FPGA Replay Board

[Everblue]

Btw how is the c64 core coming up?

[Everblue]

I've been looking at the game Minimig compatibility list here:

http://www.opencircuits.com/Minimig_Software_compatibility

Would this be valid for Arcade FPGA or by now the core would have been fixed to make more games work?

[Everblue]

I assume arcade fpga = DE 1?

The arcade fpga is the reason I haven't bought a minimig with an arm controller, due to AGA compatibility and DVI (if it had HDMI would have been perfect). Hoping they are shipped out soon.

Just curious is there a working c64 core for the Minimig?

[Everblue]

What about one of these (expensive) adapters?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/StarTech-com-DVI-to-HDMI-Video-Converter-with-Audio-Video-converter-black-/380549230284?pt=UK_Computing_Other_Computing_Networking&hash=item589a806ecc

Unfortunately HDMI is expensive to add. The video is easy to convert from DVI-D to HDMI as it's just the connector, but getting the audio in the correct format is not as simple. However a lot of DVI connectors on PC graphics cards include HDMI compatible audio as well, ATI seem to just put the interleaved video and audioover DVI-D.
 
http://www.mcscom.co.uk/live/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=22510
 
"With the correct hardware this adapter allows you to transmit high-definition digital audio from your PC using a single HDMI cable. Generic DVI-HDMI adapters do not support this function and only transmit the video signal."
 
What I don't know is what stops the standard cable from working, whether it's just a case of the graphics card detecting the special ATI dongle.
 
I believe NVidia also have an adapter, but they use a different method that involves SPDIF and are supposedly less compatible. I can't find a technical description of how that works either.
 
People selling adapters don't help http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Replacement-DVI-Male-to-HDMI-Female-Audio-Plug-Adapter-/390611645116?pt=UK_Sound_Vision_Other&hash=item5af244b2bc

[Everblue]

If you look at the core used for most of the testing (080408) you can see that the list was done back in August 2008.  There have been a lot of updates since then.

I started to make a new list using the Minimig, Chameleon and FPGA Arcade, but I stopped because I was waiting for the new FPGA Arcade core.  Once I have it (and some spare time) I'll start again.

Thanks!

I wasn't aware the list is so out of date. Great so see most if not all games work. Can someone lend me a minimig until I receive my Arcade FPGA

[Everblue]

Re:HDMI vs. DVI

Full HDMI have more than just audio added into the standard.  DVI is unencrypted video while full HDMI is encrypted to disallow people from just recording lossless video onto a BluRay burner.  The licensing and associated circuitry for HDMI make it undesirable for hobby projects since they would never be able to successfully defray the costs of adding the encryption circuits as opposed to high-volume retailers which are more worried about the outputs being used to pirate video outputs.

Hmmm doesn't the raspberry pi come with HDMI?

[Everblue]

I think you're talking about HDCP, which can also be used with DVI http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-bandwidth_Digital_Content_Protection
 
You don't have to have HDCP for HDMI though, it's just that bluray software on windows will check to make sure it's being used. If no software checks that HDCP is enabled then it doesn't matter if it is or not. Some computer monitors don't support it, the only thing you can't do with those is play bluray movies (unless they also support VGA and you have a VGA output).
 

 
They probably paid the HDMI license fee. The chipset in the raspberry pi supports HDCP, but it's not ever enabled. HDCP only really works with closed source software, on windows the bluray software also makes sure the drivers are WHQL signed so you can't hack the driver to disable HDCP but tell the bluray software that it's enabled. It's unlikely anyone will ever run closed source bluray player software on a Raspberry Pi or an FPGA Arcade, so HDCP is not a concern.
 
 

 
Yeah the expensive adapters will work, but at that price it would be cheaper for mike to pay the HDMI licensing cost.

I agree

[Everblue]

When I owned an original Dreambox DM800s, which is an HD box, it had a DVI connector on the back. It came with a DVI to HDMI cable and HAD audio. So I guess there is a way around it.

[Everblue]

So am I

[Everblue]

@MikeJ

I only intend to use it as an Amiga. Basically running an .HDF file with Workbench 3.1, WHDload and a bunch of games.

- Will the core in its current status be able to handle this ?

I also need:

- RGB/Scart Cable
- ATX adapter
- Backplate

Thanks!

[Everblue]

That's great. What sort of adapter do I need to put the arcade fpga inside an itx case and use the internal psu?

[Everblue]

Any news on the amiga core mike?

[Everblue]

If I use an adapter as in the picture below on a normal PAL TV (through HDMI, 50hz), will I get a picture without any problems?

Also, does the Arcade FPGA come with Scanlines effect?

By the way, looking at this picture, the Arcade FPGA has digital audio out?

Just a quick tip for those stuck with displays that require video and audio integrated into the same HDMI signal:



The converter has input for DVI + S/PDIF and output for HDMI signal with video and audio integrated. All for $69.95 (NZ dollar?).

Alternatively wait for a more powerful FPGA with Rocketport etc and DVI connector that will make "upgrade" possible
Anyone that can find a cheaper one?

[Everblue]

It has VGA but I don't think it likes 50hz on that.

Does the arcade fpga output amiga native resolution or one of the standard resolutions such as 1024 x 768 etc.?

[Everblue]

The classic modes are thrown out with the original native timing - which may not work with HDMI/DVI inputs. The RTG has programmable "correct" modes.
/Mike

Hmmm - so some games may work, others not? How will this affect games exactly. My plan was to use the Fpga Arcade connected to a living room TV with a DVI to HDMI cable, as a 'console' if you wish.

Also, can I connect DVI + Audio to RGB/Scart? That would be pretty cool too.

[Everblue]

I'm going to start an FAQ on my forums ...

Think of the hardware as being very close to the original. So for original modes use DVI to analog scart / monitor. This will work fine. It may work with a DVI to HDMI cable (separate audio). Some systems do, some don't. I am working on an on-the-fly HDMI adapter which will legalize the line length with adding only one line delay (so no tearing).

For high res you have the choice of DVI/HDMI or Analog.
/Mike

1. Yes a FAQ will defenitely help

2. DVI + Audio -> analog scart - do you have pinouts for these? Maybe you can include it in the FAQ?

3. When you say some sytems work, other don't I assume it depends on the TV set?

4. So if I use a DVI to HDMI from Ebay i will get screen tearing (like no Vsync effect?)

5. In the past I have used a Minimig 1.1 @ 50hz via VGA with my Benq LCD monitor (50hz capable) - it worked without any problems. Don't know if that means anything, thought I'd mention that