Blood Mosher’s Hack Lab explores Sysop-64 HDMI Color Control, a feature that transforms how the Commodore 64 displays color. Using the FPGA Linux cartridge, it expands the palette far beyond what the C64 could originally show. The result is smoother gradients and more vivid screen effects that feel almost modern.
Expanding Color Possibilities
The new HDMI “Q” command changes all 16 colors on each row or video line. With this feature, users can cycle RGB values in real time. As a result, the C64 screen bursts with motion and color. Simple tricks, like animated borders and gradient shifts, become easy to create. Moreover, the output rivals what was once only possible on Amiga systems.
From Demos to Games
The video highlights fun experiments, including checkerboards, color bars, and the “Chop and Drop” mode from International Karate. In that mode, each screen section uses a different palette, letting the sky and characters appear with unique colors. The system even allows control over extended borders and frame layers, revealing images beneath the display through basic transparency.
A Fresh Take on Retro Hardware
Through Sysop-64 HDMI Color Control, the Commodore 64 gains new creative tools. With every update, the project blends retro hardware charm with fresh visual capabilities. Fans of FPGA and C64 projects can explore it further on GitHub: Sysop-64 Project.
