General Category > General Discussion
Sega Genesis Mods
TDIRunner:
I know this has been done before, but Game Sack’s recent video on modding got me thinking. They talked about various mods on the Sega Genesis and I really enjoyed the video. However, I wished they had talked more about which mods are options when you are hooking up a Sega CD and 32x.
So I have a few questions that are sort of asking the same thing but under different circumstances:
• What is the best way to hook up a Genesis, CD and 32x for the best possible sound and video WITHOUT using any mods? What I’m asking is which model Genesis, which model Sega CD (not just model 1 or 2, but specific version)? Should you use the audio outs on the Sega CD or the 32x? Anything like that.
• What is best way to hook up a Genesis, CD and 32x for the best possible sound and video USING ANY MOD? Same question as before, but mods are allowed. Is the S-video out mod on the Genesis useless if you are using a 32x? Do you need an audio amp mod on the Genesis if you are using a CD or 32x? Anything like that.
• What is the best way to hook up a Genesis Model 2 with a Sega CD model 2 and a 32X for the best possible sound and video using any mod, but WITHOUT USING RGB? Same question as number two, but for my specific setup. Those are the models I’m using and I don’t have a TV with RGB and I don’t plan on getting on.
And go…….. 8)
redsox2012:
The best possible video doesn't require a mod. All Genesis's can output native RGB at 240p resolution, but there was never a cable released in the U.S. to take advantage of it. You need a Mega Drive SCART cable, and a SCART to component (or HDMI) converter. Many newer HDTV's don't support 240p however, so you would have to look into what resolutions your particular TV supports. The best way to check is to hook up a PS2 via Component and play a PS1 game. PS1 games are native 240p, so if it plays in that resolution on your HDTV, you're good.
The same model 2 SCART cable will work with 32X as well. Just connect the Genesis to the 32X as normal, and plug the SCART cable into the A/V output on the 32X.
For the best visuals you should use a CRT TV with component inputs. I've never tried an S-video mod simply because the SCART to Component is much easier, provides the absolute best native picture, and doesn't require any modding
As far as sound, you can get the SCART cable with stereo outputs to plug directly into your TV, or you can still connect the Genesis to the Sega CD and output audio through the Sega CD (in which case you can get a SCART cable without audio outputs).
Jeff:
Performing an s-video mod isn't terribly difficult, I've done it for a model 2 and 3. I don't know if that interferes with the add-ons, but the 32x already has s-video built in, doesn't it?
Trying to use RGB in north america is just too much of a hassle IMO. However, I am waiting to see if these are as good as they sound.
Also, check out this thread. It compares audio outputs, and what video encoders are in each system (all encoders have RGB, but some don't have native S-video.)
KalessinDB:
HDRetroVision's been advertising for a while, but I haven't seen any word as to how they're planning to pull it off on unmodified systems. I do like seeing their screenshots though, they show just how terrible Genesis composite was -- with the composite on Genesis vs YPbPr, it's night and day. Click over to their SNES screenshots side by side and... well... you can see a difference, I guess. Usually. On most of them. But nowhere near the same level as Genesis screenshots.
Best Audio is typically found on certain models of Genesis 1, the High Def Graphics/Non-TMSS versions (there's scads of info on Sega-16 about which ones), but with the MegaAMP (formerly CCAM) mod, any Genesis at all can have best audio if you're willing to mod.
Your final question is the exact setup I use for my Genny. I have my 32x modified with an S-Video jack and stereo RCA jacks for audio, and the CCAM mod is done on my Genesis, which affords me best audio and either best or second-best video. In theory, I've seen modified Genesii that have YPbPr right on it, but I have never seen a 32x with YPbPr on it. Either way, the Sega CD doesn't need to be modified, and when you're using a Genesis 2 you don't need any mixer cords either, just plug it in and go.
Polygon:
--- Quote from: KalessinDB on August 16, 2014, 02:57:37 AM ---Best Audio is typically found on certain models of Genesis 1, the High Def Graphics/Non-TMSS versions (there's scads of info on Sega-16 about which ones), but with the MegaAMP (formerly CCAM) mod, any Genesis at all can have best audio if you're willing to mod.
--- End quote ---
I don't get why people always say this. All the Genesis model 1s, barring the VA7, use the exact same audio chip. The audio is the same. It even says that in that thread over at Sega 16. Same goes for the video as well.