NES modding options

hidef nes vs rgb mod

12ish minute My Life In Gaming video about the capabilities and features - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TI60A3DpI6w

BOTH OPTIONS:

I want to get a "blinking light win" replacement cartridge connector. Around 30 bucks, easy install - the documentation spells it out, but BLW means you don't push down the toaster when you put carts in, but it's considered the most reliable cartridge slot replacement for the NES "toaster".

RGB mod
http://etim.net.au/nesrgb/installation-nes/

tldr: I'm gonna want a CRT ideally for this. Cheaper for the mod, a functioning CRT with the specs I want for the streaming/capture side (video passthrough/output) would be slightly more difficult or expensive to obtain.

rgb mod is cheaper for the mod. however, for best results, a CRT would be needed. Ideally, an expensive PVM/BVM style monitor or a consumer TV with video passthrough - currently there's a Olympus Trinitron PVM rebrand on kijiji for 400 locally - *with* cosmetic damage! eBay spot price not factoring shipping or customs is cheaper than 400 - about 200 and up. Shipping+customs becomes killer though, so ideally I'd wanna source from Canada.

The Ripsaw won't capture what this mod will output without an upscaler, and the only upscaler really worth using for this purpose is the Framemeister. Or, a new capture device that will properly capture this, and that's a minimum $250 (free prime shipping).

Price is about 99AUD, and AUD and CAD according to google are near parity - CAD somewhat stronger. 91 dollars not factoring shipping, but there's a distributor in Ohio. Unsure what Customs would charge.

HDMI mod
https://www.game-tech.us/hi-def-nes-installation-guides/

tldr: The mod is somewhat more expensive on its own, Benefit is simple - it will function well with current capture equipment and any HDMI capable monitor or set.

HDMI mod is about 170ish as a minimum cost, and if we want to go the full refurb route, the guy sells capacitor replacement kits, replacement power LEDs and getting him to solder the headers and sockets on to the two interposer boards since his page says it'd save you "time and headache". That tops out at about $225. But it may risk potential damage in transit.

The fact that it outputs to HDMI is the advantage - HDMI will likely be a viable way to hook stuff up for foreseeable future, and the only thing you lose is the ability to use light guns or ROB. Basically, replacement displays for this option would be readily available and cheap.