I'm not a tech heavy guy (at least when it comes to older stuff like this). But is there a way to convert HDMI to composite on the AVS? Like some really cheap coverter or cable or something? Would it introduce lag or anything really off? Also would a lightgun work on a CRT this way? I don't feel like buying an NES Clone console when I got this beautiful system with me, to play at my family's home (all they have are CRT tvs).

Can't use a cable, since HDMI is digital and composite is analog. You need something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/ViewHD-Com...

Yes, it'll probably introduce some lag, and you'll lose HD resolutions.

^ at that price you may as well buy a junkie original nes and leave it there. They're easy enough to fix

Yeah, a converter will work. They're fairly inexpensive. I've always wanted to try this with a Retron 5, and although I've never tried it, I was told that there would be a "converter lag" when attempting to use a Zapper on a CRT. Still have yet to test this theory or see if anyone's tried this yet.

Zapper won't work properly due to the frame delay. You may be able to get a sweet picture though, with added processing lag in the converter.

FYI, some converters might letterbox the picture while others might squish it ignoring aspect ratio. Squishing would be preferable since you could set the AVS to 5x3 to compensate, but unless you pay an arm and a leg for a Pro converter, you likely won't have any option to adjust the picture that's put out.

The only advantage I can think of to an AVS through a composite converter to play on CRT (over an original NES console) would be scoreboard compatibility. Is Brian working on a standalone scoreboard device? I saw a pick of what looked like a prototype.

I do not mean to blaspheme the good name of RetroUSB, but if you absolutely need an FPGA NES with analog outputs, you might get an NT Mini instead. It has more features but is also about 2.5x as expensive compared to AVS.  

I've really enjoyed this little convertor. Cheapest one around and it simply works, no drivers needed on Win 7 or 8.
I use it for streaming HDMI laptop video to my old Sony RGB/Composite CRT.
Works great for that. Not sure about the gameplay lag.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product...

Yeah, I'm certain it's possible, but it's relatively pointless. Just use an original NES.

I'm not messing with the original NES anymore, it's the reason why I got an AVS in the first place.

I can confirm, I have an HDMI to composit converter and was curious to see if it would work, it doesnt. The colors look off too, better to just get an original if you want composit.

Unfortunately, there's no magic bullet to make it work without lag on a composite TV.

 

I'll just stick to playing on an HDTV then. Not worth it messing with the front loader.

I do not understand this.

 

I've had constant trouble with the front loader and I'm just sick of there being so much maintenance for it because of the way it was designed.

BLW and done.

 

I just thought it was better to get the AVS than to buy something else for the NES and install it myself (it was a recently bought NES which I returned after I bought the AVS). Then with the four score and game genie being built in and the unit being a smaller and sleeker package and with Famicom support, it was an easy choice for me to make.

I have an HDTV that's 4:3, the problem is it doesn't have an HDMI port. Would it be worth it getting some converter for VGA, Component or S Video or will it create lag and a blurrier image?

Blurry image, maybe, maybe not (depends on which one.)

Lag, definitely.

I'm using a $40 HDMI to VGA converter. Going from VGA to composite is simple.

Your using it for AVS? How's the performance and image?

Does your family who only has old TVs care about the AVS beauty? Probably not. Get a $15 clone and play the big hits with them and don't worry about the rest.

Funny enough, this is probably the better solution. I bet a system like the AVS looks like garbage on an old CRT after its been down converted. It wasn't designed for that type of display.

Either way, to the OP, if you end up getting a converter, I'd like to hear a report on the results.
 

I know it's gonna be ugly so I'm not even going to try but what about going from HDMI to VGA using a 4:3 HDTV?

Those clones all look like crap too. Far worse than an actual NES.

I'm saying though, they won't care. Most people don't even notice when the aspect ratio is wrong.

It's worth a shot, if your CRT can sync to 720p. Most VGA converters do not downscale the HDMI so no perceptible lag with those. Here's a $18 converter with audio bypass:

https://www.adafruit.com/products...

If you are using an old VGA monitor, it will sync to just about anything that stays within it's maximum H-scan rate. CRT HDTVs usually don't accept 720p or 1080p though, only 480i/p and 1080i. Good news is if your set have VGA, it can probably sync most VGA resolutions.