Amiga

PAL vs NTSC

PAL Considerations

The PAL signal format is different from the North American NTSC format. Thus, a converter box is required

Also, in Europe they prefer using a different, stronger electrical voltage. This will require you to use a heavy voltage step-up box, about $20.

Modding an NTSC Amiga to play PAL Games

LGR has had a bad experience with NTSC Amigas, but you can be able to run PAL games with just a mod.

Models

Currently, the best Amigas that can still be used in the modern day are the following:

• Amiga 1200 - Able to use an IDE Hard drive of CompactFlash card out of the box. Has enough RAM and processing power to play almost all Amiga games
• Amiga 4000 - A larger, "tower" style Amiga.

As one amiga fan says, the rest are little more than curiosities.

List of Cards

In case you can't find an Amiga 1200 (at a good price, anyway); not to worry. Some modders make new Accelerator cards that push the CPU up to maximum speed, add enough RAM to play most games, and add an SDCard and compactflash slot for data storage. Thus, you can use a dirt-cheap Amiga 500 at full performance.

However, these cards are custom made, have to be shipped from Europe, and go for around 80-120 Euro (not including shipping). You should consider whether buying an Amiga 1200 is a better value before looking into this option.

• ACA500 - 79,90 EUR
• Zeus68k

Monitors

Compatible Analog RGB Monitors are the critical component of the Amiga; without it, you will be forced to use the

• Commodore Color Monitor - The best option is the monitor that the Amiga came with. It's not easy to find, but it's the right choice.
• RGB RCA Cables - Convert Amiga RGB signals to plain ol' RGB jacks. However, you need a PAL TV (or at least a PAL to NTSC converter box) if you are using a PAL Amiga.
• Sony Trinitron - The LGR and I both have a special monitor that is compatible with the Amiga (and Apple ][GS). Unfortunately, the jack is very unique, and such cables are hard to find. Redmond Cable might be able to custom make one for you.