Video Upscalers
Gaming
Introduction
Video upscalers are devices designed to take the video signals from older consoles, manipulate them, and output them via HDMI, typically at resolutions like 1080p. These devices are especially useful for retro gaming enthusiasts looking to improve visuals on modern displays. However, not all upscalers are created equal, and some can be quite pricey. This article explores various video upscalers that have been tested and reviewed.
Cheap Options
One of the cheapest and most commonly available options is a generic HD video converter that serves as a SCART to HDMI adapter. Priced under $ 40, this device allows you to connect composite, component, or RGB SCART cables and outputs through HDMI. While it has several features, including input toggling between different formats, the image quality is fairly mediocre. It stretches older 4:3 content to widescreen and often shows issues with 240p signals. The soft image quality, noticeable lag, and lack of adjustability make it less than ideal for serious gamers.
Additionally, there are various upscaling cables, like the pound cables, which use this same scaler and suffer the same issues. While affordable, such devices are not highly recommended unless your goal is merely to get video from an old console onto a modern TV.
Popular and Higher-End Options
The framemeister, introduced in 2011 and initially retailing for about $ 500, is one of the most well-known upscalers. It supports various inputs, including RGB, component, S-video, and composite, outputting via HDMI at 1080p. Although it delivers decent quality and has options for scaling older resolutions, it suffers from notable video noise and lag. Games that switch resolutions may encounter issues, making some titles nearly unplayable.
The Open Source Scan Converter (OSSC), released in 2016, is another popular option that starts at around $ 132. Its simplicity and line quadrupling ability offer sharper image quality than the framemeister while minimizing lag. However, getting optimal performance may require extensive tinkering with settings.
The GBS-C AIO (All-In-One) combines a cheap upscaler with custom firmware, providing a mid-range solution priced around $ 122. With multiple inputs and HDMI output, it offers low lag and decent image quality, but still falls short of reference quality.
Lastly, the RetroTINK 5X, released in 2021 for about $ 300, seems to be the best option yet. It excels in image quality and offers various scaling modes, making it user-friendly and effective for capturing gameplay with minimal lag. The RetroTINK 5X also handles resolution switches much better than its predecessors.
Summary
In conclusion, there are several video upscalers to consider, varying from basic budget options to advanced devices catering to serious gamers. Each of these devices has its strengths and weaknesses, catering to various needs and preferences in the retro gaming community.
Keywords
- Video upscalers
- HDMI output
- Retro gaming
- Framemeister
- OSSC
- GBS-C AIO
- RetroTINK 5X
- Input types
- Resolution scaling
- Image quality
FAQ
Q: What is a video upscaler?
A: Video upscalers are devices that take signals from older gaming consoles and convert them to higher resolutions for modern displays, typically via HDMI.
Q: Why are some upscalers so expensive?
A: Prices reflect the quality and complexity of the device, with better models offering enhanced image quality, low lag, and additional features for serious gamers.
Q: What is a Framemeister?
A: The Framemeister is a popular video upscaler known for its versatility and ability to handle multiple input types, although it has some drawbacks like video noise and lag.
Q: How does the OSSC differ from the Framemeister?
A: The OSSC is simpler, focusing on line quadrupling without actively processing the video signal, which can result in sharper images with less lag compared to the Framemeister.
Q: What is the RetroTINK 5X?
A: The RetroTINK 5X is a modern video upscaler that offers excellent image quality, various scaling options, and improved handling of resolution switches compared to older models.
