AV:RetroTINK-5X Pro

The RetroTink 5X Pro is an advanced video upscaler designed by Mike Chi. It is the latest offering from the RetroTink line of graphics upscalers and line-doublers.

How To Use The RetroTink5x Pro - A Beginner’s Guide
The Retrotink 5x Pro is a product designed to solve the problem of using retro video game consoles with modern flat panel displays. If you’ve arrived at this guide, you’re probably aware of some problems when trying to play older video game systems on a newer TV's.

HDMI vs Analog
In many situations, the cables that came with your game system will not be compatible with the modern digital HDMI inputs on your TV. One of the main features of the RetroTink 5X Pro (abbreviated as the “Tink 5x”) is to convert these signals into an HDMI format your modern display can understand.

Correct Image Processing
In the cases that your display does have the correct hook ups to connect your console, there’s still a good chance that the resulting output will be blurry, distorted and laggy. This is because most displays are designed with video content in mind, and the video processing used to handle video isn’t a good fit for retro consoles. Features like minimal and consistent latency, integer scaling and proper handling of 240p are almost always missing when using a flat panel’s included analog inputs.

Lag
The Tink 5X by design is an extremely low lag device, and includes advanced modes to operate even more quickly (with trade offs to other features, see Triple Buffer vs Frame Lock Mode and 1080p (Min-Lag) for more info).

lag (aka latency) is the measurement of the time between a controller button input to when the action is shown on screen. Every electronic device takes a little bit of time to do its job. In the context of gaming, this includes the controller itself, the video game console, any upscalers or splitters in the signal chain, and the display. Having too much lag in a setup can make gameplay feel sluggish, unresponsive, and in extreme cases unplayable. This is why enthusiasts seek devices (controllers, displays, upscalers, etc.) that minimize latency. Devices that do their job as quickly as possible are often referred to as "low lag" or "virtually no lag".

when seeking products that are low latency, it's helpful to know that anything less than a frame in a 60fps signal is colloquially considered very low lag. Often milliseconds (ms) are used to measure lag. 1 frame of a standard 60fps signal is equal to approximately 16.7ms.

Just Play the Damn Game™
Thanks to Mike Chi’s research and engineering, the Tink 5x is one of the best products on the market specifically built to address the peculiarities of retro video game analog signals. While a complex engine of tweakability lies under the hood for enthusiasts, the Tink 5x prioritizes ease of use so anyone can get their console up in running.

Here are the basic steps anyone can take to get a great experience with their retro video game console:


 * 1) Connect the Tink 5x to your display using an HDMI cable.
 * 2) Connect your video game console’s video and audio to the Tink 5x using a supported cable (link to supported inputs section).
 * 3) Power on the Tink 5x using the included MicroUSB cable - many TV’s will have a USB hookup on the back that will work as a power source.
 * 4) Using the included remote, select the appropriate input from the Input Source menu. (This choice depends on the cable you are using to connect your video game console to the Tink 5x, see Supported Inputs section for more information).
 * 5) Using the included remote, select the appropriate output from the Output Res. menu. (For most TV’s, 1080p (Fill) is a great “all around” choice.)

And that’s it! You don’t have to be an A/V engineer to get remarkable results from the Tink 5x, all the hard work is done behind the scenes. Understanding jargon such as automatic phase detection, polyphase scaling or motion adaptive deinterlacing isn’t required for you to gain the benefits and enjoy your retro consoles on a flat panel with great results.

Supported Inputs
The Tink 5x supports nearly every major analog video format used by retro video game consoles. Please see the Inputs Source section for more information about supported resolutions and modes.

Composite
This is the “standard yellow video cable” most people are familiar with. Composite video cables were found on consoles ranging from the NES all the way through the Xbox 360 / PS3 era of gaming.

To use composite video: plug your cable’s video RCA plug (typically yellow in color) into the Tink 5x’s “Y” labeled input, and your left and right audio into the “L” and “R” inputs respectively. Then, select Composite from the Tink 5x’s Input Source menu.

SCART-CV
The Tink 5x supports composite input over the SCART connector input. SCART was not widely used in the United States but was common in Europe, and video game consoles sometimes featured composite video and audio connections over SCART.

Note that S-Video (Y/C) video formats are not accepted through the SCART connector input.

To use SCART-CV, plug in an appropriately wired SCART cable or use RCA cables for video/audio with a compatible SCART breakout adapter, and select SCART-CV from the Tink 5x’s Input Source menu.

S-Video
S-Video is an iteration of composite video that features two parts of the composite signal (Y and C) across two separate wires. Using S-Video cables are typically regarded as a visual improvement over “standard” composite cables. Consoles that supported S-Video output include (but not limited to) PlayStation, Nintendo 64, Saturn and Dreamcast.

To use S-Video with the Tink 5x, plug the S-Video cable into the Tink 5x’s “Y/C” input, and your left and right audio into the “L” and “R” inputs respectively. Then, select S-Video from the Tink 5x’s Input Source menu.

YPbPr / Component
YPbPr or "Component" video is a high quality analog standard that uses 3 RCA cables to carry separate parts of the video signal. Component video was featured on consoles such as PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox, Wii, and Gamecube (model # DOL-001 only).

To use YPbPr with the Tink 5x, insert the Y RCA plug (typically colored green) into the Tink 5x’s “Y” input, insert the Pb RCA plug (typically colored blue) into the Tink 5x’s “Pb” input, and insert the "Pr" RCA plug (typically colored red) into the Tink 5x’s “Pr” input. For audio, insert your left and right audio into the “L” and “R” inputs respectively.

Then, select YPbPr or YPbPr (SDP) for from the Tink 5x’s Input Source menu.

Review the Input Source section of the guide for more information concerning differences between YPbPr and YPbPr (SDP) modes.

Recommended YPbPr / Component Cables
HD Retrovision

SCART-RGB
The Tink 5x supports RGB input through the SCART connector input. SCART was not widely used in the United States but was common in Europe, and video game consoles often featured RGB video and audio connections over SCART. To find out if your console supports RGB over SCART, check out the Systems Section from the RetroRGB merger, or the original RetroRGB webpage while the Wiki under construction.

Compatibility
Tink 5x is designed to accept RGB over SCART in the "EuroSCART" variant and NOT JP21. Though JP21 uses the same style connector, it is not compatible with the Tink 5x and may damage your hardware.

Sync
The Tink 5x accepts sync on luma, sync on composite and c-sync RGB over SCART configurations. Check with your SCART cable manufacturer to ensure compatibility with the RetroTink 5x Pro.

Note that TTL sync is not supported by the Tink 5x and may damage your hardware.

31khz Signals
The Tink 5x can accept 31khz RGB signals with the use of a compatible sync combiner device. This allows for "VGA" input from compatible sources / resolutions. Sync combiner products include the HD15-2-SCART and VGA2SCART. A common implementation of this option is accepting Dreamcast "VGA" using a compatible VGA cable. Other options include building a sync combiner directly into the SCART cable, such as the Retro Access Dreamcast 15khz/31khz SCART cable.

Recommended SCART-RGB Cables
Retro Access Cables

Retro Gaming Cables

Insurrection Industries

Triple Buffer vs Frame Lock Mode
''The following is from the official RetroTINK-5X manual. I would like to come back to this and simplify it a bit and explain the "Chrono Cross" problem.''

The RT5X has two modes for generating the output video timing. Triple buffer uses a full frame memory and an externally derived clock to maintain a constant 60 frames/sec. The lag varies between approx. 0.25 to 1.25 frames in this mode.

Triple buffer offers the highest compatibility across all equipment and immunity against sync loss/resolution changes at the expense of increased lag and occasional judder due to the need to repeat/drop frames.

Frame lock utilizes the video ADC and console as the base clock. The output frame rate follows the original console exactly with a fixed lag of approx. 0.25 frames. Frame lock may not be compatible with some TVs and capture cards, depending on the console’s frame rate. Frame lock is automatically engaged for 480p, 576p, 720p and 1080i sources since they derive from modern equipment that generally follow standard refresh rates.

Console Specific Horizontal Sampling Modes
The RT5X uses a combination of its flexible video ADC plus polyphase scaler to produce various horizontal sampling options. The Generic 4:3 and 16:9 modes interpolate the horizontal directions to produce the correct aspect ratio at the select output resolution.

The optimal modes, listed for the various consoles, sample the horizontal direction at the same rate as the original console. Here are the currently included "Optimal Timing" presets:

Generic 4:3

Generic 16:9

SNES/PCE 256

Gen/Sat 320

PS1 320

N64 320

NEOGEO 320

Saturn 352

PS1 384

HiRes 512

HiRes 858

Post Processing Filters
Presets:

Slot Mask

A. Grille -1

BVM

PVM-600

FV310

Consumer-1

Consumer-2

LCD

Wobbling Pixel's Recommended Settings
Link to Wobbling Pixel's YouTube Channel

Game Boy Interface (Gamecube + Gameboy Advance Player)

PSP

N64

Dreamcast

SNES

PlayStation 2

SNES 8:7 Aspect Ratio Mode
Go to 1440p and decrease the sample rate to 2046 While in the genesis 320 profile.

Upgrading Firmware
Tutorial for firmware upgrading goes here.

RetroTINK-5X Pro Firmware Notes
The current firmware version is 2.71. For older firmware version notes, please see the RetroTINK-5X Pro firmware version history wiki page.

Version 2.71
Originally released April 19th, 2022

Notice: Firmware updates erase saved profiles and reset the device to default settings.
 * Advanced resolutions: 1440p, 4K24, 1536p are hidden by default. Go to [OSD] -> Advanced Res option to enable them.
 * New experimental high resolution modes added:
 * 2560 x 1440 wide screen 1440p for broader compatibility with TVs that will not accept 1920 x 1440.
 * 2048 x 1536 ("iPad").
 * 4K24 (for 60 Hz sources) and 4K25 (for 50 Hz) sources. Frame lock on for 60 Hz sources changes to 4K30.
 * These modes are considered experimental and provided without support or guarantees.
 * New 1080p (Min-Lag) mode operates the RT5X as a line doubler to achieve ~1 ms when frame lock is turned on for 240p, 480i and 480p sources.
 * 720p source can be scaled to 1920 x 1440 or 2560 x 1440.
 * 240p and 540p modes have been removed to save space.
 * "Pre-scaler" option in the [Interp./Deint.] menu to convert 480p and 720p sources to 240p, before re-upscaling.
 * Optimal timings re-enabled for composite and S-video sources.
 * Option to enable optimal timings for interlaced sources.
 * Hi-Res 512 and 858 optimal timing modes added.
 * "Pre-emph" filter now goes down to -5.
 * Option to load profile on power up in the [OSD] -> Startup Profile option.
 * Press and hold remote control button to keep incrementing/decrementing option.
 * Press "back" button 6 times rapidly to load default profile.
 * Variety of bug and crop fixes.

Output Resolution (Advanced Res)
The following outputs are disabled by default and can be enabled by setting “Advanced Res” to “On” in the [OSD] (On-Screen Display) menu.

H Position
Adjusts the horizontal position of the image. Ranges from “-508” to “+512” values and steps in increments of “4”. Default value is “+0”.

V Position
Adjusts the vertical position of the image. Ranges from “-128” to “++127” values and steps in increments of “1”. Default value is “+0”.

Output Res:
No Signal (or if a signal is detected:)

[About]:
RETROTINK-5X Pro © 2021-2-22 RetroTINK LLC All Rights Reserved (QR CODE) Need Help? Scan the QR Code to Join the RetroTINK Discord

TO DO
Notes / Ideas Feature matrix from version to version output resolutions, sampling modes, +/- ranges for stuff like pre-emph

=Official User's Manual v1=

Introduction
The RetroTINK-5X (RT5X) is an advanced video scaler for connecting retro consoles to modern HDTVs. Multiple input options: component, SCART RGB, composite and S-video are accepted. The standard definition processor in the RT5X is capable of decoding NTSC, PAL and PAL-60 formats. The component and RGB ports can digitize analog high definition video up to 720p and 1080i. The custom scaler engine is implemented on a FPGA, enabling low-lag operation with outputs up to 1440p.

Specifications
* Due to chipset limitations, 720p and 1080i input resolutions are sampled at 4:2:2. All others are oversampled to achieve the equivalent of 4:4:4 chroma resolution or greater at the base sampling rate.

Caution - Read Carefully Before Use

 * 1) Only use SCART cables that provide sync using 75 ohm terminated luma or composite video or buffered/attenuated CSYNC. Use of unbuffered TTL CSYNC is expressly prohibited and may result in incompatibilities and/or damage. Under no circumstance is RetroTINK LLC responsible for the use of improperly designed SCART equipment.
 * 2) Only use the RetroTINK provided firmware update tool for USB updates. Attempts to flash the device using alternate methods, such as directly via the ICD pins on the PCB, may result in device malfunction and damage. Under no circumstance is RetroTINK LLC liable for failure due to improper firmware flashing.
 * 3) Use a high-quality USB power source capable of supplying at least 1 A of current to your RT5X. Low quality USB power supplies may result in device malfunction and/or video noise. It is also important to use a good quality USB cable. Poorly manufactured cables drop voltage under high currents, which may result in video noise and device malfunction.
 * 4) The RT5X is a high quality video scaler with minimal processing, such as artificial noise reduction, to accurately reproduce the original signal from the game console. For good results, it is imperative that high quality cabling is used to avoid noise and interference. We generally recommend HD Retrovision component cables or high quality shielded/coaxial SCART RGB cables. Generic, low-cost SCART cables will show interference, noise, unreliable sync, picture drops and in the worst cases, may result in damage to your RT5X. We recommend shielded SCART cables using composite video as sync with 75 ohm source impedances, per the standard. Unshielded S-video cables will almost certainly show chroma checker boarding, especially at higher output resolutions.
 * 5) Use common sense when handling the RT5X - it is an expensive piece of electronics. Do not drop, crush or immerse your RT5X in a liquid. The warranty does not cover accidental damage and/or abuse to the unit.

Description

 * 1) Status LED - Indicates selected input port:
 * 2) * Purple - YPbPr
 * 3) * Green - SCART RGB
 * 4) * Yellow - CVBS (via the Y RCA jack)
 * 5) * White - Y/C
 * 6) * Cyan - CVBS (via SCART pin 20)
 * 7) * Red - Firmware update mode
 * 8) Menu Button - Push to activate the On Screen Display (OSD) and cycle through each of the options (i.e., output resolution) on the RT5X. Cycle to the end of the options to deactivate the OSD.
 * 9) Option Button - Push to cycle through each of the possible settings (i.e., 1080p/1200p/1440p) for a given option.
 * 10) Input Button - Push to immediately cycle to the next possible input source when the OSD is off. If the OSD is on, the ‘Input Button’ exits the OSD.
 * 11) SCART Input - Both RGB and CVBS can be accepted by the RT5X’s SCART port.
 * 12) S-Video Input - Y/C video using a standard DIN-4 connector. Shares audio with YPbPr.
 * 13) YPbPr Input - Component video using standard RCA jacks. Composite sources can be connected to the green Y jack.
 * 14) Stereo Audio Input - The audio input for the YPbPr and S-Video ports.
 * 15) Digital Video Output - For connecting to your HDTV.
 * 16) USB Port - Supply the RT5X with a source capable of at least 1 A of current. The USB port is also used for connecting to a Windows PC to update the firmware.

Quick Start
The RT5X is designed to be extremely easy to use and to produce an excellent picture with minimal adjustment and setup.
 * 1) Connect your RT5X to a power source via the microUSB port.
 * 2) Connect your RT5X to a HDTV via the digital video port.
 * 3) Connect your RT5X to your console using one of the video inputs.
 * 4) Press the ‘Input Button’ until the LED light indicates the correct source.

Your RT5X should now be outputting a CEA-standard compliant 1920 x 1080 to your HDTV using a high quality polyphase bilinear sharp scaling filter. If you are happy with the results, please proceed with gaming and read no further! Read the next sections to learn how to configure your RT5X to output more advanced modes to get the most out of your system.

Advanced Configuration
The RT5X uses an OSD to configure the various possible settings on the device. Pressing the ‘Menu Button’ calls up the OSD, which is displayed on the top left hand corner of the screen. The first line of the OSD shows the displayed menu option (e.g., in the above screenshot, the Deinterlacer Mode). The second line of the OSD shows the selected setting for the option (in this case, Motion Adaptive). A full description of the menu options and possible settings is shown below:

Firmware Upgrade
The RT5X has the ability to upgrade the firmware over USB using a PC-based application. No special tools are needed. RetroTINK does not support Mac OS or any other platform/tool/protocol/standard/format and has no plans to do so.

Firmware upgrades requires that the RT5X be started in bootloader mode. Hold the ‘Menu Button’ down while connecting the RT5X to a PC via a microUSB cable. The LED indicator should remain solid RED.

Follow the instructions on the RetroTINK website to complete the update process. If the upgrade process fails, simply restart by powering off the device and re-entering the bootloader. It is not possible that a genuine RetroTINK device can be ‘bricked’ by a failed firmware update.

To exit bootloader mode without upgrading, disconnect the microUSB cord from the RT5X and reinsert without holding the ‘Menu Button’ down.

Details and files may be found on www.retrotink.com once firmware updates are released.

'''ONLY UPDATE THE RT5X USING THE PROVIDED SOFTWARE. ATTEMPTS TO FLASH THE FIRMWARE USING OTHER METHODS WILL RESULT IN NON-WARRANTY DEVICE FAILURE.'''