We
recently reported on the Akura VGA to HDMI converter box here at the Junkyard, and true to form the fine gentlemen over at
Beharbros have now
opened pre-orders for the unit. Weighing in at $85 plus shipping, the unit isn't exactly what we'd call cheap, but for the asking price you do get the typical outstanding build quality and lifetime guarantee that the other display boxes from Beharbros have been privy to.
Personally, I think this unit looks the dog's bollocks. I've seen various comments on social media about it being expensive or there being other alternatives for a lower price...but lets be honest here. The Akura doesn't need an external power supply or any additional cables in order for the user to connect a Dreamcast - an system knocking on the the door of 20 years old - to a HDMI-equipped display.
Simply plug the Akura into a Dreamcast, and then plug a HDMI cable into the Akura. I'm not going to argue with that. The Akura is more than just a converter though - it also adds scan lines and some other lovely features:
- 480p video output via HDMI
- RGB/VGA switch to select the 15khz RGB mode or the 31khz VGA mode
- HDMI connector for plugging to your TV/monitor
- Headphone audio output jack for plugging to a Hi-Fi or TV
- Scanliner ON/OFF switch to turn it on or off
- Scanliner Even/Odd switch for selecting even or odd scan lines
- Scanliner Width switch for selecting thin or thick scan lines
- Luminosity adjustment as a bonus feature
- High quality custom made Dreamcast audio/video cable
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For the record, I do own a VGA to HMDI converter (see above), it cost me a grand total of £7 off eBay...and I must say that it works just fine. That said, I'm still totally behind the introduction of the Akura because I know that it will still be working in another 8 to 10 years, and beyond. The converter I have already has a weird buzzing noise coming out of it, the connectors are constantly falling out, and the stench of burning flesh emanates from the thing whenever I plug it in. And then there are the demonic apparitions that appear in the mirror whenever electricity is pulsing through the tiny device...but I've learned to live with them. Joking aside, the Akura looks like a decent bit of kit and the addition of the scan line generator should help people decide if its a device they'd like to own.
The Akura is due to ship from March 2017, and you can go
here to pre-order. Or simply head to our
Facebook group or
Twitter to comment on how much you hate the fact that the Akura exists!
