N64:UltraHDMI (HDMI)
What is it
The UltraHDMI video processor is an internal add-on to all retail Nintendo 64 game consoles. It's very flexible - it can do as much processing as you want, or do the least amount possible. All of the options are accessible via the on-screen display (OSD) that can be brought up at any time.
The kit goes inside your N64 and connects directly to the RCP, capturing video as digital RGB, optionally adding processing like hybrid scanlines and crop/fill, producing up to 1080p HDMI output - and even 1600x1200. Installation does not affect the console's original video output, and both can be used at the same time. HW2 brings analog support which routes RGB/YPbPr component video to the original MultiAV port.
UltraHDMI is designed to connect to modern TVs and monitors. It generates several different resolutions, and like all the other options, can be configured with the on-screen menu.
- Video: 60hz and 50hz modes
- 1080p
- 720p
- 640x480, 720x576, 1600x1200
- Audio: 48KHz, 16bit digital PCM
All the settings are configurable with an on-screen menu overlay that can be accessed during a game with a button combo.
Every aspect of operation is fully configurable. Just want to play games? It works fine from the get go. Power users can tweak every setting to their liking.
Optionally, it can apply a set of retro filters to make it "feel" more like a tube TV: scanline bleed, nonlinear brightness curve, HV anode sag...
No matter what processing and features you've turned on, lag averages 1 frame (16ms), and optionally can be reduced to a lightning-fast 1ms with a special Zero Lag mode compatible with many TVs.
Firmware
This is the latest firmware as of 2021: http://ultrahdmi.retroactive.be/installer_files/ultrahdmi_firm_110.z64
A full changelog can be found here: http://ultrahdmi.retroactive.be/installer_files/rn_fw.pdf
How to Upgrade Firmware
To apply an upgrade, download the upgrade file that corresponds to your hardware revision (HWl or HW2), and run on the N64 via 64drive or other flash cartridge.
The upgrade works by displaying a special image which is recognized and decoded by your UltraHDMI.
Upgrading takes about 6 minutes.
 | Do not turn off power, reset, or touch the cartridge - incomplete upgrades will render the unit unusable until serviced. |
Where to buy
UltraHDMI kits are not sold direct to consumers. You’ll need to find someone doing a group buy, or installers that offer an installation service.