Who can HDMI update a NES top loader?

[Tanooki]

I asked about it at atariage and the topic oddly turned into some big debate instead.

I got a top loader the other day for $70 locally that was complete with an added controller. After experiencing the GC HDMI v3 update external mod it got me wanting to bulletproof older stuff from the death of pre-HDMI tv connections. A mod has been created for the device with an optional(I'd want) LED light under the power switch. I know you can get them pre-modded between $300-400 depending on the supplier and that includes the system in the expense.

Anyone know someone in the US willing to do this HDMI mod to the top loader with the light? I was wondering what it would set me back given I supply the system for the labor rate, kit, and return shipping.


I'll be selling a modded (RCA, stereo wheel, led light) top loader I already have to cover the expense.

[CRTGAMER]

The internal mod needing a decent upscaler circuit for HDMI would not be cheap. Perhaps a stand alone Composite to HDMI upscaler? This way any other retro consoles or plugnplay could benefit. However, the source even if modded is still 240p/480i; an issue of "zooming" the image to 1080p HDMI as well as converting the analog video and audio signals to digital. Perhaps some loss in the conversion?

I have mixed feelings going with a dedicated upscaler vs direct connect to the HDTV using the internal upscale circuits. I imagine newer TVs (at least the ones that still have composite input) have improved built in upscalers. There have been good reviews on the high end stand alone upscalers such as the Framemeister that can add scan lines, digital fill and such, but a pricey option.

[Tanooki]

I'll never go the external upscaler route, ever.

This is what you do: https://www.game-tech.us/product/hi-def-nes/

That device has a secondary board you mount into the bottom of the system and it has 2 ribbon cables. They go up to a socketed chip setup you add onto the actual top loader with the 2 main processors. You desolder the chips it has, add in a socket and board, then on that you attach the old chips. That middle bit has the jacks for the ribbons. You use that it adds no delay to the games, runs them at 1080p through an hdmi port in the back just under where the old RF jack is located.

[Jagosaurus]

Forget his name at the moment, but there's a recommended modder over at Atari Age under the main marketplace. I think he mostly does RGB, composite, & s video mods but seeing this is a kit... should be up his alley.

[Tanooki]

I know who you're talking about and had asked over there too, problem is no one has the kits and kevtris says they should be back sooner than later but with no date when.

[Erik_Twice]

I'll never go the external upscaler route, ever.

Why not? It does all you want to do, better, more cheaply and without irreparably changing the console in the process. And it works for all your consoles!