This project describes ways to get an improved quality picture from the Amstrad CPC (classic not plus) on a modern LCD or Plasma TV. After recently reading an article, that stated that the well-known CPC SCART cables don't work on Modern LCD / plasma TVs, I decided that I would investigate alternative options, because I was about to dump my last CRT for a plasma TV. I should mention at this stage, that the solution here, will not quite give you the same quality as a SCART cable on a CRT, but it is considerably better than the picture achieved by an [[Amstrad MP1/MP2 modulator|MP1/2]] setup and is very close to the SCART solution. With further improvements a SCART quality picture is possible using this method, but I will go into those details further down.
This articles describes Composite video options. If you are looking for RGB options, have a look at "[[LCD monitor and LCD TV Solution (RGB)]]".
== Warning / Disclaimer ==
== Building Your Own RGB To Composite Converter ==
''Note:
An updated circuit that only requires 5V can be found here:'' [[RGB_SVideo|RGB SVideo]]
If you are not lucky enough to have an MP1/2 lying around at home, then you'll have to build your own. This circuit won't supply your CPC with the 5V or 12V it requires (A SCART cable doesn't either), it just converts the RGB to Composite. The circuit below is based on the Motorola MC1377 RGB to PAL/NTSC Encoder. It is almost identical to that found in an MP1/2 and is more or less the same as the application example found in the datasheet for the Motorola MC1377 with a few small changes made to reduce manufacturing costs. Almost everything that needs to be done is taken care of by the MC1377 with just a few external components to adjust the signal levels correctly and produce the frequency required, etc.
If you find an alternative delay line (in an old TV perhaps), make sure that it is a high impedance part (1 - 1.5K) otherwise your circuit wont survive very long. You will also have to adjust the values of R8 and R13 to suit the impedance of the particular delay line you intend to use. I was unable to source either of these parts, so until I find another solution, I will have to live with jagged edges.
The MC1377 is a rather dated component. Since then, newer and better ICs have been developed which produce a much better picture quality. The schematics for a converter based on the AD724 can be found here: [[RGB_SVideo|AD724 Based Converter]]
If you have any further questions regarding this project, please contact me through the Wiki Forum.
== More Modern Solution ==
The MC1377 used in the circuits above is a rather old IC and is getting quite difficult to find these days. A more modern IC, the AD724 is now available and produces a better composite picture and even an S-Video output which gives a considerably better picture than a composite signal. Instructions on how to build an AD724 based modulator can be found [[RGB_SVideo|here]].
Bryce.
[[Category:Hardware]] [[Category:Peripherals]] [[Category:DIY]][[Category:Graphic]]