Hi All!
I'll go straight to the question and elaborate after: what are the best settings on the RetroTINK-4K and OBS Studio for capturing a PC’s VGA output?

Two VERY important things to consider:
1- It doesn't make sense to use overkill settings just because you can. If they won't actually improve anything, there's no point in using them.
2- If you're going to suggest something, please explain why, so I (we) learn something.

So the whole idea is to make sure I'm getting the best possible image when recording from a VGA PC output, and I don't want to miss a setting that could improve my current config.

I got a RetroTink 4K several years ago (I think it was the second batch). Yes, it was a hardball to my wallet, but I don't regret it. Before that, I used several scalers: Extron, Geffen, Kramer, etc. My favorite of the bunch was the Geffen (VGA to HDMI), very solid.

I have two capture devices, a Nearstream CCD10 and a EazyCap Gamedock Ultra. Both are fine for what I need. A few days ago I pulled the trigger on a Magewell HDMI to USB 3.0 (gen 2) I found fairly cheap on eBay (it hasn't arrive yet). From what I've heard, it's more on the "Pro" side.

So the setup will be like this:
PC VGA -> RetroTink 4K -> Magewell HDMI to USB 3.0 -> OBS (Main PC) -> Editing (final video)

For editing I'm using Davinci Resolve Studio -> mp4 H.264 or AV1. 've been using AV1 for several months now and "I think" it's just fine.

One thing that came up while researching is the 4:4:4 compression / sampling (or whatever the correct term is), but I'm sure that's ridiculous for what I need, not to mention the file sizes that it will generate. Again, this is complete nonsense for my use case. ChatGPT got me into thinking that's what I need, or is it?
This is a good video that explains it: https://youtu.be/0Mds4-ggpNI

From what I understand so far:

- Keep the same resolution across the HDMI chain (1080p is what I use)
- If you are aiming for 4:4:4 and your gear supports it, you should avoid filters in OBS because they may internally process at lower chroma.
- Basically, the chain should stay as clean and untouched as possible.

Don't take my word for it, that's just my current understanding. And again, I seriously doubt I’ll be doing 4:4:4 anytime soon (probably never).

As usual, the weakest component in the chain will limit everything. In this case we’re talking about five components total.

And then there’s the elephant in the room: YouTube.

The elephant in the room: YouTube.
Besides archiving, the goal is to upload to YouTube. I know they compress everything, but generally speaking, the better your source, the better it should look after their compression.

My setup is as follows:

RetroTink 4K most commonly used config:

VGA input: RGBHV
HDR: Off
Colorimetry: Auto (Rec. 709)
RGB Range: Full
Sync Lock: Triple Buffer
Output Res: 1080p @60
Autocrop: Full to 4:3
Scaling: Auto Fill
Buffer Length: Min. Lag
Interpolation (Vertical and Horizontal): Bilinear Sharp
Anti-Ringing: On
Linear Light: On
Transfer Function: sRGB
Deinterlacing: Weave (I just realized I've been using Motion Adaptive)

Any other setting that I'm not mentioning is either off or it has some default/auto values.
Notes:
I do Auto Phase and Gain calibration as needed.
I don't use any FXs or CTRs simulation.

My OBS config:

Recording: MP4, Nvidia Nvenc AV1
Rescale output: Disabled
Encoder: CQP 18
Keyframe Interval: 2s
Preset: P7 Slowest (Best Quality)
Tuning: High Quality
Multipass: 2 passes
Look-ahead: On
Adaptive Quantization: On
B-Frames: 2
B-Frame as reference: Disabled
Advanced:
Process Priority: Above Normal
Renderer: Direct3D 11 (only option)
Color Format: BGRA (8-bit)
Color Space: Rec. 709
Color Range: Full
SDR White Level: 300 nits
HDR Nominal Peak Level: 1000 nits (I'm using HDR anyway)

So… what would you guys recommend for RetroTINK-4K and OBS settings for VGA capture (and why?)

Thanks!!