RetroTINK 5X Pro - User Manual

!
RetroTINK-5X Pro
User Manual
Revision 1.0
May 1
st
, 2021
Copyright RetroTINK LLC 2021
All Rights Reserved
Page of 1 13

Summary

Specifications

Input Connections

YPbPr, Y/C, CVBS, SCART (CVBS and RGB), Stereo Audio

Input Resolutions

240p, 288p, 480i, 576i, 480p, 576p, 720p, 1080ia

Output Resolutions

240p, 480p, 720p, 768p, 1080p, 1200p, 1440p

Latency

Approx. 0.25 frames in frame lock, 0.25 to 1.25 in triple buffered mode

Description

Hardware Components

Details the various ports and controls on the RetroTINK-5X unit, including status LED, buttons, inputs, and outputs.

Advanced Configuration

Input

Cycles through each of the input ports. The detected source resolution is shown on the second line for informational purposes.

Output Res.

Sets the scaled output. Depending on the input resolution, not all of the modes will be available.

H. Sampling

The RT5X uses a combination of its flexible video ADC plus polyphase scaler to produce various horizontal sampling options.

Deinterlacer

The RT5X's FPGA is capable of multiple high-quality and advanced deinterlacing modes.

240 p Downscale

The RT5X contains an experimental 240p downscale option that will output 240p from 480i, 480p and 720p sources.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

The RetroTINK-5X (RT5X) Pro is an advanced video scaler designed to connect retro gaming consoles to modern high-definition televisions (HDTVs). It acts as a bridge, converting analog video signals from older consoles into digital formats compatible with contemporary displays, while also enhancing the video quality through various scaling and processing techniques. The device aims to provide a low-lag gaming experience with outputs up to 1440p, ensuring that classic games look their best on modern screens.

Function Description

The primary function of the RT5X Pro is to digitize and scale analog video signals from retro consoles. It supports multiple input options, including component (YPbPr), SCART RGB, composite (CVBS), and S-video (Y/C). This broad compatibility allows users to connect a wide array of classic gaming systems. The device's standard definition processor can decode various formats such as NTSC, PAL, and PAL-60, making it versatile for consoles from different regions. Additionally, its component and RGB ports are capable of digitizing analog high-definition video up to 720p and 1080i.

At its core, the RT5X Pro utilizes a custom scaler engine implemented on an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). This hardware-based scaling ensures minimal processing lag, which is crucial for responsive retro gaming. The device offers a range of output resolutions, including 240p, 480p, 720p, 768p, 1080p, 1200p, and 1440p, allowing users to choose the best fit for their display and preferences.

The RT5X Pro also incorporates advanced deinterlacing modes to handle interlaced signals (like 480i and 576i) common in older consoles. These modes, such as Motion Adaptive, Weave, Blend, Bob, Linear, and CRT Simulation, are designed to produce flicker-free and low-artifact video, significantly improving the visual quality of interlaced content. For users who prefer a classic look, scanline effects can be applied, with options for Polyphase 50%, Polyphase 90%, and Integer modes, simulating the appearance of CRT displays.

Horizontal sampling options are available to ensure correct aspect ratios and pixel-perfect output. The RT5X Pro's flexible video ADC and polyphase scaler work together to offer various sampling modes, including generic 4:3 and 16:9, as well as console-specific modes for systems like SNES/PCE/PS1 256, Gen/PS1/Sat 320, N64 320, NEOGEO 320, Saturn 352, and PS1 384. These optimal modes sample the horizontal direction at the same rate as the original console, with the FPGA automatically interpolating and selecting the best phase for sharp output.

Vertical interpolation is handled by an advanced polyphase scaler, offering "Sharp" and "Soft" kernels. The Sharp kernel, a Bilinear Sharp type, is ideal for 2D graphics and maintains high quality even with non-integer scaling. The Soft kernel, a standard Bilinear type, may be preferred for 3D games to reduce aliasing.

The device also includes Y/C filter options (4-Line COMB and Notch) to improve composite video quality, and Colorspace settings (RGB Full and RGB Limited) to ensure proper color representation on different displays. An SDTV Low-Pass Filter (LPF) can be enabled or disabled to clean up noisy standard definition sources, with the option to bypass it if the source already has a built-in LPF. For users of Sinden lightguns, a 20-pixel wide white outer border can be enabled.

An experimental 240p downscale option is available, allowing the RT5X Pro to output 240p from 480i, 480p, and 720p sources. This feature is particularly useful for connecting to CRTs, though users are cautioned about connecting to standard definition CRTs with non-240p resolutions to prevent damage.

Usage Features

The RT5X Pro is designed for ease of use, with minimal adjustment required for an excellent picture.

• Quick Start: To begin, users connect the RT5X Pro to a power source via the microUSB port, then to an HDTV via the digital video output. The console is connected to one of the video inputs, and the 'Input Button' is pressed until the LED indicates the correct source. The device will then output a CEA-standard compliant 1920x1080 signal using a high-quality polyphase bilinear sharp scaling filter.
• On-Screen Display (OSD): For advanced configuration, the OSD is accessed by pressing the 'Menu Button'. The OSD displays the current menu option and its selected setting. The 'Option Button' cycles through possible settings for a given option, while the 'Input Button' exits the OSD when active.
• Input Selection: Inputs can be cycled directly using the 'Input Button' when the OSD is off. The Status LED indicates the selected input port: Purple for YPbPr, Green for SCART RGB, Yellow for CVBS (Y RCA jack), White for Y/C, Cyan for CVBS (SCART pin 20), and Red for firmware update mode.
• Vertical Sync Modes: Two vertical sync modes are available: Triple Buffer and Frame Lock. Triple Buffer uses a full frame memory and an externally derived clock to maintain a constant 60 frames/sec, offering high compatibility and immunity against sync loss, but with variable lag (0.25 to 1.25 frames). Frame Lock utilizes the video ADC and console as the base clock, providing a fixed lag of approximately 0.25 frames, but may have compatibility issues with some TVs or capture cards depending on the console's frame rate. Frame lock is automatically engaged for 480p, 576p, 720p, and 1080i sources.
• Remote Control: The RT5X Pro supports a remote control for quick access to menus and common settings. Buttons on the remote allow users to power off and save settings, cycle output resolutions, shift the image up/down (for 1080p OVER mode), rewind/advance OSD options, exit the OSD, cycle scanline strength, cycle interpolation modes, and cycle horizontal sampling modes.
• Power Off and Sleep Mode: Pressing the 'Option Button' saves current settings and puts the RT5X into sleep mode. It can be woken up by pressing the 'Menu Button'.

Maintenance Features

• Firmware Upgrades: The RT5X Pro supports firmware upgrades via USB using a PC-based application. To enter bootloader mode for an upgrade, users hold the 'Menu Button' down while connecting the RT5X to a PC via a microUSB cable. The LED indicator will turn solid RED. The process is designed to be robust; if an upgrade fails, users can simply restart by powering off and re-entering bootloader mode without risking permanent damage to the device. It's crucial to use only the provided firmware update tool and not attempt flashing via alternate methods, as this could void the warranty.
• Factory Reset: Factory default settings can be restored by holding both the 'Menu Button' and 'Option Button' while inserting the microUSB power cord. Users should wait until the LED turns green before releasing the buttons. This feature is useful for resolving display incompatibilities caused by incorrect settings.
• Cabling Recommendations: To ensure optimal performance and prevent damage, the manual emphasizes the importance of using high-quality cabling. This includes SCART cables that provide sync using 75 ohm terminated luma or composite video, or buffered/attenuated CSYNC, explicitly prohibiting unbuffered TTL CSYNC. HD Retrovision component cables or high-quality shielded/coaxial SCART RGB cables are recommended. Unshielded S-video cables are noted to potentially cause chroma checkerboarding, especially at higher output resolutions.
• Power Source: A high-quality USB power source capable of supplying at least 1A of current is required. Low-quality power supplies or poor-quality USB cables can lead to device malfunction or video noise due to voltage drops under high currents.
• General Handling: Users are advised to handle the RT5X Pro with care, avoiding drops, crushing, or immersion in liquids, as accidental damage or abuse is not covered under warranty.

RetroTINK 5X Pro Specifications

General

Output	HDMI
Latency	Less than 1 frame
Image Adjustments	Brightness, contrast, saturation, hue
Color Space Conversion	Yes
Firmware Upgradable	Yes
Input	Composite, S-Video, Component
Output Resolution	480p, 720p, 1080p, 1440p
Supported Resolutions	240p, 480i, 480p, 576i, 576p, 720p, 1080i
Deinterlacing	Motion-adaptive deinterlacing
Scanline Options	Adjustable scanlines
Aspect Ratio Correction	4:3, 16:9, custom
Power Supply	5V DC