Having trudged through the internet, magazines and forums I've decided the Gamecube offers the best solution for me and the kids, of the current crop of 3 consoles. The only problem now though is whether I get a UK PAL or an imported NTSC model?!
I've gone through the thread back in Feb 02 which was helpful, but given the pace this market moves at and noting recent thread on Lik Sang, I thought I'd better get a bang up-to-date position before taking the plunge!
From what I've read, I would prefer to go for the imported model.
1. My Tosh ZD09 tv has component inputs (although currently taken up by DVD) which I'm told gives a superior picture.
2. My tv can use the 3.58 NTSC signal.
3. Games are available long before they are released in the UK. (eg Super Monkey Ball 2 currently available from the states.)
4. By the looks of e-bay you can pickup imported games cheaper than there UK equivalent.
Given the above, I don't really see any benefit from the UK PAL model? Am I right??
However, there are a few areas I am unsure of and would appreciate any assistance
a) Is there a 'component splitter' so to speak, that can take both sets of leads from DVD and GC with a set then leading to the tv? And if so would there be any loss of quality? (I wouldn't exactly wish to get behind my tv to swap leads everytime I wanted to play.)
b) With regard to sound, is there a seperate digital co-ax or toslink connection? If not, what is there?
c) Where currently is the best place to pick up an imported GC?
d) Do the games differ in any way - Content? Sound? Quality?
e) Which format are best for widescreen tv's (i can't stand those black bars down the sides of the screen on certain current broadcasts.)
f) Is there a voltage issue - is an adapter required?
I would appreciate any assistance on the above points
Many thanks
RiskyLuca.
I've gone through the thread back in Feb 02 which was helpful, but given the pace this market moves at and noting recent thread on Lik Sang, I thought I'd better get a bang up-to-date position before taking the plunge!
From what I've read, I would prefer to go for the imported model.
1. My Tosh ZD09 tv has component inputs (although currently taken up by DVD) which I'm told gives a superior picture.
2. My tv can use the 3.58 NTSC signal.
3. Games are available long before they are released in the UK. (eg Super Monkey Ball 2 currently available from the states.)
4. By the looks of e-bay you can pickup imported games cheaper than there UK equivalent.
Given the above, I don't really see any benefit from the UK PAL model? Am I right??
However, there are a few areas I am unsure of and would appreciate any assistance
a) Is there a 'component splitter' so to speak, that can take both sets of leads from DVD and GC with a set then leading to the tv? And if so would there be any loss of quality? (I wouldn't exactly wish to get behind my tv to swap leads everytime I wanted to play.)
b) With regard to sound, is there a seperate digital co-ax or toslink connection? If not, what is there?
c) Where currently is the best place to pick up an imported GC?
d) Do the games differ in any way - Content? Sound? Quality?
e) Which format are best for widescreen tv's (i can't stand those black bars down the sides of the screen on certain current broadcasts.)
f) Is there a voltage issue - is an adapter required?
I would appreciate any assistance on the above points
Many thanks
RiskyLuca.