Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
The SAM Coupé is one of the most fascinating British 8 bit computers of the late 1980s. Released by Miles Gordon Technology in 1989, it promised advanced graphics, better sound, more memory, and partial ZX Spectrum compatibility… but history had other ideas.
In this video, I install and test a modern HDMI upgrade for the SAM Coupé so we can finally connect this rare retro computer to modern displays without relying on ageing RF or analogue video hardware.
We explore the installation, test the image quality, compare display modes, look at compatibility, and see whether modern digital video can breathe new life into one of Britain’s most ambitious retro computers.
🛠️ Thanks to PCBWay! You can prototype or mas produce PCBs, order CNC work, 3D printing and more: PCBWay.com
Huge thanks to Wayne Robbins (Retro Robbins) for supplying the SAM HDMI hardware for this project: youtube.com/@retrorobbins
Huge thanks also to Ian Stonelake for donating the SAM Coupé featured in this series.
Special thanks to Quazar for the excellent SAM Revival Magazine and continued support of the SAM Coupé community: samcoupe.com
If you enjoy retro computing repairs, console restoration, diagnostics, hardware mods, upgrades, and deep dives into obscure retro technology, you’re in the right place.
💙 Support the Channel Patreon: patreon.com/markfixesstuff
Channel Sponsors & Supporters: markfixesstuff.com/channel-sponsors-supporters
Website: markfixesstuff.com
00:00 Introduction to the SAM Coupé HDMI add on
00:31 What Is the SAM Coupé Retro Computer?
01:25 Why the Original SAM Coupé Video Output Looks Bad
02:11 Thanks to Retro Robbins for the SAM HDMI Module
02:32 Testing the Original RF Video Output
03:19 Loading Games and Seeing the Video Problems
03:39 Audio Noise and Interference Issues
04:03 Inside the SAM Coupé HDMI Hardware
04:49 First HDMI Output Test on a Modern TV
05:08 Plugging the HDMI Upgrade into the SAM Coupé
05:27 Installation and Testing
05:44 Making the HDMI Mod work
06:13 Avoiding Damage to a Rare Retro Computer
06:33 Installing the HDMI Port Properly
06:56 Why Some Modern TVs Reject Retro Signals
07:20 First Proper HDMI Image Test
07:42 Why Supporters and Sponsors Matter
08:02 Comparing RF vs HDMI Video Quality
08:25 SAM Coupé HDMI Switch Settings Explained
08:49 Fine Tuning the HDMI Output
09:07 Final Adjustments and Testing
09:26 Connecting External Audio
09:50 Audio Test with the HDMI Setup
10:28 Playing Games on the HDMI Modded SAM Coupé
10:50 Thanks to Quazar and SAM Revival Magazine
11:10 Final Gameplay and Impressions
11:33 Original RF Output vs HDMI Comparison
11:58 Was the SAM Coupé Ahead of Its Time?
12:20 Why the SAM Coupé Struggled Commercially
13:06 Final Thanks to Retro Robbins and Supporters
13:28 Supporting the Channel and Future Retro Projects
#SamCoupe #RetroComputing #RetroGaming #ZXSpectrum #HDMI #VintageComputers #RetroTech #MarkFixesStuff
The SAM Coupé is one of the most fascinating British 8 bit computers of the late 1980s. Released by Miles Gordon Technology in 1989, it promised advanced graphics, better sound, more memory, and partial ZX Spectrum compatibility… but history had other ideas.
In this video, I install and test a modern HDMI upgrade for the SAM Coupé so we can finally connect this rare retro computer to modern displays without relying on ageing RF or analogue video hardware.
We explore the installation, test the image quality, compare display modes, look at compatibility, and see whether modern digital video can breathe new life into one of Britain’s most ambitious retro computers.
🛠️ Thanks to PCBWay! You can prototype or mas produce PCBs, order CNC work, 3D printing and more: PCBWay.com
Huge thanks to Wayne Robbins (Retro Robbins) for supplying the SAM HDMI hardware for this project: youtube.com/@retrorobbins
Huge thanks also to Ian Stonelake for donating the SAM Coupé featured in this series.
Special thanks to Quazar for the excellent SAM Revival Magazine and continued support of the SAM Coupé community: samcoupe.com
If you enjoy retro computing repairs, console restoration, diagnostics, hardware mods, upgrades, and deep dives into obscure retro technology, you’re in the right place.
💙 Support the Channel Patreon: patreon.com/markfixesstuff
Channel Sponsors & Supporters: markfixesstuff.com/channel-sponsors-supporters
Website: markfixesstuff.com
00:00 Introduction to the SAM Coupé HDMI add on
00:31 What Is the SAM Coupé Retro Computer?
01:25 Why the Original SAM Coupé Video Output Looks Bad
02:11 Thanks to Retro Robbins for the SAM HDMI Module
02:32 Testing the Original RF Video Output
03:19 Loading Games and Seeing the Video Problems
03:39 Audio Noise and Interference Issues
04:03 Inside the SAM Coupé HDMI Hardware
04:49 First HDMI Output Test on a Modern TV
05:08 Plugging the HDMI Upgrade into the SAM Coupé
05:27 Installation and Testing
05:44 Making the HDMI Mod work
06:13 Avoiding Damage to a Rare Retro Computer
06:33 Installing the HDMI Port Properly
06:56 Why Some Modern TVs Reject Retro Signals
07:20 First Proper HDMI Image Test
07:42 Why Supporters and Sponsors Matter
08:02 Comparing RF vs HDMI Video Quality
08:25 SAM Coupé HDMI Switch Settings Explained
08:49 Fine Tuning the HDMI Output
09:07 Final Adjustments and Testing
09:26 Connecting External Audio
09:50 Audio Test with the HDMI Setup
10:28 Playing Games on the HDMI Modded SAM Coupé
10:50 Thanks to Quazar and SAM Revival Magazine
11:10 Final Gameplay and Impressions
11:33 Original RF Output vs HDMI Comparison
11:58 Was the SAM Coupé Ahead of Its Time?
12:20 Why the SAM Coupé Struggled Commercially
13:06 Final Thanks to Retro Robbins and Supporters
13:28 Supporting the Channel and Future Retro Projects
#SamCoupe #RetroComputing #RetroGaming #ZXSpectrum #HDMI #VintageComputers #RetroTech #MarkFixesStuff
