If you want composite video output, the Raspberry Pi 5 includes this via a (mostly forgotten about) two-pin header, making it easy to connect to CRT televisions and monitors with composite video input. This allows retro gaming and media playback without extra hardware.
 
The Raspberry Pi 5 already has a composite video output. Source: The Pi Hut.
However, composite video has its drawbacks — it’s a lower-quality signal, prone to blurring and color bleeding. We didn’t have too much of a problem with that back at the dawn of microcomputers, since they usually output composite or even RF to our television sets. Arcade games, on the other hand, were strictly RGB (if they were color), resulting in a higher quality image. Later micros, such as the Atari ST and Amiga, followed suit with RGB output at TV frequencies.

While we at Elektor have had our fun driving video out of unexpected places on microcontroller boards in the past, here’s some official news from Rasbperry Pi.

Raspberry Pi 5 Interlaced RGB

For those seeking sharper visuals, the Raspberry Pi team has now enabled interlaced RGB output via DPI (Display Parallel Interface), allowing full RGB video through VGA or SCART. Unlike composite video, which is usually interlaced (at least according to official specifications, but many microcomputers of yore messed with the timing to provide non-interlaced signals), DPI only supported progressive scan on the Pi 5 — until now.  
 
RP1 chip from Raspberry Pi
The RP1 chip’s PIO helps generate proper interlaced video. Source: Raspberry Pi.
To overcome this limitation, the Raspberry Pi engineers used the Programmable Input/Output (PIO) in the RP1 chip to generate proper interlaced sync signals. By carefully adjusting horizontal and vertical sync pulses, they enabled true interlaced RGB output, perfect for CRT displays. The result? Crisper video, better colors, and an authentic retro experience.  

To take advantage of this, users need a VGA666 HAT (or a similar adapter) and some configuration changes in config.txt. While it requires some setup, this allows full-resolution interlaced RGB output, making it ideal for retro gaming, media playback, and connecting to CRTs via VGA or SCART.
 
Raspberry Pi outputting interlaced video via RGB to a Philips CM8833 monitor
Raspberry Pi outputting interlaced RGB video with PAL timing to a Philips CM8833 monitor. Source: Raspberry Pi.
For technical details and setup instructions, check out the Raspberry Pi 5 interlaced RGB blog post.

Now I want a VGA666 HAT.

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