I got an Open Source Scan Converter (OSSC) for my Amiga (and I don't regret it)

I've been using one of these cheap RGB upscalers for quite a long time now to convert my Amiga to HDMI, but it's finally time to get rid it as it for a few reasons.
Links:
The Worst Scaler In Retro Gaming: • The Worst Scaler In Re...
Oh no!: • Oh no!
Flylink Cheapo: www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...
OSSC: www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...
Chapters:
0:00 Why am I getting rid of this
2:18 Audio output problems
3:35 Lag tests
7:41 Audio output tests
8:43 Conclusion

[@DavePoo2]

For anyone who is thinking of buying an OSSC, please be aware that it can convert RGB SCART signals only, so it is not suitable for use with something like the Commodore 64 (which will only produce s-video or composite output)

[@retrojb101]

The OSSC is a great piece of kit. I’m currently running with a crt for all my retro needs (especially light gun games) but when I eventually have to move over to more modern screens then this will be an instant purchase. I’m amazed at the amount of lag you had previously and still completed cannon fodder 1 & 2!

[@DavePoo2]

CRT, true old skool stuff! Yeah, about Cannon Fodder, you know I could always feel that lag when I was playing, and I knew that it was mostly coming from the cheapo scaler, but I actually thought it was about 1/2 & 1/2 the scaler and the Amiga responsible for the lag (but it was ALL the scaler), and i just put up with it. I would have to edge the soldiers forward and click back before they got into potential danger. In hindsight, it was making the gameplay experience much worse, and many of these old-skool 90's games require quick reactions, but that scaler requires you to be to see the future to play correctly. I wish I had got rid of it sooner, and I may have been a little harsh on my Cannon Fodder review, as the game is hard, but that scaler was making it way harder than it should be. I've been playing some Turrican II in my spare time, and the 1st play through with the OSSC and I got further than I ever did before. There is a part in the shoot-em-up levels that is basically impossible if you play it with that cheapo scaler, but I can do it reasonable well now. You can even tell the difference when just using workbench.

[@proteque]

I landed on the OSSC as well. Very happy with it! I did buy a few of those cheap stuff first as well but those I tested did not pick up the RGB signal. Maybe they dont even support RGB and my cable does not transfer a backup in the form of s-video through scart.

[@DavePoo2]

I'm pretty sure the cheapo I have does accept RGB from the Amiga. But still, not good.

[@transgrl]

This is a really great video. I don't own an amiga or need a scart to hdmi converter but now I'm very well versed on the differences haha 😄

[@DavePoo2]

Glad to be of help, or in this case, no help.

[@transgrl]

@@DavePoo2 hahahaha

[@wepif]

Points for getting as far as you did with Canon fodder on streams must have been a nightmare

[@DavePoo2]

I could definitely feel the lag when I was playing. It's a pretty twitchy game, so I do regret playing it with that laggy converter.

[@Snowcrash777]

Thank you for this video. I ordered 2 different OSSC boxes (one is the same as yours) to see if and how they differ as I have 16 various Amiga models I purchased to repair/restore/upgrade and I just finished a 1200 I tricked out. It's amazing except the video output and I am using the same cheapo one you were lol! Regards

[@DavePoo2]

Good work, I think you'll be very pleased with the OSSC, and if you are playing any fast games, then you'll really appreciate the lack of lag.

[@bitoxic]

Hey Dave, you should also try installing s-video module from retrohax which you hook directly to the Amiga hardware and the module is mounted where the RF module would sit. An alternative video ouput is Amiga components adapter from Tindie. You plug it in and get excellent component output... but does not upscale. Do you have an old LED 4:3 tv?

[@DavePoo2]

I'm not sure why I would need those as I've got execellent RGB video from the Amiga using the OSSC and an RGB SCART cable. But, the C64 that's a different problem, as the OSSC doesn't accept composite or s-video, which is what the C64 produces.

[@ff-mu6cc]

nice!

[@TPau65]

The OSSC is a great piece of hardware (once setup for your needs)... as long as you stay in one video mode! I do video capturing on Atari ST/Falcon and Amiga demos and many of them switch between video modes (interlace, progressive etc.), resulting in nasty video/audio blackouts! Like this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o33Mqml3nNJ9qNE Medusa and Retrotink 2x are said to have the same problem. My new ODV GBS-C is better in handling video mode changes, but also not perfect, as it still creates random glitches at these transitions (sometimes it works, next time it doesn't)!

[@DavePoo2]

Also, if you need to make sure that your monitor can handle it too. I can see when I'm capturing off the OSSC that my monitor takes several seconds to respond to a new sync. Although it hasn't caused me a lot of issues really. I noticed that "Bills Tomato Game" used an interlaced display mode on the title screen, so it had trouble switching, but that was about it.

[@argniests5357]

did you have to change any OSSC settings to get it to work on your LCD? is your display a consumer tv or a computer monitor?

[@DavePoo2]

I didn't change any settings. I'm using it with a Dell 24" Monitor www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B095721RV6/

[@hansu-nihon]

Does it maintain/keep 4:3 aspect ratio or you have to set this every time?

[@DavePoo2]

My monitor is set to 4:3 mode, I'm not changing anything other than selecting the input when it is re-booted

[@75slaine]

How does the OSC handle the higher workbench resolutions ? I’ve been trying to figure out what to do there.

[@DavePoo2]

I forgot to mention that in the video, but I did try it with all the resolutions I could find in workbench and it could display them all.

[@75slaine]

@@DavePoo2 if you’re doing any follow up video’s on the OSSC, it would be great to see them demoed.

[@DavePoo2]

@@75slaine I am, and I will

[@rawberg_se]

You could just get a cheap/free old LCD TV too... :) Then you have both HDMI and scart inputs, even s-video if you're lucky. Personally I think the OSSC is a bit too pricy.

[@DavePoo2]

You could, but be aware that you will probably end up with the same input lag, as those TV's are not generally designed for gaming. The other problem is those TV's are generally older so when you do plug something modern into it, you generally get a lower res, worse image. And finally, for me, I've been doing live streaming which requires me to capture the output digitally, so plugging into an old school TV is no use. I still have my 42" LG TV in another room, it's 10+ years old and I keep it because it still has SCART and it's 1080p

[@rawberg_se]

@@DavePoo2 Yeah, valid points. Didn't realize TV's had input lag but all seem to have it, more or less, even new ones. The OSSC is very nice tho', I've seen it being recommended everywhere.

[@DavePoo2]

@@rawberg_se I could do a test on the LG TV to see if it's SCART input has the same input lag.

[@NesNyt]

Get rid of the scart and wrap it up