Type: Decimate. Sharp, jaggy and shimmer for non-integer 2D games. Lossy for 3D games
Setup required: Custom modeline via txt file. Further image optimization required via the OSD scaling/cropping menu (links to modeline and profiles in video)
Cost and availability: High cost to benefit, sold online at RetroTINK’s website
The RetroTINK 4K is first and foremost an upscaler, and although possible, downscaling is not an officially supported or advertised feature. How well it downscales is dependant on the menu items intended for upscaling. Fortunately, downscaling (technically decimating) on the RetroTink 4K works well to restore integer-upscaled games that were drawn in 240p. So well in fact…
‘Impressed, have to say you made this thing do stuff I was not aware of that it could do’ – Mike Chi, 2024
240p output requires a custom modeline, and image resizing using the OSD, though the menu is only partially visible in 240p. I used the 1440 x 240 modeline by discord user teennick and created a set of profiles other users can copy to corresponding folders on the SD card. Further tweaking to the modeline or Scaling/Cropping menu will likely be required to optimize HV size and centre. Link to RetroTINK 4K 240p modeline and profiles.
The RetroTink 4K can receive standard video resolutions such as 480p, 720p and 1080p via Scart, component, VGA or HDMI. The HDMI output will require a 240p-friendly digital to analog converter to display on a CRT with a little over 1 frame of variable lag. 480i output is currently not possible, so 3D content downscaled to 240p will lose a lot of vertical resolution. Non-integer upscaled 2D games with repetitive patterns such as floor and wall tiles will also shimmer when the screen is vertically scrolling.
Decimating to achieve 240p is best reserved for restoring integer upscaled content, such as retro games on classic consoles like Mini HDMI consoles, or the Nintendo Switch Online service. These games can look practically indistinguishable to original hardware/FPGA when downscaled to 240p.
The RetroTink 4K’s ‘Pre-scale’ function divides and decimates the vertical resolution to have the image land precisely on each scanline
So who exactly needs a $750 Downscaler? The reality is that most RetroTink 4K owners are primarily upscaling to a 4K display, but downscaling may appeal to a minority with a tandem CRT and 4K setup. Decimation works best when displaying integer upscaled retro games on a CRT, but then you’ve come full circle 🤡 Checkout the embedded video above to learn more, and see the below table for a toe-to-toe downscaler comparison.
Verdict: Seldom recommended