A downloadable Screenitron for Windows

Interest in creating a virtual CRT emulator has been around for a long time, but only recently has there been an understanding of how to achieve a similar visual result in real-time using multi-pass shaders and advanced GPU performance.

For some time now, various filters and standalone utilities have existed, all aiming to replicate the unique visual impression of CRTs. However, most of them do not fully account for the physico-optical nuances of CRT operation.

Screenitron is essentially an emulator that simulates some internal principles of CRT operation, which are crucial for forming the final image seen by the observer. This approach makes the visual result obtained a more accurate simulation.

In the beta version, we have included three shader output mode presets (TAB button).  The choice of preset depends on the source:

1 -  is suitable for sources with a resolution of 640x480 and above

2 - is optimized for viewing video content.

3 - (the softest) is better suited for resolutions of 320x240 and below, particularly when using retro console emulators as sources.

Screenitron is compatible and tested with DOSBox, Fusion, and Nestopia. You can adjust the degree of screen curvature and manage other parameters that affect the overall audio-visual impression.

Screenitron is also compatible with OBS Studio, allowing you to capture* the final result and save your video streams to disk. 

* you may observe a flickering CRT effect when recording.

Note:

Screenitron will always be on top of other windowed applications, so for ease of use, it is recommended to connect a second monitor, especially when the source application is controlled only with the mouse.

Let Screenitron be your guide into a world of pleasant retro gaming and nostalgic immersions!

p/s:  If you run Screenitron on a computer with a projector connected, you will get a very large CRT screen.

                                                              /Real Pixels, Real Memories/

Updated 3 days ago
Published 7 days ago
StatusIn development
CategoryTool
PlatformsWindows
Release date 7 days ago
AuthorLittle Battle Bits
Made withUnreal Engine
Tags16-bit, ascii, Emulator, Immersive, MS-DOS, Pixel Art, Relaxing, Retro, Sega Genesis, Split Screen
Average sessionAbout a half-hour
LanguagesEnglish
InputsKeyboard
LinksDiscord, Homepage

Download

Download
screenitron_0.1.0.0_beta.zip 150 MB
Download
Demo of VHS mode view
External

Install instructions

Downloading and Installing Screenitron

  1. Download the Archive:

    Navigate to the Screenitron page on itch.io and click on the "Download" button to download the screenitron_0.1.0.0_beta.zip archive.

  2. Extract the Archive:

    Once the download is complete, extract the screenitron_0.1.0.0_beta.zip archive to any convenient directory on your computer.

Running the CRT Emulator

  1. Launch the Source Application:

    Open any application that you want to use as the source for the CRT emulator.

  2. Launch Screenitron:

    Navigate to the directory where you extracted the Screenitron files and run the screenitron.exe file to launch the CRT emulator.

  3. Select the Source Application or Screen:

    In the Screenitron menu, select the source application or one of the available screens and press Enter to confirm your selection.

  4. Control and Observe the Application:

    Control the source application as you normally would. The focus will automatically be transferred to the source application. Observe the projection of the application in the CRT emulator.

Troubleshooting

If the selected source application does not display the image correctly in the CRT emulator (e.g., you see a partial or black static image), restart the emulator.

When restarting, select the screen where the source application is located as the source.

Screenitron CRT Emulator Setup and Control

Main Menu Controls

  • Arrow Up/Down: Input source selection
  • Enter: Connect to the selected source

Control Hotkeys

  • 1/2/3: Lens change
  • TAB: Output mode change
  • Arrow Left/Right: Brightness control
  • PgUp/PgDn: Vertical size control
  • []: Horizontal size control
  • Spacebar: Shifting focus to the source
  • +/-: Sound FX volume control
  • Shift Left/Right: CRT noise shift control
  • Alt Left/Right: Skip frames
  • Home: Restore default settings
  • Esc/End: CRT Shutdown

Important Note:

To control the emulator, you need to switch the focus to the emulator using Alt+TAB or WIN.

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