Mamba (HD Dreamcast SCART) & Prodigy (HD Capture Box) - Adam Koralik

[@CCH3900]

Always good to see the SEGA Dreamcast getting solution to problems even 22.5 years later. And that's a neat little capture device.

[@WhiteJarrah]

4:40 the force boot doesn't work on PAL games. Based on my experiences with the official Sega VGA box, if you run a PAL game in non-VGA mode the game is committed to run at 50Hz, not the 60Hz used by VGA.

[@AdamKoralik]

I might have to test that. Though I don't think there's many non-VGA compatible PAL exclusives.

[@daktheavking9357]

Adam,your RGB scart vids are the reason i even found your channel. These are my absolute favorite types of videos from you. I am also obsessed with video resolution and having the highest quality video for my content i play and watch. Another awesome video!

[@LuteFrontier]

Adam rules Dreamcast

[@danielstrzel2271]

I use my Toro to do this however this cable is definitely more streamlined

[@Spazbo4]

I hope the mamba is better than thei VGA boxes, I have a couple from them but the signal gets a lot of signal noise from the terrible connector they use to plug from the VGA box to the dreamcast

[@JohnSmith-xq1pz]

A SCART Dream neat... I really need to find a DreamCast to start enjoying all this aftermarket fun

[@houseoftheted637]

Beharbros make all kinds of cool things 😎

[@RyoHazuki911]

It always bugged me that Skies of Arcadia PAL does not work in VGA yet NTSC does

[@AdamKoralik]

At least one version does.

[@Protofall]

Huh, so switching it during the IP.BIN screen (Or SEGA License screen) is what gets some games to work with VGA? I recall when generating IP.BIN files for homebrew, you can allow/disallow all sorts of things like certain regions, certain peripherals and even VGA. Maybe the only thing stopping those games from playing in VGA is an outdated IP.BIN file in the gdi image. That would explain how its so easy to edit the gdi file to allow VGA when using something like a GDEMU/MODE. I could be wrong, that might not be specific the reason in this case and I've never tried using an IP.BIN with VGA disabled. So take this theory with a grain of salt.

[@radrob4403]

It's always nice to see new hardware accessories coming out for the Dreamcast.

[@mr.noneofyourbusiness4176]

If someone makes an HDMI mod for the Dreamcast that has a switch between VGA mode and RGB Scart mode, I would get an HDMI mod done on my Dreamcast for the RetroTink 4k.

[@darktetsuya]

huh didn't know about the codebreaker "hack" to run VGA-compatible games! makes me wish I had a compatible monitor, cus MK GOLD looked pretty sharp I have to say. definitely wish we could afford an upscaler like that though. but definitely a cool upgrade if you can, though!

[@dibanez_1350]

Adam you are carrying sega’s history preservation department

[@VinePest]

I picked up the prodigy just based on a short piece of demo footage by BBS, as I enjoyed BBS' xedusa so much (so I reckoned they make solid stuff in general, so it couldn't possibly suck as much as my old 15€ Chinese capture stick). For streaming gameplay to my discord friends it's perfect! Your videos made me aware of BBS stuff (such as the xedusa) and I thank you for that!

[@IanNewYashaTheFinalAct]

I figured Behar Bros. named their HD Dreamcast SCART cable after *Kobe Bryant*

[@aaliguy9986]

Behar Bros. are really gifted.

[@AlexxHikaru]

some of the non-vga games do it beacuse they use the 240p mode of the Dreamcast, most notably Bangai-O and the neo geo ports. There are other games like SF Alpha 3 and Marvel vs Capcom 1 that run at 240p but are compatible with VGA but most people i asked about say is better to play them at rgb 240p and let the CRT / upscaler work with that rather than using the dreamcast 240p to 480p upscaling.

[@damian9303]

Yeah, in my personal experience the sprites becomes too blocky which makes it look downright horrendous on any flatscreen making a line-doubler that much better.

[@OGDomTheAtariDJ]

I’m a heathen I use composite lol 😂 it’s just easy for my solution on my current crt

[@cax1175]

Adam willing Xbox to stay in the console market with the shirt.

[@PunkOnARant]

Why does the Dreamcast tend to output 1:1 aspect ratio instead of 4:3 on modern displays? Personally, i had to import a profile to my OSSC to solve the issue and after that it looks fine, but i see a lot of Dreamcast footage on KZbin being 1:1, or at least near 1:1, even in this video. Is there any known reason why this is? Because Dreamcast gameplay never looked like that on CRT:s back in the day.

[@AdamKoralik]

VGA consequences perhaps.

[@neccros007]

I got one of their VGA boxes... I want to trade it for a HDMI version

[@efad3215]

Can a NA Dreamcast use RGB SCART without a mod? Edit to add: Do you need a special setup for the vga scart, or does all the scart hardware work with vga-mode anyways?

[@AdamKoralik]

Most SCART cables won't support the VGA modes if that's what you're asking.

[@efad3215]

@@AdamKoralik OK, so if I scart my retro setup I should keep the DC separate from the ps2 and any other retro consoles I pick up

[@AdamKoralik]

@@efad3215 I mean, this particular cable is ONLY for the Dreamcast

[@efad3215]

@AdamKoralik This one, Ik. I mean using a Scart switcher for a ps2 or og Xbox scart cable Or if I find an n64 or...

[@AdamKoralik]

@@efad3215 I wouldn't recommend SCART for any of those consoles to be honest.

[@benjamincady5597]

This is probably just a matter of my own ignorance, but is the Mamba any different than the Retro Access or the PACKAPUNCH Dreamcast SCART cables that can switch between a 15kHz signal that uses the RGB output and a 31kHz mode that hijack the VGA mode to create a csync for 480p through SCART?

[@AdamKoralik]

I haven't used those so I can't say for sure.

[@SJ-mh1rg]

You might want to try those non RGB scart or VGA compatible games like Bangai O, KOF 99 dream match and other SNK title. If they dont work, this cable is not 100% compatible.

[@AdamKoralik]

Those two games aren't VGA compatible but both support RGB SCART.

[@tubinonyou]

I had a 'Packapunch' Scart cable for the Dreamcast which had a switch for 15 or 31kHz. Is there any difference between the 'Packapunch' and this thing?

[@AdamKoralik]

Never used it.

[@ScorpioCesarcade]

My biggest issue with the Gekko and mclassic combo that I've been using is how the resolution of the picture looking somewhat squished? in a 4:3 ratio. With the Mamba hooked up to a Retrotink 5X I can possibly adjust the horizontal to fill that 4:3 picture. Was that even an issue to begin with or was that somewhat squished ration just the intended output of a VGA signal from the Dreamcast? Also curious which do you prefer? The Gekko/mclassic combo or this Mamba with an upscaler like the Retrotink 5X/OSSC?

[@AdamKoralik]

Might be how you have the Dreamcast running. The Dreamcast is odd in that you have to turn the system on before everything else.

[@MikeLindquist]

It's probably because the Dreamcast outputs a VESA 640x480p VGA signal, and HDMI displays expect 480p to be a SMPTE 720x480p signal

[@ScorpioCesarcade]

@@MikeLindquist So then stretching the image to meet that 720x480p window would be considered unnatural I take it?

[@MikeLindquist]

@@ScorpioCesarcade Well, if your TV/monitor lets you widen the image, then by all means you should make it a little wider until it looks right to you! If you ever find a PC CRT monitor / have room for one, grab a Dreamast VGA cable. Dreamcast looks insaneee on a PC CRT... I assume you might have seen this in action at one point or another, heh

[@ScorpioCesarcade]

@@MikeLindquist Definitely not in person but that does sound really enticing! May have to see if I can find one at some point for my spare DC. Thanks for the replies and feedback! 😁

[@izzyhope58]

I bought the mamba cable to use with the retrotink 5x. For some reason the colours are all off and there's a blue tint on the video. the splash screen for example is mostly blue instead of white. I've tried some different settings but haven't been able to get it to work. Does the mamba cable work with the 5x and is there somthing spesific I need to do to get it to work?

[@AdamKoralik]

Uh, might depend on what RGB or VGA settings you're using? As far as I know it should work.

[@SamuelSarette]

Doesn't beharbros' HDMI cable do this same thing as the SCART cable here with the same switch?

[@AdamKoralik]

It does not

[@takeyourtime3328]

"Composite that you should never use" - Koralik uses composite with PS2 in retrotink 4K review - LMAO.

[@AdamKoralik]

Yes...for the sole purpose of demonstrating how bad it is and also saying not to use it.

[@takeyourtime3328]

@@AdamKoralik Which makes no sense. Someone who buys a $750 scaler is not going to use composite with PS2 but component cables. This is not like with Gamecube where component costs a lot more..

[@AdamKoralik]

@@takeyourtime3328 So, your actual argument here is that absolutely no one who buys the RetroTink 4K will ever use the composite jacks and that, even for the purposes of saying "this is bad and here's why you shouldn't use it" that that makes me the only human being in history to test it out. Nevermind that PS2s all came with composite cables and that it's by far the most likely source the average user would go to test. No, literally no one will ever do that, and it's so obvious that it shouldn't even be explained. Got it.

[@takeyourtime3328]

@@AdamKoralik My argument is ppl who spent $750 on a scaler are not going to save $10 on cables to stick with composite. In your video you told the reason why you use composite "...these cables were included with the PS2". Yes, back in the days composite was the standard because not many CRT TV's supported component but the context is complete different here when using $750 scaler. If you are talking about the small percentage of Retrotink 4k owners who will use composite not knowing there is a better option with PS2, sure. There is no reason to use composite with Retrotink 4k and PS2 because ithe console as the scaler both support component and RGsB!

[@AdamKoralik]

@@takeyourtime3328 I'm fully aware of what they support. I reviewed it. I even said "don't use composite, use component". You're acting like I was giving a glowing recommendation for composite which is a bizarre take.

[@Greenman247]

I just got my retrotink 4k. Should I go with this new Mamba option or should I get a Torro and vga/scart combo to go between the retrotink? Just looking for some advice/opinions

[@AdamKoralik]

Depends on your goals and particular setup.

[@Greenman247]

@@AdamKoralik Goals are just to get the best set up with a non crt tv. I intend to use a Sony OLED instead. Since I was able to score a retrotink 4k, the functionality of the Toro seems kind of redundant 🤷

[@AdamKoralik]

@@Greenman247 Sorry I mean which console? Dreamcast?

[@Greenman247]

@@AdamKoralik yeah, dreamcast

[@AdamKoralik]

@@Greenman247 Are you willing to mod you console?

[@Noobsaibot21]

I think you owe them a Visit in Turkey at this stage. What's that travel channel called again? :)

[@AdamKoralik]

Flying and Eating, there's a link in the description.

[@Progressive.G]

I was at the Istanbul airport for a layover and couldn't find any stores that were selling Sorelle 😢

[@AdamKoralik]

Noooooooo!

[@solstrum]

I have a RGB2COMP Retrotink to convert SCART input to component output to connect to my consumer CRT. I read on the Behar Bros site that consumer CRTs dont support the 480p signal from the cable. Would this work for that or would I be better off connecting it to my OSSC to use on my 4k TV (or a Retrotink 4k if I can manage it)?

[@AdamKoralik]

I haven't used that device so I can't speak to its compatibility.

[@solstrum]

Fair enough, worst case scenario I'll just use the OSSC and still have a good time. Thanks for the videos!

[@The-Fishkeeper]

If it weren't for the fact that I intend to get mine HDMI modded eventually, I would've bought this. I have their "Toro" which can do the same thing through its SCART output, but I always found having a box hanging off the back of your Dreamcast really awkward. I could never really work out where to put it without stressing the cable.

[@winterhell2002]

Do you know if the Prodigy can capture 720 x 480p? Can it do 1080p 60 uncompressed RGB 444? Basically I'm looking for a device to capture the main resolutions of the original Xbox and Xbox 360, I'll do the upscaling myself on the PC.

[@AdamKoralik]

Yeah, should work. It's more about what OBS supports.

[@winterhell2002]

@@AdamKoralik Thanks. I'll give it a try. Worst case I'll just have more capture boxes.

[@cax1175]

1:47 I am quite unfamiliar with Scart. First time hearing about it on this channel.

[@Spazbo4]

It's a European standard

[@lairok]

This looks pretty expensive to setup. If I just have a CRT that has s-video and good dreamcast s-video cables is there really much of a picture quality diffetence?

[@AdamKoralik]

Yes, it's a substantial difference. I wouldn't use S-Video. But that's me.

[@Spazbo4]

S-video is great for games that only support 15khz, but games that support 31khz aka vga mode then it would be worse than using VGA mode

[@hardpart6080]

good work with the british lingo

[@puma0085]

Thanks for the Review Adam. I normally use my Gekko HDMI box for my Dreamcast playing seasons but I am still curious to get the Mamba cable eventually. I need a good RGB Scart cable to play the non-VGA games over my Retro Tink 4x.

[@kenneth2875]

480p is know as extended def

[@joshbechaistron791]

Ok, so question, bear with me. Would the mamba be compatable with the retrotink rgb to component converter and still maintain both switching options? Originally i was gonna run an hd box from behar bros, but my older sharp aquos has a busted hdmi port, but tons of component ports and its my preferred tv.

[@AdamKoralik]

There's a RetroTink that does RGB to Component?

[@joshbechaistron791]

@@AdamKoralik yes, the rgbcomp2 if im not mistaken. Marked as a transcoder

[@joshbechaistron791]

@@AdamKoralik i see on their website that they claim the mamba only works with upscalers so i was curious if this idea would work with the transcoder.

[@vsuman66]

I don't see Skies of Arcadia on the list. Can this game be forced into VGA mode or does it not work at all? Or is the list different for PAL games?

[@AdamKoralik]

The US/Japanese versions natively support it. So to be honest I didn't factor the PAL version's problem into it. The only PAL games I listed were the exclusives that have an issue.

[@vsuman66]

@@AdamKoralik yeah it's hard to get a list on the PAL games that work with VGA, seems to be another complication. Majority of the 2D fighting games I've got (MvC2 etc.) only work with VGA in 50hz. Playing 60hz I need to use a scart lead.

[@elfo7]

I just bought the mamba scart, thanks to this video. Very informative video. However, I don't understand the point of forcing a game to use VGA. If I do it, the image quality is exactly the same. Why then change from RGB to VGA if it's the same thing? Am I missing something?

[@AdamKoralik]

It's not exactly the same, it runs at double the resolution. Where did you get the idea it runs the same?

[@elfo7]

@@AdamKoralik I have the mamba plugged into the OSSC and every time I change from rgb to vga the resolution stays the same and it looks the same. If I use the x2 line mode then it looks a bit better and then it says 480p instead of 480i, but the image is shaky. Guess I'll have to play with the settings.

[@AdamKoralik]

@@elfo7 Ah, that's your problem right there. The OSSC is messing with it.

[@MrBluGruv]

Forgive me if I've missed something here, but throughout this video it specifically references using the Mamba with a RetroTink 4K. If I were to instead run it into my RetroTink 5x, would I be missing any feature availability? I just get a bit spooked in regards to VGA refresh rates and want to make sure everything the Mamba can do through a 4K could also be done through a 5x.

[@bbsbeharbros7798]

you can use it with any scalers around with the same features.

[@AdamKoralik]

Yeah I believe I said you need a scaler like the RetroTink 4K, but also listed the 5X and others.

[@MrBluGruv]

@@AdamKoralik Fantastic! Sorry for missing that, clearly something didn't click in my mind when initially viewing the video. Thank you both for the clarification!

[@matthewheupel8960]

It is so awesome how much support Beharbros gives to the Dreamcast. They've been making fantastic solutions for this console for years now. I ordered the Akura the day after your review on that and love it. Since I don't own any non vga games I'll be sticking with that, but I love knowing that this is an option for people that still love the Dreamcast.

[@broadnerdmike6450]

Do you know if you can use the Prodigy with their Akura box for the Dreamcast as well?

[@bbsbeharbros7798]

yes, it works perfectly.

[@AdamKoralik]

Yes definitely.

[@STP.83]

A nice cable

[@michael-zg5fq]

I remember my Saturn came with a scart lead. My TV at the time didn't have scart so had to buy RF lead

[@BrettDarien]

I love my Dreamcast SCART cable. Games look amazing and since I have a retrotink 5X with a SCART input, it's more convenient to use than VGA. Component cables are also an option, but if you have a retrotink I highly recommend using SCART if you don't want to bother with the HDMI mods.

[@AdamKoralik]

I'd only do that with the games that don't support the VGA modes, otherwise you're intentionally running most games at half their resolution.

[@BrettDarien]

@AdamKoralik The cable I have has a switch to toggle between 15KHZ and 31KHZ (480i and 480p). All the games I have support VGA so I just leave it in 480p mode and it works great with the retrotink 5X.

[@ReverendPONT]

My Mamba cable came today. I didn't know about the vga incompatibility until now. I had the pound hdmi and I have a game that I'd get this screen for but can't remember which. Now I know the reason so thank you.

[@AdamKoralik]

Welcome!

[@AgentMoler]

Looking forward to your appearance at Game On Expo!

[@Whisky_4_1]

comment

[@Ninjastar202]

cool

[@nubianprincessqueenofsaba2342]

Feels a bit like a teleshopping

[@AdamKoralik]

...wut

[@The_Soulbutcher]

Oh my God I need this! It's been over a year since my Gekko broke and I have been only been able to play my Dreamcast with an s-video cable. Is the Retrotink 2X Pro M decent with the Mamba?

[@AdamKoralik]

Does the Pro have a SCART port? I legit don't remember.

[@The_Soulbutcher]

@@AdamKoralik there is a scart edition and I do have that.

[@AdamKoralik]

@@The_Soulbutcher Should work well then, yes.