RTC2200 Component to RGB Converter with Gamma Boost

Add a component input to any projector, TV, or monitor that only accepts RGB (VGA).

The RTC2200 converts the component (YPbPr) signal found on many source devices to a RGB signal required by most CRT projectors, computer monitors, and some TVs. Designed by a home theater enthusiast, it is regarded by most as the best component to RGB transcoder available (regardless of price). The fact that it's one of the least expensive ones available and has a pile of extra features like adjustable gamma boost is an added bonus.

The RTC2200's cable driver stage lets you use an analog output cable of any length with RGB sources. You no longer need to place the source near your TV. Perfect for those of you that already have a long RGBHV cables installed.

Adjustable Gamma Boost:  The RTC2200 adds gamma adjustment to the RGB signal for absolutely perfect shadow detail.

Allows you to force the sync polarity to positive or negative for fussy projectors or displays like older Barco projectors.

Allows you to tune the horizontal shift, horizontal width, and vertical height.

What does the adjustable gamma boost do?

An adjustable gamma boost is used to restore shadow detail. If you've always found movies too dark or missing detail in dark scenes, you need a gamma boost.  This is best shown with real life examples of the RTC200 in action:

Want to learn more about Gamma Boost and why it matters? To find out why proper gamma is critical to image quality and movie reproduction, see our free Grayscale & Color Calibration for Dummies guide.

Instruction Manual:

RTC2200 instruction manual (PDF format)

Specifications/Features:

• High-Bandwidth (up to 1080p/60).
• Adjustable gamma correction on both component and pass-through inputs for absolutely perfect shadow detail. The gamma curve up to 30IRE can be adjusted in order to improve the low level linearity.
• Completely removes all sync from the output.
• Automatic or manual setting of H-delay, H-width, V-width, H-polarity and V-polarity, including user selectable positive or negative sync output for older projectors like Barco 800/801/808/1208 that only accept negative sync.
• RGBHV pass-through compatible with all resolutions and refresh rates up to 1600x1200/75Hz.
• Auto-switches between inputs (if no sync is present on the RGB input than the component input is selected).
• Manual or automatic color conversion selection for SD and HD color space.
• Accepts bi- and tri-level sync and is Macrovision compatible (except 480i, 576i).
• Accepts the following component video formats:
• 480i
• 480p
• 576i
• 576p
• 720p
• 1080i23/25/30/50/60
• 1080p50/59/60
• All sync settings as listed above can be individually set in automatic or in manual mode.
• The black level of the output signal can be manually set which is ideal for DC coupled systems.
• All settings and adjustments (including gamma adjustment) apply to both the component and RGB passthrough.

Need more information? See the RTC2200 FAQ
Visit the RTC2200 Discussion/Support Forum

Questions should be directed to Crescendo Systems at: kal@curtpalme.com

Reviews/Testimonials

"I received my RTC2200 yesterday. This thing is awesome! The gamma boost DEFINITELY adds to the overall picture quality I'm seeing with Sony 1031q projector: sharper picture and better color saturation due to the increased brightness. Well done Kim, kudos! Pleasure doing business with you." - MovieMike

"Got the RTC2200 installed today, and it made a definite improvement in the 720P viewing on my Sony 1272 CRT Projector. The blacks are noticeably improved, and so is the image clarity compared to the Lumagen Vision it replaced. Kim packed it well, provided very good communication, and charges a more than reasonable price. What's not to like? I opted for his product, in part, from the positive comments on the forum about his units, and very positive comments about his customer focus. My hat is off to Kim. I judge suppliers not just by their product, or by the problems that might pop up, but by their willingness to listen to the customer and to focus on solutions. Kim does just that." - PJMoore

"Many people (myself included) cannot live without some sort of gamma boost to get out of black faster (ie: pulling out low light details without affecting the black level). All CRT projectors can really benefit from this. How much you like it yourself or how critical you find it to be is somewhat a matter of taste, though I don't know anyone that, given the option, would not use it. I use the RTC2200 transcoder/gamma boost for my HD-PVR and my PS3.  The difference is fantastic!" - Kal (webmaster)

"I'm no expert there by any means which is why I bought the Crescendo RTC2200. It's the best transcoder hands down and the fact that it has gamma boost as well is just icing on the cake. It was like scales feel off my eyes when I first applied some gamma to my setup. I was able to lower brightness considerably. I would say buy an HD DVD player and some movies now while they are cheap and enjoy the great picture. I also can't recommend the RTC2200 enough. It did more for my display than anything else I have purchased. I think you will find that the RTC2200 is a great "bang for the buck" compared to the price we pay for other AV items. I hate to sound like a Crescendo "fan boy" but it was literally like getting Lasik surgery and taking off your sunglasses in a dark room. Night and day really. The difference is dramatic once you see all the low level dark detail you were missing without gamma boost. " - Dropzone7

"Raising the gamma makes the Ampro projector sing! [I] Lowered the black level for true CRT blacks with black-level detail that increased gamma gives. The final tweak!" - Johnty

"Thumbs-up! I have owned one for a while now and I could never go back to a lesser transcoder and no gamma adjustment. My motivation for buying the RTC2200 was simply to get what I had heard to be the best transcoder available. What I got was that and more. If you are using a CRT projector then you really need the RTC2200. I'm in the process of setting up my projector again and redoing everything. I have the gamma turned off right now and this has allowed me to once again appreciate what I have almost taken for granted over the past six months or so. The difference after adding a gamma "boost" with this box is just crazy good! Shadow details are restored while overall image punch is greater, even after LOWERING the brightness and contrast settings in my display! You won't be disappointed." - Wolfman

"Ordered an RTC2200 on April. I'm very happy and I recommend it. With the PS3 it is simply stunning. I put Casino Royale for a quick test... But it ended that I watched 60 minutes of it because I was caught by the picture quality (my projector is a Sony 1271, I run the PS3 at 1080i).I really recommend Crescendo Systems for your shopping!" - Antonio

Need more information? See the RTC2200 FAQ
Visit the RTC2200 Discussion/Support Forum

Questions should be directed to Crescendo Systems at: kal@curtpalme.com