Optimal N64 video output?

[steveprudden]

Thought this might be a good place to ask.

So, with my current setup, my PAL N64 is running through an HDTV via its antenna in.
As you can imagine, it looks like crap. It deserves better.

What setup would give me the best possible results?
I assume I want a big standard def TV? I seem to remember reading that NTSC N64s have better video output? Is S-video output the best you can get?

[Polygon]

Without any modification, you're going to want to use a good CRT and S-Video. You can use component or RGB, but I as far as I know that requires modification.

[wiggy]

Earlier models are capable of RGB without too much work.  That's your 100% best option.

[steveprudden]

Earlier models are capable of RGB without too much work.  That's your 100% best option.

Is that possible on PAL and NTSC systems? I would think about getting a US N64 if it was worth it.

[Arseen]

Earlier models are capable of RGB without too much work.  That's your 100% best option.

Is that possible on PAL and NTSC systems? I would think about getting a US N64 if it was worth it.

Earlier US models for NTSC, Earlier French (FRA) models for PAL.

[scarmullet]

Get the oldest N64 you can find for an RGB mod. I nearly put my head through the wall attempting an RGB mod on a Rev 4 board.

Get some high quality MONSTER S-video cables, and a nice CRT with S-video input and you will be golden.

[Head of Desserts]

I personally use a Panasonic CRT with S-video cables. It looks great and the colors are richer and the image is sharper. Don't play so close to the TV, that helps LOL. I have my retro systems also hooked up to Sony Bravia and the image looks fine to me. I never been a graphics wh0re.

[kingjohn3]

I get a "screened" look when I use my set of A/V cables that has S-Video. I read somewhere that if your cables just have S-Video and no standard yellow cable that it works better. I'm a little afraid to try that since I don't want to waste money on trial and error. Anyone have any suggestions? I want to go this route since S-Video can be used on SNES, N64 and Gamecube (component waayyyy too expensive). Thanks

[Nacho3]

Yeah, I've heard many times that cables that have the yellow composite as well as S-Video only output at the composite image even if you are using the S-Vid plug instead. I have my N64 hooked up using a cable that only has S and it looks pretty good. I have never used composite on the same TV though so I have nothing to compare it to.

[Polygon]

I get a "screened" look when I use my set of A/V cables that has S-Video. I read somewhere that if your cables just have S-Video and no standard yellow cable that it works better. I'm a little afraid to try that since I don't want to waste money on trial and error. Anyone have any suggestions? I want to go this route since S-Video can be used on SNES, N64 and Gamecube (component waayyyy too expensive). Thanks

Where did you get the cables? I've had nothing but crap from ones that I bought on eBay. I've wanted to get the official Nintendo cables for some time now, but not at $80 plus for a set. It was suggest that I try a set from Racketboy. They were only $5 and I've had a few people suggest them. I figured it's worth a shot. Mine just showed up, so I can't give any sort of recommendation yet sadly.

http://www.racketboy.com/store/featured/nintendo-svideo-cables.html

[kingjohn3]

I get a "screened" look when I use my set of A/V cables that has S-Video. I read somewhere that if your cables just have S-Video and no standard yellow cable that it works better. I'm a little afraid to try that since I don't want to waste money on trial and error. Anyone have any suggestions? I want to go this route since S-Video can be used on SNES, N64 and Gamecube (component waayyyy too expensive). Thanks

Where did you get the cables? I've had nothing but crap from ones that I bought on eBay. I've wanted to get the official Nintendo cables for some time now, but not at $80 plus for a set. It was suggest that I try a set from Racketboy. They were only $5 and I've had a few people suggest them. I figured it's worth a shot. Mine just showed up, so I can't give any sort of recommendation yet sadly.

http://www.racketboy.com/store/featured/nintendo-svideo-cables.html

To be honest I really don't know where they came from. I think gamestop has a few left over so I might try them until I find some others. It seems like the consesus is that no yellow composite is the way to go.

[wiggy]

I get a "screened" look when I use my set of A/V cables that has S-Video. I read somewhere that if your cables just have S-Video and no standard yellow cable that it works better. I'm a little afraid to try that since I don't want to waste money on trial and error. Anyone have any suggestions? I want to go this route since S-Video can be used on SNES, N64 and Gamecube (component waayyyy too expensive). Thanks

Where did you get the cables? I've had nothing but crap from ones that I bought on eBay. I've wanted to get the official Nintendo cables for some time now, but not at $80 plus for a set. It was suggest that I try a set from Racketboy. They were only $5 and I've had a few people suggest them. I figured it's worth a shot. Mine just showed up, so I can't give any sort of recommendation yet sadly.

http://www.racketboy.com/store/featured/nintendo-svideo-cables.html

Here you go!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/S-Video-Cable-Official-Nintendo-For-Super-Famicom-Game-Cube-Nintendo-64-JAPAN-/300902487210?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item460f2f94aa

They were just on sale for 27 like a day ago, but I'm sure they'll take 35 if you offer it.

[Polygon]

To be honest I really don't know where they came from. I think gamestop has a few left over so I might try them until I find some others. It seems like the consesus is that no yellow composite is the way to go.

Yeah, it's better than nothing, but s-video is really the minimum if you care about quality. I've heard that proper s-video on the SNES and N64 isn't much worse than RGB.

Here you go!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/S-Video-Cable-Official-Nintendo-For-Super-Famicom-Game-Cube-Nintendo-64-JAPAN-/300902487210?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item460f2f94aa

They were just on sale for 27 like a day ago, but I'm sure they'll take 35 if you offer it.

Crap!

I hadn't looked for a while... this is kind of tempting. I would need to two though. Then again, I guess that's like buy one get one free by comparison.