Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems 596 component conversion to RGB

Hi guys.

Just bought a 596 BNC component player. Need to convert to RGB scart. Called Keene electronics the guy there seemed to think that I would need to spend �90 on there APT2 adapter because the signals are completely different. That doesn't include 3xBNC > phono adapters that I will also need.

I see from past posts a few people are running this conversion on their set-ups. What is the most cost effective way to convert with good picture?

SimonD

This can be done in software on the 596 with the aid of a terminal emulator on PC/MAC. Search the previous years forums on how to do this. Its similar in principle to the multi region hack although does not work on progressive scan units.

May be worth doing a search for the surname of artist of The Hay Wain - actually thats a red herring - try searching for '%s 15 2'

You will then just need a suitable BNC component->SCART RGB cable which will certainly be cheaper than the �90 you were quoted.

Thanks. Anybody know where I can get BNC component > RGB scart from? Also, what is the name of the lead I will need to plug the 596 into my PC? Will I need any software to perform the conversion.

SimonD

No software neccessary, just Hyperterminal , a USB/Rs232 adaptor and the imagination to search older forums creatively

~M~

hi
I think this is the thread you are after if you havn't already found it

http://www.meridianunplugged.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=5;t=000872#000000

Chris

Surely you just choose it in the Set-up menu.

I can on my Scart version, from many options.

Cheers, Chris

Chris,
you've missed the fact that it's the BNC component o/p unit we are talking about here...not the scart version. RGB isn't a menu option on that. A 232 hack is the option (apparantly)

Now my brain hurts.

I've just got my 596 BNC version and in the video menu the choices are S Video, Component, RGB and RGB Sep Sync. Does this mean a previous owner has done the above hack? Can I get one of the 3xBNC to scart leads to work without any scary messing with it's memory?

I had intended to use the S-VHS output for now to connect to a 541 (thats the cables I've got) but as noted somewhere else on this subject the S-VHS output is greyscale! I've got it working with a cheep cable using the composite out. Would I find any improvement with the S-VHS out? If so how do I get my colour back?

The firmware is version 1.1 what are the benefits of upgrading it and if I do will I lose the RGB output option?

Last question, I cannot get the 596 to respond to the MSR "setup" command while it's connected to the 541 by the comms cable. What am I doing wrong. It responds to the standard play/stop type commands. In this system I only have the 596 and 541, would it be easier to just ditch the comms cable? What would I lose?

Many thanks for your advice

Richard

You need to decide what is controler.

Then you must press function as well as set up buttons on the msr+.

Will the '96 Menu' on the 596 help?
Open Drawer Press 96 and Then Enter.

Sorry, I just found it on mine. More options.

The 541 can sound great, I have one in a second room for now, cant bear to sell it as I know what it can do.

Cheers, Chris

Yes. If you update the firmware the menu options for RGB are not present. You will need to use the Hyperterminal connection to get RGB out.

What is hyperterminal?

Is the conversion from component to RGB reversible if at a later date I get a plasma or LCD?

Rgds,
SimonD