Using that retrocastle VGA to composite converter (PC to CRT)

General Off-Topic
#1

Hello, I’ve been enjoying playing on my crtTV via component using that that Bitfunx RGBS VGA to YPBPR Component Converter with the help of the super resolutions created in CRU,

Now I switched to a TV that has no component inputs but just AV/Composite/RCA, so I decided to give a try at this VGA 15khz to composite adapter from Retrocastle but I am not sure if I can use this with my pc because I don’t know what preset should I create in CRU, I tried several combinations at 15khz 60hz, with no luck, just a fuzzy screen.

Weird thing is that the least fuzzy result I’ve had it’s been trying with these two different settings one being this 1920x240 super rez, and the other being the regular 640x480 windows preset.

Screenshot 2025-07-14 175426
Screenshot 2025-07-14 1754261028×543 124 KB

#2

most of the composite converters really mangle the signal, unfortunately, and just output 480i no matter what you feed it. That may be happening here, hence the varying amounts of blur/distortion.

If you don’t mind playing in black and white, plugging your green component cable into the yellow jack on your TV will give you a super-sharp, luma-only signal over the composite circuitry.

#4

The thing is, I tried the regular generic hdmi to av converters, and yeah, they do output 480p, and the image on the tv is fine, is playabe, colors are the same, everything is ok but yeah, no scanlines because 480p, but with this one is diff, is just wrong colors but actual scanlines in what I can notice in the fuzziness haha.

A couple of reviews on the link on my previous post to the product I purchased on aliexpress says that they managed to have it work but not from a normal pc like mine but batocera / misterfpga, so I guess it could be possible? IDK

(BTW, I can’t use CRT emudriver because no old AMD card (I own a 4070Ti) so I’m limited to either CRU or Nvidia Panel

#5

Cheap converters won’t work. I’ve got a much more pricey one from Keene (50$ upwards) and that won’t produce a console comparable output either without lot of fine tuning of modelines for composite (S-Video is easier, at least for NTSC). From what I’ve read, this is normal for conversions like these because of sync issues.

Much easier to use the console output of a Wii or PS2, or possibly a Raspberry Pi, ofc, you also have restrictions there with your choice of emulators and to some degree with the output.

#6

Ok, contrary to what u may have claimed it actually works, it is cheap ofc and it shows this glow thing on the image, but for the price I paid I feel satisfied I guess, lol. Turns out the rez/setting that hit its spot in order to make this work it was 2560x240 60Hz 15KHz.

https://imgur.com/a/4tl9eJp

And again, overall quality is not top ofc but it’s a cheap composite converter I needed in order to enjoy RetroArch on my 14" tv that only has AV/Composite, so yeah, YAY!

So, do I recommend this?

No, unless you don’t want to spend top bucks on the top notch converters out there like those retrotinks or the other ones you can always find on the proper websites and not the chinese junk sites like I did.

1 Like
#8

No, I actually misread you post because I only clicked on the aliexpress link, lol. I would expect Retrocastle stuff to work, though probably not only with specific super resolutions unless it’s specifically noted in a manual or something (but still, why this requirement? It should also work with e.g. 640x480). Perhaps it works like mine, where even small parameter changes in the modeline can make a difference (e.g. refresh rate.).

#9

Yes, dem seller just sent the converter wrapped in a couple of plastic layers and that’s all, no manuals, nothing, kinda tricky to find info, only clue I had were those two reviews on the product page on aliexpress lol

And yeah, I was hoping to have a proper 4:3 ratio since 320x240 didn’t work, but whenever I change from 240p to another value, the 60Hz refresh rate and 15KHz changed, so the only way I could make this work is with the super resolution listed above, lol

I tried another super resolutions maintaining 240p 60Hz-15KHz but had no luck, it kinda worked but funny colors were present.

#10

I’m thinking about getting one myself now, at the price it looks like a real bargain. You don’t happen to still have that other TV and a S-Video connection to test it on there?

#11

Hey, sorry I still have the tv but I lack the cable, I only use that KV-25FS100 for playing via component. IDk much about crts but IMO scanlines and overall image looks way better on the 25" one than the KV-14R20, but there is something cute that makes me want to play on that smaller set next to my computer setup, lol