Calibre announces that VHD I can be modified and converted to VHD II (fanless, 24p and Blu ray new algorithm) for about 600 euros in Italy

"Blueray algorithm" sounds a lot like bull to me...

Anyway, I have some news on the game mode. There won't be one :(, at least not this year. The reason I got is that the picture from legacy 480p consoles will not look pretty.

Hi Folks, I'm still running firmware 1.2.4A on my VHD. Is it true that there is some improvement in video quality with 1.3.2 onwards? Of all the 1.3.X firmware, which version is most recommended, stable? Is it 1.3.3C?

I have the following connected to my VHD:

HD set top box via HDMI, 1080i for HD and 576i for SD material
Oppodigital 971HD via DVI->HDMI, 720p input seems best
LG PVR via component, 480i input

Output is 1080p to a 47inch 1080P LCDTV

thanks

Hi Folks, I'm still running firmware 1.2.4A on my VHD. Is it true that there is some improvement in video quality with 1.3.2 onwards? Of all the 1.3.X firmware, which version is most recommended, stable? Is it 1.3.3C?

I have the following connected to my VHD:

HD set top box via HDMI, 1080i for HD and 576i for SD material
Oppodigital 971HD via DVI->HDMI, 720p input seems best
LG PVR via component, 480i input

Output is 1080p to a 47inch 1080P LCDTV

thanks

Hi Venom5

I use 133C with my oppo 970hd in HDMI 576i and there is a big big improvement regarding 124A.

I can not use 134D because there is an issu in 480i/576i with oppo 970hd.

regards
alex_t :)

New Version 1.3.5 aviable

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

* For HDMI input, there is now a configuration that allows override of the color space – options being a choice of RGB, YCrCb in 4:4:4, and YCrCb in 4:2:2. Using this instead of the default auto setting means the Vantage-HD will come up straight away with the right color space instead of having to wait on the player to indicate in it’s own time which color space is in use, which can result in temporarily displaying the wrong one. HDMI receivers normally default to RGB until told otherwise in case the source is DVI, which has to be RGB and won’t send out any indication to the contrary;
* 720p and 1080p are now recognized on HDMI inputs at 24 and 48Hz;
* There is now support for the HDMI 1.3 Expansion Board.



This version now also supports Vantage-HD2 hardware, with the following new features:

* When the input is 24Hz or 24sfp frame rate and output display resolution is 720p or 1080p, there is now the facility to output at 24Hz frame rate, as well as using the normal choices of 50 or 59.94Hz.
* Also, when the input is 24Hz or 24sfp frame rate, for any output display resolution, there is now the facility to output 48Hz frame rate, as well as using the normal choices of 50 or 59.94Hz

(Source: Calibre)

Anyone know what the hardware difference is in the VHD2 that is necessary to permit 1080p output at 24 and 48Hz?

Also, will there be a pass-through mode?

Thanks.
Alan

Also, will there be a pass-through mode?
Don't know if this is what you mean by pass-through mode but I just received my (upgraded) Vantage VHD2 with firmware 1.35.

Here is how the output menu looks like:

http://gallery.avsforum.com/data/509/output24hzym7.jpg

You can set the frame rate at 59.94Hz, 50Hz or auto (pass through?).
When you have 24Hz at the input you can choose to force 24 or 48Hz at the output or you can select the frame rate set above (use frame rate?).

I can't try it because I don't have a 24fps source or 24/48Hz compatible display.

From the upgraded Vantage VHD2 two more menu shots:

Firmware version and model:
http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/5136/vhd2infoiy2.th.jpg (http://img208.imageshack.us/my.php?image=vhd2infoiy2.jpg)

HDMI input color space selection:
http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/640/hdmicspacevo3.th.jpg (http://img208.imageshack.us/my.php?image=hdmicspacevo3.jpg)

Note:Thank you Alan.

Pedro, did you buy the new VHD2 or did you upgrade your old VHD1?

I upgraded my old VHD1.

My Vantage was at Calibre UK at the time they announced the upgrade so it was easier for me to decide. :)

The first change you notice when you turn it on, although obvious, is the completely silence fan less operation. It's almost strange being used to that dreadfully noisy fan.

do you know which changes have bee done?

Sta,

If you are referring to hardware changes, I don't have a clear answer.
I was told that it's not a "simple" firmware update.
Apparently the changes to the Vantage cannot be added in a normal firmware update, they need to be placed onto the main board directly at Calibre UK.
Perhaps they need to replace an EPROM (erasable programmable read-only memory) on the board or they need to reprogram the Realta processor with new Algorithms.
Anyway me feeling is, there were no big changes made to the hardware apart from the fan removal. :)

I will open my Vantage later on (gaining courage) and see if I can detect any changes and will let you guys know. I suspect they won't be easy to detect though.

Disclaimer: I'm not an engineer or technician so please correct me if any of the above makes no sense. :confused:

In the end I feel that for the asking price (please ask Calibre directly) and comparing with what the other players in the field are doing, it's a worthwhile upgrade.

I'm sure of that. 24p is really a good feature with HD SW.

anyone from the US that has returned your Vantage back for service, can you help me un-muddy the waters as to what customs forms or declarations need to get sent along with the package. I ship via UPS and the required forms are as clear as mud.

Thanks

PS. I already shipped with just a shipping declaration but I suspect it is probably not enough or just plain wrong.

I've sent three emails asking for information on updating the unit qwithout reply. Are they on holiday over there?

it's a period full of exhibitions :D

hello.

Calibre confirms to me that 24/48 Hz outputs on vantage HD2 (or vantage HD1 upgraded) are available ONLY if the incoming signal is 24 Hz :eek:

It means that the new feature will work only with a 1080p24 input ( or 1080-24spf but this type of signal is not delivered actually by hd-dvd or blu-ray player )

But, what is the benefit of vantage HD with a 1080p24 signal as input ???

For HD, the best signal in input for VHD1 or VHD2 should be 1080i@60 in order to use its famous HD de-interlacing process.

I don't understand :confused::confused::confused::(

What is your feeling about it ?

regards :)

There is a new firmware release for Vantage-HD (and HD2) available on the website now;

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

Vantage-HD Firmware Version 1.3.5B

Fixes

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

Fix for occasional drop out of analogue audio when selected.
Fix for image corruption of certain modes on SVGA input when a HDMI daughterboard is fitted.
Fix for Analogue audio loss if selecting after HDMI daughterboard input.


Cheers,


Zax

I've sent three emails asking for information on updating the unit qwithout reply. Are they on holiday over there?

I've sent you a pm Bill.

Cheers,

Zax

hello.

Calibre confirms to me that 24/48 Hz outputs on vantage HD2 (or vantage HD1 upgraded) are available ONLY if the incoming signal is 24 Hz :eek:

It means that the new feature will work only with a 1080p24 input ( or 1080-24spf but this type of signal is not delivered actually by hd-dvd or blu-ray player )

But, what is the benefit of vantage HD with a 1080p24 signal as input ???

For HD, the best signal in input for VHD1 or VHD2 should be 1080i@60 in order to use its famous HD de-interlacing process.

I don't understand :confused::confused::confused::(

What is your feeling about it ?

regards :)

the benefit is only with a refresh of 24HZ coming from a HD source able to output @ that rate(PS3 for example).

it's useless if the source cannot output @24 but 60HZ. outputting from the VHD @24 or 48 with a 60HZ source means recoverting again the rate (24p to 60, then 60 to 24/48).

the benefit is only with a refresh of 24HZ coming from a HD source able to output @ that rate(PS3 for example).

it's useless if the source cannot output @24 but 60HZ. outputting from the VHD @24 or 48 with a 60HZ source means recoverting again the rate (24p to 60, then 60 to 24/48).

Hi sta and thank you but I don't agree with you. Let me explain why.

Normally a scaler has to be able to output the native resolution of diffuser (TV, pasma or video projector). And output frame rate (vertical rate) is deduced (linked) from the native resolution (timings).

For example, the native resolution of sony ruby is 1080p@48. It means that ruby converts all the incoming signal in 1080p@48 (480i/p, 576i/p, 720p or 1080i/p and whatever the original frame rate).

To bypass the internal video scaler of the ruby, vantage HD must output the native resolution with the native frame rate of this video projector and, of course, without restriction for the incoming signal else bypass becomes limited in HD and impossible in SD. Actually vhd can not do that.

Bypassing the internal scaler of a diffuser is THE main function of an external scaler.

Scaler lumagen HDQ can do that.

In fact, all the other scaler can do that. Why vhd2 can not ? I mean : why vhd2 can do that only with 24 Hz progressive incoming signal and not with the other. Standard video signal are 480/576/720/1080 i/p at 24,30,50 and 60 Hz and not just 1080p@24.

Sorry but I don't understand the choice made by calibre :confused:

regards
alex_t :)

For example, the native resolution of sony ruby is 1080p@48

it's quite hard to me to understan
d :confused:

the resolution is one thing (native 1980x1080 in that case) the refresh rate is another. it means the times you show the image in a second. outputting @ 24 when 24 comes from the source means that the processor has not to work adding or subtracting any pictur from the original. outputting @ 48 means that the same frame's sent twice to the display. it's a nonsense converting a 60hz (or 50) signal typical from NTSC or PAL to a 48

it's a nonsense converting a 60hz (or 50) signal typical from NTSC or PAL to a 48

Exactly, and I think it's not a good idea neither to convert a 1080i60Hz (video) HD source to 720p/1080p/24/48Hz....you would get a stuttering image, like what you get now when you are watching a 1080-24spf (film) source HD material at 720p/1080p/60Hz.

This latest upgrade should solve this problem finally. I am waiting for the feedback from those who have upgraded their VHD (or bought the VHD2) and could try it with 1080p24 BR or HD-DVD source, outputting 720p/1080p/48Hz.

Thanks,
Zsolt

Exactly, and I think it's not a good idea neither to convert a 1080i60Hz (video) HD source to 720p/1080p/24/48Hz....you would get a stuttering image, like what you get now when you are watching a 1080-24spf (film) source HD material at 720p/1080p/60Hz.


Thanks,
Zsolt


Right , I have tried input 1080p60hz from vantageHD to my projector , and force the projector to refresh at 48hz . What I get is stuttering image .

it's quite hard to me to understan
d :confused:

the resolution is one thing (native 1980x1080 in that case) the refresh rate is another. it means the times you show the image in a second. outputting @ 24 when 24 comes from the source means that the processor has not to work adding or subtracting any pictur from the original. outputting @ 48 means that the same frame's sent twice to the display. it's a nonsense converting a 60hz (or 50) signal typical from NTSC or PAL to a 48

Hi sta :)

It is possible that I have not understand how PAL, NTSC and HD work. I have found this link : http://www.paradiso-design.net/videostandards_en.html

I'm going to read it again and after that, may be, all will be more clear for me :)

Nevertheless, whatever the system used to display a film, the original frame rate stays 24 fps. It is why I think that a good video processor has to be able to re-build the original fps (24 fps from a film) from the incoming signal and whatever is "encoded frame rate".

regards

Nevertheless, whatever the system used to display a film, the original frame rate stays 24 fps. It is why I think that a good video processor has to be able to re-build the original fps (24 fps from a film) from the incoming signal and whatever is "encoded frame rate".

regards

you're right, indeed but in case of HD movies @ 24 fps, the conversion is not only made by the VHd but by the source too if the output is @ 60. so too many conversions and the stuttering is almost obliged ;)

Nevertheless, whatever the system used to display a film, the original frame rate stays 24 fps. It is why I think that a good video processor has to be able to re-build the original fps (24 fps from a film) from the incoming signal and whatever is "encoded frame rate".

regards

you're right, indeed but in case of HD movies @ 24 fps, the conversion is not only made by the VHd but by the source too if the output is @ 60. so too many conversions and the stuttering is almost obliged ;)

There is a new firmware release for Vantage-HD (and HD2) available on the website now;

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

Vantage-HD Firmware Version 1.3.5B

Fixes

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

Fix for occasional drop out of analogue audio when selected.
Fix for image corruption of certain modes on SVGA input when a HDMI daughterboard is fitted.
Fix for Analogue audio loss if selecting after HDMI daughterboard input.


Cheers,


Zax

Hi Zax,I always get digital(digital coax/optical) sound loss when switching the hdmi input on the 1.35 and 1.35B firmware. I need to switch off the vantageHDand on again if select other hdmi input . Please take note ,thanks.

you're right, indeed but in case of HD movies @ 24 fps, the conversion is not only made by the VHd but by the source too if the output is @ 60. so too many conversions and the stuttering is almost obliged ;)
If a 24p source is converted to 60i/p by the source player (ie HD or BD), then a compliant VP may still convert the 60i/p to 24p without stuttering.

I don't know if the Vantage can do this yet, as they were waiting for an update from Silicon Optix last I checked, but others can.

If the source was native 60i or 50i you definitely would NOT want to try to convert it to 24p.

Hi rdjam. I'm very happy to read you.

If a 24p source is converted to 60i/p by the source player (ie HD or BD), then a compliant VP may still convert the 60i/p to 24p without stuttering.

I agree with you.

If the source was native 60i or 50i you definitely would NOT want to try to convert it to 24p.

I agree with you again :D May be, as for SD, a system with flag could be used to make the difference between movie content (24 fps) and other content (concert, sport with 50 or 60 fps) ?

I don't know if the Vantage can do this yet, as they were waiting for an update from Silicon Optix last I checked, but others can.

vantage HD can not do that for the moment (24/48 Hz output is available only for 24p incoming signal). I hope that calibre will add the update from silicon optix when it will be available.

regards

If a 24p source is converted to 60i/p by the source player (ie HD or BD), then a compliant VP may still convert the 60i/p to 24p without stuttering.

never done, but I find it very "artificial". it sounds particoularly strange

f the source was native 60i or 50i you definitely would NOT want to try to convert it to 24p.

absolutely true

Hi sta :)

My hd-dvd player (tosh hd-e1) outputs only 1080i @60Hz whereas all the hddvd disck are encoded in 1080p @24Hz.

With this player, even if the native mode of my projector is 1080p @48 Hz for example, vantage HD outputs only 1080p @60 Hz. Consequently, internal scaler of my projector is not bypassed in this case and during the conversion 60 Hz to 48 Hz stuttering can appear (because chipset power of projector is limited regarding chipset of a video processor)

An other example, with an HD player which outputs 1080p @24 Hz I can use only an hdmi sound processor which accepts 1080p24 as input to get HD audio. Conclusion, with vantage HD if I want to display with a 24/48 hz frame rate, all my audio/video material has to be 24p compatible which is, according to me, a nonsense with a video processor. Nowadays with HDMI constraints, a good video processor has to be a very flexible video and audio router. It is not the case for the moment for vantage HD1 or HD2 regarding 24p.

regards

With this player, even if the native mode of my projector is 1080p @48 Hz for example, vantage HD outputs only 1080p @60 Hz. Consequently, internal scaler of my projector is not bypassed in this case and during the conversion 60 Hz to 48 Hz stuttering can appear (because chipset power of projector is limited regarding chipset of a video processor)


hi alex, this is something I still can't understand. why your projector must convert 60 to 48?

hi alex, this is something I still can't understand. why your projector must convert 60 to 48?

Hi sta :)

It was an example (see post of Jason Yeo above). It is difficult to me to explain my point of view because I have a very limited english.

An other example. If I upgrade my toshiba hd-e1 player with HD-SDI modification then HD-SDI signal will be 1080i @60 Hz (not 24p) and with vantage HD2 (or HD1 upgraded) outputting 24/48 Hz will be impossible. It's why I think that vantage HD2 is not flexible regarding its 24/48 Hz output.

Nevertheless I love this scaler ;) SD and HD (at 60 Hz) are very very beautiful :eek:

regards

alex, now I understand better your point of view.

furthemore it's quite useless to get 1080i @ 60 from a HD SDI connection :mad:

..don't ask me to speak French!! :D....how's your Italian? :)

alex, now I understand better your point of view.

furthemore it's quite useless to get 1080i @ 60 from a HD SDI connection :mad:

..don't ask me to speak French!! :D....how's your Italian? :)

My Italian is worse than my english :eek::D

I'm happy that you understand my point of view. About VHD1 to VHD2 upgrade, I prefer to wait ... even if I think that 24/48 Hz and fanless cooling are very good improvements for vantage HD. And you ?

Now, I would like to talk with you (and the others) about video calibration.

Actually, I use a colorimeter (sensor) and a PC software for video calibration and I regret that calibre has not added the possibility to adjust all the gamma curve (and not just the part between O-30IRE [LUM] and 70-100IRE [CONTRAST]) and to adjust the gain/offset of the secondaries colors (magenta, cyan and yellow).

Without these possibilities of adjustment, it is not easy to reach the perfect gamma curve (2.22) and D65 calibration with vantage HD :(

What is your feeling about that ?

regards :)

alex, for what concerning a fanless solution to your VHD you can take a look at my mod here

http://www.avmagazine.it/forum/showthread.php?t=51870&page=22&highlight=calibre+vantage

it works great and, could be difficoult to believe to, but you hear NO NOISE :D

for the calibration, I bought a few months a ago the Spyder2 to get my VPR calibrated but it's still on a shelf :(

alex, for what concerning a fanless solution to your VHD you can take a look at my mod here

http://www.avmagazine.it/forum/showthread.php?t=51870&page=22&highlight=calibre+vantage

it works great and, could be difficoult to believe to, but you hear NO NOISE :D

for the calibration, I bought a few months a ago the Spyder2 to get my VPR calibrated but it's still on a shelf :(

What type of heat sink is that?

alex, for what concerning a fanless solution to your VHD you can take a look at my mod here

http://www.avmagazine.it/forum/showthread.php?t=51870&page=22&highlight=calibre+vantage

it works great and, could be difficoult to believe to, but you hear NO NOISE :D

for the calibration, I bought a few months a ago the Spyder2 to get my VPR calibrated but it's still on a shelf :(

Hi sta and congratulation for your modification. In fact, my vhd and all audio/video material are in a dedicated room separated from theater room. Then the fanless solution is useless for me but nevertheless I found it is a very good improvement for vhd.

For the calibration I use a free software, a sensor and a DVD of test pattern build by member of HCFR forum - more details in english here : http://www.homecinema-fr.com/colorimetre/index_en.php

With this bundle you can calibrate video projector, LC and plasma. Soon, an HD-DVD of test pattern will be available.

Regards

ned, this one

http://www.zalman.co.kr/eng/product/view_flash.asp?strFlash=/upload/product/ZM-NBF47.swf

Alex, thank you for the info. I'll try to use the HCFR SW to calibrate my VPR.......in a near future :D

ned, this one

http://www.zalman.co.kr/eng/product/view_flash.asp?strFlash=/upload/product/ZM-NBF47.swf

Alex, thank you for the info. I'll try to use the HCFR SW to calibrate my VPR.......in a near future :D

Your welcome :)

It is a very good software. Don't forget to download the DVD ISO file of test patterns.

regards :)

Strange results updating to latest firmware.

I was previously at firmware 1.14c and decided to update to the latest firmware 1.35

The firmware was successfully update - but I was unable to get a proper sync or picture via HDMI.

I was able to get to the menu system via VGA and:

1 - do a factory reset
2 - change resolution from 640x480 to 1920x1080
3 - power off the TV (Eyefi 47" 1080p LCD)
4 - power off Vantage HD

Then power TV on and then Vantage. When the unit came back on, the VGA was fine - however, when I change the input to HDMI, it continues to show digital snow and will occasionally flash portions of the menu system.

I tried to back down the firmware from each previous version and repeat the test. I had better results with the HDMI at firmware 1.32 (meaning it would hold the menu screen, but would have two or three thin horizontal line of noise). Not clean - but holding a picture that I could use to navigate the menu.

I even reverted back to 1.14c - the original firmware but no luck. The best I could get was the two or three thin horizontal lines (almost like stationary scan lines)

Nothing was changed except the firmware update... I ended up flashing again to 1.35 and use the VGA connection... which is fine, but the VGA picture is offset by 3 inches left. Playing with the sync values (H-V+) seems to center the best.

Any suggestions or tips to figure out?

Dear Trancethereal,
Please provide more details:
1) What is your source for input to your Vantage? In other words, what is the make and model number of the device that you are using for the signal that you are inputting to your Vantage?
2) Do you have a Vantage-HD, Vantage-HD2, or Vantage-HD upgraded to Vantage-HD2?
3) Which input port on your Vantage are you using? HDMI1, HDMI2, VGA , or some other input port?
4) What program material are you sending to the input of your Vantage?
5) Which output port on your Vantage are you using to go to your TV (Eyefi 47" 1080p LCD)? HDMI, VGA, or some other port?
6) What is the make and model number of your Eyefi TV?
Regards,
Mitch Murray

Strange results updating to latest firmware.

I was previously at firmware 1.14c and decided to update to the latest firmware 1.35

The firmware was successfully update - but I was unable to get a proper sync or picture via HDMI.

I was able to get to the menu system via VGA and:

1 - do a factory reset
2 - change resolution from 640x480 to 1920x1080
3 - power off the TV (Eyefi 47" 1080p LCD)
4 - power off Vantage HD

Then power TV on and then Vantage. When the unit came back on, the VGA was fine - however, when I change the input to HDMI, it continues to show digital snow and will occasionally flash portions of the menu system.

I tried to back down the firmware from each previous version and repeat the test. I had better results with the HDMI at firmware 1.32 (meaning it would hold the menu screen, but would have two or three thin horizontal line of noise). Not clean - but holding a picture that I could use to navigate the menu.

I even reverted back to 1.14c - the original firmware but no luck. The best I could get was the two or three thin horizontal lines (almost like stationary scan lines)

Nothing was changed except the firmware update... I ended up flashing again to 1.35 and use the VGA connection... which is fine, but the VGA picture is offset by 3 inches left. Playing with the sync values (H-V+) seems to center the best.

Any suggestions or tips to figure out?

Hello.

Is HDMI source protected by HDCP ?

If it is the case, VGA output of vantage HD does not work properly in 1080p. It is not a limitation of vantage HD but a mandatory requirement from HDCP rules.

ned, this one

http://www.zalman.co.kr/eng/product/view_flash.asp?strFlash=/upload/product/ZM-NBF47.swf

Alex, thank you for the info. I'll try to use the HCFR SW to calibrate my VPR.......in a near future :D


sta, did you have any problems getting the fan out or off the chip?

I ordered the heat sink and I plan on doing the work this weekend so any tips would be appreciated

that fan noise is driving me nuts

no, it's quite easy. just take care removing the original pins (you must use something to cut them) in order to avoid damageing the small components on the PCB. nothing else. just a piece of advice: before fastening the two small screws of the two sliding L brackets on the heatsink, put it over the chip, regulate the brackets matching the holes, then fasten the screws.

thanks for the advice....since you have to cut the pins did you remove the board from the case? I havent opened mine yet so I dont know how the pins are in there or if they can be cut without removing the board, obviously I dont want to remove the board if I dont have to but will if its the best way to do it

Thanks for your help MitchMurray and AlexT:

1) What is your source for input to your Vantage?

* At this point, the Vantage itself is the source. I am unable to get a proper synch to see the menu from the Vantage unit itself. Nothing changed in my chain - so it is not a source that is causing problems.

2) Do you have a Vantage-HD, Vantage-HD2, or Vantage-HD upgraded to Vantage-HD2?

* Original Vantage-HD (no upgrades)

3) Which input port on your Vantage are you using? HDMI1, HDMI2, VGA , or some other input port?

* S video (Sony T-60 Tivo), Component (Philips 963dvd), Component (XBMC v2.01)

4) What program material are you sending to the input of your Vantage?

* Nothing at this point - trying to get the menu to work from the unit

5) Which output port on your Vantage are you using to go to your TV (Eyefi 47" 1080p LCD)? HDMI, VGA, or some other port?

* HDMI and VGA. VGA works - except for the screen offset to the left

6) What is the make and model number of your Eyefi TV?

* LX4700


Just to be clear, I am not able to get a proper synch from the Vantage HD to the TV via *HDMI*. This produces digital snow and an occassional flash of the menu from the VantageHD.

Nothing changed or was swapped out except for the firmware update. Prior to this, everything worked out via the HDMI connection. :confused:

Hi Trancethereal.

Did you try with 640x480 @ 60Hz output mode (of vantage HD and with its HDMI output) ?

You can select this resolution directly by simultaneously pressing the front panel Input key and OK key (OK is the center key of the 5-button navi-key).

In this mode HDCP constraints are not taken into account.

Other question : did you try with an other hdmi cable ?

regards
alex_t :)

thanks for the advice....since you have to cut the pins did you remove the board from the case?

no, I did not remove the board.this is the reason why I had to cut the pins. if you remove the board you can take off the pins without cutting them.

Regarding the post from Trancethereal on 10-23-07, 09:51 PM Message #1543

Dear Trancethereal,
I tried but I was unsuccessful in my attempt to reproduce
your problem with my equipment.
My test equipment was:
Vantage-HD upgraded to VH2 and with an HDMI expansion board.
Vantage-HD Firmware Version 1.3.5B .
No cables connected to any Vantage-HD input ports.
One cable connected from my Vantage-HD HDMI output port to
the HDMI 3 input port on my Sony KDL-46XBR2 (1080P LCD TV).
The test procedure that I used to try to reproduce your problem was:
1) Turn off the power on KDL-46XBR2 using the KDL-46XBR2 remote control power on/off button.
2) Disconnect the power cable to the Vantage-HD.
3) Remove all connections to or from the Vantage-HD.
4) Connect an HDMI cable from the Vantage-HD output HDMI port
to the side HDMI input port (labeled HDMI 3) on the KDL-46XBR2.
5) Turn on the power to the KDL-46XBR2 using the KDL-46XBR2 remote control power on/off button.
6) Select the video 3 (HDMI 3) option from the external inputs menu on
the KDL-46XBR2 using the remote control for the KDL-46XBR2.
7) Supply power to the Vantage-HD by plugging in the power cord to the Vantage-HD.
The right most light (as viewed facing the front of the Vantage-HD)
on the front of the Vantage-HD is off for about four seconds and then blinks green for about four seconds
and then turns to a steady red color.
8) Turn the Vantage-HD on by pressing the red ON button on the Vantage-HD remote.
The right most light (as viewed facing the front of the Vantage-HD)
on the front of the Vantage-HD turns off for about four seconds and then blinks green for about five seconds
and then turns to a steady green color.
After about five more seconds the Vantage-HD user menu displays on the screen of the KDL-46XBR2.
9) Select the configuration menu on the Vantage-HD using the Vantage-HD remote.
Highlight the factory reset option.
Hit the OK button.
10) The screen of the KDL-46XBR2 goes blank and then after about 10 seconds
the Vantgae-HD user menu displays on the screen of the KDL-46XBR2.
11) Turn off the Vantage-HD by pressing the OFF button on the Vantage-HD remote.
12) TURN on the Vantage-HD by pressing the ON button on the Vantage-HD remote.
After about ten seconds the Vantgae-HD user menu displays on the screen of the KDL-46XBR2.
13) Select the information display from the Vantage-HD menu using the Vantage-HD remote.
The display on the KDL-46XBR2 then shows the following:
Information
Firmware Revision 2 - 1.3.5B
Input source
Video Connection NO input
Audio Connection none
Input
Input format N/A N/A
H frequency N/A
Output
Output format 59.94Hz 640x480p
H frequency 31.46KHz

Regards,
Mitch Murray

MikeMurray,

Hmm - Do you think it is possible the HDMI output went bad from the firmware update?

I have a second LCD (Westinghouse 42' 1080p) and got similar results (not picture). That makes two different TV's, two different hdmi calbles - same problem. Seems to be an issue with the Vantage HD.

This is very disappointing that a firmware update would hose the HDMI output. What is more strange, when I back down the firmware to 1.32 - I get the menu, just not a pristine picture (one or two horizontal lines of interference).

the last time i had HDMI problems with my Vantage I left it completely disconnected from both Power and all Devices for 24 hours.

After that it was back in action, which gave me the impression there was some residual current/power floating around inside the box that was keeping some of the temp settings alive.

Matt.G

MikeMurray,

Hmm - Do you think it is possible the HDMI output went bad from the firmware update?

I have a second LCD (Westinghouse 42' 1080p) and got similar results (not picture). That makes two different TV's, two different hdmi calbles - same problem. Seems to be an issue with the Vantage HD.

This is very disappointing that a firmware update would hose the HDMI output. What is more strange, when I back down the firmware to 1.32 - I get the menu, just not a pristine picture (one or two horizontal lines of interference).

Hello.

There is an other possibility. May be the firmware has been corrupted during the download. I suggest that you download it again from calibre web site. It is necessary to delete your browser cache before.

Try with 135 firmware. MD5 checksum is : 87e227de56de341e761e4d73cb0473cb

This checksum allows to check that your download is not corrupted (after download you must compute exactly the same MD5 checksum). There are a lot of free tools on the web to compute the MD5 checksum of a binary file.

I use 135 version and vantage hd works fine in HDMI.

regards
alex_t :)

Trancethereal,

That is a big step to do all at once, from 1.1.4 to 1.3.5b! I would certainly take at least one intermediate step, say 1.2.4, before going to 1.3.5b. The different versions can have an entirely redesigned core code between the major steps (1.1-1.2-1.3 etc.) so such a big jump is not a good idea.

You should be sure to do a factory reset between each firmware upgrade WITH ALL HMDI CONNECTIONS REMOVED. This is because not all devices comply fully with the HDMI rules and often ignore our command to release the HDMI bus to us whilst we reset, this leads to corruption and HDMI/EDID/Handshaking issues similar to those you are seeing. The reset is essential as the stored parameter list might have changed between versions (as new functions are added) and the unit needs to be re-initialised so things are stored in the right places.

Either way, I agree with Alex, download the firmware again as it might be a corrupted download and always use the latest updater application. This is found here (complete with v1.3.5b);

http://www.calibreuk.com/downloads/vantage-hd/Vantage-HD%201_3_5B%20Updater.exe

Remember these notes;

"If the brec file does not work with your current downloaded setup launcher then uninstall your old updater from your PC through Windows Control Panel>Add Remove Software and then install the new, latest, updater.

If you have an earlier updater already installed on your PC, do not attempt to install the new updater onto your PC without first uninstalling a previous version, otherwise errattic operation may occur."


In summary;

1. Download the 1.3.5b firmware again, along with the latest version of the updater,
2. Download, and install, an intermediate step (say 1.2.4) BEFORE installing 1.3.5b, remember to reset between each installation WITH ALL HDMI CONNECTIONS REMOVED,
3. ALWAYS use the latest version of the updater program.


Lastly, one thing often overlooked is that a lot has changed with respect to Vantage and HDMI since firmware version 1.1.4!
In your original set-up you may have set the Vantage to be HDMI receiver or repeater, this is on the ? menu as "HDMI Audio input". When set to "set by display" then Vantage is in HDMI repeater mode, when set to anything else then Vantage is in HDMI receiver mode. This might well matter to your display or source, so you should look at this setting. After changing this setting be sure to hot-plug all your HDMI connections or re-boot Vantage to re-transmit the EDID data along the chain.

There will be several other differences in the HDMI functionality between 1.1.4 and 1.3.5b, not least the ability to set native modes in EDID, forcing the source to give only resolutions you permit. This is in the set-up for each HDMI input channel.


Zax

PS Playing with the sync values (+/-) is not the way to centre the image - if you can see the menu then we have specific controls for this which are saved on a per-signal-per-input basis.

Hi Zax , I have issue on 1.3x firmware on the digital sound(optical and digital coax). Most of the times no sound output from the vantage HD digital output(optical and digital coax) . Need to stop my hd/blu ray player and play again . 1.2x firmware and below works fine, though. I have sent a email to your technical side but so far no reply.

Jason, is the Vantage configured as receiver or repeater? (see my post above about this) What is the sound output feeding - display or AV amp? The audio is coming in over HMDI I guess? Whats the end display (LCD/Plasma/Projector?)


Sounds like a HDMI/EDID/handshake issue to me, does it matter what order you turn things on in? What does the "?" menu say about the incoming video & audio. Did you do a reset after the upgrade - with all the HDMI inputs & outputs disconnected?


Zax

No sound from my Vantage HD box either.. I've tried just about everything, and given up now..

Toshiba HD-E1->Vantage HD->Yamaha 1700->Sony VPL-VW60.

Luckily the VW60 is quite good without the Vantage, and it can do stretch on 2.35 material for my lense.. Annoying tho.. :-(

Jason, is the Vantage configured as receiver or repeater? (see my post above about this) What is the sound output feeding - display or AV amp? The audio is coming in over HMDI I guess? Whats the end display (LCD/Plasma/Projector?)


Sounds like a HDMI/EDID/handshake issue to me, does it matter what order you turn things on in? What does the "?" menu say about the incoming video & audio. Did you do a reset after the upgrade - with all the HDMI inputs & outputs disconnected?


Zax

Hi Zax , I am not using hdmi audio . I am referring to the optical/digital coax out from the vantage HD. I feed optical/digital coax from PS3 and Toshiba HD to vantage HD .

Connection is as follow;

Toshiba HD player-- digital coax out to vantageHD , digital coax out from vantageHD to my receiver .

Sometimes got sound and sometimes no .

For video , hdmi from toshiba to vantageHD and hdmi out from vantageHD to Marantz projector. Picture works fine, though.

Trancethereal,

Either way, I agree with Alex, download the firmware again as it might be a corrupted download and always use the latest updater application. This is found here (complete with v1.3.5b);

http://www.calibreuk.com/downloads/vantage-hd/Vantage-HD%201_3_5B%20Updater.exe

Remember these notes;

"If the brec file does not work with your current downloaded setup launcher then uninstall your old updater from your PC through Windows Control Panel>Add Remove Software and then install the new, latest, updater.

If you have an earlier updater already installed on your PC, do not attempt to install the new updater onto your PC without first uninstalling a previous version, otherwise errattic operation may occur."



Hi Zax,

Thanks for the input. This is very frustrating - as it worked without issue prior to the firmware update and now, it seems impossible to get the HDMI output to work (or synch).

I downloaded the firmware - again - and uploaded - again - and had similar results.

One thing was was odd - I got desperate (and bored) and started to test each of the different resolution options. When I got to the 1280x720 or 1280x768, I was able to hold a synch via HDMI. 768 was better than 720, but I could see the menu. It would flash on and off as if it was trying to synch... at some point, it held consistently at 1280x768.

Why? Is there a weird timing that it likes values near these two resolutions?

Again - VGA works fine (which allows me to actually use and watch TV). But, I do want to get my HDMI output working.

Is there a way to use the custom output to test anything? :confused:

Hi Zax , I am not using hdmi audio . I am referring to the optical/digital coax out from the vantage HD. I feed optical/digital coax from PS3 and Toshiba HD to vantage HD .

Connection is as follow;

Toshiba HD player-- digital coax out to vantageHD , digital coax out from vantageHD to my receiver .

Sometimes got sound and sometimes no .

For video , hdmi from toshiba to vantageHD and hdmi out from vantageHD to Marantz projector. Picture works fine, though.

Hello.

I use 135 firmware.

Connection is as follow :

Toshiba HD player ( E1 ) -- digital optical fiber out to vantageHD , digital coax out from vantageHD to my receiver .

Audio works very well.

I suggest that you try with the digital optical fiber of your toshiba HD. May be an issue with coax input of vantage hd ?

regards
alex_t :)

No sound from my Vantage HD box either.. I've tried just about everything, and given up now..

Toshiba HD-E1->Vantage HD->Yamaha 1700->Sony VPL-VW60.

Luckily the VW60 is quite good without the Vantage, and it can do stretch on 2.35 material for my lense.. Annoying tho.. :-(

Hi.

I use toshiba HD-E1 and its optical fiber output to vantage HD.

Vantage HD with 135 firmware works fine. . I have not tested with 135B.

regards

I connected my PS3 optical out to the vantageHD and use digital coax out from vantageHD . Both PS3 and Toshiba also have this problem . Sometimes no sound , sometimes ok . If no sound , I need to stop the player and on again . If unlucky , need few attempts to get back the sound . Very frustating since we know toshiba HD player is slow . I do not have this problem before , only on all 1.3 versions.

Hi Zax,

Thanks for the input. This is very frustrating - as it worked without issue prior to the firmware update and now, it seems impossible to get the HDMI output to work (or synch). Welcome to my world - the wonderful world of HDMI :D

I downloaded the firmware - again - and uploaded - again - and had similar results.

But did you install an intermediate step (1.2.4) and do a reset (with all HDMIs disconnected) and check for correct operation before leaping all the way to 1.3.5b? Even after loading 1.3.5b you must still do another reset with all the HDMIs removed. I know it's a PITA but I wouldn't suggest it if I didn't think it would help. The reset re-initalises the unit via it's bootloader and makes sure that any new features are accounted for and all parameters have somewhere to be saved. Without doing this then is it possible to have the Vantage confused about what parameter refers to what setting!!! 1.1.4 to 1.3.5b really is along way to go in one step and is very likely to lead to problems, I know - I've seen it for myself. (Badly Kept Secret:- if the 2nd digit of the firmware version changes, this will tell you if there was a major core change - if so, then only leap 1 major change ahead at a time {1.1.x to 1.2.x to 1.3.x} to avoid potential problems)


One thing was was odd - I got desperate (and bored) and started to test each of the different resolution options. When I got to the 1280x720 or 1280x768, I was able to hold a synch via HDMI. 768 was better than 720, but I could see the menu. It would flash on and off as if it was trying to synch... at some point, it held consistently at 1280x768.

Why? Is there a weird timing that it likes values near these two resolutions?

No, what is your display capable of? if it's 1920 x 1080 native then give it 1920 x 1080. At 720 or 768 lines it is trying to sync to something but I've no idea why it isn't stable. Were you running 1920 x 1080 previously? or 1366 x 768? or what?


Again - VGA works fine (which allows me to actually use and watch TV). But, I do want to get my HDMI output working.

Is there a way to use the custom output to test anything? :confused:


Custom output is there to allow you to create a set of custom output timings if your display doesn't recognise or sync to the standards such as 720p etc. It's aimed at legacy displays with unusual timings but feel free to play if you think it will help, remember that if you set output timings your display doesn't recognise you can always get back to 640 x 480 output from the front panel (press & hold menu button then press the centre of the navi-key circle)

Posted by me, previously: Lastly, one thing often overlooked is that a lot has changed with respect to Vantage and HDMI since firmware version 1.1.4!
In your original set-up you may have set the Vantage to be HDMI receiver or repeater, this is on the ? menu as "HDMI Audio input". When set to "set by display" then Vantage is in HDMI repeater mode, when set to anything else then Vantage is in HDMI receiver mode. This might well matter to your display or source, so you should look at this setting. After changing this setting be sure to hot-plug all your HDMI connections or re-boot Vantage to re-transmit the EDID data along the chain.

There will be several other differences in the HDMI functionality between 1.1.4 and 1.3.5b, not least the ability to set native modes in EDID, forcing the source to give only resolutions you permit. This is in the set-up for each HDMI input channel.

Did you establish if the unit is set as HDMI receiver or repeater? DO look in the ? menu for the setting regarding HDMI audio input. THIS AFFECTS THE VIDEO AS WELL AS THE AUDIO as it defines whose EDID gets used by the source - the displays or the Vantages. If set to "set by display" then Vantage is configured as HDMI repeater and passes the display EDID data back down the chain to the source, if set to any other option then Vantage is set to be HDMI receiver and sends its own EDID data back to the source. After making a change to this setting, be sure to hotplug any HDMI inputs and outputs to re-initialise the HDMI EDIDs along the chain. Even better, if you can, make changes to this setting only when HDMIs are disconnected.


There really are major differences in the way the newer firmware versions handle HDMI. The HDMI regime is far more robust now than in older firmware versions, HDCP works correctly and there are more elements of control available to the Vantage user. It is almost certainly an issue of set-up, not failure.


Cheers,



Zax

Trancethereal, any update on your problems? :confused:

Zax

Does anyone of you guys have connected some game console to the Vantage HD? I use the XBox 360.

The delay of the Vantage HD makes gaming impossible in many games.

I think, that the implementation of just taking the 1080i Signal of the XBox 360 or any other gaming device and make the output 1080p without some calculations (only fitting the two half pictures to one picture) could not be this complicated.

So I have to connect the XBox 360 to the Vantage HD for watching HD-DVD and then for gameing, putting it to the KDS55-A2000 directly. The KDS55-A2000 has some game-mode implemented.

Maybe Calibre would implement it, if there are enough customers, which want to have this mode.

Kind regards
Johannes

Just got back my Vantage after updating to new board and extra HDMI board. Have not been able to try the 24 or 48 Hz. output yet but otherwise functioning superbly with no fan noise thank god.

Bill

CrazyJoe73, I have commented on the lack of game mode a couple of times. I have resorted to connecting the 360 directly to the projector. Please contact Calibre support and give them your opinion on this, maybe they'll eventually listen.

Btw, you should use either 720p or 1080p from the 360.

Double post!

Regarding "game mode" or low latency mode. There is now such a mode built into the Realta core code (after a lot of waiting!) but the end image (in our opinion) is pretty awful when using it. It is unlikley that this core code implementation will be improved so we have to find another way to do this. It is "on the list" but not a high priority right now, other things take prescedence I'm afraid so you will have to be patient.

Any of you know of another Realta based VP running "game mode"?

Regarding "game mode" or low latency mode. There is now such a mode built into the Realta core code (after a lot of waiting!) but the end image (in our opinion) is pretty awful when using it.
Even so I'd want it. Both xbox360 and PS3 can output 720p and 1080p, so no deinterlacing and no scaling required for the VantageHD. Wii and PS2 can output 480p, so only scaling needed.

I'd gladly accept low quality scaling for older consoles as long as I can connect everything to the VantageHD. As it is now I have to not only use the VantageHD as a switcher, but the AV receiver AND the projector as well. It's a major hassle. Please!

I would also appreciate a game mode even with a degraded picture. I've taken my 360 upstairs to use my 32 inch lcd rather than my HD2K and 140 inch screen because I'm getting my ass beat online.

I agree 100% with TorAtle. Even if the quality is not very good, having the option of running everything through the Vantage is really quite important, and right now that can't be done. And the low quality scaling is probably not worse than my TV's, anyway. Right now, I have the game consoles plugged directly into the TV -- this *greatly* lowers the WAF for the Vantage.

I have removed the original text in this post because I have learned that opening the Vantage-HD and installing a non-approved fan invalidates your Calibre warranty. I apologize to anyone who may have lost their remaining warranty because of my post.

I will delete all of my other posts that refer to this post and request that other posts that refer to it also be deleted.

Jim Walker

[/indent]On my Vantage HD, the thermal grease under the heat sink had only been applied to one side of the chip in a thick circle, which left more than half of the chip's top surface uncoated. The misapplication of thermal grease prevented contact between the heat sink and chip. This is evident because a stream of clear liquid meandered from the glob of thermal grease around the uncoated area of the chip's surface.

Not many have seen under a Vantage HD's heat sink. Calibre QC has not been looking there either. It is probably a safe bet that they are also not looking under any Vantage HD2 heat sinks. The misapplied thermal grease probably explains the need for the Vantage-HD Firmware Version 1.3.4D fix:

"Overheat shutdown temperatures increased to allow more operating temperature headroom in hot environments."



Wow, you have been busy Jim!

At the risk of sounding defensive I have a couple of points to add/clarify.

1. You don't need to cool the memory. From the thermal testing we did during the design this just isn't needed. It adds nothing to the processing efficiency or performance.

2. Thanks for bringing the lack of heatsink compound to our attention, QC don't look under every heatsink - this just adds time & cost (which none of us want!). It's not relevant to HD2 or upgrades anyway as the new fanless heatsink has it's own thermal contact pad so we don't have to use messy compound.

3. Yes the original fan/heatsink assembly was more than sufficient to cool the processor.

4. We moved from a 12V fan to a 5V fan (with a more robust bearing) over a year ago. The majority of main boards will therefore only have 5V connectors fitted. If you fit a 12V fan to the 5V header then it will not work well enough to cool the chip properly and it will constantly go into overheat mode (the two flashing Red LEDs). Therefore be sure to only use a 12V fan if you have a 12V header!

5. We increased the overheat cut-off point in the firmware because we could. When we introduced it, it was deliberately set a little on the conservative side and with a large margin of safety which has been reduced slightly now.

6 And finally, we often find that when people have been supplied a replacement fan by us (and then complain that it has gone noisy again after only a short period) that the screws holding it to the heatsink are not fully tight after re-fitting and allow it to rattle. It worth checking they are fully tight, especially if you have the replacement 5V fan supplied by us and fitted it yourself. We don't have any issues when they stay attached to each other and we fit them here, only when they have to be separated for retro-fit in the field.


Cheers,


Zax

Dear Jim Walker,
Thanks for taking the time to post your fan replacement/upgrade experiences and
opinions. I thought it was very interesting.
I was thinking about adding a fan to the back of my Vantage HD to encourage hot
air to exit the case. Did you consider this in addition to the Zalman fan?
Do you know if there is a spare 5v or 12v source on the board that could be used to power such a fan?
Regards,
Mitch Murray

Hi Mitch,

Regardless of the mainboard version there are 3 5V headers available adjacent to PL8 (assuming you are already using PL8 for a fan, so 4 in total!). Only the earliest boards have a 12V header.

http://www.calibreuk.co.uk/documents/faninstructions.pdf

Cheers,


Zax

in my opinion 1 fan is enough or better....too much!

after the heatsink mod, the VHD runs in a perfect way, without failure and NOISE.

I encourage everyone who wants to make shut the VHD up to install the heatsink like the one I chose.

no fan=no noise

Trancethereal, any update on your problems? :confused:

Zax

Sorry Zax - I was out of town on business

(I appologize, I should have chimed in to let you know earlier).


Since I've been back... I did exactly as you instructed (progression below).


1-Downgraded back to 1.14c (using the latest upgrader software) - hdmi cable removed - factory reset.
.... VGA at 1080p works, HDMI does not. I even did the hdmi audio trick.

2-upgrade to 1.24 - hdmi cable removed - factory reset.
.... VGA at 1080p works, HDMI does not. Did hdmi audio trick - no help

3-upgrade to 1.35 - hdmi cable removed - factory reset.
.... VGA at 1080p works, HDMI does not. Did hdmi audio trick - no help

I can not seem to get HDMI to work at this point since the firmware update to 1.35. I am at a loss as to what happened, as everything else appears to function correctly.


Again - it is odd that if I set the resolution on the vantage to 1280x720, I can get a quick flash of a picture via HDMI (erratic and it will hold a second or two and then flash to a blank screen, then show the screen again and repeat with no consistency).

This would suggest my TV behaves *better* at this resolution than the 1920x1080. Granted, not ideal, but it did produce *some* results contrary to 1920x1080. Surely this would hint at some timing anomalies?

Understand at this point, I have not configured or defined the inputs for any of my sources yet. I am only using the generated menu from the Vantage to determine if I get a picture via VGA or HDMI.

I can understand that 1.14c to 1.35 was a big step (from your perspective), but I looked at all notes prior and did not see any pre-requisites that alerted me to have an interim update prior. It might have been there and I over looked it - at least it wasn't obvious. Had I known, I would not have done so intentionally.

My hope is that there is a some way to use the custom resolution option to see if we can narrow this down or determine a root cause.

Hopefully, you might have better insight or an approach to get me functioning.

At the moment, I am stuck using VGA. I upgraded the firmware to the current in anticipation of getting a new HD-DVD player... but this has derailed that plan at the moment. :(

I head back out of town again on Monday for business.

Thanks,

1-Downgraded back to 1.14c (using the latest upgrader software) - hdmi cable removed - factory reset.
.... VGA at 1080p works, HDMI does not. I even did the hdmi audio trick.

2-upgrade to 1.24 - hdmi cable removed - factory reset.
.... VGA at 1080p works, HDMI does not. Did hdmi audio trick - no help

3-upgrade to 1.35 - hdmi cable removed - factory reset.
.... VGA at 1080p works, HDMI does not. Did hdmi audio trick - no help



Hi Trancethereal.

It seems that you used the latest updater software to perform these 3 steps. I think it is not the good way.

Try the following, all hdmi cable are unplugged. At each time you have to uninstall the previous updater software before to install the new.

1. Factory reset + Downgraded back to 1.14c with 114C setup (exe file) + factory reset

2. Factory reset + upgrade to 1.2.4 with setup_1-2-4A.exe (http://www.calibreuk.com/downloads/vantage-hd/setup_1-2-4A.exe) + factory reset

3. Factory reset + upgrade to 1.3.5 with setup_135.exe (http://www.calibreuk.com/downloads/vantage-hd/Vantage-HD%201_3_5%20Updater.exe) + factory reset

regards
alex_t ;)

Has anybody tried the Vantage HD2 (or the upgraded HD1) outputting 24/48 Hz with a 24p input source?
It would be good to get feedbacks how it works.

Thanks,
Zsolt

Has anybody tried the Vantage HD2 (or the upgraded HD1) outputting 24/48 Hz with a 24p input source?
It would be good to get feedbacks how it works.

Thanks,
Zsolt

Nobody ?

And what are the available video filters and enhancement options with a 24p input ?

Thanks

Regards
alex_t

There is new FW version downloadable from Calibre FW upgrade page.

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

Vantage-HD Firmware Version 1.3.5C


This is a small revision over 1.3.5B with input mode additions and fixes:

WXGA 60Hz 1280x768 fixed. (HDMI & VGA inputs)
WXGA 60Hz 1280x800 added. (HDMI & VGA inputs)
WXGA+ 60Hz 1440x900 added. (HDMI & VGA inputs)
SXGA+ 60Hz 1680x1050 added. (HDMI Only)
720p 25Hz & 30Hz 1280x720 added. (HDMI Only)

In addition to the above fixes/additions the output mode SXGA+ 60Hz 1400x1050 has been changed to match standard VESA timings (previously used IBM timings which are now obsolete).
Known Issues

There are the following known issues in this release, which mainly apply to a Vantage HD with the HDMI 1.3 Expansion Board:

The EDID information supplied to a source connected to the HDMI daughterboard is still only to the HDMI 1.1 standard, so the features that are new in HDMI 1.3 will reported as being not available, even though there will, be some HDMI 1.3 feature support in future updates.
Sometimes, audio is lost when the main input is HDMI and an HDMI PIP is enabled which has no input connected (and switched on);
When at switch-on, if both main input and PIP input are from HDMI sources requiring HDCP authentication, the PIP channel may fail to authenticate properly and so keep trying.
Although an extremely rare occurrence with only some combinations of SVGA input source and HDMI daughterboard: when switching from a HDMI daughterboard input to the SVGA input you may find that the SVGA input fails to lock. This can be remedied by selecting a main-board HDMI input and then the SVGA.
SXGA75 and 1080p60 aren’t available on the SVGA graphics input when a HDMI or SDI daughterboard is fitted.
.

**PLEASE NOTE**
Saving and restoring settings will only work on this update providing you have 1.3.5B installed earlier version will not restore your settings with this update

I recently started having an issue with my Vantage HD2 where it is randomly shutting off. Sometimes I can turn it back on and it will work fine but other times it continues to shutoff. I have my HD2 on an open shelf by itself with plenty of room for ventilation

T-smith,

It seems a heat related problem. Is the fan still working?

T-smith,

It seems a heat related problem. Is the fan still working?

its an HD2 so there is no fan

T-smith,

It seems a heat related problem. Is the fan still working?

Overheat detected does not cause shutdown. Both red LEDs flash alternately with no picture or sound, if HD2 works like HD.

no flashing Red LED's, the LEDs are the same just as they are when I shut the unit off

no flashing Red LED's, the LEDs are the same just as they are when I shut the unit off

Something to try: Put a piece of opaque tape over the HD2's IR detector. If that fixes problem then it is caused by stray IR signal being misinterpreted by HD2. If it does not fix problem then cause is inside the HD2. If tape is positioned properly then HD2's remote will be ignored.

Something to try: Put a piece of opaque tape over the HD2's IR detector. If that fixes problem then it is caused by stray IR signal being misinterpreted by HD2. If it does not fix problem then cause is inside the HD2. If tape is positioned properly then HD2's remote will be ignored.

thanks, gonna give it a try

I'm getting a new replacement directly from Calibre

Has anybody tried the Vantage HD2 (or the upgraded HD1) outputting 24/48 Hz with a 24p input source?
It would be good to get feedbacks how it works.

Thanks,
Zsolt

Hello,
I would appreciate any report about this feature before I send my unit for an upgrade.

Thanks,
Zsolt

Hi everyone. I'm deciding between the Vantage-HD2 and the unreleased Gefen TV Scaler PRO. My cable service provider is Cablevision, and I also own a PS3. Can someone post some before and screenshots of a PS3 running a PS1, PS2, and PS3 title upscaled to 1080p and some standard definition channel ones using the Vantage-HD2? And also, how is your gaming experience running it through the Vantage-HD2 unit? Is it worth it? Or is there a delay that render games unplayable? Thanks so much =)

Hi everyone. I'm deciding between the Vantage-HD2 and the unreleased Gefen TV Scaler PRO. My cable service provider is Cablevision, and I also own a PS3. Can someone post some before and screenshots of a PS3 running a PS1, PS2, and PS3 title upscaled to 1080p and some standard definition channel ones using the Vantage-HD2? And also, how is your gaming experience running it through the Vantage-HD2 unit? Is it worth it? Or is there a delay that render games unplayable? Thanks so much =)


Hello

For film vantage HD2 is really impressive and it works very well with PS3 at 1080p24.

But for game vantage HD2 has a delay that render games unplayable. I think iti is not a problem because PS3 has a very good video processing too and you can plug it directly to your TV when you play a game.

regards

Please send Calibre an email (vantage-support@calibreuk.com) and tell them a game-mode is wanted. It is up to Calibre and not Silicon Optix (the chip-maker).

Hello

For film vantage HD2 is really impressive and it works very well with PS3 at 1080p24.

regards

Hi Alex,

Have you tried the 24/48Hz output option with the HD2?

Zsolt

Hi Alex,

Have you tried the 24/48Hz output option with the HD2?

Zsolt

In fact I have the VHD1 and 1080p24 in input works perfectly with PS3 ( 1080p60 in output )

A friend of mine has VHD2 with JVC HD1 ( european name for RS1 ) and 1080p24 input to 1080p24 output works very well.

A friend of mine has VHD2 with JVC HD1 ( european name for RS1 ) and 1080p24 input to 1080p24 output works very well.

Thanks for the info!

I'm interested in getting a video scaler and this one has particularly caught my eye. Can any of the owners of the Vantage HD confirm for me that it will work well with my requirements outlined in this diagram: http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y76/incast/Video.png

From what I've read I think it should, but I'm looking for particular clarification regarding how it handles the scaling of 4:3 material. I want it to output it to 1080p pillarboxed with black borders either side i.e. it's still the full 16:9 1080p resolution, but the active video is placed within it. Can the unit do this?

Preserving 4:3 AR is no problem.

Ideally you should output 576i from the HDTV Receiver for SD channels. Most of these boxes have very basic video processing.

Many thanks for clarifying that for me.

I will definitely be outputting 576i from the HDTV receiver, I would want to make the most of one of these!

1. How much in UK £ does the upgrade from the HD1 to the HD2 cost?

2. Use of the Calibre Vantage HD1 with an Arcam DV29 DVD player
Since the 1.3.x software series I get a faulty (stripey) picture when outputting 576i or 480i from my Arcam DV29 to my Calibre Vantage HD1. Once I output 576p or 480p from the DV29 the fault does not arise but the DV29 is doing the de-interlacing and a better picture should be gained if the HD1 did the de-interlacing.

With the DV29 the HD1 is not forcing the HD1 to output 576i/480i as the HD1 clearly says the input signal is 576p/480p. With Sky HD the HD1 does force 576i from HDMI.

Any ideas? Calibre have been unable to resolve this and say I am the only person they have come across that has this fault. They think it is to do with field rates I think.

Thanks

Paul

Hi everyone. I'm deciding between the Vantage-HD2 and the unreleased Gefen TV Scaler PRO. My cable service provider is Cablevision, and I also own a PS3. Can someone post some before and screenshots of a PS3 running a PS1, PS2, and PS3 title upscaled to 1080p and some standard definition channel ones using the Vantage-HD2? And also, how is your gaming experience running it through the Vantage-HD2 unit? Is it worth it? Or is there a delay that render games unplayable? Thanks so much =)

thats a pretty odd pair to be thinking about considering the HD2 lists for $3300 and the soon to be released Gefen lists for $699

Can anyone add some input on using the warp technology. I have an application using a deep curved screen. I need to correct for pin cushion at the very bottom of about 4". The rest of the image is fine. I see this processor includes this feature and wondering if indeed it would work for this application. Any help is appreciated.

Thank you!

The warp technology is good; whether it will work perfectly for your situation (which sounds quite extreme) I don't know. Pincushion is slightly different than warping; you're talking about an aberration in the picture that is both extreme and sudden. The Vantage (at least, the last time I went into the warp controls -- the firmware may have changed this functionality, though I doubt it) has control points at each of the 4 corners. You can adjust each corner independently. But the adjustment applies to the entire quadrant that the corner is in; you can't make it "start" low enough to correct an extreme pincushion.

Hope this helps.

The warp technology is good; whether it will work perfectly for your situation (which sounds quite extreme) I don't know. Pincushion is slightly different than warping; you're talking about an aberration in the picture that is both extreme and sudden. The Vantage (at least, the last time I went into the warp controls -- the firmware may have changed this functionality, though I doubt it) has control points at each of the 4 corners. You can adjust each corner independently. But the adjustment applies to the entire quadrant that the corner is in; you can't make it "start" low enough to correct an extreme pincushion.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for the reply. I was able to grab one and take it for a test drive but it did not work. Their warp feature is as you said its a basic vertical and horizontal keyston adjustment not what I would call warping but it was cool non the less.

By the way, I did not spend a ton of time with this VP but I did not see a chroma delay setting nor a way to get 1080i to 1080p24. Are both of these on board and I missed it. I did find this to be a very nice VP.

Thx.

There is chroma delay correction, though it is done with a simple checkbox (no manual adjustment of the delay...it does it for you).

There is not currently 1080i->24p support, though this has been promised in a firmware update.

There is chroma delay correction, though it is done with a simple checkbox (no manual adjustment of the delay...it does it for you).

There is not currently 1080i->24p support, though this has been promised in a firmware update.
as far as i was aware, the original HD1 can only output 50p or 60p..
if you want any form of 24p output, you have to upgrade to the HD2.
so in this instance with 1080i to 24p conversion it would appear it 'could' only be implemented on the newer hd2 unit.

Sorry, I wasn't thinking of the HD, only the HD2. Matt, you're correct -- they've only mentioned this feature for the latter.

I thought I did purchase the HD2. Ill have to ck. I remember talking to the tech and he assured me I could take 1080i and output 1080p 24 but a I said I saw no way of doing this via the menu from what I saw. I will have to take another look. Thank you!

To clarify the 24/48Hz ouput support on Vantage HD/HD2;

Vantage HD does not support 24/48Hz output at all, only 50Hz or 60Hz.

Vantage HD2 (and HD with hardware and firmware mods to HD2 status) does support selectable 24/48Hz output but ONLY if being fed with a 24Hz (like Blu Ray) signal - that's the only time that option is enabled in the menu.

Neither allow you to do 50/60Hz input to 24/48Hz output.

so would the gefen a better wait? since both are using the same chipset?

Repeating a question that was lost after the database failure.

I asked what color space the HD2 outputs and someone answered RGB 4:4:4.

Is this what's usally called video or studio level, or is it RGB at PC level?

Thanks

It's RGB 4:4:4 at 0-255 levels. If it receives 16-235 levels at input it expands them to 0-255 range at output.

How does the image noise reduction and mosquito noise reduction of the Vantage HD2 compare to that of the Algolith flea and Algolith Mosquito?

Isn't there any comparison anywhere between the Vantage HD, HD2, Lumagen Radiance, Crystalio II's, and most importantly, the Algolith flea and mosquito?

Someone please show me the light! Or rather, a comparison between these... so I can choose based on information, instead of just guessing :(

Shark7 - you need to delete some of your PMs as I can't reply to yours. You have exceeded your allowed PM storage!!

Shark, to answer your question regarding noise reduction ... I don't think that you are going to find any measured data that will simply allow you make to a decision by looking at numbers. Noise reduction of this type is very subjective and is best used sparingly. Too much and it will strip the resolution right out of the image and make everyone's skin look like plastic. Furthermore, the noise reduction process is dynamic and when image motion occurs, it starts to back-off, making it all the more noticeable.

What settings are Vantage owners using to successfully transmit multichannel PCM from their BD/HD player, through the vantage, and then onto a receiver?

I've just hooked up a pioneer VSX1018 to feed multichannel PCM audio via HDMI from my panasonic BD10 and no matter what settings i apply on the Vantage for the selected HDMI input's EDID values or the HDMI audio input setting, only 2ch PCM is sent into the receiver (source device is a panasonic BD10).

If the Vantage is bypassed, multichannel PCM is clearly detected by the receiver, and works as such.
Alternatively i have also tried ordering the equipment so that:- the BD player feeds into receiver, which feeds into the Vantage, and in that scenario the image on screen in complete snow, with the Pioneer and Vantage both trying to re-lock the signal...though the vantage is always say the signal is 1080.
IF i remove the HDMI "output" from the Vantage (leaving the receiver to vantage hdmi connected), after a few seconds the player re-syncs and multi-channel PCM is detected by the receiver once again.
These problems consistently occur regardless as to which hdmi display device i use (Benq W20000 PJ or samsung LCD)

Any tips/suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks and merry xmas!

Matt.G

Hey Matt,

I've also had this problem with the Vantage. Since they didn't list this as a bug, I thought it must have been my setup. Clearly, it's not just me. The one thing I thought of trying, but won't b/c it seems like it would introduce other problems, would be to use an HDMI->DVI converter, along with the digital audio out of the vantage, hook the digital audio out and the dvi back into a dvi+audio->HDMI converter, and go from there (bypassing the audio output over HDMI from the Vantage). Seems like this could introduce some serious other HDCP issues, though.

Vantage-HD or HD2? If Vantage-HD the I suggest you look at upgrading to HD2 for "expanded Blu-ray™ disc player compatibility". Also remember that the HDMI inputs on Vantage-HD and HD2 are only HDMI1.1/1.2, for full HDMI1.3 audio and video format support you need the HDMI input expansion board (single or dual).

Contact vantage-support@calibreuk.com for more details of both the upgrade to HD2 (by return to factory only) and input expansion board.

Vantage-HD home page;

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

HDMI input expansion board;

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

Hd-2

Does the Vantage HD or HD2 support/pass 6/8 channel LPCM audio?

This is a good question. There is no specific mention of this (either way) in their manual. In my experience, they have been responsive when writing to their support team; if you try that, please post their response!

Got my used Vantage HD. The fan noise is annoying. Do you guys have any suggestions for quieter replacement fan? Its a 5v fan. I will try to contact CalibreUK but I am not sure they will send me a replacement fan as the unit is used & they don't have any service center in US. The fan seems to be on even when the unit is turned off & in standby. Is this normal?

Calibre is sending me a new replacement fan. Great customer service. Its sad that they are no longer active in the US market.

Got my used Vantage HD. The fan noise is annoying. Do you guys have any suggestions for quieter replacement fan? Its a 5v fan. I will try to contact CalibreUK but I am not sure they will send me a replacement fan as the unit is used & they don't have any service center in US. The fan seems to be on even when the unit is turned off & in standby. Is this normal?

I replaced my stock fan and the problem went away.

I made some posts on the process, with pictures - should show up if you do a search of this thread.

Hope it's helpful!

EDIT - here is the start of the discussion - http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8154397#post8154397

Looks like my pictures are not showing anymore - I'll see what I can do....

OK - the pictures are working again, now....

FYI - you don't need to use exactly the same fan that I did, however, pay attention to the specs of the original, and the proposed replacement. You want to have significantly lower rotation speed, while still getting higher CFM and higher pressure.

ALSO - (at least on "my" motherboard revision) the other power connectors on the motherboard were NOT supplying fan voltage - so I bought a splitter cable for this, so that I got TWO power connectors from the original fan connector. That way, I ran the new fan for the heatsink, as well as an additional fan to extract heat out the back of the unit. The case already was built for this extractor fan, but they chose not to install one - was very easy for me to put one in - was the same size as the heatsink fan...

Earlier in this (long) thread there should be info on how to make it fanless if you want to explore that option.

Thanks guys. I will wait for the replacement fan from Calibre & if that doesn't work then I will get an aftermarket fan.

Why not contact them again and enquire about the cost of an upgrade to a VantageHD2? This makes it fanless and gets you the latest firmware/feature set. You will have to send it back to the factory but the turn-around is pretty quick. This also gets you a further warranty for the unit, 3 months I think (from memory!).

I am thinking of doing that when finances allow. I am wondering if there are any other features with HD2 upgrade other than fanless cooling, 24p output & improved compatibility with BD players(don't know what that means). These are the features I can live without.

I have the unit connected to plasma & seem to have faint pink lines along faces on closeup & some noise at the edge of images when watching cable. Have tried Detail Enhancement & TNR. Will test Bluray. Not sure if this is due to compression from cable programming or problem with the VP itself. Never noticed this before.

vinodk, can you/do you have the plasma set to 1-to-1 pixel mapping?

I have tried 1:1 mapping which in my Panny plasma is labeled as "HD Size2". These pink lines along the faces do not come on right away as soon as I turn the procesor on, it takes about 5 min for them to gradually become more distracting. Don't know if it is the display issue or the heat of the Realta chip. With Bluray it takes a little longer for these lines to appear on faces which I am guessing happens not as quickly as with cable as there is less processing involved.

Ok, if it comes in gradually and regularly, it's not a pixel mapping issue. Assuming you've a DVR, do these lines stay still or continue moving when you pause the DVR? I'm assuming that, if it is an issue related to a mechanically distorted image, that the lines would continue to move (since processing continues to occur despite the DVR being paused). If the line pauses, the issue may be elsewhere. Either way, this certainly sounds like an issue you should bring to the attention of Calibre support, in case your unit is faulty.