Saturn:Video Cables

Black Majic

• • Sega Saturn**

There are two main model versions of the Sega Saturn, plus multiple motherboard revisions.  Luckily, all can use the same RGB SCART cable!  Please scroll down for more information:

Cable Suppliers

SCART

• retrogamingcables.co.uk (PAL/NTSC) (UK Seller, PAL users must select "sync on luma", everyone else select "NTSC csync")
• retro-access.com (PAL)
• retro-access.com (NTSC)
• stoneagegamer.com (NTSC)

HDMI

• RAD2x cables

Component Video Cables

• HD Retrovision Genesis 2 Cable castlemaniagames.com (Sega Saturn Adapter)
• Sega Saturn Component Cable retrogamingcables.co.uk

• • Incorrect Cable Warning:**

Properly built Sega Saturn cables _must_ have a 470 ohm resistor and 220uF capacitor on the csync line of each cable!  Here's an example of what happens on some model 2 Saturn's when you don't have the correct components;  Notice all the weird horizontal artifacts!  Click for full-sized: [[[File:SaturnCsyncCable_small.jpg)](https://cdn.retrorgb.com/images/SaturnCsyncCable.jpg]]

• • Saturn Versions:**

There were two models of the Saturn released, each one having different motherboard revisions. The best way to tell the difference in models is the oval vs. round buttons and the “Sega” logo on the front (as shown in the picture below). Please click on the picture if you'd like a [saturncompare.html more detailed explanation], as well as some comparison pictures:

• • Summary:**

\- If you have trouble with your existing RGB SCART cable, try adding a 220uF capacitor and a 470ohm resistor to the sync line on your RGB SCART cable.  Alternatively, you can order a cable that uses luma as sync, but that might have compatibility issues with some setups.

\- If you're looking to buy a Saturn, I've consistently had better luck with Model 1 Saturn's (all US NTSC, I haven't tested PAL or NTSC-J), but I've only tried about a dozen. If you're a die-hard Saturn fan, I suggest researching further to find out which motherboard revision of each region (NTSC or PAL) has the best video output for your solution.

\- To be clear, there isn't a "bad" version of the Saturn: All the ones I've tested output an excellent quality image, provided there's nothing wrong with that individual system.

\- If you'd like digital audio, you can try this TOSLINK mod:  https://assemblergames.com/threads/saturn-dreamcast-toslink.57670/

 

If you'd like info on mods for other systems, head to the [/systems.html Getting RGB From Each System page] or check out [/ the main page] for more retro-awesomeness.