This "how to" blog post and the related video will show you how to play classic video games on newer HDMI TVs. In this video you will see the Atari 2600Flashback 4 running on a 2015 Samsung UltraHD 4K HDTV using an enKo Products RCA/AV to HDMI Converter. This little gem allows the user to take any "old fashioned" video device which outputs RCA Composite Video and connect it to one of the a newer "HDMI only" Televisions.
The enKo Products RCA/AV to HDMI Converter will accurately convert the old composite video stream into a high quality modern HDMI signal and will also insert the incoming the RCA audio signal into the outgoing HDMI data stream.
The device will even convert a "left channel only" mono signal into a full dual channel audio stream. Now you can use your old school video game consoles, VCR's, DVD players, and camcorders with your brand new UltraHD 4K HDMI TV.
Inside the box!
Inside the box is the surprisingly rugged, well designed, and nicely labeled RCA to HDMI Converter. Along with the device came some nice and unexpected accessories. The converter, itself, is powered via a USB port on the side of the unit. As a welcome convenience, the manufacturers decided to include a sturdy USB cable and a "USB Wall Wart" (mains to USB converter) to provide the required power.
The kit also include a very high end HDMI cable which I found remarkable. I've become accustomed to "free" HDMI cables which are rather cheaply made but this one far surpassed any expectations I may have had...and I actually did not expect that an HDMI cable was even included! That's a nice bonus!!!
Fortunately for me, my television had a spare USB port on the back and I was able to draw power from there and did not need the USB mains power supply. The spare USB port was also conveniently close to my spare HDMI port which made installation quite simple and care-free.
I have to say that I was actually stunned at the image quality. Yes, the old MOS Technology 6507 CPU uses 8-bit technology and, therefore, outputs rather blocky graphics by today's standards; but those old games look amazing today! The enKo converter maximizes the signal and brings out the full color depth and sonic potential that had always existed but had been nearly hidden away within those early and very classic video games.
my bright new 4K TV and heard those classic Atari 2600 sounds coming out of my soundbar and subwoofer, I experienced a moment of childish giddiness that I haven't felt in quite a while. It was like I suddenly found myself with the gaming setup that I'd always wanted when I was a kid. For a brief and warm moment, it transported me back to a simpler time and somehow now it makes my home feel a little more comfortable. Achievement unlocked!
Check out the video linked below to get a closer look at the setup and see exactly what is inside the box. I hope this "how to" blog and the associated video will be of some help to anyone who might be looking for a way to go retro-modern and keep those classic games alive!
Here is a first peak at the highly anticipated Tom Clancy's The Division™ which is set to be released on March 8, 2016.
It is reported that some 6.4 million people played the beta. That's an incredible turnout and it shows how much excitement there is surrounding the arrival of this game.
When first announced, The Division™ generated a lot of buzz with claims that it was a true "next-gen" masterpiece. While I enjoyed playing it, I did not get the feeling that I was playing something that was quite so noteworthy. The graphics are very well done and the gameplay is quite smooth but it seems that I just didn't encounter those elements which were supposed to make this release the darling of next-generation gaming.
Perhaps I have been spoiled by recent games which have implemented the kind of stunning visuals seen in offerings such as Star Wars™ Battlefront™ which, at times, seem to immerse the player in a photograph or high definition movie. Even the aging Battlefield 4, in my humble opinion, offers a much more engaging and immersive experience than was offered by The Division's beta demonstration.
Take a first look at The Division™ by clicking on the frame above.
To be fair, it is important to remember that the beta is not the final version of the game. There may be elements that I have not yet seen or experienced. Other reviewers speak of the game being vastly more satisfying when played with friends. I stuck with the single-player mission and did not venture into the Dark Zone where, quite possibly, everyone was having all of the fun.
Although I very much enjoyed the beta and will likely get a kick out of the game when it is officially released, I was not enthralled enough to pre-order the game. There are so many great games to play and so very little time to play them. This one can wait until the full game is released and there's a chance to see some reviews and gameplay videos produced by other gamers.
In full disclosure, many people who are excited about this game also continue to rave about Destiny™. While that game, too, looked visually stunning and had smooth gameplay and wonderful mechanics, it always felt like I was playing a game that wasn't quite done yet. It seemed like something was missing and the story, itself, just kind of disappeared after only a few levels. I was never quite sure what to make of that game either.
Enjoy a round of Destiny™ by clicking on the frame above.
If The Division™ proves to be a lot like a version of Destiny™ set in the "almost real" world then I can see why playing with others might greatly enhance the game. The most fun I had playing Destiny™ was when playing with a friend. When venturing alone, I usually ended up deciding that my limited time for gaming was best spent playing something else.
I hope that this review will prove useful to people interested in knowing more about Tom Clancy's The Division™. I also hope that my comments do not upset anyone or otherwise rain on any parades. My opinions are just opinions and should never be confused with facts. I could be completely wrong and this may be the best game I'll play this year. Let me know what you think in the comment section below.
Here's to another great year!
If you enjoyed these videos, please hit the "like" button and remember to subscribe to receive updates whenever new content becomes available.
Are you curious to know what it's like to be Luke Skywalker? Have you ever wanted to fight amidst the wreckage of Imperial Starships and AT-AT Walkers on the surface of the debris strewn deserts of Jakku? Then sit back and enjoy this three and a half minute uncut hero run from the widely popular Star Wars™ Battlefront™.
The "Graveyard of Giants" map on which this video was captured represents the setting of the Battle of Jakku. This infamous battle was reported to have occurred one year and four days after the Battle of Endor and was waged between the forces of the New Republic and the Galactic Empire.
Enjoy a round of Star Wars™ Battlefront™ by clicking on the frame above.
Although the Rebels were victorious, Luke Skywalker payed the ultimate price and was killed by debris which fell from a destroyed AT-AT at the bitter end of the battle. Wait! What?! This must be footage from one of those J.J. Abrams alternate universes! It's just a game. It doesn't have to make sense. :-)
If you enjoyed this video, please hit the "like" button and feel free to share it with friends!
