how to tell a VA3 from a VA4 in a v2 Genesis

[wargod]

I was reading ACE's sticky and was wondering if there is any way to tell if you have a VA3 or VA4 mobo in a v2 Genesis without taking it apart? I have a 3/4 based on the length of the metal plate seen though the underside vents, but want to know if it has a CXA1645 as its video encoder or the KA2195D. It's made in China with serial # 163107983. Best I could hope for is a VA3 with the CXA1645 that doesn't have louder FM Synthesis.

How does a VA3 or VA4 with the CXA1645 fair against a High Def Non TMSS v1 that has a VA0-VA4 in terms of video? I heard that the CXA1145 is inferior to the CXA1645.

[electrochip]

I was reading ACE's sticky and was wondering if there is any way to tell if you have a VA3 or VA4 mobo in a v2 Genesis without taking it apart? I have a 3/4 based on the length of the metal plate seen though the underside vents, but want to know if it has a CXA1645 as its video encoder or the KA2195D. It's made in China with serial # 163107983. Best I could hope for is a VA3 with the CXA1645 that doesn't have louder FM Synthesis.

How does a VA3 or VA4 with the CXA1645 fair against a High Def Non TMSS v1 that has a VA0-VA4 in terms of video? I heard that the CXA1145 is inferior to the CXA1645.

CXA1645 much better, less rainbow and sharper picture. Non-TMSS best audio unmodded. If you get the Crystal Clear Audio Mod for the VA3 or VA4 it will sound and look fantastic, better than the Non-TMSS.

[wargod]

I was reading up on that Crystal audio mod. What do all the parts cost to perform the mod? Also has anyone performed an RGB mod?

[kool kitty89]

With S-video CXA1145 should look pretty close to CXA1645 S-video (but the latter is easier to mod).

IIRC the easiest way to tell a VA3 from a VA4 is that the VA4 has perforations in the RF shielding seen though the bottom vents. (not sure if that's for all VA4s though)


All models (including the model 3) have RGB out of the box and there are SCART cables for all as well. Of course, only SCART capable TVs will work without an adapter. (you'll need a passthrough adapter or custom cable to use various NTSC multimedia monitors -or one of the few HDTVs accepting SDTV resolution RGB via VGA, or an active adapter to convert to component -or an HDMI upscaler)

[Xeniczone]

I bought a VA3 from goodwill thinking it was a VA4, I took it apart to find it was a VA3.

From what I can see, it is actually impossible to tell.

Btw, if anyone has a VA4 and wants to trade for a VA3, I got one in really good condition.

EDIT: Maybe you could tell the difference based on the cart port. Anybody got a VA4 to take a picture of?