Part two explores different options using the composite (AV) connection.
A composite connection requires one RCA type plug that carries the video and one or two RCA plugs for the audio. The yellow plug typically carries the video and the red and white plugs carry the left and right stereo audio. It actually doesn't make a difference which plugs you use for the signal, as long as they are connected properly between devices.
A composite hookup to the VIC-20 requires a new video cable for this. I purchased a cable from www.retrocomputershack.com. They have a storefront on eBay as well.
If you have a five pin DIN video connector and some RCA plugs, the pinout diagram in the VIC-20 manual will help guide you to making your own.
The Vizio model VA22L HDTV is a great display to connect a composite video cable. Recessed on the side are three RCA jacks for video and audio.
A direct connection from computer to display makes this a hassle free solution... and the image result is great. It's also nice to have the sound coming through the TV's speakers as well.
Connecting to a VGA computer monitor requires converting the composite output to a VGA output. This is where a lot of misinformation begins when searching for an easy solution in connecting a VIC-20 to a modern display. Most posts or how-to videos will show the generic Video Converter Video to VGA device. These will cost between 20 to 25$ USD and seem like the best solution.
I haven't been able to get a good conversion. It's possible that I have an inferior product, but after doing research I found others had the same results.
The image is unacceptable. Two obvious problems:
the RGB color band at the top of the screen and there is an extreme image offset.
Another solution is to convert the composite video to HDMI. This can be done for less cost than the VGA converter if you have a monitor that supports HDMI.
The result is better, but barely acceptable (note that these images are in wide screen due to the fact that I wasn't able to compress the image to it's original aspect ratio on this monitor).
After more research, I found that there are more expensive alternatives that hardcore gamers tend to utilize. The RetroTink 2x-classic has overwelming positive reviews and costs around 90$ USD.
The RetroTink has mini HDMI output, so it also needs an HDMI to VGA output converter to use on VGA only monitors. This makes a messy link of devices, but seems to make no difference in quality. I purchased a recommended device, due to some reports of device incompatibility with the RetroTink.
The results are great and much better than the Video to VGA and HDMI converters I tried earlier. Though there is an odd dark green band on the left side and overall a less focused and vibrant look than the direct composite hookup.
I tried the RetroTink on six other VGA monitors, essentially getting the same results EXCEPT for the odd dark green band. This appears to be only a problem on the Vizio HDTV.
Overall, I think the direct connection to the Vizio HDTV is the best solution for a composite connection. There is no need for additional devices and I personally think the image has the best resolution. The colors are vibrant and the pixels seem to be better focused.
For VGA hookup, the RetroTink wins by far. Maybe with some monitor adjustments, the RetroTink will match the direct composite video hookup on the Vizio.
S-Video Modification
There is another solution which actually modifies the VIC-20 motherboard to add S-video output. This would lead to a better picture than a composite (AV) connection. Unfortunately, the modification would be troublesome to reverse since two of the board's tracings would have to be cut, two components removed and two others added. This would make the original RF and composite connections obsolete.
I personally fine the composite connection to my Vizio or composite connection utilizing the RetroTink to be worth utilizing, making the additional work of adding S-video not worth the effort. I also don't like making a permanent change to my VIC-20. I'd rather keep it in its original form.
A Complete Commodore System
As a footnote, I connected the VIC-20 to a Commodore 1802 color monitor. The image and sound is great. For a true retro experience, this is absolutely the best way to go (the waves and glare on the screen that you see in these pictures are not what you see in person) .
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