Developer Stanislav Parhomovich has just created a “hybrid emulation” HDMI mod for the model 1 Sega Genesis / Mega Drive. This internal kit taps directly into the console’s VDP and generates a fully digital, 1080p HDMI video signal. This is NOT simply an analog to digital upscaler mounted internally – The ‘Megaswitch HD’ works similar to Krikzz’ RGB Blaster and RetroHQ’s 7800GD, but using most of the original chips and recreating only the video output. The audio is all generated via the (awesome!) original circuit and mixed into the HDMI-out. This mod also retains all analog video functionality, meaning you can still use it on CRT’s! Order info can be found in the page below:
More Information: http://megaswitchhd.com
Firmware: https://www.megaswitch.com/megaswitch-hd/firmware
In my opinion, this is a really exciting mod that I think is the perfect balance between the clean signals we’ve become used to, while retaining the original functionality of the console. Also, Stanislav has really gone above and beyond with the Genesis-focused video processing! There’s multiple 1080p output modes, ranging from really low lag to, buffered with higher compatibility and no signal drop when changing resolutions.
Sega CD is compatible, however SMS and 32x are not. I’m not sure why SMS output isn’t possible, but no support for 32x is completely understandable, as the mushroom turd generates its own signal, that’s then layered on top of the Genesis’ output. Since the mod doesn’t affect the original analog video output, you can still use a 32x, just not with the HDMI-out.
Here’s the current spec list, but please check the main page for more info.
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HDMI video output 1920x1080p.
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Support for aspect ratio of 4:3 and 16:9.
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Stable HDMI generation when switching resolutions between 320×224 to 256×224 and 240p to 480i, due to buffering technology.
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Flexible vertical scaling from 4x to 5x. For example, a scaling factor of 4.834x allows rendering all 224 lines on a 1080p display. This is also due to the use of buffering.
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Two buffering modes: Single Buffer and Zero Delay. In Single Buffer mode, the delay dynamically adjusts. In Zero Delay mode, the algorithm works similar to a line doubler, minimizing the delay.
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Mask. Clipping of coloured garbage frames around the image.
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Optional CRAM dots. In the original VDP, it is not possible to disable the dots. The modification reconstructs the image independently.
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Accurate color depth upscaling across the entire spectrum of 0-255 per channel.
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Support all original USA, EUR, JAP regions. Displaying region and resolution-related parameters through the VDP. The region determines the HDMI frequency. NTSC is 1080p@60, while PAL is 1080p@50.
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Independent interface OSD control panel with gamepad.
The menu appears by long pressing the up + start buttons.
Exit the menu – button C. -
Compatible with all revisions of the Sega Genesis/MD model 1, where the VDP 315-5313 is used. This includes revisions from VA0 to VA6.5. Model 2 is not supported.
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Compatible with Sega CD. Displaying graphics layers from the 32X is not supported.
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Master System mode is not supported.
