DCDigital - REAL Dreamcast 1080p HDMI Output!!!

[@leepicciotto]

Greatest console ever made. It's the only console Ive purchased the day it came out and never had any desire/thought of ever parting with it and I've owned pretty much every system ever released. Besides the great library, there's just something unexplainable about the console itself that elicits a positive emotional response. Perfect size, color and timeless design. I say emotional because it's not logical. Logically there's emulators,consoles,etc that render it obsolete but here I am in 2018 enthusiastically spending money on hdmi,storage options, and wireless controllers,etc for a system I bought almost 20 years ago. I might have to pick up another one dirt cheap and just use the shell to house an emulator. Totally unrelated side note, mine is still as white as the day I got it. Never yellowed. All I do is spray some 409 on a rag and wipe it down like once a month(sometimes every other month). For anyone that has one that has yellowed, clean it with 409. Give it a spray over the top and watch the yellow start to lift and drip off.

[@PiffGamer]

dang bro, you sound like a car nut with the way you talk about your DC. All love though, it's a great system

[@leepicciotto]

@@PiffGamer i know but its the only conclusion i could reach/justification i can make since its a system thats almost 20 years old and easily emulated, making all of the pricey add ons/mods illogical.

[@PiffGamer]

I'd be doing that to all my consoles if I had the money. LOL. I plan on getting an Ultra HD modded N64 at some point, unless an awesome FPGA close comes out

[@roystonevans2223]

Loved your comment buddy.... And feel your passion...please could you tell me what this 409 spray is, I'm from the u.k

[@onetwo6039]

2 years later and still waiting on them hd retrovision component cables for dreamcast. Haven't heard a word or update about these. 🤔

[@codex_ata2493]

Cool to see this video pop up two days after I placed a pre-order for the next round of DCHDMI boards. Thanks for showing that those low-res only games do play fine with the DCHDMI output!

[@PolyHertz]

Would love to see a video showing off the differences between the old DCDigital/DCHDMI and the new HW2 release.

[@TheBlackdragon936]

Marvel vs Capcom 2 brought me here. I have it on 360 but I want custom colors and music and the Dream Cast is the only place to get it.

[@DrLilo]

Another excellent video from My Bob in Gaming

[@S4vman]

Good call! Exactly what I was thinking!

[@zdthn]

The Daytona USA capture is beautiful. I can imagine it looks be even better IRL.

[@reagandow850]

tian feng - I was thinking the exact same thing. It looks better then the arcade!! *almost 😝

[@PiffGamer]

and with the digital sound.. it must be magical

[@chanhjohnnguyen1867]

The component cables still refuse to come out

[@vp-retro]

Bob! Thank you! Also thank you for showing off Air Force Delta as well. Thats one of my favorite games and has insane issues with trying to do 480p or VGA.

[@RockerGaming]

Good stuff, I was playing my DC HDMI modded system all day today and its incredible!

[@reagandow850]

This is awesome info! Thank you so much. I just picked up a Dreamcast and I have a great CRT to play it on but I also want to get the right stuff to be able to play it on a flat screen as well. This gives me some great options to look into. You Rock man!!

[@rom15555]

That rust in peace guitar..... :O Thanks for the video!

[@chriso8485]

Love the detail in your vids, excellent subject knowledge

[@Horzzo]

Great in-depth video. Confused me a little but people looking for this level of information will appreciate it. I'm going to order and try a Dreamcast to HDMI Converter, supporting 4:3/16:9.

[@thomaspaton-smith7159]

Thanks so much for this great video! I had been wondering about how the DCHDMI mod would stack up against the upcoming HD Retrovision component cables, and the RetroGamingCables Scart cable. So it was awesome to see you give all the pros and cons to each solution since you have prototypes on hand haha. I'm really excited to grab the RGC Scart cable and use it with my XRGB Mini for starters. The DCHDMI does indeed look awesome, and being pure digital with less signal noise, better audio & 100% compatibility with all games I'm very tempted. I just find the install process a little intimidating so would probably need to get somebody else to install for me. Again, thanks for this wonderful video :)

[@snotface8]

You know I clicked randomly but I don’t regret it. Sweet video, and interesting topic. I thought it would be just a comparison but I like your explanation of picture Columns and how the image is degraded. Interesting stuff!

[@wagamamalullaby]

Great content Bob (as always), and your editing is much improved. It was my only complaint with some of your videos. Thanks!

[@RetroRGB]

Thank you!

[@TheRealDustinNunn]

Sega needs to make a Sega Dreamcast 2 or a Sega Saturn 2.

[@nightmarishendeavors]

Technically the original XBox is the Dreamcast 2

[@dblake5193]

@@nightmarishendeavors ?

[@nightmarishendeavors]

A lot of the dreamcast's hardware team went to microsoft to work on the xbox. Many Sega titles went to Microsoft as exclusives such as Shenmue 2 (released also on DC in Pal and NTSC-J) controllers are extremely similar (orignal L controller) ...

[@dblake5193]

@@nightmarishendeavors thanks for answering, controllers were very similar

[@duelingfattiesgaming2130]

@@nightmarishendeavors not exactly correct. MS and Sega were working on a console and that didn't happen. Whenthey split MS started working on their own console while Sega went with the DC.

[@BrooklynVideoGames]

I can’t wait to get my DCHDMI and replace my toro box. Great video.

[@Icehawk2k7]

Whats that shooter game being played around 14:41? It reminds me of Turrican games.

[@simbin.]

I'm still rocking Audio Authority 9A60. It pass through perfect resolution without lag. This looks really awesome too!

[@CAPCOM784]

Will games that don't support VGA still work?

[@Larry]

I'd like to do this, but I only own a Treamcast ATM, and don't want to damage it on a mod that might not be totally compatible.

[@Mr.Bluemask]

I've seen someone mod two treamcasts with this before so you should be good

[@axelkusanagi4139]

Treamcast ATM? How much money does it hold?

[@BLKBRDSR71]

Hello you!

[@BushidoBrownSama]

@@axelkusanagi4139 more money than Mr. Crabs has.

[@TVsBen]

Taunting us all with that HD Retrovision component cable at 1:36 LOL

[@CAPCOM784]

Curse u Bob!!!😉

[@alextirrellRI]

Just as they emailed it's delayed again.

[@peepeepoopoo-x6h]

Yeah, wtf. Thanks for nothing!

[@PhantomHavok]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIvUhp6ha8uJq7M

[@Random.Walker.]

I love my Toro+OSSC combo. 960p is just awesome but always prefer true hdmi. Probably at some point i get DCHDMI if the FPGA Dreamcast console doesn't appear in a few years but still i am satisfied with the current solution. Best feature Toro: It output 480p over Scart [MULTI VIDEO SYNC SYSTEMBoth CSYNC and H&V SYNC modes supported Euro Scart connector can output RGBS (CSYNC) (480i+480p for the XRGB) and AUTO SYNC COMBINER FOR THE UPSCALERS AND MONITORS] , Stereo out (Toro has RCA Stereo audio jacks to let you plug your console to an amplifier or a stereo system or simply your TV) and XRGB can be fed with 15/31khz through Scart.

[@matilija]

I'm amazed no one has done this for an OG xbox, I have to assume the OG xbox GPU also outputs a digital signal that is converted on board to analogue....so it should be possible in theory, and having pure digital video and audio to HDMI would be pretty sweet. Either way, this is pretty darn awesome.

[@Angultra]

Even has wifi for firmware upgrades, wow. Looks sharp.

[@sideswipe1261]

Sir, Wowsers! Thank you! It’s my favorite system (I have 3- I can’t imagine not having one. Sweet vid, thank you!

[@whiskeyvengeance]

This is awesome. My dream is for an updated N64 UltraHDMI that internally linedoubles like this for 720p, 960p, etc. with zero lag added.

[@korup7ion951]

personally i just use emulators because it's just easier but i love videos like this showing just how far you can push original hardware

[@SianaGearz]

Is Dreamcast even emulatable, like properly without clear mishaps? I know i probably last checked like 8 years ago, but things weren't looking good. It took until a few years ago that the audio DSP was decoded, via leaked Saturn docs, so it might not even be a 100% match, but better than nothing. And then you have PowerVR with its insanity like fully floating point depth (that's easy now), a depth test sigma between written and tested value (ouch, there go the hardware optimisations modern hardware designers worked so hard for), depth peeling (double ouch), modifier volumes on transparent surfaces (triple ouch), the thing is just one dead-end abandoned tech after another. Like you get 90% there easily and then you hit a huge brick wall.

[@korup7ion951]

@@SianaGearz dreamcast emulation used to be patchy at best but now you have two main options, redream or reicast through retroarch i haven't tested reicast but heard it's supposed to be good redream on the other hand is excellent, redream is relatively new but already boasts an over 80% compatibility rate, the emulation is very accurate while offering extras like 4k internal rendering resolution using a dreamcast controller adapter and redream as far as i'm concerned it's the absolute best way to play dreamcast games on a modern high res display

[@PhantomHavok]

To be honest, i’m surprised people watching this haven’t tried to slaughter you for the beginning of your comment.

[@kevin_lee_music]

In my opinion, emulation is never a full replacement. Don't get me wrong, I use emulators too, but once you get the original system looking its best, the lack of glitches and having the compatibility of every game is fantastic

[@korup7ion951]

@@kevin_lee_music for me it's a total replacement, i love original hardware but i game on 65'' 4k TV and it's just impossible to get these old systems looking good on it

[@dobuitaarcade3229]

That Gunlord Soundtrack in the Background

[@AceTrainerX3]

Managed to snag a Dell trinitron off the streets, and *damn* it looks good with my Dreamcast.

[@otakujhp]

Virtua Tennis riffs right before the end. Good stuff.

[@briandottv9444]

Kind of a stupid question but can I use the DCDigital HDMI and send the video signal to an Elgato HD 60S as well as to a CRT 480p monitor simultaneously with an HDMI to VGA adapter? I'd like to play on a Sony Multiscan CRT monitor as well as capture footage at the same time.

[@RetroRGB]

That's a great question, not stupid at all! Yes, that will work, but you can also use the analog output from the Dreamcast at the same time as the HDMI. It might be cheaper to just get one of these: amzn.to/3am7yZk Both are good options and I'd pick which ever is cheaper; Maybe you already have an HDMI splitter and an HDMI to VGA adapter?

[@briandottv9444]

@@RetroRGB Thanks for the quick reply! That's really neat, I might as well pick up the cable and explore both options. Thank you!

[@themblan]

Great video, my friend. I thought I was watching a My Life in Gaming video.

[@Cimone90]

have one of these sitting new in a box, just working up the confidence to solder it in to my only dreamcast console.

[@pettigrew95]

The Rust In Peace Signature Dave Mustaine Dean Flying V guitar behind you though...I'm in love

[@RetroRGB]

Thank you!

[@mrburns366]

it's cool that we have so many great options but it's sad we have to jump through so many hoops due to TV manufacturers not caring about scaling old content. The components in OSSC or RetroTink could be added to modern TVs to allow low latency conversion and integer scaling... but they don't care.

[@alphiedane]

Awesome Rust In Peace Dean you have there! 👍

[@rars0n]

Great video. This looks awesome. I've been dying to do some solder console mods, like this or the N64 HDMI (although I don't currently have an N64, and last I checked that thing was out of stock anyway), and this would be an awesome way to be able to play my Dreamcast in all its glory on my HDTV. I had a VGA box for my DC back in the day, and I remember vividly how awesome it was. And while I'd love to play on a good CRT, I don't currently have one and I cannot deny the allure of being able to enjoy the thing on my much larger HDTV. This might not be the cheapest option, but it's one of the easiest for me and also probably the best.

[@iCach0]

Beautiful, just... beautiful!

[@CaptainCaveman1170]

I love the Dreamcast. I have two plugged in and even have a third in a "portable" one-plug-and-go two-player suitcase setup (it's ugly as sin but works well). But this HDMI setup is still too much effort right now, at least for a lazy gamer like me. I'm hopeful that someday, somebody makes a "polymega-like" DC console that is true FPGA and hopefully comes both disc and SD card support. Imagine, one step further even, if you could have a physical slider on said console that switched between FPGA cores of the SMS,GEN,SATURN,DC. I know it's already technologically possible. Now that device would certainly cause me to open my wallet wide open.

[@ChaosProductionsInc]

Is that Gunlord i hear in the background?

[@matt4193]

Excellent video as always. Good job!

[@mrhotteh2456]

Hi! I'm trying to understand the difference in connecting your PAL DC with VGA cable > OSSC > TV (got a LG oled) and PAL DC with VGA cable > Toro > OSSC > TV. FirebrandX OSSC settings for DC are with a Toro included for example.

[@BushidoBrownSama]

Back in the mid 2000s i used an Rca branded VGA to YPbPr adapter(transcoder?) to display 480P video from my Dreamcast (& an early VIA 1Ghz mITX system that I built into a Sega Saturn case) on my Sony HD Tube television

[@PiffGamer]

Would you mind doing a quick video comparison with this kit and the OSSC? I think it'd be cool. But I am waiting for those HD Retrovision cables. They will allow the DC to fit perfectly in my setup. I am lucky enough to have a good HDTV with component ports. I've been playing DC with an old projector.

[@jamespingel8730]

Oh man, I have 3 Dreamcasts right now, all original, and two of them don't take any input from the controller ports. Your "little bonus tip" is going to save two OE spec Dreamcasts. Thanks.

[@LaskyLabs]

It'd be nice to have this. But I'm still waiting on those damn component cables.

[@nimrodlevy]

Amazing! Loved that video!!!!

[@plutterton]

Noice! EDIT: Was hoping to see more capture footage. I guess that's more MLIG or Digital Foundry's domain.

[@cybernitemusic]

Damn you really did your research on this one. Enjoyed! But now I want a hdmi solution and need to spend more money lol

[@rayryngaert3769]

The retro gaming cables dreamcast scart is an amazing product. It's pretty darn close to the dchdmi (minus a frame and a half of lag with a Framemeister, not an issue with me)

[@SianaGearz]

God i love SEGA's music of the era, couldn't concentrate on your speech at all the whole video. The music just melts me into a puddle you know.

[@TefenCa]

Awesome! I may have to look into this after I fix my damn controller port resistor.

[@tubinonyou]

Just read your announcement which states that v2 should be a "drop in replacement" that shouldn't require "advanced soldering skills". Can I take this to mean no soldering is necessary?

[@AguFungus]

Now I hope they do the same with PlayStation 2 eventually. An internal HDMI mod is what it currently needs for the best quality experience!

[@lovelorn88nick]

For me. The Gekko did not work. Wasnt compatible with my 55in LG 4k tv. Picture looked great BUT the audio would lag behind by 3 seconds

[@samgao]

also, for DCHDMI, the menu will only come up for player 1

[@Lsapito]

(letting all ads play out to support RetroRGB)

[@robinmasters150]

I've just wanted this video again "just for the heck of it" as you say. was that a d32?

[@kristophertadlock779]

This device looks really cool. Is there a way to pass through 480i via the HDMI instead of having the bob deinterlace? It sounds like there is, but I wasn't sure. The cable detect mode, will that automatically switch to 480i/RGB when they game requires it? Does this eliminate the need for a switchable cable? For my setup, a digital conversation to a friendly format (but native resolution, including 480i) and a pass through to my TV would very ideal. Thank you.

[@chriz2600]

480i/576i passthru will be in the next firmware v1.2.3 released in a few days.

[@RetroRGB]

Wow, that's great news Christof! The cable detect mode will follow the cable that's plugged in (or go to 480i with no cable). If you're only using the DCHDMI, I recommend leaving it on "Force VGA", then only changing when there's a 480i-only game.

[@mjmonjure]

I have a Behar Bros Toro/Framemeister solution. If price was not a consideration, would you consider dumping the Toro/Framemeister solution for the DCHDMI?

[@RetroRGB]

If price didn't matter and you were only talking about quality: YES. No hesitation, the DCHDMI is by far the best solution! Heck, you can even get a cheap HDMI to VGA adapter if you still want VGA support without a second cable!

[@pabsgabs]

Can these ideas be applied to laserdiscs?

[@simon41978]

Bob: I had DCDigital installed and I'm unsatisfied with it. It looks great without scanlines and I like the aspect ratio fix... but when I switch-on the scanlines I get a terrible mess. I don't know the terminology but I guess you could call them shimmering artefacts or noise. The Dreamcast logo when I turn on the console is even affected. My main reason for having this mod done was to play 2D Fighting games, with the correct aspect ratio, in 1080P, and with scanlines but I can't stand how it looks. Is there any fix to this? I was thinking when the OSSC Pro is released, I could switch off the scanlines on my DCDIGITAL (everything would look good) and let the OSSC Pro handle the scanlines. Maybe there would be no artefacts...I have a VGA cable and never had this problem with artefacts.

[@VaxisD]

that rust in peace Dean VMNT 👌 noice

[@itchyisvegeta]

Well I am sold. Getting an HDMI mod and selling my Akura after this video.

[@one100billNEOONE]

That's exactly what I did....

[@taldesigns]

Love your videos! Thank you.

[@tomthebird]

Dear Bob, I'm planning to install the DCDigital solution in my Dreamcast, but I've read some comments saying that, after installation, the original outputs stop working. My question is: will the original A/V outputs still function on the Dreamcast console after installation? I have a CRT television and a light gun (for example, I enjoy playing The House of the Dead), and I would like to ensure that these will continue to work. Thank you very much!

[@RetroRGB]

As long as you buy the official one, the original analog outputs are still perfect. Maybe cheap clones disable analog outputs, but the official ones definitely do not. As an FYI, the creator of the DCDigital has evolved it into the RetroGEM: www.pixelfx.co/product-page/retro-gem-universal-hdmi-upscaler-kit

[@CAPCOM784]

Thanks for the review Bob.I'll still be sticking with the easy plug and play solution which will be HD retrovisions component cable for the Dreamcast.

[@AtomBishup]

I've plugged my DC into my Xbox One HDMI in to record my gameplay on my PC and the aspect ratio is correct. This has become the way I play it on my TV as well. DC vga cable, to vga to hdmi cable, to Xbox one hdmi in.

[@Septer_Sever]

Cool shirt. Just bought one!

[@joshuaharper4439]

Where can I buy this device thanks for the info

[@tyisafk]

I'm waiting for the DCDigital to get back in stock. Originally, I wanted to just use SCART on my OSSC, but for some reason the 240p timings aren't consistent. I burned 240p test suite, configured it and when I loaded up Third Strike, it was WAY off. Haven't tried Marvel VS Capcom yet but if I'm gonna be changing the timings between the games, I don't think it's worth that effort. I ended up just playing in 480p as 960p on my regular PC display, which actually looked better than the generic Line4X mode and thought "If I'm gonna do that, I might as well just get this mod". lol

[@sladger]

Superb video, thanks a lot!

[@Mutato-]

I have access to a 19" Sony 4x3 LCD monitor that has Analog and DVI inputs. How do you think that would that look?

[@jonmkl]

I’m 10 seconds into the video and I already liked it because gunlord.

[@retrogamer1828]

Thanks Bob!

[@kuribojim3916]

Outstanding video. Thank you, I found it very helpful.

[@GreigaBeast]

Heh , love your rust in peace guitar.

[@RetroRGB]

Thank you!

[@ledvogs7799]

Bob, you're the fucking man! Thank you so much for making this!

[@BenInSeattle]

So which looks better, native 480p on a CRT or upscaled 1080p on a flat screen?

[@Ronin7477]

The link for the self healing fuses is no good anymore. Could you provide the info so I can search for some and / or another link for the right ones. Thanks for the info.

[@SuperSanjuro]

I recently acquired a Dreamcast with DCDigital installed. I notice gray dots on the boot screen under the word dreamcast and around the spiral logo area. Using the 1080p output setting. Is this normal?

[@sean0387]

Great Video!

[@synistawun4201]

So with all the modes like force vga and such...would that mean that games that don't even work with the switch trick, like Last Blade 2 or KOF, will now work???

[@RetroRGB]

Correct. Just make sure nothing's plugged into the analog port and set the DCHDMI to "cable detect" - Then EVERY game works :)

[@matilija]

I just ordered a DCHDMI and a fan mount for a noctua 40 mm fan, looking forward to the dreamcast mod project in my future. :)

[@vinsanity15jr]

I recently purchased a RetroTink 5X. With that in mind, would there be any benefits to me getting a DC HDMI mod? I would be connecting my Dreamcast to the RetroTink via an RGB cable and running that to my flat screen 4K TV.

[@RetroRGB]

Not at the moment. Someday there might be a native 1080p version of the DC Digital, but for now I'd stick with the RT5x, simply because you can use it with any analog outputting console.

[@kdkseven]

What about Beharbros' Akura box? I know it has the 'squished' aspect ratio issue, but does it affect the overall quality of the picture other than the aspect ratio?

[@JohnTheD0n2025]

If you play dc on crts and pc CRT monitor vga, you don't have to worry about aspect ratio and scaling?

[@InitialDL84]

Is it possible to just buy a fully modded Dreamcast with DCHDMI and and DCEMU? I rather buy one than try to mod my existing Dreamcast and mess something up. Plus, I want to keep all my original games.

[@RetroRGB]

You can actually buy a pre-modded one direct from the co-creator: shop.dansprojects.com/premodded-dchdmi-console.html

[@djm9937]

Could never justify buying one, but do want to get the best out of my Dreamcast as is. I have a Kaico HDMI adaptor, but would i get better results from VGA to a portta VGA to HDMI..thanks :)

[@JAGtheTrekkieGEMINI1701]

Dreamcast FOREVER

[@erkphotography4550]

My Dreamcast doesn't want to show any signal after replacing old fan

[@johnnybelivin3610]

So... is there no analog solution to the improper VESA/squished image other than adjusting geometry on my PVMs? I'm using thefoo cable into a 203rxi to fix the centerings issues, but the image is still squished. :/ I don't want to have to change geometry on my PVMs just for the Dreamcast...

[@RetroRGB]

Correct. On many VGA monitors, this is just a quick adjustment...but on PVM's and BVM's it can be a huge pain.

[@johnnybelivin3610]

No worries! I'm just glad this makes so much more sense now and I wasn't the only one having this issue. But maybe in the future HD Retrovision component cables will have the correct sampling rate as an analog solution?

[@itsrocketsauce7578]

So does the converter you have listed work with the HD Retrovision cables? I have previously purchased other converter boxes that didn’t work, and I’m guess it’s because of the 240p signal

[@RetroRGB]

Wow, now that you mention it, I honestly don't know. I just did an Amazon search for one that looked similar to the one I used in the past, but didn't buy that specific one. Really sorry about that. Unfortunately, I've seen two that look identical on the output have completely different insides, so with these generic boxes, there's no guarantee anyway.

[@itsrocketsauce7578]

​@@RetroRGB guess I'll just keep on waiting for HD Retrovisions "HD Mizer" to plug my cables in to HDTV and/or Capture Card. I heard the RetroTINK works as well. I'm just looking for a way to stream games with My HD Retrovision cables.

[@187StaticMr]

You did not explain which is the best way to connect the DC with the OSSC? Isn't VGA the best analoge output in combination with the OSSC? Or Component?

[@RetroRGB]

SCART...and I did explain that the OSSC's SCART input is the best choice because of it's low-pass filter.

[@Leo-bq5po]

About the screw that you put in the case. i gonna write in spanish my inglish sucks. Ese tornillo es totalmente inncesario, podrías haber puesto un tornillo con cabeza plata y atravesar unicamnete el metal y ajustarlo con una tuerca por encima del integrado.

[@rojovision]

Since I already have a Framemeister, I was looking at getting a Toro...is it possible to solve the sample rate / resolution problem with that combo of devices - ideally via the SCART output on the Toro?

[@gorankarasic6098]

Thank you very much for that great Video!! i hope i can ask a question. i have an NTSC US DCHDMI modded Dreamcast hooked to my LG C9 55 inch OLED TV via HDMI cable. when i set the DCHDMI output to 960p i have no boarders at the top and bottom of the screen. but when i set the DCHDMI output to 1080p i have boarders at the top and bottom. is that normal? greetings and thank you!

[@RetroRGB]

Thank you! And yes, that's normal. It's for people who want an ultra-sharp, integer-scaled look, or for people who's TV's aren't compatible with 960p. My personal opinion: 960p on my 4K OLED was AMAZING - The sharp-scaled linedoubling from 480p to 960p, combined with the soft-scaling 960p to 4K produced a look that felt more like PS3-era graphics. Totally up to you which you prefer though!

[@gorankarasic6098]

@@RetroRGB thank you very much!! i think i will stick with the 960p mode..because i dont like to have boarders on the top and bottom..and code veronica looked amazing in the 960p mode

[@robertdaone]

But is it compatible with all games. I have a HDMI converter cable and I can only play about 90% of the games for the Dreamcast.

[@RetroRGB]

This is discussed and shown in the video. Yes.