Type: Decimate. Sharp, jaggy and shimmer for non-integer 2D games. Option to window into 16:9 to preserve original aspect ratio
Setup required: Very minimal by selecting menu options
Cost and availability: Moderate cost to benefit, sold online at Video Game Perfection.
The OSSC Pro is almost a perfect 10/10 for downscaling. Apart from 2 frames of lag when downscaling 1080p to 480i, lag is generally only a bit over 1 frame when using Scaler Mode, and absolutely ZERO when downscaling 480p using Line Multiplier Mode as seen below:
There are more firmware updates to come that may see zero lag 720p>240p downscaling in Line Multiplier Mode, so consult the OSSC Pro Wiki for the latest revision changes.
The OSSC Pro has 3 physical analog inputs for RGB and YPbPr, and 1 HDMI input. The stock unit only outputs HDMI which requires a DAC to display on a CRT, but through a separate add-on board, analog RGB or component can be output via a VGA connector, making the Pro completely plug and play.
The Pro can output the same vertically stretched 4:3 image as the RetroTink 5x, as well as letterboxed 16:9 within a 4:3 field of view to preserve aspect ratio. Just like other decimators like the DExx and the RetroTink 5x Pro, downscaling non 2x or 3x 2D content and modern-retro games will likely result in a distracting shimmer artefact when the scene scrolls vertically.
As for 3D games downscaled to 240p, a jarring stair-effect (jaggies) will be noticeable on straight edges as seen in the yellow gutter towards the top left in the above capture of Mario Kart 8. For non 2x/3x 2D games and all 3D content, it’s recommended to output 480i which ‘fills in’ vertical detail to reduce these artefacts.
As a dedicated downscaler, the cost may be a lot for some, but for those that put downscaling as a high priority in their setup, or others that want a powerful upscaler and downscaler in a single device, the OSSC Pro is the most streamlined and fully featured option.
Verdict: Recommended