Megaswitch HD
The first DIGITAL TO DIGITAL modification
for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis model1.
The mod is based on the original idea of connecting to the digital buses of the VDP and CPU.
Reconstructing certain VDP functions.
Project Goals:
Hello!
I'm Stanislav Parhomovich, the developer of Megaswitch HD. The main goal of this modification is to achieve high-quality digital video using the console's digital buses. This helps to avoid noise and blurry video at the pixel boundaries. The console will have its own HDMI output, allowing you to connect it directly to your TV without using analog cables or digitization devices. The built-in FPGA Cyclone II scaler with a single-buffer algorithm allows for upscaling the original resolution up to 1080p with a five-fold multiplication factor. The multiplication factor can be adjusted, with the closest value to 1080p being 4.834x, but other values from 4x to 5x can also be selected. The HDMI output will consistently generate the same resolution. When switching from the original resolutions of 320x224 to 256x224 (as actively used in UMK3) or from 240p to 480i (as in Sonic 2's cooperative mode), the VDP pauses for a short period of time. Pausing during line-doubling algorithms would cause a glitch in HDMI generation, resulting in a loss of video for 3 seconds. Therefore, I opted for a buffering algorithm that generates HDMI independently of the VDP, providing stable video under any conditions. The modification doesn't directly work with the VDP color (as it is not part of the console's architecture), so some information is taken from the CPU and some is reconstructed from the VDP to emulate certain VDP functions (not a complete reconstruction). As a result, the image is not affected by CRAM dots artifacts. However, I have made CRAM dots optional for those who prefer authenticity.
Specification:
HDMI video output 1920x1080p.
Support for aspect ratio of 4:3 and 16:9.
Stable HDMI generation when switching resolutions between 320x224 to 256x224 and 240p to 480i, due to buffering technology.
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.
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.
Mask. Clipping of coloured garbage frames around the image.
Optional CRAM dots. In the original VDP, it is not possible to disable the dots. The modification reconstructs the image independently.
Accurate color depth upscaling across the entire spectrum of 0-255 per channel.
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.
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.
Compatible with Sega CD. Displaying graphics layers from the 32X is not supported.
Master System mode is not supported.
WARNING : For pre-orders please email megaswitch.contact@gmail.com
Megaswitch HD
Availability: Pre-order
150USD
Shipping:
16USD
Specification:
HDMI sound output is achieved by using an Audio-ADC board, which is necessary to digitize the original analog sound.
ADC chip and HDMI transmitter support a sound sampling frequency of either 24-bit 48kHz or 96kHz.
The system allows for amplifying the input analog audio signal, with a minimum of -12dB and a maximum of +12dB for both the left and right channels.
Swapping the left and right channels.
Audio-ADC
Availability: Pre-order
20USD
Shipping:
8USD