Options for my old 1200

[Tomas]

is there a definitive easy way for me to get the mig running thru a monitor ( i have literally dozens of the things ) if so what do i need to make this happen.

A flicker fixer does just that. You can get one from this store: http://www.amigakit.com/

[Tomas]

Doppie1200 wrote:

alenppc wrote:
That's fine if he's going to be happy with a black-and-white output!

Since when does the A1200 composite output B/W? Mine (CBM and AT versions) all output colour. Or is that because I have PAL and is the B/W thing an NTSC issue?

I believe changing to ntsc in early boot menu will only change the refresh rate, so the colours will still be in pal mode and hence why it will be black and white on ntsc tvs that does not support pal.

I find it odd that modern ntsc tvs does not also support pal, as nearly all newer models of pal tvs also supports ntsc just nicely.. Why not also the other way around?

[x56h34]

I find it odd that modern ntsc tvs does not also support pal, as nearly all newer models of pal tvs also supports ntsc just nicely.. Why not also the other way around?

Perhaps it's an immigration thing? People in Europe are more likely to immigrate to N. America than vice versa, so if you buy your TV in Europe, it will work when you bring it over to N. America. :-D

[darksun9210]

either that or your video data is being held up at passport control... :-D

[alenppc]

I believe changing to ntsc in early boot menu will only change the refresh rate, so the colours will still be in pal mode and hence why it will be black and white on ntsc tvs that does not support pal.

Exactly.

I find it odd that modern ntsc tvs does not also support pal, as nearly all newer models of pal tvs also supports ntsc just nicely.. Why not also the other way around?

That's a good question, but probably because there isn't much demand for PAL compatibility (also it is more difficult to implement).
What I also dislike is the lack of RGB signal input on an NTSC tv, therefore it's not really an option to be used with an Amiga.

Because we use lots of PAL (but also NTSC) consoles (PS2, xbox...) where I work we have to use PAL/multisystem TVs. You can notice an amazing difference in picture quality when you hook up a PAL console -- even though it is essentialy the same TV, you can run the same software on it, even put it to PAL-60 Hz mode if you like, but the picture is never as blurred and as faded as with an NTSC console... The system just sucks. :-)

[alenppc]

p388l3s wrote:
So the question is an internal or external scandoubler? what are the advantages and dis-advantages of each?

Well, considering that prices used to be about the same for both types (I don't know if they still are), an external one is preferable IMHO as there is no need to install it, it won't overheat your AGA chips, plus you can move it to another Amiga whenever you need it.

On the other hand an internal one won't take up any space on your desk. ;-) I can't think of any other advantages.

[Tomas]

You can notice an amazing difference in picture quality when you hook up a PAL console -- even though it is essentialy the same TV, you can run the same software on it, even put it to PAL-60 Hz mode if you like, but the picture is never as blurred and as faded as with an NTSC console... The system just sucks.

I totally agree there.. I have been doing some video editing of both ntsc and pal videos as a hobby, and i can definitely say that NTSC is clearly inferiour to PAL in most areas.

I personally think it is about time that we drop all this different standards in favor of just one.

[p388l3s]

Thanks for the replies guys, looks like in the short term i'll just get my PAL TV card up and running and use the Amiga thru that, and look into either an internal Scan doubler or possibly a picasso II if they are still around to be bought, as for the standards thing it's all kind of messed, cos the US likes to use 120Volt which i believe is why they also use NTSC, where-as the UK and some parts of europe use 240Volt and have PAL, i read a lot about it some time ago and it was all linked somehow but right now i'm too tired and in pain to remember.

Here's a tip guys and gurls, don't let dental problems get out of hand, it's more pain than it's worth in the long run!!!

[rustednail]

I thought the difference between NTSC and PAL was the frequency of the AC power in, ie NTSC 60Hz and PAL 50Hz.  I could be wrong. :inquisitive:

p388l3s wrote:


Here's a tip guys and gurls, don't let dental problems get out of hand, it's more pain than it's worth in the long run!!!

I feel your pain  :-o

[p388l3s]

rustednail wrote:
I thought the difference between NTSC and PAL was the frequency of the AC power in, ie NTSC 60Hz and PAL 50Hz.

Thats what i was alluding to, but couldn't wrap my mind around last night, IIRC the 120/240 Volt has a hand in the decision as to which one you use. Also i thought it was Pal 60Hz NTSC 50Hz. oh well looks like i'm off to wikipedia to refresh my brain.

Edit:
Well i had half my facts right i suppose, 60Hz was chosen because it matched the 60Hz of Alternating Current in the US power system, which was for the black and white standard, later changed to 59.94 for color, and i was wrong about Pal and NTSC, NTSC 60Hz, Pal 50Hz.  :lol:

[scuzzb494]

Hi

I can run my A1200 through a PC monitor in MULTISCAN productivity mode without any scandoubler or graphics card. Trouble is you need to see the native Amiga mode to see the prefs. You could use the telly I guess. You just need the special connector to connect the monitor cable to the Amiga port. Problems start when you want to go Low or High Res. I fitted an internal scandoubler flicker fixer to my A1200 tower and I use this with an Iiyama.

scuzz

[alenppc]

p388l3s wrote:
Thanks for the replies guys, looks like in the short term i'll just get my PAL TV card up and running and use the Amiga thru that, and look into either an internal Scan doubler
[...]

I think you might want an external one... :-)

Anyway, for those interested in world TV standards and power specs I can recommend these two websites:

http://www.ee.surrey.ac.uk/Contrib/WorldTV/
http://users.pandora.be/worldstandards/electricity.htm

The latter one also explains why a 110V system is used in North America and Japan.