A/V Adapter for Atari XE/XL Series

A/V Adapter for Atari XE/XL – S-Video, Composite, Audio (stereo)

A convenient adapter that plugs directly into the monitor socket (5-pin DIN) on the back of Atari 8-bit computers. It converts Atari’s non-standard connector into standard outputs, so you can connect your computer to a TV, monitor, upscaler (RetroTINK, OSSC, Framemeister), or capture card using regular, high-quality cables—without hunting for special DIN leads.

Connectors:

• S-Video (4-pin Mini-DIN): best picture quality (separate luminance and chrominance). Works on XE models and on XL models after an S-Video modification.
• Composite Video (RCA, yellow): works on all XL and XE models.
• Audio L and R (RCA): mono sound from the Atari is routed to both sockets, so it plays through both speakers.

Compatibility:

• Atari 130XE, 800XE, 65XE: Composite and S-Video
• Atari 800XL, 600XL: Composite. S-Video only after motherboard modification.
• Tested on 800XL, 800XE, and 130XE

Build quality:

• Solid flanged Lumberg DIN connector. The flange supports the weight of the adapter and cables, so nothing hangs on the contacts, helping protect the socket in the computer.
• 3D-printed enclosure. The adapter fits under the rear overhanging edge of the Atari case and does not block neighboring ports.

Important:
The adapter is passive. It does not improve the signal and does not create S-Video where the computer does not generate it (an unmodified XL provides Composite only). Thanks to the short signal path and the ability to use proper cables, the picture is usually noticeably better than with cheap DIN leads.

Included: assembled and tested adapter in enclosure.

Project:

Sven Petersen, GPL-3.0 license – sources available at github.com/svenpetersen1965/C64-A-V-Adaptor}