Retro video interfaces

Adds adjustable CRT-style dark lines to a compatible progressive VGA signal before it reaches a modern display.

For this platform (bus/interface): This is a generic VGA visual-effects processor rather than a computer-specific video adapter. It requires a compatible progressive VGA source and VGA display. A separate scaler is necessary for normal 15 kHz composite, S-Video, or RGB output from an old computer.

The ArcadeForge maker page remains online but exposed no clear current price or Add to Cart control on 2026-07-30. Arcade Express marked its unit out of stock, while Jammastar displayed both a last-items warning and a notify-when-available control. Confirm stock before ordering. The maker designs the device around 640 x 480 VGA. A stock C64, C128, or other 15 kHz computer cannot connect directly; it first needs a suitable scaler that produces a supported progressive VGA signal.

Automatically selects among five, eight, or sixteen powered SCART sources, with expandable Hydra2 variants providing as many as 24 inputs.

For this platform (bus/interface): Hydra selects among equipment connected through correctly wired SCART cables. It does not create a video format the source lacks or convert its timing for the display. Confirm analog sync level, cable direction, source format, output wiring, and display compatibility before applying power.

The Hydra2, W-Hydra2, W-Hydra, both Mini Hydra cases, and HEADS pages exposed login-or-register-to-buy paths on 2026-07-27. Mini Hydra cannot use HEADS. Hydra2 and W-Hydra2 can reach 24 inputs; W-Hydra can reach 24 inputs but has one output. Use simple correctly attenuated 75-ohm source cables. Do not feed TTL-level sync into an analog input, and never connect or disconnect SCART while the switcher or source is powered because the seller warns that hot-plugging can damage the video-switch IC. Power hardware is separate: most Hydra2 variants accept 5 V Micro-USB, selected variants also accept the separately sold 9 V PWR4, and the older W-Hydra page specifies 5 V Micro-USB.

Converts composite, S-Video, RGB, RGBI, and VGA-family retro signals to simultaneous digital and analog DVI-I output.

For this platform (bus/interface): Medusa accepts multiple retro analog video interfaces and produces simultaneous digital and analog DVI-I output. Choose the EU SCART or JP21 hardware for the cable standard in use, supply the correct source cable, and confirm the destination display accepts the source-derived vertical refresh rate.

The European SCART and Japanese JP21 Revision B pages exposed login-or-register-to-buy paths on 2026-07-27. Never connect an EU SCART cable to the JP21 version: the seller says the different pinout can damage the device. The newest dated hardware announcement says units made since June 2025 have a larger OLED and USB-C power, but an older section still says Micro-USB. Human review found no package clarification, so confirm the connector, power requirement, and included USB items with the seller. A DVI-to-HDMI cable and source-system cables are sold separately. Medusa line-doubles when needed but does not change vertical refresh rate, so the destination display must accept the resulting 50 or 60 Hz signal and may blank briefly when the source changes resolution. Install only firmware matching the hardware revision.

Converts composite or S-Video from a C64 or C128 to selectable-resolution analog VGA output.

For this platform (bus/interface): The scaler accepts generic CVBS composite or standard S-Video and outputs analog VGA. Supply a source-specific cable, USB power source, and VGA cable.

The exact Portta scaler was documented in a 2016 hands-on review, but no current maker product page or stable new-stock source was verified in 2026. The unit includes a short USB-A power cable but no power supply or computer-specific video cable. Results varied by computer: the reviewed flat C128 looked excellent over S-Video, a C64C showed vertical banding and a rainbow border, and a C128DCR produced poor S-Video but good composite output.

Converts NTSC composite video and analog audio from an Apple II or Apple III to an HDMI display.

For this platform (bus/interface): This is a general external NTSC composite-and-audio to HDMI converter. It is not a platform-specific digital-video upgrade and has not been tested for PAL input.

The adapter was in stock and backorderable for $45 on 2026-07-30. It was not tested or intended for PAL systems. Simultaneously connecting a CRT and this adapter requires a composite impedance-matched switch box or video may degrade or disappear. The package includes generic composite, HDMI, audio-adapter, and power cables, but not a computer-specific Commodore A/V cable.

Line-doubles standard-definition composite, S-Video, or component video for modern digital displays with no added latency.

For this platform (bus/interface): The 2X Pro accepts standard-definition composite, S-Video, and component signals and line-doubles them for a modern digital display. It is a general external video processor, not a computer-specific internal upgrade.

The original RetroTINK-2X is a retired predecessor; the current 2X Pro was orderable for $139.99 on 2026-07-30. It accepts only 240p, 288p, 480i, and 576i and does not accept 480p or higher input. Supply the correct source-system cable, a digital video cable, and a 5 V / 1 A USB power source; a Micro-USB cable is included. RetroTINK warns that composite sources can produce low output and recommends S-Video or component when available.

Current passive adapters that expose S-Video, composite video, and stereo audio connections from a SCART path.

For this platform (bus/interface): These are generic SCART breakouts rather than computer-specific adapters. Neither seller establishes compatibility with an exact source, display, capture device, or regional SCART wiring.

Lotharek exposed a login-or-register-to-buy path on 2026-07-27, and AMI64 exposed an Add to Cart path on 2026-07-30. The AMI64 adapter has an input/output switch but permits S-Video only in the input direction. Neither passive adapter converts signal formats or scan rates. Verify direction, wiring, connector gender, and signal support against both connected devices before use.

Adapts a SCART video connection to the BNC inputs used by Sony PVM, BVM, and similar professional monitors.

For this platform (bus/interface): This adapter joins a compatible SCART video path to separate BNC monitor inputs. It does not establish compatibility between a particular vintage computer and a monitor, and it does not advertise timing or signal conversion.

The page exposed a login-or-register-to-buy path on 2026-07-27. The seller describes a connector adapter and included BNC cables, not a scaler or format converter. Confirm the SCART cable direction, signal levels, sync wiring, source timing, and the exact monitor inputs before use.