ikorb / gcvideo

GameCube Digital AV converter

GCVideo

GCVideo is a small series of FPGA boards and VHDL projects capable of converting the GameCube's Digital Video port signals to standard video signals without using the custom chip in the original component video cable. There are currently VHDL projects for multiple FPGA boards, including a Gamecube-to-DVI version for the KNJN Pluto IIx-HDMI and a Gamecube-to-Component/RGB version for a board called GCVideo Lite which is also documented in this repository. GCVideo Lite has also been adapted to be used as an RGB DAC for the Nintendo 64.

The schematics and layout are in the Hardware directory and the HDL projects are in the HDL directory. Each directory should contain README.md files with further information.

Mini-FAQ

1. I want one, how much is it?
   I do not sell any hardware. Since this is an open-source project, other people will probably offer ready-made boards or modding services.

   GCVideo-DVI is based on a readily-available, commercial FPGA development board, so you could just buy that, flash it and install it yourself (or find someone to do it for you).

2. But why don't you just sell it?
   Building hardware to be sold is a lot of work and requires much time that I'd rather use for something more interesting. Furthermore, the local laws require quite a bit of paperwork and investment to legally sell electronic devices that you build and I'd prefer not to deal with all of that.

3. You said your prototype came from OSHPark, so you have at least three boards. Can't you sell me one of them?
   No, they're all accounted for already.

4. Why did you use that weird Video-DAC, it's a non-stock part at Digikey!
   It wasn't when I designed the board some months ago... Instead it was the cheapest 24-bit video DAC available. It shouldn't be hard to adapt the design to a different DAC as long as it has 24 bit parallel input and a single-pumped clock. For YPbPr output, the DAC also needs to be able to generate a small offset on the Y line so that syncs can be generated below the blanking level.

5. Uh, it says XO2-256 in the schematic, but XO2-640 in the BOM. Which is the correct one?
   The original plan was to use an XO2-256, but adding the color space conversion for RGB output increased the size of the design too much. It was left as an XO2-256 in the schematic to ensure only pins available on that chip are used, so a slightly cheaper Component-only version can be built.

6. What about line-doubling?
   GCVideo Lite (the analog version) uses the smallest FPGA that could fit everything needed, but this chip does not have enough BlockRAM available to generate a line-doubled picture. It could be updated by using a larger, footprint-compatible FPGA, but since 480i/576i are well-supported on component inputs and 240p/288p are rarely used by Gamecube titles this has not been attempted yet.

   GCVideo DVI fully supports line-doubling and can also overlay scanlines on the line-doubled picture if desired.

Licence

Copyright (C) 2014-2021, Ingo Korb <[email protected]>
All rights reserved.

Redistribution and use in source and binary forms, with or without
modification, are permitted provided that the following conditions are met:

1. Redistributions of source code must retain the above copyright notice,
   this list of conditions and the following disclaimer.
2. Redistributions in binary form must reproduce the above copyright notice,
   this list of conditions and the following disclaimer in the documentation
   and/or other materials provided with the distribution.

THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED BY THE COPYRIGHT HOLDERS AND CONTRIBUTORS "AS IS"
AND ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE
ARE DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE COPYRIGHT HOLDER OR CONTRIBUTORS BE
LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT OF
SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES; LOSS OF USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS
INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER IN
CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE)
ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF
THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.

gcvideo's Issues

Controller not working

Everything seems to be installed correctly, as the video through HDMI looks great (Pluto board from knjn.com). However, when I have 94 connected for the controller, the controller in port 1 doesn't work at all. If I disconnect 94, controller port 1 works again.

I have soldered to this point twice, both times with the same result. Any ideas?

Board connected, but no video (solid red light) [Solved]

I'm using a board from KNJN (Item 6117 from http://www.knjn.com/ShopBoards_RS232_Parallel.html) and have everything wired up according to the README, but I'm not getting any video signal when hooked up to my TV.

I've tried it with the 100 ohm resistor, and straight wired, but no dice. The red LEDs are not flashing, but they stay on solid – is that an indicator of something?

I've checked and double checked all the pins, and I've checked each for continuity, but still can't my TV to recognize the Gamecube. Anyone have any ideas of what to try next?

.bit files for shuriken

Is it possible to add .bit files also for shuriken like it was in release 2.2?
It is much more easy for poeple like me who dont know well how to build or dont have the right software for doing that.

No signal if HDMI is connected when powering on

Hello,

I finally installed my Pluto IIx board, and it kinda works.

The issue I’m facing is that the Pluto board won’t output a signal if my HDMI cable is plugged in before powering the console on. When the cable is connected upon boot, LED 29 give me a solid light, and I get no signal. If there is no cable upon boot, LEDs 28 and 29 each blink at different speeds, and then connecting the HDMI cable will get me a signal.

Firmware version: 3.0d

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Regards,
Benoit

HDMI-CEC support?

Hello,

Do you think it would be possible to add HDMI-CEC support? Adding it would enable using the TV's remote to control the OSD, which would be especially useful for external installations.

Newer model Pluto board not working on TV

Hello,

I don’t know if this issue has been mentioned before or not.

The new KNJN Pluto boards with integrated 100Ohm resistor fails to show image on my regular TV but does work on my Gaming Monitor.
Whereas the older Pluto board worked on both displays without issue it now does not.

I’ve checked all my wiring and everything seems in order. When on the monitor the image is Crisp as well so I’m ruling out interference.

TV I’m using is a 2016 Model Samsung 49UJ6xxxEU something.
TV gives me a warning: “no or weak signal detected, please check source/cable.”

Any ideas as to what might cause the issue?

3.0d Failed boot on WiiDual 1.1

Updated 2x WiiDual consoles to 3.0d today and both (one a 40 board and one a 60) are having the same issue. Both worked great before the update, and the updater verified the flash went through.

It seems as if the WiiDual is failing during boot. The console doesn't output any video or audio whatsoever. When it's doing this, if I pull the power supply and plug it back in immediately, it will work perfectly... until you turn it off. Then when you turn it back on, it won't work until you unplug and plug it back in.

If you unplug and wait a few minutes, it won't work when you plug it back in.

Any thoughts?

What are the Video/Sync/Porch Timings for the WiiDual when outputting 240p?

I want to simulate the WiiDual's 240p video output but I need to know the H/V sync widths and porch lengths.

Black screen when returning to Wii menu

Thanks for all your work so far, it has been so helpful, and version 3.0b is now working in full colour. However, although booting into USB loader GX works fine, every time I try to return to the stock Wii menu it just goes completely black and the screen seems to lose sync.

Pillarboxed 16:9 output

The option to output a valid 16:9 signal where the game is pillarboxed.

Why? Because my TV is garbage and blindly assumes that the signal should be stretched to 16:9, even with that setting disabled in the OSD.

Resolution change

While playing Eternal Darkness, if you go from the game into the menu, there is a 1 second delay in which the resolution changes. I have tried this on my monitor and the issue doesn't appear since my monitor supports adaptive resolution changing. I know this will be hard to fix, but I truly believe it is a very small issue. I'm currently running version 3.0d.

updater-3.0b-gc.dol how to run this.....

How do you run this app if you are running 2.4x?
Keeps directing to run it thru the menu system About>Firmware update, but that option is not there.
Thanks....

Limited HDMI Compatibility

After discovering an issue with sound for myself, I began to test my HDMI mod (Pluto board) on a bunch of my TVs and friends TVs and discovered that this thing has a ton of compatibility issues. Whether it’s an issue with display or sound this really seems to work 50% of the time which is very disappointing. I can’t find anything discussing this through google or other forums so I felt like it’s just me. I assume the external HDMI adapters would give the same result since almost all of them run off Gc video. I'm pretty sure with newer TVs it would be a HDCP issue, not sure about others

Honestly I'm extremely disappointed with the results, as I was looking forward to bring this over friends houses and use it on their TV, but now I think it's just 50/50 whether it'll do anything at all
...

• My desktop monitor displays and plays sound just fine
• My old 2009 TV only displays a picture, no sound
• Another older ~2012 TV, No signal at all
• Sony Bravia, 4k TV. no signal at all, not sure about RCA because I don't have a converter

Have any of you ever bought an adapter or completed the mod and found it just doesn’t work with your tv? I’m curious

Is there any sort of fix that could make the signal more compatible such as a converter or anything?

Let me know, thank you!

Pluto-IIx XC3S200 (GCVideo 3.0d)

WiiDual 3.0d no signal without first removing power

I just had both of my Wii consoles upgraded from 2.4c to 3.0d. Each is connected via Denon AVR to a 4k TV - one Samsung Q60 and one LG B7A. Initially both consoles seemed to be working fine. Powered them on, enabled enhanced DVI as before. No issues.

The problem happens after power down. When either console is powered back on I get no signal on my TVs. If I unplug power then plug it back in they will boot correctly and display a screen. Basically I only get signal on first power up after removing power. This was not happening with 2.4c.

Please tell me there is some setting I can change to fix this

Carby V2 gcplug firmware flashed but no video output

I'm having this issue with my Carby device when I use the gcplug firmware it flashes successfully but no video shows on the screen, but when I use the shuriken firmware it works for the exception I have no access to the gcvideo menu to run the update proper. Any information you can give me on the issue would be a great help, thank-you in advance.

DDC resistor

The latest Pluto-IIx HDMI has the 100ohm resistor to power the DDC HDMI line.
https://www.knjn.com/docs/Pluto-IIx%20HDMI%20rev.%20E.pdf

The description could be updated to mention it and avoid confusion.

2.4b.bin

Hello, I have created a version of Shuriken Video V3, using 2.3 firmware currently in normal use. I don't have Xilinx equipment to program. Now I want to use 2.4b firmware. Can you provide 2.4b.bin to help me?

Unable to access OSD

I purchased a Pluto-IIx XC3S200 HDMI board pre flashed with gcvideo 2.2. I am displaying video just fine, but the designated button combo is not bringing up the OSD. I have checked and re-checked the controller solder point and everything looks good. When contacting the supplier they are suggesting an issue with gcvideo 2.2 (see forum post below). Has something changed with the install? I am also including a picture of the controller solder point for verification. I apologize for the quality.

Thank you,

KNJN forum post: http://www.knjn.com/phpbb/viewforum.php?f=2
Youtube thread with others with same issue: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Hw_XQdugI4

How can i flash the latest update to an internal WiiDual?

I'm on 2.4c.2 and i would like to update to latest version but dont know how, i tried the homebrew channel option but when i hit "about" on my GCVideo the option to update is not there!!! I also own a HDMy Cube Pro and I'd like to know how to update. :)

Flashing Red Screen

Pre-Programmed board from KNJN, double-triple checked all solder points, clock signal away from all other wires. (Tried 3 spots including going above the board) Removed and reinstalled entirely, no difference.

Screen will change resolution/flash red until eventually cutting out entirely.

GCDUAL with M25PE40 instead of M25P40

Would it be possible to add builds to the gcdual with the M25PE40? I can't seem to flash my GC dual with any existing firmware labeled for the M25P40

Line tripling, quadrupling?

Would it be possible to add a line tripling and/or line quadrupling, in order to achieve a crisper picture?
Is the Pluto IIx even capable of outputting higher resolutions?

Regards

audio lag

Hi, I installed a plutoIIx with 2.3 installed. I am experiencing audio lag after a certain amount of time of gameplay. upwards of 2 seconds delay. I can then turn off enhanced dvi mode then turn it back on and the sound is in sync. after about 10-20 min of gameplay the lag slowly creeps back again. Is there something I can check or fix with my install? I verified it is not the gamecube as when I run audio out of the analog port it is fine. thanks for your help and your work.

How to wire a SCART connector

I see that the RGB lines are directly from the DAC. Do I need to put 330 uF caps in the SCART head? Do I any other components in the SCART head for proper signals?

DOL-101

Sorry for contacting you that way, I didn't another way how to contact you.
I've been checking everything in your repo and first of all, it's genius. However I saw that it's not possible to use a DOL-101 version, did you find something new regarding this model? or it was impossible for you to try it? As the boards come already programmed I don't know if I should still need to program something or even if there is going to be a way to use it on the DOL-101.

3.0 does not appear to save settings

I'm likely doing something wrong but it appears setting changes do not survive a power cycle of the console.

This happens of course despite explicitly calling "save configuration" in the menu.

The specific setting I'm attempting to make stick is the "Enhanced DVI" mode so that digital audio streams through the "HDMI" instead of having to use the analog out.

Not a big deal.

CDK3404 Has Been Discontinued

The CDK3404 has been discontinued and is no longer available. What are the alternatives and will there be any updates to the GCVideo Lite files in terms of updated PCB with the replacement part in the BOM?

WiiDual Analog RGB Corruption

I flashed the 3.0b firmware you posted for Wii and everything seems to be working alright except for RGB analog output. YPbPr is fine and HDMI output works fine. Going back to Dan's 2.4c.2 fixed the problem. I'm using a RetroAccess Wii SCART cable with sync carried over data pin 15 running through an OSSC.

WiiDual Analog Output to 480i

I am trying to upscale 480p output from the WiiDual HMDI, while keeping the analog video signal in 480i. My CRT supports component video but only in 480i, and doesn't know what to do with a 480p signal. Is it possible to have the analog output remain interlaced while keeping the HDMI in progressive? The upscaler I am using won't upscale 480i signals for some reason, so I need my recording line to be 480p. If this is not possible, would anyone have any suggestions for the most elegant way to solve this problem? The less adapters the better...

Sound?

Hello, Firstly thank you for the guide ... amazing. I followed it and have video working no problem. My issue is with sound and i do have enhanced dvi mode turned on...i notice that there is not connections for sound in the guide (except SPDIF) is there something i have missed. Really appreciate your help..Thanks

Linedoubler issue

I have a USA GameCube (NTSC) with a GCPlug like GCVideo Plug n Play 3.0, but when I apply the linedoubler in 480i mode the image in screen looks shaking in horizontal, looks the Hz is out of range maybe.

TV is a Samsung 32" LCD display model LN32C550 from Brazil.

Thanks a lot.

Chroma shift still exists on Wii

Have installed the latest release of the Wii version, and there is still a chroma shift to the left of objects on screen. It's most obvious on the Wii's dashboard, the blue circles encapsulating the Wii and Messages buttons show a ghost image slightly to their left.

Programming JTAG method for Pluto-IIX HDMI

I've tried to upgrade from 2.3 to the latest version (currently 3.0d) and was having issues with programming it with the USB adapter provided on KNJN. I've read about using a JTAG to programming the SPI flash of the board. Would I use the pin header below the FPGA chip or should I connect directly to the flash itself? I've also noticed you mention the flash could be different on the board and you could try to create another .xsvf file depending on the chip. I was wonder if you could generate one for M25P80VP?

FPGAconf does not support .bin files.

FPGAconf explicitly wants .bit files to flash firmware onto a Pluto II board. This is no longer provided with the 3.0 release.

It is possible to rename the .bin file file to .bit file and FPGAconf will happily (foolishly?) flash the file onto the board but when booting the picture is now black and white and the following message is displayed:

"!!! Updater hardware ID is invalid !!!"
"--> YOU must choose the correct ID <--"
"Main firmware is missing"

A rotating cursor is displayed bellow and when pressing the z-button a hex dump of the ROM is displayed that can be navigated up and down the memory addresses.

Long live GCVideo!

Output 640x480?

Hello, I'm using a plug-n-play GameCube HDMI adapter (GCPlug). I'm then using a simple HDMI to DVI adapter to output to a 4:3 LCD computer monitor. Is there any way to force GCVideo to output 640x480 instead of 720x480 so it displays nicely on my 4:3 monitor?

Unable to update using 3.0c Wii dol

Hello!
I am trying to update from 3.0b Wii to 3.0c but the updater dol doesn't seem to process correctly, not allowing the prompt to update

Picture working ok but not sound Pluto-IIX HDMI

I am using the Pluto-IIX HDMI REV F, the picture, works but there is no sound coming out of it. do you know what could be wrong with it?

GCvideo Color issue using Plasma TV

It looks like all the reds and blues are either completely off or simply reversed. Using GC-video via Kaico adapter on my plasma Panasonic TV (panasonic th-50ph11uk). I only have had this issue on this TV and tried 3 different GCvideos so I know there is a compatibility issue.

YCbCr HDMI Output

Is it possible to passthrough the GameCube raw YCbCr to HDMI?

Gamma Correction Option

When using the scanline feature, the image gets significantly darker.
Would it be possible to gamma correct according to the scanline intensity?

The brightness/contrast settings are nice, but don't solve this particular issue.

Get the gcvideo-dvi-p2xh-gc-2.3.bit

Hi, firstly congratulation for your great job

I receive my Pluto board but I cannot get it to work.
All my connections are goods, double checked.
When I turn on the console, one LED blink but the another LED still ON without any blinking, so in your readme you say that the board is probably not programmed.
Maybe my board isn't programmed, so I would like to get the file "gcvideo-dvi-p2xh-gc-2.3.bit" but I can't find it, there is no bin subdirectory.
Can you upload it ?

WiiDual boot issues

Hi, i did install with my friend the Wiidual board, every time i turn the Wii on it works fine for the first 3-10 minutes aprox. but then starts glitching and later the image goes black, and gets back again with glitches and black again, if you turn it off and no screen comes later...

my wii is RVL-CPU-60
and wii dual firm is version 1.1 2.4c.2

Here are pics of my install:
https://imgur.com/gallery/yVKozIC

And a video with the trouble:
https://youtu.be/FeS1JuUm0xI

Can you help me with any ideas for solving this trouble please?
Thanks for your help

Booting main firmware failed

Just flashed this onto my Wii using the specified fpgaconf file, and it boots into black and white with the error message "Booting main firmware failed!"

Add GCPlug hardware target

Just popping this here so it doesn't fall off the radar. I know Dan was going to get the constraints file over to you for the GCPlug.

Wiidual OSD issue on 3.0e

Came across an issue on 8x wiidual installs I did over the past few days. When I power up the wii with a gamecube controller in port 1, the OSD will not come up. If I then press the reset button on the front of the console, the OSD will come up, but only until I reboot the console. Rebooting using the controller or power button, or by unplugging it, doesn't matter, the OSD will only come up if I reset with the reset button on the front of the console. Not the end of the world, but was curious if anyone else had run into this or if there were a fix for it.

WiiDual update failure 3.0d -> 3.0e

After initiating the update it reports "No compatible firmware found."

GCVideo 3.0e - missing Bit file for manual upgrade procedure for KNJN Pluto 2x board

The documentation for KNJN states to use the supplied "*.bit" file to perform a manual flash of the chip using a programmer if you have an older revision.

The 3.0e that was released, there is no included bit file, however 3.0d does have the included *.bit file in archive gcvideo-3.0d-p2xh-gc-fpgaconf.zip

Thanks

No native 480p ?

Hello. I purchased a Pluto-II ( Rev C) with gcvideo installed. Everything appears to be working fine (audio, 480i video+LD, OSD), but I cannot get native 480p games to display in progressive scan. Games that require 'B' do not respond to the command and games that have the option in the menus are greyed out. Have test on 3 different TVs with 2 different HDMI cables same results. I have also tried reflashing the board with the latest firmware. Thoughts on what to check?

Missing *.bit files in the 'gcvideo-dvi/bin' subfolder

Please can you re-add again the *.bit files in the 'gcvideo-dvi/bin' subfolder?
Thanks!

Video signal drops after some time

Hello,

I'm having an issue with signal stability. The signal will drop while playing, more and more frequently as time goes. It might drop once after 5 minutes of playing, then 2, then 1, until the image no longer appears.

Firmware version: 3.0d

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Regards,
Benoit