Task: Purchase a RetroTINK 5X Pro for Connecting an Atari 8-Bit Computer to an LED Display
Needed: Atari 8-bit computer, RetroTINK 5X Pro
Time: 10-15 minutes
Introduction
I have previously posted about the RetroTINK 2X Pro for converting the composite video from an Atari 8-bit computer to HDMI for display on an LED screen. This works particularly well with the Atari 800 or a modded XL or XE (e.g. Ultimate Atari Video or UAV board) that have both the chroma and luma signals that can be easily converted to S-video. I recently purchased a RetroTINK 5X Pro to see if I could get even better video out of the Atari. I also figured it couldn’t hurt to have two RetroTINKs for shows, etc. The claim is that it provides 1080p upscaling. The unit has a lot more options than the 2X Pro, has scart input, and comes with a nice remote control that includes volume buttons. Screenshots for a stock and UAV-modded 800XL can be found at the bottom of the post.
Please note before you purchase the 5X Pro that I could not tell a difference between the quality it provided above and beyond that of the 2X Pro.
Instructions
First, purchase the 5X Pro directly from RetroTINK for $325. Yes, they are very expensive! Note that the 2X Pro works quite well for Atari 8-bits and is much cheaper ($140).
Second, connect the micro USB for power.
Third, connect the composite output to the RetroTINK. I recommend a composite to S-video cable from 8-Bit Classics ($12) if you are using an Atari 800 or an XL/XE with a mod that allows for both chroma and luma.
Fourth, connect your HDMI cable from your LED monitor or TV.
Fifth, review the user manual that comes with the RetroTINK 5X Pro. The manual is available at the bottom of the page. Here is a direct link to the PDF.
Comments
I am happy to have this unit and, even though it didn’t seem to provide better video conversion than the 2X Pro, it might work better for other platforms such as the Wii that natively output better quality video.
The screenshots below show first a stock 800XL followed by one with a UAV video board mod. The UAV definitely provides crisper video. Whatever upscaling the RetroTINK is doing with the stock signal can’t compete with the UAV.
