking it with the mClassic might be an interesting experiment.
Avoid using the pound cable if you have an insignia tv/dvd combo. It's not compatible. I got one last week and discovered a horrible jittery wavy picture with my brand new model 3 system (like an old worn VHS tape). Also, it wouldn't automatically adjust from 4:3 to 16:9. I got the same results using a model 1 RGC component cable (HD retrovision equivelant) with my model 1 (which I sold last month).
I hate to admit and dont get me wrong I was ecstatic about Sega actually officially releasing theyre own version of the original Sega Genesis not continuing to allow a 3rd part company like At-Games to continue to produce emulator consoles. However I was highly disappointed with they're games selection well as we did get SF2: Special Champion Edition which was about the only game in my opinion that its worth shelling out 80 dollars for this "official" Sega Genesis mini. Again the Sega Genesis mini does not come included with nor is it compatible with original Sega hardware such as a six button paddle which is required to play fighting games such as Street Fighter 2.
Wouldn't the HD Retrovision cables for the Sega Genesis be a much cheaper option then the Framemeister? I realize they are component cables but my T.V. still has plugs for component cables. They should also be considered IMHO.
I mean, yes, but that's not really an accurate comparison. Those are just getting a straight RGB signal and require compatible TVs with it. Let me ask, do you own a set of them? Have you tried it with an HDTV?
@@AdamKoralik I own a set of the SNES cables and use them with my HDTV. They are awesome. I just plug them straight into my T.V. from the SNES direct. I've also tested my T.V. and the HD Retrovision Genesis cables will work with my T.V. as well. I haven't as yet purchased them, but I do intent to.
The RAD2x is going to make all of these obsolete
Was literally about to post now let's see them against the rad2x
Hard to source any of these cables in the UK without expensive import charges. Need to get a good solution for my MD though. It deserves it!
A few misconceptions and things to clarify about Analog RGB.
1: SCART is NOT RGB. It is a video connector/lead. It CAN and very often carried Composite video signal and Mono/Stereo audio.
2: The availability of Analog RGB in the UK and western Europe on consumer grade TV sets in the late 80s early 90s was considerably rare. And typically reservered for very expensive high end sets or Home Computers, such as the Amiga.
3: Most people in the aforementioned regions were playing Mega Drive and other consoles of that time period, in Composite video over SCART or even RF video. Save for the few children that had parents with high end equipment or adult gamers with $$$$.
4: RGB SCART didn't become common or "standard" on affordable TVs until the mid-late 90s.
Can confirm, hooked up basically every console by ketchup mustard & mayo as a kid (born 2000), right up to the Wii. I was familiar with the SCART connector but only via composite adapters, I thought it was just a more convenient way of plugging stuff in.
I was 19... I bought a 14" Phillips CM8833 Monitor to play import RGB compatible 60hz consoles in 1991.
Hey Adam, does it blow your mind how far the RGB and video quality scene has come since the early 2010s? I still remember when the definitive way to play retro consoles was a Scart to component transcoder on both a CRT and LCD. Now, we have the Framemeister, OSSC, Analogue consoles, HDMI mods/plug n’ play solutions, PVM monitors, the list goes on.
Even though all consoles before the Dreamcast are called the "240p" consoles, only the Saturn, N64, and PS1 realistically fill 240 lines vertically. The Genesis and SNES are 224 pixels high and the Master System is 192 pixels high (yes, really).
The NES technically output 240 lines, but most (though not all) of the time the top and bottom of the images are just visual garbage.
Every time I watch one of one of these showcase videos, I always think the Sonic-themed GameCube controller & the Lego(?) Sonic behind it are some sort of Sonic spidermech.
The RetroTink 2X with the RetroTink RGB2COMP transcoder work flawlessly no hiccup no added input lag. The best for the price. Line Doubler is output at 480p. Looks gloriously sharp.
What does the transcoder do?
@@ryandaves1451 Converts RGBS to YPbPr since the chip in the RetroTink 2X doesn't support RGBS.
That's a $220 (not including tax and shipping) combo, assuming they're both in stock. The cables in this video are $30.
In Case you were wondering Adam, the Sega Genesis/MegaDrive outputs 2 types of 240p signals.
1. *320x224*
2. *256x224*
Plus the System can output true 480i via 320x448 like the 2 player split-screen mode of Sonic 2, but it was rarely used, like the 480p mode provided by the PS2. Also HDMI acutally supports resolutions below 480p, like 480i and 240p, it's just that HDTVs are far less likely to support those types of resolution over their HDMI ports verses their coax, composite, S-Video, and Component video ports. *TRY4's* Samsung HDTV from *My Life in Gaming* actually supports *240p* native-ally over HDMI.
Hey adam the RAD2X for the genesis looks good and afordable.
I want one of those cables for real!
Yes exactly I have I believe it's the pound cable and before I was using the retro RGB cables so I had a model one to model two adapter for that and the pound cable did not work properly with that so I had to find my old 32x model one to model two adapter cable. and use that cable to get it to work.. and not only that these cables don't have any kind of way of inputting stereo audio it seems to come out mono. We're the one you were describing seems to be a lot better option
don't care so much about resolutions and stuff, but everytime I watch these I learn something new.
Thank you for talking about the widescreen which is one thing reviews don’t talk about. My TV won’t allow me to switch to 4:3 if I use HDMI and I brought Pound first before moving to Hyperkin due to the widescreen issue. While I am a gamer, I don’t play the systems enough to justify the price for a Framemister.
That thumbnail really reminds me of ReviewTechUSA 😂😂
I honestly believe none of these companies have in-house engineering. All out source to China in some way, hence “same ole” products.
On E-Bay in the listing for the Hyperkin HD HDMI Cable Adapter Please DO NOT use it continuously for more than 3 hours, otherwise it may be damaged in red text, so I guess it's Crap.
I like the tv size option by hyperkin, I will go with that one, just because of that.
An HDMI output from an old console is a flawed concept from the get go. At the very least you should introduce a good scanline filter somewhere in the chain for 5th gen or earlier. These consoles are not meant to be played with crisp pixels. RGB (modded if necessary) into a good scaler is pretty much the best option for everything before the 360. VGA for the Dreamcast if you never plan on playing the incompatible games (I find connecting a different cable to play Bangai-O a pain in the ass personally)
Still never owned a Sega console when they were first party … I did get the Genesis Mini as an excuse to spend my Best Buy $5 "mystery" certificate last month … I was considering a RetroTink 2x, but it looks more like I'm going to pre-order Rad2x for the older consoles I still have
I bought the Pound cable for my Mega Drive, not expecting too much out of it but hopefully doing a better job than the cheap SCART lead into my plasme tv. No difference at all so sent it back. Going to the extreme I then bought the Mega SG and couldn't be happier with it, cost a lot by the time it got to the UK but worth it
You can use a Pound cable on a Saturn with the HD Retrovision adapter but the Hyperkin won’t work.
How To Use a Pound HDMI Adapter For The Sega Genesis For The Sega Saturn th-cam.com/video/IKAT1ep5oeU/w-d-xo.html
Here’s the “live” version with more games-
Using a Pound Genesis Cable on a Sega Saturn - Thanks HD Retrovision! (Live): th-cam.com/video/qqk58evPGqU/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for showing off options for playing the Genesis with your honest opinions. I don't currently have many games for mine but eventually I'd like to and seeing the various options on an HDTV is useful.
You are the only other person I've seen mention the Master System! I was really happy that the Hyperkin cable worked with the Master System when I also reviewed it.
I keep seeing people turn their noses up at solutions that cost less than 400 dollars and it blows my mind. I'm getting perfectly enjoyable results from HDMI adapters on wii, xbox, and ps2, and great results from component, but composite works fine for my TG16/pc engine, genesis (i'll admit I'd like to improve the signal with a triple bypass, but it's FAR from terrible) and SuperFamicom. mine ARE in good shape with good caps, nothing blown out, no bad jailbars, they're fine. I get I might get a better picture for 400 dollars, but... a 400 dollar better solution? I just can't see where it would get the gains.
Hey Adam, will you ever make a retrospective on Handheld consoles? I know you don’t like handheld’s but your retrospective videos are my favorite in your channel 👍🏾
I believe he's been asked this for years and won't simply because of what you stated: He doesn't like handhelds :p
I'll do it eventually.
I used my Master System converter with the pound cable & it looked good too.
the no signal screen can also be found on the HD video converter aka the budget scart to HDMI box that you can buy on amazon.
Doesn't surprise me.
I got the Hyperkin Genesis cable because it plays 32x with less saturation than the Pound cable. Pound cable makes the pic too bright. Only issue with playing 32x with Hyperkin is it doesn’t Audio with Genesis model 1.
This is interesting. I was just browsing SCART to HDMI on ebay, and I found a new product. There's a device that resembles the Pound cable. Same plug for HDMI, same mini-USB input for power, same 720p/1080p switch. Only instead a multi out lead, it has a SCART lead hardwired to the other side. Search "Universal Scart to HDMI Converter Adapter 720P/1080P Audio Output for TV". It looks like an inferior version of your old SCART to HDMI scaler. I think this is what Pound and Hyperkin are using to make their HDMI adapters. Probably snipping off the SCART lead, soldering on a multi-out, and then replacing the outer casing.
A lot of people looking for a budget solution don't know if they buy these Pound / Hyperkin or the Chinese Scart to HDMI. It is around the same range of price. Which one is better? Because when you turn on the Scart to HDMI without a video cable the same NO SIGNAL warning appears on screen... I think all of them are the same circuit...
Honestly, they're basically all the same, if not literally the same.
Hey Adam ! Maybe rude of me to say this here, but this is a new post and I've been wanting to thank you for a couple of years now for what you did with BttF 4 and 5. Amazing work, I watch them often and do kinda see them as movies ! Posting this here, because I have no idea if you read comments on old video's, but I still wanted to finally let you know how awesome I think those video's are. I'm sure they were a hell of a lot of work to put together in a coherent way !
I do, and thank you!
Sad that analog to digital conversions are still so shitty even to this day, but, I'm glad were getting better options both high and low end. The framemeister was probably my best retro gaming purchase I've ever made.
I've been using the Hyperkin cable on my Mega Drive for a few months now and I have to say I was quite surprised. I was expecting it to be hot garbage like their PS2 cable was. The only thing I didn't like was what you already pointed out about it, the hard-wired cable. But I use it on my master system also. And although it's a very tight fit, it works pretty good! I have also been using several of the LevelHyke cables and some of those were decent. I did a video of their Super Nintendo cable and it looks pretty good! Lag seemed negligible but I had no way to accurately test what the actual lag was. Maybe you could get the to send you some review cables! Good informative video, Adam. :)
Thanks for another great video Adam! I own the Pound cable, but recently got the Analogue Mega Sg. I do think these are good for the price and are perfect for the casual gamer.
The PC Engine Core Grafx also uses the same pinout as the Master System and Genesis model 1
AV cable and power supplies interchange
I have the hyperkin cable and was disappointed that it loses sync with my modded pal megadrive when switched to 60hz. This is despite the fact that I have a dual frequency osscilator in there to improve the timings! I even swapped out the dfo for a ntsc osscilator for a bit to check it wasn't faulty - same result.
I've since installed a 4.4333619mhz Osscilator to fix the colour in 60hz over composite and now my hyperkin cable works on my pal megadrive in 60hz too. Interestingly this indicates that these hdmi solutions probably don't run from RGB.
Master System compatibility was the one information I needed, thank you! Here in Germany it was my first gaming console, and even in the german Amazon there is no any information about Master System compatibility, what in my case doubles the value because this year I added a Mega Drive 1 and 2 and a Master System 2 to my collection. Mega Drive and Master System are both still easy to find for cheap money here, only the games are stupidity expensive, so Everdrive is my only option.
Adam, you should really attempt to cover the HD Retrovision component cables in order to give your viewers coverage of another Genesis video solution.
I did, see my RetroTink video.
Adam Koralik Awesome, will do!
Thank you for being honest. Its over priced junk. Much better options out there!
These things are all great, but I think we finally need a great solution for systems that don't support RGB. I can only think of the retroTINK right now
cool video tech talk adam
I wonder if the LEVELHIKE HDMI Cable for Sega Genesis Model 1 / 2 / 3, Sega CD, Sega CDX, Sega 32X, Sega Nomad, Original Sega Master System Console is the same as the Hyperlink without the hard wired HDMI cable or the POUND Cable with a added aspect ratio switch? It seems to have the high contrast issue with bright colors but low brightness levels for darker colors.
You didn't tell us if it works with the 32X!
It does.
@@AdamKoralik Yay! Now all I need to do is throw out my HD Retrovision Genesis cables and RetroTink, get a 32X, and get the POUND cable and I'll be in business!
I would think that having a choice for the aspect ratio is the right way to do it, just select 4:3 and if you want choose 16:9 you can choose that if you don't mind the distorted image or are the average non nerd game player and don't notice the image distortion but the fact that thee pound cable has a detachable HDMI Cable makes it better.
Sure, people have the right to do things wrong, it's just stupid.
Most people can't afford to pay $400 just to play their Genesis.
The cable isn't $400.
@@AdamKoralik I think he's saying for the Framemeister.
I enjoyed your video Adam and it puts everything in perspective. Sucks you got bombarded with Redditors.
@@felix-ve8jk Happens all the time. Thanks!
Never seen this many dislikes in the almost decade i've been subbed to you, why people be dislikin'
How well does the Hyperkin cable work withGames like Street Fighter 2, NHL ‘94 or Tecmo Super Bowl as they use a special 256x244 rendering that makes the screen shimmer and show horizontal lines on the Hyperkin Megaretron HD
I'm not sure, I assume it just uses nearest neighbor methods.
Have you tried using the RAD 2X HDMI cables? They correctly interpret 240p and 288p and linedouble them to 480p and 576p, and of course you can further boost that to 1080p using the mClassic or even the HDMI input on that old SCART to HDMI that you used to use.
Not yet, would like to!
The rad2x havent even shipped yet
@@ians_parks Yeah they have, you can buy them now.
@@WhiteJarrah You can preorder. Unless ofcourse the first wave of cables released. In which case they literally only just released. Im not saying you couldnt buy them only that he wouldnt have had a chance beforehand to look at them considering preorders only just started shipping.
It works with nomad.... I have hyperkin but with my gen mod 1 .32x and scd set up ...it does not have any way to do stereo sound
Using the USB ports on the Switch dock isn’t an issue for external devices. They typically pull 5V 1amp but the console has to be docked for it to work. On the console spectrum Switch is the least ideal to feed power from for sure. The power issues with Switch largely stem from people using improper power supplies to work with 3rd party docks.
Honestly any adaptor like that I’d power from a separate USB phone charger or a USB port on a TV (if it can support).
Assuming thats the case wouldnt 3rd party docks work fine as long as you were using them with an oem power cable? I see literally no one bring this up and instead fault the dock itself. You never know cause no one is willing to test and risk bricking their own switch lol.
Ian Cowell yeah most USB C adapters for HDMI output or 3rd parry docks are totally
fine with with the OEM charger. The only one known to have caused issues was the Nyko dock and the charger it came with. Lots of misinformation surrounding Switch but works with many 3rd party docks just fine.
Mr. Koralik is at it again!
What about the shadow under the power ranger? It looked artifact-y.
Not sure.
11:19 That's the exact same "No Signal" message that the cheap SCART to HDMI box gives when there's no input running.
Probably exactly what they used.
@@AdamKoralik If they did, they must have fucked it up really badly. Even the cheap SCART to HDMI produces a better picture than these HDMI cables.
The reason they don't list Master System is probably because the levels are different and incorrect for their cable. It's why HD Retrovision has a different adapter for Master System and Gen1/MD1. I'm also surprised you didn't mention that they got the adapter wrong. They use a C-shaped DIN-8 (270°) arrangement when it should be a U-shaped DIN-8 (262°). This causes a bad fit due to two pins flaring out a bit. The cable can push back out, especially if you wiggle/move the console.
Didn't know that, thanks for the info!
Thanks for this video pal. Rules them out for me. Hard to find the ultimate cost effective solution isnt it! A lotta the cables and parts are also hard to get or import without high charges. Hmmm.
In regards to the scaler chip, I doubt they're identical underneath. More than likely, they used an off-the-shelf Chinese chip to scale things, or they used a reference-designed cable from an unknown Chinese factory, and made a few adjustments of their own before having them shipped out with their name on it. Or both have different scalers and just produce the same results.
Dont normally give poor feedback but the service and knowledge at Video games new york is abysmal - they had no knowledge of what japanese games were lol
I’m nee to my mega drive, for the snes there was an easy plug and play hdmi option but the mega drive no one seems convinced by the picture.
Would the pound converter with a gaming specific hdmi lead be the best ‘cheap’ option? The stretched image using my scart cable isn’t ideal
thank you!
How are these cables used with a Majesco Genesis model 3? I can't get the Hyperkin version to output any picture at all. Everything is working fine. Anyone can chime in. 👍
In my opition, these cables are ok for what they do. I have a few and I don't mind them as much
I personally think the pound looks amazing, just tedious because you always gotta adjust the brightness
What's going on with your captures, the shadows are super messed up like funny looking ghosting and when you show the frameister the enemies shadow is completely missing. I never get either of those problems when I capture using the RetroTink hardware.
Not sure?
Also, which cable has a better model 1 adapter? I saw other videos where the adapter for the model 1 didn't fit right and could potentially damage the pin connector on the back of the unit.
How well do these HDMI cables work on an authentic 1998 majesco model 3 system?
I buy hiperkin, and in last time, when start after 10,20 min playing, start to heat and lost sound, and when cool down a couple minute sound is back
Another great, honest, informative review Adam! Just got a new 4K tv for my living room and it literally only has HDMI inputs. It doesnt even have composite so im definately in the market for HDMI solutions for my retro consoles. Is there anything cheaper than the Framemister that comes close in quality?
Look into the RetroTink.
@@AdamKoralik Alright man. Do you have a video reviewing that?
th-cam.com/video/Jzw0Eh3xUn0/w-d-xo.html
@@AdamKoralik Thanks man!
@Focux I'll look into that as well! Thanks for the heads up!
I really don't understand who will pay $400 for a frame whatever it's called. For just a grain salt size of difference. That is absolutely ridiculous I have the pound cable on my Genesis model 3 and there is absolutely no different. I mean to see the difference you literally have to have X-ray vision.
Well, as long as you're happy, that's all that matters.
I really enjoyed your console generation stuff. You should try to figure out how to go back to that. I'm not hating I just think you excell more at that than the technical/product review stuff
Would it be possible to do game franchises like you did the console videos. I know your not into doing a handheld series. Maybe you could start with Shenmue
Is the hyperkin a good option for the casual gamer that just wants to connect my sega mega drive to my modern TV that does not have yellow/white (composite) ports?
I can't personally RECOMMEND it, but yes it's easy to use.
@Adam Koralik thanks for the reply. I'm a bit stuck with what options I have. I don't have room for a crt TV, my TV does not have the composite ports and hdmi seems like my best option. Unless scart or an adapter perhaps? I'm also on a small budget
@@CommanderFr3cklz The thing is the cable will work in the sense that you can play it, but it's not even close to the best option.
It's kind of like getting a brand new name brand car versus a used one that is from some company you've never heard of that's been in a few accidents. It'll drive you around, but it's not nice or particularly reliable, but it is cheap.
Where do you buy a Framemeister for 400 bucks ? On Amazon the XRGB Framemeister mini is 950 bucks.
eBay.
Question. My scart cables for model 1 use the headphone jack to get stereo sound, as apparently the back port doesnt have stereo. These don't seem to have this, so are they all mono?
As far as I know, yes.
Have you considered a video comparing the multiple Saturn HDMI offerings?
Yeah.
I suppose getting your hands on a RAD2x might be kind of difficult if you don't already have one.
this cable improves the audio too?
I don't think it does much if anything for audio.
Does this work with the 32x? I'm guessing so but you never did specifically say it unlike The Sega CDX, The Master System, etc so I just wanted to make sure.
I think I did say it, but yes, it works.
Interestingly enough, you did not mention the Neo Geo CD. The hyperkin cable I bought works very nicely with my CD console.
Orly...
@@AdamKoralik yup. My NGCD top loader uses a Genesis model 1 av port.
While the port is the same, I believe the pin out is actually different.
@@AdamKoralik can't say I've had any issues so far. You should try it out.
Fine! : Cries. :
So in other words... buy a retrotink
Hi Adam, this is great video! I bought Hyperkin and all is good except for one thing; each time I touch the cable where it connects to my AV (Genesis Model 2) port, I get black screen, or no audio, or colors get screwed, if I dont touch it, it works just fine. So I wonder if this is due to the Hyperkin cable pins or if it has to do with my AV port which is super clean and no dust. Did you experience anything like it if you touch your cable?
The Genesis AV out-port can be kind of sensitive, I'd recommend just not touching it then.
Same here. Hyperkin sucks. If the advice is to not touch....then definitely don't buy it lol
Hey my man great video! I have all 3 systems connected, the sega model 2, 32X and Sega CD, will the POUND cable support all three?? Let me know thanks!
Depends on which models you're using and how you have it rigged up. In concept, yes.
Would anyone know if either of these HDMI upscaler cables fixes frame judder also known as tearing?
I was using a PAL 625-line / 50 field (25 frame) per second SEGA Mega Drive console through composite video.
Before I got my Analogue Mega SG for HD I used to plug my PAL Mega Drive into my Sony Smart HD TV via composite and about every 7 seconds there would be a judder in the frame rate, it's really noticable in games where you're going fast like Sonic The Hedgehog or Back To The Future III where you're Doc Brown on a horse going left to right. I'm very sceptical when it comes to playing old analog video game consoles on modern HD equipment that wasn't built for HD in mind, I always experience judders and game lag.
Do either of these work on the Original Sega Master System?
If they use the model one port, it should.
I take it there wasn't an extra cable connection for the headphone jack to get stereo sound from a model 1 genesis through the HDMI
Correct.
So,for someone who doesn't want to spend on a frammeister, wich of the teo is better??
I can't actually recommend either one to be honest.
@@AdamKoralik Thanks bro
The weird part is that in real life I rather take a sketch over an actual photo. In gaming however I do it the other way.
do these work for sega to my projector?
My Genesis is on, but it still says no signal. Any idea why?
I need more information.
So do these work with the 32x?
I still prefer to play my genesis on my crt tv just looks better even with composite.
What do you prefer, the PSP or the PSVITA? :)
I don't really have much love for either, didn't experience them enough to be honest.
turbo grafix 16/pc engine. I heard pound works with those also.
I think they made one, yeah.
Can you make a video on your game collection?
Only if it's my final video.
I wonder if you tried it with the HD retrovision cable adapters
Of course I have.
@@AdamKoralik with the hdmi pound cable the adapters you got like for the Saturn and Neo Geo stuff like that it came with your Genesis h d retrovision cables
Ah, I see what you're saying. Yeah, they probably would work.
Adam, also I'm thinking about the Sinclair Spectrum 128k. It has the same pin out as the Master System model one and Megadrive model one. Theoretically speaking it should work as I have used the same scart cable for both of my systems.
Can't say I have one to test.
@@AdamKoralik if you did you would need a step down converter. I'm not sure if there are many spectrum systems in the states.
Does this work with a Sega Nomad?
It should yeah.
Man, you received a ton of thumbs down for this video.
What happened? You just compared new AV cables for the MegaDrive.
No footage of master system... no footage of 32x... And not all xeye are compatible. Only those with a multi a/v port (model 2 genesis) are supported. There is an initial first batch that did not have that port (I know as i own one).
I wasn't trying to show them off with those platforms, I was just saying they worked.
I have a question for you sir. I actually got the Hyperkin version and it looks spectacular on my LCD TV with the Genesis. I am assuming it is upscaling it because it looks crazy good. Do you know if the N64 version of this cable would be able to do the same thing? Or does it have to do with the Genesis being able to output RGB naturally whereas the N64 doesn't? I'm just trying to not blow $ on an N64 cable and find out it doesn't do anything to help upscale like this Genesis one does.
Honestly I can't recommend either of these or the N64 ones.
@@AdamKoralik Hey thanks for the info dude! I did get the Hyperkin one and was blown away by how nice it looks. I got some knockoff N64 to HDMI one and it doesnt do anything to reduce artifacts or blur. I was thinking maybe that has to do with the Genesis adapter pulling from RGB whereas the N64 pulls from Svideo. I guess the good thing is Amazon is pretty good about returns so I could technically buy them and if they suck just return them right!
Nintindont
Lol Framemeister looked identical to the others, just less bright.
I recommend glasses sir.
Don't Use the adapter for the Genesis model 1 that comes with the hyperkin cable. its the wrong shape and can ruin your genesis. The hyperkin adapter shape for the genesis model 1 is shaped like a circle where the actual shape is more like a "U"
What about the pound adapter?
man I got a question not related to the genesis but could u try to connect the ps2 with the bad ps2 to hdmi to an Mclassic also runing if u need to GSM TO GET 480p out of games that can not do it but also with games that have video enhancements like hunting grounds (with out GSM) just to see what can be ? thanks
p.s the ps2 to hdmi is because the retro tink 2x can not run 480p input but the ps2 to hdmi can run higher resolutions even ps1 with GSM ps1 settings
Actually that would be an interesting test. I didn't personally like the effect of GSM, but I suppose checking it with the mClassic might be an interesting experiment.
@@AdamKoralik the GSM effects are per game some games look good some cab not be helped like onimusha but other like odin sphere look super sharp
Avoid using the pound cable if you have an insignia tv/dvd combo. It's not compatible. I got one last week and discovered a horrible jittery wavy picture with my brand new model 3 system (like an old worn VHS tape). Also, it wouldn't automatically adjust from 4:3 to 16:9. I got the same results using a model 1 RGC component cable (HD retrovision equivelant) with my model 1 (which I sold last month).
I hate to admit and dont get me wrong I was ecstatic about Sega actually officially releasing theyre own version of the original Sega Genesis not continuing to allow a 3rd part company like At-Games to continue to produce emulator consoles. However I was highly disappointed with they're games selection well as we did get SF2: Special Champion Edition which was about the only game in my opinion that its worth shelling out 80 dollars for this "official" Sega Genesis mini. Again the Sega Genesis mini does not come included with nor is it compatible with original Sega hardware such as a six button paddle which is required to play fighting games such as Street Fighter 2.
Wouldn't the HD Retrovision cables for the Sega Genesis be a much cheaper option then the Framemeister? I realize they are component cables but my T.V. still has plugs for component cables. They should also be considered IMHO.
I mean, yes, but that's not really an accurate comparison. Those are just getting a straight RGB signal and require compatible TVs with it.
Let me ask, do you own a set of them? Have you tried it with an HDTV?
@@AdamKoralik I own a set of the SNES cables and use them with my HDTV. They are awesome. I just plug them straight into my T.V. from the SNES direct. I've also tested my T.V. and the HD Retrovision Genesis cables will work with my T.V. as well. I haven't as yet purchased them, but I do intent to.
I'm kind of surprised, most HDTVs don't support the low resolution of a Super Nintendo natively coming through component.
@@AdamKoralik I guess I lucked out when I bought my T.V. Anyway those cables are awesome and should get more attention. Again just my opinion.