Zezcast #2 - Steve from Retro Tech Zez Retro 2021-10-13 | It was a real pleasure to talk to Steve from Retro Tech. On his channel Steve puts out a lot of information about CRT history, current market trends, maintenance and repair. I dare say there are a lot of us out there who know much more about how our CRT's work thanks to Steve.I wanted to find out a bit more about his background and we spent the first hour pretty much talking about stories from his high school days. I'll tell you one thing, Steve knows how to tell a good story. In the second half we moved onto the backstory of how he discovered the world of CRT restoration and developed his skills for repairing them. Listen to the audio on your podcast app or on the web: https://anchor.fm/zezretro/episodes/2---Steve-from-Retro-Tech-e18h47fFollow Retro TechYouTube: youtube.com/c/RetroTechUSAInstagram: instagram.com/retro_tech_usaPatreon: patreon.com/retrotechUSATwitter: twitter.com/usa_retroYou might like some of the other things I do tooComedy Guy Podcast: https://anchor.fm/comedyguyZez Retro Podcast: https://anchor.fm/zezretroTwitter: twitter.com/louiszezeranInstagram: instagram.com/louiszezeranZez Retro on YouTube: youtube.com/c/ZezRetroRetro Shmups on Twitch: twitch.tv/louiszezeran
Always Discharge Your CRT Tube Several Times! Zez Retro 2024-09-07 | This is a short video to remind y'all to take precautions when working on a CRT TV.High voltages can build up underneath the anode cap and you need to ensure you discharge the tube in a safe way before you work on it.In this clip, Steve from @RetroTechUSA is discharging a tube live on stream and we see it spark not once but twice! In fact, this tube sparked 4 times before the charge was eventually drained.If you would like more information about how to safely discharge a CRT tube, please watch this classic video from Steve. In fact, this is the video which taught me how to build a discharge tool before he and I had even met. He really is the master of CRT repair.youtube.com/watch?v=JeX5Y7Amk0o
The best Famicom Disk System store in Japan Zez Retro 2024-04-12 | This is my store tour of Hard Off Nara Kashihara, which contains the best collection of Famicom Disk System consoles and games in Japan (and by default, the world??).This store is about an hour outside of Osaka and the manager of this store is clearly a connoisseur of the console and its variants. The first edition maroon box, Twin Famicom in red & black and AV Famicom, they are all here including a fantastic selection of FDS games, some of which have clearly come from a Famicom Disk System disk writer kiosk.Every single FDS console needs repairs to the disk drive as the rubber belts degrade over time. Buying one from a trusted seller is important to ensure your console has been professionally serviced. The prices in this store are quite reasonable and you know the unit has been looked after.Find this store on the map: maps.app.goo.gl/LZn8Q4AKeQRgLrHv6This video footage was originally shot in January 2023. Voice over recorded in April 2024.------Thumbnail by Mason Conrad: mconradmedia.comtwitter.com/MasNConradCatch The Cathode Ray Podcast boys on Twittertwitter.com/zeztwitter.com/usa_retroFor all your CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channelyoutube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
My Retro CRT & Console Storage Tour Zez Retro 2024-04-04 | This week I took a trip to my storage room where I keep most of my retro CRTs and games systems.In this video I give you a quick tour of the shipping container sized room and the treasure it holds.Background music by "The British IBM"Tracks taken from the instrumental version of their self titled albumthebritishibm.comFeelingCannibalAnimalOpen Your EyesThumbnail by Mason Conrad: mconradmedia.comtwitter.com/MasNConradCatch The Cathode Ray Podcast boys on Twittertwitter.com/zeztwitter.com/usa_retroFor all your CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channelyoutube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
My UNCENSORED Tour of the RetroTechUSA CRT Bunker! Zez Retro 2024-03-29 | After 2 years of the Cathode Ray Podcast I finally had a chance to visit my friend Steve from RetroTech in the United States of America. Steve's CRT bunker is a shrine to video games, retro culture and Americana. Here is my uncensored tour of every corner of this hallowed ground.Background music taken from youtube.com/watch?v=KuydP6su4FgThank you for the recording ArtemioCatch us on Twittertwitter.com/zeztwitter.com/usa_retroFor all your CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channelyoutube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
Cathode Ray Podcast IN PERSON! - The first time Louis & Steve record together - CRP #60 Zez Retro 2024-02-23 | In February 2024 I took a trip to the US and I stayed for the better part of the week with my podcast partner Steve from RetroTech USA. Before this trip we had never met in person and it was a great time staying with Steve and his family.This is our first IN PERSON podcast, recorded on my last night.* A recap of the visit* Louis' thoughts on America* Why it's hard to find an INEXPENSIVE device to downscale to 480i/240p* Something something about why Lego fans are the super nerds
Will the RetroTink-4K bring down CRT prices? w/ RetroTechUSA Zez Retro 2023-12-08 | A clip taken from the RetroTechUSA stream I did where a viewer asked if we think the RetroTink-4K's amazing CRT picture emulation will drive down the price of actual CRTs?youtube.com/watch?v=1gKgDoxeqBg--------------------------------Follow us on Twitter!twitter.com/zeztwitter.com/usa_retroWe encourage your questions however please keep in mind that very technical CRT problems are really hard to diagnose online. If you are interested in Steve's professional CRT repair services please head over to his patreon page patreon.com/retrotechUSASteve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"cathoderayblog.comYou can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast apphttps://anchor.fm/zezretroFor all your own CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channelyoutube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
I got SCAMMED on Facebook Marketplace Zez Retro 2023-10-27 | This week I wanted to buy a PS Sharpshooter and a PS Aim controller from a local guy on Facebook Marketplace.Instead I received a busted up PS3 super slim and a block from the seller.This is my story.Clip taken from Steve's RetroTech USA stream: youtube.com/live/ctU_47nOWwk----------------------Along with my friend Steve from RetroTech we maintain a blog about our projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"cathoderayblog.comYou can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast apphttps://anchor.fm/zezretroCatch us on Twittertwitter.com/zeztwitter.com/usa_retroFor all your CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channelyoutube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
The PSIO Litemenu Story Zez Retro 2023-10-23 | The PSIO "Litemenu" StoryIn this episode I speak to developer Danhans42 who was the programmer of the PSIO homebrew custom menu "Litemenu" which was never released after legal action from the PSIO maker.PSIO is a plug in dongle for the original grey Playstation 1 which allows you to run games from an SD card. While it was one of the first "Optical Drive Emulator" type mods for PS1, it has experienced a difficult history with a slow pace of updates and negative online behaviour from the creatorAfter feeling frustrated with the lack of updates, Dan used public information and his own debugging of the PSIO to develop his own menu which was faster and had more features.Dan offered to give this code to the creator without publicly releasing it, however after a deadline had passed, the offer was not taken up and Dan was on the end of legal threats. While Dan and the community in general were quite confident that these legal threats were baseless, Dan decided to fold the project and not release the code.There is also MUCH MORE to the story. In this episode we learn a little about Dan's background and how he came into PS1 coding as a young person, hacking up his own Net Yaroze style PS1 dev console. We then jump forward to how he obtained a PSIO clone, what led to his frustration with the development and how we went about coding his own menu.Dan is quite open in this talk about the part he played and steps along the way he could have handled better. We try and answer the most controversial points about PSIO and Litemenu* Does Litemenu enable PSIO piracy?* Does Litemenu include any PSIO code?Follow DanBlog http://psx0.wordpress.comGithub http://www.github.com/danhans42PSX.dev Discord - http://psx.dev/0:00:00 - Start0:04:11 - Typing in code from the user manual back in the day0:11:08 - Using Net Yaroze for PlayStation Programming0:12:05 - Net Yaroze SDK and PlayStation Boot Disk0:18:12 - Dan wanted to make a a Chuckie Egg-Inspired PlayStation Game0:21:49 - Discussion on the PSIO and Clones0:34:32 - Which chips are inside the PSIO? How did Dan create the menu?0:39:32 - Could I make any ISO the menu.sys??0:43:08 - Discovering PlayStation CD Commands via the PSIO debug out0:56:51 - Does Litemenu infringe on any copyright??1:04:33 - Technical discussion on PlayStation coding1:16:28 - Online Drama and PSIO Development1:25:32 - Litemenu adds Game List Retrieval and faster loading1:31:44 - Exploring Future PlayStation Hacking Opportunities----------------------Along with my friend Steve from RetroTech we maintain a blog about our projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"cathoderayblog.comYou can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast apphttps://anchor.fm/zezretroCatch us on Twittertwitter.com/zeztwitter.com/usa_retroFor all your CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channelyoutube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
CRTs created our whole scientific culture! - Cathode Ray Podcast #59 Zez Retro 2023-09-21 | "CRTs created our whole scientific culture!" - Steve Nutter, during one of his megalomaniacal rants in this episodeListen in as we kick off with an exploration of Steve's tech tinkering, where he restores a Sony CRT and adds an S-video mod. He discusses how the S video connector was run from three lines on the board and how the chroma and luma inputs were tapped. In another segment, we take a look at the RF device created by PorkChop Express from MisterAddons, comparing RF and Composite Video Signals and how similar they really are.Shifting gears, the boys talk about health and fitness as a middle aged content creator. Steve opens up about his effort over the past six months and shares some of his secrets for staying consistent with his fitness routine. We explore the power of positive thinking, and Steve gives us a personal perspective on overcoming struggles and changing perspectives after his brother's visit in June.Lastly, we share some insights into the world of YouTube content creation and the challenges that come with it. From finding the right balance between work and rest, to dealing with the constant pressure of success, we discuss how maintaining focus and motivation can be achieved. Plus, we do question time at the end with a detailed discussion about the challenges of remaking CRT Tubes and what an ideal BVM setup would look like. (0:00:02) - Start(0:00:02) - Sony CRT mod for S-Video(0:08:51) - RF vs Composite Video Signals - Quality Difference?(0:22:48) - Steve has been working out!(0:31:22) - You need the RetroUSA mindset!(0:43:03) - So many projects to do and not enough time(0:47:33) - Mental health for content creators on YouTube(0:59:47) - Listener Question: Why can't we remake CRT tubes?(1:06:42) - Listener Question: What's in your prefect PVM?--------------------------------Follow us on Twitter!twitter.com/zeztwitter.com/usa_retroWe encourage your questions however please keep in mind that very technical CRT problems are really hard to diagnose online. If you are interested in Steve's professional CRT repair services please head over to his patreon page patreon.com/retrotechUSASteve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"cathoderayblog.comYou can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast apphttps://anchor.fm/zezretroFor all your own CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channelyoutube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
What is a CRT yoke?? - Cathode Ray Podcast #58 Zez Retro 2023-08-25 | An eclectic episode this week. Steve gives us an excellent explanation about what the yoke does in a CRT. It's the magnetic part which attaches around the pointy end of the tube and helps to guide the electrons on their short journey from the gun to the phosphors of the screen.We also talk more about the Chinese CRTs and the individual parts and circuit boards which you can buy on AliExpress. The overall feeling is that these are still low quality parts and any set you can find locally will be better. I think the point with these parts is the long game. Right now the balance of quality of these parts vs availability of sets is still in favor of getting another set. However I think over the next few years this balance might shift as sets become impossible to find. If the Chinese products can improve in quality this will also help push the balance too.(0:00:00) Start(0:01:00) Steve's CRT workout plan!(0:06:44) First thoughts on the MARS FPGA platform(0:19:42) Thoughts on the new Chinese CRT parts - are they useful?(0:28:49) Steve explains what the yoke does in a CRT(0:39:48) Louis wants to build a low power NAS(0:54:49) Steve is getting in trouble in his college town(1:03:47) The time Steve had to repel down a building in college(1:10:54) Louis' dad enjoyed shooting guns in Eastern Europe--------------------------------Follow us on Twitter!twitter.com/zeztwitter.com/usa_retroWe encourage your questions however please keep in mind that very technical CRT problems are really hard to diagnose online. If you are interested in Steve's professional CRT repair services please head over to his patreon page patreon.com/retrotechUSASteve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"cathoderayblog.comYou can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast apphttps://anchor.fm/zezretroFor all your own CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channelyoutube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
Morph, PSIO Controversy & Chinese CRT updates - Cathode Ray Podcast #57 Zez Retro 2023-08-10 | Controversy in the retro community. Who doesn't love a bit of it? Ok fine, but lets talk about it anyway:* That BANGING Bang & Olufsen CRT Steve has been working on from 1989* Update on the Chinese CRTs (we found someone buying them!)* Should Louis buy a 100hz Widescreen Trinitron which only has SCART inputs?* Hilarious PSIO drama* Our thoughts on the release of the Morph switch from Pixel FX.(0:00:00) - Start(0:01:30) - Steve is loving the Bourbon and Yoga(0:03:30) - Steve's Birthday and Retro World Expo(0:11:33) - B&O MX 5000 CRT TV (0:19:07) - B&O TV Quality and how it connects to other B&O home theater gear(0:32:50) - PSIO and upcoming "Scaler Wars"(0:41:58) - Morph & Tink 4K: Long term support is what counts(0:53:35) - Retrocastle update on the Chinese CRTs(1:02:09) - How are they matching the old tubes to the electronics??--------------------------------Follow us on Twitter!twitter.com/zeztwitter.com/usa_retroWe encourage your questions however please keep in mind that very technical CRT problems are really hard to diagnose online. If you are interested in Steve's professional CRT repair services please head over to his patreon page patreon.com/retrotechUSASteve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"cathoderayblog.comYou can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast apphttps://anchor.fm/zezretroFor all your own CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channelyoutube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
When Comedy Goes Wrong - PixelFX - The Cathode Ray Podcast #56 Zez Retro 2023-07-26 | In this special episode, Steve and I break down the recent promo video from PixelFX for their new "Retro GEM" product. The promo opens with a very divisive comedy sketch which we attempt to break down the same way I would analyze a comedian's Stand Up routine. We both like the product, the PixelFX team have a very strong track record in our community and we respect the work. That sketch tho. Watch it here: youtu.be/GWmyPw6gh4U(0:00:00) - Start(0:06:00) - Lets talk about the product(0:13:00) - Pixel FX's Upgrade and Business Model(0:36:00) - Ok, let's talk about the sketch(0:40:03) - Are they mocking Digital Foundry?(0:55:00) - Louis and Steve finally work out the Digital Infidelity joke(1:02:19) - Are marketing stunts worth it?--------------------------------Follow us on Twitter!twitter.com/zeztwitter.com/usa_retroWe encourage your questions however please keep in mind that very technical CRT problems are really hard to diagnose online. If you are interested in Steve's professional CRT repair services please head over to his patreon page patreon.com/retrotechUSASteve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"cathoderayblog.comYou can find the audio on the web or your favorite podcast apphttps://anchor.fm/zezretroFor all your own CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channelyoutube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
New CRTs from CHINA?? - The Cathode Ray Podcast #55 Zez Retro 2023-07-19 | The summer reunion episode! Steve and Louis get back together after a long break. The guys discuss Steve's recent PVM repair work and how frustrating it can be to work with electronics where the smallest thing can cause you days of frustration.The episode gets into these "new" CRTs which have been listed for sale on Alibaba (the wholesale version of AliExpress). How are they making new CRTs?? Who's making the tubes?? The guys have some answers.PLUS they stir up a lively debate on the Dr. Wham controversy and why it is not a knockoff of Dr. Pepper. Understand the complex history of soft drink brands, the interpretation of light beer in different countries, and the impact of wildfires in Canada on air quality in Virginia, far across the map. Once the Chinese CRT discussion is done, it's classic Steve & Louis talk.(0:00:00) - Steve has been buying and restoring CRTs(0:06:18) - What happens when you use the wrong capacitor in a PVM repair?(0:18:40) - New CRTs From China??(0:22:13) - What's up with AliExpress and AliBaba(0:46:33) - Just what is an "arborist" anyway?(0:58:14) - Louis was in a Finnish Sitcom(1:01:01) - Steve LOVES the Dr Wham(1:08:32) - Exploring the origins of Dr Pepper(1:22:56) - Light Beer's Meaning in Different CountriesHere are some of the AliBaba CRT listingsalibaba.com/product-detail/14-CRT-XFLAT-New-14-crt_1600823047480.htmlalibaba.com/product-detail/21-CRT-XFLAT-New-21-inch_1600353483326.htmlalibaba.com/product-detail/21-R2-MK2S-New-21-inch_1600383086583.html--------------------------------Follow us on Twitter!twitter.com/zeztwitter.com/usa_retroWe encourage your questions however please keep in mind that very technical CRT problems are really hard to diagnose online. If you are interested in Steve's professional CRT repair services please head over to his patreon page patreon.com/retrotechUSASteve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"cathoderayblog.comYou can find the audio on the web or your favorite podcast apphttps://anchor.fm/zezretroFor all your own CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channelyoutube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
Hip Hop Steve, Leadership Louis & buying a Widescreen Trinitron - The Cathode Ray Podcast #54 Zez Retro 2023-05-25 | In this week's episode Steve and I have both had big life experiences this week. I started a new job teaching leadership and Steve did the daddy dance at his daughter recital!We did some technical work too. Steve is looking at his clear prison CRT and wondering if it needs the same reactive RGB mode which Shank put into a portable Wii. He has a client supplied Sony Trinitron FW900 to work on and we talk about the elusive "WinDAS" software which allows you to connect to the CRT and access hidden setup features. I built 2 USB controller adapters, a simple SNES to USB using a PCB from Robert Dale Smith and a Famicom to USB so I can play use those classic Famicom sticks I have.We also have a CRT buying discussion: A widescreen Sony Trinitron CRT has come up in my area for 25 bucks.... but it only does 15khz. Worth the pickup? (if you can pickup such a heavy thing)0:01:06 - Modding a Prison TV0:05:52 - Steve is working on a FW900 and learning WinDAS0:09:03 - Louis constructed 2 retro controller adapters0:13:12 - Robert Dale Smith is doing adding retro support to GP2020-CE0:20:31 - Steve does the Daddy Dance!0:23:25 - Please pressure Steve into showing the footage0:29:21 - CRT buying discussion: Widescreen 15khz Trinitron0:42:38 - Louis tells the stories of his new outdoor leadership training--------------------------------Follow us on Twitter!twitter.com/zeztwitter.com/usa_retroWe encourage your questions however please keep in mind that very technical CRT problems are really hard to diagnose online. If you are interested in Steve's professional CRT repair services please head over to his patreon page patreon.com/retrotechUSASteve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"cathoderayblog.comYou can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast apphttps://anchor.fm/zezretroFor all your own CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channelyoutube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
VGA Trinitron repair & game hunting in The Netherlands - The Cathode Ray Podcast #53 Zez Retro 2023-05-09 | Steve and I are back at the podcast this week* Looking back at our childhoods when we first played the TMNT arcade game * What to look for when repairing a Sony VGA CRT monitor* Louis' adventures game hunting in Amsterdam and other Dutch cities* Will Steve do a Hip Hop dance number soon?? WE NEED VIDEO!(0:00:00) - Start(0:00:04) - Looking back at TMNT in the arcades(0:08:44) - Troubleshooting Trinitron Monitors and WINDAS Software(0:21:10) - Convergence and CRTs(0:26:45) - Toshiba TV Coil Dangers - Why is it most dangerous??(0:46:47) - Amsterdam Adventures and Game Hunting(1:00:32) - Looking dodgy when you are trading in some old stuff(1:14:22) - Hip Hop Steve?--------------------------------Follow us on Twitter!twitter.com/zeztwitter.com/usa_retroWe encourage your questions however please keep in mind that very technical CRT problems are really hard to diagnose online. If you are interested in Steve's professional CRT repair services please head over to his patreon page patreon.com/retrotechUSASteve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"cathoderayblog.comYou can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast apphttps://anchor.fm/zezretroFor all your own CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channelyoutube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
The Challenges of Arcade Collecting w/ Scarlet Sprites - Cathode Ray Podcast #52 Zez Retro 2023-05-01 | In this podcast episode, Joe, AKA Scarlet Sprites, discusses his passion for retro arcade gaming and his extensive collection of arcade machines. The conversation touches on the challenges of fitting multiple machines into limited living spaces, the evolution of the Neo-Geo gaming market, and the impact of the MiSTer FPGA platform on arcade collecting. Joe also shares his experiences in restoring arcade machines and the philosophical question of authenticity when rebuilding and preserving original components.Follow Scarlet Sprites YouTube: youtube.com/c/scarletspritesTwitter: twitter.com/ScarletSprites(0:00:00) - Start(0:08:27) - What we move about Arcade games(0:13:15) - DIY Home Renovations(0:16:48) - The Existential Crisis of Arcade Collecting(0:24:13) - Benefits of MiSTer System in a cab(0:31:15) - Rebuilding a Beastorizer Cabinet(0:38:59) - Rebuilding an Arcade Machine(0:45:46) - What Makes Something Original?(0:53:54) - Playing Arcade Games(1:06:45) - Steamboat willy is in the public domain but you know Disney won't let it go(1:15:00) - American Sports and Online Streaming--------------------------------Follow us on Twitter!twitter.com/zeztwitter.com/usa_retroWe encourage your questions however please keep in mind that very technical CRT problems are really hard to diagnose online. If you are interested in Steve's professional CRT repair services please head over to his patreon page patreon.com/retrotechUSASteve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"cathoderayblog.comYou can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast apphttps://anchor.fm/zezretroFor all your own CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channelyoutube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
50th Episode! - Looking back at 50 episodes - The Cathode Ray Podcast Zez Retro 2023-04-11 | Steve and I have made it to 50 episodes and we look back at our time making this podcast over the last 2 years.0:00 Start0:30 Thank you to everyone for joining us for 50 episodes5:07 What was our first episode? The first Zezcast was a prologue? 7:00 What has changed in 50 episodes?13:30 Perspective from Louis' acquaintance with ~1.6m subs25:00 Steve's thoughts on running a VERY niche YouTube channel33:00 Looking back at Steve's unwitting viral health update videos - poking the tiger of attention36:00 How our discussion and interview style has changed53:00 Louis' work giving leadership training1:02:00 Why don't Steve's kids like junk food??1:05:00 What Steve learnt from Ray Kroc1:09:00 Louis tells us the story of how Pepsi came to the Soviet Union--------------------------------Follow us on Twitter!twitter.com/zeztwitter.com/usa_retroWe encourage your questions however please keep in mind that very technical CRT problems are really hard to diagnose online. If you are interested in Steve's professional CRT repair services please head over to his Patreon page patreon.com/retrotechUSASteve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"cathoderayblog.comYou can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast apphttps://anchor.fm/zezretroFor all your own CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channelyoutube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
Fisher Price USB controller 1ms of lag?! w/ Robert Dale Smith - Cathode Ray Podcast #49 Zez Retro 2023-04-03 | This week Steve and I had Robert Dale Smith on the podcast, a man who knows a thing or two about controllers. His twitter is filled with his exploits, most recently hacking a Fischer Price "toy" controller into a real low lag USB controller using a small embedded board.You can find his controller adapter products at the adptly namedcontrolleradapter.comHe currently has a preorder on the USB-2-PCE. Use (almost) any USB controller on a real PC Engine.controlleradapter.com/products/usb-2-pceTwitter: twitter.com/RobertDaleSmith** Episode timecodes coming soon **--------------------------------Follow us on Twitter!twitter.com/zeztwitter.com/usa_retroWe encourage your questions however please keep in mind that very technical CRT problems are really hard to diagnose online. If you are interested in Steve's professional CRT repair services please head over to his patreon page patreon.com/retrotechUSASteve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"cathoderayblog.comYou can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast apphttps://anchor.fm/zezretroFor all your own CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channelyoutube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
Hacking the N64 using a Pi Pico w/ Konrad Beckmann - Zezcast Zez Retro 2023-03-29 | In today's episode I am talking to Swedish homebrew hacker Konrad Beckmann. Around summer last year Konrad announced a project to create a Nintendo 64 flash cart by using nothing more complex than a Raspberry Pi Pico. Recently Konrad made big progress on his project to use a Pico to get a digital HDMI-like signal from the N64. His ethos is to find ways to hack these devices as cheaply as possible.Konrad explains both projects to us in good technical detail. I do my best to keep up with such clever talk.0:00 Start2:00 Konrad's background5:00 Why the Raspberry Pi Pico is excellent for embedded hcking9:55 Using the Pico vs the raw RP2040 chip14:30 The 2 versions of the PicoCart64: Easy and complex20:00 Konrad's view on open source22:00 When to announce an open source project?24:00 Konrad's first computer31:00 Sweden was rocking home internet in '9535:00 Pico N64 digital HDMI mod43:00 Konrad explains how 7-bit RGB works51:00 HDMI via the Pico now has a real HDMI port55:00 Is a external scaler the future of HDMI projects?1:01:15 Do we need a generic N64 flex cable for other hackers?PicoCart64 Github: github.com/kbeckmann/PicoCart64N64 digital video mod work: github.com/kbeckmann/PicoDVIKonrad's Discord: discord.gg/B8n57fGdTwitter: twitter.com/kbeckmann----------------------Along with my friend Steve from RetroTech we maintain a blog about our projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"cathoderayblog.comYou can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast apphttps://anchor.fm/zezretroCatch us on Twittertwitter.com/zeztwitter.com/usa_retroFor all your CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channelyoutube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
The future of digial mods & Steves trip to Florida - Cathode Ray Podcast #48 Zez Retro 2023-03-27 | The Cathode Ray Podcast with Steve Nutter from RetroTechUSA and Louis Zezeran from Zez Retro.We talk about the future of digital HDMI-like mods and what we did in the last week.0:00 Start1:00 Reflecting back on the last episode with John Linnemann6:00 PicoCart64 discussion with Konrad Beckmann14:00 Are cheap HDMI mods the future?19:55 Steve's trip to Florida29:55 Everyone in the Florida condo is a bananas34:00 70 year old New York man does not take any sh*t in Florida condo45:00 Louis' story about Ukrainians arguing at a comedy show55:00 In Estonia you can go meet the "founding fathers"1:00:00 Steve & Louis ramble for the rest of the episode--------------------------------Follow us on Twitter!twitter.com/zeztwitter.com/usa_retroWe encourage your questions however please keep in mind that very technical CRT problems are really hard to diagnose online. If you are interested in Steve's professional CRT repair services please head over to his patreon page patreon.com/retrotechUSASteve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"cathoderayblog.comYou can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast apphttps://anchor.fm/zezretroFor all your own CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channelyoutube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
Tinting BVMs & the German CRT wizard w/ John Linneman Zez Retro 2023-03-15 | In this episode Steve and I are joined by John Linneman from Digital Foundry & Eurogamer to discuss CRTs. A few weeks ago John posted a picture of his project to apply tinting (like a car window) to the screen of his BVM to reduce glare. John tells us the story behind this mission and we find out this latest successful effort has only come after years of trial and error. We also talk about issues involving European CRTs: just what is an 100hz CRT anyway and how living in the East or West back in the day very much determined what TV you were watching. ******** I apologize for the bad video of John. Our filming app Riverside screwed up his footage and it was out of sync. Thankfully they do have a low res backup version which was in sync. The audio is solid, I used Adobe's beta tool to enhance vocals and it has worked VERY well podcast.adobe.com/enhance********0:00 Start1:30 John's journey to get into CRTs - did he ever leave?10:01 Applying tint to a BVM24:55 Visiting the German CRT wizard for maintenance29:30 CRTs back in the day in West Germany vs East Germany38:30 John explains what 100hz sets in Europe47:00 What is scan velocity modulation (SVM) in a CRT?57:00 Whats that PCMCIA looking card slot on some BVMs?1:00:30 John explains his process for recording a CRT screenFollow John on Twitter: twitter.com/dark1xFollow his work on Digital Foundry: youtu.be/bEw2szyHZNQ--------------------------------Follow us on Twitter!twitter.com/zeztwitter.com/usa_retroWe encourage your questions however please keep in mind that very technical CRT problems are really hard to diagnose online. If you are interested in Steve's professional CRT repair services please head over to his patreon page patreon.com/retrotechUSASteve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"cathoderayblog.comYou can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast apphttps://anchor.fm/zezretroFor all your own CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channelyoutube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
Latest MiSTer S-Video & Composite Update w/ Lus Retro Source Zez Retro 2023-03-09 | Big news this week that the S-Video MiSTer FPGA framework from Mike Simone has been integrated into the main MiSTer core. This means you can access EXCELLENT S-Video and Composite analog output using a fairly inexpensive adapter.In this video I talk with Lu from Lu's Retro Source and I have a long form discussion about the framework and explain the ins and outs. Lu is also producing his own short, sharp, only-the-facts video coming very soon if you need to understand quickly.Topics include* Background on the S-Video MiSTer project* Do you NEED an adapter at all?* Explanation of the new vga_mode setting in the mister.ini* Difference between Active and Passive YC adapters* Whats up with PAL / NTSC?* Vendors selling adapters (full list below)Follow Lu's weekly MiSTer updates on his channel: youtube.com/@LusRetroSourceLu on Twitter: twitter.com/lu_sourceNote: In this video and text we use the terms "YC" and "S-Video" interchangeably.Also note: This S-Video topic is VERY new. If we got something wrong or could explain a topic better, please let us know in the comments0:00 Start2:30 Summary of the S-Video & Composite updates to MiSTer3:30 Background of the YC project by Mike Simone8:00 Getting good YC without any adapter is possible10:30 Explanation of the new video framework and the vga_mode=svideo ini setting18:30 What about cores/systems which never originally output 15khz?21:40 vga_mode=cvbs is a beta of composite output without needing an adapter23:00 Buy an adapter or make your own with cables?25:30 Active and Passive YC adapters, what is the difference?31:00 Neither of us have done testing on direct video yet33:00 Why do some adapters have a PAL / NTSC switch?41:00 Why are vendors selling their own slightly different versions of the adapter?44:00 Just how good is the YC & composite? Pretty f**ken good!50:00 Overview of YC adapter vendorsVendor list(that we know of, pls contact me if you find another)Antonio VillenaActive YC Adapterantoniovillena.es/store/product/mikes1-vga-composite-adapterDirect Video switch: NoPAL / NTSC switch: YesUSB-C power: No (draws power only from 5v on pin 9)Location: EUMister AddonsActive YC Adapter - $35misteraddons.com/collections/parts/products/yc-active-encoder-boardDirect Video switch: YesPAL / NTSC switch: NoUSB-C power option: YesLocation: USUltimate MisterPassive YC Adapter - 16,90€ultimatemister.com/product/mikes1-yc-passive-boardDirect Video switch: YesPAL / NTSC switch: YesUSB-C power option: No (Not required for passive)Location: EUeBay seller 7407chrislPassive YC Adapter - $19.99 ebay.com/itm/325263425946Active YC Adapter - $29.99 ebay.com/itm/325527354295Direct Video switch: YesPAL / NTSC switch: YesUSB-C power option: YesLocation: US----------------------Along with my friend Steve from RetroTech we maintain a blog about our projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"cathoderayblog.comYou can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast apphttps://anchor.fm/zezretroCatch us on Twittertwitter.com/zeztwitter.com/usa_retroFor all your CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channelyoutube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
Which home CRT should I buy? - Cathode Ray Podcast Clips Zez Retro 2023-03-08 | One of the most common questions asked by those just getting into the retro gaming community is which CRT should they buy? Are there some brands or models to look out for in particular? We are talking about mostly home CRTs but this advice applies to those in the market for professional PVMs / BVMs as well.In this clip Steve Nutter from RetroTechUSA breaks down how you can work out if a CRT deal is good for you or notTaken from "Cathode Ray Podcast - LIVE Edition": youtube.com/live/-xyfTrd0m5E--------------------------------Follow us on Twitter!twitter.com/zeztwitter.com/usa_retroWe encourage your questions however please keep in mind that very technical CRT problems are really hard to diagnose online. If you are interested in Steve's professional CRT repair services please head over to his patreon page patreon.com/retrotechUSASteve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"cathoderayblog.comYou can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast apphttps://anchor.fm/zezretroFor all your own CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channelyoutube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
DONE selling on eBay! - The Cathode Ray Podcast #48 Zez Retro 2023-03-06 | In this episode the boys talk through the ups and downs of selling retro items online. eBay and it's buyer protections are good but the fees and legal requirements for that platform are starting to add up. Is another platform the answer or should we look to our retro community instead?0:00 Start3:00 Thoughts on the new YC framework for MiSTer5:25 What console do you use to test the best composite signal?12:20 PLEASE SOMEONE MAKE A SECAM CORE. PLEASE.18:00 A HDMI BVM input card could be huge for pro monitor owners21:00 What is the most common kind of PVM/BVM input card?25:00 Steve is done with selling on eBay34:00 The sellers fees are getting stupid40:00 Comparison to how tickets for live events are sold43:00 The new $600 US tax threshold is a huge setback53:00 Part of the eBay fees is buying TRUST between buyer and seller1:00:05 Buyer protection is something which is needed1:07:10 Will Steve start selling on AliExpres???1:09:00 Building a community is another way to build TRUST1:12:00 Steve helps his patreons find pro monitor deals--------------------------------Follow us on Twitter!twitter.com/zeztwitter.com/usa_retroWe encourage your questions however please keep in mind that very technical CRT problems are really hard to diagnose online. If you are interested in Steve's professional CRT repair services please head over to his patreon page patreon.com/retrotechUSASteve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"cathoderayblog.comYou can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast apphttps://anchor.fm/zezretroFor all your own CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channelyoutube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
Shipping TVs from Japan & CRT auction postmortem - Cathode Ray Podcast #45 Zez Retro 2023-02-27 | Steve and I take a end of auction analysis of the 25 x 27" CRT lot from last week. Now the auction is done and we know the final sale price and we can see the bid history. We use some CSI analysis to try and determine who each bidder was.The theme of this episode is buying CRTs and how the market is going. Steve gives us a breakdown of his experiences buying CRTs from Japan. Our friend the 8BitEsquire also just got 2 sets from Buyee.com and they were both in good condition. However something is still weird about the experience, Steve will explain it. 0:00 Start3:37 25 x CRT auction end breakdown13:00 CRT preservation means publicizing CRTs18:40 Louis REALLY wants a consumer 16:9 Trinitron23:30 The golden age of available CRTs in Estonia is DONE34:00 Breakdown on buying CRTs from Japan - Good but weird46:00 Podcast with FG_Software - PVM on the Tokyo subway50:00 Paying taxes on CRT sales is annoying53:00 Steve's adventures watching college Basketball--------------------------------Follow us on Twitter!twitter.com/zeztwitter.com/usa_retroWe encourage your questions however please keep in mind that very technical CRT problems are really hard to diagnose online. If you are interested in Steve's professional CRT repair services please head over to his patreon page patreon.com/retrotechUSASteve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"cathoderayblog.comYou can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast apphttps://anchor.fm/zezretroFor all your own CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channelyoutube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
PVM on the Tokyo Subway w/ Antoine Fantys aka FG Software Zez Retro 2023-02-24 | I am flying solo for a Zezcast episode where I talk to Antoine Fantys AKA FG Software/Vectrex28. Antoine has Czech heritage, grew up in Switzerland and now lives an works in Tokyo Japan. By day he is a software developer for a large company and by night is an NES / PC Engine homebrew hacker with a great collection of games and demos to his name.I came to know Antoine over Twitter when I posted photos of a PVM / DV Player combo for sale in a Tokyo Hard Off store. Antoine has previously seen that exact set and noticed from my photo it was now at a discount. He had to get the PVM, take a taxi to the train station, take the 14 inch on the Tokyo subway and then another taxi home, It's a a great tale.I didn't know Antoine before this talk and we hear about retro consoles available in Switzerland in the 90s, his work as an NES homebrew dev and what the CRT scene is like in Japan right now.0:00 Start0:30 Antoine's background & first consoles10:30 Japan shipping options - post or extra bags?18:00 Starting off as an NES homebew hacker28:00 Should Comp Sci courses teach low level languages?32:00 You can meet OG Famicom devs in Japan42:00 How does NES code detect NTSC/PAL?48:00 Whats the homebrew scene like in Japan?50:00 14" PVM story - bringing it home on the train!59:00 The recent resurgence of CRT sales in Japan1:05:00 Japanese online sellers are generally pretty goodFollow Antoine Fantys AKA FG Software/Vectrex28Twitter: twitter.com/FG_SoftwareItch for his games: vectrex28.itch.io----------------------Along with my friend Steve from RetroTech we maintain a blog about our projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"cathoderayblog.comYou can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast apphttps://anchor.fm/zezretroCatch us on Twittertwitter.com/zeztwitter.com/usa_retroFor all your CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channelyoutube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
The business case for buying 25 HUGE CRTs - Cathode Ray Podcast #44 Zez Retro 2023-02-20 | Last week a lot of 25 x new old stock 27" JVC CRTs went up for gov auction in DC. This sounds like a great chance to pickup a rare find, however dealing with TWENTY FIVE VERY BIG screens is more work than it seems.In this podcast Steve breaks down the total cost of picking up this lot including everything from transport, storage, inspection and buyers fees. The final cost will surprise you!This is the deal in question: govdeals.com/index.cfm?fa=Main.Item&itemid=72&acctid=12180&mibextid=S66gvFWe also have a talk about official video cables. Are first party officially licensed original cables always the best? Did any console vendors ever pack in crappy cables? Tell us in the comments!0:00 Start1:30 Steve got an MRI8:30 Shipping CRTs is a nightmare!9:30 Louis sold that rare GameCube controller17:30 Do you like the N64 controller?20:30 Are official video cables always the gold standard??38:30 25 CRT lot business cost breakdown1:06:00 Need a CRT in NYC? Go to Brooklyn Video Games!--------------------------------Follow us on Twitter!twitter.com/zeztwitter.com/usa_retroPlease keep in mind that very technical CRT questions are really difficult to diagnose online. If you are interested in Steve's professional CRT repair services please head over to his patreon page patreon.com/retrotechUSASteve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"cathoderayblog.comYou can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast apphttps://anchor.fm/zezretroFor all your own CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channelyoutube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
Upgrade your light gun trigger with this mod Zez Retro 2023-02-17 | If the trigger on your retro light gun is feeling mushy, here is a mod kit to help.An eBay seller by the name of MagicTrashman is selling a (almost) drop in replacement micro switch and 3D printed bracket for a range of light guns. I bought a kit for the Sega Saturn Stunner and in this video I install it and give you my thoughts after a play through of Virtua Cop 2.MagicTrashman on eBay: ebay.com/usr/magictrashmanThey have replacement microswitches forSega Saturn StunnerSony Playstation 1 Guncon 1Sony Playstation 2 Guncon 2Sony Playstation 3 Guncon 3Nintendo NES ZapperSega Dreamcast StarfireSega Dreamcast MadCatzSega Dreamcast HKT-7800SNES / Mega Drive Konami Justifier (the blue and pink guns)Sony Playstation 1 Konami Hyper BlasterTunes in this video are from Adam Silady Music. Go check him out, he is my cousin and one amazing musician and guitar player!youtube.com/@adamsiladymusic9555----------------------Along with my friend Steve from RetroTech we maintain a blog about our projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"cathoderayblog.comYou can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast apphttps://anchor.fm/zezretroCatch us on Twittertwitter.com/zeztwitter.com/usa_retroFor all your CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channelyoutube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
Laserdisc primer, many N64 emotions & PVM spare parts - Cathode Ray Podcast #43 Zez Retro 2023-02-13 | Steve is back after his trip to the hospital!0:00 Start06:00 LaserDisc - how does it work?18:00 Steve weighs in on the N6429:00 Story of Steve's first PVM32:00 A HUGE collection of PVM parts for the shop42:00 Steve opens up about his health46:00 Visit to Brooklyn Video Games!52:00 Quick room tour from Steve53:00 CRT delivery horror stories56:00 Louis will rebuild that 14 inch PVM--------------------------------Follow us on Twitter!twitter.com/zeztwitter.com/usa_retrotwitter.com/8bitesquirePlease keep in mind that very technical CRT questions are really difficult to diagnose online. If you are interested in Steve's professional CRT repair services please head over to his patreon page patreon.com/retrotechUSASteve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"cathoderayblog.comYou can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast apphttps://anchor.fm/zezretroFor all your own CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channelyoutube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
The PVM-2530 is a pain in the a**! - Cathode Ray Podcast Clips Zez Retro 2023-02-10 | Taken from Cathode Ray Podcast Episode 40youtu.be/pEskd7aQ9VI--------------------------------Follow us on Twitter!twitter.com/zeztwitter.com/usa_retroPlease keep in mind that very technical CRT questions are really difficult to diagnose online. If you are interested in Steve's professional CRT repair services please head over to his patreon page patreon.com/retrotechUSASteve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"cathoderayblog.comYou can find the audio on the web or your favorite podcast apphttps://anchor.fm/zezretroFor all your own CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channelyoutube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
The N64 sucks! (or does it?), MSX, Japanese toilets w/ 8-Bit Esquire - Cathode Ray Podcast #42 Zez Retro 2023-02-07 | Steve took a trip to the hospital this week so Roger, the 8-Bit Esquire joins Louis again for the Cathode Ray Podcast. Despite what Louis says at the start, this is Cathode Ray Podcast #42 0:00 Start1:00 Steve in hospital6:30 Roger's upcoming first video8:00 Would you bankrupt yourself in Japan?11:00 The AV Famicom is too EASY. Bring on RF!18:00 Louis reviews the N6428:00 Japanese vs Western toilets39:00 Roger explains the MSX home computer55:00 Emulation - how much is too much?1:02:00 N64 racing games are better with a modern pad--------------------------------Follow us on Twitter!twitter.com/zeztwitter.com/usa_retrotwitter.com/8bitesquirePlease keep in mind that very technical CRT questions are really difficult to diagnose online. If you are interested in Steve's professional CRT repair services please head over to his patreon page patreon.com/retrotechUSASteve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"cathoderayblog.comYou can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast apphttps://anchor.fm/zezretroFor all your own CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channelyoutube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
A fair look at DKOldies and Steve’s streaming setup - Cathode Ray Podcast #41 Zez Retro 2023-01-18 | We start the episode with a discussion of how Steve is updating his workshop with a streaming setup. Soon we will be able to watch CRT repair.In the latter section we discuss the recent controversy with DKOldies. We try and look it from two sides: Are high prices wrong? & Are DKOldies delivering low quality products?0:00 Start03:00 Steve explains the new streaming setup08:40 Components in his new stream pc21:43 The multi-camera setup31:00 Louis dragged a Extron Crosspoint ISS 108 home from Japan. Now what?47:10 RetroGamingCables.co.uk SCART to BNC demoed49:00 Genuine Nintendo SNES JP21 cable54:00 FujiWork PS3 cables are LEGIT!58:25 DKOldies--------------------------------Follow us on Twitter!twitter.com/zeztwitter.com/usa_retroPlease keep in mind that very technical CRT questions are really difficult to diagnose online. If you are interested in Steve's professional CRT repair services please head over to his patreon page patreon.com/retrotechUSASteve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"cathoderayblog.comYou can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast apphttps://anchor.fm/zezretroFor all your own CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channelyoutube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
Getting Hard In Japan & The Future of CRTs in Museums - Cathode Ray Podcast #40 Zez Retro 2023-01-11 | Louis is back from Japan and we start the episode with a recap of the adventures along with a summary of the state of CRT sales in the land of the rising sun.Steve discusses his work in museums and wonders how can we produce a LCD which completely replicated the physical and image quality of a professional monitor.0:00 Start02:30 Hunting for Retro at Hard Off06:00 Louis was on an Japanese TV show "Why Did You Come to Japan?"11:30 Christmas Eve metal gig in Tokyo13:20 Louis' technique for filming in stores16:00 There were good amounts of CRTs!26:00 How is each Hard Off store different?33:30 Louis found a rare "Tales of Symphonia" GameCube controller for cheap40:00 How do you transport all this crap home?48:00 Steve's latest work restoring pro CRTs for museums49:30 Why the PVM-2530 is SO HARD to repair56:00 Steve's dream for the ultimate "modern LCD" CRT1:00:00 Shank's INSANE Wii inside of a PVM1:11:00 How to make a small PVM/BVM portable?--------------------------------Follow us on Twitter!twitter.com/zeztwitter.com/usa_retroPlease keep in mind that very technical CRT questions are really difficult to diagnose online. If you are interested in Steve's professional CRT repair services please head over to his patreon page patreon.com/retrotechUSASteve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"cathoderayblog.comYou can find the audio on the web or your favorite podcast apphttps://anchor.fm/zezretroFor all your own CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channelyoutube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
Has Japan Been Picked Clean? w/ Jim aka KidShoryuken Zez Retro 2023-01-06 | On my recent trip to Tokyo I sat down with my mate Jim (aka KidShoryuken aka Mad Panic Gaming) to ask the big question "Are there any good games and pickups left in Japan??"Has everything been sold already? Are pickups, games and systems still available at a good price? We discuss a variety of systems ranging from original systems such as Famicom and N64 right up to current gen systems like Switch and PS4.Sorry about the audio in this episode. Jim even offered to record it and I was like "no no this recorder is great, everything will be fine...". After punishing the audio through seven layers of hell it is ok to listen to now.As well as running the KidShoryuken YouTube channel Jim also has a Patreon where you can sign up for monthly "loot box" style packages of retro games direct from Japan. Jim's knowledge of Japanese games is top notch and if you are keen to own a selection which has been personally curated by him, go and sign up on his Patreon.Twitter: twitter.com/kidshoryukenYouTube: youtube.com/@KidShoryukenPatreon: patreon.com/KidShoryuken----------------------Along with my friend Steve from RetroTech we maintain a blog about our projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"cathoderayblog.comYou can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast apphttps://anchor.fm/zezretroCatch us on Twittertwitter.com/zeztwitter.com/usa_retroFor all your CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channelyoutube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
Japanese Culture and Stand Up w/ Japanese Comedian Meshida Zez Retro 2022-12-28 | Today I talked with Japanese comedian Meshida. This isn't a talk about retro gaming but rather about Japanese culture and Stand Up comedy. Meshida does his act in English and is helping to introduce that authentic style of Stand Up to Japan, much in the same way I helped to bring it to Estonia. We focus on the Japanese culture side of things and I figure this will be still be interesting to y'all.Like all comedians during the pandemic Meshida was bored not being able to get on stage so he started to grow his YouTube channel, creating great skits explaining Japanese culture. He is now at 138K subs and you should check out his stuff!youtube.com/@MeshidaI really had a good time recording this podcast with Meshida, it has been so long since I did an episode with an actual live person (I still love you Steve) and it's facinating to hear about Japan from a Japanese comedian.Follow my daily adventures as I live tweet the interesting, rare and weird stuff I find in each storetwitter.com/zez----------------------Along with my friend Steve from RetroTech we maintain a blog about our projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"cathoderayblog.comYou can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast apphttps://anchor.fm/zezretroCatch us on Twittertwitter.com/zeztwitter.com/usa_retroFor all your CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channelyoutube.com/c/RetroTechUSAyoutube.com/watch?v=t8qx667CpJ4
Rare Controller Pickups from Hard Off in Tokyo Zez Retro 2022-12-22 | I have been in Tokyo a week and a half and I wanted to show you some of the pickups Ive made at the ~20 Hard Offs I have been to alreadyFollow my daily adventures as I live tweet the interesting, rare and weird stuff I find in each storetwitter.com/zezThe highlights in this video:GameCube Controller: Tales of Symphonia Limited Edition "Symphonic Green"Hori Zero Tech RC style PS1 controllerShredders Revenge Limited Edition Box SetOne handed ASCII SFC controllerGradius MSX----------------------Along with my friend Steve from RetroTech we maintain a blog about our projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"cathoderayblog.comYou can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast apphttps://anchor.fm/zezretroCatch us on Twittertwitter.com/zeztwitter.com/usa_retroFor all your CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channelyoutube.com/c/RetroTechUSAyoutube.com/watch?v=t8qx667CpJ4
Junk in the Trunk at Hard Off in Yokohama! Zez Retro 2022-12-19 | Junk in the Trunk at Hard Off in Yokohama Nagatsuta!In the back of every Hard Off store in Japan is the "Junk" section, where they put the stuff which they don't want to sell for full price. It doesn't mean this is all broken or useless, you can find some real gold amongst all the strange items. Let's take a look.Weirdly modded arcade stick, VHS, CRT, D-Terminal cables, this store has lots of treasure.----------------------Along with my friend Steve from RetroTech we maintain a blog about our projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"cathoderayblog.comYou can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast apphttps://anchor.fm/zezretroCatch us on Twittertwitter.com/zeztwitter.com/usa_retroFor all your CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channelyoutube.com/c/RetroTechUSAyoutube.com/watch?v=t8qx667CpJ4
A short tour of Hard Off Koganei - Dreamcast, Famicom Disk System, GameBoy player! Zez Retro 2022-12-19 | ...
I Interviewed a Hard Off Employee Zez Retro 2022-12-16 | A few days ago I got the chance to briefly interview an employee from Hard Off and I asked the big questions1. How do you determine what is junk?2. How do you set the prices? Is there a central Hard Off database?I got this chance as I was filming a segment for the Japanese TV show "Why Did You Come To Japan" on TV Tokyo. They randomly chose me to do a vox pop when I arrived at the airport. They seemed to be interested in the story of some weird Australian / Estonian who comes to Japan to search through as many Hard Off stores as he can. They followed me around for the day and we went to two stores together.In the second store, the director suggested we talk to an employee and I knew my big opportunity to ask the "hard" (sorry) questions was here.This is a walk and talk video as the TV crew filmed the interview and they probably want to use that on the show first.----------------------Music taken from Artemio Urbina "No context CD-DA 00: Sega CD": youtube.com/watch?v=t8qx667CpJ4Along with my friend Steve from RetroTech we maintain a blog about our projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"cathoderayblog.comYou can find the audio on the web or your favorite podcast apphttps://anchor.fm/zezretroCatch us on Twittertwitter.com/zeztwitter.com/usa_retroFor all your CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channelyoutube.com/c/RetroTechUSAyoutube.com/watch?v=t8qx667CpJ4
Hard Off Hunting in South-West Tokyo - Im in Japan! Zez Retro 2022-12-13 | After 3 long years I am finally back in Japan on a Hard Off retro hunting mission. This is my first full day and I show the hardware, the junk and my pickups from Hard Off Chigasaki.Music taken from Artemio Urbina "No context Synth 76: Sega Genesis YM2612": youtu.be/9TeGxEBxhJYAlong with my friend Steve from RetroTech we maintain a blog about our projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"cathoderayblog.comYou can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast apphttps://anchor.fm/zezretroCatch us on Twittertwitter.com/zeztwitter.com/usa_retroFor all your CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channelyoutube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
Storage Room Clean Out! Zez Retro 2022-11-21 | Time to clean out my storage rooms! I show you the retro gear I need to get rid of, then we hit up the thift store and the recycling center.Music taken from Artemio "No context Synth 76: Sega Genesis YM2612": youtube.com/watch?v=tqCi7cbngRQRent a HeroHeavy NovaVirtua RacingAlong with my friend Steve from RetroTech we maintain a blog about our projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"cathoderayblog.comYou can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast apphttps://anchor.fm/zezretroCatch us on Twittertwitter.com/zeztwitter.com/usa_retroFor all your CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channelyoutube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
USB etiquette & Should we rescue EVERY CRT?? - Cathode Ray Podcast #39 Zez Retro 2022-11-13 | The Cathode Ray Podcast is a series with CRT shaman Steve from Retro Tech and Louis Zezeran from Zez Retro. Together we talk about CRTs, TVs and other retro gaming topics.00:00 Start0:10 It's impolite to just plug a USB into someone's computer5:02 I want more of that Steve lovin'7:40 Steve is gunna coach his son's backetball team16:21 Managing a comedian on tour is nuts19:50 Louis picked up a sweet xbox 360 wheel22:38 What happens to those who are holding expensive retro items?29:12 Are professional sellers seeing high end slow down?30:35 Louis' theory on why every retro based collectable will go through a big ass price correction at some stage41:11 Steve teaches us to edge the YouTube algorithm49:50 Should Steve do more shorter or longer videos?54:50 Feeling good about this podcast57:53 Louis is going to Japan in December1:03:35 Japanese Hard Off stores often have their own workshop table to test "junk"1:13:00 Is it our duty to rescue EVERY CRT?Our next episode will be a live stream, sometime in the morning on Tuesday the 25th eastern time. We will be taking your questions so please tweet to us or emailpodcast@cathoderayblog.comtwitter.com/zeztwitter.com/usa_retroPlease keep in mind that very technical CRT questions are really difficult to diagnose online. If you are interested in Steve's professional CRT repair services please head over to his patreon page patreon.com/retrotechUSASteve and Louis maintain a blog about their projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"cathoderayblog.comYou can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast apphttps://anchor.fm/zezretroFor all your own CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channelyoutube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
Does a WaveBird add lag? (scientific tests!) Zez Retro 2022-11-02 | I have always wondered if the wireless part of a GameCube WaveBird controller adds any extra lag. Thanks to the Mister Lag Test Controller homebrew project, we now have a way to test controller latency down to the millisecond.This video is a quick project I did on a Friday afternoon and not meant to be an in-depth statistical and technical analysis of the WaveBird controller. In this video I explain the MiSTer FPGA Input Latency Tester in detail: youtube.com/watch?v=6GGkVAi2db0 Thanks for Shank for extra advice on the inner workings of the GameCube controller protocolWavebird & GameCube images by Evan-Amoscommons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Evan-Amos/VOGM/GameCube---Along with my friend Steve from RetroTech we maintain a blog about our projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"cathoderayblog.comYou can find the audio on the web or your favorite podcast apphttps://anchor.fm/zezretroCatch us on Twittertwitter.com/zeztwitter.com/usa_retroFor all your CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channelyoutube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
Unboxing the RetroCastle MiSTer FPGA IO Board & PSX SNAC Zez Retro 2022-10-28 | RetroCastle is MiSTer FPGA hardware developer based in China and sells his products through his store on AliExpress. Over the last few months I have gotten to know the creator Ivory who designs and builds these items. Before I met Ivory I thought all sellers on AliExpress were some Bitfunx cloners but I discovered there is a small but dedicated community of legit MiSTer hardware hackers in China. He sent me a few products for feedback and testing and I wanted to give you my thoughts.IO Board w/ standard VGA out and USB-C powerPlaystation core SNAC adapter which has plugs for 2 controllers and 2 memory cardsBlue brushed metal case designed to work with this IO board0:00 Start1:12 RetroCastle background3:50 Unboxing4:58 First look at the IO Board5:41 First look at the PSX SNAC adapter6:38 My thoughts after several weeks of use7:17 USB-C power8:10 Picture quality from the IO Board9:44 Thoughts on the SNAC adapter10:48 More thoughts on USB-C power11:55 My pros and cons13:35 Final thoughts and buying recommendationsRetroCastle AliExpress store: aliexpress.com/store/912024455RetroCastle on Twitter: twitter.com/zhangch93067765RetroRGB stream where Bob and I look at the RetroCastle IO board with Sega Saturn plug (instead of VGA): youtube.com/watch?v=m12PgfZl56c---Along with my friend Steve from RetroTech we maintain a blog about our projects "The Cathode Ray Blog"cathoderayblog.comYou can find the audio on the web or your favourite podcast apphttps://anchor.fm/zezretroCatch us on Twittertwitter.com/zeztwitter.com/usa_retroFor all your CRT repair needs, check out Steve's channelyoutube.com/c/RetroTechUSA
