OSSC (DIY video digitizer & scandoubler)

[bonzo.bits]

4x and 5x line multiplication is not implemented yet but it's on TODO list. I had to spend more time than anticipated with new SD card controller code and put some effort into debugging diy-audio board (installed it only last week) compatibility issues, which have delayed other features. That said, improved SD card controller is now finished and today I also managed to find a compatibility fix for diy-audio that now works with my TV at least.

Diy-audio code was recently merged to main codebase so starting from next release diy-audio -version of the firmware will be released alongside the standard one. Last but not least, menus have been translated to Japanese by 511141, so there'll be separate fw images for that as well. I'm planning to release v0.74 as soon as previous changes have been tested/verified, postponing profile support to v0.75. After that, the plan is to finish remaining scheduled features (mainly lineX4/X5) before end of the year.

Thanks for the explanation. These modes sound awesome, but that's not what I'm asking about so I will try and explain better

Using 240 test suite on a SNES Mini, I've established that between TV and the OSSC, the 240 lines of SNES output are expanded so they are displayed across ~68.1 cm of the 69 cm vertical size of the TV display area. This works out to around 1065 lines. Using the overscan test confirms that the OSSC output is correctly aligned with the bottom edge of the display so the possibility that the image has been pushed downward a few lines can be excluded.

So, I think my previous question was based on incorrectly assuming that the TV would take the 480p input, double it to 960 lines and fill the remaining 120 lines with the usual default black lines. Because the TV is not doing this, I assumed that it must be due to the processing by the OSSC. However, and I feel a bit silly as I write this, I now realise that given the OSSC line-doubles a 240p signal and the TV correctly recognises the incoming signal as 480p, it can only be due to how the TV displays the 480p signal.

Might be time I go shop for a 4k TV with line-triple compatability so I can enjoy perfect integer scaling. Unless my reasoning is off track again....

[Thomago]

Diy-audio code was recently merged to main codebase so starting from next release diy-audio -version of the firmware will be released alongside the standard one. Last but not least, menus have been translated to Japanese by 511141, so there'll be separate fw images for that as well. I'm planning to release v0.74 as soon as previous changes have been tested/verified, postponing profile support to v0.75. After that, the plan is to finish remaining scheduled features (mainly lineX4/X5) before end of the year.

@marqs: Btw, is there any way a user like me could help with the OSSC's firmware development?

[Nrg]

@marqs: Btw, is there any way a user like me could help with the OSSC's firmware development?

OSSC firmware is here, feel free to contribute https://github.com/marqs85/ossc

[arovane]

Hi. Just got my OSSC that I've been eager to receive. Unfortunately, sorry to say that nothing works. And I mean NOTHING. I have 12 consoles, all with new RGB cables from retrogamingcables, that were all connected to a Framemeister with no issues. The OSSC powers up, but I get no sync whatever console I plug in, Megadrive, Sfc, Neo Geo, Saturn, Dreamcast, Master System, NESRGB, PCEngine, N64 RGB... Nothing works. All I get onscreen is a grey screen with different type of greys, and a "No Sync" on the LCD. Firmware is 0.73. Not even the remote control works. Please help, cause right now this must be the bibbest letdown ever.

[Thomago]

@Nrg: Thank you. Let's see if that's something I can get my head around.

[Thomago]

Thank you. Let's see if that's something I can get my head around.

Certainly this comes from someone who has no clue about coding, but uh... I don't even know where to begin.

[CobraKing]

Hi. Just got my OSSC that I've been eager to receive. Unfortunately, sorry to say that nothing works. And I mean NOTHING. I have 12 consoles, all with new RGB cables from retrogamingcables, that were all connected to a Framemeister with no issues. The OSSC powers up, but I get no sync whatever console I plug in, Megadrive, Sfc, Neo Geo, Saturn, Dreamcast, Master System, NESRGB, PCEngine, N64 RGB... Nothing works. All I get onscreen is a grey screen with different type of greys, and a "No Sync" on the LCD. Firmware is 0.73. Not even the remote control works. Please help, cause right now this must be the bibbest letdown ever.

Have you pressed either of the 2 circular buttons on the OSSC to select the input? Those manually select the inputs in the order of SCART, Component & VGA. They are to the left of the LCD. They grey screen and the "No Sync" on the LCD are what you see every time prior to selecting an input so at the very least your device is powering on.

If you get your consoles to display via SCART, Component & VGA then you can troubleshoot the remote. BuckoA51, programs them manually so there's a chance for user error. Try reaching out to him and he can advise you on to get the remote to sync with the OSSC but do the above first.

Good luck!

[arovane]

Hi. Just got my OSSC that I've been eager to receive. Unfortunately, sorry to say that nothing works. And I mean NOTHING. I have 12 consoles, all with new RGB cables from retrogamingcables, that were all connected to a Framemeister with no issues. The OSSC powers up, but I get no sync whatever console I plug in, Megadrive, Sfc, Neo Geo, Saturn, Dreamcast, Master System, NESRGB, PCEngine, N64 RGB... Nothing works. All I get onscreen is a grey screen with different type of greys, and a "No Sync" on the LCD. Firmware is 0.73. Not even the remote control works. Please help, cause right now this must be the bibbest letdown ever.

Have you pressed either of the 2 circular buttons on the OSSC to select the input? Those manually select the inputs in the order of SCART, Component & VGA. They are to the left of the LCD. They grey screen and the "No Sync" on the LCD are what you see every time prior to selecting an input so at the very least your device is powering on.

If you get your consoles to display via SCART, Component & VGA then you can troubleshoot the remote. BuckoA51, programs them manually so there's a chance for user error. Try reaching out to him and he can advise you on to get the remote to sync with the OSSC but do the above first.

Good luck!

Thanks for your reply. I got the remote to work, maybe it was bad orientation but now remote is working. Yes of course I did select the right input, AV1 RGBs. Tried also other options, still no sync. Light is green, just no sync whatever console I try. Everything via SCART. No reaction. Seems like the SCART connector is just dead, no reaction whatsoever. And I mean, I would understand troubleshooting with one or 2 consoles, but 12? Maybe there is a miracle-setting that has to be de-activated for the whole thing to work?

[CobraKing]

Since the remote's working can you try reflashing the firmware?

Worst case scenario here is that they might've sent you a defective unit, so reach out to them ASAP so you can be sent another but try the reflash.

marqs just advised that he's changed the microSD code but the existing one is quite finicky and only takes 2GB cards. If you have a JTAG device it might be easier. Good luck again!

[arovane]

Since the remote's working can you try reflashing the firmware?

Worst case scenario here is that they might've sent you a defective unit, so reach out to them ASAP so you can be sent another but try the reflash.

marqs just advised that he's changed the microSD code but the existing one is quite finicky and only takes 2GB cards. If you have a JTAG device it might be easier. Good luck again!

Ok I'll try downgrading to previous fw (0.72), but I doubt that's the issue. Looks more like a hardware problem. They told me to send the unit back, so I'll probably end up doing that. They should test their unit before sending them away...

[CobraKing]

^^
Try reflashing to 0.71 vs 0.72, then go back to 0.73 but it could be hardware as you think.

[Omnigamer]

My this topic has grown since I last visited!

Was there ever a consistent solution or combination of devices that completely removed the 240p/480i transition resyncs? I remember earlier on some folks experimenting with the VP50 for this purpose, but I don't know if anything settled from that testing.

[fafangus]

Salut arovane, c'est fafangus de neo arcadia
Essaye une console en direct sans switch

Try to hook a console in direct without a scart switcher

A coupe aussi le linex3 c'est peut être ton ecran qui n'est pas compatible avec le x3

What's displayed on the ossc's lcd screen ?

[Harrumph]

... I now realise that given the OSSC line-doubles a 240p signal and the TV correctly recognises the incoming signal as 480p, it can only be due to how the TV displays the 480p signal.

Might be time I go shop for a 4k TV with line-triple compatability so I can enjoy perfect integer scaling. Unless my reasoning is off track again....

Unfortunately, it seems that 4k TV scaling is something of a disappointment in this regard, from several discussions here and in other threads. Integer scaling of 720/1080p does not seem to exist at the moment. Of course, doesn't mean that it necessarily will look bad on a particular set, but that's in the eye of the beholder, YMMV.

[Guspaz]

Salut arovane, c'est fafangus de neo arcadia
Essaye une console en direct sans switch

Try to hook a console in direct without a scart switcher

A coupe aussi le linex3 c'est peut être ton ecran qui n'est pas compatible avec le x3

What's displayed on the ossc's lcd screen ?

Une autre chose d'essayer, c'est un autre entrée. Peut-être AV2, la vidéo composant? Si il y a un problème avec l'entrée SCART, ça pouvait identifiez.

Another thing to try is another input. Maybe AV2, component video? If there's a problem with the SCART input, it may identify it.

[arovane]

Salut arovane, c'est fafangus de neo arcadia
Essaye une console en direct sans switch

Try to hook a console in direct without a scart switcher

A coupe aussi le linex3 c'est peut être ton ecran qui n'est pas compatible avec le x3

What's displayed on the ossc's lcd screen ?

Une autre chose d'essayer, c'est un autre entrée. Peut-être AV2, la vidéo composant? Si il y a un problème avec l'entrée SCART, ça pouvait identifiez.

Another thing to try is another input. Maybe AV2, component video? If there's a problem with the SCART input, it may identify it.

Ok so VGA is working fine, it get a signal with xbox 360 via VGA cable. Tried again with many different Scart and consoles, nothing, dead, no signal. So yeah, definitly a scart issue here. Linex3 was off already from the factory, LCD shows "NO SYNC" with Scart. Tried with and without scart switcher, with and without sync stripper. So irritating and time consuming. I can't imagine being the only one with trouble in the new batch, this is obviously a hardware failure and it must be several units that are faulty. Sending it back tomorrow. Meanwhile I'll keep enjoying good old Xrgb mini.

[BuckoA51]

If you get your consoles to display via SCART, Component & VGA then you can troubleshoot the remote. BuckoA51, programs them manually so there's a chance for user error. Try reaching out to him and he can advise you on to get the remote to sync with the OSSC but do the above first.

Luckily the remote programming is automated, I do test each remote briefly too, so if you buy one of our remotes and it doesn't work, it's more likely the OSSC that's faulty.

They should test their unit before sending them away...

Each unit is tested at the factory as far as powering on and checking the LCD. Testing every input on 500 units would take forever, though we do spot test a number of them too and always fully test any replacements we send out. There's always a number of faulty units we find in every batch, you got unlucky, sorry.

More OSSC invites just went out, if you're number 1183 or under you should have one now, if not get in touch and I'll look into it. We're just over half way through this batch now.

[CobraKing]

Ok so VGA is working fine, it get a signal with xbox 360 via VGA cable. Tried again with many different Scart and consoles, nothing, dead, no signal. So yeah, definitly a scart issue here. Linex3 was off already from the factory, LCD shows "NO SYNC" with Scart. Tried with and without scart switcher, with and without sync stripper. So irritating and time consuming. I can't imagine being the only one with trouble in the new batch, this is obviously a hardware failure and it must be several units that are faulty. Sending it back tomorrow. Meanwhile I'll keep enjoying good old Xrgb mini.

Ok so they'll take care of you and sorry to hear about the issue.

I haven't tested the Component & VGA inputs so I should probably do them ASAP.

[arovane]

Each unit is tested at the factory as far as powering on and checking the LCD. Testing every input on 500 units would take forever, though we do spot test a number of them too and always fully test any replacements we send out. There's always a number of faulty units we find in every batch, you got unlucky, sorry.

Ok so I downgraded fw to 71 then 73 again, doesn't change a thing. Tested VGA works fine, Scart no signals. Can't check component right now, but as I'm using 95% Scart the unit is no use for me as it is. So yeah I got unlucky, sending it back tomorrow and hopefully it will work fine next time.

[marqs]

Thank you. Let's see if that's something I can get my head around.

Certainly this comes from someone who has no clue about coding, but uh... I don't even know where to begin.

Besides fw development, testing is always appreciated. I have v0.74 images that need to tested (sd card & diy-audio compatibility) before releasing them publicly. However, it's strongly recommened to have a JTAG programmer as a backup before using unreleased images, since there's always tiny chance that a bug corrupts the flash. PM me if you're interested.

Each unit is tested at the factory as far as powering on and checking the LCD. Testing every input on 500 units would take forever, though we do spot test a number of them too and always fully test any replacements we send out. There's always a number of faulty units we find in every batch, you got unlucky, sorry.

Yes, basic post-manufacturing testing is applied to verify that the boards power on and show test pattern correctly, and ensure that they don't damage a connected display. The procedure possibly needs to be expanded with future batches if more input-related defects come up.

[Dookie1985]

Hi guys.

I have received my OSSC today with excitement. However, it was only short lived. The remote doesn't work with the OSSC. I get the lights blink on the remote when I press the buttons, but get no response from the OSSC. The light on the OSSC is constantly green. Not sure if it's meant to be like that or not.

Is there any way I can troubleshoot this?

Hopefully it's not a faulty unit...

[RocketBelt]

Make sure the batteries in the remote are really strong. I got a couple of new high power aaa's and the remote works a lot better.

[bonzo.bits]

Edit: incorrect answer

[redcage]

Hi all ! I just received the OSSC. I must say the delivery was pretty quick ! Too bad I am still waiting for my JP21 to Scart Converter to come

In the meantime I was wondering will it be ok if I used a Transcoder with the OSSC ?

Going to go with as follow:

JP21 -> Xselect-D4 -> Either RGB or Component Out -> OSSC

Cheers!

[jarp]

I have received my OSSC today with excitement. However, it was only short lived. The remote doesn't work with the OSSC. I get the lights blink on the remote when I press the buttons, but get no response from the OSSC. The light on the OSSC is constantly green. Not sure if it's meant to be like that or not.

Not sure if this was already brought up but I too thought that OSSC I received was failty. Symptoms were the same; led was blinking when buttons on the remote were pressed but nothing. UNTIL I found out that everything worked perfectly when I pointed remote a bit off from the OSSC instead of pointing it right at the OSSC! Not sure how that is even possible, but really, if I point remote right at OSSC it's not working :O

Ps. 4x and 5x modes would be greatly appreciated, my 1440p monitor does not do scaling at all and 2x mode shows quite small picture.

Pps. Oh and thank you everybody, my hat is off, this is superb product and I am greatly impressed!

[Dookie1985]

I have received my OSSC today with excitement. However, it was only short lived. The remote doesn't work with the OSSC. I get the lights blink on the remote when I press the buttons, but get no response from the OSSC. The light on the OSSC is constantly green. Not sure if it's meant to be like that or not.

Not sure if this was already brought up but I too thought that OSSC I received was failty. Symptoms were the same; led was blinking when buttons on the remote were pressed but nothing. UNTIL I found out that everything worked perfectly when I pointed remote a bit off from the OSSC instead of pointing it right at the OSSC! Not sure how that is even possible, but really, if I point remote right at OSSC it's not working :O

Ps. 4x and 5x modes would be greatly appreciated, my 1440p monitor does not do scaling at all and 2x mode shows quite small picture.

Pps. Oh and thank you everybody, my hat is off, this is superb product and I am greatly impressed!

I did try that. Pointed from all angles, from a few cm away. Even tried changing the batteries. Contacted videogameperfection and they have confirmed it is a faulty unit. Sending out a fully tested replacement so I can't complain.

[BuckoA51]

Not sure if this was already brought up but I too thought that OSSC I received was failty. Symptoms were the same; led was blinking when buttons on the remote were pressed but nothing. UNTIL I found out that everything worked perfectly when I pointed remote a bit off from the OSSC instead of pointing it right at the OSSC! Not sure how that is even possible, but really, if I point remote right at OSSC it's not working :O

If that annoys you and you did want to return it I'll exchange it for you. It's not normal behaviour.

[redcage]

Hi all ! I just received the OSSC. I must say the delivery was pretty quick ! Too bad I am still waiting for my JP21 to Scart Converter to come

In the meantime I was wondering will it be ok if I used a Transcoder with the OSSC ?

Going to go with as follow:

JP21 -> Xselect-D4 -> Either RGB or Component Out -> OSSC

Cheers!

Woohoo! The Xselect-D4 Transcoder works great with the OSSC !

JP21 into the Xselect and RGBHV out to OSSC. Very nice and crisp !

Current tested consoles:

Super Famicom
Famicom
Megadrive (Though there seemed to be some minor jailbar effect. I guess I never noticed it much since this was always connected to the PVM)

I hope the JP21 to Scart Converter works as well as the Xselect. It would be one less item to power on!

[jarp]

Not sure if this was already brought up but I too thought that OSSC I received was failty. Symptoms were the same; led was blinking when buttons on the remote were pressed but nothing. UNTIL I found out that everything worked perfectly when I pointed remote a bit off from the OSSC instead of pointing it right at the OSSC! Not sure how that is even possible, but really, if I point remote right at OSSC it's not working :O

If that annoys you and you did want to return it I'll exchange it for you. It's not normal behaviour.

Naaah thanks but I'm cool with that. Besides I actually am unable to reproduce this anymore. When I tried this last time the OSSC was in a tight spot, could've been some wild IR reflections or something. I mean if IR receiver works and IR transmitter works I highly doubt there would be any hardware failure which would manifest itself like that...

[BuckoA51]

Naaah thanks but I'm cool with that. Besides I actually am unable to reproduce this anymore. When I tried this last time the OSSC was in a tight spot, could've been some wild IR reflections or something. I mean if IR receiver works and IR transmitter works I highly doubt there would be any hardware failure which would manifest itself like that...

Can you tell me when you encountered this problem, were you using the remote very close to the OSSC? Like 30cm or less?