Re: How can I use IIgs RGB Monitor as Composite Video Monitor?

[Mitchell Spector <mitch2gs@hotmail.com>]

"iseign" <iseign@gmail.com> wrote:

>Well, there are a lot of articles about converting IIgs RGB output to
>Video, VGA, or even Component.
>
>But I wonder if there is any way to use IIgs RGB Monitor as a general
>traditional composite video monitor.
>
>Is this possible? What should I do? If any additional hardware is
>required, where can I find it?

    An Apple II Video Overlay Card (often referred to as a "VOC") 
is essentially what you would need. It duplicates the video circuity
of the Apple IIgs and allows you to genlock composite video from
any source. The AppleColor RGB plugs directly into the card as 
does your composite source.

    Video is full screen, including use of the border area. I noticed
some modern video sources show up in black and white (color
burst signal disable kicks in?) such as my Famicon (Nintendo) 
clone in-a-gamepad.

>Briefly, I want to play PS2 on IIgs RGB Monitor. Or, I want to watch my
>DVD or VCR on my IIgs RGB Monitor.

    You'd be far better off building or purchasing a custom made 
Playstation to AppleColor RGB cable. The Playstation 1 and 2
support analog RGB at NTSC frequency which is compatible
with the Apple display. I've hooked up my SuperNintendo this
way with incredible looking results (I'd like to try my Genesis 
and Playstation but don't have the cable yet).

    Only thing is the Playstation 2 supports a higher resolution
than the GS monitor (maximum is 640x400 interlaced) so that
would be a catch. While DVDs are less of an issue (I still watch 
DVD movies on a composite television set, unfortunately, but 
it still works) you really want s-video or component for optimal 
results. A VCR shouldn't have any issues, unless you're using
a Super VHS unit. :)

Mitchell Spector