CompuServe Thread

I don't know if it is the same signal, but would suggest you try it with another monitor. I have a composite monitor hooked up the The Amiga (and have the RGB hooked up also) and just don't have the problems you describe. The monitor I have hooked up is a 10" Texas Instruments monitor designed for the TI 99/4A (40 columns!) and while certainly not in the class as the RGB, it is readable in 80 columns and satisfactory in 60 column mode. The color does not ghost or smear and if hard pressed (like the RGB went out) I could use it as an 80 column monitor with no major problems (like eyestrain). It's not something I'd like to use every day (due to small size and …well it just wasn't designed for 80 column) but if it can the Amiga's output, any moderate to decent composite should also be able to handle it. Don

I don't know if it is the same signal, but would suggest you try it with another monitor. I have a composite monitor hooked up the The Amiga (and have the RGB hooked up also) and just don't have the problems you describe. The monitor I have hooked up is a 10" Texas Instruments monitor designed for the TI 99/4A (40 columns!) and while certainly not in the class as the RGB, it is readable in 80 columns and satisfactory in 60 column mode. The color does not ghost or smear and if hard pressed (like the RGB went out) I could use it as an 80 column monitor with no major problems (like eyestrain). It's not something I'd like to use every day (due to small size and …well it just wasn't designed for 80 column) but if it can the Amiga's output, any moderate to decent composite should also be able to handle it. Don

Doug, the video line must be terminated with 75 ohms. Most monitors are terminated internally, but check the back of yours for a switch. If the video input is "looped-thru" (i.e. two inputs tied together) then you may have to supply the 75 ohms with a terminating plug from an electronics store (but this isn't likely unless you have a professional montior). By all means try it on another monitor. The video off the DIN plug is separate from the composite output, but uses the same circuit design. If you suspect the composite driver circuit you can try the DIN plug, but it isn't likely to be the problem. Good luck! —Mike

Doug, the video line must be terminated with 75 ohms. Most monitors are terminated internally, but check the back of yours for a switch. If the video input is "looped-thru" (i.e. two inputs tied together) then you may have to supply the 75 ohms with a terminating plug from an electronics store (but this isn't likely unless you have a professional montior). By all means try it on another monitor. The video off the DIN plug is separate from the composite output, but uses the same circuit design. If you suspect the composite driver circuit you can try the DIN plug, but it isn't likely to be the problem. Good luck! —Mike

Exactly the same signal is present in both places. I know this from looking at the handy set of Amiga schematics sold by Cardinal Software. Within a few days I'll have someone run some composite video test signals from a Lenco generator into a 1080 monitor, and will report back on what the video engineers have to say about the monitor's performance. At the same time we'll aim the Amiga's composite video output into a vectorscope. Actually we'll just end up with some numbers describing what Mike Berro and Rick Rodriquez and Frank Raffaeli have already said. The monitor is not at fault. I'm just guessing of course, but I bet those engineers at C/A were happy as hell with the RGB signal and RGB monitor delivered as a system, and just didn't spend much if any time looking at the composite output.

Exactly the same signal is present in both places. I know this from looking at the handy set of Amiga schematics sold by Cardinal Software. Within a few days I'll have someone run some composite video test signals from a Lenco generator into a 1080 monitor, and will report back on what the video engineers have to say about the monitor's performance. At the same time we'll aim the Amiga's composite video output into a vectorscope. Actually we'll just end up with some numbers describing what Mike Berro and Rick Rodriquez and Frank Raffaeli have already said. The monitor is not at fault. I'm just guessing of course, but I bet those engineers at C/A were happy as hell with the RGB signal and RGB monitor delivered as a system, and just didn't spend much if any time looking at the composite output.