June 22nd, 2024

Composite Modding another Atari, because Colors are Hard

In 1978, Sears Tele-Games Pinball Breakaway faced color issues due to outdated RF modulators. A modder attempted a composite mod to improve colors but encountered challenges with color synchronization and varying results on different displays.

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Composite Modding another Atari, because Colors are Hard

In 1978, the Sears Tele-Games Pinball Breakaway, a variant of Atari's Video Pinball, faced color issues due to outdated RF modulators. The modder attempted a composite mod to improve colors, encountering challenges with colorburst signals affecting color synchronization. Different display outputs from various devices like the Koryuu and Micomsoft Framemeister led to discrepancies in color representation. The modder speculated on aggressive signal filtering causing color inconsistencies and considered alternative solutions like modifying the TV Block circuit or using S-Video inputs. Despite efforts to enhance color output, the modder found varying results across different displays, highlighting the complexities of retro console modifications and the challenges in achieving consistent color reproduction.

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By @plasticbugs - 4 months
If anyone is interested in modding an Atari VCS (2600) for similar high quality output, Tim Worthington's excellent Atari RGB mod kit is an easy and affordable way to upgrade it. https://etim.net.au/2600rgb/

A screenshot of Pole Position https://etim.net.au/2600rgb/screenshots/pole_position_nabuko...