If you're a veteran gamer or collector, you've probably noticed how old video games look fuzzy and unattractive on modern HD TVs.
Unlike LCDs and plasmas, analogue CRTVs were able to mask pixel count deficiencies with VGA scanlines. In addition to adding definition and sharpness to graphics, the scanlines also injected games with a primitive artistry that was unique to the time period.
Ironically, this means that pre-HD video games actually look worse on modern televisions - the larger displays, coupled with the lack of scanlines, really brings their ugliness to the forefront. To enjoy old games in their original unblemished form, you basically need to keep an old CRTV in the house. Well, until now that is.
The German company Arcade Forge has just created a novel solution to the retro gamer's problem. The SLG3000 is a circuit board equipped with composite video ports that acts as a bridge between your console and your HD TV. It generate artificial 'scanlines' on 1080p displays for an injection of that indelible old school flavour.
Regular HD TV playback vs. SLG3000 [Image: www.arcadeforge.de]
"The SLG3000 is perfect to get an arcade feeling for games coming from the 15Khz times," explains the Arcadeforge web site. "It returns the sharpness in your old games [and] brings back the old fashioned tube scanlines effects."
The SLG3000 does no require an external PSU. Key features include:
- 2 VGA female plugs
- DIP settings for even and odd lines
- DIP settings for different resolutions
- Adjust scanlines continuously via potentiometers
- Optional Screw terminals for on and off switch
- On and off switch
The idea of spending good money to make your HDTV look old might seem unusual to some. But for hardcore gamers, it represents a sound investment. (Finally, we might be able to throw away those old CRTVs at the next council cleanup!)
The Arcade Forge SLG3000 can be purchased from the company's web site in two versions - a board-only design for $66.20 (plus $4.75 postage) or the cased version (pictured above) for $89.30 (plus $4.75 postage).
Check out the video below for some examples of the SLG3000 in action: