In context: The Commodore 64 holds the title of the best-selling single pc mannequin of all time. Even a long time after its debut, it stays related – notably for modders who hold the system alive with creative {hardware} experiments and artistic upgrades that improve its authentic appeal.
SideProjectsLab (SPL) has developed HD-64, a {hardware} module that gives absolutely digital HDMI output to the traditional Commodore 64. The legendary house pc lacks any native digital video output. As an alternative, its authentic VIC-II chip handles composite video output for show on a TV.
SideProjectsLab spent a 12 months growing HD-64, which it describes as a whole digital output resolution for the C64. The module would not exchange the VIC-II chip; as a substitute, it makes use of FPGA-based {hardware} emulation to “sniff” information from the reminiscence bus and reconstruct the video sign in digital format. The result’s clear, full-HD output over HDMI with no sign noise.
The HD-64 module replaces the RF modulator on the C64 motherboard and helps each PAL (50Hz) and NTSC (60Hz) requirements. Latency measures below 1ms, and the gadget works with all authentic C64 motherboards in addition to fashionable VIC-II replacements just like the Kawari.
The HD-64 mod affords a number of customization choices, together with color-palette scanlines, a “blur” anti-aliasing impact, side ratio changes, and mono or stereo sound. Customers replace the gadget through USB-C, and SPL is already growing extra options, together with configurable scaling results reminiscent of integer scaling and overscan.
The HD-64 is not precisely low-cost, at present promoting for €109.00 at Retro 8bit Store, Retro-Updates, and some different on-line retailers. Whereas not the primary HDMI upscaling mod for the C64, SPL claims to have created the definitive resolution for bringing the traditional house pc into the fashionable digital age.
Regardless of that includes a single 1MHz CPU, the C64 stays in use in manufacturing environments in some areas. Modders love the platform and have experimented with uncommon {hardware} initiatives, together with an enlargement cartridge that runs Doom. Lately, the neighborhood additionally noticed the discharge of a Commodore 64 Mini reproduction and a full-size clone of the unique machine.
