My VANTAGE HD has ARRIVED!!!!! [Text View] - Page 6

PedroV

01-08-07, 12:46 PM

I tried Peter's timings for 1366x768 @ 60Hz and they worked with the DVI blade. Thanks Peter :)
1366x768@50Hz didn't work with DVI.
The HDMI blade didn't work with those timings. I'll have to try again making small changes and see if I can get it to work w/ HDMI.
Picture looked very good but I don't think it was pixel perfect (1:1). Since there are no test patterns on the Vantage it's difficult to know for sure.
I'm almost sure neither the DVI nor the HDMI blades accept 1080p. The best picture in theory is using the Vantage to send NR (1366x768 pixel perfect 1:1) to the plasma, so that it doesn't have to scale. The VHD should have a better scaler.

AFAIK there is no pass through mode in the Vantage at leat with current firmware. It will accept 1080p at the HDMI input and output 1080p but I think there will still be some processing involved. However, since the Vantage is using the (bigger) Realta chip, in theory it should be able to perform at least as good as the XA2 (Reon chip). I have a Denon A1XV (5910 in the US) which also uses the Realta processor chip. I've compared the picture from the Denon direct to the plasma (HDMI@720p) with a SDI DVD player through the Vantage to the plasma (HDMI@720p) and to my eyes the results with the Vantage are slightly better.
But it all comes down to how well the chip is implemented.

Johannes,
The VGA input on the Pana plasma works with either 50 or 60Hz (59.94).

johannesk-fin

01-08-07, 01:58 PM

Johannes,
The VGA input on the Pana plasma works with either 50 or 60Hz (59.94).

From what I've read, the VGA input should be of quite good quality. Although as you mentioned, the picture would turn out a little softer and I'd lose hdcp at the same time (unless I get a HD SDI modded player in future). Could the softness be because of VHD? Probably it's just the difference between analog and digital signals...

So now I really gotta think what to do (1. Wait until spring to see the next generation of 1080p panels, 2. Buy the PF model, 3. Buy 46" 1080p Sony). I guess the VHD would make LCD's performance a bit more bearable.

Thanks for the help!

-Johannes

pkooiman

01-09-07, 06:58 AM

Pedro, good to hear you had success with the DVI blade!
Actually the panasonic manuals explicitly state that the DVi blade does, but the HDMI blade DOES NOT accept 1366x768. If you make it work anyway by tweaking the timings be sure to let us know!

Regarding the result being 1:1 pixel perfect, I use the same timings on a Crystalio II, and since the CII has internal test patterns I can confirm that the result is 1:1. One would suppose that the same timings should result in 1:1 mapping also when used with the Vantage, but as you say, the lack of internal test patterns makes it diificult to assess.

Peter

johannesk-fin

01-10-07, 10:55 AM

1366x768@50Hz didn't work with DVI.

Is it so that transforming 50Hz to 60Hz with the VHD always results in a lot of judder/studder?

I tried this quickly and it seemed so, expecially all the pans were really jumpy. Is there any way around this tweaking the VHD's settings?

The 48Hz out would be great...

zeropoint

01-10-07, 02:39 PM

What are the image SHIFT and SIZE ranges? Are they enough to enable removal of horizontal bars for all common letterboxed image formats when displayed in a 16:9 frame? I've looked in the manual and interactive program, but these factors don't seem to be specified. The manual seems quite poor: very terse. Thanks!

alex_t

01-11-07, 03:59 AM

Is it so that transforming 50Hz to 60Hz with the VHD always results in a lot of judder/studder?

I tried this quickly and it seemed so, expecially all the pans were really jumpy. Is there any way around this tweaking the VHD's settings?

The 48Hz out would be great...

Hi johannesk-fin,

For 48Hz output, kromkamp explains that firmware of realta chipset can not do this for the moment.

Hi Alex,

The current Realta firmware cannot currently do this (48 hz output), however it is high up on our priorities for implementation. The current Realta chip will be able to support this software, it will not require a new chip.

Thanks!

Andy K.
ASIC Design Engineer
Silicon Optix, Inc.

I hope that calibre will take into account this improvement of realta chip algo when it will be available.

regards
alex_t

johannesk-fin

01-11-07, 07:47 AM

Hi johannesk-fin,

For 48Hz output, kromkamp explains that firmware of realta chipset can not do this for the moment.

I hope that calibre will take into account this improvement of realta chip algo when it will be available.

regards
alex_t

Thank you alex! Maybe the firmware update for Realta has already been done thus making it possible for Calibre to the add the 24hz/48hz/72hz support?

-Johannes

alex_t

01-11-07, 08:54 AM

Thank you alex! Maybe the firmware update for Realta has already been done thus making it possible for Calibre to the add the 24hz/48hz/72hz support?

-Johannes

May be :)

Calibre explained me that all the vantage HD improvements are made according to need users. Consequently if much of users ask 24/48/72/120 Hz output improvement then probably calibre will add it in a future firmware.

I thus encourage you to write an email at calibre to explain your need (24/48/72/120 Hz) to vantage-support@calibreuk.com . I do it ...

regards
alex_t

sta

01-11-07, 09:54 AM

alex_t

01-11-07, 10:12 AM

the needing of 24/48 HZ will increase with the diffusion of HD sources able to output the native signal and displays able to accept it, so it will become a "must" . but at that time I don't know if a Video Processor would be useful

For vantage HD I think it is useful because this scaler accepts HD-SDI input and HD-SDI signal is 480i/576i/1080i. Consequently, vantage HD must be able to output progressive signal at 50/60 or 24/48/72/120 Hz from its HD-SDI input.

regards
alex_t

sta

01-11-07, 11:01 AM

For vantage HD I think it is useful because this scaler accepts HD-SDI input and HD-SDI signal is 480i/576i/1080i. Consequently, vantage HD must be able to output progressive signal at 50/60 or 24/48/72/120 Hz from its HD-SDI input.

regards
alex_t

alex, forgive but probably I did not use right words to explain my thougts

I mean that when a source will be able to output at the original FQ and the display will accept it as it is, the Video Processing maybe will be useles or at least less important

alex_t

01-11-07, 12:50 PM

alex, forgive but probably I did not use right words to explain my thougts

I mean that when a source will be able to output at the original FQ and the display will accept it as it is, the Video Processing maybe will be useles or at least less important

Yes you are right :)

TomHuffman

01-11-07, 01:37 PM

Has Calibre given up on offering test patterns?? These were originally slated for release last summer and we've heard nothing new about this.

ALanJay

01-11-07, 01:59 PM

Has Calibre given up on offering test patterns?? These were originally slated for release last summer and we've heard nothing new about this.

I don't know the answer and it is a shame, certainly at the end of the summer early autumn release it was still planned. But since then it seems to have dropped off the list - I wonder why.

I was looking forward to being able to configure the vantage and my screen correctly and then deal with the sources independently so that everything works consistently.

johannesk-fin

01-12-07, 01:30 AM

I have an eerie feeling that with a firmware working as smoothly as the latest, they might decide that the product is finalized and concentrate on something new. I hope this isn't the case though but reading the vp-shootout thread makes me think programming the Realta is getting very expensive for Calibre...

Any ideas what they are presenting at CES?

sta

01-12-07, 03:45 AM

I've taken some pics during ther HD SDI mounting

http://www.avmagazine.it/forum/showthread.php?t=51870&page=15

alex_t

01-12-07, 03:51 AM

I've taken some pics during ther HD SDI mounting

http://www.avmagazine.it/forum/showthread.php?t=51870&page=15

Thank you very much Sta.

Do you authorize me to use your pictures in vantage HD thread of HCFR forum (french forum) ?

sta

01-12-07, 04:31 AM

Thank you very much Sta.

Do you authorize me to use your pictures in vantage HD thread of HCFR forum (french forum) ?

Yes indeed, my friend ;)

alex_t

01-12-07, 04:50 AM

Yes indeed, my friend ;)

:) :) :cool:

Thank you.

johannesk-fin

01-12-07, 05:20 AM

I've taken some pics during ther HD SDI mounting

http://www.avmagazine.it/forum/showthread.php?t=51870&page=15

I also mounted the HD SDI card when I got the VHD couple weeks ago. Has anyone tried it yet with a HD SDI modded source (Toshiba etc.)?

sta

01-12-07, 05:33 AM

I also mounted the HD SDI card when I got the VHD couple weeks ago. Has anyone tried it yet with a HD SDI modded source (Toshiba etc.)?

not yet. in Italy the official sales of HD DVD players has not yet started......so it'll be a long way to get a modded HD SDI piece.

there's the possibility to get modded BRD (Samsung) but the prices are too high compared to the quality of the player. I'm confident to find a BRD player quite cheap to be modded fom the second part of the year

I just tested the SDI of my Mrantz 9500 player.

frankly speeking the risult is very close to the HDMI signal. the only feature that may suggest to buy a HD SDI kit with a SD player is that the denoise reduction algorythm is available and believe it's the most filmlike image I watched on a digital VPR

kuebler

01-13-07, 04:23 PM

Hi,
I checked the PIP funtion, (at 1080i50 input and 720p50 output). The VHD (firmware 1.23E) showed some judder, so I tried to switch PIP off again, but had no success.

Then I switched my VHD off and on again, but since that time I see only a strange noise picture from green and pink color patterns (possibly following some signal input, because the pattern changes when I change the input signal), but I cannot get to displaying a menu. The VHD also doesn't react on the PowerOff command from the remote.

How can I do a factory reset without seeing a menu?

Thanks for any help.

TomHuffman

01-13-07, 07:35 PM

I had exactly the same experience. DO NOT USE 1080i SIGNALS WITH PIP!

To reset to factory defaults
INPUT + MENU + OK.

If that doesn't work, then download and install an OLDER version of firmware. This should unfreeze the unit. Then reinstall the current firmware and enter your settings.

PedroV

01-14-07, 05:15 AM

I checked the PIP funtion, (at 1080i50 input and 720p50 output). The VHD (firmware 1.23E) showed some judder, so I tried to switch PIP off again, but had no success. I found this on the Vantage website:
Firmware Version 1.2.3E (known issues)
"Selecting a 1080i main input with a PIP from a (standard definition) progressive input causes lockup. To escape from the lockup, power-cycle, then while in standby, force a factory-reset (by pressing and holding Menu button first then press Input and Enter buttons together)."

kuebler

01-14-07, 05:51 AM

@TomHuffman + PedroV

Thank you so much for your help.

I guess I'm not the only one these days who doesn't read manuals and release notes :) And further I guess that we scaler-people are anyway somewhat like (male) childs who can't resist to play with everything whether it's dangerous or not ;)

Following your helpful advice required some additional Sherlock Holmes type of work: As the front plate button labels of my VHD are very much washed out, I tried to find the locations of the Input- and Menu-button with the help of the manual, only to find out that the whole manual doesn't contain an explanation of the front plate :rolleyes:

A single day family visit in an adventure park such as Disney easily costs some $500. So I think we can't complain about a VHD at about four times this amount, but easily filling many days with the same degree of adventure feeling :D :D :D

johannesk-fin

01-14-07, 02:59 PM

not yet. in Italy the official sales of HD DVD players has not yet started......so it'll be a long way to get a modded HD SDI piece.
HDDVD and BluRay are just starting to arrive to Finland... I guess I'm also going to wait to the end of the year before getting a HD SDI modded player.

frankly speeking the risult is very close to the HDMI signal. the only feature that may suggest to buy a HD SDI kit with a SD player is that the denoise reduction algorythm is available and believe it's the most filmlike image I watched on a digital VPR
I just got a new dvd player and I'm trying to decide if it is the right one for my setup. The player is Meridian G98 DVD (http://www.meridian-audio.com/p_g98.htm) with Faroudja DCDi scaling up to 1080p (no 576i through HDMI). I have three options how to hook it up to my system:

a) G98 de-interlaces and scales the signal directly to the display (720p) through HDMI.

b) G98 de-interlaces and sends 576p signal through HDMI to VHD which scales and cleans the image and sends it to the display (720p) through HDMI.

c) G98 sends 576i signal to through component to VHD which de-interlaces, scales and cleans the image and sends it to the display (720p) through HDMI.

My current display device is Panasonic PT-AE700, but soon I'll be using also Pioneer PDP-507XA (http://www.pioneer.eu/eur/products/62/63/413/PDP-507XA/index.html) (European version of PDP-5070HD (http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/v3/pg/product/details/0,,2076_310069733_311066721,00.html) ).

And to the question... Is the Realta so powerful at de-interlacing that I should have a 576i signal as a first priority and use the "c" setup?

Second question is about the Pioneer plasma. Sadly it will only accept 720p signal and then scale it to 1366x768p. Some people seem to think that a small scaling is easy to do and not a bad thing but others say that it does more damage since every pixel grows just a little bit bigger. Is the double-scaling something I should avoid and just send the SD image as 576p to the Pioneer?

Big thanks

-Johannes

sta

01-15-07, 03:37 AM

I just got a new dvd player and I'm trying to decide if it is the right one for my setup. The player is Meridian G98 DVD (http://www.meridian-audio.com/p_g98.htm) with Faroudja DCDi scaling up to 1080p (no 576i through HDMI). I have three options how to hook it up to my system:

before the SDI connection I was in the same situation of your one. my Player is a Marantz DV9500 and the HDMI output 576 is progressive. after a lot of tests the two best configuration I found were
1) HDMI @ 1080i (marantz scaling and VHD deinterlacing)even if the vatnage had to resize to 720x1280 with my prevoius VPR
2) Component @ 576i (VHD scaling and deinterlacing)

I can't tell you if one was better than the other. in certain occasion I preferred the first in others the...other. so the bust suggestion I can tell you is....to try :)

alex_t

01-15-07, 03:50 AM

Hi Sta.

I would like to know your opinion about V123E firmware, please.

For the moment I use V123A.

Regards
alex_t

sta

01-15-07, 06:36 AM

Hi Sta.

I would like to know your opinion about V123E firmware, please.

For the moment I use V123A.

Regards
alex_t

stable. input switching is fast, just some audio noise but less than before. the crop of analog inputs is still present but you can put remedy shifting the image.

only one thing is missing, the calibrating patterns.

on this Saturday we will make a comparison @ my home among three video processor:

1) DVDO VP50
2) Cristalyo II
3) Calibre Vantage HD

with SD and HD material. I will post the results that could be interesting

johannesk-fin

01-15-07, 09:42 AM

before the SDI connection I was in the same situation of your one. my Player is a Marantz DV9500 and the HDMI output 576 is progressive. after a lot of tests the two best configuration I found were
1) HDMI @ 1080i (marantz scaling and VHD deinterlacing)even if the vatnage had to resize to 720x1280 with my prevoius VPR
2) Component @ 576i (VHD scaling and deinterlacing)

I can't tell you if one was better than the other. in certain occasion I preferred the first in others the...other. so the bust suggestion I can tell you is....to try :)

Thanks! I though that the 576i component was somehow cleaner. There are of course a million factors that affect the final image (different sd material, player's outputs, VHD's inputs and outputs, display's inputs...). Time will tell which one is the best :rolleyes:

I'm still a bit worried of the extra 720p>768p scaling. I just wish the Pioneer would accept it's native resolution or at least 1080p50 and 1080p60 (but it doesn't. It takes 1080p24 though).

only one thing is missing, the calibrating patterns.

And a bit more sleek ui to compete with VP50 (true minimalism) and CII. Vanity issues...

on this Saturday we will make a comparison @ my home among three video processor:

1) DVDO VP50
2) Cristalyo II
3) Calibre Vantage HD

with SD and HD material. I will post the results that could be interesting

Excellent!

PedroV

01-15-07, 02:45 PM

on this Saturday we will make a comparison @ my home among three video processor:

1) DVDO VP50
2) Cristalyo II
3) Calibre Vantage HD

with SD and HD material. I will post the results that could be interesting
Great ! Looking forward to read your conclusions :)

TorAtle

01-16-07, 08:29 AM

stable. input switching is fast
You said that for release 1.23A too, and a switch takes from 10-15 seconds which is hardly "fast". In fact it is awfully slow.

only one thing is missing, the calibrating patterns.
We also need a low-latency game mode and 1080p24 in and outs. Oh, and where is that HDMI card with two additional inputs?

Anyone spoken to Calibre lately? They don't respond to email.

sta

01-16-07, 08:46 AM

You said that for release 1.23A too, and a switch takes from 10-15 seconds which is hardly "fast". In fact it is awfully slow.

I don't use to wear watches :)

step by step we'll be able to do a fast zapping with all the inputs..even if I don't think it'll be necessary.

for me the HD SDI now set free 1 HDMI port so at the moment is not used.

surely the LL mode for games will be appreciated, but removing the flags from the picture enhancements let you have a fast response.

24 (48) fps are not yet programmed by the Realta crew, so it's not depending on Calibre

TorAtle

01-16-07, 08:59 AM

24 (48) fps are not yet programmed by the Realta crew, so it's not depending on Calibre
Where did you hear that? Not that I don't believe you, I'm just curious...

johannesk-fin

01-16-07, 08:59 AM

We also need a low-latency game mode and 1080p24 in and outs. Oh, and where is that HDMI card with two additional inputs?

And how about reinterlace like VP50? Since my player only gives 576p via hdmi, that would be cool feature.

Would "576i50 / 480i60 > 1080p24" conversion be impossible to do without judder? Presuming Realta would add the 24p feature... (just thinking of the Pioneer plasma's ability to receive 1080p24)

sta

01-16-07, 09:34 AM

Where did you hear that? Not that I don't believe you, I'm just curious...

just a few posts before :)

1)
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9121209&&#post9121209

2)
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9160650&&#post9160650

TorAtle

01-16-07, 10:56 AM

Thanks, sta.

sta

01-16-07, 11:26 AM

Thanks, sta.

;)

sta

01-22-07, 05:22 PM

we made the test, but we didn't find a winner.

the general opinion was:

SD deinterlacing
1) VP50
2) VHD
3) CII

SD scaling
1) VHD
2) CII
3) VP50

HD deinterlacing (1080i)
at the same level with a preference to the VHD and th CII

we found a lot of noise in the VP50. all of them have been tested with all the nhancements and filters off.

the configuration menues are very rich on the CII and the VP50 follows immediately.easier but poor the VHD one.

Th CII has the possibility to configure separately three outputs (2xHDMI and 1xVGA) and a HDD inside. furthermore you can connect an external HDD to the USB port anc for example, you can play HD movies. those features make the CII the most complete and versatile of the three, but the price is correlated.

at the end I discovered that the stuttering I've alwyas seen are only on my machine (trying the VHD of one of my friends) so surely needs to be tested by Calibre.

another important and astonishing thing is that we used two DVD test, on from SO and the other form ABT. it's very sad to tell you that the same deinterlacing tests on the two machines, passed only with the correlated scaler. that is that VHD passed the HQV test better than the VP50, and the VP50 passed the ABT tests better than the VHD........

TomHuffman

01-22-07, 05:41 PM

TorAtle

01-22-07, 06:38 PM

None of you find the output of the VHD to have a rather "overprocessed" look? Watching 576i television, I think the result could be more polished / smooth. This is with a 3DLP 720p (the Kodak 333). A 1080p display would give the VHD more pixels to work with so will probably be better.

sta

01-22-07, 06:49 PM

Strangely, this doesn't agree with our tests. We found that the VHD's deinterlacing was slightly weaker than either the CII or the VP50. It took a little longer to lock on to the racetrack scene and the rotating bar broke up a little earlier.

Because both of these tests are on the SO disc, it did NOT seem that that this disc's test patterns especially favored the VHD. I can't comment on the DVDO disc, since we didn't use it.

I certainly agree that the VP50 shows more noise than other two.

Tom, my charts are the result of a general test. the difference in deinterlacing the SD between the CII and the VHD were very thin. did you use the SDI or another connection? we have only used the SDI, maybe with another source type the difference is....different ;)

TomHuffman

01-22-07, 07:05 PM

None of you find the output of the VHD to have a rather "overprocessed" look?Not at all. This unit has so many parameters of adjustment, I would think that this is something you could remedy.

Catdaddy67

01-22-07, 07:10 PM

Gstrein

01-22-07, 10:46 PM

alex_t

01-23-07, 02:44 AM

I used to own a Vantage HD, and am considering buying it again for use with the RS1 and a 2.35 setup. Im looking at the VP50 the CII and the Lumagen HDQ as well but I do have a x360 with a VGA adapter (that i currently plug into a 24" 1080p Gateway monitor.)

Is the Vantage VGA input able to accept the 1080p output of the X360?

In vantage HD manual v122 :

Computer (SVGA) Inputs

Signal formats:

-DOS 720 x 400 70Hz
-VGA 640 x 480 60Hz to 75Hz inclusive
-SVGA 800 x 600 56Hz to 75Hz inclusive
-XGA 1024 x 768 60Hz to 75Hz inclusive
-WXGA 1280 x 768 60Hz to 75Hz inclusive
-SXGA 1280 x 1024 60Hz

RGB video level 0.7V - 1.0V
RGB input impedance 75 Ohms
Sync format Separate H & V sync at TTL levels

VGA input of vantage HD does not accept 1080p signal.

regards
alex_t :)

johannesk-fin

01-23-07, 03:16 AM

Just got my new display, Pioneer 507XA plasma (quite close to 5070HD). And now I'm trying to make it work together with the VHD. My problem is that the display won't take it's native resolution (1365x768) through hdmi, and there is no solution to this. It only takes 576i50, 576p50, 720p50, 1080i50 and 1080p24.

Currently I'm passing dvd image like this:

a) 576i50 from dvd > scaled to 720p50 and processed by VHD > then scaled to 1365x768p50 by Pioneer

I think that the latter scaling step is doing some harm to the image. I have the impression that the Pioneer has a pretty ok scaler, not equal to the VHD of course. But I think I might be able to get better result by either of these settings:

b) 576i50 from dvd > deinterlaced to 576p50 and processed by VHD > then scaled to 1365x768p50 by Pioneer

c) 576i50 from dvd > scaled to 1080i50 and processed by VHD > then scaled to 1365x768p50 by Pioneer

And to the question... Is it possible to get 576p50 and 1080i50 from VHD with custom resolutions?

Thanks!

Zax

01-23-07, 04:29 AM

Was Calibre at the Las Vegas CES show last week? They were going to be there but I have not heard of anyone making comment on seeing them and discussing the future of Vantage HD and if they are still actively working on software revisions and perhaps the test patterns. I would think if they were there and were still showing off the Vantage they must still have some crew dedicated to it. :rolleyes:

LVCC South Hall 1 booth #22068. Showing Vantage-HD as you would expect. RDJAM spent some time with us, no-one else I spoke with made themselves known though. Maybe you were all over at the Sands being dazzled by Mr Gates? :confused:

I can't be too specific, for commercial reasons, but once some of the features you guys are bugging us for are supported (and work) in the core code we get from S.O. then we will try to get them implemented ASAP. As there is so much of our own code involved in Vantage-HD, integrating this with new core code from S.O. takes time.

HD-SDI input expansion boards (support SD and HD-SDI) have been shipping since the start of December.

Zax

alex_t

01-23-07, 12:11 PM

razi

01-23-07, 03:51 PM

None of you find the output of the VHD to have a rather "overprocessed" look? Watching 576i television, I think the result could be more polished / smooth.

I definitely agree with you on the "overprocessed" look of SD/480i sources. Although the end result appears to be sharper, it has a grainy look to it that's not pleasing. I actually prefer to use 480p output from my S3 Tivo as it has a smoother appearance with almost the same amount of detail. This is via HDMI input.

Gstrein

01-23-07, 08:47 PM

LVCC South Hall 1 booth #22068. Showing Vantage-HD as you would expect. RDJAM spent some time with us, no-one else I spoke with made themselves known though. Maybe you were all over at the Sands being dazzled by Mr Gates? :confused:

I can't be too specific, for commercial reasons, but once some of the features you guys are bugging us for are supported (and work) in the core code we get from S.O. then we will try to get them implemented ASAP. As there is so much of our own code involved in Vantage-HD, integrating this with new core code from S.O. takes time.

HD-SDI input expansion boards (support SD and HD-SDI) have been shipping since the start of December.

Zax

Hi Zax,

I'm very glad Calibre is still working the power of Vantage. ;) It has really been only about a year here in the US and I think you have a very good chance of reviving serious interest and sales if Calibre can bring some new software updates. Even an update with test patterns will get the juices flowing again. The product is a very good one and in my opinion it should have at least a 3 year life with good programing with the power of the Realta chip. I know a big part of this is S.O. and I'm sure they are focusing on many other things. The bottom line is that the real power of Vantage is the people like you standing behind your product - Thank you!! :D

Cheers - Frank

sta

01-24-07, 04:00 AM

I can't be too specific, for commercial reasons, but once some of the features you guys are bugging us for are supported (and work) in the core code we get from S.O. then we will try to get them implemented ASAP. As there is so much of our own code involved in Vantage-HD, integrating this with new core code from S.O. takes time.

that's REALLY a good news!

sta

01-25-07, 11:48 AM

wrong post, sorry

alex_t

01-26-07, 07:23 AM

Hi all !

Firmware V124A is available on calibre website.

Regards
alex_t :)

sta

01-26-07, 08:25 AM

Hi all !

Firmware V124A is available on calibre website.

Regards
alex_t :)

yes, should solve some miner issues.

finally, after a comparison with another unit, I found that all the stuttering that affected most of my nights of vision, were due to a faulty unit. now organizeing to send it back to be repaired. :(

PedroV

01-26-07, 08:40 AM

Hi all !

Firmware V124A is available on calibre website.

Regards
alex_t :)
Thank you Alex.
I tried to download the Brec (firmware) file and got a page not found error.
Setup launcher file downloaded O.K.

Zax

01-26-07, 10:25 AM

That's because we were still uploading it! :mad:

It's OK now. :)

Enjoy................ :D

Zax

PedroV

01-26-07, 01:29 PM

Thank you Zax.

It's working now. :)

PedroV

01-26-07, 03:03 PM

Maybe it was answered before but I couldn't find it.

Will I loose my settings, upgrading from 1.2.3E to 1.2.4A ?

Thanks

alex_t

01-26-07, 04:30 PM

Maybe it was answered before but I couldn't find it.

Will I loose my settings, upgrading from 1.2.3E to 1.2.4A ?

Thanks

YES :(

:)

Nedtsc

01-26-07, 04:34 PM

YES :(

:)

Is this version stable?

TorAtle

01-29-07, 08:54 AM

Best one so far, I've had no problems.

TorAtle

01-29-07, 08:59 AM

Couple of questions:

1) Is there any news on the HDMI expansion module?
2) Will the VantageHD pass through HDMI 7.1 PCM audio?

TorAtle

01-29-07, 09:51 AM

Couple of questions:

1) Is there any news on the HDMI expansion module?
2) Will the VantageHD pass through HDMI 7.1 PCM audio?
Got a swift reply from Calibre - the HDMI module will be released end of march earliest. Quote: "we are evaluating HDMI1.3 compatible devices to be used on it so that we can give every Vantage owner the chance to have two HDMI1.3 compatible inputs".

So what will we gain from having HDMI1.3 inputs given that the output is not? I was thinking letting the HD-DVD player decode the HD audio track and passing it through the VantageHD's output as PCM. Will 1.3 inputs change this or offer anything else??

rdjam

01-29-07, 10:05 AM

Got a swift reply from Calibre - the HDMI module will be released end of march earliest. Quote: "we are evaluating HDMI1.3 compatible devices to be used on it so that we can give every Vantage owner the chance to have two HDMI1.3 compatible inputs".

So what will we gain from having HDMI1.3 inputs given that the output is not? I was thinking letting the HD-DVD player decode the HD audio track and passing it through the VantageHD's output as PCM. Will 1.3 inputs change this or offer anything else??
I congratulate Calibre for this decision, even tho I would want the module as soon as possible.

With HDMI 1.3 becoming the standard, they would have been taken to task for releasing something less.

My XA2 will output deep color, so I'm guessing I may be able to pass this to the Vantage.

sta

01-29-07, 11:28 AM

but will be the Realta chip able to process up to 14 bit / colour? I'm not sure ;)

PedroV

01-29-07, 12:52 PM

Best one so far, I've had no problems.
TorAtle,

What firmware did you have before upgrading and did you noticed any new/changed menu items or differences in picture quality?

Great news about the HDMI module being HDMI 1.3 compatible. :)

Thanks

johannesk-fin

01-30-07, 04:11 AM

PedroV

01-30-07, 07:02 AM

What kind of values are you using for picture enhancements?

I used to have 50 for sharpness and 60 for detail, but I think those settings caused a lot of halos so I decreased them to 40 and 45. The internal test patterns would be great here since I'm not 100% sure if the halos are coming from VHD/dvd player/plasma/cables :rolleyes:

My setup:
Philips Dvp 630 >component> VHD >hdmi> Pioneer 507XAFor DVD I'm using 55 for sharpness and 65 for detail. I like a sharp picture :).
Sharpness on the plasma is at 0 (flat).
If I look at the Avia sharpness pattern I get a very slight Halo along the lines but on normal material i don't notice it.
I guess it also depends on the type of display you are using.

My setup: DVD>SDI>Vantage>HDMI/DVI>Pana plasma

You should try to get a player with digital video out (HDMI/DVI/SDI) in order to avoid extra D/A (player) and A/D (Vantage) signal conversion steps.
My favorite is SDI for DVD.

I've compared:
Denon A1XV (5910 in the US) HDMI direct to the plasma
Denon HDMI>Vantage HDMI>plasma
DVD player w/SDI >Vantage HDMI>plasma

To my eyes, the SDI/Vantage combo has a cleaner more natural looking picture. "Worst" results were with the Denon HDMI direct to the plasma.
The enhancement/NR controls on the Vantage are much better applied than on the Denon, although they use the same Realta processor.

sta

02-02-07, 03:29 AM

I'm really happy today.

finally I've received a new unit in substitution to my "stuttering" one and it REALLY WORKS FINE!!!!!!

using the SDI input I reached the expected result!

Manchild

02-02-07, 03:12 PM

I congratulate Calibre for this decision, even tho I would want the module as soon as possible.

With HDMI 1.3 becoming the standard, they would have been taken to task for releasing something less.

My XA2 will output deep color, so I'm guessing I may be able to pass this to the Vantage.

Yes...the XA2 will output the "deep color" depth, but unless you have a LG.Phillips prototype LCD and some 12-bit content I have a feeling the HDMI 1.3 move will be minimal. Just my opinion of course.

alex_t

02-02-07, 04:50 PM

I'm really happy today.

finally I've received a new unit in substitution to my "stuttering" one and it REALLY WORKS FINE!!!!!!

using the SDI input I reached the expected result!

;) :cool:

Manchild

02-02-07, 07:15 PM

I wish they had HD-SDI output as well as HD-SDI in...then we could do:

XA2 -> HD-SDI -> VHD -> HD-SDI -> Panny/Pio with HD-SDI card

I wonder how much better that would look than:

XA2 -> HDMI -> VHD -> HDMI -> Panny/Pio with HDMI card

Then we could get a real measure of whether the increased color depth matters on the upcoming HDMI 1.3 spec given that current content on HD-DVD/Blu-ray is still 4:2:0.

rdjam

02-02-07, 09:16 PM

Yes...the XA2 will output the "deep color" depth, but unless you have a LG.Phillips prototype LCD and some 12-bit content I have a feeling the HDMI 1.3 move will be minimal. Just my opinion of course.
Unless they include a colorspace-expansion mode... would be very easy to do, surely?

sta

02-05-07, 03:41 AM

Manchild

02-05-07, 08:20 PM

uh, you can expect a HD SDI input just with pro-panels. conumer's world is HDMI. in taht case maybe the VHD will be useless with HD material

Yea...I was referring to the Panny 9UK or Pio *7CMX panels. I agree HDMI is much more integrated into the consumer market, but was just thinking about a method to see if HDMI 1.3 really offers improved performance.

Manchild

02-05-07, 08:33 PM

Unless they include a colorspace-expansion mode... would be very easy to do, surely?

There is a difference between color space, color gamut, and color depth. Color space refers to the mapping of colors (RGB, sRGB, XYZ, etc) whereas color gamut refers to the total amount of colors available and color depth refers to the gradations between the "high" and "low" points of a color spectrum.

For example:

Many new panels show a 92% or x% of the NTSC color range which basically says that the panel can produce a greater range of greens. Let's say before they could only go from Green = 0 to Green = 10...well now they can do Green = 0 to Green = 20. This would be an increased color gamut.

What HDMI 1.3 is supposed to improve is the color depth, or gradations between the endpoints. Current interfaces/dispalys/VPs utilize 8bpp (bit per pixel) implying that there are 2^8 = 256 gradations between Green = 0 and Green = 20. With support for 48bit color depther or 16bpp you would now get 2^16 = 65536 gradations between Green = 0 and Green = 20. However, in order for you to get this improved color depth you need HDMI 1.3 from beginning to end as well as source material to take advantage of it.

Paradoxically, increased color gamut can sometimes have a negative effect on picture quality using the above logic. While the panel may be capable of reproducing greener greens or redder reds, there is more total color information divided up between the 256 "states." The insufficient color depth often produces what is commonly referred to as color banding where you are incapable of getting a smooth gradient between colors.

This is what HDMI 1.3 is attempting to solve. However 8bpp has become so well established in consumer electronics that I feel as though it will be awhile until we have material capable of taking advantage of the technology.

Confused yet? Hehe...

If I have screwed up any of this terminology, please let me know, but this was an attempt to simplify some of these color issues.

Steve Richards

02-07-07, 08:42 AM

Is this version stable?

I installed this last night.

Looks good to me.

I was happy to see the issue resolved with the component input display positioning. It was dead on right from the start.

jconklin

02-08-07, 01:31 PM

... The insufficient color depth often produces what is commonly referred to as color banding where you are incapable of getting a smooth gradient between colors.

This is what HDMI 1.3 is attempting to solve. However 8bpp has become so well established in consumer electronics that I feel as though it will be awhile until we have material capable of taking advantage of the technology.

Even with the 8bpp input available from a standard DVD, a video processor can take advantage of the increased bpp available in HDMI 1.3. The VP needs to support HDMI 1.3 on its output and the display needs to support HDMI 1.3 in its input. For example.

DVD (480i 8bpp HDMI 1.1) -> VP (1080p 16bpp HDMI 1.3) -> HDMI 1.3 high color depth projector

The current crop of top end VPs, such as the Vantage, have gone to 10bpp internal data representation because when the VP manipulates the image, scaling to 1080p, noise reduction, etc. the algorithms used to do so naturally produce pixel values that need more then 8bpp. When all of the image manipulation is done the VP is forced to reduce the 10bpp internal image down to 8bpp to send to the display.

With HDMI 1.3 and a display that can accept it the VP will be able to send its internal 10bpp (or higher in future VPs) directly to the projector.

Does anyone know if either HD-DVD or BluRay support greater then 8bpp encoding of color?

Jim

raneil

02-09-07, 09:16 AM

Stupid question that the software engineer may have the answer for. Can DVI-d handle a higher bit rate than HDMI 1.0-1.2?

Dennis.Mitchell

02-26-07, 09:02 PM

mfogarty5

02-26-07, 09:46 PM

There is a difference between color space, color gamut, and color depth. Color space refers to the mapping of colors (RGB, sRGB, XYZ, etc) whereas color gamut refers to the total amount of colors available and color depth refers to the gradations between the "high" and "low" points of a color spectrum.

For example:

Many new panels show a 92% or x% of the NTSC color range which basically says that the panel can produce a greater range of greens. Let's say before they could only go from Green = 0 to Green = 10...well now they can do Green = 0 to Green = 20. This would be an increased color gamut.

What HDMI 1.3 is supposed to improve is the color depth, or gradations between the endpoints. Current interfaces/dispalys/VPs utilize 8bpp (bit per pixel) implying that there are 2^8 = 256 gradations between Green = 0 and Green = 20. With support for 48bit color depther or 16bpp you would now get 2^16 = 65536 gradations between Green = 0 and Green = 20. However, in order for you to get this improved color depth you need HDMI 1.3 from beginning to end as well as source material to take advantage of it.

Paradoxically, increased color gamut can sometimes have a negative effect on picture quality using the above logic. While the panel may be capable of reproducing greener greens or redder reds, there is more total color information divided up between the 256 "states." The insufficient color depth often produces what is commonly referred to as color banding where you are incapable of getting a smooth gradient between colors.

This is what HDMI 1.3 is attempting to solve. However 8bpp has become so well established in consumer electronics that I feel as though it will be awhile until we have material capable of taking advantage of the technology.

Confused yet? Hehe...

If I have screwed up any of this terminology, please let me know, but this was an attempt to simplify some of these color issues.

Even with the 8bpp input available from a standard DVD, a video processor can take advantage of the increased bpp available in HDMI 1.3. The VP needs to support HDMI 1.3 on its output and the display needs to support HDMI 1.3 in its input. For example.

DVD (480i 8bpp HDMI 1.1) -> VP (1080p 16bpp HDMI 1.3) -> HDMI 1.3 high color depth projector

The current crop of top end VPs, such as the Vantage, have gone to 10bpp internal data representation because when the VP manipulates the image, scaling to 1080p, noise reduction, etc. the algorithms used to do so naturally produce pixel values that need more then 8bpp. When all of the image manipulation is done the VP is forced to reduce the 10bpp internal image down to 8bpp to send to the display.

With HDMI 1.3 and a display that can accept it the VP will be able to send its internal 10bpp (or higher in future VPs) directly to the projector..

I understand that you guys are saying that the HDMI output is limited to passing an 8-bit output, but the Vantage HD is capable of passing a 10-bit signal over the VGA/D-SUB output isn't it?

The reason I ask is that I have a 10-bit 1080p LCD that has 1:1 pixel mapping over the VGA/D-SUB input and I was specifically looking at getting the Vantage HD because I think it can pass a 10-bit signal over the VGA/D-SUB output. This is important because, as I understand it, processing and passing a 10-bit signal should minimize any banding associated with converting the signal from the Video RGB color space(16-235) to the PC RGB(0-255) color space that my display is expecting on the VGA/D-SUB input.

jukkaforss

02-27-07, 10:19 AM

Was visiting the Vantage-HD site. I am a disappointed owner of the Algolith Dragonfly. Wanted to see how the updates were flowing from Calibre. I was surprised to see a review of the unit link that I followed...

http://www.calibreuk.com/documents/HCC139.vantage_000.pdf

Would like to know from you all... are you satisfied with your Vantage-HD with the recent firmware?

Hi,

It take from Calibre also quite long time to get firmware working correctly, but now it is at least in my opinion very good.

Zax

02-28-07, 03:50 AM

I understand that you guys are saying that the HDMI output is limited to passing an 8-bit output, but the Vantage HD is capable of passing a 10-bit signal over the VGA/D-SUB output isn't it?

The reason I ask is that I have a 10-bit 1080p LCD that has 1:1 pixel mapping over the VGA/D-SUB input and I was specifically looking at getting the Vantage HD because I think it can pass a 10-bit signal over the VGA/D-SUB output. This is important because, as I understand it, processing and passing a 10-bit signal should minimize any banding associated with converting the signal from the Video RGB color space(16-235) to the PC RGB(0-255) color space that my display is expecting on the VGA/D-SUB input.

Yes (10bit RGB o/p via d-sub) and Yes banding is minimised.

Zax

mfogarty5

03-01-07, 12:07 AM

Thanks Zax.

I am really thinking about getting a Vantage HD. I have 2 questions.

1. I read the manual and couldn't determine if the Vantage's VGA port is capable of passing both PC RGB and Video RGB or simply Video RGB. Can you clarify?

2. Did Calibre recently change the appearance of the Vantage HD? Most pictures on your website show it as being black and gray/silver on the front, but the most recent review says that the front is "black on black". Just curious.

It's good to see someone from the manufacturer on these forums.

Zax

03-01-07, 07:02 AM

Hi,

To answer your questions;

1. The "VGA" input on Vantage accepts PC signals with a minimum of DOS mode (720 x 400 @ 70Hz) to a maximum of SXGA (1280 x 1024 @ 60Hz. "Video " RGB signals enter Vantage via the component input which can be configured in the menu to accept RGB, RGBs, YUV, YUVs signals at 0.7V or 1.0V nominal.

2. Vantage has a black anodised front panel, with the logo and button idents in dark gray. It really does depend on how the lights falls on the front as to how it appears.

Be sure to look on the website (www.calibreuk.com/home_theater.php) for all the information you need, including specs, magazine reviews, manuals and firmware updates.

Cheers,

Zax

alex_t

03-01-07, 03:48 PM

Was visiting the Vantage-HD site. I am a disappointed owner of the Algolith Dragonfly. Wanted to see how the updates were flowing from Calibre. I was surprised to see a review of the unit link that I followed...

http://www.calibreuk.com/documents/HCC139.vantage_000.pdf

Would like to know from you all... are you satisfied with your Vantage-HD with the recent firmware?

YES I'm very satisfied with v124A firmware. I use a blu-ray player in 1080i with vantage HD and picture is very beautiful on my LCD in 1360x768p .

With DVD (oppo 970hd), upscaling, MPEG noise reduction and enhancement are very very good.

regards
alex_t

Nedtsc

03-01-07, 03:52 PM

still having problems switching from 1080i to 480i source from SA 4800 hd cable box. also HDMI from 480i source won't pass pass the correct audio.

Craig Peer

03-02-07, 01:39 PM

Would like to know from you all... are you satisfied with your Vantage-HD with the recent firmware?

I just got this scaler with my dVision 1080p projector. So far I find it very easy to set up and use. Of course HD DVD's look spectacular on my system, but I was pleasantly surprised just how good Star Wars - A New Hope looked being played on my HD A2 player - absolutely stunning on a 118" wide screen from 12' away. I'm very pleased with this scaler so far.

sta

03-05-07, 05:25 AM

to the Calibre's Crew: is there any news on the new FW with 24p and the new Realta enahncements?

Bill Gaw2

03-05-07, 08:29 AM

sta

03-05-07, 12:09 PM

Will there be an update to the firmware for adjusting gamma. A lot of us use the unit with high end CRT projectors like the electrohome 9500LC and the black end of the scale needs adjusting and all of the present adjustments are too much.

Bill Gaw

thank you Bill,
but do you know if other features mainly required by digital projectors will be included in that new version?

TorAtle

03-05-07, 08:55 PM

Has anyone successfully controlled the VantageHD via rs232? I am trying out MainLobby but cannot get a response from the VP at all. Should I use a straight through M/F serial cable? I am confused because I managed to control the Kodak 333 projector, but the connector on that one is male (while female on the VantageHD) and I used a null cable.

rplotkin

03-06-07, 11:08 PM

Not that anyone in this thread is likely looking to sell their Vantage, but if so, please PM me.

alex_t

03-07-07, 05:15 AM

Will there be an update to the firmware for adjusting gamma. A lot of us use the unit with high end CRT projectors like the electrohome 9500LC and the black end of the scale needs adjusting and all of the present adjustments are too much.

Bill Gaw

There is a CUSTOM COLOR adjusting in VANTAGE HD.

==> RGB gain and RGB offset can be tuned from 0 to 1024 for each color (R, G, B).

Is a GAMMA adjusting ?

rplotkin

03-24-07, 09:51 AM

alex_t

03-24-07, 03:35 PM

I was wondering if anyone would be willing to post their settings for MNR, TNR, and enhancement (detail/sharpness) for DVD. I'm completely blown away by the picture improvement out of the box, but I know criticism has been made about the settings out of the box. I think that I'm not experienced enough to really judge good DVD upscaling, so any help with settings (even if it just gives me a better sense of appropriate ranges) would be great.

Hello I use VHD with LCD in 1360x768p@60 Hz and OPPO 970HD in 576i HDMI.

MNR = 3 or 4 with very goof DVD as KING KONG (until 6 with bad DVD)
TNR = 6
Enhancement detail and sharpness = 70

It is very important to respect the following rules with a scaler :

- output has to be equal to native resolution
- input DVD only in 480i or 576i
- input HD only in 1080i

regards
alex_t

sta

03-26-07, 07:23 AM

To the guys at Calibre:

any news on the new FW with 24/48/72HZ refresh??

thank you

Bill Gaw2

03-28-07, 10:53 AM

alex_t

03-28-07, 02:40 PM

On your FAQ's page you list the arrival time for the extra two HDMI input board as Q1 2006. When will it be available?
Will better gamma correction be available in the next update?
Alex_T There is a CUSTOM COLOR adjusting in VANTAGE HD.

==> RGB gain and RGB offset can be tuned from 0 to 1024 for each color (R, G, B).

This just adjusts brightness and contrast of each color i.e. the top and bottom of the curve. Gamma adjusts the curve in between these points.

Thank you Bill Gaw2 for explanation.

About HDMI extension module, calibre said to me by email (in january 2007) : March or April 2007.

About new firmware, calibre said to me by email last week : "yes. There is new firmware in the pipeline with new audio software " but I do not have more information.

regards
alex_t

alex_t

04-02-07, 06:09 AM

Hi all.

Is a user of vantage HD and tosh HD-DVD (with REON chip) could compare both in SD ?

Regards
alex_t :)

sta

04-04-07, 07:13 AM

Hi all.

Is a user of vantage HD and tosh HD-DVD (with REON chip) could compare both in SD ?

Regards
alex_t :)

Alex, my sources don't have the Reon chip, but my PRJ does (Mitsubishi HC5000). the main difference is in deinterlacing, that is the VHD is really better both with SD and HD signals

alex_t

04-04-07, 02:59 PM

Alex, my sources don't have the Reon chip, but my PRJ does (Mitsubishi HC5000). the main difference is in deinterlacing, that is the VHD is really better both with SD and HD signals

Thank you sta for the information :)

regards
alex_t

rplotkin

04-09-07, 12:42 AM

c722

04-09-07, 01:09 AM

About HDMI extension module, calibre said to me by email (in january 2007) : March or April 2007.

Dear CalibreUK, are we still looking at a April release for the HDMI expansion card ?

alex_t

04-09-07, 02:48 AM

Hey all,

So, I've had the Vantage for a couple weeks now. I really enjoy it, but I'm getting some horrible audio dropouts from my Series 2 TiVo (analogue audio). It's irregular, but often, and the audio will just go silent for about a second. At it's worst, the audio drops out every 3 seconds. (!)

I'm certain it's not the TiVo or the receiver, since those have been in the system for a long time and have worked fine.

The chain is TiVo --> (analogue) --> Vantage --> (optical) --> Receiver. My other sources into the Vantage are digital, so I'm assuming it's the A/D conversion.

Is anybody else having this issue? Is there a workaround?

Thanks,
Richard

Hello.

I have sent an email to calibre (26 march) and he says to me that audio software has been revised (I'm french and I understand that audio software has been upgraded, is it right ?).

Probably your audio issue will be already taken into account in next firmware.

For more information, you can write an email directly to calibre at : vantage-support@calibreuk.com

jconklin

04-10-07, 10:28 AM

Hey all,

So, I've had the Vantage for a couple weeks now. I really enjoy it, but I'm getting some horrible audio dropouts from my Series 2 TiVo (analogue audio). It's irregular, but often, and the audio will just go silent for about a second. At it's worst, the audio drops out every 3 seconds. (!)

I'm certain it's not the TiVo or the receiver, since those have been in the system for a long time and have worked fine.

The chain is TiVo --> (analogue) --> Vantage --> (optical) --> Receiver. My other sources into the Vantage are digital, so I'm assuming it's the A/D conversion.

Is anybody else having this issue? Is there a workaround?

Thanks,
Richard

I will sometimes get audio dropouts after I switch from one source to another. My workaround is to use the remote to turn the Vantage off and then back on.

Good Luck
Jim

rplotkin

04-11-07, 12:06 AM

thanks alex and jim. I'll keep my fingers crossed for the update, and try the off/on thing.

alex_t

04-27-07, 12:21 PM

Hello

An interview can be downloaded from vantage HD web page : http://www.calibreuk.com/home_theater.php

Is it possible that somebody summarizes it because I'm french and it is very difficult to understand it ?

Thank you :)

Best regards
alex_t

jconklin

04-28-07, 08:46 PM

On the Calibre web page in the Home Cinema Choice Review is mentioned a "split screen demo mode". Does this exist? I have never been able to get my Vantage to do it and can't find any reference in the manual to it.

Thanks
Jim

TorAtle

05-03-07, 08:34 PM

Finally got around to connecting the xbox 360 directly to the projector today. Do not for a second believe the Vantage has low latency even when fed with a progressive source. Try the new flipper game (live arcade, free demo) and see for yourself - it's pretty much unplayable when the Vantage is in the loop. If someone from Calibre is listening...try it and then tell me the Vantage does not need a game mode!

kzsolt

05-05-07, 10:07 AM

alex_t

05-06-07, 12:10 PM

Hello,

Has anybody tried the HD-SDI input on the Vantage with HD/1080i source?
If yes, with which HD-DVD/BR player?

I am considerign to buy a Vantage/Panasonic BR combo but haven't found any reports about this setup.

Thanks,
Zsolt

Hello.

STA in this forum uses an HD-SDI input but I don't know if it is with a HD source.

Vantage HD is a very good scaler in HDMI 1080i.

I try it with a samsung blu-ray in HDMI 1080i@60 Hz to LCD HDMI 1360x768p@60 Hz and result was impressive.

A friend of mine uses vantage HD with HD-DVD E1 (european model) in HDMI 1080i@60 Hz to VP HC5000 HDMI 1080p@60 Hz and result is impressive too.

I think that HDMI is already a very good link.

regards
alex_t :)

Nedtsc

05-07-07, 07:56 PM

kzsolt

05-08-07, 07:19 AM

Vantage HD is a very good scaler in HDMI 1080i.

Thanks for your response. I didn't mention it but my current display doesn't have digital/HDCP input...:(
But before investing in HD-SDI I will try the HDMI route if Moome's HDMI switch really works.

TorAtle

05-08-07, 07:24 PM

I have no problem with Wii.
Really? I've got terrible lag. Very hard to play baseball for instance. I've turned off noise reduction etc but no luck, and I'm using the component cable (so no de-interlacing is taking place).

Is there a hidden magic option I'm missing???

jukkaforss

05-22-07, 10:11 AM

VantageHD Firmware Version 1.3.1

BEFORE you update, please note the following:

We do NOT recommend this update for anyone viewing 1080i50 movie content, that is HD movies at 50Hz field rate, because an issue has arisen with cadence detection. We are awaiting a fix for this issue from Teranex, which we will release as 1.3.2 as soon as we can. This affects Satellite and Cable HD broadcasts in Europe and Asia, as well as some European and Asian HD-DVD players. There is however no issue with 1080i60 movie content, that is movies at 60Hz field rate. 1080p24 from Blu-Ray players and 1080spf24 are also NOT affected.

Apart from this issue with 1080i50, this upgrade to our third generation software gives significant compatibility, functionality, stability and performance updates. We therefore recommend this upgrade to all US/Canadian customers and all European/Asian customers not viewing 1080i50 content.

Many aspects of VantageHD functionality, features and image processing performance have been improved. In addition to widespread general improvements, the following specific problems with previous software issues have been addressed & features added in this version:

* MPEG filter now features an "auto" mode that will monitor input material and swap to improved noise filtering while the MPEG filtering is not actually needed;
* Increased speed of startup, and also significantly improved response to input mode change;
* Change of output mode now happens in less than half a second - particularly noticeable for "auto" frame rate mode;
* Aspect ratio calculations: for PAL and NTSC inputs, (both interlaced and progressive), the actual pixel sizes are now ignored and the proper ratio of 4:3 is used instead;
* The PIP is now positioned via a dialog box with slider bars for horizontal and vertical rather than merely a fixed choice of just the four corners;
* PIP instability and lockups with certain input combinations have been fixed;

* Very significant improvements to HDMI, DVI, HDCP support with much improved compatibility and tolerance of non-standard HDCP and HDMI implementations in third-party equipment. Now able to work with any mix of HDCP and non-HDCP input signals on both input channels as well as signals which changed back and forth from non-HDCP to HDCP. Also, visual indication of HDCP authentication error: when HDCP protected input is detected, if output is to a non-HDCP display of resolution higher than 480 lines, then will get a amber screen, with OSD still accessible, rather than a completely blank screen with no OSD;
* Sound delay calibration improved: user adjustment is relative to the delay through VantageHD. It now has a maximum delay of 200ms (which is 11 fields for a 60Hz signal, 10 fields for a 50Hz signal) and a minimum delay of zero;
* The corrupt column of pixels, sometimes seen on the right hand edge of certain signals, is now removed;
* The left and right audio channels used to be swapped, now corrected;
* Adjustments to custom mode while that mode is displayed will be updated immediately on leaving the menu, rather than waiting for the mode to be reselected explicitly from the resolution menu;
* The lockouts of serial codes, IR and key presses while in standby has been improved, and also while the unit is busy updating new input or output modes;
* Serial control commands are no longer acknowledged while in standby or busy;
* The ICP filter (interlaced-chroma problem suppression) filter tick box is now greyed out when the filter is not available or not appropriate, eg with progressive inputs;
* Component video input position is now detected and recalled reliably;

* When the output display type is set to projector and the picture warp menu is used to move individual corners, there is now a readout on screen of the current X and Y offsets on the corner being moved;
* The HDSDI board now works properly with Vantage units that have a main board version 1.0, not just version 1.1 and 1.2 as before;
* This version now supports uploading and downloading of user settings to/from a PC via USB. Note that an additional application is required for this functionality which will be published shortly.

Known Issues

There are currently no known issues in this version, apart from the 1080i @ 50Hz issue mentioned at the top of this document.

This software is due for release week 21/22

Mercer

05-23-07, 11:12 AM

I have a Toshiba HD-DVD player, and want to pass the High-def audio (MPCM) through to my Yamaha 1700 receiver. But if I pass it through the Vantage, the audio automaticly sets itself to 2ch PCM. What am I doing wrong? I've tried changing the setting to 5.1 PCM in the vantage menu, but that doesn't seem to be helping..

alex_t

05-23-07, 04:19 PM

Mercer

05-23-07, 05:48 PM

Well.. If I connect the HDMI cable directly to the Yamaha RX 1700 I get 5.1 PCM audio, so the settings are correct. Is there a receiver/repeater setting in the configuration menu, or has that option been removed? I can't seem to find it...

alex_t

05-25-07, 06:13 AM

Hi everybody :)

V132 is available on calibre website.

Regards
alex_t

TorAtle

05-25-07, 08:48 AM

Looks promising, but will wait for 1.3.2 since I have a 1080i50 source.

alex_t

05-25-07, 09:22 AM

Looks promising, but will wait for 1.3.2 since I have a 1080i50 source.

It is V132 with 1080i50 correction which is available.

bpgreen20

05-25-07, 01:11 PM

Really? I've got terrible lag. Very hard to play baseball for instance. I've turned off noise reduction etc but no luck, and I'm using the component cable (so no de-interlacing is taking place).

Is there a hidden magic option I'm missing???

If anyone has any doubt about the need for the vantage to be faster try playing guitar hero II and running the lag calibration. It's at like 120ms. I have a JVC HD2K and I can play the game just fine with the JVC video processor. It's unplayable with the vantage.

B

Update: I ran this same calibration with the processor that came with the HD2K and the results were between 0 and 3 ms.

PedroV

05-25-07, 04:33 PM

Has anyone updated the Vantage with the 1.3.2 firmware?

I just did it.

Everything went well except..... when I rebooted, I had lost my 2 HD SDI inputs from the input connections menu.
They simply disappeared. :confused:
There is no way I can configure or select them.

Prior to the update those two SDI inputs where working well.

TorAtle

05-25-07, 04:36 PM

It is V132 with 1080i50 correction which is available.
Thanks for pointing that out Alex :) Have you tried it yet?

If anyone has any doubt about the need for the vantage to be faster try playing guitar hero II and running the lag calibration. It's at like 120ms. I have a JVC HD2K and I can play the game just fine with the JVC video processor. It's unplayable with the vantage
I'll send an email to Calibre again regarding this. Since I bypassed the VantageHD I've managed to set new high scores on ALL my games.

Steve Richards

05-25-07, 05:46 PM

PedroV

05-26-07, 05:14 AM

I guess someone has to ask... Did you do the factory reset after the upgrade ? Yes, twice.

I managed to get back the SDI inputs after installing firmware 1.2.4A.

I then reinstalled version 1.3.2 and the SDI inputs disappeared again.
So for now, I went back to version 1.2.4A and everything o.k.

I've sent an email to Calibre about this and will let you know when I get an answer.

raneil

05-26-07, 07:13 PM

For me, cursory examination of the new program looks like this is the best upgrade yet. I'm very impressed.

canaldoc

05-28-07, 05:47 PM

Hi - I upgraded my firmware to 1.3.2 this morning, not really expecting very much improvement - how wrong can you be!!!!
You may recall that my original gripe was that Vantage HD would not have anything to do with my Denon DVD-A1XV when HDMI was plugged in - well after this upgrade
THEY ARE TALKING TO ONE ANOTHER !!! Have spent the whole day playing a variety of
DVD's - Regions 1, 2, audio DVDs and Superbits - every one loads up slickly and plays PERFECTLY. Both HD-DVD and Blu-ray discs now look (even more) stunning through the Vantage 1.3.2. I must admit to originally being somewhat disappointed because of the Denon problem (and at being told to play my discs through the Component inputs)
but hey! - thats now in the past!

THANK YOU CALIBRE - I now have a product that I will enthusiastically recommend to others (...pity though, it does'nt make the tea - perhaps the next issue of firmware will address this problem - also maybe tell us how to find the elusive "with and without" screen that somehow got lost along the way!) THANK YOU CALIBRE :)

super_yo

05-29-07, 09:38 AM

hi

- in hdmi and sd 576i, the vantage posts 1440x576i in entry and not 720x576 !!
- the vantage does not manage to leave its procedure of boot when the reader of DVD (HDMI) is in day before
- Management of the different diodes with the 1.3.2 !

I hope that there will be a correction quickly.

CrazyJoe73

05-30-07, 08:31 AM

yesterday I did the update from 1.2.4A to 1.3.2.
Some bugs are fixed, but a new bug appeared:
If I activate the checkbox for the MPEG optimation, the device freezes.
After a power cycle, the Vantage HD runs, but the left green led stays dark.
If the input channel is changed, the green led switches on again.

This happens at activation and deactivation of the checkbox for the MPEG
optimation.

Calibre UK told me to check for this problem.

I also could not find the "automatic" setting for the mpeg filter.

Best regards
Johannes

super_yo

05-30-07, 08:41 AM

raneil

05-30-07, 09:21 PM

I think there may be HDMI handshake issues with the new upgrade.

Steve Richards

05-31-07, 07:52 AM

I upgraded a couple of days ago to 1.3.2

I have an original v1.0 Vantage.

Using a component connection from an S3 Tivo everything appeared to be good.

Last night I went to use Denon 3910 DVD connectied via HDMI. I noticed the picture geometry didn't quite fill the screen vertically. I went into the menu and selected the "Picture Controls" entry to change the format from normal to anamorphic. When I selected the "Picture Format" the sub menu never appeared and the unit seemed hung. The sub menu with the choices never appeared.

After several tries at this I realized if I hit the "exit" or red button on the remote the prior menu would appear. I also think that the menu would have eventually appeared but it was somehow delayed by other processing in the Vantage ?

The same behavior also happened on the "Picture Settings" menu entry.

After several attempts at each control they both finally started to work. This behavior was never observed with previous firmwares.

tomy99

06-01-07, 07:29 AM

for me to
not find the "automatic" setting for the mpeg filter and also very bugy
first was not able to turn off the vhd via remote several times and the format looks not realy right and the bad thing is, that the deinterlacing not realy 100% correct functional (they are line betweens) typical was in the previous version with set (auto) now is worst in this setting :-(

secondly i cant see realy improvments ether but im looking forward for new release

jukkaforss

06-01-07, 12:43 PM

VantageHD Firmware Version 1.3.3

The following issues have been addressed & features added in this version:

* The lockouts of serial codes, IR and key presses while in standby has been improved, and also while the unit is busy updating new input or output modes;
* Improved MPEG Filter Performance
* Improved input switching time especially when changing from an HDMI input to any non-HDMI input;
* Fixed issue where Vantage would hang with flickering green LED, after powering on with certain HDMI source equipment connected;
* Stereo Analog Audio output 'pops' and ‘clicks' now removed when switching between HDMI input channels;
* Fixed issue where HDCP protective blanking wrongly occured with some HDCP-capable displays;
* Fixed occasionally wrong horizontal picture position with Component or SVGA inputs;
* Fixed issue where non-HDMI audio would not be output to the HDMI display until an HDMI video source was plugged into the Vantage;
* Fixed issue whereby the Connection/HDCP-status LED would sometimes remain off when a non-HDMI input was selected at power-on.

The Connection/HDCP status LED (Left-most LED) now indicates the following conditions:

* OFF: No valid input signal detected;
* GREEN: Non-HDCP protected input signal detected - Non-HDCP protected input signals can be viewed at any output resolution on any display;
* AMBER: HDCP protected input signal detected - Limited Output mode - If a selected input signal is HDCP protected and the connected display is not HDCP-capable then the protected signal can only be viewed when the output resolution selection is no greater than 480 lines. Anything above will result in a HDCP protected blank indicated by an Amber/Yellow screen and status LED;
* RED: HDCP protected input signal detected – HDCP-capable Display found and authenticated with. If a selected input signal is HDCP protected and the display is HDCP compatible, the picture will be displayed correctly.

raneil

06-05-07, 06:08 AM

Steve Richards

06-05-07, 06:59 AM

Have more problems with 1.3.3 than with 1.3.2 namely I receive no video output from component when sending a high definition signal being outputted by my 2 DVR' s (LST-3410A) I did not bother to try my DVHS. I went back and forth between both firmwares in case I made some upgrade mistakes but got the same results. In 1.3.3 the only time I would get a signal through component is with a low resolution signal like 480i.

Seems 1.3.3 has been removed from the download site. I also had the same problem this morning when I updated. (After I saw it was withdrawn.)

Also, in 1.3.2 the notes said there was a feature to save the configuration to the PC. I am at a loss as how to do this, it seems like there should be another PC application or an option on the Updater that is absent...

super_yo

06-05-07, 07:02 AM

Test with version 1.3.3
No problem this time.
Beautiful work on behalf of Calibre

Beautiful image, very good fluidity.

AlanMFriedman

06-05-07, 04:35 PM

I spent 1/2 hour over the weekend updating to 1.3.3 and re-configuring the settings. I wish someone from Calibre would keep us in the loop.

Also, I couldn't figure out how to back-up the user settings. Has anyone done that? I'd like to do a backup before the next firmware release.

Thanks.
Alan

sta

06-06-07, 03:33 AM

from 1.3.2 I had problems with my PS3 connected to the HDMI input. no video at all and amber led. switching from that input to another you can see for a short time the desktop of the PS3 so I think it's a HDCP issue.

with 1.3.3 I have no video output with HD component inputs (XBOX 360) and the issue with the PS3 persist. If the new releas won't fix those problem I'll reinstall 1.2.4 tonight

the only input that works fine is the HD SDI

sta

06-06-07, 03:47 AM

Hello.

STA in this forum uses an HD-SDI input but I don't know if it is with a HD source.

Vantage HD is a very good scaler in HDMI 1080i.

I try it with a samsung blu-ray in HDMI 1080i@60 Hz to LCD HDMI 1360x768p@60 Hz and result was impressive.

A friend of mine uses vantage HD with HD-DVD E1 (european model) in HDMI 1080i@60 Hz to VP HC5000 HDMI 1080p@60 Hz and result is impressive too.

I think that HDMI is already a very good link.

regards
alex_t :)

at the moment I use only a SD source...maybe in future :p

Zanyone

06-06-07, 06:19 AM

1.3.3 was removed from the download site yesterday while the reported bugs were being sorted.

We aim to have a new update there as soon as possible and we ask you bear with us.

sta

06-06-07, 06:28 AM

1.3.3 was removed from the download site yesterday while the reported bugs were being sorted.

We aim to have a new update there as soon as possible and we ask you bear with us.

nevermind! 1.2.4 works fine ;)

sta

06-06-07, 06:33 AM

just a question.

I know that even if the VHD accetp HD signal @ 24fps, there's no intention to output at the same rate (or @ 48, 72..). I'd like to know why if possible because even if the conversion to 60 is made in a good way, the difference with pure 24 are noticeable.
thank you

super_yo

06-06-07, 07:13 AM

1.3.3 was removed from the download site yesterday while the reported bugs were being sorted.

We aim to have a new update there as soon as possible and we ask you bear with us.

Which bugs?

Thank you ;)

Zanyone

06-06-07, 08:14 AM

Unfortunately I have no information on the bugs or errors.

My role is purely updating the website and I have no involvement in the operation or the suppoty of the Vantage-HD

Please send technical questions regarding the Vantage-HD to the relevant department within Calibre

vantage-support@calibreuk.com

Once the new update is released I shall try and inform you here.

super_yo

06-06-07, 09:00 AM

jukkaforss

06-07-07, 04:00 PM

Hi all,

Does anyone have same kind of problem, which I have?
After upgrading to FW 1.3.3 I am getting problems with my projector (JVC HD1).
When changing input signal from Component or SVGA to HDMI and input signal has HDCP protected signal I am all most every time get messed up colors.
Images both failed and correct image are in attachment.

I have solved this problem with Calibre and they are saying that problem is my display device (JVC).

Funny thing is when I downgrade back to 1.2.4A, everything is working fine.

UPDATE:

When this problem is present I changed my projector HDMI color mode to YCbCr(4:4:4), after that Blu-ray player image was OK but everything else was messed up.

-Jukka-

ht-maestro

06-08-07, 12:22 PM

Hi,

is ready for downloading on the Calibre UK site the new version FW. 1.3.3B .

Link for file Download :

http://www.calibreuk.com/firmware_update.php

Bill Gaw2

06-10-07, 06:35 PM

1.3.3 B sucks too. Fed upith your poor software. On HDMI input get yellow or green screen at 1920x1080 output. Rarely picture will come on for about 20-30 seconds then goes away again. Started doing same thing today with 1.3.2. Picture fine with analog inputs and if output set to 640x480.
What gives??

paulwilliam

06-11-07, 03:22 AM

I get this too!

However, if I turn on the TV before I turn on the Vantage all is OK.

Hopefully, this is a short term interim workaround.

Regards,

Paul

raneil

06-11-07, 03:58 AM

Sherardp

06-11-07, 04:56 AM

Im in between the VHD or the DVDO VP50. Can anyone give insite on to which would work for my equipment. Im using Toshiba A1, Sony BDP S1, JVC DLA HD1 projector? Please give suggestions on which would give best PQ/SQ output, thank you

sta

06-11-07, 05:54 AM

I Still have problem with the PS3.

CrazyJoe73

06-11-07, 06:06 AM

Yesterday I installed the update (before I had the 1.3.3A).
Until now I did not find bugs.

I tried my whole equipment:
XBox (component 576i + 1080i)
XBox 360 (720p, 1080i)
Homecast HS5101 HDTV Sat Receiver via HDMI
Topfield TF5500 (RGBS 576i)
Denon 1700 DVD (S-Video) has an SDI-Output also, but I am still waiting for the dual HD-SDI input module for the Vantage HD

Output:
Sagem HD DS45S G4 Rear projection TV (720p)
Onkyo TX-SR702E AV-Receiver

At the moment everything seams to be fine.
I hope to get some setup-backup software soon. Its annoying to input the setup every time after installing new firmware.

The only problem I have, is that there are not enough inputs to connect all at the same time... especially the Toslinks

Regards
Joe

Bill Gaw2

06-11-07, 10:14 AM

Have reinstalled 1.2.4 and is working fine without the yellow screen of death. Unhappily, it doesn't have the proper gamma settings for a CRT projector as it's missing 1.1. Also, the picture doesn't aPPEAR to be as sharp and clean as 1.3.2 when it was working.

sta

06-11-07, 10:27 AM

. Also, the picture doesn't aPPEAR to be as sharp and clean as 1.3.2 when it was working.

that is the rason why I decided to keep the last version, but I can't watch bluray in that way

faterikcartman

06-11-07, 04:55 PM

I think the blame is being misdirected. This is more to blame Silicon Optix and the Realta chip. I'm sure Calibre realizes they incurred a headache now by using a much touted but unproven chip. Silicon Optix is no Intel.

Well said.

I am going to have to stick up for Vantage here as well and ask how many companies offer this many and as regular software updates? Practically zero. Most would have left it as-is and placated the masses with vague musings of "we're working on it."

These pieces of equipment, for any but the most generic of components and screen sizes, are better considered "enthusiasts" kit, rather than off the shelf ready to go gear.

Jason Yeo

06-11-07, 11:39 PM

I get this too!

However, if I turn on the TV before I turn on the Vantage all is OK.

Hopefully, this is a short term interim workaround.

Regards,

Paul

I also have this problem for 1.3x firmware . The only (correct)way is to on the display , follow by vantage and must select the correct hdmi input first on vantage, then the hd/blu ray player .

tomy99

06-23-07, 06:56 AM

is aviable

infos direct from the homepage

VantageHD Firmware Version 1.3.3C

NEW FEATURES
- NEW UPDATER: In addition to updating firmware, the user can now save and reload their favorite settings with ease. Additionally you can save and manage multiple configuration files that can be reloaded to the VantageHD within a few mouse button clicks.

Known Issues

* After powering up, with Video or S-Video selected as your main channel input. If enabling a HDMI PIP, the color-space of the main input may be incorrect indicated by a purple hue to the image.

> Reselecting the main input will fix this.

* When changing channels with a PIP enabled the PIP can become confused as to which input channel it is supposed to be using.

-> Reselecting the PIP input will fix this.

Bill Gaw2

06-23-07, 08:55 AM

sta

06-25-07, 03:28 AM

Does it fix the "yellow screen of death" with HDMI? 1.24 is still working fine but when I reload 1.3.3B I get an image for a couple of seconds followed by a yellow screen until I switch inputs when the noremal screen pops up for a couple of seconds during the switch.

Bill

with 1.3.3C I still have problems with the PS3 (the screen is cyan). I had to reload 1.2.4 that is the last version working with the PS3.

Bill Gaw2

06-25-07, 09:54 AM

Newest version working perfec tly with my system. No more problem with HDMI. Thansk.

Bill Gaw

bpgreen20

06-25-07, 10:05 AM

I'm not sure if this is related to firmware or not. It didn't start immediately after I updated the firmware so I think probably not. After about 10 minutes watching tv with the vantage it shuts down and the two red lights alternately blink. I can turn it back on but when I do the picture quality is significantly degraded and it will shut down again after a few minutes. Any suggestions?

Brian

(Calibre support just responded. They think it's a heat problem and have sent me a new fan kit.)

PedroV

06-25-07, 11:21 AM

SDI inputs are not working on my unit with 1.3.3C or any other 1.3x firmware version.
Must revert back to 1.2.4A to get them to work.

alex_t

06-26-07, 06:13 AM

with 1.3.3C I still have problems with the PS3 (the screen is cyan). I had to reload 1.2.4 that is the last version working with the PS3.

Here a note for PS3 user : http://www.calibreuk.com/Vantage_manual.htm

In this note calibre says : "At this time Vantage-HD cannot output 1080p at 24Hz. This feature will likely be implemented in a future firmware revision."

:cool:

sta

06-26-07, 12:01 PM

Here a note for PS3 user : http://www.calibreuk.com/Vantage_manual.htm

In this note calibre says : "At this time Vantage-HD cannot output 1080p at 24Hz. This feature will likely be implemented in a future firmware revision."

:cool:

thank you Alex, but unfortunately it doesn't work. it's quite strange. finally I decided to connect directly the PS3 to the Sony Pearl, in order to use the 24fps output of the PS3 (that is converted to 96 by the Pearl).

if I'm not wrong the 24HZ pass through will be implemented in the new HDMI 1.3 input available later this year

Aylwin

07-08-07, 07:59 AM

Aylwin

07-09-07, 03:08 AM

My previously Video Processor was a Cinemateq POP II SDI and with the Sharp I did not have any stuttering working @50HZ.
The Cinemateq is another option I'm considering. Why did you exchange it for a VHD instead? Is the VHD much better than the POP II? Could you give me a short explanation about your experience with the 2 processors?

jeff_tyrrill

07-09-07, 03:39 AM

Hi,

I'm currently trying to decide between the Vantage HD and the DVDO VP20/VP30. I'm leaning more towards the VHD except that I'll need to connect a Wii to it. How bad really is the lag time on the VHD? Will it render my Wii unplayable? Or does it depend on the game? The VP20/VP30 has a game mode so am I better off with that instead?
Yes, you're absolutely better off with the VP20/30. In fact, those two will actually be better than the VP50, until DVDO releases a firmware update for the VP50 to allow reducing the delay for progressive inputs, as they have stated they will.

Aylwin

07-09-07, 03:48 AM

Yes, you're absolutely better off with the VP20/30. In fact, those two will actually be better than the VP50, until DVDO releases a firmware update for the VP50 to allow reducing the delay for progressive inputs, as they have stated they will.
Great! Thanks for the reply! I've been trying to sift through the information here these past few days. But there's too much technical information for me. I just want a box I can easily plug everything into and it works. I don't want to worry about different codecs, frame rates, processing methods, etc. :D

jeff_tyrrill

07-09-07, 04:02 AM

I just want a box I can easily plug everything into and it works. I don't want to worry about different codecs, frame rates, processing methods, etc. :D
Unfortunately, I don't think that's really possible with the current state of things. :( And that's whether or not you own a video processor.

sta

07-09-07, 06:02 AM

The Cinemateq is another option I'm considering. Why did you exchange it for a VHD instead? Is the VHD much better than the POP II? Could you give me a short explanation about your experience with the 2 processors?

Cinemateq has been sold to another company (don't remeber the name at the moment)

by the way the difference between the two processor is great. POP II has a 8 bit chip and VHD has a 10 bit one.
the problems I had with stuttering have been solved changeing unit. with a SDI source + the VHD you can forget the meaning of "artefact"

TomHuffman

07-09-07, 11:14 AM

I'm currently trying to decide between the Vantage HD and the DVDO VP20/VP30.Neither of these DVDO processors offer full-featured deinterlacing (film or video) for HD sources.

cR4p

07-11-07, 07:16 AM

I'm wondering if any of you guys have problems with the noise level of your Vantage-HD, mine is really really loud, when switch off i can hear the fan from the kitchen which is in an other room an like 6-8 meters away, everytime friends come to my place and we have a drink in the living room they ask about the noise and why the damn thing is so loud even when switched off.

I truley love the job the scaler is doing but the noise is really ruining it, my girlfriend has to go to another room to read a book because the constant bzzzzz gets way to annoying.

I already contacted Calibre twice and they were always helpfull and sent me 2 new fans already which are suppose to be new design (they look completly identical to me) and it reduced the noise for some time but the week after its back again.

I'm wondering waht i should do, my warranty expire in september and I'm planning on keeping the unit for many years so should i sent it to calibre, any of you suffering from the noise too, help pls.

paulwilliam

07-11-07, 07:57 AM

I replaced the fan in the unit with an Akasa fan AK-160 BL-S and it is much quieter.

See Page 29 of this thread for more information about changing fans.

However, note that the fan in the Calibre is now a 5 volt fan. The Akasa is 12 volt fan and will not work in the power connection where the 5V Titan fan is connected. I tried the spare connection at the front to the right hand side and it worked!

I hope this helps.

Thanks

Paul

Bill Gaw2

07-11-07, 11:41 AM

If you write Calibre, they'll send you a replacement fan. This is a known problem. My replacement has been in for about six months and still relatively quiet.

Bill

PedroV

07-11-07, 02:13 PM

Paul,

Could you please help me localize the spare 12V connection you used on the attached photos (which I hope will show).
The connector used on page 29 does not exist on my Vantage board.

Thanks.

paulwilliam

07-12-07, 03:37 AM

I cannot see it on your pictures - maybe the spec has changed or I cannot see it on your photo.

Basically, follow the fan to the opposite side to where the HDMI connections reside. With that non-HDMI side nearest you go to the right a few centimetres and slightly forward.

I basically tried the fan in all of the spare connectors until I found one that worked!

Good luck!

PedroV

07-12-07, 03:54 AM

Thanks Paul.

I will try the other connectors and see if one works.

It's unfortunate if they removed the 12v connections from the board because it will narrow down the choice of replacement fans considerably.

I don't know why they didn't used a larger heath sink with a larger but slower fan.
Those little 40mm fans will always have to run at high RPMs and thus make noise in order to provide some cooling.

Btw, the small rectangular board you can see in the photo on top of the motherboard is the two input SDI board.

paulwilliam

07-12-07, 07:12 AM

I wish I had realised that there was a 12V option much earlier, as I had ordered alternative 5V fans and they were not suitable. Eventually, I asked Akasa how I could make their 12V fan work with a 5V connection, and they said to look for a spare 12V connection and luckily I found one!

I want to keep my Vantage for a long time as the processing power / performance is excellent and I have managed to get the fan noise to be very low.

The only other VP that may possibly meet my requirements is the Lumagen Radiance and it is fan-less! However it costs £2,800 in the UK and is therefore is definitely not an option for me! Lumagen may bring out a scaled down version of the Radiance (in terms of connections) and it may then be an economic option.

It would be great if Calibre were to bring out a new, improved and fan-less VP and allowed you to trade in your old model!

PedroV

07-12-07, 12:52 PM

It would be great if Calibre were to bring out a new, improved and fan-less VP and allowed you to trade in your old model!
I second that. :)

The Realta chip is great with its enhancement and NR features. Deinterlacing is not bad either.

raneil

07-13-07, 03:02 AM

The Realta chip needs to be kept cool so I don't see how you can make the unit fanless.

sta

07-13-07, 03:23 AM

The Realta chip needs to be kept cool so I don't see how you can make the unit fanless.

maybe with a bigger radiator

PedroV

07-13-07, 03:49 AM

The Denon 5910 has the same Realta chip and does not have a fan, just a big heath sink.
I have one and it doesn't get more than warm to the touch. In standby the Realta inside the Denon stays cool like the rest of the player.

If you look at the transformer supplied with the Vantage it's rated at 30W max so the Realta chip can't drain all that much power.

paulwilliam

07-13-07, 07:03 AM

I wonder what the consequences are of disconnecting the fan.

Would the chip fail?

sta

07-13-07, 10:48 AM

I wonder what the consequences are of disconnecting the fan.

Would the chip fail?

if I'm not wrong, one of the oldest FW announced an active control on the heat of the Realta. it'll be interesting if anyone from Calibre could tell us if a passive heat sink will be sufficient and what should b ethe radiating surface.

Jason Yeo

07-17-07, 10:20 PM

with 1.3.3C I still have problems with the PS3 (the screen is cyan). I had to reload 1.2.4 that is the last version working with the PS3.

Me too, the 1.3.3C did not solve the purple hue problem . Have to reselect the channel to get it correct .

Bill Gaw2

07-31-07, 12:05 PM

1.3.3c giving problems again. Yelow screen with HDMI input coming up three times out of four. Picture comes up, then after about three seconds stutters turns black then turns all yellow. Any remedy?

alex_t

08-02-07, 03:30 AM

Hello

I use 133C and I found this version very very good for video.

On the other hand, vantage audio management is bad.

When I plug the tosh Hd-dvd XE1 in HDMI at 1080i with audio in SPDIF (coax or fiber with 5.1), the vantage hd produces a lot of bad bad noise. I can only use audio from HDMI (2 channels) or analog stereo input.

In SD, I use OPPO 970HD in HDMI at 480i/576i. Audio input comes from SPDIF and there is no problem (sometimes I can hear bad noise during 1s when I use menu DVD option : language configuration, chapter selection, and so on)

Best regards
alex_t :)

Bamelin

08-02-07, 02:55 PM

Lots of intersting thoughts in this thread

Bill Gaw2

08-06-07, 08:38 AM

Plaqce the new Moome HDMI input card on my Marquee projector and the yellow screen problem has vanished, so it was probably a mismatch between the Vantage and the old card.
On the other hand still cannot get my Sony Vaio Media Center computer to recognize the card. Is there any way of getting the Vantage to be the receiver for the Sony rather than just thwe way staion for the projector?

Bill

LJG

08-06-07, 08:50 AM

Question for the Vantage owners:

When running 1080P24 Direct from Blu-Ray into the vantage and outputting 1080P60 does the Vantage turn off all HQV processing?

I just ran the same through my Theatersync and when inputing 1080p24 Direct the Theatersync shuts off all HQV processing so I am wondering if this is a limit of the chip or the Theatersync design ( Whitehorse platform)

restard

08-07-07, 11:07 AM

lol

Sherardp

08-08-07, 02:55 AM

Is anyone using the Vantage HD with an additional HDMI switcher to gain more more HDMI inputs. I was wondering if I could add a switcher being that the Vantage only has 2 inputs.

mgoldsmith

08-08-07, 07:08 AM

Is anyone using the Vantage HD with an additional HDMI switcher to gain more more HDMI inputs. I was wondering if I could add a switcher being that the Vantage only has 2 inputs.

I have a switch plugged in on one of my hdmi inputs. a Blu-ray player at 1080i and a PC at 720p. The great thing with the vantage is that for each input you can store separate settings for each resolution so as soon as i switch devices the corresponding settings are automatically applied.

Matt.G

mgoldsmith

08-08-07, 07:12 AM

I installed firmware 1.3.3.C last night and much to my horror, noticed that the aspect called "2.35 mode" is completely disabled!

Up until the last firmware it always worked, seeing as it was included to allow CIH users to vertically stretch 2.35:1 material coming in at ANY resolution. But now you can't even select it from the menu.

I've dropped an email to Calibre, but thought i'd mention it here in case others have experienced it (or not), and as a warning to fellow CIH'ers

thanks

Matt.G

alex_t

08-08-07, 08:12 AM

alex_t

08-08-07, 08:17 AM

Is anyone using the Vantage HD with an additional HDMI switcher to gain more more HDMI inputs. I was wondering if I could add a switcher being that the Vantage only has 2 inputs.

Before the end of this year, calibre will propose an additional card (a daughter card) to plug in vantage HD with 2 additional HDMI inputs in version 1.3. Moreover this daughter card will allow to change actual HDMI output, which is version 1.1, in HDMI v1.3:cool: .

Bill Gaw2

08-08-07, 10:17 AM

Using a switcher from DVDO, http://www.ecost.com/detail.aspx?edp=34101281&adcampaign=email,EWB022607AT2 . Works well with theVantage, but you do lose the advantage ofr the Vantage's multiple controls. Have been waiting for the HSMI card from Calibre for close to 18 months. Don't hold your breath. It will also probably be much more expensive than this switcher which was actually developed from the designer of the HDMI standard.

Bill

Sherardp

08-09-07, 01:09 AM

mgoldsmith

08-09-07, 08:29 AM

Sherardp

08-09-07, 06:17 PM

Thats a good idea, I never thought about that. Sounds good, do you get any kind of video/audio lag with your setup like this. I'll be pairing the Vantage HD with the JVC HD1. Thanks for the help.

jukkaforss

08-10-07, 11:08 AM

Guys,
I need some assistance.
I need to how to connect these devices to the Vantage HD scaler, then on to the Sony7100ES for audio processing then on the JVC HC1 projector, all via HDMI
This is my first time trying out a scaler, so I want to get this right. Im hoping the Vantage HD will still pass on LPCM audio via HDMI. My sources that I want to connect are a Toshiba A1, Sony BDP S1, SOny Digital Cable receiver via S-video, and Xbox 360 regular version not the Elite. So what I guess I am asking here, is how do I install the thing?

Hi,

I asked same question from Calibre support and they gave me this answer.

In answer to your question, no and you are attempting to do things the wrong way. After the HDMI1.3 input module is released shortly the Vantage-HD will be able to receive incoming compressed lossless bitstreams for Dolby True-HD and DTS-HD Master Audio from a HDMI1.3 source. It will be able to transmit the bitstreams with video sync correction on to the receiver via the SPDIF or Toslink output. Newer receivers may be able to decode the bitstreams but some older models may be unable to cope with the increased bandwidth and could downmix the soundtracks into legacy 5.1 and 6.1 Dolby/DTS formats. This could potentially be ideal for a lot of users as they get the benefit of the higher quality sound without having to upgrade their receiver, and they can use the HDMI to their display.

We will also add support to Vantage-HD for LPCM 7.1 around the same time. What this means is that your source can use its own decoders to convert the compressed DTHD and DTSHD soundtracks into an uncompressed LPCM 7.1 soundtrack (which does not have to be HDMI1.3 and is considered the best option for Blu-ray as certain components of the audio to do with the interactive elements may be lost if output as a bitstream). Vantage-HD will be able to output this with video sync correction via HDMI1.1. You can then use a receiver with HDMI audio and a video pass through to the display or possibly a switcher if it is compatible. What we CAN NOT do is output DTHD or DTSHD bitstreams from the Vantage-HD HDMI1.1 output. You have to understand that the compressed lossless formats are no better quality than LPCM 7.1 which has been supported up to 192Khz since the first release of HDMI. Most BD Video discs contain uncompressed LPCM 7.1 soundtracks as BD has more capacity. This is why DTHD appears more in HD-DVD.

In a future update we may be able to convert incoming DTHD or DTSHD bitstreams from a Vantage-HD fitted with the expansion module into LPCM 7.1 which may be useful for HDMI1.3 HD-DVD players but this is still something that hasn't even started development yet and may never do so. It might depend on the winner of the format war?

I also asked if SPDIF can handle these bitstrems and they answer me next:

This information on Wikipedia is true to some extent but the point regarding the SPDIF and Toslink capability is just plain wrong. The reality is that SPDIF and Toslink can handle the bit-rate and we CAN transmit a DTHD/DTSHD bitstream from the Vantage-HD SPDIF or Toslink. The quality is exactly the same 24-bit/96Khz signal. In fact it is quite easy to do.

You might need to have the HDMI1.3 input board fitted to Vantage-HD to actually receive the signal in the first place because some HD-DVD players etc. may automatically transcode a DTHD or DTSHD bitstream into a legacy format if you tell it to output audio over the SPDIF or Toslink connection rather than its HDMI1.3 connection. It also depends on the receiver, whether it can actually decode it or not. Older 5.1 or 6.1 models will not decode obviously and will downmix but new 7.1 models with built in DTHD and DTSHD decoders may accept it via their SPDIF or Toslink in addition to their HDMI1.3 inputs. That is in the hands of the receiver manufacturers and it remains to be seen how this is implemented. I think confusion lies in the fact that HDMI1.1 and 1.2 did not have the ability and SPDIF and Toslink have been labelled as 'old technology' and the simplicity of HDMI's single cable is a benefit to them as they can try to lock you into using their product for video and audio processing. Obviously it can be a drawback to users of external video processors. As things progress and we also move to HDMI1.3 outputs on our products this will open up compatibility I'm sure but right now what we are doing with the HDMI1.3 input module and firmware is giving practical options to existing Vantage-HD owners in this area.

Does anyone know if any receiver is supporting HD bitstreams over SPDIF function.

-Jukka-

Thomas

08-10-07, 11:49 AM

Hi,

There is none - und i think there will never be one.

Converting a HD Audio Signal to Toslink or Coax is IMHO nonsense becouse there will be no receiver who will accept HD Audio via Toslink/Coax and in my opinion i don´t think that this is really possilble.

And i don´t trust on the release of the 1.3 board until i have it in my own hands.

At the moment - without any 24p output support - the vantage is a no go.

Take care
Thomas

Zanyone

08-10-07, 12:08 PM

Hi everyone,

The HDMI Expansion board is set for release later this year, around the beginning of Quarter 4.

It will be displayed at the up and coming Cedia show, in Denver, Colorado, Booth 974.

The comments above from Thomas are not what we would expect from a Distributor of the Vantage-HD, we feel this is due to us not answering his questions in the way he hoped.

24p input is available and always has been. Currently the output is only at 50-60Hz which although we are checking and testing the option for 48Hz output, it is currently only available on our professional grade products The PremierViewPro-HD.

We do not have a confirmed date for the release of this, but we are working on its release.

Calibre UK Ltd

faterikcartman

08-10-07, 04:06 PM

Interestingly, after upgrading to the latest firmware instal my toslink audio output failed (gradually (it could be reactivated by turning off and on the Vantage)) and I had to switch to digital coax.

alex_t

08-13-07, 05:13 AM

Zanyone

08-13-07, 06:26 AM

Hi Alex,

I am afraid I cannot answer any direct questions in regards to the Vantage, it is not my product line.

Please contact our Vantage Sales Rep at Calibre (vantage@calibreuk.com)

Zanyone

08-15-07, 08:57 AM

Our Latest Firmware Version 1.3.4B can now be downloaded from the Calibre Website

The following issues have been addressed & features added in this version:

Switching between different input channels and different modes has been cleaned up;
HDMI operation has been improved so that HDCP negotiation will often be quicker and also compatibility with certain players and display devices has been improved;
PIP now clears properly when disabled;
Some combinations of input formats that previously caused PIP to flicker now work properly;
PIP sizing is now much more consistent;
Flicking through input channels no longer causes the choice of PIP input channel to be lost when an input is displayed for which the current PIP source is not valid;
There is now a PIP Size dialog box available from the PIP menu in the OSD;
1080p at 60Hz is now recognized on the SVGA input channel;
Added DTS audio support;
Audio muting and un-muting over channel is skipped if both old and new video channels have the same audio channel assignment;
Handling of interlaced PAL and NTSC over HDMI is improved.

http://www.calibreuk.com/firmware_update.php

alex_t

08-15-07, 10:34 AM

Thank you calibre for your regular firmware update.

1080p@60 Hz is added for the PC input, it is a very good thing but what about support of 1080i@60 Hz ?

"Added DTS audio support" : could you explain this please ?

Thank you.

Regards

Mercer

08-18-07, 06:53 AM

Am I correct in assuming the Vantage HD box can not be used via the VGA output if connected to a HDMI HDCP enabled device?

I've tested it, and so far I've only gotten white background unless I've reset the resolution to 640x480.. Which is not very HD.. :-(

ALanJay

08-18-07, 05:59 PM

That is correct it is a function of the requirement of HDCP security :(

sta

08-21-07, 06:59 PM

Our Latest Firmware Version 1.3.4B can now be downloaded from the Calibre Website

The following issues have been addressed & features added in this version:

HDMI operation has been improved so that HDCP negotiation will often be quicker and also compatibility with certain players and display devices has been improved;
http://www.calibreuk.com/firmware_update.php

unfortunately the HDCP issues with the PS3 has not yet been solved! I've still to run 1.2.4A to have the possibility to connect the console to the Vantage......:(

sta

08-24-07, 08:50 PM

the issue I have with the PS3 maybe related to the cable.

new FW 1.3.4D that fixes some minor bugs

sta

08-28-07, 04:12 AM

Finally I solved the problem!

bad connection with my HDMI cable. pin 15.....

ht-maestro

08-28-07, 12:50 PM

Hi Sta ,
i'm happy that finally you have resolved your HDMI issue with PS3 and the Vantage Hd.

jellico

09-01-07, 07:16 PM

The fan in my Vantage HD started making a lot of noise. What a racket!
Something had to be done, and so I faced the following choices:

A) Replace the Vantage HD (but I don't wanna, 'cause I like da picture!)
B) Get Calibre to send me a replacement fan. I emailed then but got no response. I'm not sure why. :o
C) Find my own replacement fan, one the fits the existing heat sink. There are some earlier replies that do a great job explaining how to do that.
D) Replace the entire cooling solution with a different one.

After looking at the many cooling solutions available for computer graphics
cards, I decided on plan D. I'm an EE, so I wasn't afraid to pull the main
board out of the Vantage HD after taking the appropriate anti-static
precautions (I have a workbench with an anti-static mat, air ionizer, and
conductive wrist straps) :)

I chose a Zalman VF700-Cu fan+heatsink. I had to machine new mounting
hardware from a small sheet of tempered aluminum plate I had laying around from a previous project.

I created a system that gently clamps the heatsink to the Realta chip.
Attached is view from the top (sorry, but that's the only picture I took,
and the Vantage is now installed in my equipment rack). I also have a
bar running across the back side (with appropriate Kapton insulation and
rigid foam (pressure control) separating the bar from the surface-mounted
resistors that lie below the Realta chip.) A dab of heat-sink compound and
I was in business!

Nice and quiet, and the Realta runs very cool. With all those Cu fins on
the Zalman, I probably don't even need the fan any more :p

BTW: This has been a great thread, I've learned so much!

Jellico

rplotkin

09-02-07, 10:27 AM

wow, that's awesome. I had the same issue (noisy, then fan completely dead and unit shuts itself off), and they sent a replacement fan, and it runs fine. But if I had your skillz, I would've tried that instead. :)

PedroV

09-02-07, 12:21 PM

Very nice work Jellico. Congrats :)

I have also been thinking about changing my noisy fan but unfortunately my unit doesn't have that 12V fan header any more. I only have a 5V header so my choice of fans narrows down considerably.
Lately I've been thinking about using a 12v fan connected to the outside to an AC/DC 12V transformer. Not so elegant I know but would also work. I could even use one of those multi voltage units allowing me to regulate the speed/noise of the fan.

Anyway right now I can't try anything.
Had to send my unit back to Vantage UK because of SDI problems with the latest firmwares. Been waiting for fifteen days already. :(

PedroV

09-02-07, 12:50 PM

Calibre officially announced the new HDMI 1.3 expansion board for the Vantage It's supposed to be shown at CEDIA.
The board will have two inputs (fully 1.3 compliant) and can be seen here:
www.calibreuk.com/images/hires/hdmi13-board.jpg

Don't know if new input board will make the HDMI output also 1.3 compliant but don't think so.

MSRP is $799 which is a little steep IMHO.

PedroV

09-02-07, 01:00 PM

Just posted a picture of the passive cooler (no fans :)) for the new Vantage HD2.

Here is the link: http://www.calibreuk.com/images/hires/passive-cooler.jpg

I wonder if it would be possible to use it on the Vantage I.

Since my unit is at Calibre UK right now, I guess I'll ask them.:)

After all, heat dissipation should be similar since both units use the same chip.

tomy99

09-03-07, 01:36 PM

please give me a feedback about fanless version for the hd I

im realy disapointet about that, i have my second fan and starts again this horrible noise. thats would be realy great do change in fanless.

i wont pay another one only for the fan and turn off problem since beginning.

TorAtle

09-03-07, 09:35 PM

What's the deal with the new Vantage 2? I read through the release document and about the only thing I found improved was 24p support, which I really hope they will add to our Vantages as well...

About the HDMI board - $800 is really really too much. I'd say it would have been ok-ish for 4 inputs, but not 2. Add the fact that the Vantage still won't output 24p and still have no game mode, and I'd much rather put that $800 towards a new HDMI-equipped surround receiver and connect my gaming consoles on that. Hate to sound negative but this is how I feel.

The fanless cooler was pretty funny looking, and (while not being an expert on the subject) it looks pretty inefficient too. However if that one is sufficient, there must be at least some suitable 3rd party heatsinks for graphics card. I'll have a look.

TorAtle

09-04-07, 07:42 PM

I opened up the Vantage today to have a peek at the cooler being used. While it may not actually be a standard chipset cooler (found on motherboards on computers), it seems to have the same mounting points. As a test I dug out an old ABITchipset cooler I had lying around - fitted like a charm with no modifications. Now this cooler uses the same size fan as the standard Vantage one and as such it's no improvement.

After 30 minutes with Discovery HD the heatsink gets pretty hot, but I can still hold my fingers on it.

The latest firmware has overheat protection and because of this we're free to try out some fanless designs without any chance of damaging the chip. As I said in my last reply the heatsink in Vantage 2 doesn't seem to be that efficient, most coolers have way more surface area.

The chip measures 27x27mm and the 2 mounting points on the diagonal are 59mm apart. There's also quite a lot of space on the board for a larger heatsink, so I'll try to find one that is readily available and will fit without any modifications.

To be continued...

PedroV

09-04-07, 07:58 PM

TorAtle,

From your picture you seem to be using the 5V header connected to the fan.
Be careful with the fan RPMs you get because usually PC fans are set for 12V and if connected to 5V will turn much slower or not at all.

You can see a picture of both 5 and 12V headers here: http://www.calibreuk.com/documents/faninstructions.pdf

Unfortunately my Vantage only has the 5V header.

Nice picture of the Vantage motherboard :)

TorAtle

09-04-07, 08:19 PM

Ah, that's why I had to give it a little push to get it started - I just thought the cooler was past its prime :) Thanks for the tip. But even with 5V it seems up to the job.

Something like this may work:
http://www.microplex.no/product.aspx?pid=ZMNBF47&mcat=c181

I think I'd rather have one made of copper though.

TorAtle

09-05-07, 02:07 PM

Jellico and all,

I have now installed a NorthQ 3850A. It's a twin brother of the Zalman VF-700 that Jellico used, so the installation looks the same. However I have opted not to let the fan run.

After 45 minutes with Discovery HD I can still hold my fingertips on the fins, but only just. Ambient temp is 25 degrees C and the top cover is off.

I will continue to let it run this evening and see how things goes. Does anyone know...
a) at what temp such chips will become unstable? 90 degrees C or thereabout?
b) at what temp you no longer can hold your fingertips on something over time?

Btw, installation was a snap. Did not have to fabricate anything.

Calibre is of course welcome to comment on this, although I suspect they will not encourage these modifications... :)

PedroV

09-05-07, 02:29 PM

TorAtle,

Don't know the answers to your questions but apparently the chip has some kind of overheat protection built in.
According to Calibre here is one of the changes they made in the last firmware:
"Overheat shutdown temperatures increased to allow more operating temperature headroom in hot environments."

Anyway I would prefer to use it with fan, if silent.
The Denon 5910 DVD player has the same chip and uses no fan but the top cover has very big openings above the heathsink to let hot air move out.

On the other hand Calibre is now using a fanless solution (Vantage HD2) in the same case with the same chip in it.

TorAtle

09-05-07, 02:36 PM

On the other hand Calibre is now using a fanless solution (Vantage HD2) in the same case with the same chip in it.
Yes, and the Zalman/NorthQ heatsink looks much more effective than the one Calibre uses.

We'll see how it goes. Fingers crossed..

TorAtle

09-06-07, 06:58 PM

So far so good. I've run the fanless VantageHD for two 4-hour passes chewing HD-content with no issues. The case gets warm but not overly so.

Can't say I miss the noise and rattle :)

Here's some photos I took before I put the cover back on.

PedroV

09-06-07, 07:19 PM

TorAtle,

Can't say I miss the noise and rattleWhat a relief it must be :)

Thanks for the photos.
Very nice and clean work.

You seem to be using screws with stand-offs to fix the cooler to the board.
Did those came included in the cooler package?

alex_t

09-07-07, 08:04 AM

Hello.

I have an OPPO 970HD (dvd player) ( firmware is 05.00.01.07 Batch: 4A-0111 which is the latest official version )

When I use it with 134D vantage hd firmware, the picture has a lot of noise (green an purple dot) in HDMI (576i).

When I use it with 133C vantage hd firmware, the picture is very good.

Does somebody have the same problem (or an idea to solve it) ?

:confused: :(

TorAtle

09-07-07, 12:47 PM

You seem to be using screws with stand-offs to fix the cooler to the board.
Did those came included in the cooler package?
Everything was included, although I didn't follow the instructions to the dot. One thing worth mentioning is that the heatsink only covers 99+% of the Realta chip. The 4 corners are poking out a tiny tiny bit. I'm not too concerned, but if you are then the heatsink must be rotated 45 degrees clockwise (relative to the first photo). You will then have to make some mounting adapters.

If you would like to retain the cooling fan for peace of mind I would go for the Zalman version. It uses a better fan. The NorthQ fan in the slowest setting (using the included rheostat) makes a slight floppety-floppety sound.

Long term usage will determine if the mod was successful or not. If Calibre is willing to sell the new passive heatsink then that is a good option.

PedroV

09-07-07, 01:07 PM

TorAtle,

Thanks for your explanation. :)

On a French forum, (link with photo below) there was someone who replaced the cooler but kept using the fan (a better one not the original) moving it to the rear fan opening, blowing the hot air out of the case.

Link: http://www.homecinema-fr.com/forum/download.php?id=40810

The original vs the replacement cooler compaired: http://www.homecinema-fr.com/forum/download.php?id=40808

TorAtle

09-07-07, 01:21 PM

Pedro, that replacement heatsink looks very much like the best northbridge passive coolers you can buy. I think it's pretty safe to say that the Zalman/NorthQ outperforms it easily.

PedroV

09-07-07, 02:15 PM

You're right TorAtle, yours looks more efficient.
Heat dissipation area is much bigger.

sta

09-11-07, 06:45 AM

hi guys, some days ago I substituted the original fan with a heatsink from Zalman, that's my modded VHD.
I run it for several hours and the VHD never failed. the temperature is quite high but if we compare the heatsink of the new VHD II, surely the Zalman is better.
I can say the the mod is very simple, you must use only precautions in handling the heatsink and in wearing antistatic bracialets.
http://www.avmagazine.it/forum/showthread.php?t=51870&page=22&highlight=calibre+vantage

TorAtle

09-11-07, 06:58 AM

Interesting! That's the northbridge heatsink I mentioned earlier in the thread. It weighs <60g while the Zalman/NorthQ VGA cooler is much heavier, around 250g I think.

Let ut know how it goes.

ALanJay

09-11-07, 07:58 AM

Back onto the software side of things anyone know why the latest releases no longer have the flexwide option for the various zoom options.

Personally it is a shame they don't have at least two zoom options (one for 16x9 in a 4x3 window and one for 14x9 in a 4x3 window as created by a number of UK broadcasters as a solution/compromise for showing 16x9 material on a 4x3 channel.

sta

09-11-07, 08:23 AM

Interesting! That's the northbridge heatsink I mentioned earlier in the thread. It weighs <60g while the Zalman/NorthQ VGA cooler is much heavier, around 250g I think.

Let ut know how it goes.

yes it is. the contact surface of the realta chip is perfect for the Zalman heatsink and the small adjustable brackets match perfectly the holes on the VHD board. consider the I put the VHD on a shelve that is perimetrally closed and not so much ventilated, at the moment I had no switch off for the Chip overheating.

alex_t

09-13-07, 07:00 AM

Hello.

I use v134D with 576i HDMI input ( oppo 970hd or pio 490) and I have a lot of issues.

Have you tried v134D with this resolution and what is your feedback please ?

Regards
alex_t

sta

09-13-07, 11:11 AM

alex, which kind of issues?

alex_t

09-13-07, 12:03 PM

alex, which kind of issues?

Hello STA :)

With oppo 970hd : very bad picture. A lot of noise. Only in hdmi 576i.

With pioneer 490 : picture is good but it is very difficult to set the parameters. For instance MPEG filter can not be deactivated nor set to a value different that default value.

It is really strange because issues depend on dvd player and exist only in 576i HDMI.

With 133C firmware, vantage works fine in all resolution and whatever dvd player.

Thank you.

regards
alex_t

PedroV

09-13-07, 07:58 PM

I have read some interesting news on the French HT forum (link below):

Apparently there will be some kind of upgrade program for the Vantage HD1 to allow 1080p24.
Unfortunately this upgrade will not be free and the Vantage will have to be returned to the factory.
I think and I'm guessing/hoping here that after the upgrade the Vantage will be turned into a full spec Vantage HD2 without the fan.
The outside case will be maintained.
The SDI and the HDMI add on cards will still work on the HD2 and upgraded HD1 (I'm not guessing here, I asked)
Price for this upgrade is not yet known (most likely by the end of the month), but with shipping both ways and all........

I don't know exactly what they will change at the factory but it appears clear that the HD1 will not be able to output 1080p24 without some kind of hardware mod.
Firmware upgrade alone will not be enough.

http://www.homecinema-fr.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=29833586&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=1080