Scan Converter for Gaming?

byak

Member
May 12, 2003
33
0
0
I'm looking to get a scan converter so I can play arcadish PC games on my TV. (Tony Hawk, FFx, DDR, etc.) I don't need super high end thing, but I would like my games to look decent. (The TVout on my GF4 sucks major ass. All the colors are dithered and everything just looks awful.)

I figure, hey, PSX/PS2/XBox/GC .. what do they use? The video format can't be that different from a PC's, so it probably has most of a "converter" built in. If it is "built in" to a standard console, it can't be too expensive. Is there any device that will get me similar quality up to 640x480 or 800x600 or whatever the going console gaming resolutions are these days? I've googled around for reviews but all I'm finding are hype "reviews" that are more like buzzword supernovas for $500+ devices.

I guess I'm just spoiled by PC hardware reviews, comparisons, guides, etc.

Does anyone have any suggestions or recommendations? Personal experiences?

Thanks :D
 

zephyrprime

Diamond Member
Feb 18, 2001
7,512
2
81
I'm not sure if I would call what consoles have a scan conveter since they produce tv signals natively. Do consoles even have ramdacs like video cards do?

I would consider getting a different card rather than a scan convetor.
 

Confused

Elite Member
Nov 13, 2000
14,166
0
0
Originally posted by: zephyrprime
I would consider getting a different card rather than a scan convetor.

I would get a scan converter. That means that whatever computer, video card, laptop etc you plug into it, you will always get a good picture on the TV, much better than almost ANY TV-Out on any graphics card :)

You can pick them up for just over $100 IIRC, but can't remember any names ;)


Confused
 

BD2003

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
16,815
1
81
What you need, is a program called tvtool. With it, nvidia cards have hands down the best tv out. Use a svideo cable and your games will look great.
 

vegetation

Diamond Member
Feb 21, 2001
4,270
2
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TV-out is usually better for the eyes as the card/software does some tricks to reduce flicker or other things to compensate for the relatively crappy NTSC standard. Scan converters don't do this.