Cheap upscaler for old stuff...

So.... I have tried different up scalers, for my various equipment that I have. That would be Amiga computers, Commodore64 Model-C, Playstation-1 and so on. I bought the up scaler on eBay for some 13 Euro plus shipping. Previously I have tried different up scalers at the same price, and they were worse than sucking big fatty balls'. So when I saw this one at that price, I thought why not give it a try? So what are my thoughts or verdict for this? It is by no means perfect at all. Though with some fiddling, the right HDMI to VGA converter and the right monitor. It is not that bad. For the price, it is quite good. And gives a usable set up. It is allright if you are on a budget, just not expect anything revolutional, and remember that it really just is what it is.....

A cheap low budget solution, that anyone can afford.

On the Amiga, the picture is ok. When using it at 60hz, there is the usual stuttering. When going for 50hz, it is ok to use. Most LCD or TFT monitors today, can not sync to 50hz, so you will have a hard time looking for one. On a CRT monitor, you can sync to 50hz on most monitors. Though why go for this converter, if you'r monitor is an CRT? Go for a television with SCART input instead. It is cheaper, as you get them thrown at you, for nearly next to nothing and sometimes for free. And if you have the space for CRT, then why not go for a real Commodore monitor instead. If you can live with 60hz, then this converter is ok. Like for word processing and stuff. As I said it is a cheap solution.

On the C64, combined with an HDMI-to-VGA converter and a Samsung 17 inch monitor (172-Something), it is quite good. Not perfect, yet it is so much better than a LCD television using the SCART input and a Composite/SCART adaptor. Still... Nothing beats a good old CRT television with SCART and composite inputs.

On the Playstation-1 (sorry, have not tried on the Playstation2 yet), it is kind of ok. Better than modern televisions. Even if those have composite inputs. There are some serious flickering at the CD-player menu you get when turning it on without a disc. Once you get into the games, it is usable. Just don’t expect any wild results. Again. CRT televisions are better, and modern with composite are crap.

What are the final thoughts after a quick test? Still pictures are looking great, movement are somewere between acceptable and meh'. It is a fine product for the price.

And now for some pictures.... (The: "What's In The Box Game")