MiSTer Companion v7.10.0 adds a video converter for the new DVD core
Anime0t4ku's cross-platform MiSTer management utility just got an update that makes formatting video for the FPGA DVD core much easier.
Developer Anime0t4ku has released version 7.10.0 of MiSTer Companion, adding a dedicated video converter tool tailored for the FPGA platform's new DVD core. The open-source management utility is available now as a free download for PC, Linux, and macOS, while the Android version is available on the Google Play Store for $2.99.
The MiSTer FPGA project relies heavily on text-based configuration files and command-line scripts. MiSTer Companion acts as a graphical front-end for these tasks. It connects to the hardware over SSH and provides a visual interface for managing INI settings, running update scripts, and handling file transfers, handling the most common maintenance tasks automatically.
Formatting video for the DVD core
Version 7.10.0 introduces the MiSTer Video Converter inside the application's Tools tab. This utility takes local or network-stored video files and converts them into formats that the MiSTer DVD core can read. The converter includes built-in support for PAL standards.
The DVD core itself represents a shift in how people use the Terasic DE10-Nano board. While the MiSTer project focuses primarily on cycle-accurate hardware simulation for consoles and arcade boards, the DVD core turns the device into a media player. It uses the FPGA to simulate the hardware decoding of a standalone DVD player. Feeding it the correct file format is critical, as the core expects video encoded to match the strict limitations of early 2000s hardware.
Converting modern video files to play on retro-targeted hardware usually requires specific encoding parameters and a deep understanding of FFmpeg. The new converter in v7.10.0 takes the guesswork out of that process by building the conversion directly into the companion app.
Anime0t4ku and physical media
The developer behind MiSTer Companion has a history of working on media-focused additions for the platform. Anime0t4ku previously contributed to projects enabling optical disc drive support, allowing users to play physical CD games directly on the MiSTer. This aligns with the new video conversion tool, pushing the FPGA hardware to interface with traditional media formats.
The utility is built to run on almost any device you might have on your desk. Connecting to the MiSTer requires nothing more than the device's IP address and the default root password. Once connected, the app pulls down the current configuration and presents it in a clean interface. You can toggle video settings, adjust scaler options, and manage controller mappings without ever opening a text editor.
Growing past 16-bit roots
When the MiSTer project gained traction around 2017, the focus was largely on 8-bit and 16-bit systems like the NES and Sega Genesis. The setup process was relatively straightforward. As developers added complex 32-bit cores for the Sony PlayStation and Sega Saturn, the ecosystem required more robust file management and BIOS handling.
Tools like MiSTer Companion emerged to manage that complexity. By automating scripts like update_all and Zaparoo, the utility ensures users have the latest core files without manually dragging and dropping folders over an FTP connection. The addition of the video converter in version 7.10.0 shows the tool expanding beyond basic maintenance and into content creation for the platform.
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