MultiVision 500

MultiVision 500 is an internal scandoubler and deinterlacer designed for Amiga 500, Amiga 1000, and Amiga 2000 computers. Its main function is to double the horizontal frequency of standard 15.75 kHz display modes to 31.5 kHz, allowing the use of modern VGA monitors with these computers.

Key Features:

• Increased refresh rate: Software-adjustable refresh rates up to 100 Hz.
• Overscan support: Full overscan support for displaying images across the entire screen.
• Compatibility: Supports both PAL and NTSC standards.
• Audio output: Built-in stereo amplifier (2× 1 W) with two 3.5mm jack connectors for connecting speakers or headphones.
• Connections: Includes RGB and HD15 VGA connectors for monitor output.

Installation:

The device is installed by inserting it into the Denise chip socket on the Amiga motherboard. The Denise chip is then placed onto the MultiVision 500 board, which is reinserted into the original socket.

• This installation method may limit compatibility with some internal accelerators or memory expansions.
• An external unit with connectors and volume control is connected to the main board via a 10-pin flat cable.

Limitations:

• Display mode compatibility: Not compatible with ECS and AGA modes. In SuperHiRes and SuperHiRes Interlaced modes, every second horizontal pixel is missing, and the Productivity mode does not work at all.
• Genlock incompatibility: Cannot be used with genlock devices.

MultiVision 500 was released in 1991 by the German company 3-State, providing Amiga users with the ability to use modern monitors with higher refresh rates, improving the overall display experience.

Today it is considered a collector's item, which affects its availability and price. Due to the limited number of units produced and their age, the device rarely appears on the market. For example, in 2016, a non-functioning piece was offered on the AmiBay forum for €50, while in 2019 a working example was offered for €200 including shipping in Europe.