Improved Raspberry Pi 3 Built-In Composite 240p on a CRT

[@ariusgreen4475]

I tested a few different configurations and this is what looks best to me, using retropie on a raspberry pi b+ with composite out (no hdmi) to a crt television. Start with a new unedited retroarch config file by copying `retroarch.cfg.rp-dist` to `retroarch.cfg`. Both files will be in the same directory (`/opt/retropie/configs/all/`). In `/boot/config.txt`: sdtv_mode=16 In `/opt/retropie/configs/all/retroarch.cfg` (also configurable from `retropie_setup.sh` script): video_smooth = "false" aspect_ratio_index = 0 video_shader = "/opt/retropie/configs/all/retroarch/shaders/snap-deluxe.glslp" video_shader_enable = "true" Download the snap shader from github: raw.githubusercontent.com/ektgit/snap-shader-240p/master/snap-deluxe.glsl There is only a `.glsl` file in the snap shader git repository. You need a `.glslp` (preset) file to auto-load the shader with the appropriate settings. The files should each go here, respectively: /opt/retropie/configs/all/retroarch/shaders/snap-deluxe.glslp /opt/retropie/configs/all/retroarch/shaders/shaders/snap-deluxe.glsl That's a `shaders` folder within the `shaders` folder. Now here's the content of `snap-deluxe.glslp` (the preset file). shaders = "1" shader0 = "shaders/snap-deluxe.glsl" filter_linear0 = "true" That should be everything. If it's configured correctly, this shader should show a significant improvement over using no shader. I didn't need to set up any custom aspect ratios, and I left all the fullscreen and resolution settings at the defaults. Make sure there is nothing overriding the default config file (check for options in `/opt/retropie/configs/[system]/retroarch.cfg`). Also check for conflicting config files at `/opt/retropie/configs/all/retroarch/config/`.

[@j.w.woodchuck356]

Thanks for sharing!

[@UNOxDExELLOS]

That is frikin awesome!! No more needing original hardware to maticulously make adjustments!

[@kevinfishburne]

Nice work there. :) My only suggestions for future videos are to find a way to lock the exposure of your camera so it doesn't automatically adjust exposure based on the brightness or darkness of a scene, as it gives a more consistent and clear look to the CRT image. The other is to place the camera closer to the CRT. The edges will be cropped, but the phosphors/pixels/crawl/etc. will be more visible to demonstrate the differences between native versus the shader. Keep up the good work!

[@j.w.woodchuck356]

Thanks for the feedback! I'll see if there's a camera app that allows fixed exposure next time, and try zooming in like you do on your videos.

[@j.w.woodchuck356]

I didn't realize this video was showing ads. Has anyone figured out how to disable ads for everyone in KZbin Studio on non-monetized videos? Thanks.

[@DolganoFF]

You can't anymore, thanks google

[@carachapadu]

Thank you for that great work, you're awesome.

[@rosevillereaper9230]

Very cool. So can i just add this to my image file? im using virtualman retro bliss 512 not sure how to do this im a noob when it comes to the pi.

[@j.w.woodchuck356]

I've never heard of virtualman, but if it is similar to Lakka or RetroPie, you should be able to copy this to your shader folder. It should be accessible through the network file share. Level1Online has a tutorial video. Hope this helps.

[@AdrianoLobster]

I'm not able to find the folder to put the shaders. I tried the shader folder on the .configuration > retroarch but I don't getting some effect! Someone can help me? ;(

[@frenchpet]

Is it possible to use this with the Playstation 3 running retroarch to improve it's image? PS3 can't do native 240p, so everything is 480i. I'm trying to get the picture to not be so ... you know, wobbly and gross when compared to original NES hardware. I can live with crappy color palettes but once you see 240p side by side with 480i it's so gross.

[@j.w.woodchuck356]

The shader requires the hardware/driver to support 240p. It then makes sure that the framebuffer contains a proper image that is suited to 240p. So if the PS3's hardware or driver doesn't support 240p, then the shader will not help. I'm surprised the PS3 doesn't support 240p since I thought some PS1 games were 240p, and PS3 does support PS1 backwards compatibility.

[@MisakaMikotoDesu]

Where can I even buy a retrotink anymore? I have a GPIO -> RGB connector but it only works at frequencies which are integer divisors of 19.2MHz. Very hard to get a stable image that is the correct aspect, correct amount of overscan, at 240p, with the correct frame rate.

[@MrMassivemanmeat]

I own a retrotink and it's amazing but I wanted to use my PC on it CRT for that I needed to buy a VGA two-component transporter.. I can verify that this transcoder works with a raspberry pi, I used it with a VGA666. And AMD video card 15 kilohertz on my CRT.. it may work with HDMI to VGA adapter that's common with raspberry pies with the proper HDMI timings. But I don't own one so I haven't tried it yet.... rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F173780145380

[@j.w.woodchuck356]

I don't know. You'll have to look up Mike Chi and see if he still sells them on his website.

[@tommik1283]

So if the resolution is 720 horizontal pixels fixed that simply means no real custom video modes... The question is - can the composite video encoder be reprogrammed? Have not seen a single answer to this on the internet.

[@j.w.woodchuck356]

My guess is that the 720 horizontal pixels (pixel clock) can be changed. The problem is that Broadcom has not publicly released documentation on how to change this. Maybe you can pester Popcornmix of Broadcom to look into it. BTW, the hardware displays the middle 640 pixels of the 720 horizontal pixels. So you have 40 unused pixels on each side.

[@miqueiasmichelon8290]

I tried the shader with a CRT tv with NTSC and sdtv_mode=16. Configured the custom aspect ratio in 640x480 in Recalbox 6.0. But I get this rainbow effect with ps1 games in dark places, in games like Driver and Tomb Raider II. Red and Green vertical stripes keep showing in dark rooms, and disapear in bright rooms. I noticed that if I turn off dithering in PCSX Rearmed the rainbow disapear, but the colors limitations of ps1 become more visible. There's a way to keep the dithering without the rainbow?

[@j.w.woodchuck356]

Sorry for the late reply. Were you able to resolve this? I'll have to see if I can reproduce this problem otherwise.

[@miqueiasmichelon8290]

No. But due to the emulation limitations, I chose to buy a ps2 to play ps1 games with component video cables, so I'm getting the best image possible.

[@jim41184]

This is great! What color palette are you using for the NES emulator? It looks pretty spot on.

[@j.w.woodchuck356]

You've got a sharp eye. I had to use Wii Virtual Console outputting 240p since I didn't have access to my NES. Consequently, the palette is the Virtual Console palette.

[@immediamalcoccinello483]

@@j.w.woodchuck356 Does this mean that the Wii perfectly emulates the NES? I've already heard something like this...

[@vdfritzz]

didn't do a thing here, what are your video settings, render res (from the runcommand menu) and others? i followed the instructions about 640x480 etc and setting it to core provided aspect ratio and sharp bilinear shader looks better, at least here

[@j.w.woodchuck356]

I'm using Custom aspect ratio with 640 width and 480 height. Also have shader filter set to Linear.

[@AdrianoLobster]

Oh Man, What amazing work! You know to say me if I can use it on Recalbox? Since now, thank you very much and sorry about my weird english! XD

[@j.w.woodchuck356]

I haven't tried it with Recalbox. I will try out Recalbox some time in the next few months and let you know.

[@AdrianoLobster]

Oh, thanks! I've finally find the right folder on Recalbox with a Linux distro on my ODROID C2, but unfortunately, I simply don't be able to make it work. Everything indicates that Recalbox have a resistence for these changes. I've follow all the correct steps, and nothing. But if you can help I will be very thankfull. Recalbox for me is the best emulation system dor Raspberry. Will be very good if your amazing work be able to work in him. Since now, thank you very much, and sorry about my weird english!

[@j.w.woodchuck356]

I'll let you know when I try out Recalbox. It should be pretty soon.

[@Pinesal]

Your image is slightly crooked. I have the same problem on my crt. Got a solution for that?

[@j.w.woodchuck356]

Apparently, there might be a rotation menu in your TV settings. Or there might be a knob inside the TV case. But make sure you don't electrocute yourself if you open up your TV! Information courtesy of CRT-expert G. Dragon. Hope this helps.

[@MartiniGaming]

Anyone try this with a retrotink? I think the config.txt settings on the RT website for the timings break this shader

[@j.w.woodchuck356]

I don't have a RetroTINK unfortunately. Anyone else know?

[@MartiniGaming]

i have one, and tried it. unfortunately, it doesn't seem this shader is needed for it. however, it really is a good solution for those using the composite out for 240p edit: for anyone with a retrotink, i find that keeping 2048x(proper height res) seems to be a good end all solution. if the height res isn't within the integer scale, turn bilinear filtering on (NBA JAM, MK2, etc)

[@MrMassivemanmeat]

i does work with the Tink .. i use it for psx games that have switch from 224p and 240p.. like fmv and some menus. but if the game uses 480i the shader will over stretch the height.

[@MartiniGaming]

interesting, do you have any examples of what games so i can try it out?

[@MrMassivemanmeat]

@@MartiniGaming I believe tekken3 menus are 480i but the game is 240p I believe Parasite Eve full motion video is 240p or 480p but the gameplay is 224p.

[@immediamalcoccinello483]

Do you need to activate the bilinear filtering for the snap shader to work?

[@j.w.woodchuck356]

You should turn off bilinear filtering, but set filter to linear where you set the shader.

[@raymondrodrigues8351]

how would i connect the raspberry pi to a crt with component cables?

[@j.w.woodchuck356]

My understanding is that the RetroTINK will allow you to do that.

[@minimalexs]

great job! the resolution is 240p equal to retrotink and pi2scart? thanks!

[@j.w.woodchuck356]

Thanks! If you're asking about the vertical resolution, yes, they are all 240p. If you are asking about horizontal resolution, then I believe the RetroTINK and PI2SCART are sharper (higher resolution). Hope this answers your question.

[@kevinpiens1875]

wil this work also with pi2scart??

[@j.w.woodchuck356]

I haven't tried but it could work. Hopefully, someone who has pi2scart can chime in.

[@kikihideout4966]

This is garbage clickbait, this isn't real 240p, you didn't even zoom in the picture to show the scanlines, its 480i because of the flicker, and running a shader over on a real CRT only makes it worse even. I feel disgusted by all the people thinking this bad thing is somehow good.

[@immediamalcoccinello483]

No. It's 240p.