Opinions on best upscaler/way to output to HDTVs?

[EVILSANTA777]

Hey all,

I'm just trying to get some thoughts on what everyone thinks is best for how to play retro consoles, in my case N64 and SNES, on modern TVs. I'm thinking the hands down best option for N64 at least is UltraHDMI, the footage I've seen is just gorgeous. Anyone had that mod done to their N64?

For the SNES it comes down to the OSSC upscaler or the Framemeister. From everything I've seen, the OSSC seems just slightly better in most categories, and the colors seem better from screens I've seen on YouTube and what not. Has anyone had both or one and have any thoughts on it? Figured we could discuss our preferred ways of getting our old games on the big screen. I'm also sure there will be some diehard CRT fans here, which is definitely not a bad way to go for the purists 

[Azarkhel]

OSSC for me. Even if your TV is only compatible with the default line doubling mode (lx2) its still faster than the framemeister, better colours and much cheaper.

[nbart711]

I agree on the OSSC.

Most modern TVs do alright scaling 480p content, so even if only 2x works for you, it still looks excellent. Plus, there have been steady updates and improvements to the OSSC, the Framemeister is at the end of it's life and they are no longer actively supporting it.

[Hesch]

I went with the OSSC because it's a little cheaper, Framemeister is on it's way out, and OSSC-since it's open source-should continue to receive tons of support. It doesn't have ALL the crazy features of the FM, but since it's just a simple upscaler, it's very fast. There are issues with some SNES models not displaying correctly on TVs through the OSSC because of video timings, but people are working on a mod for the SNES that will fix it.

[EVILSANTA777]

I went with the OSSC because it's a little cheaper, Framemeister is on it's way out, and OSSC-since it's open source-should continue to receive tons of support. It doesn't have ALL the crazy features of the FM, but since it's just a simple upscaler, it's very fast. There are issues with some SNES models not displaying correctly on TVs through the OSSC because of video timings, but people are working on a mod for the SNES that will fix it.

Interesting I haven't heard anything about the SNES models having problems with the OSSC, do you have any other details? Glad I heard that before I bought one, I'll need to make sure it'll be compatible since that's the number 1 console I'll be buying it for.

I definitely agree with everyone on the colors though, the OSSC just looks so much brighter and full. I have heard rumors the company behind the Framemeister may begin work on a new upscaler since the XRGB-3 sold so well and still has crazy demand. Obviously just speculation for now but it'll be interesting to see how it plays out. Am I just ignorant on the 2x mode though, what exactly does that refer to? Sorry, don't know a ton about upscalers.

[nbart711]

The SNES video timings are slightly off-spec. Some modern HDTVs have issues displaying the SNES because of this.

To be honest if the SNES is your primary concern, you might want to look into the Analogue Super NT. The Super NT should not have any compatibility issues. It will also offer additional display filters that the OSSC is not capable of.

[ShoothimNow]

I bought a FrameMeister for Christmas, but haven't hooked it up yet to anything.

If people have any ideas about the best cables / scart switchers / or whatever, drop em as well.  Because the upscaler can only do so much, there is more to the pie.

[Hesch]

I always use retrorgb.com for that kind of stuff. Under each system, they'll have the recommended the best SCART cable, and also tell you if the HDRetrovision cables work for it.

They talk about a few SCART switchers as well. The GScartsw Lite usually being the most recommended one

[Tech13]

My main concern is always selectable options. mainly the ability to go between 4:3, 16:9, or even point to point.