The new Kawari HDMI Upgrade gives the Commodore 64 a sharp digital output without changing the character of the machine. TheRetroChannel walks through installation, setup, and real-world HDMI behavior, showing how the larger Kawari board works inside a longboard C64 and how it pairs with an HDMI audio embedder for a complete signal.
Installing the Full Kawari Board
The video starts with the full-size Kawari installed in an Australian-case C64. It replaces the VIC-II while adding HDMI, RGB, and VGA support. The focus stays on HDMI, since the board outputs a video-only DVI signal over HDMI. That means no audio in the stream, which makes the HDMI audio embedder a useful companion.
Routing the cable requires removing the S-Video connector from a replacement RF module and feeding a micro HDMI lead through the opening. The creator shows how to secure the cable with a tie and minor trimming. Once the Kawari is seated, the C64 boots cleanly and produces a crisp digital image.
Kawari HDMI Upgrade Configuration Tests
After installation, he tests the Kawari HDMI Upgrade across several displays. Some early HDMI gear refuses the signal, while newer televisions and monitors handle it without trouble. A small LCD works consistently and becomes the primary demo screen.
Settings in the Kawari menu allow mode switching and palette adjustments. Changing the chip model, toggling PAL or NTSC, and modifying color values all apply directly to the HDMI output. The image remains extremely sharp, with almost zero lag thanks to line doubling.
Adding Audio Through an Embedder
The HDMI audio embedder solves the missing-audio problem by injecting analog sound from the C64 into the digital video stream. Once connected, the test screen shows picture and sound together. The embedder adds unwanted edge sharpening, but lowering the sharpness fixes it.
Final Thoughts
The large Kawari board delivers a clean digital signal, broad compatibility with newer displays, and excellent clarity. Anyone wanting HDMI from real hardware will find this a strong option, provided they use a longboard C64. Short boards still face timing issues.
