The neo geo home console is constructed of arcade components, so it does output the correct level RGB signal, but this is a unique case. Most other home consoles dont output this level of RGB.
Nope. As far as the video output goes, the AES is a home console like any other and the RGB levels it outputs comply with those required by TVs/home monitors (~0.7vpp), not arcade monitors. It's true that the AES has the same componentry as an MVS board but in addition it has an RGB encoder and the RGB which originally is identical to that of an MVS board at some point is weakened by voltage dividers and then sent to the encoder. You can see the voltage dividers in the yellow area here:
If RGB is tapped before the voltage dividers it will be the same as if it's taken from the jamma connector of an MVS board. It's the so-called RGB bypass mod that is often done in order to get rid of video issues introduced by the encoder circuitry.
On a Megadrive (Genesis) things are basically the same: before being fed into the encoder (same encoder as the AES btw) the RGB is toned down by voltage dividers (the six resistors in the area outlined in white). if you tap RGB before it goes through the dividers you can send it straight to an arcade monitor.
Having a video amp really makes a world of difference...that and with a small sound amp I got it all to fit with spare room into an Geneis2 which I much prefer the look of.
