Veronica Explains just posted a video showcasing the new “HD-64” HDMI mod, for the Commodore 64 made by Side Projects Labs. This is a #nocutmod that’s a “hybrid emulation” installation, which retains all original functionality (including Composite and S-Video output). Two different stores are currently selling kits for about $130 and a full installation PDF is available on the github page. Check out Veronica’s video above for all the details and more info below the links:
Store #1: https://www.retro8bitshop.com/product/spl-hd-64/
Store #2: https://www.retro-updates.com/product/17245372/hd-64-commodore-64-hdmi-output-fpga
Main Project: https://github.com/sideprojectslab/HD-64/
This mod works by adding an interleaver board between the VIC-II chip and C64 motherboard. Then, the included flex cable also sends those signals to the main HD-64 board, which uses custom code to sniff the signals and emulate the video output digitally, for near-perfect video. Since the VIC-II is still connected to the motherboard, no functionality (or compatibility) is lost, including all the most common hardware accessories.
I really think projects like this and Lumacode are shaping up to be excellent choices, as you’re still using mostly all original hardware and accessories, while only “emulating” the video output side. Of course, just using a MiSTer FPGA, or software emulation is cheaper and easier, but people looking for a complete C64 experience on a modern display might really prefer an option like this. You’d basically just be using your C64 exactly the way you would with a CRT, but you could also add a flat-panel (or only use a flat-panel) if you prefer.
