Markus has just released a new (free as always!) firmware update for the original OSSC. This adds features that focus on passing signals through to a scaler without analog video inputs like the Morph, as well as a VRR flag for HDMI output, a Lumacode decoder and improved sampling jitter reduction, which makes setting phase less of an issue. As the space on the OSSC’s FPGA is basically full, these features come at the loss of profile exporting. As with all original OSSC firmwares over v1, you’ll need to either have the v1.8 hardware revision, or perform a mod to the existing versions. More info on all of this below the links:
Purchase the OSSC: https://retrorgb.link/ossc
Firmware Updates: http://www.infocult.com/m/ossc/fw/v1-series/
As for the loss of profile exporting, that may not be a big deal for most people. Simply export any custom profiles you have before updating the firmware, then save them on your PC. You can still import profiles, so I just suggest recording any tweaks you make manually and use the web app to create and manage profiles. This might be a bit of work for some people, but anyone with a fixed setup would only need to do a bit of work after the new firmware is applied.
Next, you’ll need to make sure you’re either using the latest OSSC hardware version 1.8, or have a mod done to your original OSSC. Here’s a video walkthrough and more information about what you need: https://www.retrorgb.com/ossc-v1-hardware-mod.html
Here’s the full list of changes, with more details about the Lumacode decoder:
- High samplerate for pass through mode – A new higher horizontal sample rate mode has been added. This is primarily for people using the OSSC Classic as an analogue bridge with the PixelFX Morph 4K scaler. Using the high samplerate modes gives an even cleaner, more stable image on the 4K scaler, making it a fantastic solution for the budget conscious user who wants full 4k scaling without huge expense.
- Optimal modes available in pass through – Also added primarily for those using the OSSC with the Morph, optimal sampling modes can now be used with pass through mode too.
- Sampling jitter reduction – Spend less time tweaking optimal modes and more time playing with improved sampling jitter reduction, meaning in many cases you may not need to dial in optimal sampling phase at all.
- VRR flag – Add the VRR flag to the outgoing HDMI signal. This does not implement actual variable refresh rate in any way, but is believed to help reduce stutter or judder on some displays when used with legacy hardware that outputs non-standard refresh rate.
- Lumacode support – Lumacode is a means of getting a digital signal from a retro computer or console. This signal is non-standard and requires special decoding, usually through a Raspberry Pi or similar device. Now, you can use your OSSC directly as a Lumacode decoder for C64, Spectrum, Colecovision and MSX, with more systems due to be added in future. Use of optimal sampling modes are required for Lumacode systems.
- MSX Sync fixes – Fixes a regression in firmware 1.09 that caused sync issues with MSX computers.
- Firmware resources on the OSSC Classic are getting very limited now and unfortunately as a result of adding these new features, profile export is no longer available. We do not anticipate very many more firmware updates for the OSSC Classic now, small bugfixes and support for more Lumacode platforms are expected, but no new major features. If you make extensive use of profiles we strongly suggest you back them up carefully on firmware 1.09 and save them to a separate SD card for use going forward.
