Converting TV signal from Amiga to HDMI?

[mindprober]

The seller agreed to send me another unit. It does seem unlikely that the converter box would fail though.

I am starting to question my RGB to SCART cable. Yes, it works fine with the SCART to HDMI box, but I am reading that not all RGB to SCART cables are the same. Perhaps this new box is a bit more sensitve.

@djos, did you say you got your cable at AmigaKit also?

[mindprober]

Hmmm.....here is another possibility:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Component_video

Perhaps I am dealing with the difference between RGB and Luma Component. The Amiga RGB to SCART is sending out RGB and is presumably staying that way through the converter box, but my display devices are expecting Luma-based component.  Sigh. Since I will not be able to change the expectations of my display devices, this could go nowhere.

However, what if there are other versions of the SCART to Component converters? I don't think they distinguish between the two, though.

[mindprober]

So I wonder how I tell which one I need to get. Apparently, this one has trouble with the Amiga:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/370695549240?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

because that is the one I purchased.

Correct, there are multiple RGB to YUV converters out there, I have 2 and only 1 of them works with Amiga Video due to the sync method used.

[mindprober]

Sounds like I can rule out my cable then and instead focus on getting the correct SCART to Component adapter.

I too have a fine SCART cable from Amigakit, plus 2 other from a well known Amigan in Greece.  All work well.  Now I do use the SCART to HDMI converters, but they work on all my monitors and TVs

[mindprober]

I was afraid someone might say this. My "works with friggin' everything, multiple video ports Dell U2410" does not like the signal coming from the converter nor does my 2005 Sharp TV, yet they both work natively (15KHz) over VGA.

I cannot use VGA due to other problems, however. This is why I was moving towards component.

Thats the one I have... its not so much an issue with the Amiga, but rather the TV it's being used on, and mine works on every tv I've tried it on

It should be possible to modify the adapter to work on every tv, but I haven't looked into this...

[mindprober]

I am considering the possibility of modifying, but have found no resources on this. Honestly not sure what to plug into Google. The only thing that comes close are people that have opened them up to adjust pots for improving image quality.

Does anyone here: 1) Know anyone in North America that uses one of these component converters with an Amiga and a TV sold in this country or 2) Know how to modify one of these devices to address a possible compatibility issue?

I'm fairly handy with a soldering iron and can identify most electrical components. If I have a good set of instructions, it should not be a problem.

Thats the one I have... its not so much an issue with the Amiga, but rather the TV it's being used on, and mine works on every tv I've tried it on

It should be possible to modify the adapter to work on every tv, but I haven't looked into this...

[mindprober]

I appreciate your effort. I am intrigued. However, the more I examine the comments from people using this adapter (mostly from game console users), the more it is apparent that the device is outputting a 240p resolution. Unless you can modify it to output 480i, I do not think I will have any hope of it working with my displays.

I'm looking into these modifications now, as I've found my new monitors (which are TVs) don't support the output from this adapter...

I'll try and find some information on what's needed...

edit: the issue is basically that standard definition uses a bi level sync, while high definition uses tri level... just googling it now

[mindprober]

That's correct! Both of my displays will accept the A500's monochrome out into the green component input and, on top of the that, the results are perfect except for the lack of color.

Is this the tv/monitor that worked with the composite signal fed into the "green" connector on the component input?

But now you're saying it doesn't work with the scart to component adapter?

I ask, because my tv that doesn't work with the scart to component adapter also does NOTHING with the composite signal fed into the "green"component input....

I'll see what my other tvs report the signal as being with the scart to component adapter... I've never looked!

[mindprober]

You....sir.....are....the MAN!!!!       I need to know how to add the "i'm not worthy" and the "beer salute" animated GIFs.....darn it, I never learned this!


Now I can also see why people needed to open these up and make adjustments. There is too much green in the signal. I know I can find some info on this that will help out. Incidentally, does anyone know a way to display SMPTE color bars on an Amiga screen? There's gotta be something out there with the long history of the Amiga in the video world (excluding the toaster).

So.....very wise of you to suggest using the working Luma signal and blending it with the other two. The fact that this works must be revealing something.

connect the "red" and "blue" lines from the scart to component adapter, and use the monochrome/composite output from the amiga as the "green" input, and see what happens?

[mindprober]

Actually, it is a common problem with these converters but it can be corrected by just adjusting some potentiometers inside.

Here is just one example:

http://www.neo-geo.com/forums/showthread.php?244245-RGB-SCART-to-YUV-Component-pot-knob-resistor-screw-adjustment-amp-troubleshootin

But since I am using the converter differently, you think the mono signal from the Amiga is the source? "Too much green" is what others with the converter box usually mention. Also, my photos do not give an accurate representation of what I am seeing. I was only posting to show there is color now.

You may need to add a resistor or capacitor, or both, or a potentiometer, into the "green" line from the monochrome output from the amiga to be able to adjust it how you want...

[mindprober]

Just out of curiosity, I connected my second SCART to Component box (same seller sent me a replacement) and it did not display the same level of green, so more evidence that the box is the source.

Also, it would appear that the "green" cable is not actually the source of the green in the component signal:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/YPbPr

So getting back to this clever idea you had to try this in the first place, does this conclude that this is a sync problem with what is coming out of the box? Does this help you in your quest to make your own mods?

Twiddle away and see how you go! But I think an incorrect
level on the "green" input, that you can't adjust, will mean you won't be able to get it right

But, I could be wrong, its happened before

[mindprober]

It would be fair to consider the cable as a possible contributor, as it was made to order. Something could have been wired incorrectly. How could it be tested, though? Please read previous posts on pin tests. Per djos, the Amiga RGB to SCART cable shouldn't be doing much at all.

As far as I'm aware, the sync on the rgb port of the amiga should be the same as the sync on the monochrome output...

I'm wondering if your scart cable is actually wrong, as I believe they both should simply be composite sync...

[mindprober]

Sorry to hear you are not having the same luck I am. I hope it inspires you to continue testing and possibly modifying one of these boxes to work natively.

I checked on another source for a well constructed RGB to SCART cable but the minimum cable length offered is 2m. That's a lot of unnecessary cable for my setup. I suppose I could build my own but not really wanting to take on too many projects at the moment.

[mindprober]

AmigaKit. How is it wired?? That, I would not know. R,B, & G are definitely passing it through it. What happens with regard to sync.......your guess is as good as mine.  

Where did your current cable come from? How is it wired?

[mindprober]

(Activate Farnsworth voice)

Good neeeewwwwsss everyone!!!

As a matter of curiosity and because I was never really satisfied with my original cable I bought, I sought out a better RGB to SCART cable. I really liked the build quality I saw here:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Commodore-Amiga-A1200-All-Models-High-Quality-RGB-Scart-Lead-Cable-TV-Lead-/251044312902?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3a73683746

So I made my purchase. The cable arrived today and, as expected, it worked just fine with the redirected cable arrangement. So,  just for sh*ts and giggles, I thought I would try it with all three cables connected to the converter....and guess what? It works!

So that either means my AmigaKit cable is not wired correctly or it is just wired to different standards. Can I make the case that it is *wrong* and I should ask for a return/exchange based on this new discovery? The wiring of these cables seems to vary from person to person, so who I am to say something is wrong? Is there a standard?

[mindprober]

You won't regret it. The quality of this cable is excellent. And, it uses a true DB23 connector. I'm wondering if Retro Computer Shack found a source for the DB23s and gobbled them all up.

Good work, Im gonna buy one and try it on my TV that doesnt currently like converted Amiga-RGB to Component.

PS, I have their C64 video cables and they are great.