Mike Chi has just released a new firmware update for the RetroTINK 5x, that includes quite a few bugfixes, more scanline options and a 4:4:4 mode for al DTV858 480p modes! This is really awesome for people scaling 480p sources to larger screens and is definitely the standout feature for this firmware update! Check out the video above for instructions on updating and there’s links and more info below:
Purchase all RetroTINK Products via multiple vendors worldwide here: https://www.retrorgb.com/retrotink.html
Download the latest RT5x firmware here: https://www.retrotink.com/post/retrotink-5x-pro-firmware-updates
RetroTINK Update Software: https://www.dropbox.com/s/7nr70y6mbx9yzp6/RetroTINK%20FW%20Tool.zip?dl=0
Drivers (install first): https://ftdichip.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/CDM-v2.12.36.4-WHQL-Certified.zip
Before I get into explaining the new features, Mike left a note in the update page that was a friendly reminder worth repeating: NONE of this extra stuff is required to use the RT5x. You can get an excellent experience, simply by connecting everything and selecting the proper input. I think a lot of people were getting overwhelmed with all the new options, which is understandable…but don’t worry, all of these features are optional! Okay, onto the update…
While it’s really hard to explain 4:2:2 vs 4:4:4 without going into a long explanation, check out the the PS2 version of Fantasy Zone, running in 480p; The top picture is the previous firmware and the bottom is the newest. You can see more sharpness on the inside of the letters, which is a great way to demonstrate the benefit you’d get from this update. I doubt you’ll notice in all games (which is why we chose a low-res game for the example), but this is one of those lucky scenarios where everyone wins: If you notice it, awesome. If not, there’s ZERO negative impact, so just enjoy knowing it might be “better”. Click on the pic for the full example:
Also, here’s an example of the new scanline choices, with just basic horizontal scanlines in the top-left picture for comparison. Click on the image for a full-sized view with each picture labeled (they’re in the same exact location), but please note that it’s a 20MB image, so maybe wait till you’re connected to WiFi if you’re on a phone. Also, please MAKE SURE to view at 100%, as scaling will always change the look of scanlines:
Here’s a list of all the changes from the previous firmware update, v1.84:
- Fixed “Green Push” bug in 240p/480i modes introduced in the last version.
- Fixed aspect ratio bug that in 720p -> 240p downscaling in 4:3 mode.
- Fixed bug that caused a slight vertical shift when engaging scanline mode
- Separated auto-phase thresholds for 240p/480p/360p for more reliable operation.
- HDMI aspect ratio flag is set to “4:3” for 1440p output to improve compatibility with TVs that do not provide manual controls.
- PAL “stretch” modes now implemented for composite and S-video inputs, bringing them in line with the RGB and YPbPr modes.
- The “16:9” mode for 1200p with a 480p input is replaced with a “3:2” mode for use with Dreamcast.
- 480p sources now have three sampling modes: DTV-A, DTV-B, Generic 4:3 and Generic 16:9.
- Enhanced Auto-Phase control and regeneration algorithm for “4:4:4” output quality with DTV-A and DTV-B modes with component video inputs.
- The new, enhanced DTV “4:4:4” re-sampler may take a few seconds to analyze and converge to the optimal settings.
- Most setups will look best with DTV-A. If something looks off, use DTV-B as a fallback.
- PS2 looks best with the EDTV LPF off.
- Xbox, due to video noise, appears to work best with EDTV LPF on.
- You can use any combination of settings for GCN and Wii, due to their native 4:2:2 output.
- New CRT effects with improved mask generation engine:
- Slot Mask – resembles a high resolution slot mask CRT, replacing the old version which was too coarse.
- Aperture Grille: Same as before
- Aperture Grille 2: Equivalent to the old “PVM” mode
- PVM 600 TVL: A finer grille with highlights to mimic a mid-range PVM
- FV310: A coarser grille with highlights to mimic a consumer Trinitron
- Consumer 1: Coarse slot mask with no visible scanlines mimicking a low-resolution consumer tube
- Consumer 2: Coarse slot mask of a different pattern with a slight scanline effect
- Note: The “80’s CRT mode” would be equivalent to Consumer 1, Pre-Emph -3, Notch Filter with a composite source.
