Which VGA Box should I get?

I'm looking for a VGA box so that I can play my PS2 games on my old PC monitor, but I don't know which one to get. I'd like to spend >$50. So, I'm thinking about the MultiPurpose One or the the Magic VGA one.

The good thing about the first one is that is seems to have a lot more jacks and input options. But, the second one has a feature that sounds really interesting, which is the ability to change the output resolution from 640*480, 800*600 to 1024*768. Which one should I get? Is the ability to change the resolution normal in all VGA boxes? If it is, could that be why the first one doesn't have that feature listed (The first one, like the second one, has a menu option, meaning that it could be in there)? So, which one should I get?

BTW, I'm mostly going to be playing on my old, "bubble-screen," 13" monitor.

bump

DON'T get a VGA box for the PS2, it looks bad. Things are either too bring or too dark.

The only two systems (that I know of) that look good with a VGA box is the Dreamcast and the X-box. Both systems look like sex too. But you can't get a VGA box that is supposed to be used for multiple devices, you need to get separate ones for each system. The DC one costs about 15 bucks... I think the xbox one costs like 80 bucks or so (but it's worth it).

I've tried 2 vga boxes for the ps2 and both sucked. One wouldn't even display most PS1 games!

Really? So, even getting a PS2 dedicated one wouldn't help? Anybody else have some opinions about this? Maybe it was the VGA boxes you used? Did you use the standard composite cables? I'm probably going to be using it with S-Video, which I assume should give me better results.

What about this VGA adapter?

Hildegarn326 said:

Really? So, even getting a PS2 dedicated one wouldn't help? Anybody else have some opinions about this? Maybe it was the VGA boxes you used? Did you use the standard composite cables? I'm probably going to be using it with S-Video, which I assume should give me better results.

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Do yourself a favor and purchase a video processor from someone like Viewsonic. You would be looking at $129, but every system looks beautiful on a SVGA monitor (i.e. bright, clean and colorful). With the processor you can adjust contrast, brightness, saturation, hue, and standard colors. Plus, the processor strengthens the signal and gives you the brightest, cleanest picture possible.

Based on my experience, standard VGA adapters without a processor tend to give varying results (especially with the PS2). I must have been through 3 different VGA adapters before finding this beauty, and I haven't regretted my purchase yet.

Standard A/V cables produce clean images with the adapter, but if you use S-Video cables with every system you own, the end result is shocking. I have multiple game systems -- all with S-video cables -- wired through A/V / S-video (game system) switchers. I then run an s-video cable from the main system switcher into the video processor, and toggle between my systems at will. Even a standard Neo-Geo works with it.

I will be posting a picture to illustrate the PS2 in action in a few minutes.

There we go:

Syxx573 said:

DON'T get a VGA box for the PS2, it looks bad. Things are either too bring or too dark.
!

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This is only true if the adapter doesn't have a video processor (i.e. CPU) built-in. I've been using the Netvision4 for over a year with all my systems (PS2, Xbox, etc.) and the brightness, clarity, and resolution is phenomenal. You need to check into buying one if you really want to take advantage of SVGA resolution (unless you own a HDTV with a SVGA port).

Is that your monitor or something? I just want to use it with my monitor, not a projector or anything. $130 seems kind of steep if I just want to use my PS2 on my old pc monitor (I'm only willing to use composite or maybe s-video).

EDIT: I do NOT want progessive scan, HD, Plasma, etc. kind of quality. Just normal composite or maybe s-video quality is what I want, nothing more.

Hildegarn326 said:

Is that your monitor or something? I just want to use it with my monitor, not a projector or anything. $130 seems kind of steep if I just want to use my PS2 on my old pc monitor (I'm only willing to use composite or maybe s-video).

EDIT: I do NOT want progessive scan, HD, Plasma, etc. kind of quality. Just normal composite or maybe s-video quality is what I want, nothing more.

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This is the monitor I use with my video processor; I don't use a projector.

For some reason the PS2's video signal seems very weak when connected to a non-processor SVGA adapter. With the aid of a video processor you get superb results. If you think $129 is expensive, you should have seen the price when I bought it ($220+).

Like I mentioned in my previous post: I use nothing but S-Video cables with my game systems.

Here's food for thought: why not look for one on Ebay? You might just get a good deal.

Well, another reason why I'm not sure whether buy that one is because it seems to be able to do LOTS of other things (It has a remote too), and I probably will only use it with my PS2. So, what other features does it have that are worthwhile that I might use?

The BIG reason why I'm not getting it right away is because of the quality. It seems like it's too good. I want to play IIDX with it, and the game has been known to not play with with high quality video sources, like HD, Plasma, progessive scan, etc. So, if I just use it with regular composite videos, will the quality be equivalent of using composite cables on a regular tv?

Hildegarn326 said:

Well, another reason why I'm not sure whether buy that one is because it seems to be able to do LOTS of other things (It has a remote too), and I probably will only use it with my PS2. So, what other features does it have that are worthwhile that I might use?

The BIG reason why I'm not getting it right away is because of the quality. It seems like it's too good. I want to play IIDX with it, and the game has been known to not play with with high quality video sources, like HD, Plasma, progessive scan, etc. So, if I just use it with regular composite videos, will the quality be equivalent of using composite cables on a regular tv?

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Well, the adapter I am using (i.e. the Viewsonic Netvision4) isn't HDTV, so there is no need to fret about incompatibility. You can use standard A/V video sources, but you will see the limitations of the signal. It will be clean and clear, but it will be not nearly as sharp as S-Video. The features are quite nice to have, too! You can adjust the display resolution of the signal from 640 x 480 to 1024x768. This comes in handy with older titles that may suffer from chunky / jagged graphics. It tightens the picture slightly to give you a better picture. The Netvision4 only accommodates one input signal at a time (i.e. it has 1 A/V port and 1 S-video port), so a game selector is needed like in my case to connect multiple systems to one SVGA monitor. All my games display properly -- even my Neo-Geo system.

You can watch cable TV with the adapter but I have the living room / Entertainment room for such activities.

The remote is so you can toggle between your PC and secondary source (i.e. like your PS2). The adapter was designed so you can have your computer and game systems connected all at once, and then toggle between them with the aid of the remote.

The best feature -- and one that lends itself to the remote -- is the ability to adjust every aspect of the picture, and the system will save these settings. You can adjust brightness, contrast, saturation, hue, etc., so the picture issues people have with those other PS2 SVGA adapters are non-existent. Remember, its the processor (i.e. built-in display CPU) that solves the picture issue the PS2 has with those other adapters, and nothing else.

It all boils down to whether you want the best or not. You could spend money on those other SVGA adapters, but the end result will be less-than-satisfying. No processor equals hit-or-miss results.

Sounds nice. So, I can have my PS2 and cable TV hooked up? I think I'm going to get it then. But I only have enough $ to buy a 50 dollar one, so I won't be able to get it this weekend like I had planned (Unless TigerDirect.com is a reliable place to buy from).

Hildegarn326 said:

Sounds nice. So, I can have my PS2 and cable TV hooked up?

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Yes, you can have your cable TV connected as well. The remote is designed for television, so you can type in the channel numbers you want to surf. I also suggest buying an s-video cable for your PS2 if you're going to spend the money --you will get the best picture possible if you do.

I think I'm going to get it then. But I only have enough $ to buy a 50 dollar one, so I won't be able to get it this weekend like I had planned (Unless TigerDirect.com is a reliable place to buy from).

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Go for broke, man! I'm a very picky gamer, and I wouldn't be using the thing if the quality wasn't any good.

Sounds like a good time to pimp the Micomsoft XRGB-2 Plus.

Great device.

B

brentsg said:

Sounds like a good time to pimp the Micomsoft XRGB-2 Plus.

Great device.

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I have never owned one myself, but I hear the picture quality is very good.

Edit: I hear the XRGB is perfect for the Neo-Geo.

Do you own one personally?

Sounds like a good time to pimp the Micomsoft XRGB-2 Plus.

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I just picked up an X-RGB2 plus.

Its pricey, however, when you connect systems to it via component or RGB its looks AMAZING.

I connect my Neo to it with an RGB cable and its the best picuture I've seen on the Neo.

Connecting your system to VGA with anything less than RGB is kind of a waste, IMO. It works but the signal takes a huge hit when you convert it to VGA.

Think of it this way: For the price of a nice TV, I got a BIG vga monitor and an X-RGB2 .

The only difference is, the Neo looks WAY better on the X-RGB2.

Actually I have 4 Micomsoft devices. I have the XRGB-2, the XRGB-2 Plus, the XNeo-1, and another one I forget the name.

The 4th one will accept RGB from any source and output S-Video. Basically it's an XNeo-1 for any console (or JAMMA board).

Needless to say, I really like their stuff. The only one I've yet to pick up (that I will) is the one that handles 480P mode from the newer consoles. I forget the number and I'm too lazy to look.

These things are excellent for the Neo and the Saturn in particular.

B

NeoLord said:

Do yourself a favor and purchase a video processor from someone like Viewsonic. You would be looking at $129, but every system looks beautiful on a SVGA monitor (i.e. bright, clean and colorful). With the processor you can adjust contrast, brightness, saturation, hue, and standard colors. Plus, the processor strengthens the signal and gives you the brightest, cleanest picture possible.

Based on my experience, standard VGA adapters without a processor tend to give varying results (especially with the PS2). I must have been through 3 different VGA adapters before finding this beauty, and I haven't regretted my purchase yet.

Standard A/V cables produce clean images with the adapter, but if you use S-Video cables with every system you own, the end result is shocking. I have multiple game systems -- all with S-video cables -- wired through A/V / S-video (game system) switchers. I then run an s-video cable from the main system switcher into the video processor, and toggle between my systems at will. Even a standard Neo-Geo works with it.

I will be posting a picture to illustrate the PS2 in action in a few minutes.

Click to expand...

We have that available here...If i do hook it up to my Innovision monitor where do I get the sound then...sorry for the nOob question

We have that available here...If i do hook it up to my Innovision monitor where do I get the sound then...sorry for the nOob question

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The X-RGB2 has sound inputs and outputs. Run the sound to a receiver or use headphones.

brentsg said:

The 4th one will accept RGB from any source and output S-Video. Basically it's an XNeo-1 for any console (or JAMMA board).

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Sounds like the XAV-2s - I've got one lying around too.

It's just like an XNeo-1, like you have mentioned, but can accept RGB from any source and requires a power supply.

Eliza said:

We have that available here...If i do hook it up to my Innovision monitor where do I get the sound then...sorry for the nOob question

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I have everything connected to a stereo receiver (external source), but you can connect audio directly to the adapter. There is also a headphone jack, which can also be used to connect standard PC speakers or a stereo receiver.

The N4 by Viewsonic is a great piece of hardware that I can't live without. I've been using it for almost a year and so far I am satisfied with it.

brentsg said:

Actually I have 4 Micomsoft devices. I have the XRGB-2, the XRGB-2 Plus, the XNeo-1, and another one I forget the name.

The 4th one will accept RGB from any source and output S-Video. Basically it's an XNeo-1 for any console (or JAMMA board).

Needless to say, I really like their stuff. The only one I've yet to pick up (that I will) is the one that handles 480P mode from the newer consoles. I forget the number and I'm too lazy to look.

These things are excellent for the Neo and the Saturn in particular.

B

Click to expand...

They sound like great pieces of equipment, but aren't they difficult to find? I have only seen a few on Ebay over the course of a few years.

Just to clarify, the reason why I want to get a VGA adapter is not because I want higher quality (I'm perfectly satisfied with component), but I just want to be able to play my PS2 on my old PC monitor in my other room.

I recently read this newegg review:

Newegg is great.... even with returns. I bought this product to replace a pervious Up Scan converter. Unfortunately this unit had a Very unstable S-video output (the screen kept shaking... it gave me a headache). Also the tuner is not of very good quality. The remote is also too small for practical use (imagine holding this tiny remote aprox the size of a business card and changing the channels with your thumb... with the buttons mounted on the BOTTOM of the remote... bad design). I am very disappointed with this product. So if you are looking at this unit for purchase, save yourself the restocking and shipping fees to send it back. I bought this because it was $40 cheaper than my previous unit form a company called TVOne, but it was a bad gamble.

Any comments?