Josh, I think Value only has the HD-XA1 right now, if that matters that is

-Gary

To all of you with intermittent audio, do you have noisey mains? I ask as I have always found sound dropouts to be quite closely related to stable mains or lack of it.

The UK disti (OWL) is doing a proper price, worth a try, don't know if there are contractual implications but if the Norwegian guys aren't even replying, sounds like they don't deserve the business and it's probably illegal to prevent one EU company from supplying customers in any EU country. Or is Norway one of those "funny" big European countries that's not in the EU? I think it might be actually.

Yes, Norway are one of those funny little countries that is not in the EU. It has it charms sometimes (taxfree within EU, VAT exempt on export from EU etc).

Well, back to the topic.
I contacted Lenexpo a while back regarding HD+ and VP30. They could ship to Norway only if the local supplier could not provide you with a unit or where out of stock. However, how do you prove that? :)

So go ahead and contact them (I recon there should be no problems).

I am awaiting my VP30 + ABT102 from another supplier in US. If only DVDO could get the damn card out soon. My whole home theater is screaming for it... and so do I ;)

The Precision Deinterlacing Card (ABT102) will start shipping very soon......as in hours.

The Precision Deinterlacing Card (ABT102) will start shipping very soon......as in hours.

Nice! :D

Out of interest Josh do you know how initial stocks are being sent to international distributors, i.e. ship/plane, specific shipment/wheneven there next crate goes out?

I'm building a stock of new tv/anime series dvds that I wanted to watch with the card installed but not sure how many weeks I can ignore them. :o

The Precision Deinterlacing Card (ABT102) will start shipping very soon......as in hours.
Great news :D but what are you doing up at 2:30 AM--packing the shipments?? ;)

The Precision Deinterlacing Card (ABT102) will start shipping very soon......as in hours.

Can you now comment what is in the 'update' esp. on the extra dvd with test signals ?

Daniel.

Was your VP30 out of direct IR range? If not you may need the black covers (or some tape ;) ) to mask the VP30 sensor from direct signals.

I have all my equipment located in another room that is seperated by a wall and a set of doors. I can't see how in my case anyway that I would get bleed over. I'm using the small 'mouse ear' type emmiter attached to the front of the VP30 over the round IR lens. I assume thats the best location?

Although I use the IR capability of the VP30 very infrequently, I use the RS232 capability, I did implement it with xantech emitters being directly driven from a PC. I did cover the emitter on the front of the VP30 with black tape to eliminate reflections and extraneous pickup. I have never had any IR problems.

If you have tape over the lens how are you getting IR signal to the VP30? I can't believe something as simple as IR redistribution is causing me such grief. This is the only real snag I've run into with a entirely new setup strangely enough.

Jeff

I have been following this thread for about a week now. It seems this thread is dedicated to interoperability and bug fixes. There seems to be many supporters of this product even with all the issues covered here. It also appears that DVDO is a very customer oriented company based on their participation here and their responsiveness to the issues.

I haven't seen much on the video enhancing performance of this product. One question I have that I haven't seen, and excuse me if I missed it, is what is the benefit of this product? How can it improve my viewing experience? I watch a lot of HD. Can it really take an already HD source, improve it and give me a better HD picture on my DLP?

Thanks

TWD, I really like it because my pj is 720p native. And the VP30 takes 1080i sources and does great cross-conversion to send it to my pj at 720p. HD DVDs, DTHEATER, and regular DirecTv channels in 1080i look even better. Plus with the 4 HDMI ins you should be covered as far as inputs go. And not to mention the calibrating you can do with the VP30. All the adjustments you can do to each source is truly amazing. I also like all the test pattterns... :)

The Precision Deinterlacing Card (ABT102) will start shipping very soon......as in hours.
I nominate this post for Best Post of the Day. :D

I have all my equipment located in another room that is seperated by a wall and a set of doors. I can't see how in my case anyway that I would get bleed over. I'm using the small 'mouse ear' type emmiter attached to the front of the VP30 over the round IR lens. I assume thats the best location?


That's basically what I did, is it a blinking emitter and if so is it blinking in response to the remote. It could just be something as silly as a duff emitter I guess.

What's the response like without the IR dist and using the normal remote?

Which IR receiver did you use? I don't know what freq the VP30 uses but it could always be on the edge of your receivers range.


If you have tape over the lens how are you getting IR signal to the VP30? I can't believe something as simple as IR redistribution is causing me such grief. This is the only real snag I've run into with a entirely new setup strangely enough.

Jeff

The tape would be over the top of the emitter so that it's the only possible source of IR. ;)

It is an annoying little detail, I was expecting great pain myself installed the IR stuff a couple of weeks ago but so far it's just worked (apart from pause on the VCR which seems to pause then unpause but that might just be a need to clean up the learned command a bit).

The Precision Deinterlacing Card (ABT102) will start shipping very soon......as in hours.


I find that one can messure time in days, months, or even years, just as easily as "hours". I am hopping for less than a days worth of micro seconds. :rolleyes:

Has there been a version of software for the VP30 which did not have this issue on your system?

No, all versions from 1.00 has had this problem.

Jim

PS: If there is a way to do testing via the RS232 port and dump a file and send it to you, let me know.

I nominate this post for Best Post of the Day. :D


Seconded! :D

The Precision Deinterlacing Card (ABT102) will start shipping very soon......as in hours.
I don't suppose you're using a carrier that does Saturday deliveries are you..? :)

I'm overnight ground from Campbell...be nice to have this weekend.

Thanks Joerod,

Sounds like it gives you a lot of flexability.

How about if you put a 720p into it and a 720P out. Does it improve the video?

I don't suppose you're using a carrier that does Saturday deliveries are you..? :)

I'm overnight ground from Campbell...be nice to have this weekend.

This may be an option. I am traveling and as such I am out of the office today. If you contact Sales@dvdo.com or 1-866-423-3836 they should be able to help you.

Thanks Joerod,

Sounds like it gives you a lot of flexability.

How about if you put a 720p into it and a 720P out. Does it improve the video?

Not per se, but you do have more control over it - at least, more control than any of my hd boxes give. The VP30 allows you to control brightness, contrast, saturation, and sharpness; depending on your output, you may also have shift and overscan. Not to mention pixel per pixel mapping, which is more important to some than us CRT users. :)

This may be an option. I am traveling and as such I am out of the office today. If you contact Sales@dvdo.com or 1-866-423-3836 they should be able to help you.
Thanks, I called at 4pm but couldn't get a live body and I figure by now it's probably too late to change the shipping...unless you could pull some strings... :p

TWD, which DLP do you have? And do you suffer from audio sync problems at all?

I don't think that source 720p-dest 720p is going to get you a lot of value out of this, but if you've got multiple sources and/or multiple resolutions coming in (esp 480i esp esp with the abt102 upgrade board) then you'll find that you can get other sources looking closer to 720p quality.

I personally don't think that 1080i->720p is the vp30's strong suit. It does it ok, I tried it earlier today, but where it shines is "any->768p" (plasma res in my case), with just one cable running to the screen. Combined with the fact it can delay audio automatically depending on the processing time of the current video stream, is a huge winner for me.

This may be an option. I am traveling and as such I am out of the office today. If you contact Sales@dvdo.com or 1-866-423-3836 they should be able to help you.
Thanks, I called at 4pm but couldn't get a live body and I figure by now it's probably too late to change the shipping...unless you could pull some strings...
April just called me and said the cards are not shipping out until Monday now, but thanks anyway. :)

TWD, which DLP do you have? And do you suffer from audio sync problems at all?

I don't think that source 720p-dest 720p is going to get you a lot of value out of this, but if you've got multiple sources and/or multiple resolutions coming in (esp 480i esp esp with the abt102 upgrade board) then you'll find that you can get other sources looking closer to 720p quality.

I personally don't think that 1080i->720p is the vp30's strong suit. It does it ok, I tried it earlier today, but where it shines is "any->768p" (plasma res in my case), with just one cable running to the screen. Combined with the fact it can delay audio automatically depending on the processing time of the current video stream, is a huge winner for me.

Those were interesting observations you made today (Sky HD into a VP30 then off to a Pioneer 43" TV).

So where we have a single input into the VP30 that requires different processing depending on the source signal -

If the source is 576i then output 720p
If the source is 1080i then output 1080i

what's the best way of setting up a VP30 to cope with this?

I know, for example, the C2 lets you do different things to a single physical input based on the source material, but what should us VP30 owners do? Do we really have to manually change the processing of the VP30, or is there any chance of a firmware update to automatically switch profiles on a single input based on the source?

(I'm guessing this has probably been covered before - in which case apologies because there's no way I'd find the relevant posts amongst the 3771 in this thread! - but for UK customers, it's something that is imminently relevant)

Choddo2006

I have the HL-P4674 and I have not noticed any audio sync problems

Choddo2006

I have the HL-P4674 and I have not noticed any audio sync problems

If you're using a VP30 to feed native resolution the lag on a Sammy DLP is only just over a frame, which you may not notice depending on your sensitivity to sync issues. However, all Samsung DLPs have at least some video lag relative to an external sound system (the internal speakers are of course delayed to match the video). Only the HLS series claim to have an ultra low latency game mode. I have measured the 720p input lag on my HLP5063 to be between around 39ms based on the Avia Pro test. (The DVE test seems inaccurate) My HLN has a similar delay. The delay is much, much worse if the set needs to deinterlace (particularly in film mode). Timing games in 480i are basically unplayable on these sets.

- Collin

I may have to go through technical support for the answer but thought I would try here. I am using a Xantech IR redistribution setup and the VP30 does not seem to work through it although every other piece of audio/video gear I own works fine. I can see the Xantech is receiving the signal as it flashes a LED light when IR signal is received however on the other end the VP30 does not respond. Using the remote right in front of the unit does of course work. Does DVDO use some strange IR signal out of the norm?

Jeff

I had a similar problem. What I found was that the positioning of the emitter head on the lens was crucial. I had to experiment with the emitter placement on the lens surface until I found one position that worked. Hope that helps.

If the source is 576i then output 720p
If the source is 1080i then output 1080i

what's the best way of setting up a VP30 to cope with this?


simple. just setup 2 output profile one 720p and one 1080i and do "Auto" on the Profiles. It will switch to the desired output profile with the input resolution.

simple. just setup 2 output profile one 720p and one 1080i and do "Auto" on the Profiles. It will switch to the desired output profile with the input resolution.
Yeah exactly, works very nicely.

Although, Togad, it'll be 576i->NR (XGA in my case). I just used 720p on that screen as a close approximation because we only had an HDMI cable and it won't take NR@50Hz over HDMI

I know you've got the same (or maybe 50" version?) screen as the one I saw yesterday so 1080i->1080i may well be the best option, it seemed to do a pretty good job with it. Don't know if that will be true for me, the vp30s handling of 1080i might be better than the PHD8.

Also, one thing I forgot to mention, there were a few seconds of resyncing when going from a 576i channel to a 1080i channel, but I don't think that'll happen often enough to be annoying. Certainly the alternative (getting the Sky box to output 1080i all the time) isn't even close to worthy of consideration.

simple. just setup 2 output profile one 720p and one 1080i and do "Auto" on the Profiles. It will switch to the desired output profile with the input resolution.
It does this already?

Splendid! :)

I misunderstood the manual and was thinking that profiles were linked to physical inputs, rather than formats.


The Auto feature links a specific input to a display profile. To enable this feature, use Output Setup ] Display Profile ] Auto. When you select an input/format, the display profile used (Profile 1 through 4 or User) is saved in the saved input settings. When you turn Auto On, the system uses a display profile based on the selected input.
For example, suppose you choose Display Profile 1 using Video 1 input and Display Profile 2 using S-Video 1 input.
• With Auto set to On, when Video 1 is the active input, the system automatically uses Display Profile 1.
• When S-Video 1 is the active input, Display Profile 2 is used.


Might be worth an addendum to the manual to make this clearer?

When you select an input/format,

Kind of in there, but agree, it should be clearer, especially in the examples

Table 4 (on page31) that shows all the attributes stored for each input/format combination also includes "Display Profile"

Kind of in there, but agree, it should be clearer, especially in the examples

Table 4 (on page31) that shows all the attributes stored for each input/format combination also includes "Display Profile"

Ahh. Got it. Thanks.

It's my brain that needs to be clearer, not the manual ;)

Just got the final (I think) version of the ABT102. Believe it or not, DL's latest iteration has actually gotten better than previous ones.

This is one cool add-on!!!

Just got the final (I think) version of the ABT102. Believe it or not, DL's latest iteration has actually gotten better than previous ones.

This is one cool add-on!!!
Cool! What exactly has improved? Thanks!

Hello,

Have just got the Australian equivalent of the Sony KDF-E50A10 LCD rear projection.
Ours is the KFE50A10; with the same native 1280 X 720 (720p. 60Hz).
If anyone has worked out a procedure to obtain 1:1 match with VP30 please help. I am climbing the walls. :confused:

Just got the final (I think) version of the ABT102. Believe it or not, DL's latest iteration has actually gotten better than previous ones.

This is one cool add-on!!!

Stop being mean to us or ill ask the moderator to step in ..... ehmmm nevermid :rolleyes:

Daniel.

PS: shipping in europe is expected 15e

Just got the final (I think) version of the ABT102. Believe it or not, DL's latest iteration has actually gotten better than previous ones.

This is one cool add-on!!!


I'm definitely eager to see you and some others come back and give us some details on this. :)

Cool! What exactly has improved? Thanks!


Ofer,

Can you give us a quick "final" review?
So that the rest of us can salivate in anticipation this weekend while waiting for deliveries next week... :D

lol,

Well, it can't be a final review until DVDO decides its the final version of the product.

Regarding what has improved, that shouldn't really matter because I'm comparing it to previous versions of the very same board. You can't really even compare it with Sil504 because it's not even the same league...

I can only say that it's performing very very well on PAL 2:2 content, very tough mixed content, frequent cadence losses, mixed edit sources. Very few deinterlacers (I'll bet you can guess which ones) did as well on my homebrew torture tests...

lol,

Well, it can't be a final review until DVDO decides its the final version of the product.

Regarding what has improved, that shouldn't really matter because I'm comparing it to previous versions of the very same board. You can't really even compare it with Sil504 because it's not even the same league...

I can only say that it's performing very very well on PAL 2:2 content, very tough mixed content, frequent cadence losses, mixed edit sources. Very few deinterlacers (I'll bet you can guess which ones) did as well on my homebrew torture tests...

On what setting ? It seems they added a locked 2:2 even and 2:2 odd is that really needed or is it good enough on auto ?

Daniel.

It seems they added a locked 2:2 even and 2:2 odd is that really needed or is it good enough on auto ?This was a specific request from several forum members.

- Dale Adams

Daniel,

The kinds of tests I conducted would only be relevant for auto because they specifically test the algorithm's ability to switch between several cadences and properly handle cadence issues (which would definitely fail if any assumptions about cadence locks were used).

I only tested in auto.

Thats very good to hear oferlaor/Dale, i was kinda wondering why they where added i can see why you might want them but for normal use it will be 'set and forget' even for us PAL users.

My guess is this will be a boring upgrade, we get 3 or 4 new items in a menu but have to leave it on auto anyway and it just works. Could you not add 10 placebo options to make us feel better Dale ?

Daniel.

Thats very good to hear oferlaor/Dale, i was kinda wondering why they where added i can see why you might want them but for normal use it will be 'set and forget' even for us PAL users.

My guess is this will be a boring upgrade, we get 3 or 4 new items in a menu but have to leave it on auto anyway and it just works. Could you not add 10 placebo options to make us feel better Dale ?

Daniel.
The "game mode" option will do me just fine thanks :) Not that the rest of the features aren't very exciting.

I was playing Mario Golf (s-video 480i) the other day with my 3 year old and you had to press the button about 5-6 frames earlier than you would think, I would estimate.

And Rez/Frequency get mind-altering when the beat is out of sync with what you press and also with the video :) (can't use the auto-lipsync on games because of the way I cable the consoles up and my amp doesn't delay)

Anyone know how long the scaling takes on top of the deinterlacing? I'm guessing it's pretty quick?

Ofer is right guys, the latest version of the ABT102 is killer, the video deinterlacing is so damn good, I had forgot how good video can look :)

my ultimate deinterlacing test, video based guitar strings, passed with flying colors, minimal jaggies, no stepping, nice and clean

I will give my humble opinions on what I think of the modes, Auto etc. after the product is released

this card is gonna be one huge hit for those that still value their 480i sources, including video games, which will look superb with this unit

Choddo there is a game mode that has less than 1 frame delay, that will be right up your alley ;)

-Gary

I am very excited Gary!

Since they seem to be shipping now what is stopping you guys ?

Also why no comments on the included dvd ?

Daniel.

Shipping for the general public is tomorrow. I should have mine sometime Tuesday.

Anyone know how long the scaling takes on top of the deinterlacing? I'm guessing it's pretty quick?
The actual scaling in the VP30 has only a few lines of delay (i.e., < 1 mS). However, there is an additional delay of approximately 1/2 frame period to allow for all aspect ratio, zoom and pan changes to be done 'live' without disturbing the output signal timing. If this weren't there, then most displays would have to re-synch to the signal every time such a change was made. Note that this 1/2 frame of delay is for when the output timing is locked 1:1 to the input timing. In unlocked mode there is an additional delay which varies dynamically from about 1/2 frame period to 1 frame period.

- Dale Adams

I am very excited Gary!

you should be :D

-Gary

You know me- PBTV will be ON!

You know me- PBTV will be ON!

boo yah ! http://forums.allaboutjazz.com/images/smilies/pimp.gif

-Gary

Also why no comments on the included dvd ?


The DVD that comes with the Precision Deinterlacing Card (ABT102) includes test patterns and video content to assist the you in optimizing the setup of your iScan VP30 and to evaluate the performance of your iScan VP30 (or any other video processing).

This DVD was produced by Stacey Spears and Don Munsil (S&M) and I strongly believe that this will be the Reference DVD that everyone uses to compare video processing from now on.

The Static Patterns include:
Picture Controls (Brightness/Contrast, Color/Tint, Y/C Delay, and Resolution)
Geometry (Frame Geometry, Image Cropping, Cross Hatch - Coarse, Cross Hatch - Fine, and Focus)
Gray Scale (10IRE - 100IRE Windows and Gray Ramp)
Half Patterns (Black/White, Color 7 Bars 75, Color (7) Bars 100, Color (8) Bars 75 and Color (8) Bars 100 - These are the 'other half' of the test patterns which are built into the iScan VP30)

The Motion Patterns include:
Chroma Upsampling (ICP, 2-2, and 2-3)
Source Adaptive (Film, Film Detail, and Synthetic Wedge - Each test patterns has 2-2, 2-2-2-4, 2-3-2-3, 2-3-3-2-2, 2-3-3-2, 3-2-3-2-2, 3-3, 4-4, 5-5, 6-4, 8-7-8-7 cadences as well as a sped up cadence and bad-edits)
Edge Adaptive (Jaggies at 45/20/10 degress, Jaggies at all degrees, Video sequences which have very difficult diagonals: 'Ropes', 'Ship' , 'Hockey', and 'Bridge')
Mixed Mode (Horizontal Text and Vertical Text)
Montage

There is also a Demo Loop which goes through all of the deinterlacing evaluation content.

The Source Adaptive 'Film' and 'Film Detail' content should be familiar to everyone, they are the infamous Cafe scene (ever wonder what happens after the bum gets the newspaper?) and Super Speedway, respectively.

Gary and Ofer (and other Beta Testers) - What you have is the final version of the ABT102. If you would like to make comments, then go right ahead.

well then, as the boss has said it was ok :), shoot them questions to me, NTSC only please ;)

The PAL torch can be passed to Ofer :)

-Gary

Guess I'll have to see if my USB to serial adapter works soon. :)

Gary: At one point didn't you wanted to sell your VP30? What are your current thoughts? What changed them?

Everything Mark, including software updates the fixed all my problems and the ABT102 deinterlacing card was icing on the cake, I wouldn't want to be without my VP30 in my HT setup now

-Gary

Just to get in ahead of all the comments re the ABT102, just had my first large (3/4 sec) dropout while using V1.07. In the 4th cut of a Tina Turner dvd - 4x3 format, DD 5.1 mix. Rewound (ok, went back) and 2nd time thru no dropout. This time I was not connecting or changing any other settings to throw off the machine.

Also - turned on the pj and VP30 for the first time in 4 days - the VP had changed output format, lost my output settings, and switched back to NORMAL user mode. From ADVANCED. So it is still doing silly things. Josh adn/or Dale - is this enough wierdness to warrant sending back for a new one? Or is there a backup battery buried somewhere inside that I need to be checking?

Jon - I just got back from a 3 day trip and I had no problems with my iScan VP30. There is no battery that you need to replace.

I highly recommend that you call DVDO tech support, or if you prefer, you can forward me your contact info and the best time to contact you via PM and I will have tech support call you.

Is the version 1.07 FW on the DVDO website the same as what has shipped with the ABT102D? i.e. will we need to do another update when it arrives or are we 'good to go'? ;)

What is your version number policy generally? Do you release beta, make some final tweeks then make it official or do you increment the version after each batch of changes?

Is the version 1.07 FW on the DVDO website the same as what has shipped with the ABT102D? i.e. will we need to do another update when it arrives or are we 'good to go'? ;)

It is the same version. In addition to the public Beta testing that we have done on this software. we have been doing private Beta testing on this software. This software will be production software on the website this week and we plan on having another Beta version with more features (I'll tell you more tomorrow).

What is your version number policy generally? Do you release beta, make some final tweeks then make it official or do you increment the version after each batch of changes?

We increment the version after each batch of changes to avoid the confusion of having two different versions of software with the same version number.

Hi Josh

I know it's busy time getting 102 out the door (I'm waiting for mine to come to the UK :-) ), but is there any chance of a response on my (and I think many other peoples) audio problem - i.e. the VP30 sending out a 96khz signal when a source is switched off) - I've been posting here and mailing support since 1.0 without any response and it's still the same in 1.07.

Thanks

pete S

pete S - The outstanding audio issues are still a priority of ours. This issue, total audio loss, 'motorboating', dropouts, and loss of ability to pass 5.1 audio from some HDMI sources are what we are working on. The major problem is all of these issues aren't experienced by most users. We would like the users who are experiencing any of these issues, or any other audio issue, to please send an email titled 'VP30 Audio Issues' to Josh@dvdo.com with the following information:
Name
VP30 Software Version (press 'Info' button)
VP30 Serial Number (On bottom of unit and on the box)
A/V Receiver/Processor Brand/Model (ex. Lexicon MC-12)
Source Brand/Model/Type (ex. DirecTV/HR10-250/HD-TiVo)
Type of audio connection (ex. Coax)
Cable Provider (if applicable)
Specific Issues that you are having

Thanks Josh - just good to get a response. In this case, I think it's pretty generic - just that different amps respond differently to it. I'll send the requested info in.

Gary and Ofer (and other Beta Testers) - What you have is the final version of the ABT102. If you would like to make comments, then go right ahead.
Thanks Josh, I'll post a review over on the UK AVforums.com (oferlaor has PAL users covered here).

StooMonster

The outstanding audio issues are still a priority of ours.


Hi Josh,

Thats good to hear and I have already fired off an email with my details. I spent the whole weekend playing with 1.07 and pretty much found that apart from the quicker stream change recognition things are still the same as regards audio problems.

However, this post is to highlight another issue. I have a Marantz RC5000 and have tried in vain to get the VP30 discrete codes to work. I was even sent the original .ccf file from DVDO with the codes in it and nothing so I know its not finger trouble. Please can you add this problem to the list. The audio problem is definitely still priority but for me the discrete codes would also be very welcome when they start working.

Anyone else with a Marantz or Pronto also having troubles with the discrete codes???

Hans

-I have now been to the Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, and UK DVDO distributor's websites (found on the 'Authorized Distributors' list on the DVDO site), and none of them even vaguely mentions the ABT-102 card. Not one sentence, not one picture. In fact, the Swedish distributor's website boasts that the "latest news" is that the iScan HD+ is in stock!! And they have rave reviews of the iScan Ultra...

I earlier said I had e-mailed the Norwegain distributor several times without getting any reply, but just now I actually picked up the phone and called them (which I hate, because I always get nervous and start to stutter on the phone...), and they hadn't even heard of such a thing as a new deinterlacer card. They said they'd get back to me though.

I'm just wondering - seeing as none of these distributors seem to have a clue - if DVDO have been effective enough in their communication with their international distributors?
I'd at least expect a sentence, a picture, something from at least one of these mentioned distributors. But no.

What's going on? That darn May 15th. deadline is getting too close to my liking...

-Actually, I have now been through most of the distributors on that list, and the only one that mentioned the ABT-102 card was the Dutch one (Netherlands). It said though, that the 199 Euro initial pricing ended May 1st...........................! So if I'm too late for this offer, even though it's ages ago that I sent my first mail - - thanks a bunch! I guess I'll try lenexpo-electronics though. Unless lo and behold, the Norwegian distributor comes through.

The DVD that comes with the Precision Deinterlacing Card (ABT102) includes test patterns and video content to assist the you in optimizing the setup of your iScan VP30 and to evaluate the performance of your iScan VP30 (or any other video processing).

This DVD was produced by Stacey Spears and Don Munsil (S&M) and I strongly believe that this will be the Reference DVD that everyone uses to compare video processing from now on.

The Static Patterns include:
Picture Controls (Brightness/Contrast, Color/Tint, Y/C Delay, and Resolution)
Geometry (Frame Geometry, Image Cropping, Cross Hatch - Coarse, Cross Hatch - Fine, and Focus)
Gray Scale (10IRE - 100IRE Windows and Gray Ramp)
Half Patterns (Black/White, Color 7 Bars 75, Color (7) Bars 100, Color (8) Bars 75 and Color (8) Bars 100 - These are the 'other half' of the test patterns which are built into the iScan VP30)

The Motion Patterns include:
Chroma Upsampling (ICP, 2-2, and 2-3)
Source Adaptive (Film, Film Detail, and Synthetic Wedge - Each test patterns has 2-2, 2-2-2-4, 2-3-2-3, 2-3-3-2-2, 2-3-3-2, 3-2-3-2-2, 3-3, 4-4, 5-5, 6-4, 8-7-8-7 cadences as well as a sped up cadence and bad-edits)
Edge Adaptive (Jaggies at 45/20/10 degress, Jaggies at all degrees, Video sequences which have very difficult diagonals: 'Ropes', 'Ship' , 'Hockey', and 'Bridge')
Mixed Mode (Horizontal Text and Vertical Text)
Montage

There is also a Demo Loop which goes through all of the deinterlacing evaluation content.

The Source Adaptive 'Film' and 'Film Detail' content should be familiar to everyone, they are the infamous Cafe scene (ever wonder what happens after the bum gets the newspaper?) and Super Speedway, respectively.

Very nice, its good to see that reviewers, testers and developers are getting in a interesting loop (maybe fueled a little by forums) that result in better products based on
facts we can all test and see. Thanks to all involved in this the matching with the internal test signals is a great idea and having a disc that is aimed to these weirder problems will be so useful for people to get a quick 'feel' of a new products.

Is this a finished dvd ? or as hinted before a subset of a testing dvd they will ship later as a avia/dve like product ?

Daniel.

My review of ABT102, although somewhat biased towards British / PAL / 50Hz use, is here AVforums (http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=340173)

Or you can look at individual sections:
Introduction (http://www.avforums.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2885159&postcount=1)
Installation (http://www.avforums.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2885166&postcount=2)
New Features (http://www.avforums.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2885176&postcount=3)
Deinterlacing film content (http://www.avforums.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2885179&postcount=4)
Deinterlacing video content (http://www.avforums.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2885184&postcount=5)
Deinterlacing video game content (http://www.avforums.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2885189&postcount=6)
Tests (http://www.avforums.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2885194&postcount=7)
Conclusion (http://www.avforums.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2885204&postcount=8)

Congratulations to all ABT, especially Josh and Dale, for shipping such an excellent product! :)

StooMonster

-I have now been to the Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, and UK DVDO distributor's websites (found on the 'Authorized Distributors' list on the DVDO site), and none of them even vaguely mentions the ABT-102 card. Not one sentence, not one picture. In fact, the Swedish distributor's website boasts that the "latest news" is that the iScan HD+ is in stock!! And they have rave reviews of the iScan Ultra...

I earlier said I had e-mailed the Norwegain distributor several times without getting any reply, but just now I actually picked up the phone and called them (which I hate, because I always get nervous and start to stutter on the phone...), and they hadn't even heard of such a thing as a new deinterlacer card. They said they'd get back to me though.

I'm just wondering - seeing as none of these distributors seem to have a clue - if DVDO have been effective enough in their communication with their international distributors?
I'd at least expect a sentence, a picture, something from at least one of these mentioned distributors. But no.

What's going on? That darn May 15th. deadline is getting too close to my liking...

-Actually, I have now been through most of the distributors on that list, and the only one that mentioned the ABT-102 card was the Dutch one (Netherlands). It said though, that the 199 Euro initial pricing ended May 1st...........................! So if I'm too late for this offer, even though it's ages ago that I sent my first mail - - thanks a bunch! I guess I'll try lenexpo-electronics though. Unless lo and behold, the Norwegian distributor comes through.

I don't know who you talked to but I have bought the VP30 and ordered the ABT102 card form the norwegian distributer. I have been in talk with them since I first heard about it here on this forum. But they usually don't get much info from DVDO before products are ready to be sent.

The price should be app 1.990NOK. How long this offer will stand I don't know. Probably only DVDO knows.

Gary,

Are you still an advocate of individual Color/Chroma and Gamma controls on the Vp30 for each input? I know that this was a wish of yours but have not heard you write about this situation lately. I have not seen anything written about the addition of these controls, but perhaps you have been beta testing these features also?

Thanks.

We gotta love DVDO's SUPPORT! :) I can't think of any other companies that stand by their products as much as DVDO!

-I have now been to the Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, and UK DVDO distributor's websites (found on the 'Authorized Distributors' list on the DVDO site), and none of them even vaguely mentions the ABT-102 card. Not one sentence, not one picture. In fact, the Swedish distributor's website boasts that the "latest news" is that the iScan HD+ is in stock!! And they have rave reviews of the iScan Ultra...

I earlier said I had e-mailed the Norwegain distributor several times without getting any reply, but just now I actually picked up the phone and called them (which I hate, because I always get nervous and start to stutter on the phone...), and they hadn't even heard of such a thing as a new deinterlacer card. They said they'd get back to me though.

I'm just wondering - seeing as none of these distributors seem to have a clue - if DVDO have been effective enough in their communication with their international distributors?
I'd at least expect a sentence, a picture, something from at least one of these mentioned distributors. But no.

What's going on? That darn May 15th. deadline is getting too close to my liking...

-Actually, I have now been through most of the distributors on that list, and the only one that mentioned the ABT-102 card was the Dutch one (Netherlands). It said though, that the 199 Euro initial pricing ended May 1st...........................! So if I'm too late for this offer, even though it's ages ago that I sent my first mail - - thanks a bunch! I guess I'll try lenexpo-electronics though. Unless lo and behold, the Norwegian distributor comes through.

Well let me say that the Dutch importer and i have a very special relation in that i call him everytime something happens *grin*. They are infact very nice but with alot of products it turns out to be handy to have a active user like me keeping him upto speed. Infact he is ontop of things and will ship 102's cards to all his dealers when they get in. Seems that there is (as it should be) a great demand for pal users.

Let me add to this that over the last 2 years the dutch importer and dvdo has been very quick to reply to my sometimes weird demands in things like upgrades, support, shipping. Its been a pleasure to see that from both sides they are willing to be very flexible. For example i had a vp30 in my house before i even paid for it since some of the details where not clear but dvdo and the dutch dealer made no problem of that.

I hope they will continue this way of support with other brands it can be unclear at times forcing me to get stuff directly from internet sites instead of local dealers (which i prefer to support if i can for return i expect better support).

Daniel.

I don't know who you talked to but I have bought the VP30 and ordered the ABT102 card form the norwegian distributer. I have been in talk with them since I first heard about it here on this forum. But they usually don't get much info from DVDO before products are ready to be sent.

The price should be app 1.990NOK. How long this offer will stand I don't know. Probably only DVDO knows.

I'll have some more patience, since they said they'd get back to me when I called them. But I've already sent them three e-mails over the course of three weeks (in other words, I haven't been 'nagging'), and none of those were answered.

How did you order? Phoned and said you wanted to buy one?

Just wondering if AVS Forum is shipping the ABT102 cards on the same time table as DVDO direct. There's been no word on this from them. AVS Forum(Jason) any feedback??

Is this a finished dvd ? or as hinted before a subset of a testing dvd they will ship later as a avia/dve like product ?

The disc included with the ABT102 is for SD only and is complete, sans instructions.

Don and I are working on an HD specific disc. We are still working on the scope of the project. For example, we want to not only show you how to adjust brightness, but why you adjust it and if you are an engineer, how to implement a properly implement it. We plan to provide the math / algorithms for everything we discuss. We figure that telling people they are wrong is not enough, we have to show them how we believe it should be done.

The bad edits tests on the disc will need some explaining and I will make another post for that.

We gotta love DVDO's SUPPORT! :) I can't think of any other companies that stand by their products as much as DVDO!


Agreed...exactly why I bought DVDO.
They are the very rare diamond-in-the-rough. :)

T We plan to provide the math / algorithms for everything we discuss. We figure that telling people they are wrong is not enough, we have to show them how we believe it should be done.

The bad edits tests on the disc will need some explaining and I will make another post for that.

As a fulltime opensource programmer i can see your logic :). The more of this is in the open and the more interaction we get between the different sides the better the products will be. Thank you for the work and ill be inline for the hd product when it ships.

Infact it pleases me that its not a 'special' version for dvdo but they have the balls to use and help support something that can be used as a known benchmark that is open for review and discussion.

Daniel.

Just wondering if AVS Forum is shipping the ABT102 cards on the same time table as DVDO direct. There's been no word on this from them. AVS Forum(Jason) any feedback??

I sent an email to Jason to find out about this as I was wondering as well, he's expecting to get them on Wednesday.

I'll have some more patience, since they said they'd get back to me when I called them. But I've already sent them three e-mails over the course of three weeks (in other words, I haven't been 'nagging'), and none of those were answered.

How did you order? Phoned and said you wanted to buy one?

Well... they're not very good on e-mail. But phone works. I run a company, specialized in multimedia, electronics and computers. So I'm registered as a dealer ;)

This software will be production software on the website this week and we plan on having another Beta version with more features (I'll tell you more tomorrow).


Non-linear scaling in the coming beta by chance?

Mike

well secrets site review is not in but its in dvdo's newsletter, can't wait for the full review:

--------
'The abt 102 adds deinterlacing performance to the vp30 that is second to none. DVDO delivers yet again a product that exceeds every expectation for its price point and beyond. This is the last SD video procesor you will ever need!'

Kris deering,
--------

Dale, Josh and the others who worked on this congrats the few reviews ive seen sofar all seem to confirm you made something special.

Daniel.

Hi Josh,

Anyone else with a Marantz or Pronto also having troubles with the discrete codes???

Hans
My Pronto's working fine with the discretes. I only ever use "s-video1" and "Auto" iirc.

oh and power on & off I think

Discretes have never worked consistantly for any remote I have ever used, VP30 or HD units included

they work for a while then decide not too, it's pretty nice when they do work :(

-Gary

I ordered my abt102 direct from DVDO. I still have not seen a charge on my credit card. Has anyone who ordered from them had their account charged yet?

My card was charged and I have the receipt (emailed) from DVDO as soon as they were available...

Discretes have never worked consistantly for any remote I have ever used, VP30 or HD units included

they work for a while then decide not too, it's pretty nice when they do work :(

-Gary

I also had issues with discretes and gave up. SJ

I learned the discrete inputs from the DVDO remote with my MX700, and it works fine.

--Andre

I also had issues with discretes and gave up. SJ

What are you doing instead?

I left the house but not before having my visiting cousins watch a DVD. When I returned I asked them how it went. They didn't finish it because "the audio stopped." Good job, VP30. :(

Quick question if anyone can help: Is a video scaler such as this DVDO iScan VP30 practical for console gaming, especially next gen console gaming with true high def capabilites? I'm conserned about lag on the frames and also if I would just be wasting my money. Well if anyone can help, thanks.

Quick question if anyone can help: Is a video scaler such as this DVDO iScan VP30 practical for console gaming, especially next gen console gaming with true high def capabilites? I'm conserned about lag on the frames and also if I would just be wasting my money. Well if anyone can help, thanks.

that would depend on your display and what you want to do with the consoles, for the HD consoles, you won't get much benefit from the VP30, unless you are running a complex video system like projection and need to scale or etc.

-Gary

I concur, I use my Xbox 360 bypassing the VP30. It looks so good I figure what is the point sending it thru the VP30 first...

I concur, I use my Xbox 360 bypassing the VP30. It looks so good I figure what is the point sending it thru the VP30 first...

It also depends on how your displays handles the signal, if it has to deinterlace and scale (depending on the game system) itself. Using the new DL102 card can be a step forward since it will probably have a less delay than the one in your display.

Daniel.

PS: Josh will we also get this new vrs logo to attach to our vp30 :)

I learned the discrete inputs from the DVDO remote with my MX700, and it works fine.

--Andre

Hi Andre,

I think I might have confused a few people by saying "discrete" codes. What I meant by discrete is a code that needs to be manually input into the remote software as it can not be learnt from an existing remote. Normally these would be the industry standard RC5 codes which I use very successfully with my TAG and other equipment but in the case of DVDO they have supplied the actual hex values which do not seem to match any RC code.

Any code from the original DVDO remote my Marantz can learn no problem and for the most part that is 80% of the codes I need.

Its the extra codes supplied by Josh for functions not available on the DVDO remote that do not work. In my case I would love the "letterbox" discrete code for watching lasers and non-anamorphic DVD's.

I asked DVDO for their .ccf file that they use and programmed my Marantz with it. All the functions on the DVDO remote worked no problem as it looks like they just learnt the function from the original remote but none of the new codes worked at all.

When examined I noticed that in the ccf file it is easy to see what codes were learnt from the DVDO remote and which were manually input since the learnt codes are a good deal longer.

I suspect that the codes supplied by Josh are not compatible with most learning remotes as they are probably not 100% valid codes.

Josh, wouldnt it be easier if you could just use RC standard codes for the new (and existing) functions and that would make remote programming and system automation so much simpler. Please,please, please ..... :)

I ordered my card back on April 4th. No email, no charge on my card yet. I have called three times on three different days and no one answers the phone in the sales department. Also, no return call. I can somewhat understand that technical support can get overwhelmed, but the sales department not answering? That's just poor business!

Just got the email from DVDO, my ABT order has shipped, ordered on 3/30.

hMuller,

The DVDO system uses two different remote protocols to accomplish all of the functions. They are both Pulse Width modulation systems and neither of them are phase modulation systems as are RC5 and RC6 originally developed by Philips.

The original remote codes that are on the remote use a variant of the NEC protocol which is perhaps the most widely used IR protocol. In this protocol 32 bits are sent divided into a 16 bit device code (value=8324) and a 16 bit function code which is actually 2 8 bit fields that are compliments of each other for some error detection.

In the newer released discretes, the protocol is no longer NEC, but the on and off times of the pulses remained the same as did the IR frequency since there is only one IR receiver. In this protocol 24 bits are sent as 3 8 bit fields. The first field is a device code, the second is a function code and the third is a checksum of the first two.

The device code actually corresponds to the value sent using the RS232 format as the command code, and the function is the command value. In effect they engineered a solution in IR that mimics the one used for RS232. I have not tried but I would not be surprised if they allow any single valued (as opposed to ranges) "RS232 sequence" to be passed via IR using this protocol. These sequences and values are well documented in their automation documents

Josh?

The furor over waiting for the new DI card reminds of the nonsense (I was a participant) when the original DirecTV DHR10-250 DVR first was released. the thread in that case was also very long. Waiting lists were published, list positions were sold, dates slipped, name calling, ...

A watched pot never boils. The DI will get here when it does. I am an avid film buff, and I do like my video clear and distinct with no artifacts. I have waited this long, I think I can wait a little longer!

Fortunately, they probably had to do a pretty big run to get the economy of scale on this thing, especially if it is the core feature of an upmarket piece. My guess is that they just need to let their logistics guys catch up with the backlog.

Later,
Bill

The furor over waiting for the new DI card reminds of the nonsense (I was a participant) when the original DirecTV DHR10-250 DVR first was released. the thread in that case was also very long. Waiting lists were published, list positions were sold, dates slipped, name calling, ...

A watched pot never boils. The DI will get here when it does. I am an avid film buff, and I do like my video clear and distinct with no artifacts. I have waited this long, I think I can wait a little longer!

Well, I am anxious. I ordered mine on 3/29 and have not heard anything. I had to cancel my calibration once and I want to get it done. :p

The furor over waiting for the new DI card reminds of the nonsense (I was a participant) when the original DirecTV DHR10-250 DVR first was released. the thread in that case was also very long. Waiting lists were published, list positions were sold, dates slipped, name calling, ...

A watched pot never boils. The DI will get here when it does. I am an avid film buff, and I do like my video clear and distinct with no artifacts. I have waited this long, I think I can wait a little longer!
Ahmen to that Barry. As much as I'm looking forward to the ABT102, I'd much rather they get the firmware right. Last night I lost my component inputs again - not sound, but video. Had a hell of a time getting it back again - eventually got a mode/input where I could see the screen (or what's on it) and had to set the Output to my display to be HDCP enabled - when it's NOT an HDCP display. This of course on top of the intermittent sound drop outs. Everytime this happens (loss of video), I loose my brightness settings for the component inputs - weird.

escon,

DVDO is a bit like Democracy. Its a lousy form of government, but it is the best that is out there. (no Letters please, just paraphrasing to make a point).

I too wish that DVDO would stop all development and get the VP30 firmware completely fixed. But if they did that they probably would go out of business. As has been stated before the world of non-compliant interfaces is a messy bog. The combinations of things rises geometrically. It is a very good thing that things like the VP30 (putting it in a little perspective) are not the heart of life support systems, but then again we do not allow non-compliance when delaing with the integration of components in life critical situations.

I guess to some it is a life critical system, to them I might say you need a better life; but then this thread might get very long if we go down that path. (:-)

Yes, you're right there Barry - and there is more to my life than the VP30 :) . But, I've been spoiled by the HD+. Going the HDCP route for the HDMI inputs, has forced (I would assume so at least) DVDO to select different hardware and instead of getting a new machine with just more inputs (which is all I needed really, but nice to be able to have the ABT102), I now have an unreliable unit, that doesn't perform the basic functions without problems, brilliant though it is when it does work. :)

I guess what really gets me, is that I don't have any HDMI equipment at all, nor do I have a display that requires HDCP.

I can understand that people who have HDMI equipment connected to the VP30 can have problems, but why should a completely non HDMI/HDCP setup have any problems?

I can agree with you both (Phil, Barry) - I like my VP30 (won't love it til it is a touch more reliable) - thought V1.07 had it all fixed, and then, all of a sudden, dropouts back, and total loss of custom outputs. Tech support blamed on HDCP - come on, guys - EVERYTHING can't be blamed on HDCP - really can't see how that can make me lose all custom settings.

I'm beginning to think the VP30 just needs love - I hadn't watched a video thru it for a week or so - then when I try to turn it on, it sends my Runco some bizarre resolution that I can't even read - whatever res it went to was soooo far off, couldn't even read the OSD. Only in retrospect do I realize I should have read it off the VPs screen. Well, I'm sure I'll have the chance to do it again. But point is, when I was using the VP every night, it seemed to work more reliably....

escon,

Have you tried another unit. I, too, do not really do HDMI. Source is DVi output via a HDMI-DVI cable. Everything going in is component or DVI. I have not had as severe as the issues that you're describing (perhaps yet should be added). The VP30 seems very inconsistent. I think w/ HDMI, HD transcoding, and new scaling engine has overwhelmed the VP30. I just hope firmware related and not hardware or QC related.

escon,

Have you tried another unit. I, too, do not really do HDMI. Source is DVi output via a HDMI-DVI cable. Everything going in is component or DVI. I have not had as severe as the issues that you're describing (perhaps yet should be added). The VP30 seems very inconsistent. I think w/ HDMI, HD transcoding, and new scaling engine has overwhelmed the VP30. I just hope firmware related and not hardware or QC related.
"Glad" to hear someone else is experiencing the same problems with just this type of setup. No HDMI, only DVI with NO HDCP, and the rest component and video/s-video.

I'm going to wait till I receive the ABT102 board and firmware. If that doesn't fix the problems "we" are experiencing, I'm going to ask my supplier for a board swap.

In the newer released discretes, the protocol is no longer NEC, but the on and off times of the pulses remained the same as did the IR frequency since there is only one IR receiver. In this protocol 24 bits are sent as 3 8 bit fields. The first field is a device code, the second is a function code and the third is a checksum of the first two.

The device code actually corresponds to the value sent using the RS232 format as the command code, and the function is the command value. In effect they engineered a solution in IR that mimics the one used for RS232. I have not tried but I would not be surprised if they allow any single valued (as opposed to ranges) "RS232 sequence" to be passed via IR using this protocol. These sequences and values are well documented in their automation documents


Hi barrygordan,

Thanks for that. Nice to know how things really work. I only mentioned RC codes as about half of my kit seems to use it and its always worked flawlessly.

From what you are saying it would seem that some of the remotes do not like this non-NEC protocol codes. Although my marantz software accepts the pasted in value, as it must adhere to some checksum condition, the remote is unable to send a signal the VP30 likes. From others on the forum this would also appear to be the case.

Although the serial code mimicking is nice maybe DVDO should stick to NEC protocol codes to ensure compatibility amongst the remotes.

Hans

Hi barrygordan,

Thanks for that. Nice to know how things really work. I only mentioned RC codes as about half of my kit seems to use it and its always worked flawlessly.

From what you are saying it would seem that some of the remotes do not like this non-NEC protocol codes. Although my marantz software accepts the pasted in value, as it must adhere to some checksum condition, the remote is unable to send a signal the VP30 likes. From others on the forum this would also appear to be the case.

Although the serial code mimicking is nice maybe DVDO should stick to NEC protocol codes to ensure compatibility amongst the remotes.

Hans

I had problems with both my VP30 and HD with two different learning remotes (not cheap ones). Never could get it to work very well and gave up. I think DVDO should switch to somthing that works... SJ

I had problems with both my VP30 and HD with two different learning remotes (not cheap ones). Never could get it to work very well and gave up. I think DVDO should switch to somthing that works... SJ

Hi SJHT

I must admit I haven't had any problems with my VP30 with my ProntoPro. There is of course the known problem with the lens in early VP30's (which DVDO will send you a replacement for if you ask), but other than that it's always worked just fine. If you've got a Pronto, I'll happily send you my pcf if that's any help.

pete S

In theory, theory and practice are close together; In practice, theory and practice are far apart.

In theory there should be no problem in "Learning" a non standard protocol such as that used by DVDO for its remote controls not available on its remote. [As an aside for hMuller, Discrete as an IR term generally means a function that is not a toggle action or stepping action. PowerOn and PowerOff would be discretes, Power - changing the state of the power would be a toggle].

They could implement all the IR codes in NEC as long as they had less than 255, or used more than one device code. From an engineering standpoint what they have done is very elegant (elegance has nothing to do with operability, I know many elegant women who do not ...)

If they have done it as I suspect they have, they should be able to handle any of the RS232 functions whose argument value is a number between 0 and 255. This would be all cases where the argument is a code as opposed to a value in a range (e.g. the function Audio Input has discrete argument values 0=off, 1=...).

One of these days I wil generate those patterns and try them. But then again Josh could just tell me. and I would generate all the patterns (in pronto ccf format) and post them. I have software that does that, I do not do it by hand.

Hi SJHT

I must admit I haven't had any problems with my VP30 with my ProntoPro. There is of course the known problem with the lens in early VP30's (which DVDO will send you a replacement for if you ask), but other than that it's always worked just fine. If you've got a Pronto, I'll happily send you my pcf if that's any help.

pete S

I would be interested in trying your ccf. As far as I know the ccf format for Marantz and Phillips remotes are interchangable as I have never had any problems using Pronto ones before. I have sent you a private message with my email address and thanks :)

Well, I am anxious. I ordered mine on 3/29 and have not heard anything. I had to cancel my calibration once and I want to get it done. :p

I also ordered mine direct from DVDO on the 29th, and had an email of UPS shipment this morning.

I ordered my card back on April 4th. No email, no charge on my card yet. I have called three times on three different days and no one answers the phone in the sales department. Also, no return call. I can somewhat understand that technical support can get overwhelmed, but the sales department not answering? That's just poor business!


Although they never called me back I received an email today saying the card has shipped. I'm happy now.....

Hopefully they will get more help for their sales staff!

Anyone had any issues with their VP30's waking up in standby, then rebooting over and over again?

It has been running great for over a month now.

Unpluing didn't fix it.

Is there a way to hard reset it?

DVDO tech support is extremely busy today, new ABT102 install questions, I guess.

My ABT102 comes tomorrow. What a time to have my VP30 Crash.

Mine is not due til Monday. Darn it! I was hoping for a weekend project...

Although they never called me back I received an email today saying the card has shipped. I'm happy now.....

Hopefully they will get more help for their sales staff!

Cfoppbl,

FYI, yellow text is not legible to forum members viewing the site with the "AVS White" skin mode, and it's hard on the eyes even for those using the "Dark Theater" mode. It would be more polite to use the default text colors from now on.

Thanks.

One of these days I wil generate those patterns and try them. But then again Josh could just tell me. and I would generate all the patterns (in pronto ccf format) and post them. I have software that does that, I do not do it by hand.
Barry - OT: do you use MakeHex, or something else, for this?

Hi Andre,
Any code from the original DVDO remote my Marantz can learn no problem and for the most part that is 80% of the codes I need.

Its the extra codes supplied by Josh for functions not available on the DVDO remote that do not work. In my case I would love the "letterbox" discrete code for watching lasers and non-anamorphic DVD's.

I asked DVDO for their .ccf file that they use and programmed my Marantz with it. All the functions on the DVDO remote worked no problem as it looks like they just learnt the function from the original remote but none of the new codes worked at all.

When examined I noticed that in the ccf file it is easy to see what codes were learnt from the DVDO remote and which were manually input since the learnt codes are a good deal longer.

I suspect that the codes supplied by Josh are not compatible with most learning remotes as they are probably not 100% valid codes.

Josh, wouldnt it be easier if you could just use RC standard codes for the new (and existing) functions and that would make remote programming and system automation so much simpler. Please,please, please ..... :)

Have you tried power cycling the VP30 by yanking AC? I have successfully used the hex codes for discrete aspect ratios supplied by Josh with a Pronto, which I in turn used to teach a couple Harmony Remotes and a Marantz RC2000 MkII. All the remotes work fine, but the VP30 will stop responding to the aspect codes after a while. The only way to get the VP30 to respond again is to yank AC and put it back. A power cycle with the front button does not solve the problem. Others on this forum have reported similar problems.

- Collin

Whoo-hoo! Guess what just showed up...

- Collin

hmuller,

Collinp is correct. I have had the same problem. It seems there may be an overwriting memory problem that affects a lot of things. I have seen it with the curtain commands.

Whoo-hoo! Guess what just showed up...

- Collin

Have you installed it yet? Hurry up! :D

Ursa, OT

I have developed my own software for both analysis of IR codes and their generation. I developed a notation, and then a fellow named John Fine and I collaborated on the notation for describing protocols. In essence the generation program will operate based upon a protocol in the text based protocol description, and a device description giving the values of key parameters for each remote code. I believe John developed Makehex or collaborated on it. This goes back many years.

I believe my web site, www.the-gordons.net, has an install package for the program. It is called GENIRDB It may not be up to date, but it is a working version. It also contains a device library for protocol and device files, which is probably old and does not contain the DVDO material. [NOTE: The site was updated today (5/10/06) with the latest executable and device library].

I do not release the analysis program that reverse engineers the protocols from the received IR data. It is not an algorithmic process but more of a heuristic that guides a sophisticated user who understands IR in recognizing or decoding the protocols from the patterns seen.

PS I am the Barry Gordon that developed the monographs on IR theory and coding as implemented by the Philips Pronto line of remotes and decoded/documented the CCF learned format. The paper is on the RemoteCentral site and has been downloaded over 75,000 times and translated into at least 3 languages I know of.

Barry - Thanks! You are a true credit to the hobby.

Hi SJHT

I must admit I haven't had any problems with my VP30 with my ProntoPro. There is of course the known problem with the lens in early VP30's (which DVDO will send you a replacement for if you ask), but other than that it's always worked just fine. If you've got a Pronto, I'll happily send you my pcf if that's any help.

pete S

I ONLY have problems with the discretes. Had similar problems on both my RTI remote and a MX3000 from URC on both the VP30 and HD. "Normal" commands (from the original remote) work great.

Arrived home to see my ABT102D-Card waiting to be installed! :D :D :D

Edit: Didn't notice v1.07 is no longer beta in their site. Did anything change from the beta to the release?

Arrived home to see my ABT102D-Card waiting to be installed! :D :D :D

Edit: Didn't notice v1.07 is no longer beta in their site. Did anything change from the beta to the release?

There is no difference between the v1.07 Beta and the v1.07 available now on the website. We never release different versions of software with the same version number. So if you have already installed v1.07 software in your VP30 all you need to do is install the Precision Deinterlacing Card in your VP30 and you are good to go.

to borrow from Mark Knopfler and Sting, "I want my ABT...." - watching the Yanks and Red Sox - SD ESPN - looks pretty good, except for the long shot from behind the plate. YIKES. boy, it must take a long time to paint the baselines with all of those little stairsteps in 'em. :)

Waiting for Josh at AVS to ship out my card - with luck it will help my baselines as much as it helps Gary's guitar strings.

I sent an email to Jason to find out about this as I was wondering as well, he's expecting to get them on Wednesday.

Well, Wednesday (business day) is over. Anybody get notice from Jason that their ABT102 has shipped?

I think my creditcard was charged today!

Got an email today that the ATB102 was shipped and it should be delivered 5/12. Guess I'll have something to play with Saturday. My wife and daughter told me Sunday is booked for some unknown reason....ha...ha...ha :D :D :o

I'm gonna have to take a guess that "Serious Error 24" means I don't have the correct firmware installed. I got that error after installing the ABT102 card. After I took it out I noticed the firmware I flashed was 1.05 and not 1.07. :o

Btw, I also received the IR lens thing to deal with the problem of the remote not picking up the signal. How do I install this one?

VP30 isn't always powering down via a macro in my MX800. The macro has a "learned" code from the VP30 remote. Part of the problem I think is the HD Tivo that never gets turned off. I'm guessing on occasion it keeps the VP30 from shutting down.

As a work around, I'm going to plug the VP30 into my receiver's switched out let. This will NOT gracefully power down the VP30 though. Will this be an issue?

Thanks
Mark

I have no problem with both of my HDTiVos and the VP30 powering down using my Harmony remote. The VP30 always turns off even when the HDTiVo isn't in standby. (The HDTiVos are connected by HDMI to the VP30)

I'm gonna have to take a guess that "Serious Error 24" means I don't have the correct firmware installed. I got that error after installing the ABT102 card. After I took it out I noticed the firmware I flashed was 1.05 and not 1.07. :o

Btw, I also received the IR lens thing to deal with the problem of the remote not picking up the signal. How do I install this one?

The directions that come with the lens are very easy and understandable. Should not be any problem. My abt 102 is also coming on Friday. I hope to have time tomorrow to install the 1.07 so I am ready to go. :D

I'm glad you mentioned that. I need to do that tomorrow evening also. I need to make sure I write down my settings this time. bye bye v1.00.

The directions that come with the lens are very easy and understandable. Should not be any problem. My abt 102 is also coming on Friday. I hope to have time tomorrow to install the 1.07 so I am ready to go. :D
Ah but mine didn't come with directions for the lens. ;)

Ah but mine didn't come with directions for the lens. ;)

I have it in PDF. It's too large to upload here (1.8MB). PM me your email and I can send it to you as an attachment.

- Collin

You can download the PDF instructions from the DVDO website.

Incorrect Link deleted

You can download the PDF instructions from the DVDO website.

http://dvdo.com/faq/IR%20Sensitivity%201_16_06.pdf

Actually, those are the instructions for how to acquire the IR lens. I believe he's looking for the instructions explaining how to do the installation once he's got the lens in hand.

I have the installation instructions which were sent to me in an email from DVDO. They might be up on the DVDO site somewhere, but I didn't see them.

- Collin

My apologies. It was an old bookmark that I had lying around.

I can't remember where I got my instructions from, but I thought that it was posted on the DVDO site a while back.

I recently had my system ISF'ed. Will I lose the settings which were configured on my VP30 by upgrading to 1.07 prior to installing my ABT (which should be here in the UK in a couple of weeks :( )?

:confused:

I recently had my system ISF'ed. Will I lose the settings which were configured on my VP30 by upgrading to 1.07 prior to installing my ABT (which should be here in the UK in a couple of weeks :( )?

:confused:

Yes, you will loose all the settings on your VP30. You should write them all down before the update.

- Collin

Yes, write down your settings!!!

Hi! Just a newbie, how do you install the new version 1.07 to your vp30 after downloading the software to your computer ?

Thanks

Does the setup disc that comes with ABT-102 contain the version 1.07 firmware or does it need to be downloaded from the site?
Thanks,

pjohn,

Instructions are at the DVDO site under the downloads section

Does the setup disc that comes with ABT-102 contain the version 1.07 firmware or does it need to be downloaded from the site?
Thanks,

The ABT102 does come with v1.07 on a CD. If you download and install the software off of our site then all you need to do is install the hardware when you get your ABT102.

Does DVDO SCSN comes with HDMI switching and 1080P upscale? I was looking at their website and saw only with DVI?

I have no problem with both of my HDTiVos and the VP30 powering down using my Harmony remote. The VP30 always turns off even when the HDTiVo isn't in standby. (The HDTiVos are connected by HDMI to the VP30)


I use a Harmony 880 and have no problems controlling any of my gear so far.

I have just posted at my web site (www.the-gordons.net) a zipped text file containing all of the VP30 IR codes in pronto HEX format. This format is suitable for pasting into Pronto remotes and others that accept the format.

If you got to the site, follow the link on the bottom to downloads and it should be obvious.

I believe they are all correct, and I believe I have used many of them, but I basically run my VP30 via RS232. If anyone tries them please let me know if you have a problem or if they all work. Send me a PM or post the results.

These patterns are generated algorithmically and not learned so they are very clean.

I have just posted at my web site (www.the-gordons.net) a zipped text file containing all of the VP30 IR codes in pronto HEX format. This format is suitable for pasting into Pronto remotes and others that accept the format.

If you got to the site, follow the link on the bottom to downloads and it should be obvious.

I believe they are all correct, and I believe I have used many of them, but I basically run my VP30 via RS232. If anyone tries them please let me know if you have a problem or if they all work. Send me a PM or post the results.

These patterns are generated algorithmically and not learned so they are very clean.

Is anyone else getting an error message off of the above link to Barry's site?

Waiting for Josh at AVS to ship out my card - with luck it will help my baselines as much as it helps Gary's guitar strings.
Hear anything yet? :rolleyes:

No e-mail for me today - yet.

Paul

I could not get that site to wrok either. Does ayone know if those codes would work with Home Theater Master MX-700?

Barry's site works fine for me. Maybe something was fixed?

--Andre

I could not get that site to wrok either. Does ayone know if those codes would work with Home Theater Master MX-700?
You need to get them into a dummy CCF file and then import that.

Sorry Guys, The site had to go down for a little bit of Maintenance. I need to replace a hard drive. It is up now and should stay up until I decide when to do the disk maintenance. Probably this weekend if it lasts that long!

Cool Barry...

Yes, write down your settings!!!
You can find a handy worksheet for recording your settings attached to this post by Josh Z

Barry,

After visiting your site I must say you've lived an amazing life, have a beautiful home, and have put together a drop-dead Home Theater.

Very nice.

Update:

Your new server smokes.....

Anymore reports on people getting their new cards?

Jstears

yes it has been interesting and I am quite proud of the HT. The good part is it normally works perfectly, and that means able to be operated by any who might be passing through.

Thanks for the compliment.

PS how was the Web Server response, I had just put that server (Apache) up last week and it should be prtty fast.

[QUOTE=TimPrice]
Is there a way to hard reset it?

I will answer my own question, since no response.
Thanks to DVDO Tech Support I now have the answer.

To Hard Reset and self test the VP30;
1) Unplug the power cord.
2) While pressing and holding front panel buttons MAIN & MENU, plug the power back in.

Fixed my rebooting problem.
Yea!, I'm ready for my ABT102, it just got delivered and I'm chomping at the bit to get home and started poking it in.

Let us know how it goes Tim... :)

Sorry Guys, The site had to go down for a little bit of Maintenance. I need to replace a hard drive. It is up now and should stay up until I decide when to do the disk maintenance. Probably this weekend if it lasts that long!

Many thanks Barry - just downloaded the codes.

Regards,

Marcelo

Well, Wednesday (business day) is over. Anybody get notice from Jason that their ABT102 has shipped?

Now Thursday has come and gone. I'm getting nervous! Anybody heard from Jason?

Thanks

Mike

Now Thursday has come and gone. I'm getting nervous! Anybody heard from Jason?

Thanks

Mike

Mine shipped yesterday and arrived this afternoon (I'm practically next door to DVDO.) But sad to say, it will probably be this weekend before I get a chance to install it. But it definitely exists and has started shipping.

My credit card was billed yesterday by AVS but otherwise I have not received any email or word about the ABT102 shipping.

I wish he had codes for the MX3000. :)

If the MX3000 accepts pronto hex format I would think these codes would work, unless they change them. Do you have any documentation on the IR format used by the MX3000? My software can generate anything as long as I know what it looks like.

Good point! I will get off my you know what and get to work on it.... Thanks Barry! :)

I could not get that site to wrok either. Does ayone know if those codes would work with Home Theater Master MX-700?

If you need the codes for the VP30, here are mine from a MX850

http://www.savefile.com/files/4948519

Jim

My credit card was billed yesterday by AVS but otherwise I have not received any email or word about the ABT102 shipping.

Same here, after seeing your post I went and checked my CC info. And I also was charged on 5/9, and I also was not notified in any way yet.

How are they shipping the card? I don't remember choosing the shipping service.

Hi,

I received a VP-30 yesterday and have been playing around with the settings. I noticed that several of the options in the menu are grayed out and won't let you select them. For instance, it won't let me access film mode.

Another thing I noticed is when I input 480i or 480P it puts the display in a 4:3 format.

Can someone please explain?

Thanks

pjohn,

Instructions are at the DVDO site under the downloads section


Thank you very much sir, just finish updating the software :)

Hi,

I received a VP-30 yesterday and have been playing around with the settings. I noticed that several of the options in the menu are grayed out and won't let you select them. For instance, it won't let me access film mode.

Another thing I noticed is when I input 480i or 480P it puts the display in a 4:3 format.

Can someone please explain?

Thanks
Are you in advanced mode?

How are they shipping the card? I don't remember choosing the shipping service.

Mine came UPS

I received a VP-30 yesterday and have been playing around with the settings. I noticed that several of the options in the menu are grayed out and won't let you select them. For instance, it won't let me access film mode.

"Film mode" deinterlacing is only selectable with a 480i input signal. If you send the VP30 a progressive scan or upscaled video signal, it shuts off its own deinterlacing.

Another thing I noticed is when I input 480i or 480P it puts the display in a 4:3 format.

The unit saves the last setting you used with any resolution. If you change it to 16:9 for a 480i signal, it will default to 16:9 the next time a signal with that resolution is received.

Jason (AVS), has sent out emails saying the ABT102 shipped on the 11th with tracking #'s. Mine will arrive on the 18th :)

Jason (AVS), has sent out emails saying the ABT102 shipped on the 11th with tracking #'s. Mine will arrive on the 18th :)

Ditto.

Ditto.

Yup, got the email from Jason as well. Mine is schedule to arrive tomorrow, looks like a Saturday night movie marathon for me...

Saturday Delivery?

Saturday Delivery?


Yep, it looks like mine will be here on Sat also. In fact according to Fed-Ex tracking, I have 3 other packages from some other orders for various PC parts coming on Sat also.

Wednesday the 17th for me.

--Andre

WOW, did AVS bang me but GOOD!

I thought I was getting a deal at $179 but, after $18 ground shipping (from NY to NY mind you) and sales tax my card cost me a whopping $212.00!

Had I ordered direct from ABT I would have paid $13 bucks less, no sales tax and had it 3 days sooner.

Live and learn, just happy to (hopefully) be getting it on Saturday.

If the MX3000 accepts pronto hex format I would think these codes would work, unless they change them. Do you have any documentation on the IR format used by the MX3000? My software can generate anything as long as I know what it looks like.

The MX3000 does not accept hex. However, you can read hex in using ProntoEdit, create a CCF file and then import using the universal browser. I've heard lots of complaints about the lack of this feature with the URC software. SJ

Jason (AVS), has sent out emails saying the ABT102 shipped on the 11th with tracking #'s. Mine will arrive on the 18th :)My card was charged yesterday, but no email from Jason yet. :confused:

Checked my email address in the AVScience "User Control Panel" on-line and it's correct.

Sure would be nice to get a tracking number.

Paul

installed my card... will play with it soon. :)

Working next to DVDO has its advantages. I received my ABT102 on Wednesday. I had already upgraded my firmware to 1.07 beta, so installation was literally unscrew the cover, snap in two standoffs plus the card, reattach the cover and go. There was no software configuration necessary. Deinterlacing defaults to auto and there's relatively little need to change it from that setting.

Before and after installation, I ran through the ABT test disc, the SiliconOptix disc, DVE montage of images, as well as selected tests from the Microsoft and Avia discs. The difference was very impressive. The 102 passed basically every test I could throw at it whereas the Sil504 failed most of the non-mainstream tests. The edge detection stuff works very well. The difficult sailboat rigging test on the ABT disc was flickering tremendously on the 504, but was cleaned up immensely on the 102. Out of the 50 or so ropes in the moving shot only a few thin ropes in the background showed any hint of flicker. Also this is the least amount of flicker I've ever seen on the DVE "zoom out from the leafy tree" test. Admittedly I haven't been able to evaluate the HQV part, but it's definitely better than I'd seen with other deinterlacers including the former king of video mode, Faroudja. Overall the Montage Of Images looks awesome. Real world tests are equally impressive. As Gary has stated there is very little flicker on challenging material like guitar strings on concert DVDs. The cadence detection stuff is equally impressive. Finally animation is comb free. Most of the cadences locked on very quickly with 2:2 being a bit slower than the rest. 3:2 Film mode deinterlacing looks very similar to the Sil504. I'd almost say it looks sharper/clearer, but its probably just the placebo effect of a new toy.

The ABT test disc is nice bonus. It has the standard display adjustment patterns, plus the widest variety of cadence tests I've yet seen. Interestingly the race car and coffee shop bits are the same stock footage SiliconOptix used on their disc. The edge detection patterns are good, though repeats of similar patterns I've got elsewhere. The image montage stuff is decent though in my opinion DVE covers a bit more ground as a torture test and is arguably more interesting to watch. The menus on the ABT disc are simple and no-nonsense which I appreciate, though beginners might prefer the more explanatory approach that SiliconOptix took on their disc. Also, not a big deal, but I would have preferred the DVD to come in a standard case for storage as opposed to a paper sleeve.

All in all I'm thrilled with the ABT102. Definitely the best $200 upgrade I've purchased in very long time.

- Collin

Great! Can't wait to try mine out!!! :)

I should get a chance to run off a ccf from the codes I have posted in my web site for the pronto IR commands. i will let people know when I have done that. probably be Sunday at the earliest.

Cool...

Wendesday... Its Friday and I am still without!

Got my email from AVS - my ABT HAS been shipped. Cool. Now it is in the tender mercies of FedEx.

OTOH - word of warning to anyone receiving a VP30 in the near future - it appears that DVDO is still shipping them with V1.05 software; so be aware, and do the requisite upgrade BEFORE investing a lot of time and effort in setting up all of your input devices.

Mine won't appear to Monday... Damn!

[QUOTE=TimPrice]
Is there a way to hard reset it?

To Hard Reset and self test the VP30;
1) Unplug the power cord.
2) While pressing and holding front panel buttons MAIN & MENU, plug the power back in.


Just to be clear. the action described above will cause a Factory Default. The proper way to do a hard reset is to remove the power for 5 seconds and then plug it back in.

Hard-Reset = Physical reset action (i.e. unplugging the power or driving reset pins active)

Soft-Reset = Electronically controlled (software) toggling of the reset pins which causes a reboot of the software only (not the hardware)

Factory Default = A function of the boot loader during initial power up that includes clearing all user settable data to a predetermined setting

I have just posted on my web site (www.the-gordons.net) a link to a pronto ccf file that contains all of the IR codes from both the remote and the codes that Josh has published that are not on the remote.

I very rarely use IR (I use RS232) on the VP 30 but I did try the codes and at least the ones I tried from the remote worked (easy to check without powering up the theater).

This ccf should be what the MX3000 users need to import if I understand what was told to me.

The codes are generated algorithmically and then I cut and pasted them into a ccf using Pronto edit.

Follow the download link on the home page and it should be obvious.

I would appreciate feedback so I can mark the codes as certified in my IR library.

PS I did have trouble at first, I had to get real close to the IR window on the VP30. But I then tried the factory remote and I had to do the same thing. I guess I need the IR window fix.

Thanks Barry! I will try this afternoon...

Anyone know how DVDO are processing the early ABT102 orders? I ordered one
from the DVDO website back on April 2-06 and haven't seen an email from
DVDO yet.

Josh: Is there anybody I could contact to get a status on this?

Thanks in advance,

I have just posted on my web site (www.the-gordons.net) a link to a pronto ccf file that contains all of the IR codes from both the remote and the codes that Josh has published that are not on the remote.

I very rarely use IR (I use RS232) on the VP 30 but I did try the codes and at least the ones I tried from the remote worked (easy to check without powering up the theater).

This ccf should be what the MX3000 users need to import if I understand what was told to me.

The codes are generated algorithmically and then I cut and pasted them into a ccf using Pronto edit.

Follow the download link on the home page and it should be obvious.

I would appreciate feedback so I can mark the codes as certified in my IR library.

PS I did have trouble at first, I had to get real close to the IR window on the VP30. But I then tried the factory remote and I had to do the same thing. I guess I need the IR window fix.

Thanks Barry, I will try them out! I got the IR fix, but use IR emitters, so I really don't need it. However, I'm going to install it when I put my new ABT102 into my unit! SJ

Anyone know how DVDO are processing the early ABT102 orders? I ordered one
from the DVDO website back on April 2-06 and haven't seen an email from
DVDO yet.

Josh: Is there anybody I could contact to get a status on this?

Thanks in advance,

Click on the link at the top of each page. You can find their toll free line listed on the site. Ask for Kevin.

Ron

I have just posted on my web site (www.the-gordons.net) a link to a pronto ccf file that contains all of the IR codes [...]
I would appreciate feedback so I can mark the codes as certified in my IR library.


They work for me.

Unfortunately the PV30 is not stable regarding discrete codes; i had to reset the VP30 before getting it to work. It's been pointed out before...

Jochem

I ordered one
from the DVDO website back on April 2-06 and haven't seen an email from
DVDO yet.

Josh: Is there anybody I could contact to get a status on this?

Thanks in advance,

The same thing happened to me. I called and they said I was the first one missed in the thousands they have processed. They were quick to process my order and I received it yesterday. All I can say is awsome service and by far the best upgrade for the money!

Anyone know how DVDO are processing the early ABT102 orders? I ordered one
from the DVDO website back on April 2-06 and haven't seen an email from
DVDO yet.

Josh: Is there anybody I could contact to get a status on this?

Thanks in advance,

I ordered early on the 29th of March. On May 9th I got an email from "DVDO" gateway@linkpt.net and then an email from "QuantumView" QuantumViewNotify@ups.com with tracker information. The DVDO email said to contact april@anchorbaytech.com for order questions.

Hope that helps.
Collin

Everybody is chomping at the bit for their ABT102.

Haven't received an email yet...and am not gonna call either.
In the amount of time it would take for them to look up my order and see where it is in the process they could have filled another order. ;)

The older I get the more patience becomes a virtue.... :o
Or something like that...

The same thing happened to me. I called and they said I was the first one missed in the thousands they have processed. They were quick to process my order and I received it yesterday. All I can say is awsome service and by far the best upgrade for the money!

Wow! How many VP30s are out there?

Yeah, how many?

Yeah, how many?

Lets count them i a have 1 ! :)

next....

Daniel.

I have 1.... :) which= 2...

Am now using infocus 4805 with dvdo vp30 and very happy with the combo :D

Using 720p output :D

Am now using infocus 4805 with dvdo vp30 and very happy with the combo :D

Using 720p output :D
Why? Why not use the VP30 to scale to your native resolution?

Dale, I'll tell you what my test for the new deinterlacer will be: the Star Wars "Definitive Collection" laserdiscs. There's something screwy with the mastering of those LDs that causes both Silicon Image and Faroudja deinterlacers to drop into Video mode for the duration of the movie, leading to lots of shimmer and combing, even when trying to force a film bias. I think this may have something to do with the excessive noise reduction that was applied during mastering. By contrast, the later Star Wars "Special Edition" laserdiscs look perfectly solid. Unfortunately, the "Definitive Collection" discs are basically unwatchable on a progressive scan screen.

If the new deinterlacer can improve that, I'll be one happy camper.

Well, I installed the ABT102 yesterday and this was one of the first tests I ran. Unfortunately, it didn't make any improvement on any deinterlacing setting. The image is still full of shimmer and every diagonal line has jaggies. I think that the mastering of this LD is so bad that it's just beyond hope. I also have similar problems with other THX LDs (such as Thunderball).

The ABT102 did much better on difficult video-based DVD content, though.

The image is still full of shimmer and every diagonal line has jaggies.

The problem is that you do not have enough vertical resolution to begin with. The LD is 2.35:1 and non-16x9. There is nothing you can do at this point. I suspect it is being deinterlaced correctly, its just lack of resolution.

The upcoming DVDs should do better, assuming they are 16x9. Wouldn't that suck if they were not. :)

Talk about a late Saturday delivery, Fed-Ex finally showed up at 10:15pm with mine. The driver told me they were swamped with Mothers Day deliveries, and he could not wait to get off work and go home.

I'm impressed that Fed-Ex even works until 10:00 + at night. This sure isn't a government job.

VP30 scaled to 720P out the analog inputs to my new AE900U. Very nice. Now to order a HDMI cable from monocables and get it perfected. Then I'll feed the analog to my TV. Hmmm, time to find one a 1:2 HDMI box.

ABT: How about an add-in card that has at least one extra HDMI output?

I just hope my card helps improve DirecTv PBTV! :)

A quick one to all the experts - is there such a thing as HDMI -> component? Can I get such an adapter, or breakout cable? and if there is, will the VP30 do such a thing?

Reason - I'm already using the RGBHV to my Runco crt, and would like to toggle the other output to my local LCD moniter - which unfortuneately only accepts component and RGB - no DVI, which is why I got it so cheap :( Can this be done, or is there no way to get HDMI into component outs? Thanks (and apologies if that is an intolerably stupic question - if it is, please feel free to tell me how I can do what I want.)

A quick one to all the experts - is there such a thing as HDMI -> component? Can I get such an adapter, or breakout cable?
You would want a transcoder to do this, and it will not be cheap. No cable swap/adapter will get you analog out of digital or vice versa. The VP30 can take an analog input and output digitally, though.

Is anyone using the Denon 2910/VP30 SDI combo? What's your opinion?

Also for those who are using the new ABT card, what DVD player are you using with it?

Thanks much.

rats - was really hoping there was a color space toggle or something, so I could set up the HDMI to feed component. Guess I can put a switcher behind the rgbhv outs, and toggle different output memories for the appropriate display. (my philips LCD looks really good on HD, but it's internal scaler is very poor.)

My VP30 arrives tomorrow and I am trying to configure my Harmony remote. What device name should I use? When I use iScan VP30, it does not have any HDMI inputs.

Thanks
DR

Is anyone using the Denon 2910/VP30 SDI combo? What's your opinion?

Also for those who are using the new ABT card, what DVD player are you using with it?

Thanks much.

I've got some experience with the 2910 though I've not personally seen it SDI modded. The 2910 was respectable on most tests I ran, though the deinterlacer had the icky Faroudja macroblocking bug. If you bypass the deinterlacer with SDI as you suggest you aught to get a very nice picture.

I've got the ABT102 installed. I'm running SDI out from a Yamaha 920C, which is based on the venerable Panasonic RP82 chipset. It's old, but coupled with the VP30, it's really the most phenomenal PQ I've seen. Plus it's a well built changer which I deem essential in this era of movies spread across multiple discs and TV series box sets.

- Collin

My VP30 arrives tomorrow and I am trying to configure my Harmony remote. What device name should I use? When I use iScan VP30, it does not have any HDMI inputs.

Thanks
DR

The Harmony database is still out of date for the VP30. I think the best bet is to start with the iScan HD+ and manually teach the Harmony the missing commands. The HD+ profile has a lot more of the basic commands than the VP30 profile, though it still won't have HDMI inputs and other VP30 specific features. It's lame they won't update their database. I've emailed them with hex commands to update their database, but it just goes into a black hole.

- Collin

Received my ABT102 Friday with two-day shipping. Got the confirming e-mail on Wednesday and received on Friday. Had ordered on March 30th.

Installed Friday nite with no problem--very easy.

Only one minus--me, the non-videophile. Forgot to write down my old settings in my eagerness of installing. Forgot the most simplest of things--like setting the output format. Until I figured that out, I was wondering why things sorta looked worse.

Have not spent a lot of time running DVDs yet with my SDI-modded Denon 3910. First impression is things look pretty damn good.

One question--on the ABT Evaluation and Optimization DVD--is there supposed to be sound or directions on it? If so, I don't hear a thing . . .

Thanks!

- Gerry

One question--on the ABT Evaluation and Optimization DVD--is there supposed to be sound or directions on it? If so, I don't hear a thing . . .



I think there is only sound on one clip, maybe the demo mode? Would have been nice to have some on the menu. It was the first thing I tried after re-connecting my vp30 after the install, and I was half convinced I screwed up the audio connections!

Eric

The problem is that you do not have enough vertical resolution to begin with. The LD is 2.35:1 and non-16x9. There is nothing you can do at this point. I suspect it is being deinterlaced correctly, its just lack of resolution.

No, it's definitely something with the mastering of these specific discs, not the LD format's lack of resolution in general. I have many other laserdiscs that look solid without this type of shimmering and jaggies, including watching the exact same scenes on the better-mastered Star Wars "Special Edition" LDs.

I have Comcast HD Cable with 8300HD, a VP30 and a IF7210.

I am getting 4:3 display on my 16:9 screen during some HD shows. I check my VP30 in the input says 16:9 1.78, 1080i, 60Hz. Output is 720p, 16:9 1.78, but it shows 4:3.

I have my display selected to native.

This happens on Idol and survivor. Also, Dolby Digital is not being transmitted either. I have my 8300HD connected directly to my Pioneer AVR. No audio goes through the VP30.

Any assistance is appreciated.

Survivor is not broadcast in HD and it is upconverted SD broadcast in the 4:3 aspect ratio. The live show tonight will probably be in HD.

and some Fox affiliates only hit the HD switch intermittently. Check out your local HD reception thread in the Local HDTV reception forum. You will get the appropriate info - very doubtful if it is a vp30 problem.

No, it's definitely something with the mastering of these specific discs

or could it be the analogue connection that lack enough resolution so the VP gets a false trigger ? This is analogue right (I assumed it's svideo) ? So multiple D/A->A/D conversion introduces enough false triggering to trick it into video mode.... (or one of the A/D or D/A is not gd enough...)

I said this because I just discovered my component feed and HDMI feed has slightly different performance. It's a pio59 and according to Secret's report the component out is supposed to be ruler flat. With component in the VP30+card passes all cadence/details tests, but fail a little on the edges (The clock passes, but ropes, ships, bridges all have a little bit jaggies in some of the areas). Also some in the montage. The synthetic wedges performs most poorly. With HDMI in, all the above jaggies are gone. And in the wedges only at the very high detail end there is a little "ripple". This clearly shows the digital connection makes a lot of difference.

Just a thought... (I could be wrong though)

Forgot where I saw it but I stumbled across the `leaked' final two (on a MB)when this season's Survivor began...it was correct on the final 2.

so what do you guys think of the 102 now that you have it ?? seen any naked freaks with better deinterlacing yet Joerod ? :D

lots of folks are going to enjoy that test disc, it is great stuff indeed

-Gary

or could it be the analogue connection that lack enough resolution so the VP gets a false trigger ? This is analogue right (I assumed it's svideo) ? So multiple D/A->A/D conversion introduces enough false triggering to trick it into video mode.... (or one of the A/D or D/A is not gd enough...)
Simpliest way to check this theory would be to force 'Deinterlacing' into film mode.

Personally I think it's either lack of resolution (analogue 'letterbox' in 4:3) plus bad mastering (3:2 pulldown could be missing because disc could be mastered as 'bob'-ed video).

StooMonster

I am still waiting for mine like many others. I guess I should have upgraded shipping!

Why? Why not use the VP30 to scale to your native resolution?

I know what you mean, Iam just enjoying my 4805 for the meantime but planning to upgrade my projector in the future. I even tested it with 1080p and it did okay, am satisfied with 720p now because the picture is less pixelized than 480p. Thanks Ursa for your concern :) :) :)

Why? Why not use the VP30 to scale to your native resolution?

I know what you mean, I am just enjoying my 4805 for the meantime but planning to upgrade my projector in the future. I even tested it with 1080p and it did okay, am satisfied with 720p now because the picture is less pixelized than 480p. Thanks Ursa for your concern :) :) :)

so what do you guys think of the 102 now that you have it ?? seen any naked freaks with better deinterlacing yet Joerod ? :D

lots of folks are going to enjoy that test disc, it is great stuff indeed

-Gary

Personally, I don't have the best eye for detail, but I'm quite happy with mine.

It became a no brainer to switch my DVD player back to 480i from progressive to let the 102 do the upscaling, and trying to think if I can get a harmony remote to be smart enough to automatically switch formats on my HR10-250 so SD TV comes out 480i and the 102 does the work, yet still get 1080i out for HD.

Given the intro price, this was a great upgrade!

eric

or could it be the analogue connection that lack enough resolution so the VP gets a false trigger ? This is analogue right (I assumed it's svideo) ? So multiple D/A->A/D conversion introduces enough false triggering to trick it into video mode.... (or one of the A/D or D/A is not gd enough...)

Again, this doesn't explain why I'm not seeing the problem on every laserdisc, just a select few.

or could it be the analogue connection that lack enough resolution so the VP gets a false trigger ? This is analogue right (I assumed it's svideo) ? So multiple D/A->A/D conversion introduces enough false triggering to trick it into video mode.... (or one of the A/D or D/A is not gd enough...)
Simpliest way to check this theory would be to force 'Deinterlacing' into film mode.

Personally I think it's either lack of resolution (analogue 'letterbox' in 4:3) plus bad mastering (3:2 pulldown could be missing and disc could be mastered as 'bob'-ed video).

StooMonster

Received my ABT102 Friday with two-day shipping. Got the confirming e-mail on Wednesday and received on Friday. Had ordered on March 30th.

Installed Friday nite with no problem--very easy.

Only one minus--me, the non-videophile. Forgot to write down my old settings in my eagerness of installing. Forgot the most simplest of things--like setting the output format. Until I figured that out, I was wondering why things sorta looked worse.

Have not spent a lot of time running DVDs yet with my SDI-modded Denon 3910. First impression is things look pretty damn good.

One question--on the ABT Evaluation and Optimization DVD--is there supposed to be sound or directions on it? If so, I don't hear a thing . . .

Thanks!

- Gerry

I believe the only sound on the disc is during the montage, there is the hard bass hip-hop track.

Got the ABT - thanks to Josh and the crew at AVS - got it out right away, quick shipping, whole nine yards. Now if only I had time to install the bugger....

just read the Benchmark test of the ABT102 - Kris Deering rates it and that is good enough for me; ordered my VP30 incl.Abt102. Thanks to everyone who makes this forum so special - who needs magazine reviews?
Kind Regards
Thomas

Simpliest way to check this theory would be to force 'Deinterlacing' into film mode.

Tried that. Didn't help.

Just got my card today. I will be installing it tonite...

Tried that. Didn't help.
Well in that case it's encoded in the disc.

StooMonster

Factory Default = A function of the boot loader during initial power up that includes clearing all user settable data to a predetermined setting

Josh,

Does the this method also do a System self test as well, as it appears to?

If so, how much of the system is self tested?

Tim

Guys I know many of us have gotten the new toy, and many of us are acting like kids under the xmas tree. Is that what we should be posting on this forum (arrival notices, delays, etc.) or should we be posting the results of testing, problems, successes, etc. I know I am being a bit of a party pooper, but man this thread is immense.

[QUOTE=TimPrice]

Just to be clear. the action described above will cause a Factory Default. The proper way to do a hard reset is to remove the power for 5 seconds and then plug it back in.

Hard-Reset = Physical reset action (i.e. unplugging the power or driving reset pins active)

Soft-Reset = Electronically controlled (software) toggling of the reset pins which causes a reboot of the software only (not the hardware)

Factory Default = A function of the boot loader during initial power up that includes clearing all user settable data to a predetermined setting

Josh, is the Factory Default function via plugging in the power while holding certain buttons any different than selecting Factory Default from the menu?

Factory Default (Unplug, Plug in+Hold 'Menu' and 'Exit' on Front Panel) = Factory Default (Menu Option)

It took me longer to remove the 9 screws than it did to put the standoffs and the ABT102 card in. It was an extremely quick installation.