HDFury Gamer 1 & 2 RGBHV @ 50% off from Monoprice...

[PC Engine Fan X!]

Was browsing the monoprice site and came across one of those HDFury Gamer 2 RGBVH device priced at 50% off it's asking MSRP price for a mere $52.99 USD: https://www.monoprice.com/Product?p_id= ... _2016_test

The HDFury Gamer 2 does come with a supplied A/C adapter included -- so no need to buy an extra one.

The HDFury Gamer version 1 is priced at 50% off as well with the asking price of $59.50 USD: https://www.monoprice.com/Product?p_id= ... _2016_test

I'd jump on this cool deal if I were you.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[philexile]

Thanks, I never tried one of these out.

[RGB0b]

Are these just HDMI to VGA, or is there any kind of upscaling like some of the other HDFury products?

[BazookaBen]

I wonder if the Gamer 2 does limited>full RGB upscaling like the vanilla Fury 2. I can't find any info on this

Are these just HDMI to VGA, or is there any kind of upscaling like some of the other HDFury products?

No resolution upscaling that I'm aware of. The product pages are still on the website

[FinalBaton]

Thanks for sharing. This is very interesting, I might very well snatch one up

My chinese one has a good picture when it works, but that's the thing, it doesn'nt always work.
Plus it has no EDID chip. And I don't trust the power supply, it looks like something I can just obliterate with a small twist of the hands

What's the difference between the hd fury gamer 1 and the gamer 2? can't find a detailed list of features for the gamer 1 (monoprice has them for the gamer 2 though)

I wonder if the Gamer 2 does limited>full RGB upscaling like the vanilla Fury 2. I can't find any info on this

Description says "includes an embedded HDfury2 module" so I'm guessing it has same exact features as the HD fury 2. But don't quote me on that!

[orange808]

The Gamer 2 added a power supply instead of relying on the HDMI input for juice. Yes, it is an HDFury 2.

[FinalBaton]

Thanks for the answer Orange!

[FinalBaton]

Found a piece comparing the 2, finally. Here it is :


How does the HDfury2 compare to the original HDfury?
Data processor:
HDfury2: 11 bit, 200 Mhz
Original HDfury: 10 bit, 175 Mhz

Input:
HDfury2: HDMI (for greatest compatibility)
Original HDfury: DVI-D (older)

Output:
HDfury2: Selectable Component and RGBHV
Original HDfury: RGBHV

Sound Output?
HDfury2: YES, Both Analog & Digital Optical
Original HDfury: NO

Automatic image centering?
HDfury2: YES, in all modes
Original HDfury: NO

Colour depth upscaling?
HDfury2: YES, in all modes
Original HDfury: NO

Lowest power consumption:
HDfury2: YES
Original HDfury: NO

Software upgradeable?
HDfury2: YES, Both firmware and EDID
Original HDfury: YES, EDID only

Screen position adjustable via firmware?
HDfury2: YES
Original HDfury: NO

Output resolution limit and custom profiling?
HDfury2: YES
Original HDfury: NO

Technology:
HDfury2: 6 layer high density class 5 PCB
Original HDfury: 2 layer low density

The HDfury2 solves all of the original HDfury issues, including:

Some source devices have issues handshaking with DVI-D (hdcp) devices such as the original HDfury, requiring the use of an HDMI switch between the source and the original HDfury.
SOLVED! HDfury2 uses an HDMI input instead of DVI-D (hdcp) granting compatibility with all HDMI sources including those that could not handshake properly with DVI-D (hdcp) devices.

Some sources like the Denon 4308 receiver could not handshake with an incomplete CEA861 EDID extension block causing issues with the original HDfury.
SOLVED! The HDFury2 CEA861 EDID extension block is compliant to latest Rev. D.

The picture is shifted to the left on some displays when using the original HDfury and it could not be centered within the display’s adjustment range. Use of external device such as RTC2200 or Box 1020 was needed.
SOLVED! HDFury2 doesn’t shift the picture to the left. It is perfectly centered.

Some sources do not output enough current on their digital output pin#14. Use of external power supply was needed for the original HDfury (either Wall Plug or USB).
SOLVED! HDFury2 consumes 160mA less current while running at 1080p compare to the original HDfury. HDfury2 supports more sources out of the box without requiring the use of the power supply.

Some users reported their original HDfury ran “hot” after many hours of use.
SOLVED! HDFury2 unit runs 1.2w cooler at 1080p than the original HDfury.

The original HDfury is unable to run long analog cables on its output. ex: Displays with VGA cords is problematic.
SOLVED! HDFury2 can run longer analog cables on its output (to approximately 25-35 feet).

Hard to identify when the power supply is required for the original HDfury (some source devices do not provide enough current on pin14).
SOLVED! HDFury2 has a new LED system which indicates power status: If the LED is OFF or blinking then the HDFury2 is not receiving enough power from the source device and the external HDFury2 power supply must be used. If the LED is ON the HDFury2 is receiving adequate power.

[Gunstar]

Great price! Holly molly is the shipping expensive to the UK. Would anybody be willing to send me one if I pay them?

[kel]

Great price! Holly molly is the shipping expensive to the UK. Would anybody be willing to send me one if I pay them?

I thought the same as you when I had a look. The shipping works out nearly as much as the HDfury itself and then there's the risk of getting stung with import duties, tax and admin fees by UPS. It's a shame, probably would have grabbed one if it wasn't for that.

[Xer Xian]

Technical Specs

INPUT: Digital HDMI 24p male Port (100% digital)
OUTPUT: RGBHV (VGA)
A HDMI -> HDMI cable is used to connect to an HDMI source
RGB 4:4:4 (8 bits) digital input
YCrCb 4:4:4 or 4:2:2 digital input
Compatible with non-HDCP or HDCP sources
Compatible with any RGB Display
Compatible with any YUV Display
Directly connects to a display's Component (YPbPr) input using included breakout cable
Takes less then 1 minute to install (Plug & Play)
11bit 200MHz data processing
Triple video DAC
Ultra short Analog links (HDMI video bandmax-width:100%; Bandwidth 1.65 Gbit/sec (Single link)
Supports all HD/SDTV formats from 1080p down to 480i
HDTV ready (480i/480p/576i/576p/720p/1080i/1080p48/50/60 compatible)
DVI 1.0 compliant
HDMI 1.1 and 1.2 ready
HDMI 1.3 interoperable
HDCP compatible with embedded keys loaded
HDCP ready
Screen position adjustable through Firmware and Custom Profile
Accepts third party accessories on output such as the GAMMA-X (Gamma Correction)
Automatic Input Format Detection: Digital YCbCr and RGBHV
Full dynamic range for all input modes to maximize the level of detail
Automatically switches color-spaces for both HDTV (Rec.709) and SDTV (Rec.601)
Precise black levels – no black crush in any standard mode
Stereo High-Quality Analog Audio Output
HD-DVD and Blu-Ray Disc™ player compatible
Playstation® 3, 4, Xbox 360 and One compatible
Satellite and Cable set-top box compatible for HDTV
HDMI video graphics card compatible
HDCP compatible with embedded keys loaded
Energy management: DVI and VESA DPMS compatible
Ultra low power consumption in Standby (3.5mA)
Maximum power: 0.4A under 5V (at 1080p/60)
On-board DC/DC converter (5V) with extra-low EMI signature
Power +5V from DVI/HDMI
Blue LED to display active digital link and power status
Small size: 75x56mm cabinet
100% ROHS compliant (Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive)
Installation: The HDfury2 module may be DIRECTLY screwed to the back of the display into the VGA SUB-D plug.
Shortest RGB and Component (YPbPr) analog video link as possible.
HDCP rules compliant: No end-user access to decrypted analog video. Once screwed, this module becomes "a part of the display itself".
Professional factory made (mass-production) using pick/place and reflow/wave solder pro equipment.
Gold Plated connectors, tracks and material
Full aluminium case with thermal dissipation
Optional +5v input and power supply
EDID detective feature: EDID eprom can be reprogrammed using a computer through the graphics card (feature reserved for professionals)
Internal EDID EEPROM with complete CEA861 extension block
One year warranty

I've never tried these out and they certainly look good, but this is quite the inflated features list for what is essentially just a digital-to-analog converter

[StarCreator]

Oh, neat, this is still on sale.

Would this be useful in a silly attempt to get a PS4 game working on a 15KHz CRT? (PS4 480p HDMI -> HDFury Gamer2 -> Super Emotia GX, but I don't know if this requires the PS4 to be able to output RGB colorspace?)

[Xer Xian]

Would this be useful in a silly attempt to get a PS4 game working on a 15KHz CRT? (PS4 480p HDMI -> HDFury Gamer2 -> Super Emotia GX, but I don't know if this requires the PS4 to be able to output RGB colorspace?)

The Hdfury will take care of that. I say go for it! People have done much worse things: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fMiMz1uGCXI

[Guspaz]

Warning: The comparison that FinalBaton posted are not for this product, they are for the HDFury 2, not the HDFury Gamer 2. They are similar but don't have the same feature set. For example, the HDFury 2 supports component output and the HDFury Gamer 2 does not.

[FinalBaton]

Oh! thought the gamer editions were the same as their normal editions (since the gamer 2 litterature states "includes an embedded HDfury2 module")

Can you list for us the differences between them?

[Fudoh]

@Gunstar: in terms of availability/princing in Europe - over here usually the HDFury Nano is a good choice. It's available for 79 EUR shipped (at least here in Germany), which is reasonable, although you have to provide your own cables. The Nano is RGB output only (no component) and - from the specs - RGB input only, but I honestly doubt that there's any source which only provides YCbCr output through HDMI.

[Guspaz]

Oh! thought the gamer editions were the same as their normal editions (since the gamer 2 litterature states "includes an embedded HDfury2 module")

Can you list for us the differences between them?

I don't know the differences, I just know that they're physically a different format, and that the FAQ mentions selectable component output while the tech specs mention RGBHV only... and yet the tech specs also mention "Compatible with any YUV Display" so maybe it does actually support component. Another example is HDFury2 supports TOSLINK output and Gamer 2 doesn't appear to.

[FinalBaton]

I don't know the differences, I just know that they're physically a different format, and that the FAQ mentions selectable component output while the tech specs mention RGBHV only... and yet the tech specs also mention "Compatible with any YUV Display" so maybe it does actually support component. Another example is HDFury2 supports TOSLINK output and Gamer 2 doesn't appear to.

I see that there are 2 different Gamer 2 : one RGBHV, and one YUV

so looks like you have to choose one and be stuck with that (while the real HD Fury 2 gives you both options)

[tacoguy64]

Nice, might get two of these now.

[Gunstar]

@Gunstar: in terms of availability/princing in Europe - over here usually the HDFury Nano is a good choice. It's available for 79 EUR shipped (at least here in Germany), which is reasonable, although you have to provide your own cables. The Nano is RGB output only (no component) and - from the specs - RGB input only, but I honestly doubt that there's any source which only provides YCbCr output through HDMI.

If I read this earlier I could have got one in Germany as I've just spent a week there!

I'm going to get the HD Fury 3 now, will mainly use it for the WiiU but maybe it'll come in handy for something else one day. I remember BazookaBen mentioning that he uses one for his WiiU and it worked well.

[BazookaBen]

I'm going to get the HD Fury 3 now, will mainly use it for the WiiU but maybe it'll come in handy for something else one day. I remember BazookaBen mentioning that he uses one for his WiiU and it worked well.

You're thinking about somebody else. I run analog component out from my Wii U to an RTC 2220, then to a Trinitron PC CRT. Another guy got an HD Fury 2 after I recommended it to him for the limited>full color space conversion, it ended up working really well for him. Not sure if the HD Fury 3 does that too, I guess you can let us know.

I do have a Nano GX I use for my Vita TV and PS3, but both of those support full-range RGB output.

[Gunstar]

Yeah I got mixed up! My apologies.

HD Fury 3 has a dip switch to turn on full/limited whilst on the Fury 2 it's always set to do the full conversion I believe. Once I get it I'll report back on how well it works!

[BazookaBen]

Awesome. What display are you going to use it with?

[Gunstar]

Awesome. What display are you going to use it with?

A pc CRT! I've already tried the WiiU (a little) and it looked rather amazing even without the correct levels.

The other day I was playing Halo 5 on a pc crt, it was only 720p but the sharpness and colours looked way better than all the modern display tech I've used it on, maybe not way better as my projector is rather good but it's easily the best I've seen it looking.

[BazookaBen]

Why 720p? Is that the native res of the Halo 5?

But yeah, currently playing the new Zelda on my CRT (Dell P992), it looks fantastic

[andy251203]

Wow I had no idea these were still allowed to be sold. I thought Warner Bros sued HDFury and they had to stop making them because it defeats HDCP.

Great price. I'd jump on this but I already have 2 HDFury2 and 2 HDFury3 devices for my 4-person Splatoon (soon to be Splatoon 2) LAN party setup.

[Gunstar]

Why 720p? Is that the native res of the Halo 5?

But yeah, currently playing the new Zelda on my CRT (Dell P992), it looks fantastic

I tried 1080p but it seemed to cut off the image so I assumed it was 1600 x 1200 or something, apparently it should accept '1920 x 1440 at 73Hz' ...hmm will have to retest it at 1080p. I have an IBM P275 which is 21" which should accept that res only problem is it's got a slight yellowing on one side of the monitor :/

720p looks spectacular on it, super sharp, games that have no/poor anti aliasing like Mario Kart 8 end up looking smoother on a pcCRT.

Are you playing the WiiU or the Switch version? I've got it for the WiiU but haven't started it because of my huge backlog!

[BazookaBen]

Are you playing the WiiU or the Switch version? I've got it for the WiiU but haven't started it because of my huge backlog!

Wii U version, have it set to 720p since that's the game's native res. Though Digital Foundry recently found out all versions will reduce internal resolution during GPU intensive scenes, so sometimes it's 648p upscaled to 720p.

I have a huge backlog too, but new Zelda's usually get to cut in line.

[Galgomite]

In case anyone comes across this offer in the future and wants to bite, be aware that this is not an HD Fury as advertised but a knockoff called "HD Fuse." I haven't tested it yet but all the branding in the Monoprice listing is BS.

[Guspaz]

I bought my HDFury Dr. HDMI from monoprice, and it was the real deal, although it had some major incompatibilities with HDCP that HDFury doesn't want to talk about.

That said, the only non-CG photo on the Monoprice page for the product does indeed show "HDFuse 2" on the plastic overmold, so even the product photos show it's a knockoff. You should report it to Monoprice, who may not realize.