Master System Capture
From SDA Knowledge Base
Contents
Console Information
| Resolution | 240 |
| A/V Outputs | RGB SCART, S-video, Composite, RF |
| Framerate | |
| Models | Master System, Master System 2, SEGA MARK III |
| Notes | Master System 2 only supports RF by default. Japanese Carts uses different sizes, preventing JP imports to play on a western system without a cart converter. |
A word of caution UNCONFIRMED ON THIS CONSOLE
The Sega Master System (all models) outputs a video signal that is 240 lines of resolution. Recording this should not be a problem if you are using a standard definition capture device (one that only has composite/S-Video inputs) or a DVD recorder. You may run into problems if you are using a capture device that is designed to record high definition footage to try and record video from your console. Most high definition video capture devices do not support video resolutions that are this low. Unless your high definition capture device explicitly lists support for 240 lines of resolution, it is safe to assume that it will not be able to record video from the Sega Master System and you will need a standard definition capture device to record the footage. Two commonly used capture devices that support 240 lines of resolution are the Dazzle DVC100 and the Ez-Cap.
Models
Original Model
The standard model has a multi-out A/V connector in the back. In PAL based regions, the A/V cable that came with the system include the standard RF cable. This cable is actually terrible that SDA will instantly reject runs due to picture quality alone. You'll probably have to buy a standard A/V cable that includes the standard white and yellow (composite video) connectors.
In NTSC based regions the A/V cables that came with the system includes the standard white and yellow (composite video) connectors.
This A/V connector is compatible on the first model of the 16-bit counterpart (Sega Mega Drive/Sega Genesis).
Model 2
Model 2 in America are coloured in grey while the European ones are coloured in black.
While it looks very compact, it does have 2 glaring flaws. The first flaw is that it only supports the ugly RF cable. This pretty much means you'll have to at least modify the console to support composite, S-Video and/or RGB SCART. The second flaw is that it does not have a reset button, it increases the chances of damaging the console every time you want to retry a speed run attempt.
Modifying the console to support better A/V quality is accepted as mentioned from the link below:
http://speeddemosarchive.com/WonderBoy3.html
"Mike Gordon (also of www.smspower.org) for describing how to add composite video output to a Sega Master System II. If not for him, the run would've been recorded over RF.
Being too scared to solder onto chip legs I decided to use small clips to hook onto the IC legs. I've sent a picture of my SMS with the mod for amusement value."
SEGA MARK III
This is the original Japanese model of the Master System that came out in 1985, it is also the only Sega 8-bit console to support backwards compatibility with SG-1000 software.
The Japanese version of the International Original Model
While visually identical to the international model, it supported a few extra features including:
Built-in Yamaha YM2413 FM sound chip,
A rapid fire unit and
3-D glasses
