RetroTINK 2X Pro Multiformat User manual

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2X-M PRO Multiformat
User Manual
Revision 1.0
August 10th, 2020
Copyright RetroTINK LLC 2020
All Rights Reserved
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Introduction
The RetroTINK-2X Pro Multiformat (2X-M) is a device capable of line-doubling standard
definition sources from composite, S-video and component signals from retro consoles. The
2X-M is also capable of passing 480p component video signals without alteration in timing to
the digital video output port. All processes are essentially “zero added lag” to preserve the
original gaming experience.
The 2X-M includes support for scanline generation for standard definition sources, firmware
updates over USB and multi-region decoding of NTSC/PAL/PAL-60 and other encoded
formats.
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Description
1. YPbPr/CVBS input. For composite sources, connect the Yellow video line to the Green
jack.
2. Audio input.
3. S-Video input.
4. Digital Video output.
5. microUSB power input. Connect to any microUSB power source capable of supplying
500 mA or more.
6. INPUT button. Cycles between component, S-video and composite inputs.
7. FILTER button. Cycles between normal and scanline modes.
8. COMB switch. Toggles between notch and automatic comb filtering for composite
video.
9. MODE switch. Toggles between line doubling and pass-thru modes.
10. Indicator LED.
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Quick Start
First insert a microUSB power cable to the device. You may use any source capable of
supplying at least 500 mA.
Second, connect your console to the device. You can leave both the component/composite
and S-video inputs plugged in at the same time, although both video ports share the same
set of audio inputs.
Third, press the ‘INPUT’ button until the correct video input type is selected. The ‘Indicator
LED’ shows the current input:
•GREEN - Component (480p sources will cause the green to turn purple)
•WHITE - S-video
•YELLOW - Composite
Fourth, make sure that the ‘MODE’ switch is set to ‘Line2x’.
Fifth, connect the device to your display via a Digital Video cable. You should now see the
output from your console on your display.
Finally, press the ‘FITLER’ button until your desired effect is shown. The filters cycle between
norma and scan-line effects.
The RT2X-M remembers the input and filter settings between power cycles.
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Advanced Features
Comb Filtering
The ‘COMB’ switch controls how the video decoder performs chroma/luma separation for
composite video sources. For retro-consoles such as the NES that use off-spec encoding the
‘Retro’ setting may produce less vertical artifacts at the expense of horizontal resolution by
using a notch type filter. The ‘Retro’ mode is probably most similar to an old fashioned analog
CRT TV.
For cleaner video sources, such as LaserDisc and newer generation consoles, the ‘Auto’
position will generally produce a sharper and cleaner image.
We recommend you try both settings and using the mode you prefer.
Pass Thru Mode
The ‘MODE’ switch allows the line doubler to be turned on or off. For normal gaming on
240p/288p sources, this should be set to ‘Line2x’ to output 480p/576p.
Setting the ‘MODE” switch to ‘Pass’ turns off the line doubler and the device simply digitizes
the video signal to the Digital Video output but preserves the original timing. Pass-thru mode
may be useful for video capture so that more advanced de-interlacing techniques can be
applied later in software.
Pass-thru is also useful if you wish to use the 2X-M as an transcoder for a RGB monitor or as a
pre-processor for a device like the OSSC.
De-interlace Field Offset
Press the ‘MODE’ and ‘INPUT’ button at the same time to cycle between different
combinations of odd/even field offsets. This may be useful for certain ports of 240p games
that are incorrectly output as 480i on a modern console. This allows for perfect reconstruction
of the original image as if they were line doubled from 240p content. The de-interlace field
offset is not saved across power cycles.
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Firmware Upgrade
The 2X-M has the ability to upgrade the firmware over USB using a PC-based application. No
special tools are needed.
Firmware upgrades requires that the 2X-M be started in bootloader mode. Hold the ‘INPUT’
button down while connecting the 2X-M to a PCB via USB cable. The LED indicator should
remain solid RED.
If the upgrade process fails, simply restart by powering off the device and re-entering the
bootloader. Since the bootloader resides in a protected region on memory on the
microcontroller, bricking the device is extremely unlikely.
To exit bootloader mode without upgrading, disconnect the microUSB cord from the 2X-M,
then reinsert without holding the ‘INPUT’ button down.
Detailed and firmware files may be found on www.retrotink.com.
THE 2X-M HAS A CUSTOM FIRWMARE BASE. DO NOT USE 2X-M FIRMWARE ON ANY
OTHER DEVICE OR VICE VERSA.
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Troubleshooting
Q: No image is shown.
A: Double check that the 2X-M is powered up and that the Digital Video cable from the 2X-M
is securely plugged into your TV. Try another TV and Digital Video cable. Without any console
connected, you should see a blue screen. If you do not, contact your seller for additional
assistance.
Q: Image is black and white.
A: Press the ‘MODE’ button to cycle to the correct input mode (composite, S-Video,
component).
Q: Image is okay but then becomes glitchy when switching input sources.
A: Power cycle the device if this happens.
Q: Picture is noisy and/or interference is seen.
A: In almost every case, the noise originates from the console, console’s power supply and/or
the cables used to connect the console to the 2X-M. The noise almost never originates from
the 2X-M itself. In addition, to preserve image sharpness, the 2X-M does minimal filtering to
attempt and smooth out noisy sources. For the best image quality, always use official power
supplies for your console and shielded video cables.
Q: No sound is heard.
A: Double check to make sure the audio cables are connected correctly. Try another TV. The
off-spec video timing of some-retro consoles causes some displays to reject the audio stream
in the Digital Video connection. Alternatively, directly connect the audio output from your
console to your sound system and bypass the 2X-M.
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Specifications
Disposal
If your RetroTINK malfunctions, please contact the place of purchase via e-mail or through
their website to arrange repair or replacement. All RetroTINK units come with one years
warranty. Outside of warranty, resellers may also offer repair services at their discretion.
If you do need to dispose of the unit, in most countries you can recycle the unit for free at
your local recycling centre. To find your nearest centre in the UK, visit the Recycle More
website at http://www.recycle-more.co.uk!and type in your postcode. In the Republic of
Ireland, visit https://www.weeeireland.ie/household-recycling/where-can-i-recycle/.
If you live outside of the UK or ROI, please check with local authorities or contact us to
arrange for a return of your unit.
Input Connections
CVBS, S-Video, Component and Analog Stereo Audio
Output Connection
Digital Video Connector, TMDS
Supported Formats
240p, 288p, 480i, 576i and 480p
Supported Standards
NTSC, PAL, PAL-60
Latency
< 100 μS from analog input to Digital Video output
Data Interface
FTDI USB Virtual Serial Port, 115200 bps 8-N-1 RTS/CTS Flow Control
Power
< 300 mA over microUSB, 500 mA PTC fuse for overcurrent protection
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