Difference between revisions of "Dreamcast VGA Box"

From Sega Retro
(Removed text pertaining to Wii only having composite out as can't verify newer models lack this ability. Rewrote the component section.)
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Using a VGA box is considered by enthusiasts to be the definitive way of playing a Dreamcast, as it allows the system to output a 480p video signal without the graphical compromises. Though VGA support has been a feature of the Dreamcast since 1998, the standard was at the time, somewhat impractical, as most televisions lacked a VGA port to interface with the console. This means all Dreamcasts shipped with [[cdn:RF connector|RF]] or [[cdn:composite video|composite video]] cables, which, although functional in sending a picture to a screen, are unable to deliver the clearest possible picture.
 
Using a VGA box is considered by enthusiasts to be the definitive way of playing a Dreamcast, as it allows the system to output a 480p video signal without the graphical compromises. Though VGA support has been a feature of the Dreamcast since 1998, the standard was at the time, somewhat impractical, as most televisions lacked a VGA port to interface with the console. This means all Dreamcasts shipped with [[cdn:RF connector|RF]] or [[cdn:composite video|composite video]] cables, which, although functional in sending a picture to a screen, are unable to deliver the clearest possible picture.
  
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Today televisions and computer monitors have converged, meaning the use of VGA is no longer as uncommon. The Dreamcast's support for VGA is often considered ahead of its time, as many models of the [[PlayStation 2]] and [[GameCube]] cannot output a comparable video signal (without modifications). This is even true of some later revisions of the [[Wii]], where composite is the only option.
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Today televisions and computer monitors have converged, meaning the use of VGA is no longer as uncommon. The Dreamcast's support for VGA is often considered ahead of its time, as many models of the [[PlayStation 2]] and [[GameCube]] cannot output a comparable video signal (without modifications).
  
 
Not all Dreamcast games are compatible with the VGA Adapter, namely [[SNK]] ports such as ''[[Garou: Mark of the Wolves]]''. The majority of games can be forced to use the VGA box by using software such as the ''[[DC-X]]''. Given these issues (and that on its own, VGA also only deals with video, not audio), the VGA box has extra ports, doubling up as a way of displaying composite audio/video and [[cdn:S-Video|S-Video]] should the need arise.
 
Not all Dreamcast games are compatible with the VGA Adapter, namely [[SNK]] ports such as ''[[Garou: Mark of the Wolves]]''. The majority of games can be forced to use the VGA box by using software such as the ''[[DC-X]]''. Given these issues (and that on its own, VGA also only deals with video, not audio), the VGA box has extra ports, doubling up as a way of displaying composite audio/video and [[cdn:S-Video|S-Video]] should the need arise.
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==Component Video==
 
==Component Video==
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The VGA adaptor is an equivalent to Component (YPrPb) cables in that it allows a higher resolution progressive scan video output, including 480p and in some cases and consoles 720p. Despite VGA being popular in computers and indeed computer monitors could be used in conjunction with the VGA adaptor, it was not a common standard on old HD TV sets compared to component and all though similar in nature the two standards are not compatible without conversion which in turn could lead to quality loss. VGA is also arguably a higher quality output compared to component as other consoles at the time although in a lot of cases it would be indistinguishable. The Dreamcast did not have native YPrPb component output (although SCART/RGBS can sometimes be considered component output), VGA being a byproduct of the shared platform between the Dreamcast and the [[NAOMI]] arcade system. It should also be noted that the [[GameCube]] did not have native component output, requiring a cable with active electronics to convert the digital signals to the analogue YPrPb format.
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VGA adapters are a parallel alternative connector to display high end resolutions.  [[cdn:Component video|Component video]] connectors found on sixth generation consoles can use 480p. For instance, PlayStation 2 works in component but the signal is worst because like its predecessor it displays its [[anti-aliasing]] problems unless on RGB or 720p compatible games. The GameCube and Xbox do not have this problem.  The VGA adapter also permits a 480p function on a specialized HD-TV compatible monitor with a VGA connector, or with a 100 dollar plus video converter.  The video converter splits the signals sent from VGA to YPbPr colors.  Like with personal computers, these VGA connectors are usually only compatible with monitors and projectors.
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==Compatible Games==
 
==Compatible Games==

Revision as of 07:04, 14 October 2017

Dcvgacable.JPG
Dreamcast VGA Box
Made for: Sega Dreamcast
Manufacturer: Sega
Release Date RRP Code
Sega Dreamcast
JP 		¥7,0007,000[1] HKT-8100

The Dreamcast VGA Box (ドリームキャストVGA ボックス) is a peripheral for the Sega Dreamcast which allows the system to connect to a monitor supporting the VGA video standard.

Using a VGA box is considered by enthusiasts to be the definitive way of playing a Dreamcast, as it allows the system to output a 480p video signal without the graphical compromises. Though VGA support has been a feature of the Dreamcast since 1998, the standard was at the time, somewhat impractical, as most televisions lacked a VGA port to interface with the console. This means all Dreamcasts shipped with RF or composite video cables, which, although functional in sending a picture to a screen, are unable to deliver the clearest possible picture.

Today televisions and computer monitors have converged, meaning the use of VGA is no longer as uncommon. The Dreamcast's support for VGA is often considered ahead of its time, as many models of the PlayStation 2 and GameCube cannot output a comparable video signal (without modifications).

Not all Dreamcast games are compatible with the VGA Adapter, namely SNK ports such as Garou: Mark of the Wolves. The majority of games can be forced to use the VGA box by using software such as the DC-X. Given these issues (and that on its own, VGA also only deals with video, not audio), the VGA box has extra ports, doubling up as a way of displaying composite audio/video and S-Video should the need arise.

Despite hinting at a western release, Sega only released its official Dreamcast VGA Box in Japan, although the device is compatible with all versions of the Dreamcast worldwide. Third-party alternatives are therefore far more common in North America and Europe.

Component Video

The VGA adaptor is an equivalent to Component (YPrPb) cables in that it allows a higher resolution progressive scan video output, including 480p and in some cases and consoles 720p. Despite VGA being popular in computers and indeed computer monitors could be used in conjunction with the VGA adaptor, it was not a common standard on old HD TV sets compared to component and all though similar in nature the two standards are not compatible without conversion which in turn could lead to quality loss. VGA is also arguably a higher quality output compared to component as other consoles at the time although in a lot of cases it would be indistinguishable. The Dreamcast did not have native YPrPb component output (although SCART/RGBS can sometimes be considered component output), VGA being a byproduct of the shared platform between the Dreamcast and the NAOMI arcade system. It should also be noted that the GameCube did not have native component output, requiring a cable with active electronics to convert the digital signals to the analogue YPrPb format.


Compatible Games

Physical scans

Dreamcast, JP
VGABox DC JP Box Front.jpg
Cover

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Dream Information Vol. 1, January 1999, page 12


Sega Dreamcast
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Development Hardware Dev.Box | Controller Box | Controller Function Checker | Sound Box | GD-Writer | C1/C2 Checker | Dev.Cas | GD-ROM Duplicator
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Connector Cables Onsei Setsuzoku Cable | RF Adapter | Scart Cable | S Tanshi Cable | Stereo AV Cable | VGA Box

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