Found out first hand. My retro pc boots up fine in Bios which is 640x480 but beyond that it's 720x400, which the osd responds with unsupported. A few others on Amazon have this in their reviews too. a damn shame from an otherwise solid product. I'm probably going to apply for a refund as I only purchased mine earlier on the month and might look at a framemeister instead for scaling.
Is this still the case or has this been fixed in the successor by Firmware or such? I am looking for a good upscaler/HDMI converter. The OSSC is one candidate, but the vga2hdpro2 would have been another contender.
Hello, Do you know any scaler cheaper than this? Searching with google I found some scalers but... I don't know if are ok for 240p msdos resolutions. For example: if you search in ebay VGA2HDMI you found an example.
The VGA2HDMIPRO is not longer aviable, and the new VGA2HDPRO2 can not convert DOS Textmodes to HDMI. I wrote with Startech Support, and there is no Firmware aviable to resolve this "Problem".
Yea I've pinned a comment about this years ago! It's very unfortunate to be honest. I really like this scaler because it has a button to auto adjust VGA image, such a nice feature :)
I do wish there was a way to use this live in OBS. As mentioned, the color space is off, I don't think there's a fix it yet. I wish there was. Probably can be fixed with a LUT Filter or a plugin, but I doubt it. Pretty sure this same process can be used if you choose to record in OBS. Don't think anything needs to be changed (haven't tested this myself).
So I received the atlona version of this. tbh the easiest way to get the full color space is to just set the resolution in the scaler to 1080p, 720p, 480p, etc. The _GA resolutions seem to have that color issue.
Ok so it's a bit newer. Mine is 6-37. AFAIK there is no easy way to upgrade the F/W on these, so this could also be why the color space option works for you.
Alright just an update on this thing. A couple months ago this thing straight up died. It's not even outputting anything from the HDMI output at all. Welp, looks like I need a new one.
Can you explain what the "corrected colorspace" method was? I ask because the gamma seems a little off; some of the "before" pictures on the right slice of the screen have better shadow detail.
Jim Leonard The unit outputs in limited RGB colour space. There is no way to correct this. StarTech hasn't even answered to my questions. I ended up using a capture device that allows setting the input to limited RGB colour space.
@@philscomputerlab Yep, I have the same (vga2hdmipro). I will back up the firmware as soon as I get the PLCC44-DIP40 adapter for my TL866II plus programmer. I'm assuming the firmware can be dumped from this particular EPROM(?). Have you dumped yours? In case it's not re-programable, I can get an EPROM with the same specs that can be programmed. I'm aware this will be done at my own risk. Let me know and thanks for responding!!
I just received one of these today. Working well on my IBM Aptiva. Although I am seeing some color fringing (pink on gray) but that might be the Voodoo3 3000 PCI because they're still there after auto-adjusting the picture. Interesting info about the color space problem. I wonder if I can get OBS to apply the fix on the fly. Long time watcher Phil, I did find this video via google search though, trying to figure out if the unit had auto-adjust! XD Thanks for this!
@@philscomputerlab I actually specifically looked for this older model since both you and LGR have mentioned it and it obviously works for you guys. Now seeing the comments here, the newer model fails with those lower resolutions, and that's primarily the reason I wanted it. (Streaming DOS/Win3/Win9x/WinXP games with friends on real hardware.)
The original units are still currently on sale (remaining discontinued items) /ebay as the Atlona AT-HD500 and CYP SY-P293. I managed to get the CYP SY-P293 second hand and I can vouch that it handles the infamous 720x400 31.5Khz 70Hz resolution (this is the specific resolution that Baryon a DOS game uses that caused me no end of LCD issues before this scaler) various retro BIOS screens etc... CYP seems to be a UK (where I'm based) brand so cant vouch for international availability. The only issues with the CYP which I'm prepared to live with, is that my screen default black level is now greyish e.g. even on a blank screen with the SY-P293 connected (adjustments can't correct), also the screen wont go into energy save mode with SY-P293 connected as it seems to always be sending a signal even if the source is off... I wonder if Phil experienced the same/similar behaviour? Would to love to know who actually makes them, as they have a removable firmware chip (should use my TL866II to read) as maybe better firmware (fix my grey issue) is floating around.
@@philscomputerlab My Firmware is V6.37 via the OSD but the Firmware/BIOS chip inside sticker says V96.37 , I must be missing a trick (OBS?) as I'm just using the scaler as my monitor can't handle 720x400 via VGA, not to Video capture. basically I don't have the desk space so cant use a CRT (decent ones are getting rarer by the day) or a retro friendly LCD. My setup that I've been trying achieve is using my DVI-I KVM (ATEN CS1784A - got for cheap) as it supports DVI (HDMI), VGA, Sound, USB and PS2 switching with the help of a Blackbox KVUSB-PS2 (bloody Expensive for what it is) to switch been my two (actually have about 4) retro PCs and my daily driver (2nd screen) , Issues are that I finally got my dual monitor setup (for work, COVID etc...) I'd wanted for years but my 2 x iiyama ProLite XUB2595WSU 1920 x 1200 Monitors VGA input doesn't play nice but oddly its HDMI (has no DVI another oversight on my part 🤦♀) is okay... Phil do you not have issues or like my self you primarily stick to your specific DOS games (Decent, Wing Commander)? Quake and DOOM (tier one games) are fine but my "known" DOS Issue games are Baryon, Commander Keen 4 and Z by The Bitmap Brothers. I managed to get my CYP SY-P293 on for eBay £25 delivered so won't cry if cant solve Black level issue ... the CP-293N seems to be a made by a Taiwanese CYP (maybe they are they true makers) CYP UK oddly don't seem be to related (different logos etc..) clearly sell a similar product .. I could go on but I'll end it there.... thanks Phil
Based upon your review I look around a little bit on ebay and found and offer for a few bucks stating unit fully functioning but without any accessories. I decided to challenge my luck and took that offer which got me 2 and not one unit. :D I bought a replacement PSU and well... What do you know... I know have 2 fully functional units for about 50€ :) And I too must say it's a pretty awesome device especially when connecting it to my Live Gamer Portable 2 which practically has a built-in function where I can correct the colur space inside the unit when recording so I don't need to do that afterwards. Now I can start recording retro stuff with too much hassle if any at all. :)
Unfortunately this model was replaced with the VGA2HDMIPRO2 which doesn't support 720x400. Talk about a step backwards =\.
Really? Wow, that's not cool at all :( I didn't realise that it was replaced. I wonder if 720 x 400 still works and just not listed on the datasheet?
Found out first hand. My retro pc boots up fine in Bios which is 640x480 but beyond that it's 720x400, which the osd responds with unsupported. A few others on Amazon have this in their reviews too.
a damn shame from an otherwise solid product. I'm probably going to apply for a refund as I only purchased mine earlier on the month and might look at a framemeister instead for scaling.
Ok I'll put an overlay into the video, what a shame that this unit isn't available anymore...
Is this still the case or has this been fixed in the successor by Firmware or such? I am looking for a good upscaler/HDMI converter. The OSSC is one candidate, but the vga2hdpro2 would have been another contender.
Hello, Do you know any scaler cheaper than this? Searching with google I found some scalers but... I don't know if are ok for 240p msdos resolutions. For example: if you search in ebay VGA2HDMI you found an example.
The VGA2HDMIPRO is not longer aviable, and the new VGA2HDPRO2 can not convert DOS Textmodes to HDMI. I wrote with Startech Support, and there is no Firmware aviable to resolve this "Problem".
Yea I've pinned a comment about this years ago! It's very unfortunate to be honest. I really like this scaler because it has a button to auto adjust VGA image, such a nice feature :)
@@philscomputerlab question is this a good brand thinking of getting the simple hdmi to vga converter they sell for my mister fpga setup
@PhilsComputerLab, what is your model date that supports dos mode?
Do you still have the scaler? I want to know if the new model still has the auto center function?
I do wish there was a way to use this live in OBS. As mentioned, the color space is off, I don't think there's a fix it yet. I wish there was. Probably can be fixed with a LUT Filter or a plugin, but I doubt it. Pretty sure this same process can be used if you choose to record in OBS. Don't think anything needs to be changed (haven't tested this myself).
So I received the atlona version of this. tbh the easiest way to get the full color space is to just set the resolution in the scaler to 1080p, 720p, 480p, etc. The _GA resolutions seem to have that color issue.
Could you check please what firmware version yours has? I always use XGA, so that could be the reason. Thanks!
PhilsComputerLab Looks like it's V6 - 41A.
Ok so it's a bit newer. Mine is 6-37. AFAIK there is no easy way to upgrade the F/W on these, so this could also be why the color space option works for you.
PhilsComputerLab Well I have the color space issue when I set it to XGA. Setting it to 1080p fixes it for me.
Alright just an update on this thing. A couple months ago this thing straight up died. It's not even outputting anything from the HDMI output at all. Welp, looks like I need a new one.
Can you explain what the "corrected colorspace" method was? I ask because the gamma seems a little off; some of the "before" pictures on the right slice of the screen have better shadow detail.
Jim Leonard The unit outputs in limited RGB colour space. There is no way to correct this. StarTech hasn't even answered to my questions. I ended up using a capture device that allows setting the input to limited RGB colour space.
Can you be more specific?
Well I think that's what you meant. What did you mean?
I meant, what capture device did you end up moving to that allows setting the input to the limited RGB color space?
I was wondering how it goes input resolutions like 320 x 200 (more important) or 640 x 350 (less important).
Has anyone found a good alternate to this scaler for allowing the 720x400 to pass through? Thanks a ton!
Hi Phil. Do you have a way to dump your firmware? I have version 4.6 and it doesn't have the OSD option: "Display". Thanks!
Double check you have the same model as StarTech has changed model numbers and features. Do you have a way to dump firmware?
@@philscomputerlab Yep, I have the same (vga2hdmipro). I will back up the firmware as soon as I get the PLCC44-DIP40 adapter for my TL866II plus programmer. I'm assuming the firmware can be dumped from this particular EPROM(?). Have you dumped yours? In case it's not re-programable, I can get an EPROM with the same specs that can be programmed. I'm aware this will be done at my own risk. Let me know and thanks for responding!!
@@duskomarincic Awesome! Do you know if any soldering is required or is the chip on a socket?
@@philscomputerlab The chip is on a socket. I just sent you a PM on Vogons but for some reason the message is stuck in the outbox folder.
Hey phil, obviously you use this vga2hdmi scaler to convert to hdmi. What do you use to capture this hdmi signal.
is this info still on your site
I just received one of these today. Working well on my IBM Aptiva. Although I am seeing some color fringing (pink on gray) but that might be the Voodoo3 3000 PCI because they're still there after auto-adjusting the picture. Interesting info about the color space problem. I wonder if I can get OBS to apply the fix on the fly. Long time watcher Phil, I did find this video via google search though, trying to figure out if the unit had auto-adjust! XD Thanks for this!
Yes OBS has a setting for the colour space so that will fix it!
@@philscomputerlab I actually specifically looked for this older model since both you and LGR have mentioned it and it obviously works for you guys. Now seeing the comments here, the newer model fails with those lower resolutions, and that's primarily the reason I wanted it. (Streaming DOS/Win3/Win9x/WinXP games with friends on real hardware.)
@@IcySon55 For streaming, if the machine has AGP, just use DVI to HDMI for easy capture.
@@philscomputerlab For sure! The 98 and XP machines have it. The DOS rigs like my Aptiva and ASUS P5A are VGA only though!
@@IcySon55 Asus P5A has AGP? A FX5200 should work and will do 1080p in DOS.
The original units are still currently on sale (remaining discontinued items) /ebay as the Atlona AT-HD500 and CYP SY-P293. I managed to get the CYP SY-P293 second hand and I can vouch that it handles the infamous 720x400 31.5Khz 70Hz resolution (this is the specific resolution that Baryon a DOS game uses that caused me no end of LCD issues before this scaler) various retro BIOS screens etc... CYP seems to be a UK (where I'm based) brand so cant vouch for international availability. The only issues with the CYP which I'm prepared to live with, is that my screen default black level is now greyish e.g. even on a blank screen with the SY-P293 connected (adjustments can't correct), also the screen wont go into energy save mode with SY-P293 connected as it seems to always be sending a signal even if the source is off... I wonder if Phil experienced the same/similar behaviour? Would to love to know who actually makes them, as they have a removable firmware chip (should use my TL866II to read) as maybe better firmware (fix my grey issue) is floating around.
For the black level, try changing the color range in OBS (full or limited).
Yes the box sends a signal always, unless powered down.
I might have shown the firmware version in my video, what's yours?
CP-293N is availble here in Australia but they want almost $700 for it!
@@philscomputerlab My Firmware is V6.37 via the OSD but the Firmware/BIOS chip inside sticker says V96.37 , I must be missing a trick (OBS?) as I'm just using the scaler as my monitor can't handle 720x400 via VGA, not to Video capture. basically I don't have the desk space so cant use a CRT (decent ones are getting rarer by the day) or a retro friendly LCD. My setup that I've been trying achieve is using my DVI-I KVM (ATEN CS1784A - got for cheap) as it supports DVI (HDMI), VGA, Sound, USB and PS2 switching with the help of a Blackbox KVUSB-PS2 (bloody Expensive for what it is) to switch been my two (actually have about 4) retro PCs and my daily driver (2nd screen) , Issues are that I finally got my dual monitor setup (for work, COVID etc...) I'd wanted for years but my 2 x iiyama ProLite XUB2595WSU 1920 x 1200 Monitors VGA input doesn't play nice but oddly its HDMI (has no DVI another oversight on my part 🤦♀) is okay... Phil do you not have issues or like my self you primarily stick to your specific DOS games (Decent, Wing Commander)? Quake and DOOM (tier one games) are fine but my "known" DOS Issue games are Baryon, Commander Keen 4 and Z by The Bitmap Brothers. I managed to get my CYP SY-P293 on for eBay £25 delivered so won't cry if cant solve Black level issue ... the CP-293N seems to be a made by a Taiwanese CYP (maybe they are they true makers) CYP UK oddly don't seem be to related (different logos etc..) clearly sell a similar product .. I could go on but I'll end it there.... thanks Phil
Based upon your review I look around a little bit on ebay and found and offer for a few bucks stating unit fully functioning but without any accessories. I decided to challenge my luck and took that offer which got me 2 and not one unit. :D I bought a replacement PSU and well... What do you know... I know have 2 fully functional units for about 50€ :)
And I too must say it's a pretty awesome device especially when connecting it to my Live Gamer Portable 2 which practically has a built-in function where I can correct the colur space inside the unit when recording so I don't need to do that afterwards.
Now I can start recording retro stuff with too much hassle if any at all. :)
Great outcome!
is this info still avail on your site
AFAIK this product doesn't exist anymore. Only on the used market.