RetroTink 2X-Pro/2X-Pro-M : Info and Putting them to the Test! (Updated: See Description)

[@RetroBoost]

More RetroTINK Videos (Updated of this and more!): 2X Pro vs 5X Pro 2023: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5rbY6ecmZ6Jg5I RetroTink 2X-Pro Before and After - Side by Side kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJippJapmNhlidU RetroTINK 5X Pro: Custom Cropping, Scaling, and Updated Game Play! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpu5eGqrn6aijMU

[@RetroBoost]

I forgot to mention the Filters during the Before/After Section. Generally, it’s recommended to use the “Original Blocky” Filter for 2D graphics, and “Smooth” for 3D Consoles. The 2X Pro M lacks the Smooth Filter, rather sporting an updated method of picture processing. Looks very good for older consoles, though I’d still give the edge to the regular 2X Pro for those situations. Since it lacks the ability to accept 480p, the 2X Pro is generally not recommended for the 5th and 6th Gen consoles, unless you plan to use Composite/S-Video. Otherwise, check out the 2X Pro M or 5X Pro for the Component-era consoles.

[@RetroBoost]

Thanks everyone for watching! It has been an interesting and educating journey making content. One thing I've come to learn is the impact KZbin's Compression can have on the footage from all these Retro Enhancement Devices. Keep in mind that some detail is always lost with compression. My commentary is in response to what I've experienced from playing on my TV and watching the Raw Capture Files. I've added this info to the description of videos going forward, but wanted to post this comment to all the videos prior to that change. Thanks again for watching, I really appreciate it!

[@emilycestari]

Thank you! Can’t wait to get the 2x pro and play on the N64 again!

[@RetroBoost]

You’re welcome! If you can find one, I’d highly recommend using an S-Video Cable as opposed to the normal composite one that N64 defaults with. It’ll be a noticeable jump in picture quality.

[@RetroBoost]

An Updated Video is now available, with Side by Side Comparisons and featuring more Game Consoles: N64, GCN, PS1, PS2, SDC, and Xbox. Same set up as this video (same capture card, RetroTink 2X Pro Filter set to Smooth). All consoles running Composite. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJippJapmNhlidU

[@oleschoolgamers]

Great comparisons! Its easier to see difference if you put em next to each other, but still like the vid, nice work!

[@RetroBoost]

Thanks! I agree too, originally that was how I was trying to do it. Still learning, getting better at the editing portions. I’ve got another one of these types of videos planned for other consoles, and I want to do side by sides for that one when the time comes.

[@RetroBoost]

Made an updated video, now with Side by Sides! More consoles too! Same set up as this one. If interested, you can see it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJippJapmNhlidU

[@MichaelChristensen-s5u]

Wasn't the M better for composite?

[@RetroBoost]

According to its spec breakdown, it was stated to have a better decoder for composite sources. I never did any specific comparisons on that since it got discontinued not long after I started playing around with these devices for the channel.

[@aspinia]

what about dreamcast? can I improve the vga output that gives the official dreamcast vga box if I plug it to the retrotink? retrotink even possess vga in?

[@RetroBoost]

Currently all the RetroTink Devices are either Composite, Component, Scart to HDMI or Scart/Component Conversions. No VGA on their line up currently. I am going to do another one of these comparison videos to show other consoles, the PS1, PS2, Dreamcast, and original Xbox, using either Composite or Component, I don’t have VGA for the Dreamcast though, Is have to look into getting the cable. I do have an Extron Matrix Switch, so I’m tempted to figure out a way to convert VGA to BNC once I get the cable and try doing some tests with the Dreamcast VGA method that way, outputting to a RetroTink device. I don’t know if that’s possible though, I’d have to experiment with it. www.RetroTink.com

[@RetroBoost]

Got an update for you. After discussing this questions with some of my contacts, I do have a way to utilize The Dreamcast’s VGA with a RetroTink device. You can use an Extron RGB 192 - VGA to component analog converter to then run to the RetroTink 2X Pro M (I would strongly recommend the 2X Pro M for this situation, since it’s rated for 480p pass through and progressive scan).You can find these extron converters on eBay for less than $20. You would also need to get some RCA to BNC pieces and you might need Phoenix to RCA (for audio, many extron devices use Phoenix input for audio) converters to allow a Component cable to connect up, that will then go to the RetroTink. A little complicated, but this will work.

[@Dudester100]

Does 2X-Pro-M work better with wii and ps2 games compared to the 2X-Pro?

[@RetroBoost]

For the Wii, you can utilize 480p Console Output if you use the 2X-Pro M, as the regular Pro cannot accept 480p content. So I would say the 2X Pro M becomes the superior for that console if you use that output mode (use component cables). For the PS2, The Multiformat would still be the better choice given it’s support for 480p pass through, which is what all consoles at and after the PS2 can output with the right game or setting. Basically, the 2X Pro Multiformat is best suited for those generations, the semi-modern consoles like the PS2, Xbox, etc. Worth mentioning that although the Multiformat doesn’t have the same filters as the 2X Pro, the conversion is “improved,” so on paper it’s better in every way, I did publish a couple of videos you watch so you can be judge. Or if you have the budget, the 5X Pro handles those consoles very well also.

[@Dudester100]

@@RetroBoost Thank you for the detailed response! I'll keep this in mind for my potential purchase in the future!

[@Brad-cb2dt]

Btw, according to Retrotink, in addition to having an advantage with component supporting 480p pass-through, the Pro-M also has an advantage with composite signals due to it using a bilinear filter. You may want to consider running any composite video cables you have through the Pro- M and leave the original Pro exclusively with S-video cables.

[@RetroBoost]

Great fallout! Yes, this is something cool that I became aware of when I made the updated version of this video (I also updated the description of this video, given that I didn’t know this at the time, wanted to make sure all the info was still here) I just acquired a 5X Pro a few weeks ago, and have been testing that with all my consoles to get a feel for it. Going forward I’ll probably be running everything to that and the regular 2X Pro, split from my Extron Switch.

[@shadowmich]

Hey , I just bought it from someone but without the s video cable and I think because of this I get this bad video quality, it seems to be shimmering/flickering and looks worse than it normally would. It has got this huge amount of pixels... Am I correct on this matter or?

[@RetroBoost]

Couple of things: Although S Video is certainly better, it shouldn’t be “bad” with composite by any means. If it looks worse than you think it should, three basic troubleshooting steps I’d recommend would be to try alternative cables (if you can). As stupid as that sounds I’ve actually had bad composite and component cables before that I ended up replacing after doing some tests. Secondly: Make sure that inputs is right, everything is inserted right, and the content is a resolution input that your RetroTink device supports (for example, the 2X Pro cannot accept 480p input). Thirdly, it may be worth doing a firmware update on the unit if you haven’t already. The product pages on RetroTink’s website link off to firmware pages for the listed device.

[@shadowmich]

@@RetroBoost Thanks for the fast reply, I’ll try these tips out and I will get back at you with the good or bad news ✌️

[@shadowmich]

@@RetroBoost Hi again, today I received my S-video cable (xunbeifang S-Video Cable for GameCube for GC RCA AV Cord for Nintendo-64 for N64 for SNES for Super Nintendo) But now the problem is I don't get any image anymore, it says no signal on my tv when it is connected and powered on. When I plug the power cable in and out it gives me sound and a test image colors screen and after a while it just goes back to no signal.. would you have an idea to what the problem could be here?

[@RetroBoost]

Hmmm, I wouldn’t be totally sure. First thing would be to make sure it’s on the right input. For the 2X Pro the S-Video input is indicated by the LED turning white. On the 2X Mini I’m not sure if that is the same. Other than that I wouldn’t be too sure. You could try to power cycle the RetroTink device just to make sure it isn’t some kind of error with the RetroTink coming out of standby.

[@shadowmich]

@@RetroBoost i tried turning it on and off again and again by pulling out the usb cable but it still shows the testcolorscreen and afterwards it just goes back to no signal again. :( it does have the white light. And there doesn’t seem to be any troubleshooting on the internet to find similar cases lol

[@maximusthecannabist5170]

Which one did you prefer for n64?

[@RetroBoost]

I’d say that the 2X Pro with S Video - set to the Smooth Filter, it’s the best experience I’ve had yet for the N64. The 5X Pro is really good too, but for the price, you can get a great experience from the 2X Pro if you go the S Video route. The only limit would be 480p sources not being compatible, but that only matters if you have a huge variety of consoles and cable types . If you buy from RetroTink direct you can usually toggle an S Video Nintendo Cable onto the purchase. The SNES is really impressive on the 5X Pro, but when comparing the N64 between the two, I’d actually give the advantage to the 2X Pro. Side by Side video for that is coming soon.

[@maximusthecannabist5170]

@@RetroBoost I have the 5x and have a video primarily about ps2 I am gonna do n64 and gamecube but I'm not getting good results with the 5x when it comes to gamecube I also have a old sony bravia 32inch flat screen that outputs 480 upto 1080i it has s video,component and composite ports and the results are great with just oem cables also what do you think about the 2x mini?

[@RetroBoost]

For PS2, I run component cables to the RetroTink device I’m using (most recently the 5X Pro. I have the console’s output set to Widescreen, for most games that produces a pretty great experience. MGS3 was really good in particular. Regarding the 2X Mini, it has a lot of what the 2X Pro has. You get composite and s video, and you get the smooth filter. Two wins for consoles like the N64 there.

[@maximusthecannabist5170]

@@RetroBoost for ps2 it really depends on the game for me at least especially for cartoony games like simpsons but every game really shines with the rtx5 as far as ps2 is concerned that I've tested I ended up ordering the 2x mini because I'm only using this this for the n64 and I have carby and swiss for gamecube thanks for the reply dude I subbed up

[@maxlepord]

Is the mini worth it if you only care for n64?

[@RetroBoost]

It’ll definitely improve the experience, that’s for sure. If you use Composite, you’ll get an experience similar to what is shown in this video. S-Video is a little better, I recently started to test that, which the 2X Mini has as well. I just published a few videos on N64 Gameplay using S Video with the 2X Pro the other day.

[@NullyBird]

You're outputting in the wrong aspect ratio. In post processing, reduced horizontal scaling to 75%.

[@RetroBoost]

Interesting, thanks for the heads up, I’ll look into it!

[@alessandrafatar6401]

Bem até ótima scanlines RGB lindo Petro tink pro 2x 😎

[@kghhgkgk6322]

Jesus christ that intro sound is ridiculous

[@RetroBoost]

@@kghhgkgk6322 It changed a few months after. Current one is way better, actually made sure the levels were in a comfortable zone. These old videos hit me like a bomb too, can’t believe I settled on that back then.

[@kghhgkgk6322]

@@RetroBoost good to hear. I watched a few other of your videos and saw it got way better. Have you ever used the 2x pro on any Atari, intellivision, or colecovision consoles? Having a hard time finding any info on it's abilities with those.

[@RetroBoost]

@@kghhgkgk6322I have not. Could’ve bought an Atari 2600 with a composite mod and hesitated, lost the chance. I’d imagine that it might be similar to the NES’s performance, in the sense that adding scanlines can really help.