DVDO iScan VP20

This is the definitive spec sheet on the DVDO iScan VP20:

The iScan™ VP20 is a high-definition video processor and A/V hub that converts standard or high definition from your DVD player, VCR, PVR, HD set top box, game console, or PC to one of many factory-defined output resolution between VGA and 1080p, including popular HDTV resolutions such as 720p and 1080i.

The VP20 serves as your complete A/V hub, providing simultaneous audio/video switching with deinterlacing/scaling which all on just one wire to your display.

• ABT’s Precision Video Scaling II technology – 10-bit
• Motion and source adaptive video deinterlacing for NTSC (3:2 and 2:2 pulldown; video) and PAL/SECAM (2:2 pulldown; video) sources (SiI504)

Upgradeable to the VRS Precision Deinterlacing Card (ABT102)
•SD(480i/576i) Source, Motion and Edge Adaptive Deinterlacing
o Five-field motion adaptive deinterlacing
o Edge adaptive processing to produce smooth diagonal edges
o Three frame video processing delay (Max)
o Game Modes with very low latency (sub-1 frame delay/2 frame delay with Edge adaptive processing)
• Arbitrary cadence detection (any:any) to detect non-standard cadences in input signals.
o Reliable 2:2 pull-down detection for 50Hz countries
o Detection of 2:2 to/from 3:2 crossfades and out of phase 3:2 crossfades
o Detection of multiple source types within a frame for example video titles over film
o Bad edit detection and compensation to minimize artifacts caused by sequence breaks in film content

• Factory defined output resolution between VGA and 1080p with all popular resolutions for digital displays
• Analog HD Transcoding and Processing
• Flexible Input and Output Aspect Ratio Control
• ABT’s Rightrate – PAL <->NTSC Conversion
• ABT’s AutoVFR – Intelligent Component Video Inputs with Automatic Video Format Routing
• Advanced Source Transition Management provides seamless transitions between source types
• ABT’s AutoCUE-C – Automatic Chroma Upsampling Error detection and correction
• Full-frame Timebase Correction
• High performance, multi-standard video decoder (10-bit: 480i/576i; 12-bit: 480p/576p/720p/1080i)
• High-quality super-adaptive comb filter with 2D Y/C separation
• Flexible Digital and Analog Audio switching and routing – four digital audio inputs and one analog audio input with two digital audio outputs (both active)
• ABT’s Precision A/V Lipsync intelligent digital audio delay technology to perfectly synchronize Audio and Video
• Factory defined output resolutions for Plasma, DLP-based, LCD-based , LCOS-based, and RP-CRT displays:

Technical Specifications

Inputs
Nine Video Inputs
• Two Composite (NTSC/PAL/SECAM)
• Two S-Video (NTSC/PAL/SECAM)
• Two Component (YPbPr or RGB/S) processes 480i/p, 576i/p, 720p, 1080i
• Three HDMI processes 480i/p, 576 i/p, 720p, 1080i, VGA/SVGA/XGA@60Hz

Eight Audio Inputs
• Three HDMI
• Two Coaxial Digital
• Two Optical Digital
• One Analog Pair (L/R)

Outputs
One Digital Audio/Video Output
• Using HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) connector
• Configurable for YCbCr or RGB
• Also carries digital audio

Two Digital Audio Outputs
• One Coaxial Digital
• One Optical Digital

Controls
Front Panel
• Infrared remote control with direct access codes or manual controls on front panel
• Functions accessible via either On Screen Display (OSD) or 2 line, 20 character front-panel LED display
• RS232 port for software downloads and automation.
• Fully programmable controls for each separate video input with non-volatile memories:
- Automatic input source detection & input priority selection
- Input aspect ratio select: 4:3 full frame, 4:3 letterbox, 16:9 full frame or custom input aspect ratio
- Output aspect ratio select: 4:3 and 16:9
Flexible horizontal and vertical Zooming & Panning controls
- Picture controls with memory for each input: Brightness, Contrast, Saturation, Hue, Y/C Delay, Sharpness
• Output Controls: Format/Resolution, Aspect Ratio, Sync Type, Colorspace (RGB or YCbCr)

• 13 Built-in test patterns for ease of set up

Power
• Universal AC mains input: 100 – 240 VAC @ 50-60 Hz
• Consumption <30W
• Sleep Mode – automatic 30 second timeout indicated by power indicator color change

Physical Dimensions
• 10.4”x17”x2.2” (26.3cmx43.4cmx5.5cm) with feet
• 10.4”x17”x1.8” (26.3cmx43.4cmx4.6cm) without feet

Available Accessories
• VRS Precision Deinterlacing Card (ABT102)
• Brushed Aluminum Front Panel
• Rack Mount Kit (1RU)


VP20 FAQs:
Q: How are the iScan VP20 and VP30 the same/different?
A: The iScan VP20 and VP30 use exactly the same video processing chain and both can have the SD deinterlacing upgraded with the Precision Deinterlacing Card.

The iScan VP20 and VP30 have the same chassis and front panel design
The iScan VP20 does not have an analog video output and can not be upgraded with an SDI input.

The iScan VP30 has support for constant height setups and advanced timing control adjustments and the VP20 has support for 4:3 and 16:9 displays and output resolutions for most digital displays.

The iScan VP20 does not have an analog RGBHV/Component input using BNC connections.

The iScan VP20 can covert PAL to NTSC (50Hz to 60Hz) and NTSC to PAL (60Hz to 50Hz). The iScan VP30 has user adjustable frame rate controls, in .01Hz increments, with popular presets including presets to convert Film-based content to 48Hz or 72Hz output.

The iScan VP20 can process VGA/SVGA/XGA@60Hz PC signals. The VP30 can process these signals and SXGA@60Hz

The iScan VP20 has 3 HDMI inputs and the VP30 has 4

We are also working on advanced display picture controls which will only be available for the VP30 (more details to come)

The iScan VP20 has preset output resolutions (with Horizontal/Vertical shift), whereas the VP30 has user-definable timing controls.

Q: What resolutions are predfined on the iScan VP20:
A: 480P, 540p, 576p, 720p-50, 720p-60, 1080i-50, 1080i-60, 1080p-50, 1080p-60, 640x480, 1024x768, 852x480, 1366x768, 1360x768, 1280x768 and 1024x576

Q: If I connect an HDMI (audio/video) source to the iScan VP20 will I be able to get audio out via the optical/coaxial digital outputs?
A: In most cases the audio that is available on the HDMI connection will be available on the optical/coaxial audio outputs. Exceptions include MLP (DVD-Audio) and DSD (SACD) which SPDIF connections are incapable of carrying due to bandwidth limitations.

VP20/Precision Deinterlacing Card (ABT102) FAQs:
Q: What are these new 'Game Modes' that come with the Precision Deinterlacing Card?
A: These modes can reduce the amount of video delay to less than a single frame. In many competitive processors the effects of applying complex algorithms to the video image results in upwards of a seven frame delay. This can inhibit the real-time performance for gamers who want instantaneous response to react to stimuli and to realize peak performance from their application. The Precision Deinterlacing Card (when set to one of the Game Modes) will reduce frame delay down to slightly less than one frame of video.

Q: What is on the DVD that comes with the Precision Deinterlacing Card?
A: The DVD that comes with the Precision Deinterlacing Card includes many test patterns to assist t you in optimizing the setup of your iScan VP20 and to evaluate the performance of your iScan VP20 (or any other video processing). This DVD was produced by Stacey Spears and Don Munsil (S&M) and I strongly believe that this will be the Reference DVD that everyone uses to compare video processing from now on.

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

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

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

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

Congratulations to DVDO on the launch of a new product!

StooMonster

Josh,

Congratulation, it is a nice packaging. I have two questions

1) Are the display profiles feature available on the VP20.
2) We are also working on advanced picture controls which will only be available for the VP30 any more info on this that could share at this point?
3) When will it be available.

Benoit

1) Are the display profiles feature available on the VP20.
The display profoiles are not available on the iScan VP20. They are avaialble on the VP30.
2) We are also working on advanced picture controls which will only be available for the VP30 any more info on this that could share at this point?
I prefer not to comment on specifics. I will make more information available as we get closer to releasing this software.
3) When will it be available.
We will be shipping the VP20 before the end of the month, as in next week.

Hai,

Yeah congrat, to you and the team at dvdo, sorry i had to steal the thread *grin* i just could not help myself. It seems like a nice unit and with the dl102 card something that makes perfect sense for the european market with 3 hdmi ins and 2 RGBs for scart if you ask me.

What would be nice is a list of confirmed hdmi 480i/576i players to make it easy for people to pair them with this and the vp30.

Greetings,

Daniel.

Q: Can the iScan VP20 take an HDMI input signal and output that same signal over the analog outputs?

Thanks for the info Josh. In light of the VP20 having only digital video output, does this question even make sense?

--Andre

What is the MSRP?

Benoit

The display profoiles are not available on the iScan VP20. They are avaialble on the VP30.
Display profiles are on the output side, right? If so, the VP20 can still have settings that are dependent upon the particular input resolution from a given source? Also, 1080p was not listed as a valid input signal. Can it take a 1080p signal as a pass-through for HDMI?

(Let me add that the reduced number of inputs puts this out of my consideration set, but I am curious)

Later,
Bill

Underscan. Yay or nay?

Josh,

Congratulations! I, for one, didn't see that one coming.

two questions:
1. What the MSRP + will the VP30 MSRP change?

2. I didn't quite understand about the timing controls, are these going to be strictly for the VP30?

Josh,

Congratulations! I, for one, didn't see that one coming.

two questions:
1. What the MSRP + will the VP30 MSRP change?


In europe a vp30 costs 2100 euro the vp20 will be 1699euro. a dl102 card is 399euro that should give you
a idea on the price level. I personally guess the $1499 spot makes alot of sense in their lineup (we allways pay more in europe because of tax). More interesting question is what will they do with the HD and HD+ personally i hope they will keep them and lower their prices would be nice to have a $700 to $800 product.

Daniel.

Daniel,

Thanks!

This is a trivial concern, but doesn't the naming scheme of the VP20 contradict why the VP30 was named the VP30? That is, the 3rd generation of video processors from DVDO. I suppose if no one cares or notices, then it doesn't matter.

--Andre

This is a trivial concern, but doesn't the naming scheme of the VP20 contradict why the VP30 was named the VP30? That is, the 3rd generation of video processors from DVDO. I suppose if no one cares or notices, then it doesn't matter.

--Andre

maybe 30 just means its bigger than the 20 :). What i mean i think their naming was confusing before its becoming less. Higher number means it can do more. I made up the following list they are not real models !

vp10 (still possible only sd for example)
vp20 aimed at digital (limited HD)
vp30 aimed at digital/analog (limited HD)
vp40 ... aimed at digital (full HD)
vp50 .... aimed at digital/analog (full HD)

They could use the second number (like denon does for example) for updated versions

vp31 (imho they should name assign the vp30+dl102 this its confusing now)
vp32 (drops the 504 on a board redesign defaults to abt102)

Something like that.

Maybe this is what they are thinking ?

Daniel.

Very smart and logical, you should get a consulting fee!

StooMonster

Daniel,

I like your scheme! So when is the VP50 going to be out? ;)

--Andre

Daniel,

I like your scheme! So when is the VP50 going to be out? ;)

--Andre

Well the make it up as we go along avsforums team is still working on the details but we plan to release a virtual version in sept. unless you really demand a usb that is :)

Daniel.

Nice looking product, what next? A gamers friend?

The MSRP on the iScan VP20 is $1699 and we plan on shipping the first units this upcoming Tuesday, May 30th.

The MSRP on the iScan VP20 is $1699 and we plan on shipping the first units this upcoming Tuesday, May 30th.

Can it be bougth at DVDO's website?
I can't find it anyway...
Will there be some sort of upgrade program too?
Thank you and my compliments - it's just the product for me...

Can it be bougth at DVDO's website?
I can't find it anyway...
Will there be some sort of upgrade program too?
Thank you and my compliments - it's just the product for me...

Since you are in europe consider adding the dl102 card....

Daniel.

This sounds like a great new product that may do even better than the VP30. Let's face it, are the lion's share of VP30 addicts in this forum the real majority of the customer base? Does everyone looking at this kind of scaler really care about 1:1 pixel mapping of their plasma, SDI support or the myriad of "tweakophile" features of the VP30? Probably not. The VP20 allows DVDO to get a cheaper product out the door that eliminates some of the features not needed by 95% of the people out there (analog HD output is the domain of old rear projection CRT TVs and projectors). The included displays handle probably 98% of the TVs out there.

Hell I might even buy one if I can convince my wife. My Mitsu 65813 w/DVI needs the help of a good scaler to handle the nasty D* SD signals its getting.

The iScan VP20 is up on our website now: http://www.dvdo.com/pro/pro_isvp20.php

The iScan VP20 is up on our website now: http://www.dvdo.com/pro/pro_isvp20.php

Could you also update the image on the vp30 :), ive been looking for that
1080p output for a while now and it aint there.... it was probably a prototype
with a single line output but still. Also on the compare there are some small mistakes
like 4 profiles instead of 10.

Hope the vp20 will do well for you...

Daniel.

The VP30 image should be updated very soon.

Thanks for pointing out the error on the # of Display Profiles.

Josh is there a trade in program to go fron an I Scan HD+ to the VP20?

Thanks

Josh is there a trade in program to go fron an I Scan HD+ to the VP20?

Thanks

There will be a trade-in program for the VP20. We will have the details finalized and posted on our website on Friday. I will make sure to post here when that is done.

Merci...mon ami

Hi Josh, 2 quick questions:
1) for analogue video in, will the HDMI out be HDCP'ed ? (I hope not, since the input is not. But then I heard HDMI has HDCP "given")
2) svideo/composite input, does it have a 3D comb filter ?

Thanks

The VP20 is exactly the same as the VP30 in both regards. You can turn off HDCP at the output of the VP20 so that authentication never happens wbetween the VP20 and the display. The comb filter is a high-quality super-adaptive comb filter with 2D Y/C separation.

Josh,

I'm thinking about a 1.33x fixed-lens constant height setup. I would like to vertically scale all inputs to 1080p vertical resolution, as well as vertically scale all inputs to match the input aspect ratio after being expanded by 1.33. Is the VP20 capable of doing this? If not, is the VP30 capable of doing this? If not, can we expect to see such a feature available in the future? I'd love to see arbitrary vertical and horizontal scaling (specified in pixels) in an affordable scalar.

detailed examples:
1.33 - vertical scale to 1080 pixels, horizontal scale to 1080 pixels
1.78 - vertical scale to 1080 pixels, horizontal scale to 1444 pixels
1.85 - vertical scale to 1080 pixels, horizontal scale to 1502 pixels
2.35 - vertical scale to 1080 pixels, horizontal scale to 1920 pixels

I suppose this is a generic question directed at your products, but I figured I'd put it here since you're probably actively monitoring this thread.

The iScan VP30 has support for constant height setups and advanced timing control adjustments and the VP20 has support for 4:3 and 16:9 displays and output resolutions for most digital displays.


It sounds like you're saying the VP20 doesn't support constant height setups. can you elaborate?

The VP20 supports 4:3 and 16:9 displays on the output side. That is not to say that one could not create an IAR (Input Aspect Ratio) preset where a 2.35:1 image is scaled vertically to fill a 16:9 area so that the image could be unsqueezed by a panamorphic lens. The VP30 allows this setup on the output so that all IAR presets act as expected (i.e. 4:3 images are squeezed horizontally so that they can unsqueezed by the same panamorphic lens configration, without moving the lens)

The VP20 supports 4:3 and 16:9 displays on the output side. That is not to say that one could not create an IAR (Input Aspect Ratio) preset where a 2.35:1 image is scaled vertically to fill a 16:9 area so that the image could be unsqueezed by a panamorphic lens. The VP30 allows this setup on the output so that all IAR presets act as expected (i.e. 4:3 images are squeezed horizontally so that they can unsqueezed by the same panamorphic lens configration, without moving the lens)

Josh, Is this how I'm using my anamorphic lens on my DVDO HD+?

R-S

R-S - I am not sure how you are using an anamorphic lens on your HD+. The HD+ aspect ratio control is exactly the same as the VP30s.

I need 3 hdmi inputs, the ability to scale HD to my JVC HX2 with Anamorphic lens and would love to get the Precision Deinterlacing card too. I suspect many of us who are looking to do constant height on a budget are after this.

I'm pretty sure I have my Output Aspect Ratio set to 2.35:1 on my HD+. So, why isn't this feature in the VP20? I need this feature to justify going to the VP20. The VP30 with deinterlacer is too much processor for me and costs too much for me. It looks like ABT decided to cut it out of the firmware package to seemingly add a feature to the VP30 in order to avoid cannibalizing sales. Is this correct?

The VP20 has specific resolutions supported but that is only part of the story.
1366x768 may be the resolution of my display but don't I need the porch and sync setting to get perfect 1:1 pixel match?

How can this be done on the VP20?

- Rich

Deinterlacer question.... is the only difference in the built in deinterlacer verses the precision deinterlacer 102 card the frame delay. I guess Im asking is the built in dinterlacer sufficient for deinterlacing SD. I do not plan on using this for gaming, just to improve the poor non-hd interlaced input sources such as D*.

Upscaling question... (newbee style) is there not a limitation on upscaling a 480i input? Can you really achieve a decent 1080i (or p) output from 480i in??? I assume that you would get a much better output if you started with an HD input say 720p, is this not true??

Thanks

catherwood - There is some excellent information about the ABT102 and the improvements over the SiI504 in this thread: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=675719

The VP20 has specific resolutions supported but that is only part of the story.
1366x768 may be the resolution of my display but don't I need the porch and sync setting to get perfect 1:1 pixel match?

How can this be done on the VP20?

- Rich

Which display are you using?

There are two 1366x768 presets and one 1360x768 preset on the VP20. We are rolling these additional presets into the VP30.

Which display are you using?

There are two 1366x768 presets and one 1360x768 preset on the VP20. We are rolling these additional presets into the VP30.

Panasonic 7 series Plasma today, 9 series soon.

- Rich

One of the 1366x768 presets will give you 1:1 pixel mapping on the 8 series Panasonics (using the DVI blade).

josh,

is there any reason the vp20 doesn't support a 2.35:1 output aspect ratio?

r-s

One of the 1366x768 presets will give you 1:1 pixel mapping on the 8 series Panasonics (using the DVI blade).

It seems that for only a $300 less you loose a lot of functionality. If you get a new Plasma, there is no certainty that this unit will still be useful. You may have gone too far in reducing functionality and not far in reducing price.

- Rich

josh,

is there any reason the vp20 doesn't support a 2.35:1 output aspect ratio?

r-s

The iScan VP20 is not targeted at users that intend on using constant height setups.

It seems that for only a $300 less you loose a lot of functionality. If you get a new Plasma, there is no certainty that this unit will still be useful. You may have gone too far in reducing functionality and not far in reducing price.

- Rich

But, is you have a display that uses standard timings, like 720p DLPs or 1080p displays, this should not be a problem. The only displays that could be problematic are displays with non-standard resolutions. As I have stated we are adding preset resolutions to avoid this issue.

Josh,

It seems odd to me that a simple feature that was present on an older model (the HD+) has been omitted on the VP20. Is there a technical reason? Won't the hardware support it? As you said earlier, one can overcome this by futzing with the input apsect ratio, but that solution will require more set up and more slightly more hassle for the user. So it doesn't appear to be a hardware issue.

Raoul-Sam

Based on what you are looking for, it sounds to me like the VP30 is what you really need. Is there a reason why you are not considering the VP30?

Josh,

Yes, there is. On the hardware front, I just don't need what the VP30 has to offer. I don't need the extra inputs, or the outputs. I just need a feature that existed in the HD+ , a lesser piece of hardware, which is the ability to cope with an anamorphic lens. The rest of the VP20 sounds perfect for me. I'm even considering the deinterlacer board which sounds yummy.

It is clear to all from your description of how constant height can be achieved using custom Input Aspect Ratios that one can implement the feature on this hardware. So why not just put the menu entry back in the firmware and ship the product the way it ought to be shipped?

Raoul-Sam

In case anyone is wondering, the iScan VP20 does not require that any software be installed for the ABT102 to function correctly. The software that the VP20 ships with already supports the ABT102.

catherwood - There is some excellent information about the ABT102 and the improvements over the SiI504 in this thread: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=675719

Thanks, I read it all, and it was very interesting. I posted this question on that thread, maybe it is more appropiate here:
#1. does the ABT102 interact and perform with the VP20 the same way as the VP30.
#2. Is the VP20 capable of any deinterlacing without the ABT102?

Thanks

Thanks, I read it all, and it was very interesting. I posted this question on that thread, maybe it is more appropiate here:
#1. does the ABT102 interact and perform with the VP20 the same way as the VP30.
#2. Is the VP20 capable of any deinterlacing without the ABT102?

Thanks

1) yes..

2) yes using the old SiL504 chip. But i personally would advice the abt102 if you buy it as
a package its only $200 more and adds alot.

Daniel.

One of the 1366x768 presets will give you 1:1 pixel mapping on the 8 series Panasonics (using the DVI blade).


Will this also be true on the VP30?

Will this also be true on the VP30?

Yes, ths will in the next software version for the VP30 along with several audio fixes, a 1360x768 preset output resolution, and Panorama (non-Linear Stretch Mode).

Yes, ths will in the next software version for the VP30 along with several audio fixes, a 1360x768 preset output resolution, and Panorama (non-Linear Stretch Mode).


I am hoping you meant 1366x768, not 1360.

Actually, I did mean 1360x768. To be clear we have added another 1366x768 preset and a 1360x768 preset.

Josh,

Do either of the scalers allow for scaling the red green and blue planes seperatly to compensate for minor convergence errors and chromatic abberation due to some of the anamorphic lenses?

Raoul

Hi, I'm going to buy the VP20 with deinterlacing card.
I want to connect it to my plv Z2 via DVI at 720p, to see DVD (component or DVI) and TV also (S-video)

Do you think it is a good choice or my Sanyo projector is not good enough to show the improvement in image quality made by the processor?

Thanks

Josh-You seem like the guru, so please let me know if you have any advice. I just purchased the VP20. I have the Sony SPL-VW-100 projector, which supports 1080p. I spoke to an iScan DVDO representative and he told me that the VP20 would basically make rgular TV look like a DVD, make a DVD look close to HD and make 1080i HD richer. I have HDMI going from HD cable box to the VP20, then HDMI from VP20 to projector. I also have an Xbox 360 going into the VP20. After careful back and forth comparisons I cannot tell any difference in the picture when I using the VP20 or when going direct from cable box. I went through every setup option and set the ouput to 1080p. In fact, when I play a DVD on the Xbox, the image is considerably smaller and not noticibly sharper when going through the VP20.

I have always been good with tech, but this whole setup is brand new, so there's a good chance I am making some mistake somewhere.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!!

Hi, it is a "long time" since VP20 is on the market, I didn't buy it yet, but I will, before I would like to have some impressions from users.

I hope somebody can tell us how good sound images through VP20.

A question: does VP20 support 720p@60 Hz output when input is 50Hz?

I hope somebody can tell us how good sound images through VP20.

I am not sure what your question is. If you are asking about the audio path, it is the same as what is on the VP30. If you are asking about the video quality, it is the same as a VP30 (and both support the ABT102).

A question: does VP20 support 720p@60 Hz output when input is 50Hz?

Sure.

Thank you Josh, now I have zero doubts on the processor to buy.
;)

v1.01 Software is now available for the iScan VP20 here: http://www.dvdo.com/update/vp20_1-01.php

Release 1.01 of our iScan VP20 software contains the following new features:

Added Output Gamma Correction
The Output Gamma can be adjusted to any value between 0.6 and 2.5. The default setting on this parameter is 1.0, typically referred to as ‘Linear’.

Added 8 more Test Patterns

Full Field Black
Full Field White
Full Field Red
Full Field Blue
Full Field Green
Full Field Cyan
Full Field Magenta
Full Field Yellow
Added ‘Panorama’ Feature
Non-linear stretch can now be applied to a 4:3 signal so that it will fill a 16:9 screen with minimal perceptual distortion in the center of the screen. This mode can be turned ‘On’ or ‘Off’ in the Input Aspect Ratio submenu. Additionally this feature can be accessed in the IAR presets and it is titled ‘4:3 Stretch’.

Six Additional Output Format presets:

848x480, 1:1 timing for NEC 42” plasmas
1024x768, 1:1 timing for NEC 42” plasmas
(In addition to the existing 1024x768 VESA format)
1360x768, 1:1 timing for Fujitsu 50” plasmas
1360x768, 1:1 timing for NEC 50” plasmas
1366x768, 1:1 timing for Panasonic 50” plasmas
(In addition to the existing 1366x768 format)
1365x768, 1:1 timing for NEC 50” and 61” plasmas
Added Output Color Space Indicator to ‘Info’ Screen
The chosen output color space is now displayed in the ‘Info’ screen.

Added Audio Format Indicator to ‘Info’ Screen.
The audio signal that is detected on the selected audio input is now displayed in the ‘Info’ screen.

Added Automation Command for ‘Info’ Screen
The ‘Info’ screen can now be turned on and off with a discrete automation control. (0xA5). 0=off. 1=on

This software version also addresses and corrects the following bugs:

In case of invalid input signal the SPDIF transmitter wasn't set to mute mode.

Added SiI9031 interrupt monitor to address the audio “motorboating” issue.

When info screen was turned on via the remote it stayed on screen forever or until the ‘Exit’ button was pressed.

Made the test pattern generator (TPG) more consistent across reboots, i.e. fixed problem where TPG shows up across power cycles.

Changed the EDID Extended table so that it is more compatible with the audio features of some DVD and HD-DVD players. The correct audio output format selection for HD-DVD players is 'Bitstream', if you are using the optical/coaxial digital audio output.

"4:3" and "16:9" remote control button select corresponding profile.

Switching Improvement: Make sure that automatic input controls like Color Space or AR are set correctly, before picture is enabled.

Does anyone have an idea on how well the VP20 or 30 will perform with a Panasonic PT-L500U front projector? Its 720P native and @ 91".

Might be asking a bit too much but trying anyway.

I have a few questions.

1: How welll does this handel old Console games that are 420P?
I have heard that there are speed issues with this, is there a fix for it?

Anyone who is using this, with game mode 1 on, how does the image look? and How is the lag(Noticable, or not)?

1. I shouldn't worry about this, unless response time is an issue (processors add delay to the video stream!).

2. You can use game modes to make it run quicker, at the expense of lower than optimal PQ.

This is probably a dumb question, but I've searched through the threads and I don't see it addressed. Can the VP20 be used with a Cablecard? Or would I have to ditch the CC and replace it with an STB if I wanted to use the video processor?

I assume a cablecard is one of those standardised cards that you stick in a TV to give it additional tuning capability?

In which case, unless the TV has a video output that you can use to then route through the vp20 and back to the TV again (which probably won't work anyway) then definitely need a STB.

I'm quite surprised that there are no VP-20 B-Stock units on DVDO's Web Site . Can this mean that no one is trading their units in for VP-30's or VP-50's ? Interesting .

Scott...................... :cool:

I have a Denon DVD-1920 and Samsung HL-S6187W DLP. Both have built in scalers/video processors. I only watch DVD's, I don't have cable, satellite, OTA, etc. The DVD's are about 50/50 between movies and old (mostly 1.33:1) TV shows.

I've noticed that the film to DVD transfer has a lot to do with how it looks overall. Shows that start out good in HD can suffer from bad transfers, like Grey's Anatomy or look great like Rome.

Will I see a significant improvement by installing an iScan VPXX?

Thanks,
Rocky

slksc,

the VP20 does not contain a tuner. You'll need to get a cablecard compatible tuner and pass along the video through the VP20 in order to get it to work.

Hey Josh,
Small project custom integrator here. Specifying a library presentation/meeting room. Looking at scaling switches as a way to simplify cable run(s), simplify user interface and improve picture consistency. 1080P capability, digital audio switching etc... are not an immediate concern here. Sources will include analog (PC for power point - internet access- DVD playback and VCR for legacy materials) and perhaps an HDMI equipped cable box. Display to be a 50 plasma most probably (non 1080P). Could you comment briefly on advantages, (if any in this situation), to specifying a VP20 over Iscan HD+?
Thanks

I am looking for Beta testers for the upcoming VP20 release that integrates the audio fixes that have been added to the VP50 in v1.01. If you are interested, please send me an email (Josh@anchorbaytech.com), with 'VP20 Beta Testing' in the subject line. This testing will be prior to the public release on our website.

Beta software version 1.02 is now available for the iScan VP20 here: http://www.anchorbaytech.com/support/software_downloads/vp.php

This pre-release version of our software addresses and corrects the following bugs:

-Fixed intermittent audio drop-outs due to sources with high-jitter (completely new audio logic).
-Added HDMI Output Audio Mute routine to avoid “pops” and noise bursts while audio format is being determined.
-Changed HDMI output configuration routine to remove potential of audio output lock-up in the HDMI transmitter under certain conditions.

I have the VP20 and I am loving it so far. Few issues though I need help with. Maybe I'm missing something but here goes. (please see attachment for ref.)

1.) I am having issues with 1080p output. The VP20's menus seem to be getting cut off at the left hand top of the screen. I lose 2-3 letters from the left.

2.) I cannot out put 1080p 1:1 pixel mapping from the HTPC, I get the "shakes" on the bottom of open any open windows. this happens only when going through the VP20.

3.)See below regarding sound issues. again only through the VP20.

-Fixed intermittent audio drop-outs due to sources with high-jitter.

I have issues with sound on my OPPO 981 via HDMI to the VP20. Sometimes there is no audio sometimes there is audio. Not drops but off on type thing when I power it up. All other inputs have no issues. Any thoughts? I don't think the OPPO has Jitter...does it??

--Changed HDMI output configuration routine to remove potential of audio output lock-up in the HDMI transmitter under certain conditions.

Maybe this is the issues I am having. LOCK-UP ?? please see attached layout of my theater. Does anything stand out as a problem?

BTW: I am installing the ABT120 this week end I have been too busy to do it. Will this fix my "Family GUY" Black lines issues. I get tearing of the lines @ all resolutions. This actually occurs with all cartoon type animation, and I need my Anime' !!!!

2.) I cannot out put 1080p 1:1 pixel mapping from the HTPC, I get the "shakes" on the bottom of open any open windows. this happens only when going through the VP20.

This could be your problem.

I recently emailed DVDO tech support about 1080p passthru.
June 8, 2007:

...the VP20 will be able to pass thru a 1080P signal by
way of a upcoming Firmware update. Currently it cannot pass thru a
1080P signal, but within a few weeks we should be releasing firmware
that will address this...


I very much need this ability as well.

Can anyone get any additional information on this firmware release?

Thank you very much javier911, I am trying to pass through the PC so I can get 1:1 pixel Mapping to the Epson Home 1080. Looks like a solution is on the way from DVDO. The sound issues seem to have been taken care of last night with the v1.00 to v1.02 upgrade. Cannot wait till I can get the 1080P pass through. I do still get 1080i but have the jitter issue with open windows, and the menu cut off on the left??? Josh are you around?? Or hanging out with the vp50 crowd? ;)

LW

Patience... :rolleyes:

I'm having trouble setting up my new VP20 with a Sony KDF-E50A10 (720p LCD projection TV), and I was hoping Josh or someone might have some suggestions.

I started off with the Frame/Geometry Test Pattern and the output set to 720p 60hz, but the overscan seems huge and cuts off a large amount of the screen. An H-shift setting of 189 puts the right edge white line just barely off-screen, while a setting of 241 does the same for the left edge (putting the middle around 215). The situation is similar vertically, but I can't shift the picture far enough to see the top and bottom arrows without losing vertical hold (was rather amusing...haven't seen that in years).

I had assumed that 720p would give a reasonable image on my TV, though I was aware that I probably couldn't get 1-1 pixel mapping via HDMI. Are there any options at this point, such as working with DVDO on a format for this TV or some service menu options for the A10? Analog output (such as the VP30 has) isn't an option because my sole use is for DVDs and HDCP would preclude outputing 720p over analog. Using component input to a VP30 might get around this, but my understanding is that I would lose automatic aspect ratio detection for anamorphic discs. That's a very handy feature and not something I'd like to give up (no idea why that isn't an option for component input...my TV can detect it when I use component).

Thank you in advance.

Some additional problems I've noticed:

No deinterlacing options when the source is my DVD player over HDMI (Onkyo DV-CP704). The player can't send 480i over HDMI so I have to set it to 480p. Isn't Anchor Bay's VRS Technology supposed to be able to reinterlace and then deinterlace? They call it "Progressive Reprocessing" (PRep)...a simple operation but it doesn't seem to be working.

No audio when the source is my DVD player over HDMI. If I set my player to "All" I get absolutely nothing. If I set my player to "PCM" I get audio that literally stutters more than it plays via the HDMI out to my TV, and nothing via the optical audio out to my receiver. The "PCM downmixing" setting doesn't change anything.

Using component and the coax audio connection for input from my player works better. The "PCM" setting gives me 2.1 channel audio via both the optical and the HDMI out. Using "All" gives me 5.1 audio via optical and no sound via HDMI, but is this setting still getting the proper audio delay? The info screen says the input is "Input 3, Dolby Dig."

(Ironically the lack of HDMI audio is a plus for me, because my next request would have been for a way to turn off HDMI audio...I use the receiver exclusively when watching things via the VP20 but I need the TV speakers left on for the other TV inputs.)

Unfortunately, using component means I lose auto AR detection. I know that might seem like a minor feature, but it isn't the button click that bothers me. I tend to watch a lot of anime, and R1 companies don't always bother to label the disc AR on the packaging. Deducing AR by watching might be easy with live-action, but it's a lot harder with animation and I spend a lot of time trying to look for something round to gauge by.

Josh, any chance you guys could look into adding the ability to detect AR from component input? I can't speak for other DVD players, but mine sends the right singal every time and I'd love to have it auto-detected. It could be made optional just like the HDMI version if other people have trouble with it.

Hi,

I've just got a new Panasonic 50" 720p monitor + VP20 + ABT102D that will be mostly used for viewing DVDs (region 1 & 2), and PAL TV SD. The monitor has a component input, and I added an additonal HDMI board to it (to connect to the VP20).

Today I can still "upgrade" my order to VP30 (instead of the VP20), for additional 300$, but can't make up my mind whether its worth it (I have read the comparison table at Anchor Bay website). On one hand I've already stretched my budget, so don't want to spend 300$ if there is no real benefit. On the other hand, I don't want to kick myself in the butt in two month after realizing I should have gotten the VP30 for "only" 300$ more :)

So,

Is there any benefit to the VP30 over the VP20 with regards to the Panny 720p (given I have both an HDMI input and Component inputs for the it)
Is there any benefit to the VP30 over the VP30 when I'll upgrade my monitor to a 1080p (say in 5 years)?
Is there any other benefit to the VP30 if I'll start using a media Streamer or HTPC for HD content?


Thanks,

Amir

The only real difference is the SDI Add on (http://www.anchorbaytech.com/products/systems/addons/precision_sdi_input_module.php) and a few more inputs (BNC and HDMI). Other than that they process the same. In 5 years maybe SDI is the standard( doubt it) so you might want to go that way. So to answer your ??'s

1.) No

2.) I have an Epson Home Cinema 1080 now and I use the VP-20. I did not see the need for the VP-30. VP-50 maybe, but not the VP-30.

3.) Check out this link. (my setup) ( http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=83936) I use a server networked to my HTPC and have no issues. Everything gets scaled to 1080p and looks good. Again no benefit with the VP-30... just more inputs and the SDI option which I would not use.



BTW the ABT-120 is a must have!!! My old Blue Devils (http://www.bluedevils.org/programs/a/2007/) videos look awesome again!!

The only real difference is the SDI Add on (http://www.anchorbaytech.com/products/systems/addons/precision_sdi_input_module.php) and a few more inputs (BNC and HDMI). Other than that they process the same. In 5 years maybe SDI is the standard( doubt it) so you might want to go that way. So to answer your ??'s

1.) No

2.) I have an Epson Home Cinema 1080 now and I use the VP-20. I did not see the need for the VP-30. VP-50 maybe, but not the VP-30.

3.) Check out this link. (my setup) ( http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=83936) I use a server networked to my HTPC and have no issues. Everything gets scaled to 1080p and looks good. Again no benefit with the VP-30... just more inputs and the SDI option which I would not use.



BTW the ABT-120 is a must have!!! My old Blue Devils (http://www.bluedevils.org/programs/a/2007/) videos look awesome again!!

Thanks!!

One question thogh - why are you routing the Oppo-981 through the VP-20 - who does the scaling of dvds, the Oppo or the VP-20? Do you get macro-blocking because of the Oppo-981?

This actaully brings another set of qouestions (which dvd player to get). My assumptions are:


I Don't need an up-scaling dvd player (as the VP-20 will do a much better job at it).
I don't need a region free dvd player (VP-20 will change NTSC => PAL just fine).
However, I should get a dvd player with HDMI out (to connect to the VP20).


Am I right? If so, what is a not-too-expensive-yet-good-quality-player that would fit the bill - I was hoping to avoid buying an expesive dvd player after selling a kidney to finance the VP20 - but I do have another one (kidney that is) in good condition... :)

One more questsion regarding VP-20 vs. VP-30

The cable/Sat box I'll be using has only SCART (european) output (no component/DVI/HDVI), what should be the best (and cost efficient) way to connect the cable box to the VP-20 (and does this tips the scale in favor of the VP30).

One question though - why are you routing the Oppo-981 through the VP-20 - who does the scaling of dvds, the Oppo or the VP-20? Do you get macro-blocking because of the Oppo-981?
The VP-20 does the heavy lifting. I got the OPPO with my package from P.P. No issues. I output 480p and let the VP do the rest. I send everything to the VP-20 for ease of switching.

1.) I Don't need an up-scaling dvd player (as the VP-20 will do a much better job at it).
Correct!!

2.) I don't need a region free dvd player (VP-20 will change NTSC => PAL just fine).
Not sure here..sorry.

3.) However, I should get a dvd player with HDMI out (to connect to the VP20).
Component will work too.

..what is a not-too-expensive-yet-good-quality-player that would fit the bill - I was hoping to avoid buying an expesive dvd player after selling a kidney to finance the VP20 - but I do have another one (kidney that is) in good condition... :)
Panny's are always good. Just about anything progressive scan will send a decent picture to the VP to mold into :eek:

LW

One more questsion regarding VP-20 vs. VP-30

The cable/Sat box I'll be using has only SCART (european) output (no component/DVI/HDVI), what should be the best (and cost efficient) way to connect the cable box to the VP-20 (and does this tips the scale in favor of the VP30).

Scart is analog only and HDMI is digital only so..... hmmm well you're SOL.... J/k, this is out of the UK. Google and I'm sure you will find one in the States. $24 vs $300... no contest. Cross your fingers and hope the adaptor works as advertised.

Scart to Component Adaptor (http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=47318&doy=26m6&C=SO&U=strat15)

Newbie question here. I have a Panasonic 1080i plasma, HD Satellite, Denon 3910 DVD, and DLO iPod dock. We've been finding ourselves watching more and more content from the iPod, which has miserable video quality. Further, while the Dish HD displays very nicely, non-HD channels are pretty ho-hum.

I was thinking that a reasonable fix would be something like the VP20, but have no experience with external video processors. I'd been eyeing the Meridian iPod dock as a viable alternative, but it seems they haven't taken action since announcing it.

Please help. Is the VP20 something that makes sense? Should I be looking at other models? Any assistance appreciated.

- Ken

Good question Krubin..... short answer yes... the VP-20 is a great machine to scale your Standard definition TV err ipod.

There is a slight catch though. Because the Dlo only outputs via S-video, ( s-video will only send a 480i 576i res. picture) you would be wise to purchase, along with the VP-20, the ABT 102 (http://www.anchorbaytech.com/products/systems/addons/precision_deinterlacing_card.php) add in deinterlacer card. Yes, I know there is composite but come on.. are we really considering using it???

I have the ABT 102 and it really makes SD look like DVD's or better!! Regarding other models you are not really getting any benefit as the higher end models will scale HD 1080p sources. If you are happy with your HD sources then there is no reason to go to a higher model. They have other features but.... from your post you will not need them.

So to sum up.
1.) Purchase the VP-20 (http://www.anchorbaytech.com/products/systems/vp20.php)
2.) Add the ABT 102 for SD 480i sources..(ipod, VHS Tape player, heck everyone has a nintendo sitting around) to look like DVDs or better.
3.) You Are enjoying the wonderful HD content flowing through Dish so use the vp-20 to scale the 480p/720p to 1080i
4.) Finally when you buy a 1080p TV/projector you will be able to (coming real soon) pass 1080p sources through the VP-20 to your new TV/Projector.

Hope this ramble makes sense. Please see the attached doc for video formats.

4.) Finally when you buy a 1080p TV/projector you will be able to (coming real soon) pass 1080p sources through the VP-20 to your new TV/Projector.


How confident are you that they will release that firmware upgrade and it will work properly?

PM sent.

Right off let me say I don't want to have this thread morph into a Panasonic vs. Pioneer debate but I'm considering the purchase of either the new Pioneer PDP-5080HD or the Panasonic TH-50PH9 or 10UK (when available). Both are 768p and 50". I'm replacing a 42" 1024x1024 Hitachi plasma that is about 4 1/2 years old. Here is the rub: the cost of the Pioneer is very close to the cost of the Panasonic and a VP20.

What are the relative benefits of adding a VP20 to the Panasonic commercial monitor versus the consumer Pioneer alone?

Let me say in advance I appreciate folks with video processors sharing their insights and experiences so I can make an informed choice.

Ok it's finally here... VP -20 to pass 1080p. I attached a snag it from Anchor bays website. Looks good!! I will test tonight and let you know what I find. I like the pass through per input option. I hope it works as advertised.

TBC

LW

iScan VP20 1.03 Beta Software (July 12, 2007)

We have a new Beta version for the VP20 which includes Passthrough and is available for download here: http://www.anchorbaytech.com/support/software_downloads/update/vp20.beta_agreement_103.php

This Beta version contains the following new features:

New Passthrough Mode

The new Passthrough mode allows digital and analog signals to be passed through without any deinterlacing or scaling. Passthrough mode allows an HDMI input signal to be passed through to the HDMI output. Passthrough mode does still allow colorspace conversion to be done on the HDMI inputs, so if an input signal is 1080p YCbCr 4:4:4 and you would like to output this to a 1080p display with a DVI input, the iScan VP20 can convert this signal to a 1080p RGB 4:4:4 output. Menu selections that are not available while the signal is passed through are grayed out in the OSD. While in Passthrough mode an error condition is reported over the RS232 protocol if a function which does not work is accessed. Like the ‘Deinterlacing’ and ‘Overscan’ options in the ‘Input Adjust’ menu, ‘Passthrough’ can be set up on a per input/per format basis. Signals with a resolution of to 1080p-60 can be passed through the VP20.

Added Image Shift Input Adjust menu item.

This new option in the OSD combines the previously available ‘Line Offset’ control with a new horizontal image shift control. 'Line Offset' has been replaced by a Vertical Image Shift Control. The Image Shift Option is available when:

The SDI or HDMI input is selected and the input signal is 480i (Same control as ‘Line Offset’)

The Component (1 or 2) or RGBHV input is selected and the input signal is 480p, 576p, 720p, 1080i, VGA-SXGA@60Hz

Added Brackets Around Selections For Front Panel Navigation

Items that are grayed out in the OSD are now shown on the front panel display with brackets around the selection to denote that it is unavailable, given the current conditions.

This Beta version of software also addresses the following bugs:

Fixed issue with some minor inconsistent front panel and OSD indicators
Fix Discrete IR Reliability
Fixed problem with 720p50 Analog Input Signal

Well I have tested the pass though and it works awesome!! I tested my HTPC with HDCP and with out and had no issues, the pass through works perfectly. Great job DVDO!!! for those users that wanted to run their HTPC's straight through this is the ticket. I also tested my other components Comcast HD as well as OppO 981 .. with great results. FYI I do use the processor for those inputs but I needed to test. I am now going to start looking for a great deal on HDDVD/Xbox with HD/ bluray/or PS3!!

Hmm I'm thinking the XBox right now. I'm not a gamer but it gives me more options right?

Josh beat you to post!!! ;)
This is perfect!!!! BTW great options in this release!!

cheers!!

LW

Looking back through this thread after ordering a VP20 and noted that there are no Display Profiles on this (vs VP30/50). This still seems contrary to the current (19-Jul-2007) comparison table on the Anchor Bay site where it lists 10 Display Profiles for all three units.

Just searched the pdf manual for the VP20 for the VP30 which shows that the VP20 does not have this but the Vp30 does.

I don't need BNC connections, analog out, or the 4th HDMI input and multiple display profiles (which strikes me as purely software) doesn't sound worth the $$$. I switch between output to a 1080i RPTV, a 720p-native front projector and a 1360x768-native flat panel LCD (in the adjoining workout room). Other than the resolution I will have to find out how much tweaking I will need for each output at the level of V/H shift, overscan, etc..

Any idea on whether ABT might toss in these lines of code in some future upgrade?

DVDO iScan VP20

Physical Dimensions
• 10.4”x17”x2.2” (26.3cmx43.4cmx5.5cm) with feet
• 10.4”x17”x1.8” (26.3cmx43.4cmx4.6cm) without feet



Is that 10.4 (W) x 17" (D) or vice versa? Need to know whether it will fit.

Is that 10.4 (W) x 17" (D) or vice versa? Need to know whether it will fit.

That is 10.4" deep and 17" wide.

Please forgive the naive post. I'm new to this and learning.

I have Panasonic TH-50PH9UK panel (with TY-FB8HM HDMI card), VP20, Denon 3910, DLO iPod Dock.

I've been having a devil of a type getting the VP20 and screen calibrated. The panel seems to be native 1366x768, but when I select that I get "no input" from the display. As a result I'm running 1280x720. The display's HDMI card may be the problem, but I'm not sure I understand the "active pixels/total pixels" vs "active lines/total lines" [but I'm taking it to mean that the card is doing some scaling].

At 1080i, I cannot vertically size the image down from VP20 to fit the display (though horizontal can be scaled using the picture size adjustment from the panel). At 720p I can get the scaling okay, but the "checkerboard" and other test patterns are clearly artifacted.

Finally, I see in the VP20 owners manual references to setting the horizonal size (for example) but cannot get them on screen. I've loaded the just-released firmware.

I'm not new to audio/video, but this is my first attempt at playing "with the big boys". Apologies to the list if this is too off-topic or naive a question. I'm at wits end. Any help appreciated -- thanks!

You're right: the HDMI card is the problem. You cannot send the HDMI card a 1366x768 signal and achieve native rate. You can only do this with the DVI card (TY-42TM6D). Silly, but true.

You're right: the HDMI card is the problem. You cannot send the HDMI card a 1366x768 signal and achieve native rate. You can only do this with the DVI card (TY-42TM6D). Silly, but true.

So, the money on the HDMI card was well spent :rolleyes:
If I get the DVI card, will I be good to go? It At present I'd been debating whether to keep the DVDO, because frankly it hadn't done that much for me (save an improvement on the signal from the iPod, which was much improved).

Any other surprises or recommendations for me? Thx for the assist!

Hey, I'm in the same boat as you. I bought the HDMI card when I got my 8UK thinking it would have all the input capabilities of the DVI card, and kicked myself for it later. Ah well.

If I were you, I'd run out and buy a DVI card first before you return the VP20. Your set is still processing the video, so you're not seeing a pristine version of what the VP20 is sending. It's good to have the DVI card anyway. At least that was my jusification. :)

Do you have the ABT102 card too?

Hey, I'm in the same boat as you. I bought the HDMI card when I got my 8UK thinking it would have all the input capabilities of the DVI card, and kicked myself for it later. Ah well.

If I were you, I'd run out and buy a DVI card first before you return the VP20. Your set is still processing the video, so you're not seeing a pristine version of what the VP20 is sending. It's good to have the DVI card anyway. At least that was my jusification. :)

Do you have the ABT102 card too?


Thanks -- I will get the DVI and we'll see how it goes. I do have the ABT102.

Just incorporating my new VP20 into the system to replace my iSCAN HD and had a question about routing audio.

One of the inputs is an SA8300HD cable box. I had been using a combination of DVI/Toslink before and found the well-documented fact that using HDMI for audio is useless with the SA8300HD (TWC Passport software). Therefore, I have used the optical output to the VP20's input. Should the VP20 pass this signal out to the HDMI out? I am not getting any sound on my LCD flat panel via HDMI but the optical output from the VP20 to my Outlaw 950 receiver works just fine.

The Viewsonic N3250W LCD flat panel is in an adjoining workout room and the internal speakers are just fine for my needs, just trying to minimize cables.

Just incorporating my new VP20 into the system to replace my iSCAN HD and had a question about routing audio.

One of the inputs is an SA8300HD cable box. I had been using a combination of DVI/Toslink before and found the well-documented fact that using HDMI for audio is useless with the SA8300HD (TWC Passport software). Therefore, I have used the optical output to the VP20's input. Should the VP20 pass this signal out to the HDMI out? I am not getting any sound on my LCD flat panel via HDMI but the optical output from the VP20 to my Outlaw 950 receiver works just fine.

The Viewsonic N3250W LCD flat panel is in an adjoining workout room and the internal speakers are just fine for my needs, just trying to minimize cables.

In the menu you can choose which audio input you want to use for the HDMI connection. Make sure the correct one is chosen and you will get audio on the TV.
I had the same issue with my STB. (same model)
I ran the optical out to the VP20 and the VP20's optical out to my audio processor.
I select audio 2 as my audio for the HDMI 1 out put and I hear sound over the TV.
Also check if the SA8300's audio out is set to "other" or Dolby.
On my set, I could not get sound to my TV on the Dolby setting but it would work on the processor.
The other setting works on both. (go figure)

bootman_head_fi -

Thanks for the response. I will try the different audio output options on the SA8300HD again.

Doesn't do much good to have HDMI if it really functions only as a DVI port!

bootman_head_fi -

Thanks for the response. I will try the different audio output options on the SA8300HD again.

Doesn't do much good to have HDMI if it really functions only as a DVI port!

It's a bug in the SA box. The "other" audio setting in the SA's menu worked for me.

As I incorporate several new components into my system I am trying to minimize the number of units that are in standby mode 24/7. I have currently set things up so that my receiver, my DVR (needs to be on for scheduled recordings) and power conditioner (Monster HTS 5100) are always on in standby mode.

When my remote macro turns on the receiver a trigger allows the HTS5100 to power up the outputs several other components including the VP20. Macro sequences work fine but the VP20 is always starting out displaying one of the test pattern screens. If I turn this off there is no problem - everything is working fine (including the appropriate HDMI input for DVD, TVix, cable box, etc. as set by the macro).

Any way to avoid the test pattern? Should I just leave power to the VP20 all of the time and have it sit in standby mode?

Hello all:

I purchased the iscan vp20 for the sole purpose of upconverting 480i DISH satellite to 1080p. I have the DISH Vip622 and I was sending 480i out through the secondary output on the receiver (that way i could keep 1080i for the HD channels on the HDMI cable). My television is the Sony KDL-46XBR2 with 1080p support.

Anyhow, when I first hooked up the Vp20 I noticed no improvement whatsoever over the internal scaler in the Sony. So, I purchased and installed the ABT102D precision deinterlacing card. Still, to me at least, no improvement over sending 480i to the Sony directly. If any improvement was to be seen, it was certainly not worth the extra $1,000 I had now sunk into the VP20.

I am not one of those people who expect 480i to be magically converted to HD. But I thought the DVDO would do something to improve my existing setup. It just didn't so I sold the VP20 with the ABT102D on eBay yesterday.

So here is my question -- Is there anything on the market short of the $5,000 Crystallio 2 that will visibly improve the 480i SD satellite signal coming out of the DISH receiver? I don't need a scaler for DVDs because we use the Toshiba XA2 for playing plain old DVDS and the scaling is simply amazing. Is there an external scaler that uses the XA2's ReonVX chip?

Thanks for your help!

Looking back through this thread after ordering a VP20 and noted that there are no Display Profiles on this (vs VP30/50). This still seems contrary to the current (19-Jul-2007) comparison table on the Anchor Bay site where it lists 10 Display Profiles for all three units.

Just searched the pdf manual for the VP20 for the VP30 which shows that the VP20 does not have this but the Vp30 does.

I don't need BNC connections, analog out, or the 4th HDMI input and multiple display profiles (which strikes me as purely software) doesn't sound worth the $$$. I switch between output to a 1080i RPTV, a 720p-native front projector and a 1360x768-native flat panel LCD (in the adjoining workout room). Other than the resolution I will have to find out how much tweaking I will need for each output at the level of V/H shift, overscan, etc..

Any idea on whether ABT might toss in these lines of code in some future upgrade?

I upgraded from an HD+ to a VP20 on the assumption that it would have the display profile feature available based on what was stated on the website product comparison chart and was very dissapointed not to find this feature available for the VP20. I have a projector that can display both 50Hz and 60Hz frame rates. The VP20 does not have the display profile feature which can enable you to autolink saved 50hz and 60hz display profiles to 50hz and 60 hz inputs respectivley. This creates a cumbersome situation of having to manually switch between 50hz and 60hz output formats in order to keep the frame rates locked from input to output.
Colorspace and image shift settings are also lost everytime there is a need to change output formats. The whole point of having a video processor of this nature is to eliminate this sort of inconvenience while providing excellent picture quality.
The display profile and autolink features would do this changeover automatically, and retain all output settings (e.g. colorspace, image shift) once they were set up.
The HD+ provided this feature which is omitted from the VP20. I agree, I also do not need all the other analogue outputs provided on the higher models but the addition of this feature would make people, with similar configurations, much more satisfied with this product. There is simply no point to use the PAL to NTSC conversion feature if your display can handle both frame rates. DVDO are reluctant to add this feature after having communicated this issue to them. This is in actual fact not a request to add a revolutionary new feature to the product but to simply add a menu facility to automate the switch over to different output formats. I have subsequently noticed that DVDO have now removed the display profile feature for the VP20 from the web product comparison chart. Does this imply that this feature will never be considered for the VP20? If this is the case then I have to say that I will be very disappointed and would have to consider another brand that offers better support. The VP20 is supposed to be a video scaler and a/v switcher hence my questions are : What is the point of having a processor that can output at 50hz and 60 hz frame rates but cannot automatically switch between these output format rates to match the vertical frequency of the selected input? Is this really too much to ask?

Hey, I'm in the same boat as you. I bought the HDMI card when I got my 8UK thinking it would have all the input capabilities of the DVI card, and kicked myself for it later. Ah well.

If I were you, I'd run out and buy a DVI card first before you return the VP20. Your set is still processing the video, so you're not seeing a pristine version of what the VP20 is sending. It's good to have the DVI card anyway. At least that was my jusification. :)

Do you have the ABT102 card too?

Okay -- I think I have everything, except a picture. I have a monoprice cable going HDMI to the DVI input on the panel, but nothing coming in. Does it make a difference which HDMI-DVI cable I use? Are they bi-directional or unidirectional? Thx again.

= Ken

Very odd. Assuming you've tried outputting a variety of signals none of them work, I would start the troubleshooting by bypassing the VP20 entirely. If you still get no picture, you know the VP20 has nothing to do with it. Then I would replace the cable (since that's the cheapest thing). If it still doesn't work, could be you have a bad DVI card.

Of course, the greatest likelihood is that it's user error. ;) I would check and recheck everything. You didn't hit the curtain button by mistake or something, did you? :)

Well I sent my VP-20 in for a checkup, I have been plagued by artifact and screen flashes. The pass through is also not functioning correctly anymore. It will not pass my PS3 @1080p through or my pc anymore. It shows a lot of snow and the light goes green to blue green to blue..... Hmmm hope they find the issue.

I have no problems with any of my gear when I run them directly to my Epson 1080 home. And the sad part is they look much better directly connected with out the VP-20. (good processor in the projector but still the vp-20 should do more heavy lifting IMHO).

I really hope they find the problem with my unit because I have no switching now which is a pain and my wife is not happy, which means I'm not happy. If, when returned, I get the same issues I'm going with a pass through HDMI switch. But.. please no more issues :( , Where's the picture I paid for?? (dangerous question.)

iScan VP20 1.03 Beta Software (July 12, 2007)

This Beta version contains the following new features:

New Passthrough Mode

The new Passthrough mode allows digital and analog signals to be passed through without any deinterlacing or scaling. Passthrough mode allows an HDMI input signal to be passed through to the HDMI output. Passthrough mode does still allow colorspace conversion to be done on the HDMI inputs, so if an input signal is 1080p YCbCr 4:4:4 and you would like to output this to a 1080p display with a DVI input, the iScan VP20 can convert this signal to a 1080p RGB 4:4:4 output. Menu selections that are not available while the signal is passed through are grayed out in the OSD. While in Passthrough mode an error condition is reported over the RS232 protocol if a function which does not work is accessed. Like the ‘Deinterlacing’ and ‘Overscan’ options in the ‘Input Adjust’ menu, ‘Passthrough’ can be set up on a per input/per format basis. Signals with a resolution of to 1080p-60 can be passed through the VP20.


Items that are grayed out in the OSD are now shown on the front panel display with brackets around the selection to denote that it is unavailable, given the current conditions.



Josh,

Is there a list of menu items available in "passthrough mode"?

Would it be possible to run the VP20 in "passthrough" mode, and still be able to adjust items like image width (porch adjustment) going to my CRT projector?

De-interlacing and scaling (1080P via HDMI) would take place upstream at HD player or receiver. I just need a black box to tweak the image width to fit the screen properly. I would like to keep a 10 bit path which the VP20 seems to offer.

Thanks,
Ray

I am new for upscaler...and so sorry for a dumb question.

To further improve the video quality of VP20, can I change the stock DC converter, or the power cable connected from socket to the DC converter, to better one?? If it could, any brand of power cable or DC converter can be recommended?

Normally for AC power, changing the stock AC power cable to good one can get good improvement....but I do not have much knowledge of DC power.

Thx,
Your Cousin

Time to revive this thread.

I am about to purchase an iScan VP20 with the ABT 102 add-on. With the latest software update, has anyone had trouble passing 1080p/60 and 1080p/24 signals through this processor?

Time to revive this thread.

I am about to purchase an iScan VP20 with the ABT 102 add-on. With the latest software update, has anyone had trouble passing 1080p/60 and 1080p/24 signals through this processor?


I had severe flashing issues (HDMI lock?) using a Pannasonic BD-30 and trying to pass 1080p60. (no issues at 1080i60)
I prefered the picture at a native 1080p60 directly to my set so for Bluray viewing I'm bypassing the VP20 at the moment.

This player can do 1080p24 but I was not able to pass that through since it does not have a force option and the VP20 does not report back 1080p24 compatibility. (although I'm sure it will have no problems passing it since 1080i60 is no problem.)

I had severe flashing issues (HDMI lock?) using a Pannasonic BD-30 and trying to pass 1080p60. (no issues at 1080i60)
I prefered the picture at a native 1080p60 directly to my set so for Bluray viewing I'm bypassing the VP20 at the moment.

This player can do 1080p24 but I was not able to pass that through since it does not have a force option and the VP20 does not report back 1080p24 compatibility. (although I'm sure it will have no problems passing it since 1080i60 is no problem.)

Thanks for sharing. I was afraid that this would be an issue.

My initial plan was to use my AVR as a switcher and transcoder, but I will instead purchase the VP30 plus add-on and send my 1080p sources to another HDMI input on my display. It works out since all of my digital 1080p sources are connected to my AVR anyway. The VP30 seems to have some extra features that I could use for my application, like the RGBHV input and display profiles.

I'm having a weird issue w/my Vp20. When connected to the cablebox via HDMI no sound comes out. Connecting PS3 via HDMI = no problem. Cable box to TV = no problem.

Any ideas?

Thanks

Did you read my post above? #103

The correct audio input was chosen, thats not the issue. Thanks though.

Aha - Josh got back to me via e-mail (Thanks for the speedy response!:))

"I forgot one thing that you are probably wondering about. The reason
that the audio works when you connect the cable box straight to the
display is that the audio is forced to be 2 channel PCM by the EDID
information in the display which the cable box reads. When the cable box
is connected to the VP20 the EDID of the VP20 supports more formats
which the TV cannot decode.

I also noticed that you are using the analog audio input for your 16-bit
game consoles. Another way of connecting up your cable box is using one
of the digital audio outputs (optical/coax) and finding/selecting an
option on the cable box to output stereo only (no surround)."

Aha - Josh got back to me via e-mail (Thanks for the speedy response!:))

"I forgot one thing that you are probably wondering about. The reason
that the audio works when you connect the cable box straight to the
display is that the audio is forced to be 2 channel PCM by the EDID
information in the display which the cable box reads. When the cable box
is connected to the VP20 the EDID of the VP20 supports more formats
which the TV cannot decode.

I also noticed that you are using the analog audio input for your 16-bit
game consoles. Another way of connecting up your cable box is using one
of the digital audio outputs (optical/coax) and finding/selecting an
option on the cable box to output stereo only (no surround)."

Yes, this is the "other" setting that i mentioned regarding the SA cable box.
I assume you did not have a SA but a Motorola cable box?

I apologize for previous incoherency. 2 kids + fuddling with cables till late at night = yeeeeesh

I am using a Scientific American Explorer 4250HD box. Will try again fiddling with settings after some much needed sleep and report back.

Just got a new VP20 and have set it up, during testing I found that my Sony DVP-CX995V (400 DVD changer) won't play nice. I can feed it directly into my Samsung FPT-5084 and it works fine at 720p or 1080i, and has for months. But with the VP20 sitting in between, the VP20 gives me the blue light that it's processing, but there's no picture, and the "information" window says it's only getting a 480p input (after I had just confirmed by doing the direct connection that the DVD changer was set for 1080i). I'm suspecting some sort of HDCP issue (it's turned on in the VP20), but was wondering if there was a fix. I've got firmware 1.01, should updating to 1.03 fix this? Any help is appreciated.

Just got a new VP20 and have set it up, during testing I found that my Sony DVP-CX995V (400 DVD changer) won't play nice. I can feed it directly into my Samsung FPT-5084 and it works fine at 720p or 1080i, and has for months. But with the VP20 sitting in between, the VP20 gives me the blue light that it's processing, but there's no picture, and the "information" window says it's only getting a 480p input (after I had just confirmed by doing the direct connection that the DVD changer was set for 1080i). I'm suspecting some sort of HDCP issue (it's turned on in the VP20), but was wondering if there was a fix. I've got firmware 1.01, should updating to 1.03 fix this? Any help is appreciated.

I have this very unit. I set the output to 480p and let the dvdo upscale to 1080p.
No issues with firmware 1.03

Idealy you want to send A 480i signal to the Vp20 through the HDMI,That way the VP20 will produce the best results but you must also have the ABT102 sister card.If your DVD player can not output 480i through it's HDMI output you will get better results using your DVD players component output, set at 480i this will allow the ABT 102 card to work correctly....

Both components inputs are currently being used, but I will try this later today with the changer to compare.
Thanks for the tip. :)

Thanks for the help, I fed the 480i component signal into the VP20, and even without the ABT 102 card, the upconversion and deinterlacing was so good that now my wife's not sure we need to get a Blu-Ray player any time soon :-/

Thanks, I think :-)

I'll try the 480p over HDMI signal tomorrow and see if I can tell a difference in the final picture quality, I know I don't have all that fine of an eye -- the main reason for the VP20 is to convert PAL signals when we go overseas in a few months.

Thanks for the help, I fed the 480i component signal into the VP20, and even without the ABT 102 card, the upconversion and deinterlacing was so good that now my wife's not sure we need to get a Blu-Ray player any time soon :-/

Heh, that is what I thought until I was able to compare the same movie on Blu and through the VP20.
It is no slouch, but doesn't compare to a really good 1080p signal.
However, there are many movies that may never see the light in HD, so products like this still have an important job to do. :)

What happens to HD audio when using bypass via the HDMI ports?
Is it just passed through?

change of mind

Once in a while the vP20 will freeze up, output a very narrow picture and no sound. In that case I have to pull the power plug and reset to default to get things running smooth again. I have experienced this several times since I added the digital audio in from my cable box. On another note, when the TV is shut off the light just blinks and the Vp20 cannot be shut off via remote.

Anyone else experience this/has a fix?

Once in a while the vP20 will freeze up, output a very narrow picture and no sound. In that case I have to pull the power plug and reset to default to get things running smooth again. I have experienced this several times since I added the digital audio in from my cable box. On another note, when the TV is shut off the light just blinks and the Vp20 cannot be shut off via remote.

Anyone else experience this/has a fix?

Nothing like this.
Have you switched the digital connection to see if it is related? (can't see why)
Maybe go from toslink to coax or vise versa?

I have other digital audio inputs, but they aren't always on as compared to the cablebox. Will try to experiment more soon..

I picked up a VP20 from an authorized dealer this past weekend to feed my Mits WD-Y577. After updating from 1.01 to 1.03, my 1080p60 resolution is messed up. Everything is skewed at about a a 45 degree angle (the picture now runs diagonally across my screen). I didn't have this problem at 1080p60 when I was on 1.01.

Any thoughts?

If someone could send me 1.01 while I wait for DVDO support on 1.03, I sure would appreciate it. :)

So I guess I'll ask Anchor Bay publicly on this forum since they are no longer responding to phone messages, requests for callbacks, or emails from me.

Monday night, Aaron put me back on firmware v1.01 after v1.02 and v1.03 both had a skewed 1080p60 output (v1.03 actually did the same with the passthrough mode, too). Now I have 1080p60 output back on v1.01, but I of course have no passthrough mode with this firmware.

In reading many, many unanswered posts in threads here and abroad, it appears that all the VPx0 iScans do not play well at all with Mitsubishi x33 series DLPs. So should I expect a fix for this or not? It feels to me as if Anchor Bay has zero interest in my issue now that I'm back on the stock v1.01 firmware.

I am terribly frustrated. Even a "We're looking into it in our lab" from AB would be a step in the right direction, as my return window will not last forever and I currently have 50% of a working product.

I am terribly frustrated. Even a "We're looking into it in our lab" from AB would be a step in the right direction, as my return window will not last forever and I currently have 50% of a working product.In one of the VPxx forums Josh (DVDO) has indicated that for all VP's upto-and-including VP30 no more firmware upgrades are to be expected.

Oh I'm definitely not asking that the company release another version. I would just like the last official version to work on a really common series of televisions...or at least some sort of communication from the company that I'm screwed and should return it.


Update: It took 6 days, 5 emails, and 4 phone messages for DVDO to get back to me. When it was all said and done, they left me high and dry. DVDO didn't even offer to take a look at my unit in the lab. They pretty much said I'm screwed and wouldn't support my skewed 1080p60 or broken passthrough claim when I attempted to return the VP20 to the retailer.

I will never give DVDO another penny of my money and I'll be damned if I ever suggest one of their products again.

Has anyone ever experienced a 'serious error 4' message when trying to load firmware on their VP20/30/50?

I had a power outage the other day and when the power came back to my VP20 the 'load abt file' message was on the front screen of the unit (yes, it was surge protected). I tried a hard reset and left it unplugged for 24 hours but the message returned. I then tried loading firmware 1.03 as I have done successfully before using a serial to serial connector on my PC. The file starts to load as normal but at 1139 bytes it hangs and the 'serious error 4 - call dealer' message appears every time.

I tried searching here to no avail and an email to DVDO support has gone unanswered. Help!

Hi, all,

This looks like a dead link but I thought I would give it a try.

I recently brought a VP20 with ABT102 card on Ebay. Everything seems fine except that the Hue adjustment option is grey out. Also, there is no option to turn on advance user mode or Y/C delay. The firmware version is 1.03 (latest for VP20). I tried hard re-set to no avail. Can someone tell me if there is a problem with my unit?

Thanks in advance.

:mad: I also will never buy another product from Anchor Bay.My VP20 just stopped working,and forget about tech help !!!For what you pay for these units the support sucks.Beware of this company.Unless you are a gammer don't wast your money on this crap!! I have a dedicated home theater with sanyo PLV-z5 and Dish hd works fine with-out it.