Boxes that convert Composite/etc. to HDMI?

[ParanoiaDragon]

I've been looking into getting a converter that changes composite, S-video, & component to hdmi.  I mostly need one that does S-video, but I wouldn't mind it if it did component or composite.  

So, questions, when these converters convert, shall I assume that the higher the source, the better it looks when converted?  For instance, while the Turbo is composite, the 3DO, CD32, & Jag can do S-video, or the PS2, Wii & PSP can do component.  Will I notice a difference when it's converted to hdmi?

If it makes a difference then is it worth it to get S-video cables for my CD32 & Jag(already have one for the 3DO), & components for the PS2 & Wii?

Should I assume that HDMI is better then VGA(my tv is also a monitor).  I can't seem to find one that converts the 3 main one's I metioned, seems like they only convert 2 types.

Oh, & I need something that converts PAL as well, seems like the ones I've looked at all do.

Are there any recommended brands, or recomended models I should look at?  I would like to find something on Amazon, & just use my card there & get free shipping(if it's an Amazon seller).  I put a couple in my wish list:

This one does Composite & S-video to hdmi http://www.amazon.com/PCVHDM49-Composite-Video-S-Video-Converter/dp/B0037ZAJ92/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1C2Q69BNXMQPK&colid=385IAZAM6SN8F

This one is apparently composite & S-video to VGA http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-COMP2VGA-Composite-Converter-Computer/dp/B00006B8EI/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1GTNQHEFB2AIA&colid=385IAZAM6SN8F

[roflmao]

I don't have experience with the devices you listed, but have a receiver that upconverts everything you plug into it so there's only one hdmi out to the tv.  This is a slightly lower model than the one I have but has a huge amount of positive feedback and costs quite a bit less. http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-SR608-7-2-Channel-Theater-Receiver/dp/B003BIFOL8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1303695958&sr=8-1

I know it costs a lot more than the devices you're looking at, but this also does quite a bit more.  One of my favorite things is the microphone and self calibrating system it has.  Makes setup so much easier than older receivers... 

Hopefully others will have more feedback on the items you linked.

[ParanoiaDragon]

Yikes, yeah, it's pricier then I was imagining.  I was figuring around $150.  However, I was talking to my brother who does audio/video for a living(& he's the one I bought my tv from).  He's never used any video converters like what I listed, but it sounds like what you have & the link you listed is what he has dealt with.  He told me to talk to him tommorrow when he's near a computer so he can do some research.  He can get me stuff at cost(though, I'll assume some stuff has to be bought in bulk), so, maybe this is the better route for me to go, though, hopefully he can find something decent, that's significantly cheaper that I could get thru him?

[SuperDeadite]

If you don't want your games to look like shit, get an XRGB. 
Pricey, but they look great and zero lag (via VGA)

[ParanoiaDragon]

Is there any place you recommend buying an XRGB from?

edit-in doing some research, it looks like it's highly recommended that I get Japan RGB(not SCART) cables for each system that I want to upscale.  It sounds like even plugging composite, s-video, etc. is worthless on an XRGB    And for some systems, it will be difficult, if not impossible to find Japan RGB cables.  I haven't seen one for the Jag that isn't SCART.  I did find one complete 3DO with Japan's RGB cable.