Task: Connect Your Atari Computer to an LED Screen
Needed: LED screen, connectors
Time: 30-60 mins
Introduction
I previously posted some details on how to connect your Atari computer to an LCD screen using composite video or composite converted to S-video. What if you want to connect your Atari to an LED screen using HDMI? Converting composite to HDMI is not as straightforward as converting to S-video because HDMI is a more complex signal. To do a good job of this you really need a professional video processor unit that can cost $500 to $1000 or more. I have not been willing to drop this kind of cash on a video converter solution. There are a number of low-cost converters out there but you really get what you pay for. I tried three different models and report here on my mixed experience.
The first one I tried was the Armor3 that was recommended by several different people on Atari Age and elsewhere. This one comes in a small plastic case with composite video and sound in and HDMI out. It runs about $20 and is widely available. Here is a screenshot I took of an Atari 130XE running Donkey Kong with the HDMI out connected to a Dell 43″ LED monitor. This was not as bright as the one below and always comes with the green stripes on the right side.
The second one I tried was the Neoteck that was also recommended by several different people on Atari Age and elsewhere. This one comes in a small metal case with composite video and sound in and HDMI out. It runs about $20 and is also widely available. Here is the comparable screenshot. This one was a little bit brighter and a tad crisper. It did not have the green artifacts of the Armor3. I like this one a bit better.
The third one I tried was the Tendak that converts both composite and S-video to HDMI. This one comes in a larger metal case and runs about $30. I was particularly excited to try this one since the S-video is such better quality that composite. However, my video signal out showed up only in black and white. I tried all sorts of different cables and several different monitors and TVs. No dice. There are a number of negative reviews online that report the same thing. It appears to be a common defect. I have been unwilling to risk another $30 for one of these or another one that converts S-video. Maybe down the road when I get up the nerve to splurge on a more expensive professional video processor.
Instructions
For an inexpensive solution, I recommend you explore Amazon products and reviews. The Neoteck shown below that I have does not seem to be available anymore. It worked pretty well as an inexpensive solution. Here is a later post on the more expensive RetroTINK solution with superior digital video.
Comments
It is really hit or miss with these cheaper converters. You might need to try two or three as I did to find one that works with your gear. I personally find this one of the more frustrating aspects of retrocomputing.