Category: Tater News

📰 New article from RetroRGB

Barco Folsom Research ImagePro for Downscaling to 240p

https://retrorgb.com/barco-folsom-research-imagepro-for-downscaling-to-240p.html

Barco ImagePRO: The Quiet(ish) 240p Hero (With Caveats)

Found in dusty server racks and resurrected by CRT-loving tinkerers, the Barco Folsom Research ImagePRO is a beast of a scaler—packed with analog I/O (RGB, component, S-Video, composite), rugged metal casing, and—drumroll—a hidden superpower: true 240p output.

Discovered by shmups legend KTown, this feature isn’t plug-and-play. You need the latest firmware (flashed via RS232), precise vertical timing tweaks (V Position 9, V Active 242), and patience. But once set, it delivers buttery-smooth downscaling from 480p/1080i/1080p sources to crisp 240p RGB—ideal for Dreamcast, arcade boards, or retro consoles.

But hey, it’s not all rainbows and RGBHV:

• 🌀 Fans? Oh yes. Three 12V fans run loud in ambient setups—swap them with Noctuas for near-silent operation (one-screw fit, but works).
• 🔁 Custom timings vanish when switching to 480i—reconfigure every time. Annoying, but fixable in ~60 seconds.
• 🎮 Latency ranges from 20–37ms, depending on Genlock mode. “Freerun” avoids tearing but adds lag; “Input Video” keeps sync tight at ~1 frame—but only if input matches 59.94Hz.

Still… for CRT purists chasing that elusive progressive 15kHz signal without a $2k Extron? The ImagePRO’s blend of flexibility, robust scaling, and analog I/O makes it a compelling—albeit grumpy—ally.

TL;DR: A niche, loud, finicky—but surprisingly capable—240p workhorse for the committed.

📰 New article from TorrentFreak

Court Dismisses Musi’s Apple Lawsuit, Sanctions Law Firm for “Baseless” Claims

https://torrentfreak.com/court-dismisses-musis-apple-lawsuit-sanctions-law-firm-for-baseless-claims/

Musi’s Apple Lawsuit Crumbles — and Its Lawyers Get Slapped with Sanctions

Remember Musi? The once-popular music streaming app that vanished from the App Store in September 2024 amid fierce pressure from major music industry players? Yeah, it tried to sue Apple to get back in — and lost hard.

Musi claimed Apple acted in bad faith, colluding with Sony, IFPI, and YouTube to remove the app without proper review. But U.S. District Judge Eumi K. Lee shut that down, ruling the Apple Developer Agreement gives Apple absolute discretion to remove apps — “with or without cause.” No implied covenant of good faith could save Musi here.

Even after two months of discovery and access to over 3,000 documents? Still no dice.

But the real zinger came in sanctions: The court fined Musi’s law firm, Winston & Strawn, after the appmaker falsely claimed Apple had admitted to using fake evidence — an “admission” that didn’t exist anywhere in the record. As the judge dryly noted:

> “Claiming that Apple admitted to knowingly relying on false evidence conveys damning proof… but it did not.”

And if that weren’t enough, Apple had previously accused Musi of faking a Universal Music Group email to get reinstated — using a non-UMG email address and even submitting fake copyright claims against another app.

Musi can appeal, but for now? The song is over — and the App Store stays closed. 🎵🚫

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

These Are the Best AliExpress Anniversary Sale Deals on Gaming Handhelds and Mini PCs

https://retrohandhelds.gg/these-are-the-best-aliexpress-anniversary-sale-deals-on-gaming-handhelds-and-mini-pcs/

AliExpress Anniversary Sale Delivers Jaw-Dropping Deals on Retro Handhelds, Android Gigs & Mini PCs

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to upgrade your portable gaming setup, AliExpress’s Anniversary Sale is basically a gift from the emulation gods. With deep discounts—and stackable promo codes up to $90 off—this is one sale even your wallet will high-five you for.

Retro handhelds are having a moment, and prices are softer than ever. Think Anbernic’s RG35XXH for $44.70, Miyoo’s Mini Flip at $45.60, or the ultra-compact R36S for just $26.71—all with_CODES like `ASRHH7` or `5USAFF`. Perfect for snatching up a nostalgic pocket sized blast from the past.

Android-based powerhouses like the Retroid Pocket 6 (`$213.90`), AYN’s Thor Pro (`$375.11`), and Anbernic’s RG477M (`$211.62`) are also getting major cuts—some with specs that rival full-on handheld PCs.

And let’s not sleep on the mini PC section, where deals on GMKtec, Minisforum, and AceMagic machines drop hard (think UM790 Pro at $452.15). With RAM and storage prices still high, these savings feel almost illegal.

💥 Pro tip: Stack brand-specific codes (like `USAS90`) with AliExpress-wide ones (`RHMARCH25`, etc.) where allowed—and watch those cart totals hit discount thresholds fast.

🚨 Codes may expire or sell out—grab ’em while hot!

Check full details at Retro Handhelds

📰 New article from RetroRGB

Brazil is updating the Sega Dreamcast controller with Dream Color +

https://retrorgb.com/brazil-is-updating-the-sega-dreamcast-controller-with-dream-color.html

Brazilian Fan’s Dream Color+ Brings Color & Modern Flair to the Dreamcast VMU

What happens when a passionate Sega fan in Brazil decides to modernize one of the most iconic (and underappreciated) accessories of the Dreamcast—the Visual Memory Unit (VMU)? Enter the Dream Color+, a clever PCB upgrade that slots into your VMU port and adds color animation, SD card storage, and even homebrew app support. Yes, your VMU can now do more than flash a sad little black-and-white icon when you pick up a life in Sonic Adventure.

Right now, the Dream Color+ works with 22 games—including fan favorites like Sonic Adventure 2, Crazy Taxi, and GTA III—but developer Ângelo Pontes promises more titles are coming. And if that weren’t cool enough, there’s also a full controller option with dual analog sticks (handy for Android/Windows compatibility), making it nearly playable on modern platforms.

The crowdfunding campaign is live on a Brazilian site (yes, still only 7% funded on day one), but it ships worldwide—starting at ~$115 for just the PCB, up to ~$172 for a full controller. With two months left, it’s not too late to jump in if you’ve been dreaming of a VMU Renaissance. 🎮✨

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Anbernic’s Next Handheld Might Flip the Script With a Rotating Screen

https://retrohandhelds.gg/anbernics-next-handheld-might-flip-the-script-with-a-rotating-screen/

Anbernic’s Next Handheld Might Flip the Script—Literally

Forget yet another retro clone—Anbernic might be going full twist with a rotating-screen handheld, spotted in a new video from r/SBCGaming. The device looks like a square Android-powered unit with no physical controls visible on the front… until you push the screen sideways, flipping it vertically to reveal a classic D-pad and ABXY buttons underneath.

It’s a clever design that nods to nostalgic flip phones like the 2009 Nokia 7705 Twist and Motorola’s 2010 Flipout, but with modern gaming in mind. Some have even spotted similarities to the concept-like iFrog RS1, suggesting Anbernic might be taking inspiration—and maybe even an ODM prototype—and running with it.

Dubbed the RG Twist (a playful nod to its predecessor, the RG Vita), this could be Anbernic’s boldest move yet: a hybrid handheld that adapts on-the-fly, blending portability with flexibility. Whether it’s for Android games, emulators, or even productivity? Still unclear—but it definitely makes the handheld space feel fresh again.

Stay tuned—this one’s worth watching.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

Mcbazel’s GBS-Control

https://retrorgb.com/mcbazels-gbs-control.html

Mcbazel’s GBS-Control: A Plug-and-Play scaler for Retro Gaming Glory 🎮

If you’ve ever struggled with jittery 480i signals from your Dreamcast, PS2, or Xbox on a modern display, Mcbazel’s pre-built GBS-Control is the hero you didn’t know you needed—but definitely want.

This tiny, professionally housed scaler takes analog RGB (like SCART or HD15) and converts it cleanly to HDMI, with minimal lag and solid upscaling/downscaling. Think of it as the “magic box” that makes your retro consoles look crisp on today’s TVs—without the DIY headache. The GBS-C project itself is legendary in retro circles for its quality and open-source roots, but building one? Not everyone’s cup of tea. Enter Mcbazel: they’ve done the work for you, packing everything into a sleek injection-molded case with all the right connectors.

Why it shines:

• Low lag, crucial for fast-paced games
• Handles all the classics: PS2, Dreamcast, Xbox, Wii
• Built-in SCART input + HDMI output (plus optional HD15 adapter)
• Way easier than sourcing parts and soldering yourself

For retro fans who care about video quality but not the build process—this is the sweet spot. 🧠⚡

[Affiliate links inside, full details at RetroRGB]

📰 New article from TorrentFreak

Bankruptcy Court Clears Path for $100 Million Sale of Redbox’s Piracy Lawsuit Rights

https://torrentfreak.com/bankruptcy-court-clears-path-for-100-million-sale-of-redboxs-piracy-lawsuit-rights/

Redbox’s Piracy Lawsuit Rights Could Fetch $100M—If the Supreme Court Doesn’t Shatter the Plan

When Redbox shuttered in 2024 after years of losses, few imagined its most valuable (and bizarre) asset would be the right to sue people for pirating movies. But that’s exactly what a bankruptcy court just cleared the way for—via a potential $100 million deal with private equity firm Grove Street Partners.

Here’s the twist: Grove Street isn’t buying Redbox’s DVDs or streaming tech. It’s buying litigation rights—the ability to sue ISPs like Cox Communications for allegedly turning a blind eye to piracy by their subscribers. If successful, those suits could bring in hundreds of millions more.

But there’s a major caveat: a pending Supreme Court case (Cox v. Sony) could make or break this entire strategy. The outcome will determine how liable ISPs can be held for their users’ piracy—a question that’s already cost Cox a $1 billion verdict (later appealed). The Court heard arguments in December 2025, with a ruling expected this year.

Meanwhile, the money’s not all flowing to creditors yet. Under the approved bankruptcy deal, lenders like HPS Investment get 80–85% of early returns—while unions and other claimants wait in line. And Grove Street still hasn’t signed the final purchase agreement… though its CEO just told another court that a payoff to a former CFO ($525K judgment) is “imminent,” thanks to this deal.

In short: a high-stakes poker game where the cards are copyright law, ISP liability—and maybe even Hollywood’s future enforcement strategy. 🎲🎬

📰 New article from RetroRGB

Open Source NES PPU Replacement (RGB)

https://retrorgb.com/open-source-nes-ppu-replacement-rgb.html

Open-Source NES PPU Replacement Hits GitHub — And It’s Not Just Another Clone

Retro hardware hacker andkorzh just dropped PPU-LITE, a fully open-source replacement for the NES’s Picture Processing Unit (PPU)—and this one’s built for accuracy and affordability. Using an inexpensive FPGA and a simple 2-layer PCB, the design reverse-engineers the original PPU at the gate level to deliver pixel-perfect rendering. No need for a working vintage chip—just swap it in like-on-like.

A few quick notes:

• It’s physically shaped like the popular NESRGB board, making installation a breeze (and avoiding confusion with existing mods).
• The palette system currently uses fixed color schemes—developers are asking for community help to add custom, upgradable palettes. Think: your favorite CRT emulation look or retro modded colors.
• Not for sale yet, but the full design files are live on GitHub for the DIY-inclined.

If you’ve ever wanted a plug-and-play PPU that just works—without breaking the bank or needing obscure parts—this could be the holy grail. Stay tuned: installation videos and potential commercial builds may drop soon.

📰 New article from RetroRGB

Ken’s Look at the Commodore 64 Ultimate

https://retrorgb.com/kens-look-at-the-commodore-64-ultimate.html

Retro RGB’s Ken Dives Into the C64 Ultimate — And It’s a Whole Ride!

Ken from What’s Ken Making just dropped his signature deep-dive review of the Commodore 64 Ultimate, and let’s just say: if you’ve ever dreamed of a C64 that just works in 2025 (with HDMI, SD card support, and modern conveniences), this FPGA-powered beast might be your holy grail.

What makes the C64 Ultimate special? It’s not just a nostalgia trip — it’s an FPGA recreation of the classic C64 architecture, rebuilt with modern upgrades:

• Real-time video scaling to fit modern displays
• Built-in disk image support (no more dusty floppies!)
• USB keyboard/mouse, Ethernet, and even Wi-Fi
• A real-time debugger for developers (yes, really)

Ken got hands-on with the unit and even chatted with both original and current Commodore team members — a rare glimpse into how the project bridges retro passion with modern tech. His teardown reveals thoughtful engineering: clean internal layout, quality components, and that unmistakable “it just works” vibe.

If you love the C64 but hate its limitations, this is the upgrade you didn’t know you needed.

👉 Grab one here — and go watch Ken’s full review before your retro-wishlist gets too out of control. 😄

📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

Retro Handhelds Weekly: Xbox Project Helix, MagicX Two Dream, Emulator Updates Galore and More

https://retrohandhelds.gg/retro-handhelds-weekly-edition-90/

Retro Handhelds Weekly: Xbox’s PC-Convergence Dream, MagicX Specs, and EmuMagic

This week in retro handhelds was packed—from leaked specs to bold console visions and emulator breakthroughs. Let’s break it down.

🎮 Hardware Highlights

MagicX finally gave us a peek at the Two Dream Light (Helio G99, 3GB/32GB) and Pro (Dimensity 7300, 4GB/64GB)—mid-range but promising power for emulation. Meanwhile, Xbox’s Project Helix is leaning hard into the PC hybrid future: console and Windows gaming, all in one box. Sounds ambitious… and possibly overdue.

📉 Industry Whiplash

PC shipments are now projected to drop 11.3% in 2026—more than quadruple earlier estimates—blamed on memory shortages and supply chain headaches. Ouch. And if you thought that was wild, a new adapter lets you beam Game Boy Camera photos straight to your phone. Yes, really.

💻 Software Shenanigans

• Xbox Mode is heading to all Windows 11 devices (not just Ally hardware) in April—controller-first UI, here we come.
• EmuLnk is the MVP of dual-screen emulation: it turns your extra display into a live HUD with maps, inventories, and more.
• But hold up—AYANEO’s AYAWindow app is under fire for secretly sending screenshots off-device. AYANEO responded, but transparency remains key.

🔥 Bonus Wins

• Slay the Spire 2 sold 3M copies in a week.
• Pokopia hit 2.2M in just four days.
• And DuckStation on Android? Looks like it’s barely breathing now.

☕ Grab that coffee, scroll the deals below, and don’t forget:

Anbernic’s Spring Sale (up to 55% off) and AliExpress’ 16th-anniversary promo are live with tons of coupon codes (RHMARCH & ASRHH series).

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