
Remember that $19 PS2 HDMI mod we mentioned the other day? Well, the company behind it, Electron Shepherd, has just revealed a similar product which, while slightly more expensive, doesn't require any internal modification.
The ElectronPulse is a "tiny, power-packed module takes in the native Component video and analog audio output from the Playstation 2 and Playstation 3 and outputs a crisp HDMI video stream," says the manufacturer.
This module utilizes a fully custom PCB with a higher quality, next generation IC compared to what is typically used on the widely available, low quality analog-to-digital modules that are readily available online. The low quality construction of those other modules often leads to video and audio with interference that inhibits enjoyable gameplay. If you are not happy with those modules, then you will absolutely be happy with these.
The ElectronPulse doesn't scale the image in any way, so the output resolution is equal to the input resolution. This is worth noting, as some TVs will not accept 240p and 480i resolutions via HDMI input.
It's also worth pointing out that the ElectronPulse is not compatible with the PS1 โ but they are compatible with PS1 games when played on the other consoles.
The ElectronPulse costs just $29, but the bad news is that the first batch has already sold out. More stock is expected in the second week of July, however.
[source electron-shepherd.com]
Comments 17
I've actually been playing my PS2 Slim over the last couple days and have it looking nearly as good as Sony's native PSN classics on PS5. It wasn't cheap but it also didn't require any mods.
Hyperkin HDMI adapter + mClassic.
It works though.
Apparently I live in the land of plenty: I picked up another late-model CRT, this time a 2001 RCA 27" with s-video for 5 bucks, and a 13" Sanyo that I got specifically to give to a friend. No idea what to do with the RCA yet, as I already have a 27" Sharp xflat that I play ps2 and cube on, and a 13" JVC that i enjoy for older consoles. ๐ i also have a ~20" Symphonic crt that I don't know what to do with! If they weren't such a pain to ship, I'd offer them up here to you all โ๏ธ
one day perhaps I'll try getting my legacy consoles working on the big screen but for now I'm enjoying the CRTs while they last!
@-wc- Wish I had the space for a CRT. Back when classic games looked incredible and the text of menus was readable without $140 worth of hookups.
@GameGear1991
One perk of living in this particular s-hole is that I can afford to rent a decent size house for the money, to accommodate extra stuff like CRTs and things. in this way, I am blessed.
I found just the right little solid Cherry tv stand for my 13", with a shelf for a couple consoles and two(!) drawers for related accessories, cords and controllers. it fit right into my life and its just perfect. ๐๐ค if you TRULY dont have the space in your situation, i know thats a real tough or impossible constraint, but this setup really is quite compact for how much joy I'm getting from it.
I'm a furniture builder and wood finisher, and one project id like to take on is building perfect little stands for small crts, in order that people might find them just handy enough to make space for a legacy setup in their limited space. ๐
It's RIDICULOUS and insane how much most HDMI mods / retroscaler products costs.
People really deserve entry-level/simple solutions instead of just $150+ options, so hopefully we ll get more of this kind of thing.
@-wc- The whining sound that CRTs make is like being stabbed in the brain. Though for stuff like Tetris NES, does provide a better gameplay experience.
@Poodlestargenerica
I have two thoughts on the matter.
One: the years of playing guitar, listening to music too loud, and live music have rounded off the top end of my hearing nicely, so I don't notice so much anymore ๐
Two: some CRTs are worse than others in this regard. ๐
there is literally nothing like playing Fzero GX on a nice big, snappy, colorful CRT with S-video Component inputs! Compared to that, everything ive played on Switch (and indeed, the entire "HD era,") is a fundamentally different experience. It's like a peek into a future that flat panels, online, the death of arcades, and the "cozyfication" of gaming took from us.
reads title
reads subtitle
[laugh track]
Back to component I go.
@WaveBoy
As far as the tech goes, I'll bother with all that when the cost comes down. I wouldnt spend that kind of money, even if I had it!
Those sony Wega tvs were and are truly the holy grail, but my Sharp Xflat looks as good as anything has a right to, and has been reliable and performed perfectly. and it cost me 20 bucks from a neighbor's garage sale ๐ you just cant beat that!
"Anyways! LOL Never cared too much for the PS2. I was all about that Dreamcast It had one of the most amazing console launches of all time. It was just after the Summer of 1999, and video game-wise, to me, represented the end of the last greatest decade before computers ruined the world. lol"
YES, besides hating ps2 lol I fully agree with this entire statement. ๐ Dreamcast was the most HYPED I ever got for videogames!
(im a fan of complimentary opposites, and DC, PS2 and cube are probably the most complimentary trio in all of gaming. It's three wonderful flavors that taste even better together ๐ literally the ultimate expression of the "big three" before it was all ruined as you mentioned lol. and with the untimely death of the dreamcast it was all over tio soon.)
PS - 1998 through 2001 were absolutely the best years in videogames, and everyone agrees. ๐โ๏ธ
@-wc- when โHDโ monitors were becoming the rage, I felt obliged to get one. Funnily enough it wasnโt because of some issue with my CRT, but because certain games like Dynasty Warriors 8 on the ps3 would display text really small. โHDโ consoles were slowly starting to support CRT monitors less and less, with GTA V being the last game I could remember being able to enjoy on one. It was quite easy to tell when a game supports 4:3 TVs if they have โSDโ support labeled on the back cover although some didnโt label it despite already supporting it.
It slowly became a bit of a regret of mine that Iโve never tried keeping my CRT TV as they became quite tricky to find as time went on. Even in the most ghetto neighborhoods of Kuwait.
I need something like this. Been wanting to pull out the old PS2 but I have no way of connecting it to my TV since my TV only has HDMI.
@WaveBoy ditch CRTs, and what about light gun games? One of my favorite genres.
@GameGear1991 if you can find space for 14โ/15โ CRT I highly recommend it for retro consoles. They donโt take up too much space, and they still look great, small screen and all. In some ways I prefer it to using a bigger CRT, it dials the nostalgia dial up to 11!
@WaveBoy I was replying to someone who said they wished they had the space for a CRT. I recommended a 14โ/15โ one as theyโre reasonably sized (for a CRT) but you still get the CRT vibe from them so worth a punt if itโs only size thatโs stopping you. I have one and have played PS2/GC games on them fine, they look great.
My main TV for playing retro games is a 20โ Sony PVM which is fantastic. I think a 20โ screen is more than adequate, but even by this point the size of the TV becomes an issue. A 14โ/15โ doesnโt look as good, but it still looks great, so I would always recommend this route for people who donโt have the space but really want a CRT.
@Yousef- I agree as the 7th console generation went on many games became less & less compatabile with CRTs. I didn't get a HDTV for gaming unil the late & I remember playing stuff like dishonoured & darksiders & I had to quit because they because unplayable due to the small unreadable text on screen. I'll have to get back into those games at some point as I own them on xbox 360
Why does the shipping cost more than the device itself to the UK! ๐
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