Comparison of original YM2612 & YM3438 recordings of Streets of Rage "Keep the Groovin'":
drive.google.com/open?id=12-slQS42QQmAGUNXbQ9WHYYJPI6j9I3CFallout 4 FunFirebrandX2024-04-22 | Nostalgia trip from the new Fallout TV series on Hulu got me looking back at how fun Fallout 4 is!Metroid MSU1 Bonus - How to Get Kraids Energy TankFirebrandX2023-12-08 | I'm an idiot. I realized while watching my gameplay in Kraid'l Lair that I overlooked a very simple way to get the hidden energy tank. I demo it here and turn off abilities I normally wouldn't have at this point in the game.Metroid MSU1 100% No Glitch - Pt 5 - TourianFirebrandX2023-12-08 | The final stage of Metroid. Infidelity's port includes new content here! Played through using a SNES 1CHIP-03 via RGB SCART into the RetroTINK-4K using 10x wide by 9x tall upscaling for max sharpness.
Done on SNES 1CHIP-03 via RGB SCART into the RetroTINK-4K at 10x wide by 9x tall for maximum sharpness.
My web site: http://www.firebrandx.com/index.html My Patreon: patreon.com/firebrandx/overviewMetroid MSU1 100% No Glitch - Pt 3 - NorfairFirebrandX2023-12-07 | Clearing Norfair of all items. Note the new ability with Wave Beam! Done on SNES 1CHIP-03 with RGB SCART into RetroTINK-4K at 10x wide by 9x tall for best sharpness.
My web site: http://www.firebrandx.com/index.html MY Patreon: patreon.com/firebrandx/overviewMetroid MSU1 100% No Glitch - Pt 2 - Kraids LairFirebrandX2023-12-07 | Clearing the first mini-boss and all items. This section is arguably the hardest in the game. Playthough done on a SNES 1CHIP-03 with RGB SCART into the RetroTINK-4K at 10x wide by 9x tall for sharpest picture.
My web site: http://www.firebrandx.com/index.html My Patreon: patreon.com/firebrandx/overviewMetroid MSU1 100% No Glitch - Pt 1 - BrinstarFirebrandX2023-12-06 | Infidelity's awesome MSU1 port of the original NES Metroid on the SNES demonstrated on the RetroTINK-4K in 10x wide by 9x tall for best sharpness. This is not a speedrun, but rather my way of casually playing through the game, getting 100% items in the intended order without using any glitches.
My web site: http://www.firebrandx.com/index.html Patreon support: patreon.com/firebrandx/overviewSNES Junior Digital Audio to RT4K TestFirebrandX2023-11-10 | RetroTINK-4K does an excellent job of resampling direct digital audio from modified SNES consoles. This is a SNES Junior modded to the nines with Voultar RGB bypass, C11 cap ghosting fix, my SNES Digital Audio mod, and region lockout tabs removed. My apologies for the poor video quality as my computer can only barely handle 4K video recording.RetroTINK-4K Auto Resolution Switching!FirebrandX2023-10-31 | You never have to keep track of per-resolution profiles again with the RetroTINK-4K. Now a SINGLE profile can account for every resolution of the console! You can even condense NTSC and PAL into the same profile! This video shows off my perfect aspect correction profile of the NSTC Sega Genesis, and then shows off my sharp profile (integer scaling). The Sega Genesis has 4 resolution modes, and my new profiles account for all 4. Mike Chi has done amazing work on the feature development of the RT4K!
As always, I do not monetize my videos, and rely on Patreon support. It is MUCH appreciated for any support there!
Cheers!RetroTINK-4K: Making an Optimal ProfileFirebrandX2023-09-21 | Just a quick tutorial on making your own optimally sampled profile using the Sega Genesis as an example console.
Patreon Support is MUCH appreciated! patreon.com/firebrandx/overview#19 Keck clip Installation & RemovalFirebrandX2023-05-31 | How to install and remove a #19 Keck clip for 14/18mm water pipe joints.Doom 64 - The Spiral (TGTS) 24 Seconds - July 2002FirebrandX2022-12-23 | This over 20-year-old video was thought lost. It's one of my prior world records for The Spiral at Twin Galaxies Tournament Settings, which consisted of "Watch Me Die" difficulty, default starting ammo, and default health. I would later improve this record to 23 seconds, but that video is lost forever as I turned it over to Twin Galaxies and neglected to make a copy.
The hardest part was getting used to the N64's analog stick, as it is out of control when you boot the console at full forward position (allowed by Twin Galaxies, which annoyed me to no end).Akumajou Densetsu - Perfect Audio - 04 - BeginningFirebrandX2022-12-12 | Special thanks to Ace for his guide on correcting AV Famicom audio mixing with the NESRGB board.Ultimate AV Famicom Mods Guide - NESRGB - Expansion Audio - IGR - Zapper SupportFirebrandX2022-12-12 | Audio test demo: youtu.be/GKxh-H7kvbo
My web site: http://www.firebrandx.com/index.htmlChessino Chess + Poker (formerly Choker) Epic MatchFirebrandX2022-12-07 | Update: I realized after several more games that these are bots. They never resign, play with the same cadence, and have generic two-name tags. So all you really get to play on this site are bots and cheaters once you get to the upper ranks. I don't like being made a fool of, so this site is a wash for me. I can see now why masters stopped playing here. Unless you set up a match with a streamer, it's only worth playing for practice.Intecs Game Boy Advance Kit in 5 MinutesFirebrandX2022-05-03 | Didn't want to spend any more than a 5-minute video on this wasted potential. However, Bob at RetroRGB has done a very nice video showing the variable lag, so please do check out his as well at this link:
Cheers!Analogue Super Nt - New Obsessive Settings!FirebrandX2021-03-07 | With the recently released new firmwares for the Super Nt, Mega Sg, and Nt Mini Noir, it's time to do an updated review. Below is the text file cheat sheet link:
http://www.firebrandx.com/index.htmlAnalogue Nt Mini Noir OCD Settings GuideFirebrandX2020-12-20 | Get the best possible picture with aspect ratio correction out of your Analogue Nt Mini Noir by using this settings guide. Below is the link to the in-depth text reference file for all my recommended settings:
Follow me on Twitter! twitter.com/FBXGargoyle?lang=enFinding Proper 4:3 Correction for Vintage Video GamesFirebrandX2020-11-28 | Dispelling misconceptions and getting into the math involved for several example vintage console and arcade systems. MiSTer calculations also covered!
These videos are made possible by my Patreon Supporters. Thank you so much!
Home page: http://www.firebrandx.com/index.htmlXStation ODE: New Menu Features!FirebrandX2020-08-31 | The latest updates on the XStation optical drive emulator for the PS1 as of August 31st, 2020. This device will be a game changer, figuratively and literally!
These videos are made possible solely through Patreon supporters. I receive no ad revenue of any type from Youtube. If you'd like to support my work, it would be greatly appreciated! Link below:
Pre-order the XStation now!: castlemaniagames.com/collections/frontpage/products/xstation?ref=vtcuc9-gbo5eBlitz Chess: Climbing Back to 2000FirebrandX2020-07-24 | Bad technique, missed tactics, and blunders abound! Trying to recover from health issues and get back into doing videos.Xeno Crisis on the Dreamcast using MODEFirebrandX2020-06-19 | First look at some Xeno Crisis on the Sega Dreamcast using the MODE optical drive emulator. Sorry about the noob gameplay as this was my first time playing the game. I'll get better! One thing to note is the music uses Deflemask Tracker output converted to CDDA rather than Sega Genesis hardware recordings for the sound. As such, it has effects and high frequency content not heard on the Genesis/MD version.OSSC Profile Importing TutorialFirebrandX2019-11-20 | Quick tutorial video on importing and converting console-specific json profiles for the Open Source Scan Converter. Be sure to visit my web page for profile downloads and links to the online editor and settings guide:
1. Noctua fan mod (rotated for air intake). 2. Dream PSU mod (replaces the heat-generating PSU). 3. W857R Laptop fan mod (pulls cool air through the mobo).
You can check out the Twitter pics I posted of the modifications to the metal shroud here:
twitter.com/FBXGargoyle/status/1159686563724431360?s=20Video Game Console Mods: Ebay Garbage to Quality WorkFirebrandX2019-04-18 | Video I shot last year before getting my new T12 soldering station. Figured it was a nice send off of my old Weller. This re-mod work was done free of charge for someone that got a hideously modded SNES Junior that was having video noise issues. Sorry about the abrupt ending in this one. I lost the last video segment of putting it all back together. Rest assured the customer was quite happy with it!Mega Sg Video Settings for the Obsessive Compulsive (part 1)FirebrandX2019-04-14 | Cheat sheet for settings (updated for 7.6 JB firmware):
drive.google.com/open?id=1njRyLytehrpq6IxOyNdJh-ceUKa6BFO6PSA on Getting Good AV CablesFirebrandX2018-10-11 | Don't spend hundreds of dollars on expensive devices & mods on your treasured retrogaming consoles, only to ruin the experience and make your ears bleed with cheap ebay SCART garbage. This video is a PSA on what to look for and why in a good RGB or Component cable. Below are links to recommended sellers:
Follow me on Twitter: twitter.com/FBXGargoyle?lang=enPSIO In Depth ReviewFirebrandX2018-09-23 | A full hour of exploring and explaining the process of getting the PSIO up and running on your Playstation console. It's not a simple device to plug in and start playing ISOs from, so you really have to take the time to learn the nuances and file types needed to get the best experience. I review my own experiences in this video after finally getting my PSIO from a 15-month pre-order wait period.
If you like my content, please consider becoming a patreon supporter so I can continue to create videos researching and detailing these subjects in the retro-gaming world:
PSIO web site: http://ps-io.comSSDS3 Audio Bypass No Cap vs CapFirebrandX2018-09-09 | Followup video demonstrating what happens when you remove the Vref 10uF cap from the board, recreating the original SSDS3 audio conditions.SSDS3 Bypass Audio Amp DemoFirebrandX2018-08-26 | Get crystal clear audio from your SSDS3 with no distortion at max default CD audio volume. Links to installation and sales page:
Note below are sales for USA residents ONLY! VideoGamePerfection will soon be handling all international orders. Here's the link for USA sales:
http://www.firebrandx.com/genesislineampmod.htmlDead Sega Saturn RecappedFirebrandX2018-08-21 | This is a first-time bootup of a Japanese VA0 Saturn that had no audio or video due to dried out caps. I did a full recap using Nichicon surface mount caps of the same size and ratings of the original dead caps. Note that this video is recorded with the OSSC in Generic 4:3 mode at 4x scale. Pics of my recap work below:
https://i.imgur.com/zBVjrZg.jpg (new caps soldered in, and retain the original factory look of the motherboard).
-FBXGame o Blitz ChessFirebrandX2018-08-13 | Playing against a 4554-rated opponent?! I should have been crushed off the board on the kingside, but my opponent starts playing dubious moves and pilfers away the strong middlegame position they had.SSDS3, OSSC, & the Super GrafxFirebrandX2018-08-01 | Audio-Visual demonstration of the SSDS3 with various mods to get the most out of the device using the OSSC and Super Grafx console.
Here's a link to my web page for optimal timing profiles for the OSSC and these games:
http://www.firebrandx.com/osscprofiles.htmlJapanese Contra NESRGB OSSC PlaythroughFirebrandX2018-06-09 | Finally got some free time to record a playthrough of an English translation of Japanese Contra. Hardware used below:
NTSC front-loader NES NESRGB modded "Smooth (FBX)" palette HD Retrovision SNES cables (via multi A/V port mod) OSSC Line4x Datapath Vision E1S capture card
No continues, no 30-man code, no turbo controller. First attempt recording in MANY years since I last completed the game.OSSC Masking & Atari Jaguar Optimal TimingFirebrandX2018-05-27 | How to mask overscan areas and optimally timing Atari Jaguar! Profile work has been added to my web page (refresh your browser to force the page to update as needed):
Cheers!Woozles Game Boy Advance Consolizer HDMI GBA!FirebrandX2018-05-19 | A preview of the HDMI output of Woozle's soon-to-be released HDMI output adapter for the Game Boy Advance. Features stunning graphics, terrible gameplay, and me whining about technicalities :-P Below is a zip file link to the original video for better quality (since youtube compresses the quality):
filetrip.net/dl?K9dOjnwoIbSega Genesis & Master System RGB OSSC Optimal TimingsFirebrandX2018-05-10 | Tutorial for dialing in optimal timing on all three Genesis modes on the OSSC. Also features stereo sound output from my new audio mod board for model 1 Genesis consoles! Below are the important reference links:
twitter.com/FBXGargoyle?lang=enGame Boy Interface with Component Video into OSSC TutorialFirebrandX2018-04-28 | Happen to have official component cables for your Gamecube? Check out this tutorial for flawless Game Boy Player graphics on the OSSC! Settings cheat sheet:
Video in proc.:
Video LPF = 35 MHz (still the perfect setting for official component cables)
Gain for Pr = raise to suit your tastes (no higher than 50)
Gain for Y = raise to same value as Pr
Gain for Pb = raise to same value as Pr
------
Sync Opt.:
Analog sync LPF = 2.5 MHz (max)
------
Output proc.:
Line4X mode = 320x240 optimal
(you can try Line5x mode, but be sure you set the 5x output to 1080p if your display only goes that high)
------
Advance timing (320x240):
H. samplerate = 433 H. synclen = 31 H. backporch = 54 H. active = 320 (to give more standard footprint on the output)
Sampling opt.:
Sampling Phase = 225 degrees (this will differ from console to console).
Patreon Link: patreon.com/firebrandx/overviewSuper Nt Settings Followup Video:FirebrandX2018-04-22 | Just a quick update showing the easier method of changing resolutions, and also discussing the strange 1:1 and 8:7 res modes. Cheat sheet for settings below:
FBX Super NT Settings: ----------------------------- System - Menu Options:
Skin = Classic
Highlight Style = Throb
Highlight Color = Light Purple
Font = Alternate AND Uppercase only (both checked)
Dim Game In Menu = (uncheck this if you want to use 240p test suites to check test patterns while making live adjustments)
-----------------------------
Startup Options:
Boot Sequence Delay = +1 second (turn down to zero if you can get away with it)
Menu Direct = checked
-----------------------------
LED Options:
K-Pro Rainbow = Checked
Adjust Pattern = Animate Speed +1
Led Brightness = +17 (my personal taste as full brightness is too distracting)
-----------------------------
Video: (first check the box for "Advanced Mode" to bring up the complete menu)
Resolution = 1080p (My own monitor's resolution)
----------
Width & Height:
NOTE: You want to start with height first in order to enable quick-cycling of the correct res mode labels for width!
4x Mode CRT aspect correction:
Height = 960 (4x label) (press the start button to quick-cycle to 4x as needed)
Width = 1170 (4:3 for 16:9 label for 4x) (press start button to quick-cycle through until you reach this res. It is CRT aspect correction using the PROPER formula)
Fill screen on 1080p displays with 224 mode (most games) & aspect correction:
Height: 1153 (August 8, 2019 firmware STILL does not fix top line cropping)
Width: 1405 (interpolation stretches this to 1406)
H. Position: 35
V. Position: 44
5x Mode CRT aspect correction:
Height = 1200 (5x label) (press the start button to quick-cycle to 5x as needed)
Width = 1462 (4:3 for 16:9 label for 5x) (press start button to quick-cycle through until you reach this res. It is CRT aspect correction using the PROPER formula)
----------
Now in order for CRT aspect correction to look smooth and sharp at the same time, you need to back out of this menu and go to:
Scalers: No Scaler = checked Disable H Interpolation = UNCHECKED (this smooths out the scrolling).
Disable V interpolation = checked (this gives perfect sharpness on the vertical axis)
----------
For running Super Game Boy or Super Game Boy 2, you want to run the games in square pixels to match the original handheld's aspect ratio. In this case, you'll want check BOTH "Disable H Interpolation" AND "Disable V Interpolation":
Disable H interpolation = checked (this gives perfect sharpness on the Horizontal axis)
Disable V interpolation = checked (this gives perfect sharpness on the vertical axis)
Now go back to Width and Height and change them to the followig:
Height = 1200 (5x label) (press the start button to quick-cycle to 5x)
Width = 1280 (5x label) (press the start button to quick-cycle to 5x)
Now you can turn the borders off in the SGB and enjoy the active graphics area of the Game Boy in the original handheld aspect ratio!
-------------------------------
Buffer Mode: Leave at default of "Zero Delay"
Patreon Link: patreon.com/firebrandx/overviewSuper Nt Settings for the Obsessive CompulsiveFirebrandX2018-04-22 | Dial in perfect square pixels and/or perfect aspect correction! Watch in 1080p fullscreen for best results. Cheat sheet for all settings below:
FBX Super NT Settings: ----------------------------- System - Menu Options:
Skin = Classic
Highlight Style = Throb
Highlight Color = Light Purple
Font = Alternate AND Uppercase only (both checked)
Dim Game In Menu = (uncheck this if you want to use 240p test suites to check test patterns while making live adjustments)
-----------------------------
Startup Options:
Boot Sequence Delay = +1 second (turn down to zero if you can get away with it)
Menu Direct = checked
-----------------------------
LED Options:
K-Pro Rainbow = Checked
Adjust Pattern = Animate Speed +1
Led Brightness = +17 (my personal taste as full brightness is too distracting)
-----------------------------
Video: (first check the box for "Advanced Mode" to bring up the complete menu)
Resolution = 1080p (My own monitor's resolution)
----------
Width & Height:
NOTE: You want to start with height first in order to enable quick-cycling of the correct res mode labels for width!
4x Mode CRT aspect correction:
Height = 960 (4x label) (press the start button to quick-cycle to 4x as needed)
Width = 1170 (4:3 for 16:9 label for 4x) (press start button to quick-cycle through until you reach this res. It is CRT aspect correction using the PROPER formula)
----------
Fill screen on 1080p displays with 224 mode (most games) & aspect correction:
Height: 1153 (August 8, 2019 firmware STILL does not fix top line cropping)
Width: 1405 (interpolation stretches this to 1406)
H. Position: 35
V. Position: 44
----------
5x Mode CRT aspect correction:
Height = 1200 (5x label) (press the start button to quick-cycle to 5x as needed)
Width = 1462 (4:3 for 16:9 label for 5x) (press start button to quick-cycle through until you reach this res. It is CRT aspect correction using the PROPER formula)
----------
Now in order for CRT aspect correction to look smooth and sharp at the same time, you need to back out of this menu and go to:
Scalers: No Scaler = checked Disable H Interpolation = UNCHECKED (this smooths out the scrolling).
Disable V interpolation = checked (this gives perfect sharpness on the vertical axis)
----------
For running Super Game Boy or Super Game Boy 2, you want to run the games in square pixels to match the original handheld's aspect ratio. In this case, you'll want check BOTH "Disable H Interpolation" AND "Disable V Interpolation":
Disable H interpolation = checked (this gives perfect sharpness on the Horizontal axis)
Disable V interpolation = checked (this gives perfect sharpness on the vertical axis)
Now go back to Width and Height and change them to the followig:
Height = 1200 (5x label) (press the start button to quick-cycle to 5x)
Width = 1280 (5x label) (press the start button to quick-cycle to 5x)
Now you can turn the borders off in the SGB and enjoy the active graphics area of the Game Boy in the original handheld aspect ratio!
-------------------------------
Buffer Mode: Leave at default of "Zero Delay"
Patreon Link: patreon.com/firebrandx/overviewSuper NES OSSC Optimal Timing TutorialFirebrandX2018-03-29 | This time around, I've added in an inset video showing the OSSC's LCD screen as I navigate and dial in perfect pixels for the original Super NES. My apologies for frame rate issues during gameplay (CPU overworked on my old clunker).
Patreon Link: patreon.com/firebrandx/overviewPlaying Some Blitz ChessFirebrandX2018-03-26 | Outside of my video game obsessions, I dabble in a little blitz chess. Decided to record some live video of me playing a random anonymous game. My opponent was strong and I couldn't find a way to win, so we both got into a time scramble near the end. Funnily I blundered my rook and highlighted the mistake during the game, but my opponent missed it while trying to move quickly during the time pressure. That's the nature of blitz chess!Everybodys Golf Condor Hole in OneFirebrandX2018-03-17 | Scored the elusive "Condor" hole in one on a par 5 in "Everybody's Golf" for the PS4.OSSC Optimal Timing Tutorial in 1080pFirebrandX2017-11-26 | How to dial in those perfect pixels on your OSSC! Makes use of 240p test suites and the Datapath Vision E1s capture card.
Be sure to watch in 1080p HD fullscreen for best results. Below are links to other videos in this series:
Super NES: youtu.be/dEr3uFPs7gU Genesis & SMS: youtu.be/1HkBblIhuXw Atari Jaguar: youtu.be/9nXOfnaf0gU Super Grafx: youtu.be/fl6fm1cAGEcFramemeister A D Calibration Tutorial:FirebrandX2017-08-21 | Get the best color conversion from your Framemeister using 240p test suites!N64 Doom 64 Intro UltraHDMI mod (720p 60fps)FirebrandX2016-12-25 | Obviously Youtube will compress the video quality, but the original live video is nothing short of perfect pixels and color! If you're a fan of any N64 games, the UltraHDMI mod is worth every penny!
In 1080p mode, you can integer scale to 4x or even 5x. I've recorded this video in 720p since my capture device allows 60fps in that resolution.Fallout 4 Big Boy + MIRV vs BehemothFirebrandX2015-12-04 | Twelve nukes for the price of just one! I'd buy that for a dollar!How I Haggle with Trudy (Fallout 4)FirebrandX2015-11-25 | I didn't like Trudy's prices or attitude, so I 'corrected' her. :-PDoom 64 on the Framemeister via RGB modded N64FirebrandX2015-09-09 | Doing a test capture of my RGB-modded N64 using my custom Framemeister 4x-scale profile setting. Scanlines are turned on for most of the test, so this video will ONLY look right when set to 1080p and full screen. This is a test upload to see if Youtube screws with the scaling (which will show up as uneven scanlines) even at full screen 1080p.