DVDO VP30 Help

[arianon]

* Edited to change the IMG tags to URL

Hello, I'm new to the board and reaching out for some help.

I came across a DVDO VP30 and had read that it could be used for scaling up video for game consoles on LCDs. I was able to update it to the latest firwmare thanks to the ShMUPS forum.

My issue is I'm getting some strange artifacts when I use the HDMI output, but I don't have any issues with the analog output.

Here are some examples:

Chrono Cross Component:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/mlzeit15 ... xz8u4&dl=0

Chrono Cross HDMI:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/45o0qc9t ... ispw9&dl=0

Mario Component:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/rxhwmuhj ... wdd84&dl=0

Mario HDMI:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/a51sgh2l ... 1finl&dl=0

I had read on the boards that there are know issues with the VP30 (such as the power supply), but it seems to be only when HDMI output is in use. Has anyone seen this before, and if so know how to fix it? I'm hoping for something like a known bad voltage regulator or capacitor I can replace.

ari

[NoAffinity]

Try changing input color space and input level, and output color space and output level.

My vp30 always started up with color abnormalities. I don't remember exactly which setting was the issue but even changing it and then putting it back to what it was originally would fix it. I'm pretty sure it was one of those output settings, but incorrect combinations of input and output can also cause abnormalities.

[shmupsman]

try another hdmi cable...........

[arianon]

I tried several different cables (from different companies), and also had the same effect on two different TVs. I did try inspecting the HDMI port itself to see if there was any visual damage, but didn't see anything obvious. I tried several different input/output levels for color as well, but wasn't able to get rid of the artifacts. I've seen some threads about the PSU going bad sometimes on DVDO units, and sometimes the voltage regulators/fuses can cause problems?

[orange808]

As a general rule, the first thing to investigate is the power supply.

What's the use case? Honestly, instead of trying to get a deal and save money with used gear, you're better off waiting, saving, and getting a Retrotink4k or OSSC Pro. Did you already invest ~$100usd or more in that vp30? Now, you have to spend more to source a proper power supply (if you can find one).

Going in on multiple failed inexpensive solutions can eventually cost as much as a proper community scaler--and the results aren't as good.

[jd213]

DVDO units are also known to have cracked/cold solder joints, so maybe open it up and check.

[arianon]

I'll investigate the solder joints, thanks for the idea! I did use a multi-meter to test the PSU and the voltage/amperage was accurate, but that was only after a small amount of time of it being powered on. I also have no problem with using the analog output, just the HDMI output.

I'd love to get a newer device but budget is a concern, I wanted to try to fix what I had before buying something. This device I actually got a few years back and it was sitting in a closet and I was hoping to get it working. That being said I was looking at the GBS-C devices, has any of you had any luck with those?

[NoAffinity]

Power supply, yes. I had one that was failing. Would still work in general, but would produce random abnormalities. Once replaced, all worked fine. Get a reputable brand like a meanwell or triad.

[orange808]

That being said I was looking at the GBS-C devices, has any of you had any luck with those?

The GBA Control has a lot of incompatibilities and idiosyncrasies, but it's a solid value if you can build one. I have absolutely no idea what you'll get if you order some cheap Chinese thing. You also need to double check your ADC, because the GBS Control (Gonbes board) will output analog. I keep one around for low lag "seamless" transitions with games that alternate between 240p and 480i. The GBS Control is the fastest (lowest lag) option for that use case.

It should work with most of the major classic consoles that were designed for (and originally used with) a television set. It's not perfect. I remember Neo Geo had issues. Arcade PCB's, home computers, modded portables, etc are going to have some problems, though.

Rather or not the GBS Control looks better than a OSSC chained through a DVDO iScan vp30 is a matter of taste. The GBS Control output looks softer to me and there are limited scanline options.

On the other hand, all DVDO's are 4:2:2 and they introduce ringing. The bigger the screen, the more you'll notice the ringing. 4:2:2 is another problem. Because of chroma subsampling, the GBS Control should scale 480p better then the DVDO, because the vp30 doesn't like line doubled 480p (960p). The GBS Control handles potential chroma subsampling issues by oversampling before the Gonbes decimates color information.The DVDO can't do that and it needs a line doubler (like the OSSC). Unfortunately, we can't line double 480p and feed the vp30.

I think the vp30 has better deinterlacing than the GBS Control, but it's more laggy. That's a matter of taste. In most cases, I would probably use the GBS if I had to choose. Lag matters to me.

If you don't have an OSSC, the GBS Control is miles better than a standalone DVDO (when the GBS syncs up and works with your source). If you want a cheap video game scaler and you don't have any exotic sources, the GBS is fine. But, that's my experience. I'm not using a dodgy Chinese AliExpress thing.