Morph 4K

Introduction

PixelFX Morph 4K is an advanced, modular scaling solution based around a powerful FPGA architecture. The device has been designed to bring powerful, flexible 4K scaling tailored for video game material to users at an affordable cost.

By being modular in design, the unit can be customized to a users exact needs and setup, therefore saving the end user considerable expense. The base unit has one HDMI input. Expansion modules allow the device to accept various analog signals too.

Features

• Up to 4K60 resolution polyphase upscaling
• 4:4:4 end to end color support
• HDR, Variable Refresh Rate, Black Frame Insertion
• Ultra low lag
• Motion adaptive deinterlacing
• Scanlines, adaptive scanlines and slotmask emulation
• Image Smoothing (including XBR)
• USB socket (for future use)
• WiFi updates
• WebUI system control
• Control by IR remote, web interface or CEC
• MicroSD card slot for updates and user files (FAT32 or exFAT formatted)
• Expansion card support, modular design

Board versions and availability

Morph 4K is sold as a base unit (22cm L x 9.2cm W x 3.8cm D) with HDMI input. In the future, optional add-on cards will expand its range of inputs and outputs.

Preassembled base units are sold worldwide by:

• Pixel FX (USA)
• Stone Age Gamer (USA)
• VideoGamePerfection (EU)

Other resellers are expected to be added post launch.

More information & discussion

• PixelFX Documentation
• Discord chat room
• VGP hosted discussion forum

External Inputs, Outputs, and Ports

Front Panel Functions

Example of Morph's Base Unit visualized from the front and rear panels

All Morph 4K's are constructed with a front physical power switch (off/on), an LED indicator, IR sensor, microSD port, and 6 navigation buttons.

Physical Switch, LED Indicator, and IR Sensor

Power Switch - Physical power switch. Push to the right to turn the unit on and to the left to turn it off.

LED Indicator - Light emitting diode that glows or flashes in various colors to communicate various statuses to the user. The front LED will glow light blue when the Morph is powered on and working normally.

LED Colors and Meanings:

• Blue for initial boot, then goes to color in Morph Setting (Blue by default, yet can be customized to match OSD Colors)
• White for standby mode via the remote's power button
• Enters color sequence during SD card flashing (Red blinking x2, Green blinking x5, Yellow blinking continuously, turns White when finished)
• Red blinking x2 continuously for WiFi access point as part of Rescue System via WiFi

G.E.M. Specific:

• Breathing = HPD (hot plug detection) waiting for connection or installation issue on the 5v rail
• Solid = connection established
• Blinking = error -> check installation; check if the correct jumpers are closed on the GEM -> try flashing the FW again and reformat FS while doing so

IR Sensor - Detects button presses by the included IR remote and can also be used to customize additional remotes in the WebUI.

MicroSD Port

A microSD card must be inserted (printed side up) at the front of the unit, next to the front panel buttons. This is used to manage presets, flash firmware, write a debug log, and store other related files.

• Must be in FAT32 or exFAT format
• Storage amount can be as low as 4GB (custom presets may demand more storage so consider between 8GB and 32GB to be on the safe side)
• Formatting tools:
  • SD Card Formatter (Windows, MacOS, or Linux x86_64)
    • 4GB-32GB will format to FAT32
    • Greater than 32GB will format to exFAT
  • FAT32 Format (Windows x86 or x64)
    • Any size will format to FAT32
    • Might require SD Card Formatter first to fix any issues
• Recommended Brands:
  • SanDisk
  • Samsung
  • Kingston
  • Toshiba

Note: Purchase from retailers such as WesternDigital.com, Samsung.com, Kingston.com, Best Buy, Amazon (shipped & sold by), Walmart, Newegg, Micro Center, etc. Avoid SanDisk or Samsung clones sold by a third-party on Amazon, eBay, & AliExpress.

Navigation Buttons

The face buttons on the front of the unit can be used to navigate the Morph 4K's on-screen menu. This is useful in situations where an IR remote is not available. The face buttons also have various context sensitive functions that are documented elsewhere. From left to right the buttons are:

• Circle button - Open on-screen display, enter sub-menus, confirm choice. This is the same as pressing OK on the remote. This button can also be used to perform a manual flash with the microSD or initiate the rescue system.
• Square button - Go back or cancel choice. This is the same as pressing Back on the remote.
• Up button - Navigate upwards in a menu. This is the same as pressing Up on the remote.
• Down button - Navigate upwards in a menu. This is the same as pressing Down on the remote.
• Left button - Decrease a value or navigate left in a menu. This is the same as pressing Left on the remote.
• Right button - Increase a value or navigate right in a menu. This is the same as pressing Right on the remote. This button can also be held for 5 seconds to perform an emergency 1080p reset.

Rear Panel Connections and Power via Base Unit

Morph 4K's base unit includes 4 ports: USB-A, HDMI IN, HDMI out, and USB-C. Even with the ability to expand more rear connections, these 4 ports are included on every unit.

USB-A Port

Morph 4K's base unit has 1x USB port at the rear. This port is currently unused, but will be used in future to control AV switching hardware such as the Infinity Switch (to be released).

HDMI In

The HDMI input port is located directly to the right of the USB port. The port is rated for the HDMI 1.4a standard and will accept up to 1080p video at 60 frames per second with a 4:4:4 color space.

Morph 4K's base unit has 1x HDMI input only. For HDMI equipped consoles, such as Xbox 360, PS3, or consoles with an internal HDMI upgrade (RetroGEM), Morph 4K can accept these devices directly or in combination with an HDMI switch.

For devices that output an analog signal, Morph 4K can be expanded with two module types that accept analog inputs and this allows the HDMI input port availability for dedicated HDMI devices. Alternatively, Morph 4K can accept a second analog to digital scaler (i.e. OSSC) as an "analog bridge" over the HDMI input port.

An orange LED will appear when Morph detects an active HDMI input. The LED turns off when HDMI input is no longer detected.

HDMI Out

The HDMI output port is located between the HDMI input port and USB-C power connector. The port is rated for the HDMI 2.0b standard and is capable of outputting up to 4K video at 60 frames per second in 4:4:4 color space. The port can also passthrough Dolby Digital (DD) & Digital Theater Systems (DTS) audio formats.

USB-C Power Connector

Standard USB-C power connector. Morph's base unit requires a 5V power supply with at least 1.5A of current. With analog expansion cards (bridge/crosspoint), Morph will require a 5V power supply with at least 2.5A of current (3A recommended).

Note that many phone chargers may not provide consistent current and a dedicated power adapter is recommended.

A Raspberry Pi 4, 15W USB-C Power Supply is recommended. (Output voltage: 5.1V, Output current: 3.0A, Output power: 15W)

Rear Panel Connections Expanded via Analog Bridge and Crosspoint

Example of Connector Cards from top to bottom: SCART & Component, VGA & Component, and VGA & VGA

Morph 4K can be expanded with a pcb module that adapts a row of analog connectors. There are two modules, an Analog Bridge and an Analog Crosspoint (to be released). The differences between these two modules is in the manner in which they handle analog ports. The Analog Bridge covers two analog input ports whereas the Analog Crosspoint covers one analog input port and one analog output port. The analog ports come as Connector Cards and are offered in three flavors for each module: SCART & Component, VGA & Component, and VGA & VGA.

Note: Custom made Connector Cards can be generated using a blank card template created by citrus3000psi.

SCART & Component

Port A contains Euro SCART that includes:

• Formats RGBS, RGsB, RGBHV, YPbPr, Composite Video, S-Video*
• Green/Sync Pin support CVBS
• Green/Red Pins support S-Video*
• Sync types accepted: TTL Csync, Attenuated Csync Composite Video Sync, Luma, TTL
• RGBHV capable with vsync on pin ​12 via jumper (1.27mm)

Port B contains Component w/ 3.5mm audio that includes:

• Formats RGsB, RGB, YPbPr, Composite Video, S-Video
• Green support CVBS (shared with S-Video Port)
• Green/Red Pins support S-Video (shared with S-Video Port)
• 3.5mm audio port accepts S/PDIF (Mini-TOSLINK) or analog audio (Auxillary-to-RCA)

* S-Video only works over the SCART port when luma (Y) is set to green (pin 11) and chroma (C) is set to red (pin 15). This does not follow SCART specification i.e. chroma (C) set to red (Pin 15) and luma (Y) set to sync/composite video (pin 20).

VGA & Component

Port A contains VGA w/ 3.5mm audio that includes:

• ​Formats RGBHV, RGBs, RGsB, YPbPr, Composite Video, S-Video
• Green/HSync Pin support CVBS
• Green/Red Pins support S-Video
• Sync types accepted: TTL Csync, Attenuated Csync, Composite Video Sync, Luma, TTL
• Audio inputs over pins 12 and 15 via jumper (1.27mm)
• 3.5mm audio port accepts analog audio (Auxillary-to-RCA)

Port B contains Component w/ 3.5mm audio that includes: ​

• Formats RGsB, RGB, YPbPr, Composite Video, S-Video
• Green supports CVBS (shared with S-Video Port)
• Green/Red support S-Video (shared with S-Video Port)
• 3.5mm audio port accepts S/PDIF (Mini-TOSLINK) or analog audio (Auxillary-to-RCA)

VGA & VGA

Port A contains VGA w/ 3.5mm audio that includes:

• Formats RGBHV, RGBs, RGsB, YPbPr, Composite Video, S-Video
• Green/HSync Pin support CVBS
• Green/Red Pins support S-Video
• Sync types accepted: TTL Csync, Attenuated Csync, Composite Video Sync, Luma, TTL
• Audio inputs accepted over pins 12 and 15 via jumper (1.27mm)
• 3.5mm audio port accepts analog audio (Auxillary-to-RCA)

Port B contains VGA w/ 3.5mm audio that includes:

• Formats RGBHV, RGBs, RGsB, YPbPr, Composite Video, S-Video
• Green pin support CVBS (shared with S-Video and CVBS port)
• Green/Red Pins support S-Video (shared with S-Video and CVBS)
• HSYNC pin supports CVBS
• Sync types accepted: TTL Csync, Attenuated Csync, Composite Video Sync, Luma, TTL
• Audio inputs accepted over pins 12 and 15 via jumper (1.27mm)
• 3.5mm audio port accepts S/PDIF (Mini-TOSLINK) or analog audio (Auxillary-to-RCA)

Note: To use the dedicated composite video input on the dual VGA bridge, you need to choose "Input Port B -> Composite Video over GREEN".

Example of 5-6 and 7-8 jumpers bridged for audio over VGA port

Jumpers

The SCART and VGA ports on the analog connector cards have a bank of 4 jumpers for audio that can be bridged using a 1.27mm jumper (e.g Harwin M50-1900005). The pins on the jumpers should be connected from top to bottom.

Most SCART and VGA adapter audio configurations are reserved for future use. However, if you wish to use the SCART2VGA adapter created by citrus3000psi to convert the VGA port on a connector card into a SCART-to-VGA bridge, be sure to bridge the 5-6 and 7-8 jumpers.

Basic Setup & Usage

Connect your Morph's HDMI output port to an HDMI compatible TV or monitor using an HDMI cable. Remember to use a cable rated for 4K video (at least HDMI 1.4 for 4K 30Hz or HDMI 2.0 for 4K 60Hz) if using a 4K display.

Connect an HDMI source to the HDMI input port of Morph and ensure a suitable power supply is linked to the USB-C connector. Turn on Morph using the physical power switch at the front left of the unit. Verify your TV or monitor is set to the correct input to receive Morph's HDMI output port. You should now see a "No Signal!" message on your TV or monitor. Turn on the HDMI source and within milliseconds, Morph will display it on the TV or monitor.

Remote Control

Default button mappings for the Morph remote

Morph ships with a basic IR remote control. If desired, a more advanced remote control can be used instead, either via IR or CEC. Remote control through WiFi is also possible once WiFi setup is completed. See Remote Control Setup for more information.

The remote control requires 2 x AAA batteries, these are not included due to postage service restrictions. Insert 2 x AAA batteries into the remote (IR remotes have a low power draw, so rechargeable batteries are perfect) and press the "Menu" button (house icon) to toggle the Morph's menu on or off.

The included remote uses the following buttons as of the current firmware. More functionality may be added in future firmware updates.

• Red Power Button - This button will toggle Morph in and out of standby mode while remaining powered on via the physical switch (as of firmware 3.2.11).
  • When entering standby mode, the front LED will turn white. Neither Morph's on-screen menu nor HDMI input source will be displayed on the TV or monitor. If the HDMI input source is still detectable, Morph's rear LED will remain orange. Morph's WebUI is still available, yet features are limited.
  • When exiting standby mode, the front LED will briefly turn pink for a few seconds and then change to blue (or if you're on firmware 3.7.6 and set a new default LED choice via the RGB selection in the on-screen menu) to indicate Morph is awake and fully functional. Morph's WebUI is fully available.

• Menu or Back buttons - Two buttons (one with a house and one with a return arrow) acts as a Menu or Back button. This button will toggle Morph's on-screen menu on or off. If you navigate to a submenu option, the button will take you instead to the previous menu. Keep pressing the button to navigate back to the main menu and then again to close the menu.

• Navigation buttons - Use these directional controls to navigate through the main menu, submenus, and to change any operational values.

• OK button - The OK button in the middle of the navigation arrows can be used to enter submenus and confirm changes for an operational value. Remember to press OK if you wish to make a change to any value. If you press the Menu or Back button, the changes will be discarded.

• Shortcut buttons - The colored shortcut buttons at the top of the remote perform various functions depending on the submenu. Throughout this wiki, you will see them referenced as red / green / yellow / blue shortcut buttons.

• Reset to Default button - The button with a left arrow and X in the center will reset a value to default within submenus.

Setting Up Morph

If you have a WiFi connection available, it is recommended to setup the WiFi connection and check for any firmware updates. Morph is a new product and regularly receives new firmware updates. See the WiFi and Updating Firmware sections for more information.

Your next step should be to check that Morph is outputting the most suitable resolution for your TV or monitor. Navigate to "Video" on the Morph's on-screen menu and them to "Output Resolution".

Use the remote to select the desired resolution then press "OK". If your display cannot accept the chosen resolution, Morph will reset to the previous resolution after 30 seconds. If your display is unable to accept a 4K signal from Morph, despite being rated for 4K use, please check that your HDMI cable is rated for 4K.

Usually you would choose the highest resolution that your television can support. Typically for a 4k television, you would choose "4K" as the output resolution. However, if you want to use the Black Frame Insertion feature (Insert data) you would choose "1080p120" instead.

You are now ready to start exploring Morph's functionality. For an overview of what you can do with various sources, proceed to the next section.

Console Connection Basics

Morph can accept and process signals from a huge range of games consoles, computers and even video equipment. The focus of the Morph is for scaling and processing video games although it can also be useful in some instances for processing video material too. Below is an overview of different types of consoles, how they connect to the Morph and how you might wish to process them with the device.

Pre-HDMI Gaming Consoles and Computers

This category encompasses all games consoles before the seventh generation, and some seventh generation machines such as the Nintendo Wii and the original launch Xbox 360. Typically these machines will connect to the Morph in one of three ways.

• With an internal HDMI upgrade (RetroGEM) or an external adapter
• With a second scaler as an analog bridge
• With an expansion module fitted to the Morph 4K's base unit

Using either a good quality HDMI upgrade or adapter or the dedicated analog expansion card on the Morph will yield the best results. However, utilizing a secondary scaler (such as an OSSC) can also produce excellent results.

To connect using a HDMI upgrade, HDMI adapter or secondary scaler, use the adapters "pass-though" or "digitization only" mode if one is available. If no passthrough mode is available, choose the lowest output resolution offered by the adapter/scaler and then use the "Prescale" options under the "Scaler" menu on the Morph to effectively undo any scaling the adapter applies.

For specific considerations for each system, see Compatibility and special configuration

What can the Morph do for Pre-HDMI consoles and computers? These machines were typically designed for older displays (especially sixth generation and earlier systems). Morph 4K can properly scale and process these systems and add CRT effects such as scanlines, to make them look as pleasing as they did on legacy CRT displays. For systems which output interlace video (e.g PS2) Morph 4K has a fast, motion adaptive deinterlacer that is optimised for video game content.

Seventh and Eighth Generation Consoles and Gaming PCs Up to 1080p

Systems such as Nintendo Wii-U, Xbox 360 (later revisions) PS3 and gaming PCs from this era typically output up to 1080p/60 via digital/HDMI connections. The Nintendo Switch would also fall into this category. Systems like PS4 which can output higher resolutions and/or HDR have special considerations and will be discussed in the next section.

What can the Morph do for these systems? These machines were typically designed for more modern displays, however the Morph gives you more control over both 1080p and 720p scaling and can produce better results than the scalers that are built into many displays.

Systems such as the PS3, Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii-U/Switch, which frequently or primarily target 720p, can be upscaled by the Morph to produce either a significantly sharper or smoother image depending on the users preference.

Emulated titles or pixel art style games titles on these platforms (e.g Virtual Console) can be reprocessed by the Morph to correct bad scaling or to add scanlines or CRT filter effects.

Eighth and Ninth Generation Consoles and Modern Gaming PCs

Modern video games consoles and PCs output higher than 1080p resolution. These resolutions cannot be directly processed by the Morph. If you wish to use these systems with the Morph, without limiting their output capabilities, then you will need some way to split or switch their output so that you can bypass the Morph. Remember that many HDMI splitters or switches are not compatible with variable refresh rate that these systems can use.

Many PC graphics cards offer multiple monitor outputs, so in this case it is easy to connect one monitor output to the Morph and the other directly to the display.

What can the Morph do for these systems? Emulated titles or pixel art style games on these platforms can be reprocessed by the Morph to correct bad scaling or to add scanlines or CRT filter effects.

Using a Second Scaler as an Analog Bridge

The Morph 4K can be placed between your display and an existing scaler to instantly upgrade your setup with 4K scaling capabilities. This is an ideal option for anyone who is already happy with their existing analog switching/scaling solution and just wants a simple, low hassle upgrade path to 4K.

For best results with your existing scaler, set the unit to output in "Passthrough" or "Digitisation Only" mode. This will allow the Morph 4K to handle all of the scaling and will produce the best results. If your existing scaler does not support this, use 480p output mode instead and use the Scaler menu to set a /2 vertical prescale on the Morph. Be aware this may mean that your existing device also deinterlaces 480i/576i content, meaning the Morph cannot use it's own deinterlacer.

Some HDMI switches may not support 240p via HDMI. In this case, you can use 480p mode instead and a 2x vertical prescale.

The following devices have a passthrough mode that can be used with Morph 4K:

• OSSC Classic - Activate passthrough mode by following the instructions here
• OSSC Pro - Use in pure or adaptive line multiplication mode, then configure the same as OSSC Classic
• RetroTINK-2X Classic
• RetroTINK-2X Pro - Set the Mode switch to "Pass".
• RetroTINK-5X Pro - Activate downscaling mode by following the instructions here

Be aware that in passthrough mode, clock and phase adjustments will work on the OSSC Classic/OSSC Pro, but optimal presets (256x240, 320x240 etc) require firmware 1.10 (OSSC Classic) or greater.

The following devices do not have a passthrough mode and require prescale conditions to use with Morph 4K:

• RetroTINK-2X SCART - Use 2x vertical prescale
• XRGB-3 - Use B1 mode for minimal lag and 2x vertical prescale
• XRGB Mini Framemeister - Either use 480p output (and 2x vertical prescale) or 720p output (and 3x vertical prescale) depending on preference

Note: When using these devices, if you do not set the prescale, scanlines will not be drawn correctly. See Scaler menu for more information.

Advantages

• Cost - By making the most of your current investment, Morph 4K gives you the lowest possible cost for 4K retro gaming scaling.

• Ease of installation - Few changes should be required to your current setup to integrate Morph 4K. Any existing analog switching hardware can be reused.

Disadvantages

• Added lag - Frame buffer based scalers may introduce lag, this lag will be added to your video chain. Line multipliers generally do not add lag so this disadvantage would not apply to those devices.

• Inherent flaws of some scalers cannot be mitigated - For instance the XRGB Mini Framemeister is known to add noise to some signals, this will still apply when using it with the Morph 4K, of course.

• Resolution changes will still incur a delay - Scalers like the XRGB Mini Framemeister has a very long delay between switching between 480i and 240p content, this will still apply when using the unit with the Morph. Line multipliers like the OSSC and RetroTINK-2X Pro work much better because the Morph will actively keep the connection with your display while it waits for the line multiplier to resync. However, the dedicated analog bridge will still perform slightly better in this regard.

• Remote control - Morph 4K cannot remotely control your existing scaler, for example to select a different input. Using an alternative remote control with custom programmed IR commands could get around this limitation.