17 replies to this topic

[oregontrail]

Since moving late last year, then getting a Toshiba HDTV, I've yet to actually hook my DC back up. I'm planning on using the VGA adapter, as it should give me the best graphics, right? Are there lag issues with an old console on an HDTV? My Toshiba has settings for everything from 480i on up to 1080p (and whatever the PC input supports).

I should just set up the DC and test all this out (tomorrow evening I think) but I'm wondering what you guys have seen/experienced?

Edited by oregontrail, 26 May 2009 - 10:10 PM.

[Red Ronin]

Dreamcast + VGA Box + HDTV = AWESOME. Everything will be fine, you'll be very happy you set it up this way. Most Dreamcast games look fine when "stretched" to fit a 16:9 widescreen, but you may lose some on-screen indicators if you use the ZOOM function to keep the original aspect ratio. Though I hate the game itself, Soul Calibur has always looked superb via VGA. It looks that much better on today's HDTVs. Jet Grind Radio and CRAZY TAXI are pretty phrackin awesome too. Don't forget to try all your favorites. Enjoy!


Red Ronin

[oregontrail]

Good to know. I'm in the planning stages of a retro-gaming weekend to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the DC. I'd like to get some friends together, with at least one whose never really played on a Dreamcast, and really want to show off the DC on our 42" HDTV.

Right now, I'm thinking Virtua Tennis, Worms World Party, Soul Caliber, Power Stone, Golf Shiyouyou (sequel to Tee Off Golf) and some NFL2K2 and NBA2K2. Maybe some select single player games just to show off what made them special (Jet Grind Radio and spraying my Miami Dolphin logo around town for example).

[segadc]

Just do not stretch it out. Although I do know Rayman 2 actually has a widescreen option. But you have to manually do it. My Dreamcast is connected to my HDTV at all times. Have fun!

[andy]

segadc, on May 27 2009, 09:38 AM, said:

Just do not stretch it out.

this. x10.

[Jerome]

I've thought about getting a VGA adapter for my Dreamcast. Right now I have an s-video cable for mine. There's no issues with some games not working if you use the VGA adapter, correct?

[andy]

Jerome, on May 27 2009, 11:28 AM, said:

I've thought about getting a VGA adapter for my Dreamcast. Right now I have an s-video cable for mine. There's no issues with some games not working if you use the VGA adapter, correct?

Not all games will work with VGA. Some that normally don't can be "tricked" into working (hydro thunder for example) but not ALL of them. I would ask someone here who knows a bit more about which games aren't compatible.

[segadc]

http://hdgames.net/

I cannot believe there are still people who have not played Dreamcast in VGA. Get it now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[oregontrail]

Okay, thanks for the info. I'm home on lunch right now, but now I've got to dig around and locate my DC stuff when I get back home this evening and have more time.

I think this is gonna be fun.

[andy]

oregontrail, on May 27 2009, 01:48 PM, said:

I know this is gonna be fun.

[batman]

andy, on May 27 2009, 08:27 AM, said:

this. x10.

This x30.

DC game are 4:3 ratio (some maybe in 16:9). Unless you want to fill your 16:9 screen. Don't stretch your DC, Saturn, or any 16bit title.

[Djarum]

Silly question perhaps, but where would one find a VGA box now for a DC? Mine died while I was in college and I never got around to getting another one.

[Red Ronin]

Dreamcast VGA Box...

There is always eBay.com, of course...

Play-Asia at least has some listings, though it appears to be out of stock...

The usual suspects, NCSX and TroniX both came up empty though...


Red Ronin

[oregontrail]

I got the DC hooked up, though I need a "Y cable" for the sound to work. Pretty good picture, about 32" of screen in 4:3 mode. Seems I am down to one functional DC, as the first one I set up was having all kinds of issues reading the disks. Could probably use a good cleaning though, but I may pull the lense from the third spare parts DC I have if necessary.

I'm seriously considering buying another DC, just for the comfort of having two working consoles. We'll see how the repairs go. Actually, I've got the link cable that works with F355 Challenge and Virtual On:OT (and two copies of each) so that's a good reason, right?

On the other hand, as cool as the VMU was for 2K football playcalling, it was such a tiny memory card overall. I've got about ten VMUs or rumblepacks with memory, and I used to have a list of what saves were on what device. Several beloved PSO characters, a full set of players and equipment for Virtua Tennis, JPEGs for Jet Grind Radio, and so forth are scattered around. It never stops being annoying having to insert VMUs to check the saves, especially now that I've forgotten what the little labels I put on the ends mean:

"Hey, Star Knight for PSO label, is this the one with the NFL2K2 updated rosters?" Updated as of 2004 BTW.

It's been over a year since I had my DC online too, so I need to go in and tweak the settings on the browser to get it working with Charter cable. Just because I suppose.

[segadc]

So you have the ethernet connection. I still want it and so mad I didn't take the plunge then.

I actually typed out what each of my VMUs contain in a word doc. Even for my 16MB Nexus with the 4 paritions. lol

[oregontrail]

It's not actually an ethernet cable, more like a USB cable. Only about six feet long too, which was a bad idea for something that was supposed to connect two DCs together. I'd have gone twelve feet at a minimum, but then again we had 6.5 ft cords on the controllers too. I've got three extension cables for my DC controllers.

I bought a lot of stuff on clearance in the waning days of the DC. Two Madcatz wheels, a mouse, three keyboards, fishing controller and an extra console. I wish I'd bought more stuff too!

[segadc]

No I meant the ethernet adaptor that replaces the modem.

[oregontrail]

Oh, yeah, I forgot I mentioned Charter cable above. Not much use for the BBA anymore, except for some limited web surfing. I did get to play some on the Euro PSO servers before they went down, and the lag was no worse than being on dial-up here in Oregon.

Hey, just a tip. By default your PC audio may be turned OFF on your HDTV, so don't assume your audio cable is bad and drop $10 on a new one before checking the settings. Oh who am I kidding??? I'm jazzed to have my DC hooked up and looking better than ever.