Dreamcast HDMI converters

[CaptainBreakout]

Hiya,

 

I was looking at this converter for the Dreamcast.

 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SK85NGH/

 

This Kaico one looks like pretty respectable quality, and I like that it's based on VGA output.

 

There's also dirt cheap ones on AliExpress, such as this...

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806154649156.html

 

All the AliExpress ones don't specifically say if it's based on the VGA Dreamcast output or the composite.  I'm guessing one gets what one pays for here, but I thought I'd ask the community for any thoughts or experiences with these devices, since I'm not in a hurry.

 

Id appreciate hearing about Dreamcast converters/upscalers, especially something like these two. Also looking for a similar solution for my Saturn. Thanks!

[RARusk]

The problem with the DreamCast is that the video output is 4:3 and most TVs and monitors do not support it. If you give them a 4:3 signal then the monitor will stretch the image to fit the screen creating distortions. Some converter devices do have a switch that will allow you to go between 4:3 and 16:9 to allow for proper scaling but the device you listed does not have such a switch. Therefore, you need to ensure that your TV can support proper 4:3 before pulling the trigger on such devices.

[M-S]

I'd say that neither is an ideal solution, but the one from Kaico probably is identical to the Chinese one, just more expensive. 

[+Black_Tiger]

You best off buying one decent upscaler and feeding it the highest quality output any given console can output.

 

The upscaler will have less lag and display 4:3 games properly.

 

[CaptainBreakout]

I have a retrotink. But I want to get the output from the VGA of the Dreamcast (which is unique for the console). That's why Im leaning towards the Kaico. 

 

Edited April 28 by CaptainBreakout

[Video]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B09YBZ8YJR/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_plhdr=t&aaxitk=2b9ec80f61f37ac247cf7f4dd4c54b78&hsa_cr_id=0&qid=1714339481&sr=1-1-3c6b3b04-89d4-46ee-857c-1e2f0de6a70e&ref_=sbx_be_s_sparkle_scm_asin_0_img&pd_rd_w=9iKfO&content-id=amzn1.sym.4870a952-0dfa-4beb-9d2a-7a52537f019d%3Aamzn1.sym.4870a952-0dfa-4beb-9d2a-7a52537f019d&pf_rd_p=4870a952-0dfa-4beb-9d2a-7a52537f019d&pf_rd_r=P3KK21F59GCT595E26H6&pd_rd_wg=uKYj3&pd_rd_r=d842c15d-a940-4987-925e-3d23755dbd81

I've used composite converters like this one (I'm sure component versions exist too) they just convert the signal straight across, so still the same issues as other things with 4/3 v 16/9 compatibility, but are compatible with any system with that type of output.

 

Not this exact one, but I've used them for PlayStation and 64 stuff before, and it worked great for my experience.

[+-^CrossBow^-]

18 hours ago, CaptainBreakout said:

I have a retrotink. But I want to get the output from the VGA of the Dreamcast (which is unique for the console). That's why Im leaning towards the Kaico. 

 

This was one of the reasons I ended up going with an OSSC setup in my game room. The OSSC has a dedicated VGA input and I initially had the DC connected to this. Eventually, I moved my Extron to that VGA input on the OSSC for all the other consoles that don't have RGB and then ended up installing a DCDigital to get a true HDMI output from my Dreamcast. It is no contest with how crystal clear the DC is through the DCDigital. Even the VGA while looking really good, was never as sharp and clear as the HDMI output from it now.

 

But the DCDigital isn't a cheap solution plus you need to find someone you trust to install it for you. But I'm very glad I invested in mine! 

 

BTW the original output is still active and works as it always did. So the HDMI upgrade on the console didn't alter that in any way.

 

[CaptainBreakout]

Wow!  Nice to know the high end option.

 

Very tempting but time-consuming and pricy.  Considering it tho. Thank you CrossBow

 

 

Awhile ago I encountered a YPrPb solution.  I know this connection is almost obsolete, but that WOULD let me hook this up to a switch matrix and run it into my RetroTink. The line-doubling looks beautiful for the Genesis that way.

 

Here's the link for the DC YPrPb cable, but I never found a way to buy it...

 

https://www.hdretrovision.com/dreamcast

 

[+-^CrossBow^-]

1 hour ago, CaptainBreakout said:

Wow!  Nice to know the high end option.

 

Very tempting but time-consuming and pricy.  Considering it tho. Thank you CrossBow

 

 

Awhile ago I encountered a YPrPb solution.  I know this connection is almost obsolete, but that WOULD let me hook this up to a switch matrix and run it into my RetroTink. The line-doubling looks beautiful for the Genesis that way.

 

Here's the link for the DC YPrPb cable, but I never found a way to buy it...

 

https://www.hdretrovision.com/dreamcast

 

You never found a way to buy it because as far as I know HDRetrovision have still not released if officially. But yes, that would be a good option to try for sure. 

 

Also I installed my DCDigital myself so I only had the cost of the kit in my case but again, not cheap and it isn't a mod for beginners to tackle due to the pretty fine pitch soldering required on the flex cable.

 

[Reaperman]

I'm pretty happy with my Behar Bros Gekko for DC

I got it with some expiring points from stoneagegamer.

It's a little less at the first link, and a lot more local in the second.

 

Not hugely more than the Kaico. There are lots of youtube reviews showing where it's strong and where it's less so, and the gekko seems to be more of a known quantity.

Edited April 30 by Reaperman

[Steven Pendleton]

I would advise against the Gekko and Akura. Reasons:

 

1. the image probably won't be centered properly

2. the cable is fragile and prone to erratic functionality

3. it doesn't scale anything, so your display will do the scaling, which may be good or may be terrible

4. it doesn't do anything with the Dreamcast's DTV signal, so if your display also does not, you'll end up with weird vertical lines on your screen where video information is missing

 

Get DCDigital or VGA box + OSSC or Retrotink, as those fix all of the above problems.

[eightbit]

I gotta agree that getting an OSSC is the way to go. Here are some options:

 

 

KO OSSC (its just as good as the VGP version really, its on Amazon and you'll get it quickly):

 

https://www.amazon.com/Mcbazel-Component-Converter-Nintendo-Super-NES/dp/B083FG6PXH

 

Or, the official one (which is like $10 more, you have to import it, but it IS the official version):

 

https://videogameperfection.com/products/open-source-scan-converter/

 

 

And one of these (I have one, works great):

 

https://www.amazon.com/eJiasu-SEGA-Cable-Dreamcast-Adapter/dp/B01N67GOSS

 

 

$140 for the OSSC and $15 for the cable....so $155 all in...or $165 ish if you opt for the official OSSC unit versus the knock off.

 

 

 

Might sound like a lot to spend but trust me, you will have a very fantastic picture. AND, the OSSC is so useful for so many things and not just the DC. You can connect PAL stuff, old computers, consoles via RGB SCART...right to a modern HDMI TV. It's pretty amazing.  If I know you Dan it will not go to waste

 

Edited May 2 by eightbit

[CaptainBreakout]

Thank you .. I'm glad this is available.

 

Wow... Weird. This is the newest gen VGA converter then?

 

This is really cool since Ive been dealing with a lot of arcade games recently too.  Looks like it supports RGBs or whatever and outputs to HDMI.  I gotta sync my teeth into this.

Edited May 20 by CaptainBreakout

[eightbit]

To bump this topic I had recently purchased the latest version (v1.8) of the OSSC from VGP. All in with the remote, overlay for the remote (so you know what buttons are what...recommended!) power supply and unit in a nice injection molded case and it what about $158 all in with shipping to the USA:

 

 

The proprietor of VGP (Matt) is a true gentleman and I had many discussions about products in emails with him. He's one-on-one and it is appreciated.

 

I received the package in a few days. In the time that I have had it now (ordered on 6/30) there have been a few firmware updates for this new revision. The firmware updates can be found here (direct link):

 

http://www.infocult.com/m/ossc/fw/v1-series/

 

It's been so long since I have done an OSSC update that I once again stupidly (did it the last time) simply copied the .bin file to the SD card and expected it to work with the OOSC not finding anything. You actually have to use something like Win32DiskImager (or "disks" in Ubuntu, etc.) and write the .bin file as an image to the SD card for the OSSC to see the firmware update and apply it. I am so used to every other device in my life being NOT like that and you just copy a file to the media in all of those other cases. Yeah, not here. Gotta be all weird about it...lol. But it isn't really that hard to do.

 

And this is what Amiga "Agony" looks like on a 32inch ONN brand monitor:

 

 

I think this is 4x line doubling IIRC. This is the output from a plain old RGB/SCART cable coming out of the Amiga 500, into the OSSC and out to the Walmart monitor. I think the picture speaks a thousand words.

 

 

I'll get the Dreamcast connected to it over the weekend and post some picture of that as well.

 

 

Edit: Not on topic but the ONN monitor above is absolutely amazing. Awesome specs and cheap. Not to be a Walmart salesman but if anyone is interested in it I figured I would share the link for it as well. I like the bezel-less design and joystick menu control. Its pretty good overall:

 

https://www.walmart.com/ip/onn-32-FHD-1920-x-1080p-75hz-Bezel-Less-Office-Monitor-with-6-ft-HDMI-Cable-Black/1978645708

 

Just hard to get. I had to travel to a much further Walmart as it was the only one that had it in stock.

Edited July 27 by eightbit

[+-^CrossBow^-]

8 hours ago, eightbit said:

To bump this topic I had recently purchased the latest version (v1.8) of the OSSC from VGP. All in with the remote, overlay for the remote (so you know what buttons are what...recommended!) power supply and unit in a nice injection molded case and it what about $158 all in with shipping to the USA:

 

 

The proprietor of VGP (Matt) is a true gentleman and I had many discussions about products in emails with him. He's one-on-one and it is appreciated.

 

I received the package in a few days. In the time that I have had it now (ordered on 6/30) there have been a few firmware updates for this new revision. The firmware updates can be found here (direct link):

 

http://www.infocult.com/m/ossc/fw/v1-series/

 

It's been so long since I have done an OSSC update that I once again stupidly (did it the last time) simply copied the .bin file to the SD card and expected it to work with the OOSC not finding anything. You actually have to use something like Win32DiskImager (or "disks" in Ubuntu, etc.) and write the .bin file as an image to the SD card for the OSSC to see the firmware update and apply it. I am so used to every other device in my life being NOT like that and you just copy a file to the media in all of those other cases. Yeah, not here. Gotta be all weird about it...lol. But it isn't really that hard to do.

 

And this is what Amiga "Agony" looks like on a 32inch ONN brand monitor:

 

 

I think this is 4x line doubling IIRC. This is the output from a plain old RGB/SCART cable coming out of the Amiga 500, into the OSSC and out to the Walmart monitor. I think the picture speaks a thousand words.

 

 

I'll get the Dreamcast connected to it over the weekend and post some picture of that as well.

 

 

Edit: Not on topic but the ONN monitor above is absolutely amazing. Awesome specs and cheap. Not to be a Walmart salesman but if anyone is interested in it I figured I would share the link for it as well. I like the bezel-less design and joystick menu control. Its pretty good overall:

 

https://www.walmart.com/ip/onn-32-FHD-1920-x-1080p-75hz-Bezel-Less-Office-Monitor-with-6-ft-HDMI-Cable-Black/1978645708

 

Just hard to get. I had to travel to a much further Walmart as it was the only one that had it in stock.

You had an OSSC before correct? Why did you purchase another as I'm just curious?

 

[eightbit]

6 hours ago, -^CrossBow^- said:

You had an OSSC before correct? Why did you purchase another as I'm just curious?

 

I did, back when I lived in NJ. I sold it at the time along with most of my collection due to some financial issues. But, I never forgot about how great it was and told myself when things get better its going back into my arsenal. And things got better, and its back

 

It worked out for the best anyway as now I have the newer hardware revision.

[+-^CrossBow^-]

37 minutes ago, eightbit said:

I did, back when I lived in NJ. I sold it at the time along with most of my collection due to some financial issues. But, I never forgot about how great it was and told myself when things get better its going back into my arsenal. And things got better, and its back

 

It worked out for the best anyway as now I have the newer hardware revision.

I did the pretty simple mod on my older 1.6 so it can use the newer 1.0 FW features. The newly implemented RGB2HDMI support is of particular interest..

 

[eightbit]

5 hours ago, -^CrossBow^- said:

I did the pretty simple mod on my older 1.6 so it can use the newer 1.0 FW features. The newly implemented RGB2HDMI support is of particular interest..

 

 

Yup, a very good point. The older rev OSSC can be modified to use the newer FW features as you mention. 

 

 

 

But the points are very tiny. You have the tools and the skills certainly. Not sure I would fair so well with that mod

 

[+-^CrossBow^-]

58 minutes ago, eightbit said:

 

Yup, a very good point. The older rev OSSC can be modified to use the newer FW features as you mention. 

 

 

 

But the points are very tiny. You have the tools and the skills certainly. Not sure I would fair so well with that mod

 

It really wasn't that big of a deal but I could see how it could look intimidating to those new to soldering. But it only took me a few min to do mine. Took me longer to take it apart to expose the board to do the modification.

[eightbit]

It is indeed quite simple. At least it only involves removing the one component and running a wire. Great that the previous gen OSSC can be brought up to speed with literally nothing but a steady solder hand and a wire.