Yet another RGB/SCART question (many apologies...)

[tahrbow]

I've been reading all the threads about getting the best possible video out of a Saturn. It's clear that the best picture is by hooking up a SCART cable.

I live in the US. From what I've gathered, it wouldn't be that hard for me to get a SCART cable, but the bigger problem is that SCART connections are very uncommon on our CRTs and flatscreens, correct?

I'm looking to just play my machine through a CRT, since I'd like to be able to use the Stunner when I wish. Most likely a monitor of 17" or 19" should suffice.

Now, if I can't use the SCART cable, is the next best option an RGB cable, one that terminates in three RCA jacks? Did I understand that correctly, or is there no such thing for a Saturn?

Also, it seems like RGB inputs, while being more common than SCART inputs in the US, are still a lot less common than a 15-pin VGA connection.

If I'm only able to find a monitor with a VGA connection, should I just give up and settle for S-Video?

[superdeadite]

When people talk about the superiority of SCART they mean a SCART cable that carries an RGB signal. The RGB signal is the important thing. SCART is just a cable interface. There is a type of RGB that uses RCA plugs, but you'll only find it on professional grade monitors. Probably 95% of TVs in the US do not support RGB.

To use RGB in the US, your best bet is to check ebay for a used broadcast monitor, like the Sony PVM. Then make a custom cable to use it's form of RGB (15 pin is the most common, sometimes RCA).

Short of RGB, I've heard of people putting a JROCK encoder in their Saturns, in order to get Component Video.

If you just want a standard Saturn TV cable in the states with no mods, S-Video is the best you can do sadly.

[termis]

The level of video quality signal for a saturn goes like this, from worst to best.
1. RF Cable
2. Composite
3. SVHS
4. RGB

Now, there are different ways to deliver RGB signals to your TV, and for those who live in the EU, SCART cable is one way. Unfortunately, US TVs don't have SCART inputs, so you to find another way to do this. As far as I know, there's no easy way to do this for US TVs. One way that I DO know is:

Saturn -> *RGB-capable* SCART cable -> SCART/Component converter -> US TV with component inputs.

Component video inputs DO end with Red, green, and blue colored cables. But component cables typically also have 2 additional ends for audio right (red again), audio left (white) -- so what you'll most like see have 5 prongs at the end.

You have to go through all that hoopla above because Saturn does not have a component cable.

Most people would be pretty happy with the SVHS signal out of the Saturn. If you're a big video nerd, then the above setup will probably be the "easiest" way for you to get maximum level video quality out of your saturn.