"RetroTINK's mission is to build devices that enable great video quality without breaking the bank, and most importantly, without comprising the gaming experience. In 2018, we released the 2X, our first "mainstream" product. The 2X is an affordable line-doubler that converts the signal from retro-consoles to a format the modern TVs can display, with minimal lag and visual distortions. We were truly surprised and honored at how well the community received the 2X."[1]
Currently the RetroTINK lineup consists of
- 2X-Pro
- 2X-Scart
- 2X-Classic (End of Life)
- 2X-Mini (Unreleased as of July 2020)
Overview
The following info pertains to the 2X-Classic but might be applicable to the other models
A 2X-Classic is a desirable video line doubler due to the fact it supports composite and s-video sources. While most consoles are capable of producing RGB or YPbPr video, others may require modifications if available. Modern televisions may also not have any analog inputs which makes it an ideal companion for gaming.
The RT2X does not do optimal sampling. While this means other solutions can provide a sharper image, the ease of use makes up for the step down in video quality. Video output is generally clean due to 4x oversampling on inputs, outputting a 720x240p or 480i/p image.[2] More modern consoles such as the gamecube, ps2, xbox and wii output a native 720x480 and should result in a clean digitzation of the signal that should be about equal to optimized timings with other devices.
Another plus for the 2X-Classic is the fact it handles resolution switching very quickly. Depending on your capture or display device you might not even drop sync when playing resolution changing games as shown below.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/JApoGfYAygc?start=8
The device has some general limitations. It does not have native RGB inputs which may be a large issue to some users. However the developer Mike Chi sells a RGB2Comp which can be purchased here. Another limitation is the fact it cannot handle 480p inputs. The chipset itself cannot handle 31khz sources and thus 480p isn't possible without major hardware revisions.
More in depth information can be found on the RetroTink2x page on the Classic Console Upscaler Wiki here.
Video Capture Guidelines
The device is capable of outputting only 240p,480i and 480p. 240p and 480i are achievable via passthrough mode. If you are capturing interlaced footage using passthrough and then deinterlacing with your own post processing is recommended. Otherwise the 480p output is a bob deinterlaced image. For maximum display compatibility 480p is advised.
According to the newest firmware notes[3] the output is now 4:4:4, older units were outputting 4:2:2. The update is supposed to also improve video quality across composite and s-video inputs