RetroTink 4K Review - PS2/Dreamcast HD Games & More Consoles! - Adam Koralik
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- Опубликовано: 29 июл 2024
- It's Adam Koralik here and today we're checking out the RetroTink 4K by Mike Chi. It takes RGB based component signals and converts them to HDMI. It also supports composite and S-Video, and even SCART as well. It also supports HDMI input which offers substantial benefits. Let's dive in!
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There are three scart types that should be addressed in the description so that some players aren't disappointed.
1. A scart adaptor - this is not scart - It is simply AV cables in an RCA to scart connection adaptor.
2. A regular scart lead. This is the same as above but with an actual (7 pin) scart connection. Quality wise, it's still just an AV cable.
3. RGB Scart - this is the true high quality scart. Usually 21 pin.
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Игры
"Composite is piss yellow for a reason." Ain't that the quote of 2023.
What I love about your videos, is that you do not worry about fancy editing, lighting, slow closeup panning, music, etc... You make them, much like as if I came over and we hang out. The plain style is so much more realistic in ways.
$750?! And I thought the RetroTink 5X being $300 was insane!
It's a premium scaling device and that's why it comes at that cost. The cost for FPGA chips to run at any resolution near 4K wasn't very feasible until lately. 4K is a very demanding resolution to run content in since it requires much more bandwidth and data compared to 1080p or even 1440p. 4K has about 8+ million pixels worth of data to render compared to 1080p at around 2-ish million.
k=187.5 and x=60.
IMO, this appears to be more of a professional device, rather than a hobby purchase. The 5x would certainly continue to support incredibly well, if that is more in budget.
@@Sebastian-xy3xk Don't forget insanely accurate CRT simulation, pre-scaling, multiple levels of Black Frame Insertion (w/ HDR for brightness compensation), and multiple de-interlacing modes including IVTC for 24fps content.
People spend thousands on BVMs. For 2k you could get a 55” lg c3 AND a retrotink 4k and have something comparable to a bvm, while being much bigger, and actually useful for modern content. Or if you already have the oled, it’s way cheaper than the bvm route. Top end options always command a premium. It doesn’t mean there isn’t a place for it. I’ll likely get one at one point. Current running a 5x to a Panasonic 1080p plasma to get integer scaling on a emissive display with perfect blacks. But, the downside is i can’t also run modern systems in their full resolution on the same display.
Id definitely enjoy a long in depth video on EVERY system that you can put through it. I love your more in depth videos
A long, in-depth video breaking down the perfect video set up for several consoles would be epic!
When I had previously commented that I was looking forward to you doing a "Retrotink-4k" review video, I did not expect you to release one this soon. This was a pleasant surprise and I would definitely watch a 4+ hour video on that badass upscaler you got there. As far as how you'll be making future "Retrotink-4k" videos goes, however, I'm sure you'll figure it out.
If the settings intimidate you, you should check out the custom profiles. If you do another video showcasing different consoles, that’d be cool to check out. Also the HDMI in pairs really well with a Gamecube and HDMI adapter like the Carby since there’s no digital to analog conversion. Would be cool to see what that looks like.
Thanks Adam and thanks Mike Chi! 🤩 These are great times for retro gaming
So many Retro Dreams! It's good to see so many options for old consoles to use with modern tvs/up scale old games
My current setup is my RGB modded n64, GameCube, and Wii to a Retrotink 5x via component cables, to a Mclassic. If I get the Retrotink 4K, would there be any reason to keep the Mclassic hooked up?
do you think you could use an hdmi switcher between this device and multiple other consoles? or what that muddy things up? also, would you get the full effect of the retrotink if using consoles for backcompat (playing a ps2 game on ps3) or would playing it through the original hardware be better?
Adam never misses an opportunity to mention the Pippin!
I am tempted to purchase this. However, I have a gut feeling they are going to release a RetroTink 4K Pro with physical menu select buttons on the device.
I like that this exists, but I am getting burned out with trying to perfect a legacy image on modern tech. I have 2 setups: an hdmi fpga setup, and a CRT. I’ll bow out but keep up the good fight.
Hey Adam, I would love to see a comparison video of the 4K and the 5X. I'm under the impression the 5X is more than enough for most people, but I'm not sure.
That boils down to if you have 4K capabilities to be honest.
I have the Retrotink5x I would consider it overboard if you are playing any pre-Dreamcast I use it for my N64 SVideo and SNES With hd retrovision cables and Atari 2600 through a VCR. I have fat PS3 that plays PS2 so I would probably would have been fine with 2x pro. I have a ps2 but it’s out of state and being used as a dvd player.
@@patrickmcdonnell8835 Wowser...that's QUITE the setup - Atari 2600 through a vcr!!! Then, through a scaler or vcr to crt? 🤔 🤔 🤔
@@gummislayer1969 Atari 2600 to a VCR then to a scaler. The Atari 2600 does not support composite video yellow cable which is the reason why I am using a VCR I am not interested in the New Atari VCS+ because it does not play homebrew games modding is out of my expertise as well neither do I really care because it’s Atari. Also all my system besides the hdmi ones go to A 1977 integrated amplifier for audio
Got mine ordered for the wave 2 release! Can’t wait to try the crt filters.
Adam, just out of curiosity, whats the Retrotink like compared to the Xbox Series S ps2/dreamcast emulation, in terms of clarity?
That's a pretty different concept to be fair, I didn't run that particular test.
Emulation will always be better since you can set internal resolution and scale that way. Stick with emulation
This is going to be a good one Matt, Thank you for the hard work!
Who's Matt?
Mike and his range of products are amazing. For thinking of so many scenarios... example, my PS3 looked great over RGB Scart for games and Netflix on my CRT. So Blu Ray should amazing also, right? No Sony added Macro Vision protection over scart but thanks to Mike, PS3 over Retro RGB component cables into a Retro Tink Comp2RGB converter and boom! Even sharper PS3 games and now Blu Ray playback with extended colour range in tact. Thank you Mike. And with the 4k now out I know if anything happens to the CRT then a nice 40" OLED with HDR support can play all the consoles and even the Laserdisc player via the RT4K 😊
Sir, I have a retro tink 4x pro, I have LG G1 OLED Tv, I want to play PS2 games like haunting ground on PS2, what settings would you recommend? I can’t seem to find something I like. I can’t seem to figure out how to get into advanced settings….i have the retrovison HD cables
That particular game supports 480p, make sure you get component cables and connect them to the RetroTink. I forget how you trigger the progressive scan mode, but a Google search will help with that.
@@AdamKoralik Yes, triangle and X press as game starts, I’ll try that…
Several channels on RUclips have reviewed this, and nobody, NOBODY thought to use the VGA input with a Dreamcast. Am I crazy, or is that not the very first thing to try out?? Thanks for showing that!
Have you tested the PS2 playing PS1 game through compoent to see if the Tink makers them work in compoent?
Yeah it works, the reason why it "doesn't work" is because your TV doesn't support 240p via component. There's actually nothing wrong with the output. The RetroTink upscaling it puts it into a resolution your TV will understand.
I got a question with an HDMI console like Dreamcast and NES with the Retro tank 4K would not be more clearer because they're both HDMI components now?
That would depend on a lot of factors, like how it was modded, what settings are used, etcetera.
Wow that's a hell of a lot more features than I was expecting very impressive, Mike Chi is a mad man can easily see why it's so expensive
If I may make a suggestion for things to test with it: consoles with HDMI adapters. Chiefly the PS2, Wii, GameCube, Dreamcast and Xbox. Not HDMI mods, but adapters. I know with the exception of the Gamecube, these are analog to digital converters. But for what it's worth, I've found the PS2 to HDMI and Wii2HDMI paired with things like the Framemeister or mClassic or even your old cheap SCART to HDMI with HDMI input doesn't look too bad. Matter of fact, the only way I can play Virtual Console games over the Wii2HDMI is by feeding the 288p content into the HDMI input on the cheap scaler or the Framemeister. So I think this would be a worthwhile test.
One day for sure. I’d like to add having properly calibrated equipment is essential for these.
Manyyy people do not adjust their tv properly and leave bad factory settings on. I learned just how good a tv can look with some adjustments.
From there, you tinker with this and you got perfection
You mentioned sometimes the mclassic could be used before the retrotink 4k? Would this be useful for things like the eon super 64 and the gc hd II?
Yeah, results will of course vary on a case by case basis.
Help me understand, in your opinion this makes a PS2 HDMI mod and Xbox Original HDMI mod not needed or irrelevant?
No no, the mods are still far superior. What I'm saying is the mods can work in conjunction with this to be even better.
If you're unable or unwilling to mod a console, this will still be a step up.
I am thinking about using this for my switch to my oled 1440p monitor. Is it possible use the 1440p 120hz BFI mode for this purpose and upscale well from 1080p?
I presume so, I didn't test that specifically. I don't think I have a monitor that supports 120 hz.
@@AdamKoralik let's see if I get a unit tomorrow
Is there a way to use the Mclassic with the PS2 if it’s not modded? Any links to cables appreciated.
Yeah, you can. But the signal has to be upscaled to 480p first.
I should warn you though, it'll never look good. The PS2 just...it can't. It can only look degrees of less bad.
I have Rad2x for every retro console & I plan on buying a Wii 2 HDMI & Xbox 2 HDMi adapters how will the Retrotink 4k see these setups?
You're saying you want to go from say, Wii to Wii2HDMI to RetroTink 4K?
1 in and 1 out hdmi input. I know hdmi switches exist but they either stutter, cut off or signals goes on and off?
... sorry...wut
I'm not a console guy, but I still have an old school TV. Down to my last one as I broke my other one with a Wii Remote! Ha-Ha!! I'm 50, so that is why I still have an old school TV.
For those that don't have an older TV get into Retro Hand Helds. They ALL come with a screen that is for the games of that time period! No RetroTink Needed. Good video though.
Happy BDay Adam
Would you say the tink is better than the ps3 for ps2 games? Like even throw an m classic in the mix, what has the better picture quality?
You're asking if I recommend the RetroTink OR the PS3 for PS2 games in terms of video quality?
Any chance you could try the Retrotink 4K on the original Xbox? I’m curious to see how a console like the Xbox can benefit from this converter (assuming it can work).
Check out my recent Project Stellar video. In short yeah, but like anything it would depend on how you have it rigged up.
How does the video clarity compare to emulating with a pc using PCSX2 ?
and is it worth it upgrading to this from the retrotink 5X ?
Telling my video was basic and a waste of your time is ironic since I answered exactly this in the video.
HDMI mods will benefit when added to this, yes, not sure why you deleted that question except for maybe you noticed it.
As for the latter, I addressed that as well.
Emulation, I didn't address as I don't use that.
@@AdamKoralikI deleted the question cause I noticed it was answered and forgot you mentioned it
But yes the video was basic and I know that to get the best of it you need a 4K tv or monitor but, I don’t have that so my question is on 1080P tv (which I have) is it worth the upgrade ?
Eh, without a 4K TV, likely not. As mentioned in the video, utilizing a 4K TV/monitor is kind of the whole point.
guess i’ll have to save up once again for this one. or maybe wait for an 8k version
I've decided to get an HDMI mod done on my PS2, Japanese PS2, and Original Xbox for the RetroTink 4k.
He said “huh huh huh funny” 😂 cracked me up lol
It is nice amazing video Adam 👍🏾💯
Adam, do you have a Zeebo? It's one system I'd wanna see it on the composite input😅
I do not. :(
I'm really curious, Adam. Does the Dreamcast look better in 1440p via MClassic or 1440p via the RetroTink 4K?
Honestly, that'll be a matter of opinion.
@@AdamKoralik What's your opinion?
I knew you'd love this thing!
I see that the Dreamcast image becomes seemingly 1:1 square instead of 4:3 rectangular here. It's strange how Dreamcast does that. I had to go in and tinker some extra with my settings on the OSSC to solve it. Apparantly the solutions for correct settings for that is out there on the web to find. But i never understood why specificly the Dreamcast does that when connected to line doublers like that. It's like the little fella just refuses to step in line...
Now that is some great tech!
I would love to see some PS1 footage on this thing!
Being dependent on the remote is really a big problem imo. At least i hope Mike gives the choice to buy a couple more remotes to have them backed up...
So for my Sega Saturn RGB Scart is better than HD Retrovision component cables?
Also would love a longform vid showing more old consoles.
It's essentially the same, both are just an RGB signal.
If I were you buy an RGB SCART cable it's more affordable
For that price I'll just buy a gaming pc that can run those games.
Watching your channel for years and enjoy your content. Keep it up man!
At around the 19 minute mark you mentioned get the RGB cables for SNES and not composite. The SNES jr will not natively support the those cables. You can mod that one and it's the best quality SNES for RGB outside of looking at serial numbers on an original but the picture quality would be the same if you did find it to my understanding. Also if I'm not mistaken the n64 and SNES take different types one is sync on Luna? Either way cables look the same and there not.
Yeah, mods help obviously. I was just sticking to the stock standards. Not sure about the difference between the SNES/N64. Just that the N64 is, natively, limited to S-Video.
I'd like to see a video just on Dreamcast (favorite console of all time) comparing VGA through Retrotink 4K and DCDigital through Retrotink 4K. Side by side comparisons would be sweet when you upgrade your capture card.
I would be interested in footage taken by you pointing your camera at that monitor. I'd be interested in seeing more PS2 (since its image quality is a horror show), and I would also be interested in seeing you downscale modern releases of retro games to 240p, and then upscale them to 4k with shadow masks and scanlines.
How does the Switch look upscaled to 4k through the Tink?
It's better, but nothing amazing.
Man, the price on some of this stuff makes me happy I decided to just focus on getting games and running them with emulators instead of getting too much into real hardware. At this point it's like getting $2,000 chrome rims for a beat up 1999 Ford Focus.
In my opinion there's two 'best' ways to enjoy old games: either you run them with an emulator and go balls to the wall with enhancements, or you go for the classic experience and run them on a CRT with no enhancements. This middle ground of basically trying to strap rockets to real hardware, mod HDMI ports onto real hardware, expensive upscaling boxes, etc is just weird to me.
You have all of the equipment, this might be pointless but I'm curious about the difference in results of the 5x component to classic, and classic to 4k input for the ps2 if you don't mind even sharing just a comparison image of just the 4k and then the combination of the three. If I buy this 4k I will have all three and would be curious about the difference, since what else do I do with my 5x and classic once I buy a 4k lol
Classic?
@@AdamKoralik autocorrect... Mclassic
$750!? 😢😮🫣
I’ll get one, but not immediately. I do find the settings a bit intimidating, so I’ll look for any presets or recommendations I find online for each console
I wonder how the PS2 would look with Retro Gem installed going into the RT4K.
it looks awesome
Hi Adam how come no N64? for Retrotink 4k I always hear you talk about that and the ps2 bieng the hardest to get a good signal from!
I mean, the N64 would work obviously. But as mentioned in this video, the best option it offers is S-Video natively. I think modding the N64 before using it with this is almost essential.
I would like to see individual videos where you use this on different consoles. I would like to see more of the Dreamcast since my Benharbros Gekko broke last year, I still haven't replaced it. So I am curious if I can somehow avoid buying a new one of those if I buy this and still get nearly the same picture quality with it set up differently with this. But yeah that price is hefty. I guess I would think of buying it as buying two Retrotink 5x's. And I was just getting to the point where I was ready to buy a Retrotink 5X. I just hope by the time I get around to getting this an update happens with a physical button on the device to change inputs.
You mean I can't directly connect M-classic to RetroTink 4K HDMI out? It reads it fine on RetroTink 5X.
Input or output?
@@AdamKoralikWell for me I have the M-Classic connected to RetroTink 5X. Reads it fine. So I am assuming that I'm talking HDMI output. Also they said that you can use a HDMI switcher onto this RT4K HDMI Input.
@@ao123578 Right, what I'm saying is the mClassic wouldn't be of much use AFTER the RetroTink 4K as the mClassic doesn't support 4K input. But you can feed it from mClassic to the RetroTink 4K.
@@AdamKoralik ok I can still use M-classic on it. I forgot to mention that I also have 4K gamer pro connected on top of the m-classic. Thinks it's over kill if you have all 3 connected (RT4K)? Curious to see a follow up video if you have all 3 connected.
S-video is the best signal to use from a stock N64, with the exception that some PAL region N64s only have composite video output.
The quality of the composite signal it puts out is also not too bad, at least as far as composite signals go.
I hould totally watch 4 hours of you trying this thing with 8 bit systems till nintendo switch.
Me:…750!!!!!! No Way!!!!
Adam: This even makes the PS2 look great!
Me:… Here, take all ALL my money!
Once you CAN capture the differences of each option I'd love a recommended deep dive settings for various consoles/game visuals
What is the white square on top? A logo?
On the unit itself? Yes, a logo.
I have the Retrotink5x I would consider it overboard if you are playing any pre-Dreamcast I use it for my N64 SVideo and SNES With hd retrovision cables and Atari 2600 through a VCR. I have fat PS3 that plays PS2 so I would probably would have been fine with 2x pro. I have a ps2 but it’s out of state and being used as a dvd player.
cool video Adam, that device is insane.
how does it compare to this daisy-chain?
Framemeister + Mclassic (primarily 3D content) + 4K Gamer Pro
I mean they're pretty different. But I haven't tried that particular setup.
@@AdamKoralik that makes sense. retrotink 4k is basically all-in-one solution. Would've been nice if it had a smoothing/buffering feature like you said in past videos as a bonus feature, incase you don't want to buy or use a mclassic
This is off topic but I would love to see you get your hands on the new “ossc pro” and put it through its paces with the ps2, it could be a cheaper alternative to this madness
Yeah, like you said, I would like to watch a video like that when you’ve got the 4K capture device it’s just that right now I’ve looked into it you can’t get any captured device that would do HDR or 4K 120 and that’s kind of annoying
What’s a good hdcp stripper device to use for ps3
There's a couple. Either one will put you through some hoops. Like a DVI to HDMI converter or an HDMI switch that removes HDCP coding, Zettaguard used to make them. But I think they stopped.
If the retrotink guy's can get this price down then this is a perfect successor to the framemiester. However, at $750 any streamers/gamer definitely has to weigh the option of emulation for better video quality. I'm not saying either set up is better, just saying knowledgeable consumers definitely are gonna hesitant & look around. Informative video, Adam.
Agreed
The way I look at it, half of the cost is for the hardware itself, and half the cost is for the next-level multi-year support that Mike Chi is going to give this thing.
On paper the Morph 4K will give you most of the same things as the Tink 4K at a much cheaper price - but it won't get anywhere close to the same support.
The only future think I'd want in a future device is hdmi 2.1 for BFI at 120HZ...
Dude you’re so lucky you got it for free 😂. I’m glad you did so this video could exist, thanks Adam. Have you compared the 4K quality of the RT4K vs the photophast 4K upscaler?
I did not! But the RetroTink 4K...yeah...I'm just going to say confidently is better.
Oh okay I was just wondering because I was thinking of using mclassic + 4k upscaler because $750 is just way too for me.
Man, I should of jumped on the Super Nt & Mega Sg when i had the chance. Now they're nearly $1300 CAD each, sealed on eBay.
Retrotink4K however seems like another fantastic option, that has far more versatility and can obviously cover a wide spectrum of retro consoles, and only adds around 2ms of latency.
But what would be the best latency free component cable splitter/Switch selector if you're simultaneously using multiple HD Retrovision component cables with lets say a Toploader(RGB Mod), SNES & Genesis(etc)when paired with RT4k's single component cable port?
Plan on hooking up the following above to a 55" Samsung QD-OLED(S90C or S90D), which is easily the best alternative to using a Sony WEGA trinitron(2005) CRT.
It does look impressive. I kind of want one, but I game on CRTS and I think by the time they go, an 8K retrotink will be here ready to truly make CRT emulation a reality.
i look to your opinion on these things, id love for you to revist this for all major retro systems & the nintendo switch. Id also love to see a comparison between the stacked 4k Gamer Pro/Mclassic NSW setup you previously reviewed & The Nintendo Switch hooked up to the RetroTink 4k. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Too much for me and i agree about the lack of input changing button not being ideap, my cheap scart converter even has one. You're the primier expert in my mind when it comes to best image quality on retro consoles and i would like to see either one large video of you showing your ideal console set ups or a couple of smaller ones for different console gens. Or perhaps one on more mainstream consoles and one on obscure consoles, like the Casio Loopy and Nuon!
What do you think of pixal fx ps2 hdmi mod?
Haven't had access to it yet.
The Retrotink4k is what I envisioned the Framemeister was like 9 years ago.
How does saturn and genesis dither blending look?!
Not sure, there's just so much to try.
“Composite: It’s piss-yellow for a reason.” 😂
9:00 Uh actually Sir, the PC-FX and FM Towns Marty both max out at S-video natively. Not that I'd expect you to know about the latter.
Looks like the Mclassic can be retired once I upgrade to the Retrotink 4K. The Mclassic + Retrotink Pro Multiformat served me well. Cannot wait to get one of these! Also, I will invest in a SCART cable for Dreamcast for those pesky games that don't support VGA! Currently have S Video and Beharbro's geko VGA box
What’s the coding you keep saying? I’ve googled everything I think you said and can’t find it. I have a ps3 and want the Tink4k but I’m confused about the “HTC Coding” or whatever it is you said and can’t find it to figure out what I should know
HDCP coding.
@@AdamKoralik you’re the man! Thank you bro
Amstrad GX4000 users - there are dozens of us!
I understand why it's $750, but unfortunately for me it's just too much, and I know I'd have a blast playing original Xbox games using it.
I'd like to see before and after footage from PS3.
I need this thing.
Would this look better than say feeding a original Xbox to a 480p edtv tv. Obviously a 480p tv is the max resolution, so there’s no upscaling with my original Xbox even though I’m feeding it a 480i signal. I’m from the uk which is why I feed it a 480i. You may be thinking why I don’t mod the console to feed it 480p. I have tried that with my edtv but there is a major caveat. My 480p tv is a widescreen 480p plasma, so any signal that is fed at 480p wiill default to widescreen, it will not display anything 480p with a 4:3 aspect ratio. So when a Xbox game is not 16:9 the tv will stretch the image thus making it look horrible at 480p. So with this In mind I keep the console running in its native pal format at 480i and it looks really good to me.
You missed talking about if it can handle games that do multiple resolutions. Example, Castlevania SOTN Saturn swapping between 240p and 480i.
Balls, you're right.
Down the road, if you run into a 4k capture device. I would love a series 'RETRO MAX OUT' Like one video per console that you were interested in doing. But I understand if that is not interesting for you or others or that you'd even have time for it
$750????? Ba ba ba BLO ME!!!
Is this worth it if you primarily have analogue consoles?
When you say that do you mean the new Analogue brand systems?
@@AdamKoralik yes, the company Analogue. Should have clarified. Have you tested those out on the 4K retrotink?
@@cd4playa1245 I have not, I don't own any of those.
@@AdamKoralik I appreciate you replying!
Can I plug in a VCR into this?
Hahahahhahahahaha
Well, yes.
Yes. The 5x can actually do time based correction.
They laughed at me when I said I’m going to be able to do 4K vhs movies!bwahahaha
@@Alexred94 lmao you may become an actual legend if you pull it off
Sorry for the stupid question, but the Retrotink 4K would be mostly useless for someone who only owns a Panasonic 50" plasma TV (that they absolutely love), right? Already own a 5X. Asking for a friend...
The benefits would be at their maximum with a 4K TV/monitor. Without, more limited, especially if you already have a 5X.
it really depends, but it sounds like barring composite input, you might want to look into the OSSC Pro for 1080p scaling
I personally use the Elgato 4k 60 Pro to capture 4k gameplay
there is NO way somebody is gonna get the RT4K for $750 and use composite cables on PS2
Oh you'd be surprised.
@@AdamKoralik "let me spend $750 and not get a $15 upgrade to make it not hurt my eyes"
Believe me, I agree with your logic. But after YEARS of making videos like this, and people asking me questions, the general expectation is "all cables are the same, and this box will make it HDified."
@AdamKoralik somebody spending $750 is probably going to do the bare minimum research on the best settings for each console they have plugged in. Which would more than likely tell them what cables they should be using to receive that
I STILL don't even have 4K! I would like to get the RetroTink 5X-Direct for the PStwo, though, just to match the RAD-2X I have for the other consoles - PSone, SNES, Genesis, etc.