Jamma Video Output

is the jamma output CGA, oe EGA? please reply asap!

Depends on the game you're using. Most jamma games are definitely CGA resolution, sometimes called standard res. This includes Neo-Geo, all Capcom CPS boards, and most any of the not so modern jamma boards.

Make sure the board you're running has the right type of signal going to the right type of monitor, however, or you may risk doing serious damage to the monitor. Also keep in mind that some boards and monitors can be set up to display different resolutions.

IT's neither, CGA and EGA are computer terms, JAMMA PCBs output a 15kHz analog signal that is similar to CGA, but CGA implies a bunch of other limitations, like number of colours, etc. I quote: "Refers to the IBM Color Graphics Adapter, which had graphics modes capable of 320x200 in 4 colors and 640x200 in 2 colors."

EGA was pure digital which is basically compatible with nothing and totally useless for arcade use.

JAMMA Arcade games loosely stick to the same format: negative composite sync, 3-channel monochrome video (one each for Red, Green + Blue), operating at 15kHz horizontal and approximately 60Hz vertical. Some PCBs stray from this with oddball vertical rates (Seibu's Raiden Fighters series is bad for this @ 54Hz) but most all JAMMA games are the same.

I think what happened here is that the term CGA kind of stuck around in reference to standard res RGB monitors that sync at 15kHz horizontal etc.

Even though they may not be identical to the old IBM stuff in every aspect, if you say CGA monitor in reference to an arcade cab, it's understood that it's standard res.

I recently bought a Happ Controls replacement arcade monitor that even refers to the monitor as "CGA" on the original instruction booklet.

CGA=15KHz
EGA=25KHz
VGA=31KHz
SVGA=37.8KHz
UVGA=48.3KHz

It has to do with the sync rates, not the particular card that started the name.

Wells Gardner sucks. =P

<small>[ August 20, 2003, 06:27 AM: Message edited by: NEOGEOman ]</small>

"If you say CGA monitor in reference to an arcade cab you're using the WRONG TERMINOLOGY"

You may be right, but even arcade monitor manufacurers use this terminology, so it's good enough for me.

*Ahem*

<a href="http://www.wellsgardner.com/wellsgardner31/catalog.cfm?dest=dir&linkid=4&linkon=section" target="_blank">http://www.wellsgardner.com/wellsgardner31/catalog.cfm?dest=dir&linkid=4&linkon=section</a>

The number 1 arcade monitor company uses CGA/EGA/VGA/SVGA for descriptions...so I think they are right.