The Sega Mega Drive and Genesis consoles, released in the early 90s, are still iconic among retro gamers. TV A2, P1, Q2 S Pro is often a headache: lack of analog inputs, resolution problems 240p, Sound delay or artifacts on the screen, and in this article, we'll look at all the current ways of connecting, from classic composite cables to advanced upscalers, and also how to deal with typical problems.
It’s important to understand that Xiaomi TVs (like most modern models) don’t have built-in analog inputs (RCA, SCART). This means that connecting the retro console will require adapters or external devices.In addition, Xiaomi TVs based on Android TV can automatically apply post-processing to the signal 240p, This leads to sprites blurring and input delays of up to 100 ms. We'll show you how to avoid this.
1. Ways to connect Sega to Xiaomi TV: comparison
The choice of method depends on your console model, budget and picture quality requirements. Below is a comparison table of all current options:
| Method | Image quality | Delayed input (ms) | Cost (₽) | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Composite cable + AV-to-HDMI converter | Low (blurred, artifacts) | 80–120 | 500–1500 | ⭐ |
| SCART + SCART-to-HDMI converter | Average (RGB better than composite) | 50–80 | 1500–3000 | ⭐⭐ |
| OSD (For example, open source scan converter) | High (minimum artifacts) | 20–40 | 3000–6000 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Upscaler (e.g. RetroTINK) 2X) | Very high (through a HDMI) | 10–30 | 6000–12000 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Modding console (HDMI-fashion) | Best (digital signal) | 5–15 | 8000–15000 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
If you need a quick solution, here and now, an AV-to-HDMI converter (e.g., Portta model) will do. PET0301S). For enthusiasts who are ready to invest in quality, the best fitscaler or HDMI-Let's look at each method in detail.
2. Connection via composite cable (RCA) + AV-to-HDMI converter
The easiest and most budget-friendly way is to use a standard tulip» (RCA), And this is a device that comes with the console, and connects it to an AV-to-HDMI converter, and these devices convert the analog signal to a digital signal that is compatible with the console. HDMI-port of your Xiaomi TV.
Step-by-step:
- Connect the yellow (video) and red/white (audio) cable connectors to the corresponding nests on the console.
- The other end of the cable is inserted into AV IN on a converter (for example, Portta) PET0301S Neoteck NTK-P036).
- Connect the converter to the TV through HDMI (use the port HDMI 1 HDMI 2 for minimum delay).
- Turn the converter on to the network (some models require separate power via the power supply). USB).
- On the Xiaomi remote TV Click Input (or Source) and select the appropriate HDMI-port.
Problems you may face:
- 🔴 Blurred image – the converter does not scale correctly 240p before 1080p. Solution: Enable Game Mode in TV settings.
- 🔴 Sound delay – some converters add lags of up to 100ms. Try turning off sound processing in the device menu.
- 🔴 No signal, check that the converter is powered (the indicator should burn). USB-Power, try connecting to the charger from the phone.
Check for cable. RCA (yellow/red/white)|Buy a Supported Converter 240p (For example, Portta PET0301S)|Prepare a power source for the converter (USB adapter)|Choose. HDMI-TV port with minimal delay (usually) HDMI 1)-->
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If the image is “double” or flickering, try turning off the Deinterlacing option (if any) in the converter menu.
3. Connection through SCART: best quality HDMI-fashion
If the Sega Mega Drive supports the exit through SCART (European or modified models, this method will give a significantly better picture than the composite. SCART signal RGB, Which is closer to the original quality of retro games.
What you need:
- 🎮 SCART-Cables for Sega (e.g. Retro Gaming Cables).
- 🔌 SCART-to-HDMI Converter (recommended GBS-Control or GBS-Control) OSSC).
- ⚡ Power supply for converter (usually Micro-USB).
How to connect:
- Connect the console to the converter via SCART.
- Set up the converter: Menu → Input: RGB Output: 720p or 1080p (Scanlines: Off (if you don't like the bands)
- Connect. HDMI To the TV and select the source.
- In the Xiaomi settings TV Turn off all post-processing options: Settings → Picture → Image mode: Game.
Advantages SCART:
- ✅ A clearer picture compared to the composite (no soap effect).
- ✅ Less input delay (about 50 ms vs. 100 ms for AV-to-HDMI).
- ✅ The ability to adjust the color palette (for example, connect via OSSC calibrate RGB).
How different OSSC from GBS-Control?
4. Advanced solutions: Upscalers and HDMI-fashion
If you are willing to spend from 6,000 ₽, Consider the apscalers or HDMI-These devices convert the original signal to digital without loss of quality.
Top.-3 scaler:
- 🥇 RetroTINK 2X — Best Price/Quality Balance (Delay) ~10ms, support 240p→480p).
- 🥈 OSSC — for enthusiasts (configurable filters, but difficult to set up).
- 🥉 Rad2x — budgetary alternative (delay) ~20 ms).
HDMI-fashions, HDMI Mega Drive Mini or TerraOnion MODE) They're installed inside the console and they're digitizing it directly, and it's the best solution, but it requires soldering, and it starts at 8,000. ₽.
Comparison of the Apskeilers and HDMI-fashion:
| Parameter | Apskeiler (RetroTINK/OSSC) | HDMI-fashion (MODE/TerraOnion) |
|---|---|---|
| Delayed input | 10-30 ms. | 5-15 ms. |
| Image quality | Excellent (scaling) | Perfect (original signal) |
| Installation | External device | Requires disassembly of the console |
| Price. | 6 000–12 000 ₽ | 8 000–15 000 ₽ |
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HDMI-Mods offer minimal latency and better quality, but are only suitable for power users.Apscalers are a compromise for those who don't want to modify the console.
5.Tune Xiaomi TV setup for retro games
Even after a successful connection, the image may not look perfect, because modern Xiaomi TVs default to signal processing optimized for movies and modern games.
Instructions for Mi TV (relevant for firmware 2022-2026.):
- Go to Settings. → Picture.
- Select Game Mode (this will reduce the input delay).
- Turn off: Dynamic contrast: Off. Noise suppression: Off. Mode of the movie: Off. Autobrightness: Off.
- If the image is stretched, set the screen format: 4:3.
- For upscalers (e.g, OSSC) turn on PC Mode in settings HDMI-port.
If after this action the picture is still blurry:
- 🔧 Check if it's on the TV. AI Super Resolution (artificially increasing resolution).
- 🔧 Try another one. HDMI-port, HDMI 3 on some Xiaomi models has less latency).
- 🔧 If you use a converter, update its firmware (for example, for OSSC current version - 0.92).
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On Xiaomi Mi TVs TV P1 And then there's the hidden menu of the developer. To get there, you can press the remote sequentially: Menu. → Settings → On TV. → Click 5 times on "Software Version." In this menu, you can turn off additional video processing filters.
Typical problems and their solutions
Even with the right connection, there can be difficulties, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
Problem 1: No sound.
- 🔊 Check that the red and white RCA-cables connected to AUDIO OUT console.
- 🔊 In the Converter Settings, select Audio: Stereo (not Mono).
- 🔊 On Xiaomi TV, go to Settings → Sound. → Sound format: PCM.
Problem 2: Image in black and white
- 🖼️ Make sure you use it. PAL-The game version (for European consoles) or NTSC (for American/Japanese).
- 🖼️ In the Converter menu, select the correct standard: Video Standard: PAL (50 Hz or NTSC (60 Hz)
- 🖼️ If you connect through SCART, Check that the cable supports RGB (Some cheap cables only transmit composites).
Problem 3: Large Delay in Entry
- ⏱️ Turn off all post-processing effects in the TV (see Section 5).
- ⏱️ Use Game Mode and connect the console to the port HDMI 1.
- ⏱️ If the delay is critical (for example, for Street Fighter) II), Consider buying a lag-lagged apskayler < 20 ms.
How do I check for input delay?
7. Alternative methods: emulators and Mi Box
If the physical connection of the console seems too complicated, consider software solutions:
Option 1: Emulator on Xiaomi TV
- 🎮 Install RetroArch or MD.emu emulator via Google Play (if your TV is on Android) TV).
- 🎮 Connect the gamepad via Bluetooth (for example, 8BitDo Pro 2).
- 🎮 Download. ROM-Images of the game (make sure it is legal in your country!).
Option 2: The Mi Box S
- 📦 Buy Xiaomi Mi Box S (about 3,000) ₽) And connect her to the TV.
- 📦 Install emulators via bootloader (because there is no Google Play in the Mi Box).
- 📦 For minimal delay, use a wired gamepad (for example, through a USB-OTG).
Pros of software solutions:
- ✅ No problem with connection (all through) HDMI).
- ✅ Support for saves, cheat codes and improved graphics (filters) CRT).
- ✅ You can play games from other retro consoles (NES, SNES).
Cons:
- ❌ Not the same "feedback" from the original iron (e.g., the sound through the emulator is different).
- ❌ Possible problems with the license (ROM-You should be the dump of your original game).
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Emulators are suitable for casual play, but for a complete immersion in the retro atmosphere, it is better to use the original console with an upscaler.