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[FrostyTheSnowman]

Mode 1+3 is 'VGA' mode for older VGA BIOSes. Mode 2+3 is Component mode, and is the mode used by current VGA BIOSes.

The original 1+3 'VGA' mode was flawed, in the fact that it was limited to 480p, because the XBOX did not recognize this as a hi-def cable. So, now we simply use mode 2+3, because this mode is Component, and therefore allows higher resolutions. (720p/1080i)

The modes are enabled by grounding certain 'Mode' pins on the XBOX AVIP connector.

Example:

1+3 - Mode Pin 1 goes to ground, Mode Pin 3 goes to ground

2+3 - Mode Pin 2 goes to ground, Mode Pin 3 goes to ground

EDIT: And, about the thread topic, VGA is a MILLION times better than Component. Especially on a CRT monitor. (Although it looks great on an LCD monitor too!)

This post has been edited by FrostyTheSnowman: Aug 23 2006, 02:38 PM

[The Zep Man]

QUOTE(FrostyTheSnowman @ Aug 23 2006, 03:03 PM)

Mode 1+3 is 'VGA' mode for older VGA BIOSes. Mode 2+3 is Component mode, and is the mode used by current VGA BIOSes.

The original 1+3 'VGA' mode was flawed, in the fact that it was limited to 480p,

640x480, actually (which is not 480p).

QUOTE

because the XBOX did not recognize this as a hi-def cable. So, now we simply use mode 2+3, because this mode is Component, and therefore allows higher resolutions. (720p/1080i)

The modes are enabled by grounding certain 'Mode' pins on the XBOX AVIP connector.

Example:

1+3 - Mode Pin 1 goes to ground, Mode Pin 3 goes to ground

2+3 - Mode Pin 2 goes to ground, Mode Pin 3 goes to ground

EDIT: And, about the thread topic, VGA is a MILLION times better than Component. Especially on a CRT monitor. (Although it looks great on an LCD monitor too!)

It depends on what kind of device you use. If it is a LCD/TFT screen with component and VGA inputs, don't even bother with VGA. Both component and VGA need to wrap their sync signals inside the video signal, so you can't get any extra quality in that area.

At the other hand, if you have a monitor with only a VGA input (or which has only one component input which already is in use), then it is worth looking at the right software/a transcoder.

By the way, the only way VGA can theoretically be better is when it is done by software (natively by the Xbox) and not by using a transcoder. Transcoders change a signal from one type to another, which doesn't add any quality. In the worst case, the quality might even get worse.

[TheIrishLad]

QUOTE(FrostyTheSnowman @ Aug 23 2006, 08:03 AM)

Mode 1+3 is 'VGA' mode for older VGA BIOSes. Mode 2+3 is Component mode, and is the mode used by current VGA BIOSes.

The original 1+3 'VGA' mode was flawed, in the fact that it was limited to 480p, because the XBOX did not recognize this as a hi-def cable. So, now we simply use mode 2+3, because this mode is Component, and therefore allows higher resolutions. (720p/1080i)

The modes are enabled by grounding certain 'Mode' pins on the XBOX AVIP connector.

Example:

1+3 - Mode Pin 1 goes to ground, Mode Pin 3 goes to ground

2+3 - Mode Pin 2 goes to ground, Mode Pin 3 goes to ground

EDIT: And, about the thread topic, VGA is a MILLION times better than Component. Especially on a CRT monitor. (Although it looks great on an LCD monitor too!)

Thanks for clearing that up mate!  

[FrostyTheSnowman]

QUOTE(The Zep Man @ Aug 23 2006, 09:17 AM)

By the way, the only way VGA can theoretically be better is when it is done by software (natively by the Xbox) and not by using a transcoder. Transcoders change a signal from one type to another, which doesn't add any quality. In the worst case, the quality might even get worse.

Yes, but i'm not talking about transcoders. Transcoders don't compare in quality to an NKPatcher v10-vga10 softmod with a homemade VGA cable. Transcoders DO infact lower the quality, due to changing the signal on-the-fly, whereas softmods modify the internal encoder registers and force the XBOX to output a VGA signal natively.

Ask anyone who has both a transcoder and a homemade vga cable, and they will tell you that a VGA BIOS (Softmod or Modchip) with a homemade VGA cable will provide a clearer picture than a transcoder any day.

EDIT: Although I DO admit that the 'MILLION times better' comment was somewhat of an exageration, even if VGA is infact better than a Component Transcoder.

This post has been edited by FrostyTheSnowman: Aug 23 2006, 06:24 PM