Beats out previous mods.
Chances are, you’re aware of the Commodore 64, if nothing else. Well, for those looking to get the absolute best image out of their C64, while also outputting to more modern displays, HDMI mods have been popular of late.
This is where the HD-64 by SideProjectsLab (SPL) comes in. This is a modular piece that replaces the C64’s original OEM RF modulator daughterboard with a new one sporting a Xilinx Spartan-7 FPGA. Through emulation, this board manages to replicate the C64’s output stage in its entirety. From there, it upscales this new, clean picture to 1920×1080 full HD, merging it with sound from the C64’s SID chip, outputting everything via micro-HDMI. Most importantly, this entire mod doesn’t replace the Commodore’s VIC-II chip, theoretically retaining full compatibility with all software for the Commodore 64.
So you might then ask what sets this apart from other HDMI mods for the Commodore 64. Well, the SPL HD-64 does have a few extra tricks up its sleeve. Well, for one thing, compared to the previously most popular Lumacode mod, the HD-64 is entirely hardware-based and internal, though the former is dependent on your opinion on FPGA emulation. And, while it doesn’t require software, you can use some to customize it to your liking, with palette customization, optional scanline and blur filters, and widescreen stretching (why you would want some of these is beyond me, but no judgement).
It’s also worth noting that, unlike the other recent VIC-II Kawari (a replacement for the original VIC-II chip that offers a number of other benefits), the HD-64 is a single cable solution that can even output stereo audio if you have a dual SID mod. This makes it well suited for more modern displays due to the fact that most modern televisions don’t support “DVI style” connections, where an HDMI input is used alongside a separate audio connection. Granted, the VIC-II Kawari does beat out the HD-64 in more traditional computer setups, since it offers more options due to being a VIC-II replacement. But it mostly comes down to application as to which you might prefer.
The HD-64 is also more expensive than the VIC-II Kawari, coming in at ~$125 to the older mod’s $85. But it does come with features that shore up the distance; the HD-64 seemingly works with all models of the Commodore 64, including the NTSC “shortboard” hardware. It also comes with automatic NTSC/PAL detection. Finally, it does still support analog video output via the original 8-pin DIN connector, so you can still use both composite or S-Video on a real CRT display; it even corrects the S-Video voltage so that it no longer looks dim.
While SPL revealed the HD-64 back in January, supply was outpaced by demand. But a new batch of boards has come to sale. If you’re interested, you can grab one from either Retro8BitShop or Retro Updates, where they’re being sold for €109.
Source: HotHardware
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