Cathode is full CRT simulation built into a compositor node group and VSE modifier. It can be added to any video clip in the VSE as a fully self-contained modifier, requiring no extra compositor interfaces, or to any compositor set up as a single node, and used to make any render or video look as if it was recorded from a beautifully realistic and believable CRT display, without any need of messy hardware setups or fighting with camera shutter sync issues, at any resolution. 

Features:

Procedural, separate Scanline and and Shadow Mask simulations

Real CRTs don't have a single fixed "resolution", their display resolution is instead decided by two things: the number and resolution of scanlines in the video signal being displayed, and the pitch of the shadowmask grid between the CRT's electron gun and it's phosphor-coated glass front. To simulate this, Cathode has two independent settings for the number of simulated scanlines and the pitch of the simulated shadowmask, allowing the simulation of a myriad of scanline standards, both colour and monochrome displays, and the full range of CRT screen sizes and shadowmask pitch densities.  

Two types of pixel Dithering

Randomised per-frame screen flickering

When cameras are used to record a CRT there is always some desync between the camera's shutter speed and frame rate and the CRT's scan cycle, the effect of which is a varying amount of light from the CRT making it through the camera's shutter. Cathode simulates this subtle interaction, lending alot of authenticity to the final image. 

Authentic, customisable CRT Barrel Distortion

A CRT's internal vacuum requires the glass envelope it is constructed from to have a certain distinctive shape. A variable barrel distortion, with colour dispersion and noise-based jitter for added texture, simulates this for any size of CRT television/monitor.

Various Composite video effects

A major contributor to the expected, nostalgic "look" of a CRT can be caused by the inherent flaws in the Composite video signal that most CRTs used to display their image. Cathode simulates dot crawl, the characteristic edge "echoes", and the chroma and luma noise introduced by combining these signals down an unshielded cable, to simulate this kind of video signal.

Camera/Telecine glare/bloom simulation

Cathode features a powerful glare/bloom stage as a final finishing touch that satisfyingly cements the impression of a camera recording a CRT, lending a final seal of realism to your renders. 

Cathode's different product tiers represent the possibility for a move of good faith on your part - you have no legal obligation to pay extra if you're using Cathode as a business, but if you feel my work deserves it, I ask you to pay a higher fee, as a business may distribute the product to many employees, or use it considerably more than a single person. In return, you'll receive preferential product support from me, should you need it. Again, you have no legal obligation to pay more than the base fee, it is simply a gesture of good faith. All three price levels deliver the same product.

If you pay the higher fee, and need support, please quote your sale ID and mention that you paid for one of the business tiers when you email me or send me a message here.

10% of all profits from this product go to the Blender Development Fund.