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.