I thought the point of HDCP was to prevent DIGITAL copies to be made. Why is it blocking my access to an ANALOG output?Rick
Worse: a HDCP protected 480i input signal may not even lead to an upscaled analog output for example 720p. Also worse: a SD DVD player seems not to be allowed to output i.e. 480i/HDMI without HDCP. It seems the licensing rules of the HDMI owners are very strict.

I may still have something set up wrong. Don't know

I thought the point of HDCP was to prevent DIGITAL copies to be made. Why is it blocking my access to an ANALOG output?

Rick

That's right, it was meant to prevent copies but an unfortunate consequence is many of us with crt projectors with only rgbhv(analog) inputs are blacked out as well.

analog outputs can be recorded easily now so they want to stop that with HDTV sources

it's a bunch of BS :mad:

all CRT projectors now have available a DVI/HDMI HDCP input card made from someone, just search around ;)

there are also DVI/HDMI to Analog transcoders that handle HDCP, you just need to find them ;)

-Gary

On my CRT front projector, I use horizontal and vertical size to fit the picture and then adjust phase (H and V) to center and then adjust the sizes once again. Doesn't the VP50 have the equivalent of a horizontal and vertical shift?

Mark, you should setup your crt to maximise raster, then customise the vp50 output porch settings/timings to make it fit as much as possible into that raster... h front and h back etc... will stretch it to fit in the raster, and h shift will move it side to side within your raster etc etc...

Could someone point me in the direction of some good news about this VP50?

Page after Page of problems - Jesus $3,000 and this thread is dominated by PROBLEMS versus the WoW's are at least 10:1 in the negative "Problems area. How the hell could someone charge $3,000 and get this kind of feedback it looks like one big PITA!

Speaking as someone that bought into this and is awaiting my 57" Sharp LCD within the week to use it with I have a good mind to sell the thing as $3K does not equate to nominal or worse than picture quality that I keep seeing reports on by other owners - I don't recall in two years on this forum seeing more negative feedback and redundant problems as this VP50 and now I have to wait to get the other pieces of the upgrade and do it myself what the hell this I have to upgrade my HD DVD and now the VP50 what is this a self serve fuel station?

Sorry folks but I've been reading these pages and I keep seeing page after page of problems and about every 5 pages I see something positive. I did the upgrade so I don't have refund return rights. All I can say it doesn't look promising or perhaps someone could actually separate the 90% redundant issues and post the positive feedback separate but I see the majority as problematic posts out the 1750 posts so far with just a scattering of positives. I sure didn't expect these kind of reports after it was so touted on this forum and praised so highly or are we to just ignore all these events being reported by owners? :cool:

Greatly Disappointed and I don't know how anyone could see it another way based upon these 1700+ posts RE: the VP50. Not trying to slam but hell where's the good news? This is the opposite of the Qualia threads. :confused:

I'll give you one.

I bought the VP50 to use with my hd2k. unplugged all my sources (component) from the av receiver feeding the faroudja scaler, and switched to using hdmi. ran the audio through the vp50 for lipsync. everything worked and is working perfectly. And the quality improvement from true de-interlacing of 1080i is very noticeable.


Could someone point me in the direction of some good news about this VP50?

Page after Page of problems - Jesus $3,000 and this thread is dominated by PROBLEMS versus the WoW's are at least 10:1 in the negative "Problems area. How the hell could someone charge $3,000 and get this kind of feedback it looks like one big PITA!

Speaking as someone that bought into this and is awaiting my 57" Sharp LCD within the week to use it with I have a good mind to sell the thing as $3K does not equate to nominal or worse than picture quality that I keep seeing reports on by other owners - I don't recall in two years on this forum seeing more negative feedback and redundant problems as this VP50 and now I have to wait to get the other pieces of the upgrade and do it myself what the hell this I have to upgrade my HD DVD and now the VP50 what is this a self serve fuel station?

Sorry folks but I've been reading these pages and I keep seeing page after page of problems and about every 5 pages I see something positive. I did the upgrade so I don't have refund return rights. All I can say it doesn't look promising or perhaps someone could actually separate the 90% redundant issues and post the positive feedback separate but I see the majority as problematic posts out the 1750 posts so far with just a scattering of positives. I sure didn't expect these kind of reports after it was so touted on this forum and praised so highly or are we to just ignore all these events being reported by owners? :cool:

Greatly Disappointed and I don't know how anyone could see it another way based upon these 1700+ posts RE: the VP50. Not trying to slam but hell where's the good news? This is the opposite of the Qualia threads. :confused:

Could someone point me in the direction of some good news about this VP50?



Greatly Disappointed and I don't know how anyone could see it another way based upon these 1700+ posts RE: the VP50. Not trying to slam but hell where's the good news? This is the opposite of the Qualia threads. :confused:

I'm not seeing anymore bad news than the vp30. For me what I do see is a very noticeable improvement in the picture quality to my display than the vp30.

Every processor has`problems when first released. Fixes give rise to additional problems which often require additional fixes.

That said the VP50 doesn't have that many problems.

It does have some very fine deinterlacing of both film and video. That's what the damn thing is supposed to do. Motion adaptive deinterlacing of SD and HD video. It does it very well.

The other thing any processor needs to do is scale. Nothing has changed, DVDO continues to uses ABT's "proven" scaling. It isn't bad, its good, but there is better scaling out there.

The flaws. Audio drop outs, a white line, and striping. Only a few units and users have had striping problems. I am living with it until Josh and the boys come out with a fix.

It is time for an audio drop out fix. It indeed has been too long, but it doesn't affect me because I don't run audio through the unit.

Sometime in our lifetimes Josh will pst an update re the fixes.

Stay cool, its a good product by a good company.

Hey. I didn't se any stripes tonight. Err I didn't use my HT tonight.

I'm afraid what you're experiencing here on this thread is just typical human nature which is to find fault in things vs. finding praise. It happens all the time. You always hear of people calling customer support to complain about a product but we do not do the same and commend a company when a product performs or exceeds expectations. Having said this, I guess I'm one of those who is quite satisfied with the performance of the VP50 but have failed to sing it's praises. In my setup it has performed quite admirably. It has not been perfect and there have been a couple of sporadic problems but overall a great product.

Regards,
Nisi


Could someone point me in the direction of some good news about this VP50?

Page after Page of problems - Jesus $3,000 and this thread is dominated by PROBLEMS versus the WoW's are at least 10:1 in the negative "Problems area. How the hell could someone charge $3,000 and get this kind of feedback it looks like one big PITA!

Speaking as someone that bought into this and is awaiting my 57" Sharp LCD within the week to use it with I have a good mind to sell the thing as $3K does not equate to nominal or worse than picture quality that I keep seeing reports on by other owners - I don't recall in two years on this forum seeing more negative feedback and redundant problems as this VP50 and now I have to wait to get the other pieces of the upgrade and do it myself what the hell this I have to upgrade my HD DVD and now the VP50 what is this a self serve fuel station?

Sorry folks but I've been reading these pages and I keep seeing page after page of problems and about every 5 pages I see something positive. I did the upgrade so I don't have refund return rights. All I can say it doesn't look promising or perhaps someone could actually separate the 90% redundant issues and post the positive feedback separate but I see the majority as problematic posts out the 1750 posts so far with just a scattering of positives. I sure didn't expect these kind of reports after it was so touted on this forum and praised so highly or are we to just ignore all these events being reported by owners? :cool:

Greatly Disappointed and I don't know how anyone could see it another way based upon these 1700+ posts RE: the VP50. Not trying to slam but hell where's the good news? This is the opposite of the Qualia threads. :confused:

Part of the reason people mention flaws is that they think DVDO monitors this thread, and they want something fixed. Personally, I have the white line, I have the audio dropouts, and I am affected by at least one feature that was advertised but not included (digital passthrough) which caused me to have to buy extra gear to compensate. There are also some things I wish it would do that it doesn't yet, and the best way to have those things get included in the future is to point them out.

Besides all that, the scores of other things the VP50 does have all worked great for me. My system is most certainly improved by having the VP50 in it, which is why I haven't returned the thing. If I had done that, I would probably have stopped posting, too. The complaints come from people who care, and as part of caring desire improvement in a good but imperfect product.

Could someone point me in the direction of some good news about this VP50?

Page after Page of problems - Jesus $3,000 and this thread is dominated by PROBLEMS versus the WoW's are at least 10:1 in the negative "Problems area. How the hell could someone charge $3,000 and get this kind of feedback it looks like one big PITA!

Speaking as someone that bought into this and is awaiting my 57" Sharp LCD within the week to use it with I have a good mind to sell the thing as $3K does not equate to nominal or worse than picture quality that I keep seeing reports on by other owners - I don't recall in two years on this forum seeing more negative feedback and redundant problems as this VP50 and now I have to wait to get the other pieces of the upgrade and do it myself what the hell this I have to upgrade my HD DVD and now the VP50 what is this a self serve fuel station?

Sorry folks but I've been reading these pages and I keep seeing page after page of problems and about every 5 pages I see something positive. I did the upgrade so I don't have refund return rights. All I can say it doesn't look promising or perhaps someone could actually separate the 90% redundant issues and post the positive feedback separate but I see the majority as problematic posts out the 1750 posts so far with just a scattering of positives. I sure didn't expect these kind of reports after it was so touted on this forum and praised so highly or are we to just ignore all these events being reported by owners? :cool:

Greatly Disappointed and I don't know how anyone could see it another way based upon these 1700+ posts RE: the VP50. Not trying to slam but hell where's the good news? This is the opposite of the Qualia threads. :confused:

In terms of bugs the VP50 is on par with the VP30. I still have audio dropout problems. That's the big one. Otherwise its pretty solid. I saw the white line problem once on a PAL DVD, but its not a major problem for me. The video improvements on 1080i are significant. The SD section is slightly better than the VP30. I'm pretty happy besides the audio dropout issue, which after a year I have given up hope that it will be fixed until DVDO moves to a different audio part. There just doesn't appear to be that much leeway to fiddle with the audio chip. Prove me wrong DVDO. Please.

- Collin

I've got composite, component and HDMI video into my VP50 as well as optical, coax and stereo sound. I've had no problems and huge improvement in all my PQ, in fact, at normal viewing distance you can't tell the difference between the composite and hdmi inputs.

For me it has been almost a perfect product. I would love it to have another component input and output, and the ability to overlay OSD from my AVR, but (I dont believe) any product does that.

I never route audio through my VPs (too much rewiring) I really prefer to run things that way (I guess people with less sources than me might feel differently - I have 7 video sources now).

I upgraded to the VP50 from an HD+. I was worried I'd get drop outs as I had an HD unit that did it. I feel like I'm walking on egg shells every time I add a device. Added an HD PVR from DTV this weekend. So far no drop outs (knocks on wood). Moved my 5U and decide to run audio via HDMI. No drop outs (knocks on wood). I can make it 'hiccup' by changing the audio tracks back and forth rapidly. But it appears to be my receiver that hiccups as switch inputs back and forth fixes it.

I'd love to see a thread on the VP30 & 50 where those with drop outs list the hardware they're using to see if there are any particular configs that this happens with.

mrwilson - look back last month - there is such a thread, but nowhere near conclusive. Done by brand - is almost 50-50 for each brand - you'd have to go to specific model of prepro to find one that would work - ie, I want aaronwt's Denon, but there are just as many Denon owners that are experiencing the dropouts. Disgustingly, last results showed the best brand to be Pioneer. gaack. (purely personal editorial opinion - apologies to all proud Pioneer owners ;))

westa - I'm sure that I'm a noticable percentage of the negative posts - I've had audio dropouts since laying down the money for the VP30, and still have them with the VP50. I'll post such, every time some DVDO cheerleader comes on and either tells me that they only exist for HDMI (not true,) that they are my fault for having the wrong prepro (if so, tell me the right one,) or someone tells me they don't route audio thru the VP (sorry Ofer, but the lipsynch is still why I bought the DVDO, over the Lumagen. I have never been able to get the DVDO avlipsynch to work while routing the audio around, not thru, the VP. :D)

But, I'll also always post that the video is superb. Watched HP Goblet of Fire last weekend. FOUR (a record) audio dropouts - but picture quality was almost indistinguishable from the network prestentation of HP Prisoner of Az...I switched back and forth a couple times, just out of curiousity.

So think of it as a Qualia, and just as good at what it does, but with one or two very annoying flaws that DVDO has been unable to fix for way too long. fwiw, bear in mind that the VP is SO good at what it does, folks keep buying it, even knowing that it may well not function completely as advertised and promised.

I upgraded to the VP50 from an HD+. I was worried I'd get drop outs as I had an HD unit that did it. I feel like I'm walking on egg shells every time I add a device. Added an HD PVR from DTV this weekend. So far no drop outs (knocks on wood). Moved my 5U and decide to run audio via HDMI. No drop outs (knocks on wood). I can make it 'hiccup' by changing the audio tracks back and forth rapidly. But it appears to be my receiver that hiccups as switch inputs back and forth fixes it.

I'd love to see a thread on the VP30 & 50 where those with drop outs list the hardware they're using to see if there are any particular configs that this happens with.


You mention no hiccups from your new HD PVR from DTV. Are you using the new model. I own 2 HR10-250's and they have always stuttered every once in a while. No fault of the VP50 but just the way it is with the HR10-250. I even uprgaded the drives to AV drives hoping that would help but still the same problem.

Gary

Could someone point me in the direction of some good news about this VP50?

Page after Page of problems - Jesus $3,000 and this thread is dominated by PROBLEMS versus the WoW's are at least 10:1 in the negative "Problems area. How the hell could someone charge $3,000 and get this kind of feedback it looks like one big PITA!

Speaking as someone that bought into this and is awaiting my 57" Sharp LCD within the week to use it with I have a good mind to sell the thing as $3K does not equate to nominal or worse than picture quality that I keep seeing reports on by other owners - I don't recall in two years on this forum seeing more negative feedback and redundant problems as this VP50 and now I have to wait to get the other pieces of the upgrade and do it myself what the hell this I have to upgrade my HD DVD and now the VP50 what is this a self serve fuel station?

Sorry folks but I've been reading these pages and I keep seeing page after page of problems and about every 5 pages I see something positive. I did the upgrade so I don't have refund return rights. All I can say it doesn't look promising or perhaps someone could actually separate the 90% redundant issues and post the positive feedback separate but I see the majority as problematic posts out the 1750 posts so far with just a scattering of positives. I sure didn't expect these kind of reports after it was so touted on this forum and praised so highly or are we to just ignore all these events being reported by owners? :cool:

Greatly Disappointed and I don't know how anyone could see it another way based upon these 1700+ posts RE: the VP50. Not trying to slam but hell where's the good news? This is the opposite of the Qualia threads. :confused:


Thanks for saying what some of us "lurkers/potential buyers" have been thinking.

Could someone point me in the direction of some good news about this VP50?

Page after Page of problems - Jesus $3,000 and this thread is dominated by PROBLEMS versus the WoW's are at least 10:1 in the negative "Problems area. How the hell could someone charge $3,000 and get this kind of feedback it looks like one big PITA!

Speaking as someone that bought into this and is awaiting my 57" Sharp LCD within the week to use it with I have a good mind to sell the thing as $3K does not equate to nominal or worse than picture quality that I keep seeing reports on by other owners - I don't recall in two years on this forum seeing more negative feedback and redundant problems as this VP50 and now I have to wait to get the other pieces of the upgrade and do it myself what the hell this I have to upgrade my HD DVD and now the VP50 what is this a self serve fuel station?

Sorry folks but I've been reading these pages and I keep seeing page after page of problems and about every 5 pages I see something positive. I did the upgrade so I don't have refund return rights. All I can say it doesn't look promising or perhaps someone could actually separate the 90% redundant issues and post the positive feedback separate but I see the majority as problematic posts out the 1750 posts so far with just a scattering of positives. I sure didn't expect these kind of reports after it was so touted on this forum and praised so highly or are we to just ignore all these events being reported by owners? :cool:

Greatly Disappointed and I don't know how anyone could see it another way based upon these 1700+ posts RE: the VP50. Not trying to slam but hell where's the good news? This is the opposite of the Qualia threads. :confused:

Try and have some pity for us VP30 owners who still are waiting for a one year old device to work as intended. The buggy state of the VP30 was the reason I absolutely refused to give DVDO any more money for the VP50. You just knew it would have all the VP30 problems and more.... DVDO are definitely NOT on my xmas list.

Still waiting for my discrete remote and audio bug fixes and plenty peeved!

Try and have some pity for us VP30 owners who still are waiting for a one year old device to work as intended. The buggy state of the VP30 was the reason I absolutely refused to give DVDO any more money for the VP50. You just knew it would have all the VP30 problems and more.... DVDO are definitely NOT on my xmas list.

Still waiting for my discrete remote and audio bug fixes and plenty peeved!

You do have my pity, as an ex-vp30 owner (since yesterday lunch time at the postoffice :) ) but at least these two long standing bugs *do* appear on the VP50! If they didn't DVDO would have a little less reason to sort them out, least you know the bugs are consistent and hence a fix may work on all three VPs! ;)

I have to say although I can see the problem of the audio dropouts being tricky as it's only repeatable on some setups I find it amazing how they've managed to not fix the extra IR commands by now.

At least with my VP30 they worked most of the time (as I switch it off at the mains when not in use so it only broke if used for several hours) but they don't even seem to be programmed into the VP50, not the ones I've tried anyways. :rolleyes:

I think it is safe to assume DVDO knows why there is audio drop-outs and what it will take to fix it.

A progress report would be nice.

I have a DirecTV HR20 receiver which I am trying to figure out how to setup properly. I have it hooked up via HDMI

The problem I am having is with SD 480i broadcasts. I cant figure out how to send it out as a 4:3 image to let the VP50 do the stretching. In the HR20 setup, I have the TV set to 16:9. The HR20 adds the pillarbox and outputs as 16:9.

What settings do I need to do this the right way?

I already posted positive comments. I have no real issues with my box.

Had my VP50 for about a month now. It has revived my home theater. Projecting a Marquee 8000 on a 119" screen using DirecTV H20 and Toshiba HDA1.

Setup was pretty good before adding the VP50, which took things to a whole nother level.

Unfortunately when I posted here looking for adivce before purchasing the VP50, no one responded to my post asking would this help my setup. Well if anyone is sitting on the fence wondering, just do it.

A FP CRT is not complete until you add a good VP.

-Winstonb

None of these things ever do everything they are supposed to do perfectly. I went through the trials and tribulations of the Holo3d I and II and this experience doesn't even come close to that one!

Overall I'm very happy with the VP50. My only "complaint" is the lack of support for negative SDI polarity...which I can't even call a complaint as I knew it lacked this when I bought it. I've had no audio problems other than once with my HR10-250 via HDMI, which I resolved by wiring the audio direct to the VP50 (not via HDMI). No white lines, no audio dropouts.

You are seeing the posts from those who are unhappy as they have a change they need to drive. I'll bet there are lots of happy customers who aren't even reading this thread any longer. If it ain't broke, don't read the thread!

I would hope that everyone who is having problems is working directly with DVDO customer support and not expecting to get quick resolution to a problem just by posting here. Obviously their presence on this forum post-release has been sporadic at best.

Also, a very happy user of the VP50. Was impressed by the PQ from the start, and once I did 1-1 pixel mapping was really impressed.

I use coaxial digital from my Denon 3910 DVD player to the VP50 and then out to my Arcam AVR300 receiver. Have had just a relatively few really minor audio dropouts of a second or less that I've noticed. Nothing really upsetting.

As for regular HD cable TV, I just go direct from the STB to the TV, avoiding both the VP50 and the Arcam. I mainly watch cable late at night and don't want to upset the house with high-powered audio (i.e., the WIF) so I'm keeping it simple for now.

Just using HDMI from the STB to the VP50 and then DVI to my old Sony Wega for the video.

It helpped mine alot too, I just wish I could use HDMI, but since my FP CRT is not hdcp capable, I really can only use the VP50's componet in, but I have to say, its still really good. Way WAY better then that "Vision DVI" Lumagen I had.

As for regular HD cable TV, I just go direct from the STB to the TV, avoiding both the VP50 and the Arcam.GW, I'm curious as to why you don't run your cable STB through the VP50? Cable HD (1080i) is one of my 2 main video sources, and one I'm looking forward (don't have my VP yet) to my VP50 really improving.

GW, I'm curious as to why you don't run your cable STB through the VP50? Cable HD (1080i) is one of my 2 main video sources, and one I'm looking forward (don't have my VP yet) to my VP50 really improving.

Just got it working first the way I did it . . . was also influenced by the initial VP30 audio problems so I kept it simple and got lazy. Haven't noticed the lip syncing being off that much.

Will probably try it down the road but haven't had all that much time to play with it more, what with my job's workload lately and other family matters . . .

Also throw in my Harmony 880 to help with the equipment switching.

My only issue with the VP50 is the audio dropouts. No a huge deal for me. I had the same issue with my VP30. Never had an issue with my iSCAN HD. Biggest complainer is my wife.... "what's that" types of comments.. :) Everything else with the VP50 is great. Can't wait for the additional features which are coming for this unit. I assume that they will figure out the audio issues at some point. Even if it is hardware related, I have faith with DVDO...... And I don't use HDMI for audio by the way. SJ

With my luck they will fix the audio problems other people are having and I will start to have the dropouts. Mine has been dropout free like my VP30. Now if I could just get a TV that takes 1080P on the HDMI so I could take full advantage of the VP50. At this point I really need to wait for CES and see what's coming next year.

Could someone point me in the direction of some good news about this VP50?

...I don't recall in two years on this forum seeing more negative feedback and redundant problems as this VP50...

...All I can say it doesn't look promising or perhaps someone could actually separate the 90% redundant issues and post the positive feedback separate but I see the majority as problematic posts out the 1750 posts so far with just a scattering of positives...


Just to counter this - I don't recall in two years any manufacturer that was as active on the forums as DVDO. Seems to me like people are trying to remind DVDO that there are still problems (personally if I worked at DVDO - my daily mantra would be "fix something... put it out" :)).

As for the equipment that being used with a VP50 - if it can't take native or bypass its internal processing completely - you're probably not getting the mileage out of the iScan you should (granted I'd love to see more VRS logos on TVs...).

If you'd REALLY like to get rid of your VP50 - I'm sure they'd take a return even from a trade-in (they've been the most insane about allowing returns as any company I've seen). Caveat - as soon as you return your unit - it's almost a natural accepted truth that they will fix the problem you're worried about...

Wait a tick, I don't recall reading in your post exactly what your specific issue was - do you have something wrong with your VP50 (or are you just fanning the proverbial flames :D)? Of course the best way to get a problem with a DVDO product fixed is to call/email DVDO (not Josh - and not posting on the forum). That said - this thread is also a useful place for users to "reality check" any problems they are having, as we've seen many "ID-10-T" problems simply resolved by talking to fellow iScan users on this thread.

I've spoken to DVDO tech support as recently as Tuesday - and yes they are aware of Audio, IR, ... etc. They made some good headway in early 2006 (this year) regarding audio and HDCP and I think that gets forgotten. I'd imagine the next evolution of bug fixes was a bit more challenging.

Currently owning two iScan VPxx products and one original iScan Plus - I'm keeping the things because of how well they do video. Nobody can touch the HD-DL code that Dale wrote for ABT.

Cheers!

-LD:cool:

If you have sent a unit back for upgrade credit, CHECK WITH YOUR CC COMPANY! Once again, DVDO's accounting department has borked me - and I now have a $1600 credit in an inactive account. And the corresponding charge with the cc that I used to purchase the unit. Have contacted DVDO, they are endeavoring to fix things. Was told that it wasn't sales' fault - it was accounting. Don't Care.

Yes Gary - tell me it doesn't belong here. Fine. Just a warning - if you are expecting a credit back for your returned unit, if you care, make sure the credit goes where it is needed. Evidently DVDO accounting department is not to be trusted. (Hey - DVDO rep said it was their mistake, and had no idea why. I'm just reporting.)

:mad:

Why the :mad: ? Once again, I'm out an extra 40 bucks or so because of DVDO's accounting. Good job, folks.

If you have sent a unit back for upgrade credit, CHECK WITH YOUR CC COMPANY! Once again, DVDO's accounting department has borked me - and I now have a $1600 credit in an inactive account. And the corresponding charge with the cc that I used to purchase the unit. Have contacted DVDO, they are endeavoring to fix things. Was told that it wasn't sales' fault - it was accounting. Don't Care.

............................................................ ............................................................ .........................
:mad:

Why the :mad: ? Once again, I'm out an extra 40 bucks or so because of DVDO's accounting. Good job, folks.

If you have sent a unit back for upgrade credit, DON'T NEED TO CHECK WITH YOUR CC COMPANY! Once again, DVDO's accounting department has swiftly and correctly credited me for my returned VP30 - and I now have a $1600 credit in my active account.

GLAD you have excellent service. This is the 2nd time out of 3 they've messed mine up.
They managed to credit Discover; paid with Visa.

Most people are incompetent but on the otherhand are very trustworthy.

I like cheerleaders with big ____ and short skirts.

Anybody have any news about the coming software update? I am getting very tired of looking at stripes. I tell my friends that there are no stripes. They have just drunk too much of my booze. My wife knows better better to bitch about the stripes to me anymore. She has grown tired of me saying my buddy Josh will take care of it as soon as he can whip ABT engineering into line.

Anybody have any news about the coming software update? I am getting very tired of looking at stripes. I tell my friends that there are no stripes. They have just drunk too much of my booze. My wife knows better better to bitch about the stripes to me anymore. She has grown tired of me saying my buddy Josh will take care of it as soon as he can whip ABT engineering into line.

I don't know how you handle it. I would have returned it by now.

I don't know how you handle it. I would have returned it by now.
Mark,

I've got to agree. Should have returned it. I exchanged my striped model for a fresh one and all the stripes went away.

I have the JVC 5U and the Moto 6412 connected to me VP50 via hdmi. I have the 6412 connected to the 5U via both firewire and svhs. When I try and view a program from the 6412 using svhs into the 5U, the Frame aspect ratio and the Active aspect ratio of the VP50 are not active, and the picture has a black boarder on all 4 sides and I can not get it to fill the screen. I have the VP50 connected to the Mits 65813 via hdmi to dvi. The only reason I am doing this is because I am trying to record the Simpsons off of the 6412. I am trying to save on tape space and figured that there is no reason to bother recording this show in HD. If I switch the input on the 5U ti the firewire input, the Frame AR and Aspect AR work as they should.

Had my VP50 for about a month now. It has revived my home theater. Projecting a Marquee 8000 on a 119" screen using DirecTV H20 and Toshiba HDA1.

Setup was pretty good before adding the VP50, which took things to a whole nother level.

Unfortunately when I posted here looking for adivce before purchasing the VP50, no one responded to my post asking would this help my setup. Well if anyone is sitting on the fence wondering, just do it.

A FP CRT is not complete until you add a good VP.

-Winstonb

sorry I missed your post dude, I would have told you yes in a heartbeat, I use the VP50 with my 2.40:1 setup which features a NEC 1352, I am in heaven with BR and HD-DVD

the new Mission Impossible HD-DVD box set (viewing with the VP50) is what dreams are made of :)

-Gary

Anybody have any news about the coming software update? I am getting very tired of looking at stripes. I tell my friends that there are no stripes. They have just drunk too much of my booze. My wife knows better better to bitch about the stripes to me anymore. She has grown tired of me saying my buddy Josh will take care of it as soon as he can whip ABT engineering into line.
Mark

It is my understanding that the stripes are a hardware issue and will not be fixed by a software upgrade. Call DVDO and arrange a swap

Yes. DVDO confirmed by e-mail that it is a hardware problem and that my unit will be exchanged.

Now I won't be able to joke about the stripe problem anymore. It really wasn't that big a problem. Most eveything was watchable with the stripes being strongly visible only occasionally. They are always there but on green scenes and white scenes (the sports world) hardly visible. If it were softare fixable, I would wait. Kill two birds at once, add Prep, get rid of stripes.

Kill two birds at once, add Prep, get rid of stripes.


Mark, do you mean that your DVDO contact gave you some info about next firmware update? When will Prep be available?

No. I meant if it were software fixable.I would wait for the software which I assume would add Prep, deal with audio drop outs, eliminate stripes and do whatever other stuff. All I was told was that the stripe problem was most certainly hardware and not software and that my unit would be replaced.

Quick question,
The manual says the VP50's "Hue" control should be active via HDMI but there are some other input type exceptions. My Hue is blanked out using HDMI, is this normal ?

GLAD you have excellent service. This is the 2nd time out of 3 they've messed mine up.
They managed to credit Discover; paid with Visa.

Sounds to me like you have more than one credit card on-file with them - especially if this isn't the first time. You'd probably do well to call them and ensure that your "profile" does not have a different credit card than on the order.

When I bought my VP30 (upgrade from HD+), I had the same problem. DVDO's Office Manager was nice enough to explain that Sales had put my credit card number on the text of the order so that they would use my new one - but they never updated the CC that was "on file" in my profile (so it actually was Sales' fault if you really care that much). Thus when I sent in my HD+ for a trade-in credit they credited my profile's CC instead of the one in the purchase invoice.

It had nothing to do with Trust or competence – just a dumb mistake (because someone did something different and didn't tell anyone). Once we figured this out, they made it right.

Just remember – with customer service it’s okay to be a bit upset at an inconvenience, but don’t take it out on the person on the other end of the phone or email. And after all it’s only an inconvenience – they aren’t going to take your money and run – that’s just bad business.

Cheers!

-LD :cool:

sorry I missed your post dude, I would have told you yes in a heartbeat, I use the VP50 with my 2.40:1 setup which features a NEC 1352, I am in heaven with BR and HD-DVD

the new Mission Impossible HD-DVD box set (viewing with the VP50) is what dreams are made of :)

-Gary
And in the case of MI:2, what nightmares are made of :)

Can we get back to a discussion of cheerleaders?

Save the cheerleader... save the world...

OK then :), can the Cheerleaders tits "Hue" be adjusted by the VP50 when connected via HDMI ?

I was considering the purchase of the VP50. I want to connect an HD DVD player, DirecTV HR20-700 HD DVR and an Oppo DVD player to the VP50 - all via HDMI. I also want to have the audio transmitted to my receiver via HDMI (at least for the Oppo and HD DVD player). Does it make any sense to connect these components directly to the VP50 - output 1080p/60 from the VP50 to my receiver (Denon AVR-2807 which includes 1080p video switching) then run the HDMI out from the Denon to my display (JVC 61FN97 - accepts 1080p)? I don't want to compromise the video quality from the VP50 - but at the same time need to be able to output HDMI audio to my receiver.

Thanks

My VP50 started to cycle (reset, the LCD gets bright, then dim, then it resets again). I unplugged all of the inputs as well as hard booted it by removing the power and it continues to have this problem. I did see it say something like "Error 3 please contact your dealer". Anyone else see this problem?

I was considering the purchase of the VP50. I want to connect an HD DVD player, DirecTV HR20-700 HD DVR and an Oppo DVD player to the VP50 - all via HDMI. I also want to have the audio transmitted to my receiver via HDMI (at least for the Oppo and HD DVD player). Does it make any sense to connect these components directly to the VP50 - output 1080p/60 from the VP50 to my receiver (Denon AVR-2807 which includes 1080p video switching) then run the HDMI out from the Denon to my display (JVC 61FN97 - accepts 1080p)? I don't want to compromise the video quality from the VP50 - but at the same time need to be able to output HDMI audio to my receiver.

Thanks
Seems a reasonable plan. Can the JVC take 1080p/24? Might want to consider that too.

Also, I must confess, while we're on the subject, I don't get the cheerleaders thing - they always look like plastic dolls or something, about the least erotic thing I've ever seen (including a reasonable percentage of wildlife documentaries :eek: )

Well, I got my S3 HD Tivo installed today.The HD quality is so much better than the HD DirectTiVo and I finally get actual HD locals. Yay! Native rate output works great with the VP50 and 1080i PQ is just jaw dropping even on my 720p set. I'm very, very happy with my video performance.

On the other hand I'm done with DVDO's buggy audio performance. I just placed an order for an Alchemy2 delay box. I hope it works better. The S3 TiVo sends the VP50's audio section into fits. All TiVos (I've got 4) do this to the VP30 and VP50 to a certain extent, but give me two minutes (actually more like 20 seconds) flipping through channels on the S3 and I'll get the audio section of my VP50 to dropout until wall power is pulled. The brief audio dropouts were irritating, but this is downright unacceptable.

The bottom line is that the audio section on the VPXX line does not work properly; it hasn't for a year and it won't ever be fixed. Sorry, the "we're working on it line" doesn't cut it a year later. Really, how much can they influence a standalone chip in firmware? I can't believe they used the same busted audio silicon on the VP50 that proved so disastrous on the VP30. Is this why THX certification claims seem to have disappeared? Hmm.

Okay enough ranting. I understand that this stuff is hard. I design this sort of stuff for a living. I still love the video on this box, but this buggy audio section is a major, major blemish.

- Collin

The bottom line is that the audio section on the VPXX line does not work properly; it hasn't for a year and it won't ever be fixed. Sorry, the "we're working on it line" doesn't cut it a year later. Really, how much can they influence a standalone chip in firmware?The audio delay function on the VPxx processors is performed by ABT-designed custom logic in an FPGA, not by a 3rd party audio chip. This custom logic was completely changed in the transition from the iScan HD+ to the VP30, as was the dedicated audio chip(s).

I believe that some of the early bugs in the VP30 audio were caused by software issues interfacing with the audio chips, but that most (all?) of those have been fixed at this point. (Of course you never really know for sure until the root cause of all the problems has been found.) It's my understanding that many other devices use the same 3rd party audio chips as the VPxx processors without any of the problems shown by the DVDO processors.

I can't believe they used the same busted audio silicon on the VP50 that proved so disastrous on the VP30.Substitute "same busted audio design", and I agree with you 100%. Releasing the VP20 and VP50 without fixing this problem is inexcusable in my book.

- Dale Adams

The audio delay function on the VPxx processors is performed by ABT-designed custom logic in an FPGA, not by a 3rd party audio chip. This custom logic was completely changed in the transition from the iScan HD+ to the VP30, as was the dedicated audio chip(s).

I believe that some of the early bugs in the VP30 audio were caused by software issues interfacing with the audio chips, but that most (all?) of those have been fixed at this point. (Of course you never really know for sure until the root cause of all the problems has been found.) It's my understanding that many other devices use the same 3rd party audio chips as the VPxx processors without any of the problems shown by the DVDO processors.

Substitute "same busted audio design", and I agree with you 100%. Releasing the VP20 and VP50 without fixing this problem is inexcusable in my book.

- Dale Adams

Thanks for the clarification. Just looking at the board it looked like the AKM chip was handling almost all the audio functions. Having the audio delay handled by an FPGA gives us a chance that they can fix it in a software update. I should mention that my HD+ worked flawlessly and I had a near messianic devotion to DVDO because of that product. Some of that devotion has faded a bit, but I have to say the video improvements (thank you, Dale et al) have kept me in the fold despite the pain the audio section has caused me. I hate to say it, but heads have rolled where I work for issues of significantly less consequence to the customer than these audio issues.

The TiVo issues are really easy to repro. Take any TiVo with a digital output. Make sure Dolby Digital is enabled. Find a PCM program and a DD program and switch between them. Repeat a few times. Adjacent channels with PCM and DD are great for this. It also seems that the native rate switching (720p to 1080i or vice versa as the audio format changes) helps tease out the problem. The result is a complete silence for a signal format (perhaps always Dolby Digital) until the VP is pulled from the wall.

- Collin

collinp; is that over optical or HDMI? My Sky box outputs DD and PCM (but only over optical, PCM stereo only over HDMI iirc) so I can probably test the same scenario quite easily. Those channels are typically 1080i and 576p too so it's a pretty close comparison.

collinp; is that over optical or HDMI? My Sky box outputs DD and PCM (but only over optical, PCM stereo only over HDMI iirc) so I can probably test the same scenario quite easily. Those channels are typically 1080i and 576p too so it's a pretty close comparison.

The near instantaneous problems with the S3 were with HDMI. The problem has gone away since I switched the TiVo to PCM all the time which is obviously less than desirable. In the past I have tested such problems on the HD DirecTivo and the S2 DirecTivo and the same problem occurred on optical. I didn't try this time.

- Collin

Really enjoyed the feedback on what's right with the VP50 - it seems that despite some audio issues most are happy and loyal to this VP.

My new 57" Sharp LCD FP arrives this week and I acquired a new Panasonic XR700 Digital AVR to interface which has autosync and is designed specifically for the BD but I'm using it with the HD DVD as I do not see it as a proprietary to BD after all digital is digital - once I update my HD DVD it's supposed to do TruHD Sound - I hope.

With all the reported audio issues on the VP30/50 where should I place the AVR in my chain? Before the VP50 or after? Or does it really matter? The panny has two HDMI in and one out. I have Comcast HD STB and will run either DVI-HDMI or Component. Perhaps I'll have to just play with what works best since this AVR is brand new to the market as Panny created it to interface with the BD and it's monster 1080P PDP's but it doesn't do any processing of video that I'm aware of. :)

Thanks for all the great feedback and I think Cheerleaders are especially appealing during vertical leaps and the trip down revealing the knickers - were we addressing these type MANSHOW cheerleaders?;) .

What are the odds that I'll be able to pass audio via HDMI from the VP50 to my receiver without issue? I wanted to connect the Oppo DV-970HD via HDMI since it passes multi-channel DVD-A and SACD over HDMI. I also wanted to get an HD DVD player which can pass the new audio codecs via PCM over HDMI. I will also connect the DirecTV HR20-700 via HDMI, but can use optical for the audio since HDMI won't provide any real benefits and I can bypass the VP50 if necessary.

If I lose the ability to pass audio via HDMI for the Oppo and HD DVD - the VP50 does not make much sense for me. Since I want to pass audio via HDMI - I assume that I have to connect my devices to the VP50 prior to the receiver which would then process the audio signal (bass management, etc.).

Thanks

Releasing the VP20 and VP50 without fixing this problem is inexcusable in my book.

- Dale Adams

Amen! I "hoped" that upgrading from the VP30 to the VP50 would solve my audio dropout issues, but somehow, I knew it wouldn't. The other features of the VP50 really drove me to the upgrade. Hope they get it fixed soon or at least let us know what is going on! If the issue is hardware related, then come up with a trade-in/fix offer.... SJ

Amen! I "hoped" that upgrading from the VP30 to the VP50 would solve my audio dropout issues, but somehow, I knew it wouldn't. The other features of the VP50 really drove me to the upgrade. Hope they get it fixed soon or at least let us know what is going on! If the issue is hardware related, then come up with a trade-in/fix offer.... SJ

I'm sure we all would like to see an audio dropout fixed implemented - but for me I bought the VP30 for VIDEO PROCESSING. I upgraded to the VP50 for VIDEO Processing.

In my setup - I run VIDEO to the VP50 and I run all my AUDIO to a Pre-Pro [aka AVR] for Audio Processing.

WHAT a concept [GRIN]?

THEREFORE - I have no audio problems.

The Video Processing ALONE is worth every penny for the VPxx.

I'm sure we all would like to see an audio dropout fixed implemented - but for me I bought the VP30 for VIDEO PROCESSING. I upgraded to the VP50 for VIDEO Processing.

In my setup - I run VIDEO to the VP50 and I run all my AUDIO to a Pre-Pro [aka AVR] for Audio Processing.

WHAT a concept [GRIN]?

THEREFORE - I have no audio problems.

The Video Processing ALONE is worth every penny for the VPxx.


Here's the point: Has anyone purchased the VP50 (or any other VP) for "audio processing"? I don't think so. Isn't the point of feeding audio through the VP so that the proper audio delay can be applied to correct for lip synch errors caused by the Video processing?

Unless your receiver or pre/pro has audio delay (mine doesn't, despite having a $4000 msrp) you have to use the VP for this purpose. Having audio dropouts is therefore completely unacceptable in my situation, so I will probably have to look elsewhere for my VP needs, unless this problem is fixed before I buy.

Substitute "same busted audio design", and I agree with you 100%. Releasing the VP20 and VP50 without fixing this problem is inexcusable in my book.

- Dale Adams

As great as I still think DVDO/abt is and as nice a guy and responsive Josh is, the above statement is exactly why I'm very very disappointed that you're no longer with the company. A lot of the loyalty that dvdo enjoys, I think, was based upon the reassurrance that you were at the helm or at least somewhere near it. As many have already stated you were a proud papa to your creations and seemed to demand a certain level of quality. It was quality and customer service for a great price.

I hope Josh and the engineering department can continue that warm fuzzy feeling. We still have faith Josh. But some of the natives are getting restless. Though I don't have the audio problems I'm really feeling for the folks who do. It's overshadowing some wonderful video processing.

Here's the point: Has anyone purchased the VP50 (or any other VP) for "audio processing"? I don't think so. Isn't the point of feeding audio through the VP so that the proper audio delay can be applied to correct for lip synch errors caused by the Video processing?

Unless your receiver or pre/pro has audio delay (mine doesn't, despite having a $4000 msrp) you have to use the VP for this purpose. Having audio dropouts is therefore completely unacceptable in my situation, so I will probably have to look elsewhere for my VP needs, unless this problem is fixed before I buy.

Dont jump too fast!
From day one i have used the VP50 for video only and have connected both 5.1 analog out of my HD-XA1 for audio and the coax out for my panny bluray player directly to my reviever.
I also own an oppo 970 for standard dvds and have always used the coax out put for audio and even though the oppo has a audio delay feature i have never had to use it.Everything works great and i have had no problems with the VP50.

I'm sure we all would like to see an audio dropout fixed implemented - but for me I bought the VP30 for VIDEO PROCESSING. I upgraded to the VP50 for VIDEO Processing.There are video issues, too. The white line thing and the advertised but not delivered video passthrough both affect me, in addition to the audio dropouts. (To its credit, it seems DVDO replaced the units with the vertical striping problem.)

I hope DVDO will fix everything. I am not certain of it, though, and until they do, the problems should remain under public discussion. The VP50 is still worth buying, in my opinion. But the iScan line has gotten expensive enough that DVDO can't just let these things slide and get away with it. So let's not forget, there are video problems, too.

I hope DVDO will fix everything. I am not certain of it, though, and until they do, the problems should remain under public discussion. The VP50 is still worth buying, in my opinion. But the iScan line has gotten expensive enough that DVDO can't just let these things slide and get away with it.


Yes - what would be acceptable, or at least something one could overlook in an over-acheiving box for a reasonable price, aka the HD, is something of a glaring oversight in a 3K unit. For those who route their audio thru their preamp, cuz the vp50 is a video processor, hey - would you want optional crank windows on your Merc, or Bimmer, just in case your new vehicle's power windows happened not to work. Or would you want to listen to all of the people whose power windows either worked, or never used the windows?

Or would you want to listen to the product development manager tell you that it is your fault the power windows don't work?

The VPx0 line is an excellent product that delivers less than 100% of promised functionality. Period. If you don't use all of the features - say, lip-synch, you will probably be happy. If you buy one without perusing this thread, expecting the audio features to work as well as the video, you stand the chance of being sorely disappointed.

I went for years without power windows on my cars; however, on every Toyota and Honda I've purchased that had them, they worked. If they couldn't make them work, they would have stuck with crank handles to make the windows go up and down.

Here's the point: Has anyone purchased the VP50 (or any other VP) for "audio processing"? I don't think so. Isn't the point of feeding audio through the VP so that the proper audio delay can be applied to correct for lip synch errors caused by the Video processing?

Unless your receiver or pre/pro has audio delay (mine doesn't, despite having a $4000 msrp) you have to use the VP for this purpose. Having audio dropouts is therefore completely unacceptable in my situation, so I will probably have to look elsewhere for my VP needs, unless this problem is fixed before I buy.

Hi Rob:
That is amazing that your $4,000 Pre-Pro does not have lip-sync. My 10 Year Old Pre-Pro has lip-sync. Of course my new Pre-Pro has it but I was actually amazed to find my old unit had it as well. I will admit it was not PROMINENT in the Manual.

As for NEEDING IT - that is another story. I have not found a single case where I needed it. The VP50 seems to be fast enough - my EYES can't see any need for it.

I will probably have to look elsewhere for my VP needs, unless this problem is fixed before I buy.

Instead of buying a NEW VP - it sounds like you could spend the money updating to a NEW Pre-Pro. All of them today now have lip-sync and HDMI is nice for TrueHD.

Dont jump too fast!
From day one i have used the VP50 for video only and have connected both 5.1 analog out of my HD-XA1 for audio and the coax out for my panny bluray player directly to my reviever.
I also own an oppo 970 for standard dvds and have always used the coax out put for audio and even though the oppo has a audio delay feature i have never had to use it.Everything works great and i have had no problems with the VP50.

Thanks for the comments.

It seems curious to me though: the people who are having audio dropouts using the VPXX, if there is no lip synch problem going straight to a receiver or pre/pro, why are they routing their audio through the VP in the first place?

Do some have audio synch issues, and others not?

Instead of buying a NEW VP - it sounds like you could spend the money updating to a NEW Pre-Pro. All of them today now have lip-sync and HDMI is nice for TrueHD.

LOL.


That, or I could buy a VP that has a audio sync feature that actually works! :eek:

Well, I got my S3 HD Tivo installed today.The HD quality is so much better than the HD DirectTiVo and I finally get actual HD locals. Yay! Native rate output works great with the VP50 and 1080i PQ is just jaw dropping even on my 720p set. I'm very, very happy with my video performance.



- Collin
The picture is very nice isn't it? Something you could watch out for regarding the native output if you could, when using native originally when I first got the S3 switching from different format stations and switching into the native 720p menus all went smoothly, albeit with a few seconds of blank screen while the VP30 and my display re-synched to the new format. Lately though I have had to switch to 1080i as the primary output as when I switch into a menu, say the now playing list, and then switch back to live TV, the VP30 loses the signal and I have to turn off and turn on the VP30 to get the signal back. This behavior started about about 5-6 weeks after I first got the S3 and may be related to a firmware upgrade from TiVo as everything else has remained the same. It's annoying as I prefer to use the native output but having to hassle with the loss of signal I've ended up using the 1080i dominant output. Using the S3>VP30>Mits 73' CRT-RPTV.

Anyway, I'm curious if you come across this behavior.

OK then :), can the Cheerleaders tits "Hue" be adjusted by the VP50 when connected via HDMI ?
My "Hue" is greyed out on HDMI inputs as well, I don't have any analog inputs inputs to see if it's available on those.

Thanks for the comments.

It seems curious to me though: the people who are having audio dropouts using the VPXX, if there is no lip synch problem going straight to a receiver or pre/pro, why are they routing their audio through the VP in the first place?

Do some have audio synch issues, and others not?
I've never used the audio portion of the HD+, VP30 or VP50, never really seen the need for it in my setup, any delay I need can be set at the AVR and if it's not deadon then I haven't really noticed and it hasn't bothered me.

The picture is very nice isn't it? Something you could watch out for regarding the native output if you could, when using native originally when I first got the S3 switching from different format stations and switching into the native 720p menus all went smoothly, albeit with a few seconds of blank screen while the VP30 and my display re-synched to the new format. Lately though I have had to switch to 1080i as the primary output as when I switch into a menu, say the now playing list, and then switch back to live TV, the VP30 loses the signal and I have to turn off and turn on the VP30 to get the signal back. This behavior started about about 5-6 weeks after I first got the S3 and may be related to a firmware upgrade from TiVo as everything else has remained the same. It's annoying as I prefer to use the native output but having to hassle with the loss of signal I've ended up using the 1080i dominant output. Using the S3>VP30>Mits 73' CRT-RPTV.

Anyway, I'm curious if you come across this behavior.

Interesting. No problems for me right now. It would be disappointing if a problem like this emerges as the native rate output is such a nice feature after the HR10-250.

My TiVo software is 8.0.1b-01-2-648. I may not have had it up and running long enough to have pulled down a software update yet. I'll keep my eyes open for any emergence of a video loss issue.

Currently my S3 is connected via HDMI to the VP50 and the from the VP50 is connected via HDMI to a Samsung DLP. Audio on the S3 is set to PCM downconvert as per my audio issue rant above. Audio is then routed to my reciever via coax.

- Collin

Hmm, I just tried to reproduce what you described collinp, but can't.

On my SkyHD box there are two neighbouring channels with identical content;

Artsworld (576i deinterlaced to 576p by the Sky box when using HDMI, PCM stereo) and ArtsworldHD (usually 1080i, Dolby Digital)

Setting the HD box to Auto format output and then flicking back & forth between the two channels about 14 times had no ill effects. All continued to work fine. Sound is routed through optical to the vp50 (audio1) then out via optical to my AVR.

Interesting. No problems for me right now. It would be disappointing if a problem like this emerges as the native rate output is such a nice feature after the HR10-250.

My TiVo software is 8.0.1b-01-2-648. I may not have had it up and running long enough to have pulled down a software update yet. I'll keep my eyes open for any emergence of a video loss issue.

Currently my S3 is connected via HDMI to the VP50 and the from the VP50 is connected via HDMI to a Samsung DLP. Audio on the S3 is set to PCM downconvert as per my audio issue rant above. Audio is then routed to my reciever via coax.

- Collin
Thanks, I've tried going back to native a few times, but each time I still had the problem. One simple thing I haven't tried was a pulling the plug reboot on the VP30, probably give it a shot today as I love the native output function on the S3 and I'd hate to not be able to use it.

We have the same software version BTW, so maybe a cold boot of the VP30 might help.

You know, I'm using a Harmony 880 to control everything, so it may be sending a extra command, or the timings of the command may be off. Something else I suppose I should try and check.

Thanks for the comments.

It seems curious to me though: the people who are having audio dropouts using the VPXX, if there is no lip synch problem going straight to a receiver or pre/pro, why are they routing their audio through the VP in the first place?

Do some have audio synch issues, and others not?

I think people just hook up the audio since that is the usual way to setup a DVDO unit and let it sync the audio with the video.
also, i can see why some are upset if they are having audio problems .
They paid for this feature and it does not work as one would assume it should but for me with my setup i could care less.The VP50 works wonders in every other way.

So... something very odd going on here (follow up to my RGBHV input problem)

xbox360 @ 720p or 1080i through RGBHV (YUV signal) -> absolutely fine, played Lumines to test it out and then remembered I was supposed to be testing about 45 minutes later :)

SkyHD @ 1080i through HDMI - perfect
SkyHD @ 1080i through comp2 - perfect (if a tiny tad softer)
SkyHD @ 576i through comp1 - perfect
SkyHD @ 1080i through RGBHV (YUV signal) - >loses signal all the time, if I don't touch the remote it seems to be ok for ages, or if I only watch upscaled SD channels it also seems okish but if I start watching a HD channel it blinks off and back on a few seconds later, and if I go into the vp50 menu, it seems to get hiccups again.

Really odd but I think I'm just going to work round it - Luckily with PrEP coming I can (in theory) do everything through one HDMI connection.

Oh and I tried a hard reset.

OK, so I finally got my VP50, and I have the same problem as Choddo. It seems like the BNC input on the VP50 has a problem with 1080i/50. I'm just reporting it to DVDO - I wonder if anyone's got YPrPb 1080i/50 working into the BNC inputs working.? It seems like there's a sync problem.

Hi Rob:
That is amazing that your $4,000 Pre-Pro does not have lip-sync. My 10 Year Old Pre-Pro has lip-sync. Of course my new Pre-Pro has it but I was actually amazed to find my old unit had it as well. I will admit it was not PROMINENT in the Manual.

As for NEEDING IT - that is another story. I have not found a single case where I needed it. The VP50 seems to be fast enough - my EYES can't see any need for it.
Even if your/my eyes can't see a lipsync problem I NEED the audio inputs in my setup - I simply don't have enough audio inputs to cover all of my sources on my AVR. In fact I would like MORE audio inputs on the VP50 so that I can route ALL audio of the sources I have through it. I don't have any HDMI sources (yet) - only DVI, so I can't make use of audio over HDMI.

Collinp, I tried out your scenario to see if I could make the audio fall over (or even hickup), but with my equipment (HD STB at 1080i DD and SD PVR at 576i on PCM), I could not make it falter. As I posted earlier, it seems to take an extraordinary long time to resync (all inputs are passed through at native res and native rate) when going from the SD to the HD source. Much faster when going back the other way. No HDCP anywhere in the chain BTW. I think this problem is obviously highly dependant on the nature/composition of the (corrupted?) audio stream you feed it.

I'm still clear of any audio and video dropouts when watching live stuff, but still get the occasional audio and video dropout when watching recordings.

My "Hue" is greyed out on HDMI inputs as well, I don't have any analog inputs inputs to see if it's available on those.

Thanks Keenan, good to see you. I was beginning to think my "Hue" question post's were just too complicated and "technical".:)

Thanks Keenan, good to see you. I was beginning to think my "Hue" question post's were just too complicated and "technical".:)
Yeah, cheerleaders are more to talk about anyways. :D

I can understand both sides of this audio drop-out issue. Yes, the video processing makes the unit worthwhile. However, it is also blatantly and prominently advertised as a very convenient switching device with audio sync features to make it a "one size fits all" kind of device. This simply hasn't proven to be the case for many people here (me included).

While there are those so amazed by the video that they overlook the broken nature of the other substantial features - many of us spent $3k expecting all of it to work together as advertised. If DVDO wants to rely on the video as the sole claim to fame, then fine, say so. But they push it as a switcher/audio sync/video processor - not just a video processor. If we are required to come up with laborious work-arounds simply to get decent audio to go along with the video, then the advertising is inaccurate, or at least, misleading. I have an HDMI AVR with audio sync, which would seem to allow a good work-around. But it really doesn't. Why? Because my cable box can't go direct into it - it sees it as an HDMI repeater. SO, I still need to route the cable box through the VP50 first, then deal with a separate audio route. To me, this means two problems: 1. I shouldn't have to have a work-around receiver (even though I do) to make this work, and 2. Even this is complicated by the cable box needing a separate route, so there goes the one wire switching. And don't blame that on the cable box (diff. issue altogether). The VP50 advertises as being capable of doing all this and most assuredly, in many cases, it can't.

So, to those willing to overlook important broken features in a $3k processor because they are very content with the one feature they like most - good for you, but it's flawed logic to call that "a good deal anyway". The rest of us simply want the thing to do what it claims it can - all of it. If it can't, then don't advertise that it can. It's not much of a switcher if you need multi-routing and it's not much of an audio sync device if the audio is inaudible multiple times during each session.

As for the rant - I have been a faithful supporter of the VP30, now VP50 and pretty quiet on my feelings. But I have finally reached a level of frustration with these audio/switching issues. Having read how some are saying - "hey, it's still does good video, so don't complain" - that finally got me. If that's all it does or can do well, then it should only claim that and nothing more. But that's not the case. Just read the site where it prominently says: "The VP50 serves as your complete A/V hub, providing audio/video switching that simultaneously eliminates A/V lipsync and allows a one wire connection to display for all of your video needs." That simply is not true in many cases and DVDO, as good as they may be, should stop saying it until they can deliver on it! So far, they haven't.

Done, flame suit on.

OK, so I finally got my VP50, and I have the same problem as Choddo. It seems like the BNC input on the VP50 has a problem with 1080i/50. I'm just reporting it to DVDO - I wonder if anyone's got YPrPb 1080i/50 working into the BNC inputs working.? It seems like there's a sync problem.

I and OTHERS were told by DVDO Tech Support - IT IS NOT SUPPOSE to work.

However the manual says it does.

Others have also gotten it to work.

...snip...As for the rant - I have been a faithful supporter of the VP30, now VP50 and pretty quiet on my feelings. But I have finally reached a level of frustration with these audio/switching issues. Having read how some are saying - "hey, it's still does good video, so don't complain" - that finally got me. If that's all it does or can do well, then it should only claim that and nothing more. But that's not the case. Just read the site where it prominently says: "The VP50 serves as your complete A/V hub, providing audio/video switching that simultaneously eliminates A/V lipsync and allows a one wire connection to display for all of your video needs." That simply is not true in many cases and DVDO, as good as they may be, should stop saying it until they can deliver on it! So far, they haven't.

Done, flame suit on.
Couldn't agree more or have said it better myself. Donned my flame suit on now as well. ;)

OK, so I finally got my VP50, and I have the same problem as Choddo. It seems like the BNC input on the VP50 has a problem with 1080i/50. I'm just reporting it to DVDO - I wonder if anyone's got YPrPb 1080i/50 working into the BNC inputs working.? It seems like there's a sync problem.
Interesting. Glad you finally got yours Pete. I already reported this to help@dvdo and Aaron suggested trying a different cable. Which I did but of course, it made no difference. I haven't had a chance to tell him that yet.

And also, I didn't think of the 50Hz thing, the UK xbox is 1080i/60 of course. It doesn't behave like a sync issue though as sometimes it works for tens of minutes, but going into the vp50 menus then seems to screw it up within seconds.

I and OTHERS were told by DVDO Tech Support - IT IS NOT SUPPOSE to work.

That was for RGBHV wasn't it? Not YUV into the same input.

To be 100% honest I think the VP50 is a marginal at best step up from the VP30. I have had many different VPs in my theater in the last few months so I think I can make that judgement call. I really think the msrp should be 2499 (at most). I have to say the lumagen HDQ provided nearly the same picture Q and it can be had for nearly half the cost of the VP50. And others who have read my posts the last week or so know that I am now stating the best VP I have had to date is the crystalio II. Anyone who would disagree must not have had a chance to try one in their own theater... It definitely is head and shoulders above the rest... It is to bad the VP50 has more audio issues. They should have fixed these completely before they released. You would have thought they would have known what they were getting into because of the VP30. That is just another reason why I believe the VP50 and 30 are just alike. They even share the same issues. AVS has a huge DVDO fan base so I expect the loyal faithful will flame this post... But kudos to Pixel Magic Systems for being king of the hill! Atleast in my theater... And you know, that's all that really matters... ;)

For Dale Adams...

Would it be at all possible , or feasable , to utilize your vast expertise with the HD/HD+ /VPxx products as a "third party" consultant or contributor to the estabished Customer base ?

With all of the DVDO products to date there has always been one or more items of implementation of output preset ratios or non-linear stretch requests etc. that are basically firmware/software based . Most of the older products will never see the items become reality as all effort is placed on current products . I'm wondering , now that you are somewhat removed from ABT , if it seems like a possible idea to provide firmware upgrades for older units based on requests from the established Customer base ?

You may not , of course , be allowed such ventures dependant on contractural agreements at ABT , but I can't help but wonder if this would be of interest to you if it was allowed .

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

..snip... And others who have read my posts the last week or so know that I am now stating the best VP I have had to date is the crystalio II. Anyone who would disagree must not have had a chance to try one in their own theater... It definitely is head and shoulders above the rest... )Joe, interesting read. I'd be very interested to know in which way(s) the Crystalio II is better as I'm contemplating making a move if the VP50 problems don't get solved soon. I have the brochure on the CII, so I know what it is supposed to do.

Joe, interesting read. I'd be very interested to know in which way(s) the Crystalio II is better as I'm contemplating making a move if the VP50 problems don't get solved soon. I have the brochure on the CII, so I know what it is supposed to do.


Me too. I don't understand how they can release a new product and not address the problems that existed with the old product. Here is a question for the beta testers. Did any of you see/report the audio problems during the beta testing?

DVDO's silence just make things worse. Maybe they should learn a lesson from the C2 folks and put out a road map for fixes and features.

For Dale Adams...

Would it be at all possible , or feasable , to utilize your vast expertise with the HD/HD+ /VPxx products as a "third party" consultant or contributor to the estabished Customer base ?

With all of the DVDO products to date there has always been one or more items of implementation of output preset ratios or non-linear stretch requests etc. that are basically firmware/software based . Most of the older products will never see the items become reality as all effort is placed on current products . I'm wondering , now that you are somewhat removed from ABT , if it seems like a possible idea to provide firmware upgrades for older units based on requests from the established Customer base ?

You may not , of course , be allowed such ventures dependant on contractural agreements at ABT , but I can't help but wonder if this would be of interest to you if it was allowed .

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

Not exactly sure what you're asking for here. Are you asking him to write custom firmware for the VPXX line? I don't think Dale can just take DVDO's code, fix bugs in it, and release it outside of official DVDO channels. While I'd love for such a thing to happen, it doesn't sound very feasible. Plus what's in it for Dale?

The Crystallio II sounds nice. I've already got an investment in the DVDO products and am very happy with the video engine. Plus the Crystallio is getting up there at $5500. Though the VP30 is too at $3K vs. the good old solid HD+ at $1500.

- Collin

That was for RGBHV wasn't it? Not YUV into the same input.

You are 100% correct - however - then I took my RGBHV output and ran it through a transcoder to get it into COMPONENT and That didn't work either - so I threw out the BOX with the Incompatible Outputs.

For Dale Adams...

Would it be at all possible , or feasable , to utilize your vast expertise with the HD/HD+ /VPxx products as a "third party" consultant or contributor to the estabished Customer base ?

With all of the DVDO products to date there has always been one or more items of implementation of output preset ratios or non-linear stretch requests etc. that are basically firmware/software based . Most of the older products will never see the items become reality as all effort is placed on current products . I'm wondering , now that you are somewhat removed from ABT , if it seems like a possible idea to provide firmware upgrades for older units based on requests from the established Customer base ?

You may not , of course , be allowed such ventures dependant on contractural agreements at ABT , but I can't help but wonder if this would be of interest to you if it was allowed .This isn't really feasible for a number of reasons.

First of all, I didn't really work on a lot of the VP30 and VP50 hardware and so am not as familiar with them as I am with the HD and HD+. Secondly, I didn't work on the software at all, and any feature updates would require some level of software support. Thirdly, I don't have access to the software source code and so couldn't add new features even if I wanted to (and besides, I'm really more of a hardware/architecture/algorithm guy, not a software guy). And lastly, some of the features you're asking for would require changes to the FPGAs, and I don't have access to the source code for those either (at least I don't since I'm no longer an ABT employee).

While I could, in some instances at least, tell you how to program the hardware to do some of the things you'd want to do, there would be no effective way for you to actually accomplish that programming. And in many other cases you're looking at hardware or FPGA functional limitations, which either sets a hard limit as to what can be done or which would require new versions of the FPGA code to accomplish a given function.

- Dale Adams

Here is a question for the beta testers. Did any of you see/report the audio problems during the beta testing?


Yes, they did. Way back in this thread (or was it the VP30 thread - I forget) - when the beta testers got past the NDA date, and began crowing about how good the picture looked. Repeated (and repeated again) questioning eventually got many of them to admit, that yes, a few dropouts still remained.

But, luckily for us, after then pressing Josh for an answer, we were assured that DVDO indeed was aware, and had a fix for the audio problem. Evidently, they still do - since they haven't worn it out by giving it to the purchasers/end users.

That was for RGBHV wasn't it? Not YUV into the same input.

right - that was me - my bad. I can get 1080i (but not 720p) successfully into the BNC inputs, but so far only via rgbhv. I have a 1080i football game on now - for laughs, I'll try, see if I can make component work too.

OK - just hooked up my LG4200a stb to the BNC connectors, feeding it via component. Was just about to claim success, but no sooner than I got to my keyboard, the VP lost the signal. I'm feeding the VP 1080i, and right now, it looks excellent. Switched to a station broadcasting in 720p, and that also looks fine.

BUT - it did totally lose the signal, after about 5 minutes - no video, no audio. Had to set the LG stb output to 480p - then the VP reacquired everything. Once input was again active, I was able to switch to NATIVE, and then the HD signals displayed fine. I'm stateside, so input is 720p -60 and 1080i - 60.

Looks great - would love to keep this connection, free up the 2nd component input, but this is also my SD source - would much rather let the VP handle 480i than my stb.

Does anyone know if there is a possibility of allowing the BNC inputs to accept 480i? If they can't fix my audio, would be cool if they could do something that would benefit people. ;)

JimmyR - fwiw, HUE is grayed out via RGBHV (BNC) and component inputs, at all standard res. It is grayed out at 720p and 1080i, but I thought it worked for standard, 480i signals. So I reconfigured, checked, and dang - still grayed out at 480i.

So I would hazard a guess that HUE is only active for composite and S-Video inputs. If no one chimes in sooner, next time I connect those sources, I'll post back. (I watch so few LDs, that I haven't even reconnected my player since getting the 50.)

I have to agree with those that take issue with DVDO's marketing claims of what their hardware can do....and it isn't just the L/S issue either. ;)

Just wondering if anyone who contacted DVDO about the missing USB->Serial and rackmount kit and was told they'd be sent one has actually got them yet?

I posted earlier about an issue with both Frame AR and Active AR being greyed out when I have my JVC 5U connected via hdmi. Originally I thought that it was only when I had the svhs input of the 5U selected, but now I see that it does not matter which input is selected on the 5U only the type of output. If I connect the 5U via component, then Frame and Active AR are active. All other hdmi inputs are working as normal. I know that other have the 5U connected to the VP50, is your Frame and Active AR active when using hdmi out from the 5U?

Just wondering if anyone who contacted DVDO about the missing USB->Serial and rackmount kit and was told they'd be sent one has actually got them yet?
Yes, I got my USB to serial converter - still waiting on the rackmount ears. Got mine through my dealer Lenexpo.

right - that was me - my bad. I can get 1080i (but not 720p) successfully into the BNC inputs, but so far only via rgbhv. I have a 1080i football game on now - for laughs, I'll try, see if I can make component work too.

OK - just hooked up my LG4200a stb to the BNC connectors, feeding it via component. Was just about to claim success, but no sooner than I got to my keyboard, the VP lost the signal. I'm feeding the VP 1080i, and right now, it looks excellent. Switched to a station broadcasting in 720p, and that also looks fine.

Interesting, sounds exactly the same - did it pop up the front panel ABT welcome message when it did it, almost like it was restarting?

My xbox 360 @ 1080i into that socket was absolutely fine though.

Very odd. Lucky I can use this HDMI workaround.

Interesting, sounds exactly the same - did it pop up the front panel ABT welcome message when it did it, almost like it was restarting?

My xbox 360 @ 1080i into that socket was absolutely fine though.

Very odd. Lucky I can use this HDMI workaround.

So, I've done some more digging, and my problem is different. I get vertical "stretching" of a 1080i/50 image (from the SkyHD box) over YUV into the RGBHV input - I lose about 10% of the display off the bottom. The wierd thing is that I only get this if the OUTPUT res. is set to 480 - i.e. the NR of my display is 852*480. If I output something else (e.g. 720P), then the display isn't stretched - i.e. the output config is affecting the way the input is processed. If I change the input to 720p (i.e. I set the Sky HD box to output 720p), then it's fine. If I set the output (i.e. change the output config of the VP50) to something other than 480, then it's fine. However, it doesn't correctly accept 1080i/50 when it's outputting 480p.

Of course, when I say 720p is fine, I mean fine except for the drop outs after 5 mins or so - i.e. the same as choddo.

Just wondering if anyone who contacted DVDO about the missing USB->Serial and rackmount kit and was told they'd be sent one has actually got them yet?
yeah, I got mine .....

and, just to chip in ... I still have the white line issue and when I use the oppo via HDMI, sometimes I have to reboot both the oppo and the VP50 to get the sound back....... for $3k ..... makes the old HD+ look like a bargain!!!!!!

the discreete codes which also stop working after a while are a major pain too ..... I could have my HT automation much better if the codes worked all the time...

I had the HD+, VP30 and now the VP50 ..... should we 'look around' for something better???

I posted earlier about an issue with both Frame AR and Active AR being greyed out when I have my JVC 5U connected via hdmi. Originally I thought that it was only when I had the svhs input of the 5U selected, but now I see that it does not matter which input is selected on the 5U only the type of output. If I connect the 5U via component, then Frame and Active AR are active. All other hdmi inputs are working as normal. I know that other have the 5U connected to the VP50, is your Frame and Active AR active when using hdmi out from the 5U?

when you are connected via HDMI, make sure you don't select auto AR based on the HDMI input.... most of the time the HDMI AR is wrong.... if you choose manual, you can change the AR aspect yourself....

..snip...I had the HD+, VP30 and now the VP50 ..... should we 'look around' for something better???Yeah Marcelo, as you've no doubt read in one of my earlier posts a few back up, I'm thinking the same. Joerod said he thought the Crystialo II is King at the moment, and I asked him to elaborate/expound further, but so far he's not come back with any answers. Mind you, I don't have as much to complain about as you have. :)

Just wondering if anyone who contacted DVDO about the missing USB->Serial and rackmount kit and was told they'd be sent one has actually got them yet?

I just contacted to DVDO and they said that " This was actually a miss print. These items were not supposed to be included in the VP50 shipment. I apologize for the confusion. If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me either by phone or e-mail. Thank you. " :(

I just contacted to DVDO and they said that " This was actually a miss print. These items were not supposed to be included in the VP50 shipment. I apologize for the confusion. If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me either by phone or e-mail. Thank you. " :(

A misprint in both their manuals and their website? The manual opens with check to make sure these items are included. There was a logic for them to add the usb connector and thats been a topic in this thread.

Daniel.

Joerod said he thought the Crystialo II is King at the moment, and I asked him to elaborate/expound further, but so far he's not come back with any answers.

Joe started a new thread, here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=746512

-as appropriate. ;) btw, thanks. Now if only they'd give me a trade-in allowance for a VP50 with only a "few" dropouts. :p

Why I can´t select 1080p at all for output over HDMI :o No matter what I have tried 1080p stays always greyed.

Why I can´t select 1080p at all for output over HDMI :o No matter what I have tried 1080p stays always greyed.

Do you have a 1080p display? The VP50 may require confirmation of 1080p compatibility during its HDMI handshake to enable that output.

If you do have a 1080p display and it's still not working, you should notify DVDO of your display model # and this problem.

Why I can´t select 1080p at all for output over HDMI :o No matter what I have tried 1080p stays always greyed.

Josh Z is right - the VP50 is not seeing the correct EDID from your display.
Therefore it will not turn on the 1080p option.

My PJ does 1080p - I have no problem.

the discreete codes which also stop working after a while are a major pain too ..... I could have my HT automation much better if the codes worked all the time...

i'm curious about this...so did the VP30's discrete codes work on your VP50, if even for a short bit of time? I was told by someone earlier in this thread that they are different. Also, I had the VP30's discrete codes for a bunch of stuff like input aspect ratio presets added to my harmony remote database but none of them work on the VP50 and never did for me. I just assumed they were not the same, but now I question this. Josh, can you shed some light on this, will new discrete codes be released for the VP50?

i'm curious about this...so did the VP30's discrete codes work on your VP50, if even for a short bit of time? I was told by someone earlier in this thread that they are different. Also, I had the VP30's discrete codes for a bunch of stuff like input aspect ratio presets added to my harmony remote database but none of them work on the VP50 and never did for me. I just assumed they were not the same, but now I question this. Josh, can you shed some light on this, will new discrete codes be released for the VP50?

For me some of the discrete codes continue to work (e.g. outputs for HDMI 1, HDMI 2, etc.) while others simply quit working (e.g. display profile 1, 2, etc.) after a short period of time.
I used Barry Gordon’s VP30 IR code generator (great tool BTW – thanks Barry!) as suggested by DVDO tech support to program my URC MX-3000.
______
Axel

This isn't really feasible for a number of reasons.

First of all, I didn't really work on a lot of the VP30 and VP50 hardware and so am not as familiar with them as I am with the HD and HD+. Secondly, I didn't work on the software at all, and any feature updates would require some level of software support. Thirdly, I don't have access to the software source code and so couldn't add new features even if I wanted to (and besides, I'm really more of a hardware/architecture/algorithm guy, not a software guy). And lastly, some of the features you're asking for would require changes to the FPGAs, and I don't have access to the source code for those either (at least I don't since I'm no longer an ABT employee).

While I could, in some instances at least, tell you how to program the hardware to do some of the things you'd want to do, there would be no effective way for you to actually accomplish that programming. And in many other cases you're looking at hardware or FPGA functional limitations, which either sets a hard limit as to what can be done or which would require new versions of the FPGA code to accomplish a given function.

- Dale Adams

Thanks Dale , I appreciate the reply . Had to ask though :) Couldn't pass up the thought that you might resurface in an "official" capacity and be able to capitalize on this opportunity .

Scott...................... :D

I have not seen this posted, but does anyone else have this problem?

I have a Mits CRT TV driven by the VP50 at 1080i. On several occasions, the guns have gotten out of sync given me an output that looks like the stuff you get when you are supposed to put on the 3D goggles. Not pretty, and not intentional

Changing channels cures it. Not ideal

Any ideas what is going on? Is it a bug, or do I have a bad box?

Never happened when the HR20-700 was driving the Mits. It's definitely the VP50

Thx
Rick

A misprint in both their manuals and their website? The manual opens with check to make sure these items are included. There was a logic for them to add the usb connector and thats been a topic in this thread.

Daniel.If you ask for them you'll get them. If you don't, you won't. ;) I think most of us would probably only be interested in the USB to Serial converter and be happy to do without the ears.

If you ask for them you'll get them. If you don't, you won't. ;) I think most of us would probably only be interested in the USB to Serial converter and be happy to do without the ears.

Sure i don't need them and its fine by me but sounds more they changed their minds after they printed the manuals and website.

Daniel.

I needed both the rack ears and the USB adapter. I emailed DVDO, and they promptly sent them. The only downside was that the package required a signature on delivery and I was always at work when UPS came by. Not that I'm complaining! DVDO came through, after all. I just thought it was kind of weird, since my VP50 didn't require a signature even though it probably cost nearly a hundred times as much.

Yeah Marcelo, as you've no doubt read in one of my earlier posts a few back up, I'm thinking the same. Joerod said he thought the Crystialo II is King at the moment, and I asked him to elaborate/expound further, but so far he's not come back with any answers. Mind you, I don't have as much to complain about as you have. :)

well ... I'm using the orbiter 2 on my panel, so I don't see the white line anymore... but its a workaround not a fix .... and the PQ is awesome....

however, things are moving... and DVDO has been a bit slack on communication .... I guess we do have high expectations these days with DVDO since they used to be so communicative in the past.

it would be good to see the programme map for the VP50 in the next 12 months.... noise reduction? fix white line? fix audio? fix memory of discrete codes? better tool to load/download & backup settings (barry gordon's??)??


Additionally there are 2 key things that concern me as a user of ABT products:

1) New focus on growing the business via OEM chipsets - tvs, AVRs, DVDs .... high volume, low price ... diluting the benefits of purchasing a separate VP - I can see the current VP range taking a back seat to the new volume-driven model. Perhaps this is a good time to look again at niche providers of VPs

2) Release of new high-end products every 12 months - vp30 - vp50 - vp70?? - This may be good for the DVDO's bottom line, however without proper testing, release and fixing the curent bugs - its hard to encourage being a loyal customer if the focus always move to the latest and greatest thing.... ie: support for HD+ customers? support for VP30? I don't know about you, but I have been upgrading my VP every 12 months or so (HD+, VP30 & 50) - but I don't want to be spending $1k every year to stay current..... how about some built-in upgradability which can be serviced by a 'software' upgrade fee if the user wants?? It would be nice for DVDO to build products which are future-upgradeable and still has a financially sustainable model for DVDO ... a win/win ...


I mean, Crystallio II is a like a mini PC ... upgrade cards, software.... it should last for a while.....

As a former Crystalio owner, I think one important differentiator to bear in mind is that if you are in the US and you need PMS to do some work on your unit, you are going to be out ~$200 just for shipping it back and forth to Hong Kong. No service options in the US. At the price of the CII maybe this isn't as big a concern, but it is a huge difference from the $13 I paid to ship my tradein unit back to DVDO. Price isn't the only issue here, you will also be without a VP for a few weeks.

For me some of the discrete codes continue to work (e.g. outputs for HDMI 1, HDMI 2, etc.) while others simply quit working (e.g. display profile 1, 2, etc.) after a short period of time.
I used Barry Gordon’s VP30 IR code generator (great tool BTW – thanks Barry!) as suggested by DVDO tech support to program my URC MX-3000.
______
Axel

Same on my URC MX-3000. Never have been able to get them to work reliably. Sometimes they work for a short while and then stop working. Most of the time they never work. SJ

is there anyway to get around the hdcp protection to get my beamer with yuv to work ?.
due of hdmi regulation the YUV output is only scaled if the source is analog or hdcp free.

the problem is i want to connect my dvd with hdmi and the output of the vp50 with vov to the beamer,. :confused:

Yes but said boxes violate the HDMI/HDCP licensing and are not terribly easy to find.

Same on my URC MX-3000. Never have been able to get them to work reliably. Sometimes they work for a short while and then stop working. Most of the time they never work. SJ

My MX-3000 does the same thing and only with the VP50. All other equipment maintains the codes and works correctly. I would guess this makes it a VP50 issue and not an MX3000 issue - possibly just simple compatibility btwn the two, if not something more serious within the VP50 coding.

Awaiting my 57" Sharp delivery later today so I'm finally trying to recable and hookup this Damn VP50 that for now I will call a PITA POS!!!

How can I run HDMI to a native 1080 display that does dot-by-dot my 45" Sharp and get these fricking blue blinking lights? How could I have a non-compatible display that's only 10 months old that does 1:1. So far I cannot get a picture and all I get are noncompliant blinking blue lights so WTF I didn't spend $3K to use component cables - I just bought like 3 HDMI's and this thing is telling me my panel is non-compliant.

Sorry folks but I am really peeved that I thought this thing would be plug and play as I'm interfacing it with a 1080 native display how the hell could it be non-compliant?

Didn't realize I'd need an AV course before what's been called a 10 minute connection. I'm running DVI-HDMI from my cable box and then HDMI to the TV which it has already done via HD DVD for several months so what's the trick?

Now to watch TV I must remove all the HDMI? The expletives are flowing about every other word right now - $3K to view a blinking blue light and three hdmi cables wasted? I better not have this crap when my 57" arrives as it's double the money and 1080 native also. :mad:

Sorry folks but I am really peeved that I thought this thing would be plug and play as I'm interfacing it with a 1080 native display how the hell could it be non-compliant?

westa, what is your current display that gets the blinking blue light with the VP50? I have a Sharp 45" and i have no problems at all, so I'm sure your 57" should be fine too. Mine does the blinking blue light too if i turn off HDCP on either the input or output on the VP50. Anyway I'm sure you probably already made sure it's on...I doubt you'll have any issues with the 57" Sharp though.

Did you do a "hard reset"?

Few questions:

1. Anyone have the VP50 with a SA8300HD and a Samsung HLSXX87 (overscan) or HLSXX88 (no overscan). (and do you see a noticeably improvement)

2. How is channel-surfing with the Samsung HLS and the output locked. Does it take awhile for the set to resync or just leave it unlocked and lose some PQ.

3. Lastly, can you program the VP50 to display 4:3 in stretch mode and 16:9 in full screen without manually cycling thru the remote? (ie will the VP50 automatically detect and display 4:3/16:9 content this way) And does the stretch mode warp the sides and leave the center of the picture intact?

Thx

Awaiting my 57" Sharp delivery later today so I'm finally trying to recable and hookup this Damn VP50 that for now I will call a PITA POS!!!

How can I run HDMI to a native 1080 display that does dot-by-dot my 45" Sharp and get these fricking blue blinking lights? How could I have a non-compatible display that's only 10 months old that does 1:1. So far I cannot get a picture and all I get are noncompliant blinking blue lights so WTF I didn't spend $3K to use component cables - I just bought like 3 HDMI's and this thing is telling me my panel is non-compliant.

Sorry folks but I am really peeved that I thought this thing would be plug and play as I'm interfacing it with a 1080 native display how the hell could it be non-compliant?

Didn't realize I'd need an AV course before what's been called a 10 minute connection. I'm running DVI-HDMI from my cable box and then HDMI to the TV which it has already done via HD DVD for several months so what's the trick?

Now to watch TV I must remove all the HDMI? The expletives are flowing about every other word right now - $3K to view a blinking blue light and three hdmi cables wasted? I better not have this crap when my 57" arrives as it's double the money and 1080 native also. :mad:

Blinking Blue light on an iScan VPxx is a downstream HDCP fault. I'll wager that the reason you're having so much trouble is that you had been using the HD-DVD player directly to the TV - and now you're using an iScan in the signal path. That changes the way HDCP works in your system (your TV is probably not repeater compliant). Josh did a great synopsis of this in the VP30 thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8045028&&#post8045028

What 10 month old 45" Sharp 1080p display do you have (I wasn't aware of any - other than the LC-45GX6U, but you still need the media box plugged in to get HDCP to work after you hijack the DVI input :)). Personally I'm not at all shocked that you'd have problems with a >6 month old 1080p display. Most of the early 1080p displays didn't even accept 1080p (or they did but down-scaled it to 720p) so they didn't work as expected (advertised).

With that in mind - I don't recall any HD-DVD player that outputs 1080P - so maybe that's exactly to issue you're running into. You were probably sending in 1080i before and getting a picture, and now sending in 1080p your TV woun't even lock to the signal (this would cause an apparent HDCP fault).

Cheers!

-LD :cool:

What 10 month old 45" Sharp 1080p display do you have (I wasn't aware of any - other than the LC-45GX6U, but you still need the media box plugged in to get HDCP to work after you hijack the DVI input :)). Personally I'm not at all shocked that you'd have problems with a >6 month old 1080p display. Most of the early 1080p displays didn't even accept 1080p (or they did but down-scaled it to 720p) so they didn't work as expected (advertised).

With that in mind - I don't recall any HD-DVD player that outputs 1080P - so maybe that's exactly to issue you're running into. You were probably sending in 1080i before and getting a picture, and now sending in 1080p your TV woun't even lock to the signal (this would cause an apparent HDCP fault).

I have the LC-45GX6U and am bypassing the avc box from it completely (VP50 direct to panel), and it works just fine at 1080p for me. If i turn off HDCP however at either the input or output I get the blinking blue light. Direct to panel accepts ONLY 1080p AFAIK. Westa was not clear what TV he is using though, if it's even a Sharp at all.

Has their been any word on when or if their will be an HD-SDI input available for the VP50?

Westa - for sure, check your HDCP settings - I connected my 50 to a cheap 720p panel via HDMI and it truly was plug and play. Try just your sd dvd player - that should avoid hdcp problems, and at least get you a picture. Then you can work from there.

What if you have nothing but the VP to the panel - can you at least go into configuration, and see all the test patterns?

I'm pretty sure HDCP is OFF by default, it was for me.

I'm seriously considering a VP50 or VP30, but am a little confused. One reseller said that you have to set the VP to either work for SD or HD but not both. He then recommended that I have a STB for HD and one for SD and switch inputs. Does this make sense?

I want to be able to feed component inputs from a DVD and STB into the VP then have it output via one HDMI into the plasma. When I'm using the STB I want to be able to switch channels on the STB from Letterman (HD) to Nightline (SD) and have it work automatically.

No that doesn't make any sense at all.

All that will work automatically (as long as the STB will do locked source res of course, they don't all support it). You'll get a better 1080i pic (depending on your screen res/size etc) on the vp50 but the 30 does a good job too.

I don't have my VP50 yet, but how many of you have installed your own? I had planned on having my installer do it for me, but have changed my mind after speaking with him about it. He indicated he would need many hours, as he's installed 10's and 10's of VP30's, and those take, I believe he said, a couple 2-3 hours. Said the VP50 is more complex, and he'd allocate pretty much his entire day for the install. Said he'd charge me MSRP for the VP, plus $400-$600 for the labor. Said incl tax and install, the out-the-door cost would be under $4k. That's more than I'm willing to pay, and I believe his cost is much less than MSRP, so he's making money on the unit, plus his installation.

Another element for me to consider if I do it myself. I just paid $400 calibration for my Panasonic 50" 8UK plasma. Does it need to be recalibrated after adding a VP50? Thanks.

I would definitely check with the AVS folks for VP50 pricing.
They may even offer installation as well.
____
Axel

I don't have my VP50 yet, but how many of you have installed your own? I had planned on having my installer do it for me, but have changed my mind after speaking with him about it. He indicated he would need many hours, as he's installed 10's and 10's of VP30's, and those take, I believe he said, a couple 2-3 hours. Said the VP50 is more complex, and he'd allocate pretty much his entire day for the install. Said he'd charge me MSRP for the VP, plus $400-$600 for the labor. Said incl tax and install, the out-the-door cost would be under $4k. That's more than I'm willing to pay, and I believe his cost is much less than MSRP, so he's making money on the unit, plus his installation.

Another element for me to consider if I do it myself. I just paid $400 calibration for my Panasonic 50" 8UK plasma. Does it need to be recalibrated after adding a VP50? Thanks.

I would be amazed if anyone on this forum DID NOT INSTALL IT THEMSELVES.

But I can always be proven wrong!

No recalibration needed.

Installation is easy. I don't know why it would take all day unless a calibration is also included.

One reseller said that you have to set the VP to either work for SD or HD but not both. He then recommended that I have a STB for HD and one for SD and switch inputs. Does this make sense?

I want to be able to feed component inputs from a DVD and STB into the VP then have it output via one HDMI into the plasma. When I'm using the STB I want to be able to switch channels on the STB from Letterman (HD) to Nightline (SD) and have it work automatically.

Sounds like someone else is confused - a 50 will work nicely for SD or HD; but - to work best, you need an STB that will output NATIVE rate, over whatever cable you are using to connect to the VP. That way, SD - 480i - can be decoded by the ABT102 in the VP, and HD can be decoded by whatever they are calling Dale's HD card/chip.

Not every STB can do this, so that MAY be what your reseller was referring to - the only thing I have that does this well is the LG 4200a - and it only does NATIVE over component or RGBHV - not HDMI. So I can make it work in my setup, but only using the component inputs.

But yes - I can switch channels on my LG, from SNF at 1080i, to Desperate Housewives (720p) to whatever is on HBO - at 480i. No problem, totally seamless. Really pretty slick.

This is not a specific VP50 question, but maybe someone can help me.

I have a Sony KDE50-XBR950 plasma. It has a media receiver unit which only accepts 720p or 1080i HD. I tried a little experiment. I have a Gefen DVI switcher which I was using before I got the VP50. I hooked it up as follows. VP50 output and media receiver output to the Gefen switcher. Output from the Gefen switcher to the panel. With the VP50 output switched to the panel, I am able to get native rate input to work at 1365x768. However, when switching to the media receiver output, all I get is grey snow. Why is this not working? I would think that the Gefen is just passing through the 768p signal, and this is the "normal" way things should be hooked up. The switcher is HDCP compliant, so I don't think that is the problem.

So forget about the VP50 part - I didn't think it would work but it actually does.
Why does the panel not like the signal from the media receiver unit just going through the Gefen switcher?

Has their been any word on when or if their will be an HD-SDI input available for the VP50?

Hi Lon, its unofficially in the works.

But, did you know the same guy that did your HD-SDI output can now also mod the VP50 for HD-SDI input? It is a physical mod so you'll need to send him your VP, so I'm still waiting to see if DVDO announce something soon as I'd rather have one that was easy to install/uninstall if needed. Also want to keep my warranty for now.

To complicate things, the VP only accepts 480i over component, S-video, and composite. So I can make it work in my setup, but only over component.

I don't have a VP yet so I cannot be 100% sure but according to the DVDO website, the VP50, VP30 and VP20 will accept and process 480i (with or without HDCP) over HDMI/DVI. Are you saying that this is not true?

-Tom A.

Thanks Gino

I don't have a VP yet so I cannot be 100% sure but according to the DVDO website, the VP50, VP30 and VP20 will accept and process 480i (with or without HDCP) over HDMI/DVI. Are you saying that this is not true?

-Tom A.

Sorry Tom - my bad. My LG only outputs ED and HD res over DVI-D - didn't mean to mislead, will fix original post. :o Just double checked - I have 4 stbs - 2 Samsung, 2 LG, none of which do 480i over DVI. So will have to let someone else actually try it.

Apologies.

Sounds like someone else is confused - a 50 will work nicely for SD or HD; but - to work best, you need an STB that will output NATIVE rate, over whatever cable you are using to connect to the VP. That way, SD - 480i - can be decoded by the ABT102 in the VP, and HD can be decoded by whatever they are calling Dale's HD card/chip.

Not every STB can do this, so that MAY be what your reseller was referring to - the only thing I have that does this well is the LG 4200a - and it only does NATIVE over component or RGBHV - not HDMI. To complicate things, the VP only accepts 480i over component, S-video, and composite. So I can make it work in my setup, but only over component.

But yes - I can switch channels on my LG, from SNF at 1080i, to Desperate Housewives (720p) to whatever is on HBO - at 480i. No problem, totally seamless. Really pretty slick.


I have the Dish Network VIP 622 HD DVR. Does anyone know if this STB "will output in native rate"? I just went through the manual and didn't see any reference to this.

I have the Dish Network VIP 622 HD DVR. Does anyone know if this STB "will output in native rate"? I just went through the manual and didn't see any reference to this.

no dish receiver I have ever seen will do this, the 622 is the same I am pretty sure

the Dish receivers do send out 480i over HDMI which is really nice for the VP50, correct the chroma bugs and y/c delays and it starts looking a little better, speaking of SD Dish channels

-Gary

no dish receiver I have ever seen will do this, the 622 is the same I am pretty sure

the Dish receivers do send out 480i over HDMI which is really nice for the VP50, correct the chroma bugs and y/c delays and it starts looking a little better, speaking of SD Dish channels

-Gary

Garry and Flyingvee, thanks. Please help me out here. I'm committed to improving SD and HD on my simple system which includes a plasma, Dish Network STB and cheap DVD. If I spend the money on a VP I want all the functionality and to upscale both HD and SD. Given my system can I do this with the VP30 and VP50. Thanks

yes you can do exactly what you are wanting with the VP50, go for it because you will get the best possible 1080i to 1080p scaled to whatever plasma resolution you have

you most certainly want the VP50 because of your progressive display

-Gary

yes you can do exactly what you are wanting with the VP50, go for it because you will get the best possible 1080i to 1080p scaled to whatever plasma resolution you have

you most certainly want the VP50 because of your progressive display

-Gary

Thanks Gary, from reading the literature it didn't seem like the VP30 would deinterlace 1080i, just "field scale" it, which from what I have read is an inferior method. BTW, I don't have a 1080p, just 1080i.

One more thing, I keep reading about some specialty devices (Algolith DM, etc) that elimintate mosquiting and macroblocking. I'm assuming with something like the VP50 that the VP is so good that it will take care of those problems?

I don't have my VP50 yet, but how many of you have installed your own? I had planned on having my installer do it for me, but have changed my mind after speaking with him about it. He indicated he would need many hours, as he's installed 10's and 10's of VP30's, and those take, I believe he said, a couple 2-3 hours. Said the VP50 is more complex, and he'd allocate pretty much his entire day for the install. Said he'd charge me MSRP for the VP, plus $400-$600 for the labor. Said incl tax and install, the out-the-door cost would be under $4k. That's more than I'm willing to pay, and I believe his cost is much less than MSRP, so he's making money on the unit, plus his installation.

Another element for me to consider if I do it myself. I just paid $400 calibration for my Panasonic 50" 8UK plasma. Does it need to be recalibrated after adding a VP50? Thanks.

it took me about 1 hour to install my VP50 ... 45 minutes working the cables in the back and 15 minutes playing with it... and I only set up one VP30 before (mine) .... he's having you on mate..... I reckon you can do it yourself.... if you can install the DVD player to your AVR you can set up the VP50 ....

it actually took less time to set up the vp50 then the VP30 - menus are all the same.... very easy ...

Thanks Gary, from reading the literature it didn't seem like the VP30 would deinterlace 1080i, just "field scale" it, which from what I have read is an inferior method. BTW, I don't have a 1080p, just 1080i.

One more thing, I keep reading about some specialty devices (Algolith DM, etc) that elimintate mosquiting and macroblocking. I'm assuming with something like the VP50 that the VP is so good that it will take care of those problems?

no device is gonna remove macroblocking or noise without causing more issues, sorry those are just my feelings on that subject for anyone who likes those devices, the VP50 does not take care of that, nor does any device IMHO, you need to instead remove sources that are filled with those problems, like Directv and Dish Network HD channels etc. for example

what resolution is your plasma sir? you will most certainly want the VP50

as plasmas are progressive and there are so many 1080i (and 480i for that matter) sources out there

-Gary

Gino,

That's certainly news to me, I haven't heard of any such plans (officially or unofficially).

Gary,

You're right, you can't really fix one thing without adverse affects. Light processing of such artifacts definitely do the trick for me, however. I have a Mosquito (analog) hooked up to VP50 and it definitely improves the PQ (it's set to very low settings on all enhancements!).

That's certainly news to me, I haven't heard of any such plans (officially or unofficially).
See here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8244130&&#post8244130

See here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8244130&&#post8244130
A good reminder of what's still outstanding!! ;) What about some updates on these promises Josh.

it took me about 1 hour to install my VP50 ... 45 minutes working the cables in the back and 15 minutes playing with it... and I only set up one VP30 before (mine) .... he's having you on mate..... I reckon you can do it yourself.... if you can install the DVD player to your AVR you can set up the VP50 ....

it actually took less time to set up the vp50 then the VP30 - menus are all the same.... very easy ...Yeah, I agree w/ you, Big. He's certainly having me on. Or trying to, anyway. I've decided I will do this myself. I've read through the user guide (twice), and it does seem straightforward. Need to confirm my plasma is compliant before buying the HDMI cables (50" Panasonic commercial plasma). I would like to customize each video source for the best pic, but don't want to mess up the calibration I just paid for. Someone said I don't need recalibrate when adding the VP50, but I don't see how adding the VP50 won't affect my display colors, brightness, contrast, etc.

Also good news, I am an employee of Hewlett-Packard. Turns out we have an agreement with ABT, as they provide the VP for our high-end videoconferencing tool HALO. Which equals a nice discount for me! :) So I'll do it myself and save a few $$$.

Its getting rather obvious that while Josh is closely monitoring this thread, he is not posting here anymore.

Updaes now come from members communiating with Josh by e-mail or from asking and receiving answers from DVDO tech support.

I guess if tech support says something like Prep will be out by the end of the month, it is far less official than if Josh were to make the utterance (utterance?).

No official statements, I guess, until something is actually out, unless it can create a marketing buzz.

As a forum member/consumer, vis a vis a/v retailer, this does bother me.

For example, Prep is shown at Cedia, which if I remember started September 14th. Prep is shown, creates a buzz of further great things to come with the VP50 which is or just started shipping. Prep won't be in the first batch because that batch was already completed in Asia. But the next batch will have it and diownloads for first batch adopters will be very shortly available since we are showing it, it will be in the next batch pre-loaded.

Now it won't be out until, at a minimum, 75 days since it was shown!

So what's up? My guess is that marketing required a buzz. Show the market that good things are coming from the just released VP50. Let's see. Dale has done all these things which are not being used yet. Let's truck out Prep. Yet but it will take time to perfect it operationally and Dale is leaving. Shush your mouth. Be consistent with corporate policy, we are here to make millions selling chips or like last time to be acquired. We don't want any loose cannons hanging around here.

Let's see. Dale, who we are terminating, has done all these things which are not being used yet.
Actually, I self-terminated. :eek:

- Dale Adams

Additionally there are 2 key things that concern me as a user of ABT products:

1) New focus on growing the business via OEM chipsets - tvs, AVRs, DVDs .... high volume, low price ... diluting the benefits of purchasing a separate VP - I can see the current VP range taking a back seat to the new volume-driven model. Perhaps this is a good time to look again at niche providers of VPs

2) Release of new high-end products every 12 months - vp30 - vp50 - vp70?? - This may be good for the DVDO's bottom line, however without proper testing, release and fixing the curent bugs - its hard to encourage being a loyal customer if the focus always move to the latest and greatest thing.... ie: support for HD+ customers? support for VP30?
IMO, these are both very accurate observations.

- Dale Adams

Now it won't be out until, at a minimum, 75 days since it was shown!



For better or worse, this is how the CE industry generally works. For instance, stuff shown behind the scenes at CES in January, press weeks in March/April, then start to roll out to distributors in the Fall for Christmas sales.

eric

no device is gonna remove macroblocking or noise without causing more issues, sorry those are just my feelings on that subject for anyone who likes those devices, the VP50 does not take care of that, nor does any device IMHO, you need to instead remove sources that are filled with those problems, like Directv and Dish Network HD channels etc. for example

what resolution is your plasma sir? you will most certainly want the VP50

as plasmas are progressive and there are so many 1080i (and 480i for that matter) sources out there

-Gary

It's 1368 x 768

It is not a new product of which a prototype was shown. Prep was billed as a software update that would be in the next shipment and which early adopters would be able to down load in then a few weeks!

It is not a new product of which a prototype was shown. Prep was billed as a software update that would be in the next shipment and which early adopters would be able to down load in then a few weeks!

I just hope it doesn't go from being a VP50 software update to a new feature in the VP70 or VP50/PREP101 model. :eek: SJ

Its getting rather obvious that while Josh is closely monitoring this thread, he is not posting here anymore.

Updaes now come from members communiating with Josh by e-mail or from asking and receiving answers from DVDO tech support.

I guess if tech support says something like Prep will be out by the end of the month, it is far less official than if Josh were to make the utterance (utterance?).

No official statements, I guess, until something is actually out, unless it can create a marketing buzz.

As a forum member/consumer, vis a vis a/v retailer, this does bother me.



I can almost guarantee you that the majority of people here feel this way. Not only people who actually own a DVDO product, but those who are considering the purchase of a DVDO product. The silence is deafening.

It certainly seems that DVDO's reputation for both quality and support isn't nearly what it was as little as a year ago.

It's 1368 x 768

Than quite honestly, a VP30 would do you fine, and if you don't need RGBHV outputs, you could probably get the job done with a VP20. I have a nice CRT - I need something to transcode HD to RGBHV - hence I'm stuck with a 30 or 50. With you only using a 720p panel, not sure if the 50 is worth the extra grand or more. But its your money - JMHO.

I just hope it doesn't go from being a VP50 software update to a new feature in the VP70 or VP50/PREP101 model. :eek: SJ

Now don't be that way - are you saying that the VP70 will have all audio bugs fixed, will ship with PREP, and come with rack ears? :D I am no longer holding my breath.

Quick question: I am right now installing my vp50. There is no manual but there is a cd. On the cd there is listed a few of the iscan products but not the vp50? Is installation more or less the same as the vp30 and I should use that installation guide?

I just hope it doesn't go from being a VP50 software update to a new feature in the VP70 or VP50/PREP101 model.
I'm not aware that anything like that was ever even contemplated. There should be a forthcoming software update for the VP50 which has PReP (but I couldn't tell you when, though).

- Dale Adams

Quick question: I am right now installing my vp50. There is no manual but there is a cd. On the cd there is listed a few of the iscan products but not the vp50? Is installation more or less the same as the vp30 and I should use that installation guide?

You should have received the Installation Manual in the box.

You can download the Owners Manual for the VP50 here:
http://www.dvdo.com/faq/faq_pro_man.php

I'm not aware that anything like that was ever even contemplated. There should be a forthcoming software update for the VP50 which has PReP (but I couldn't tell you when, though).



I would like to thank you for your continued and valued input at the forum.
You have many loyal fans here. :)

It would be nice if DVDO could give us an update on new FW.

Quick question: I am right now installing my vp50. There is no manual but there is a cd. On the cd there is listed a few of the iscan products but not the vp50? Is installation more or less the same as the vp30 and I should use that installation guide?

You can download it off the DVDO Website?


http://www.dvdo.com/documents/DVDO_iScanVP50_Quickstart_Guide_0811W.pdf

http://www.dvdo.com/documents/DVDO_iScanVP50_PG_ABT_081706.pdf

Hi Lon, its unofficially in the works.

But, did you know the same guy that did your HD-SDI output can now also mod the VP50 for HD-SDI input? It is a physical mod so you'll need to send him your VP, so I'm still waiting to see if DVDO announce something soon as I'd rather have one that was easy to install/uninstall if needed. Also want to keep my warranty for now.

Sorry for OT post in advance, but Gino have you heard any rumblings on our friend updating the HD-SDI output with 1080P24 ability?

It is not a new product of which a prototype was shown. Prep was billed as a software update that would be in the next shipment and which early adopters would be able to down load in then a few weeks!

Enough with the conspiracy theories. PReP is still in development and will be released when it's ready. That's all there is to it.

I can almost guarantee you that the majority of people here feel this way. Not only people who actually own a DVDO product, but those who are considering the purchase of a DVDO product. The silence is deafening.

It certainly seems that DVDO's reputation for both quality and support isn't nearly what it was as little as a year ago.

Quite simply, DVDO has learned to keep their big mouths shut after repeated instances of people on forums like this misinterpreting something they said. They are under no obligation to post on forums or answer questions about unreleased products or features. That we should expect that as a matter of course is quite unreasonable.

My lord, you people are impatient!

people need to calm down and take some chill pills, my God :(

DVDO is working on things, bottom line here is that people on the AVS have been spoiled rotten and are taking advantage of the fact that DVDO comments on these boards, no wonder there isn't much said anymore from DVDO :rolleyes:

-Gary

All the indications are that they're planning (and on track? ;)) to get the update out this month, I've also been told my 1080i into RGBHV problem might be addressed by it.

All the indications are that they're planning (and on track? ;)) to get the update out this month, I've also been told my 1080i into RGBHV problem might be addressed by it.

Oh No [GRIN]!

I threw out my 1080i RGBHV source. I made my problem go away.

For me some of the discrete codes continue to work (e.g. outputs for HDMI 1, HDMI 2, etc.) while others simply quit working (e.g. display profile 1, 2, etc.) after a short period of time.
I used Barry Gordon’s VP30 IR code generator (great tool BTW – thanks Barry!) as suggested by DVDO tech support to program my URC MX-3000.

Just an update to the discrete remote codes issue...i contacted DVDO regarding this and they told me there is a known issue with some of the discrete codes having issues and that a firmware fix for these will be available within the month.

Quite simply, DVDO has learned to keep their big mouths shut after repeated instances of people on forums like this misinterpreting something they said. They are under no obligation to post on forums or answer questions about unreleased products or features. That we should expect that as a matter of course is quite unreasonable.

My lord, you people are impatient!

Impatient? Tell that to the people who have owned the VP30 that are still waiting for fixes that haven't even been corrected on the VP50 yet.

DVDO is working on things, bottom line here is that people on the AVS have been spoiled rotten and are taking advantage of the fact that DVDO comments on these boards, no wonder there isn't much said anymore from DVDO

"Taking advantage of the fact that DVDO comments on these boards"? "Spoiled rotten"? Perhaps you can explain to me how that is even possible? If an official rep posts that something will happen by a certain date, is it really "taking advantage of them" by expecting it to actually be done somewhere remotely close to when they said that it would be done?

Sure, if DVDO continuously makes promises that are not kept, I can understand why they wouldn't post here anymore too!

If they are taking the stance that they will no longer post here, then they should at least explain their reasons publicly so people wont continue to wonder why they are no longer responding to the questions and concerns raised in this thread.

Enough with the conspiracy theories. PReP is still in development and will be released when it's ready. That's all there is to it.



Quite simply, DVDO has learned to keep their big mouths shut after repeated instances of people on forums like this misinterpreting something they said. They are under no obligation to post on forums or answer questions about unreleased products or features. That we should expect that as a matter of course is quite unreasonable.

My lord, you people are impatient!
Yes but they are under obligation to provide a working unit and from all the complaints that have been made on this forum,this is not the case,its obvious that they released the product before it was fit for purpose.

Blah Blah Blah - it is a lot easier for beta testers to take chill pills, and "wait" for progress. Or to be patient. We don't all have personal pipelines into Anchor Bay. Us poor schmucks who actually pay the bills may be getting tired of doing mushroom imitations. (you know - kept in the dark, and fed.)

You can face it right back - it wouldn't take much of a presence or response to assure us - heck, we're all suckers. I even believed Josh, way back when, when he said the 50 wouldn't have any audio bugs. I believed him when he said there would be continued updates for the 30. (when was the last one?) We suckers, and DVDO isn't even willing to prevaricate anymore.

IMO, these are both very accurate observations.

- Dale Adams

thanks Dale, seems like a big shift from the HD+ days......

Just an update to the discrete remote codes issue...i contacted DVDO regarding this and they told me there is a known issue with some of the discrete codes having issues and that a firmware fix for these will be available within the month.
that is great news!!! .... I will be able to add a better level of automation on my HT ....

Cheers,

Marcelo

Jon if beta testers get updates that means normal folks get them also, it's as simple as that, so I don't understand your patience jabs or personal pipeline comments :confused:

what would be the point of beta testing a product if the second a new firmware was completed it was dished out to every Tom, Dick and Harry ?

this thread is all about patience, or the current lack thereof, no one is being kept in the dark

it sounds like you may need to move on from DVDO to elsewhere Jon, seriously some things just aren't meant to be, I know about this all too well :(
the VP50 is one great piece of hardware, the few problems that exist for a small percentage of people does not make it a bad product, this applys to anything nowdays in HT

patience will pay off in the end, and everyone trashing DVDO will be eating crow ;)

-Gary

Sure, if DVDO continuously makes promises that are not kept, I can understand why they wouldn't post here anymore too!

If they are taking the stance that they will no longer post here, then they should at least explain their reasons publicly so people wont continue to wonder why they are no longer responding to the questions and concerns raised in this thread.When I was still an ABT employee, I quit posting any estimates of when updates would be available for the simple reason that I was always overly optimistic and therefore always wrong. (I really, really hate being wrong. :D ) The main reason I was too optimistic is that I based my estimates on how long I thought it might take me to perform the update myself (plus a bit). However, as I was never the one actually in the critical path for the updates, my estimates always ended up being way too short, with the result that new features always arrived much later than I said they would. Eventually I learned, and I just quit posting estimates.

Now, I was at least in Engineering, and so had some idea of how long it takes to do things and some (albeit, limited) measure of control. Josh, on the other hand, is in Marketing, and consequently everything he relates here is second hand. He has no direct control on when things are actually done or how long it takes to do things. It may well be that he's become a bit gun-shy as well, and no longer will estimate when feature updates and bug fixes will be delivered.

- Dale Adams

thanks Dale, seems like a big shift from the HD+ days......The shift to also produce chips was always in the business plan. However, ABT needed first to develop enough of its own technology to include in those chip-level products before it made any sense to start working on chips too. That's now happened, and the result is that some of the company's engineering resources have been shifted to chip development (although there has also been a fair amount of new engineering staffing to support this as well).

My personal preference was always to just work on the video processors. That's not what most of the founders or the investors wanted, however.

- Dale Adams

Just an update to the discrete remote codes issue...i contacted DVDO regarding this and they told me there is a known issue with some of the discrete codes having issues and that a firmware fix for these will be available within the month.

That's good news indeed and also consistent with what Aaron from DVDO Tech Support wrote me today after I had followed up with him: "...The IR codes are actually something that is being worked on and should be taken care of in the upcoming firmware. This is one of the top priorities the engineering team has. I will keep you updated on the status of this..."
______
Axel

Just an update to the discrete remote codes issue...i contacted DVDO regarding this and they told me there is a known issue with some of the discrete codes having issues and that a firmware fix for these will be available within the month.

That's great news if it happens. I personally have really had only two issues with VP30 and VP50. One is discretes, the other is audio dropouts. Actually, I couldn't get discretes to work with my iSCAN HD either (but then again, that product never had audio issues). I'll keep my fingers crossed!! ;)

It may well be that he's become a bit gun-shy as well, and no longer will estimate when feature updates and bug fixes will be delivered.

Why would he have to estimate? Are you saying that ABT doesn't have engineering and product release schedules?

That's not what most of the founders or the investors wanted, however.

Thanks for the info. Sounds like there is a move away from stand alone video processors. Components and TVs keep getting better and better. I assume this is due to new technology provided by these embedded "chips". Looks like eventually there will be no need for an external processor.

It was probably a good idea to stop giving out estimates. I gave up waiting for the promised underscan feature on the HD. That was supposed to be a future firmware upgrade too.

The only feature I missed on the VP50 is the Letterbox aspect ratio discrete. But since I discovered all the extra ratios included in the VP50 I quickly forgot about it.

Thanks for the info. Sounds like there is a move away from stand alone video processors. Components and TVs keep getting better and better. I assume this is due to new technology provided by these embedded "chips". Looks like eventually there will be no need for an external processor.

I doubt that ;)

-Gary

Sorry for OT post in advance, but Gino have you heard any rumblings on our friend updating the HD-SDI output with 1080P24 ability?

Haven't spoken with him for a few weeks now. Last I heard it was just about ready... who knows? Maybe he is now focussing on the VPx HD-SDI mods? BUT, he did mention that he couldnt notice a difference in PQ between deinterlacing with the VP50 to 1080p48 vs 108p24 from the Broadcom chip.... so I'm not really waiting for it anymore.

Why would he have to estimate? Are you saying that ABT doesn't have engineering and product release schedules? Sorry - I guess I wasn't very clear. Josh most likely wasn't estimating, but rather providing the estimates he was given by engineering. In my experience, these estimates have virtually always been overly optimistic. The alternative, which I think you've seen from time to time, is that in order to keep close to the schedule either features are dropped or delivered features are, shall we say, less than robust.

- Dale Adams

Haven't spoken with him for a few weeks now. Last I heard it was just about ready... who knows? Maybe he is now focussing on the VPx HD-SDI mods? BUT, he did mention that he couldnt notice a difference in PQ between deinterlacing with the VP50 to 1080p48 vs 108p24 from the Broadcom chip.... so I'm not really waiting for it anymore.

Where do I send my $ for an HD-SDI mod for my new Panny BD player to my VP50?

No Gary, they've got my money - now I'd like my product. They aren't getting off that easy.

But you misunderstood me - or I made myself less than clear, which is easily possible. If the firmware is "coming," then most likely it is in the hands of some beta testers. Said hypothetical beta testers could conceivably counsel the rest of us to patience. Those of us without a hopefully enhanced version in our hands could, just maybe, have a harder time waiting than those who already are reaping the fruits of DVDO's labors. That is what I was trying to say in fewer words.

So from what Dale is saying, the majority of ABT's efforts will not go toward perfecting its VPs and in adding freebie features for its loyal customers but in selling chips to others. Great. If ABT has the best algs and chips, processor companies dedicated to processors and processor perfection (including frequent improvements and additional features), will use their chips. And we can buy our processors from them.

God. This thread must be driving Josh crazy. It isn't helping me a bit. Its all getting a little confusing and hazy. Ugh.

So from what Dale is saying, the majority of ABT's efforts will not go toward perfecting its VPs and in adding freebie features for its loyal customers but in selling chips to others. Great. If ABT has the best algs and chips, processor companies dedicated to processors and processor perfection (including frequent improvements and additional features), will use their chips. And we can buy our processors from them.

God. This thread must be driving Josh crazy. It isn't helping me a bit. Its all getting a little confusing and hazy. Ugh.

I'd be surprised if selling stand alone external video processors is a very strong, growing business. Certainly other technology vendors in the space have been moving towards OEMing or being acquired by other CE companies. A design win with Sony/Sharp/Samsung/etc, or on the AVR side Pioneer/Yamaha/Denon/etc. would probably be much better business then trying to build a sales channel for a box most consumers don't understand the need for.

But, I think you also have to separate "present" from "future". ABT makes a product now, which I bought based on the features available at the time of release. I'm pretty pleased with it, although there are a few bugs I'd like fixed. (In my case, none of them are real show stoppers.) I think ABT does have an obligation to fix the bugs, and to release any features that they announced that caused people (not me, in this case) to buy the current product in anticipation of those features. PReP probably falls in this category, for instance, but I'd say enhanced noise reduction probably doesn't, since nothing formal was ever announced. (I'd still like to see it, though! Just don't think I can hold them accountable if it doesn't materialize.)

From a "future" standpoint, although ABT has been great about upgrade paths in the past, if they decide to get out of the external scaler business, I can't really say they are messing with me because they don't release a "VP-2007" and give me an attractive upgrade path to it. After all, as long as the VP-50 does what they said it does, it doesn't matter if they get out of that business, my VP-50 will still do what I bought it to do.

So I think its fair to hold them accountable for the VP-50 announced feature set. I wouldn't say its fair to hold them accountable for continuing to release future VP's, or even unannounced firmware features for the current VPs. Buy based on what is being offered now and whether it provides good value to you, not on hopes for what they (or any other CE vendor) may offer in the future.

eric

I agree, Eric.

I'd be surprised if selling stand alone external video processors is a very strong, growing business. Certainly other technology vendors in the space have been moving towards OEMing or being acquired by other CE companies. A design win with Sony/Sharp/Samsung/etc, or on the AVR side Pioneer/Yamaha/Denon/etc. would probably be much better business then trying to build a sales channel for a box most consumers don't understand the need for.

But, I think you also have to separate "present" from "future". ABT makes a product now, which I bought based on the features available at the time of release. I'm pretty pleased with it, although there are a few bugs I'd like fixed. (In my case, none of them are real show stoppers.) I think ABT does have an obligation to fix the bugs, and to release any features that they announced that caused people (not me, in this case) to buy the current product in anticipation of those features. PReP probably falls in this category, for instance, but I'd say enhanced noise reduction probably doesn't, since nothing formal was ever announced. (I'd still like to see it, though! Just don't think I can hold them accountable if it doesn't materialize.)

From a "future" standpoint, although ABT has been great about upgrade paths in the past, if they decide to get out of the external scaler business, I can't really say they are messing with me because they don't release a "VP-2007" and give me an attractive upgrade path to it. After all, as long as the VP-50 does what they said it does, it doesn't matter if they get out of that business, my VP-50 will still do what I bought it to do.

So I think its fair to hold them accountable for the VP-50 announced feature set. I wouldn't say its fair to hold them accountable for continuing to release future VP's, or even unannounced firmware features for the current VPs. Buy based on what is being offered now and whether it provides good value to you, not on hopes for what they (or any other CE vendor) may offer in the future.

eric

fair points -

I believe ABT can make much more money on OEM chipsets - the AVRs of this world alone could keep them busy..... that being the case, the new yamaha zXXX should have a vp50 built in... which would do nicely for me... all in one...

however, as it stands, I still required the vp50 since my AVR doesn't do all those VP tricks to my satisfaction yet...

I can see a future vision of an all-in-one AVR hub, which I guess is what the market is leaning towards.....

fair points .....I believe ABT can make much more money on OEM chipsets - the AVRs of this world alone could keep them busy..... that being the case, the new yamaha zXXX should have a vp50 built in... which would do nicely for me... all in one...
.....Provided we don't get the current VP50 eh Marcelo, with stripes and all :D

I can see a future vision of an all-in-one AVR hub, which I guess is what the market is leaning towards.....

Isn't that what the Anthem D2 Statement is supposed to be?

Isn't that what the Anthem D2 Statement is supposed to be?
that's the closer so far...

the yamaha 2700 has the oplus deinterlacer and the ABT scaler built in ....

none of them are as good as the standalone vp30/vp50 ... yet...

but pretty close though ..... specially the anthem D2 ....

So from what Dale is saying, the majority of ABT's efforts will not go toward perfecting its VPs and in adding freebie features for its loyal customers but in selling chips to others.That's not quite what I meant.

It's more an issue of there being two separate but related (similar technology used in each) lines of business which compete for company resources. It's not necessarily an issue of the chip business getting all the resources and the VP business being starved. You might find the folks on the chip side think they're the ones that are resource-starved. While there are resources which are largely dedicated to each line of business, there are also 'floating' resources which are able to support either one. That's by design to some extent, because, as I mentioned above, there are similar technologies used in each.

This is always a problem inside a small company - i.e., there's never enough resources to do all the things the company wants to do or which it thinks it has to do to be successful. (For that matter, a couple of large companies I've worked in have had similar issues.) Consequently, each business line often doesn't get all the resources it needs or wants to do everything it needs to do, at least not in a timely fashion. This was a problem in the original DVDO as well, and is likely endemic to small companies.

I don't believe that ABT has any intent to discontinue the VP business. At least that was the case when I left the company. I suppose it's possible that this could happen in the future, but I doubt it would happen any time soon.

- Dale Adams

Appreciate your candour Dale. fwiw, I think most people here believe DVDO/ABT is a poorer company on your departure, but still, I'm sure Josh et al can rest assured one man doesn't make a company ;)

Personally I think we NEED ABT to make a success of the OEM chip business. Even with the increasing customer awareness and prevalence of the issues with the explosion of signal formats & various levels of support in TVs, the vast majority of the market (which is just about everyone over the next 10-15 years) will never be able to afford to invest in a $3000 scaler to go with their $800 HDTV.

To take advantage of that huge growth, they have to find new ways to tap that market or someone else will do it (and already is)

If we want ABT to carry on making dedicated scalers for we hobbyists/fussy buggers, then we are going to rely on them satisfying their shareholders & continuing a successful business relative to their market, not just single digit annual growth or whatever might have been good enough in the past.

If that means accepting the risk that the dedicated scaler business becomes unviable at some time in the future, I feel fairly confident we'll be at a point where I for one will be happy enough with what the TVs/AVRs of the time provide and I can save a plug socket or two.

Today, I like having the choice & control that "video separates" gives but I'm still at the mercy of whatever bloody 50Hz resolution Panasonic decide to accept over HDMI anyway ;)

My VP50 never worked out-of-the-box due to bad HDMI input ports. While waiting all these weeks for DVDO to supply a replacement, I've had the opportunity to read what everyone else has been saying about DVDO's lack of response to fixing problems with the VP30 that carried over to the VP50.

I agree with the posters who speculate that DVDO is more consumed with bringing out out NEW high end products on an unreasonable annual schedule (for their technical staff size)-- and thus is not as interested in fixing existing problems with their equipment.

Taking all this in mind-- I decided to not take back the new replacement for my defective VP50 but instead switch over to the Crystalio II VPS3300. Jason at AV Science is great to work with and has a nice discounted price on those units--although a group buy would have been even better! I didn't really want to spend the cost of the Crystalio II --especially with the holidays upcoming and the new Sony and Nintendo platforms coming out with alot of new games-- but I have lost confidence in DVDO.

Will the VP50 pass-thru a 1080p RGB signal? I am asking because Microsoft unlocked the 1080p output via the RGB cable.

Assume you're talking about the x360 here? ;)

I don't believe the RGBHV inputs will take 1080p

MS also allow 1080p over component but I don't think the component inputs currently take it either.

This seems like something that could potentially be hardware limited (and therefore not fixable) by the clockspeed of the ADCs on those inputs.

After all, as long as the VP-50 does what they said it does, it doesn't matter if they get out of that business, my VP-50 will still do what I bought it to do. So I think its fair to hold them accountable for the VP-50 announced feature set.

In many reported instances, the VP30/50, with a reasonably long combined tech-life at this point, don't do what they are supposed to do - as in announced features. The ever on-going audio dropouts and even complete lockups continue apace with no discernible resolution in sight. The announced features include the prominent advertising as "your complete A/V hub, providing audio/video switching that simultaneously eliminates A/V lipsync and allows a one wire connection to display for all of your video needs." - which it apparently is NOT for many. Forget the promised stuff (noise reduction, PreP, etc). For now and for many here, the year+ audio issues constitute not performing as advertised and, as you suggest, it is fair to hold DVDO responsible.

Their potential new business model notwithstanding, they need to correct long known and ongoing problems that have moved from one generation to the next without being corrected. It is becoming disingenuous to advertise that quoted text above, given the nature of these audio issues for many and the length of time they have been around. To suggest they are re-focusing business into other areas implies, to me, that resolving past complaints on past products will get even less attention. Not a good thing. I, for one, am less concerned about "when will we get PreP or other potential improvements" - I want the $3k box to work at least on the basic level it was adverised/sold to me on. Hearing "WTF was that" from friends numerous times during a movie when audio drops out or quits completely (requiring a hard re-set) is not my idea of a "feature" and not what I thought I was buying. I recognize this is not the DVDO support forum and don't expect answers here (officially), but along with all the back-slapping and praise we often give DVDO, we - and they - need to confront the fact that there are problems and customers who are unhappy with them - while they possibly work at splitting resources to expand their product line even further, while diluting the "solution" process for already existing products.

Their potential new business model notwithstanding, they need to correct long known and ongoing problems that have moved from one generation to the next without being corrected. It is becoming disingenuous to advertise that quoted text above, given the nature of these audio issues for many and the length of time they have been around.

You're violently agreeing with me. I also said in my post:

I think ABT does have an obligation to fix the bugs, and to release any features that they announced that caused people (not me, in this case) to buy the current product in anticipation of those features.

I think you're right that to maintain their rep for customer service they need to find and fix this audio thing as their #1 priority. It sounds from what stoomonster was saying that they have been doing a shedload of debugging on that issue though, I can't imagine it's easy to fix.

And... I think "continue apace" and "is NOT for many" might not reflect the true market. It's easy to see forums as the sole source of opinion given their incredible facility as a mouthpiece for the discontented (and to a lesser extent, contented) but there could be thousands of happy owners out there who've never had any issues.

Anyway, have we kind of done this one now? ;)

Just as a peaceful aside, and only a bit OT - how many VP30s and VP50s have actually been sold, and are out in the wild? I would be curious, if it isn't a trade secret - in which case I'll glady rescind the question. I just get thinking, when I read of potentially thousands of happy customers, just how many of these little puppies are out there?

Does anyone know, and if so, are you allowed to tell us? Shoot - if you've sold 5 or 10k units, that'd be something to brag about. Not to mention, possibly a platinum edition, or something to that effect. :)

As of mid-October, I was told that they had sold 600 VP50s. That was when they were waiting on their next shipment to come in.

You're violently agreeing with me.

Yes, I was. Didn't mean to suggest I wasn't.

I think "continue apace" and "is NOT for many" might not reflect the true market. It's easy to see forums as the sole source of opinion given their incredible facility as a mouthpiece for the discontented (and to a lesser extent, contented) but there could be thousands of happy owners out there who've never had any issues.

I would normally agree with this, but not in this case. These audio issues seem to be rather widespread - not just in this forum. I highly doubt that others buying such a sophisiticated device would not notice the audio dropouts or complete loss of audio requiring a hard re-set. This is a niche piece and the $3k niche market is generally informed, I think. Anyway, I doubt many would sit through too many shows and simply ignore the fact that they were watching silent movies or missing vital dialogue. This is not a case of some techie mini-problem btwn 720p vs 1080i that is above the average consumer's head. This is out and out obvious when it happens and at a very simple, non-technical level. Sound is there, then sound is not. Right there for all to hear (or not hear).

Have to agree, Flint350.

Yes, I was. Didn't mean to suggest I wasn't.



I would normally agree with this, but not in this case. These audio issues seem to be rather widespread - not just in this forum. I highly doubt that others buying such a sophisiticated device would not notice the audio dropouts or complete loss of audio requiring a hard re-set. This is a niche piece and the $3k niche market is generally informed, I think. Anyway, I doubt many would sit through too many shows and simply ignore the fact that they were watching silent movies or missing vital dialogue. This is not a case of some techie mini-problem btwn 720p vs 1080i that is above the average consumer's head. This is out and out obvious when it happens and at a very simple, non-technical level. Sound is there, then sound is not. Right there for all to hear (or not hear).
I agree but personally I never get the complete audio vanishing act, and rarely get dropouts. Maybe twice an evening and I don't trust my SkyHD box to not be to blame for some of those. But I appreciate I might just be lucky.

Will the VP50 pass-thru a 1080p RGB signal? I am asking because Microsoft unlocked the 1080p output via the RGB cable.

As of right now pass-through in general has not been implemented, even though it is an advertised feature. However it is supposed to come with the next firmware.
_____
Axel

I agree but personally I never get the complete audio vanishing act, and rarely get dropouts. Maybe twice an evening and I don't trust my SkyHD box to not be to blame for some of those. But I appreciate I might just be lucky.

I'll go with that choddo - I get dropouts during HD shows - but with the combined flakiness of our local OTAs and then getting the signal onto QAM, I do NOT count those dropouts. I don't recall that many before, but to be 100% sure, I don't bitch about them, and don't count them when I am bitching. OTOH, when my Denon 1600 plays up, that I do count. No matter how hard I look, I can't see any holes in my dvds, so I don't know where the sound is going. ;)

I just hooked up my add on xbox 360 HD DVD unit. Running 1080i into the VP50 (outputing 720p to my Optoma H79). Picture quality is just fantastic. SJ

I agree but personally I never get the complete audio vanishing act, and rarely get dropouts. Maybe twice an evening and I don't trust my SkyHD box to not be to blame for some of those. But I appreciate I might just be lucky.

I get complete audio vanishing. I had the same problem with my VP30.

I'll give any individual/company the benefit of the doubt once (VP 30). If similar problems recur I'll take my business elsewhere. So, if no solution is found for the audio problems I'll not purchase from DVDO again. At this point I've spent almost $2500 in less than a year on DVDOs VPs (VP30 to VP50) and this nagging problem has yet to be resolved.

SJHT,

I just did the same as you, except I am running 1080p via hdmi to my Sharp 52" LCD. It is great!

I do not use the vp50 for audio. I run audio directly to my NAD Masters Pro and Amp. So I have not had the audio dropout issue to contend with.

Btw, I am giving a plug to Value Electronics in Scarsdale, NY. My normal installer screwed up on my VP50 order. I called VE in Scarsdale and they had one in store that they packed up for me and let me have on the spot. When I got home and realized the remote was not packed in the box, they sent someone over by car immediately to deliver it to me. Now, that is service!!

Sorry for the newbie questions guys:

But here's my problem.

I just recieved my eagerly awaited vp50 today. I unpacked it and hooked it up right then and there, BUT, I didn't notice hardly ANY difference between my SD Dishnetwork picture before I hooked up the vp50 or after; and I went back and forth numerous times to make sure. Also, I tried to see what the vp50 could do to help out my 1080i Dishnetwork feed by bumping it up to 1080p and I have to say again, the results were little to nothing at best.

My question:
Am I doing something wrong here? Is the only real benefit I'm libel to see in dvd's and video games? I watch about 98% dishnetwork and maybe the rest in dvd, so three grand is a little too much for me to pay to make dvds look a bit better.

I called ABT and a tech told me not to expect much from the vp50 on satellite sources. I can't argue, I mean, he made the thing, but I find it kind of weird that something so expensive is mainly used for dvds, and I thought I heard some of you guys saying that the vp50 and vp30 actually DID noticably help your satellite pic both sd and hd.

Can anyone help?

I have an HP 1080p DLP 58" if that makes any difference.

Thanks in advance guys,
Evan

Sorry for the newbie questions guys:

But here's my problem.

I just recieved my eagerly awaited vp50 today. I unpacked it and hooked it up right then and there, BUT, I didn't notice hardly ANY difference between my SD Dishnetwork picture before I hooked up the vp50 or after; and I went back and forth numerous times to make sure. Also, I tried to see what the vp50 could do to help out my 1080i Dishnetwork feed by bumping it up to 1080p and I have to say again, the results were little to nothing at best.

My question:
Am I doing something wrong here? Is the only real benefit I'm libel to see in dvd's and video games? I watch about 98% dishnetwork and maybe the rest in dvd, so three grand is a little too much for me to pay to make dvds look a bit better.

I called ABT and a tech told me not to expect much from the vp50 on satellite sources. I can't argue, I mean, he made the thing, but I find it kind of weird that something so expensive is mainly used for dvds, and I thought I heard some of you guys saying that the vp50 and vp30 actually DID noticably help your satellite pic both sd and hd.

Can anyone help?

I have an HP 1080p DLP 58" if that makes any difference.

Thanks in advance guys,
Evan

just make sure that:

1) you have the best connection between your sat dish and the VP50 - ie: component or HDMI, and

2) the sat box is not re-scaling any signal - is passing through as native - ie: 480i as 480i into the VP50.

3) make sure the HP DLP is not re-scaling the signal again - you can check it via the test patterns on the VP50 ....

on my sat connections - bad channels.. look bad.. but reasonably good channels, like movies showtime, etc.... it looks great via the vp50.

hope this helps.

SJHT,

I just did the same as you, except I am running 1080p via hdmi to my Sharp 52" LCD. It is great!

I do not use the vp50 for audio. I run audio directly to my NAD Masters Pro and Amp. So I have not had the audio dropout issue to contend with.

Btw, I am giving a plug to Value Electronics in Scarsdale, NY. My normal installer screwed up on my VP50 order. I called VE in Scarsdale and they had one in store that they packed up for me and let me have on the spot. When I got home and realized the remote was not packed in the box, they sent someone over by car immediately to deliver it to me. Now, that is service!!

What is really interesting, is that I didn't seem to have any audio dropouts with my HD DVD (xbox 360) unit (connected with component and optical audio). I had them with my Pioneer Elite DVD unit (component with coax digital) as well as my OPPO 970 (HDMI for video - using coax for digital). My DISH HD seems to drop audio as well (HDMI with optical audio). Picture with the 360 unit is simply fantastic. Interesting... Maybe I need to try some more HD DVD movies to find out if this setup also drops audio... SJ

This may seem like a stupid question but how do you connect the XBOX 360 VGA cable to the VP50? What kind of converter do you need?

you need a VGA to RGBHV cable, a high quality one at that, very important for that cable type

-Gary

It's not worth it though, you can't input anything additional over VGA into the vp50. And neither input supports 1080p afaik (happy to be corrected here?)

How noisy is the HD-DVD addon guys? Got mine on preorder for the UK launch on the 24th - and since all the hard work is done in software, do the fans on the 360 go into overdrive?

Has anyone compiled a list of equipment that works without audio drop outs?

Has anyone compiled a list of equipment that works without audio drop outs?

You mean other then the ones that don't use the VP for audio? ;)

There have been a couple of polls with some details of setups that worked and didn't work, last one I kicked off was looking to see if there was any particular manufacturer that was error free in the amp/preamp end. Problem is it wasn't certain that everyone was talking about the same type of error and if people were taking broadcast dropouts with a pinch of salt.

So far it looked like all the major brands had some problems in some setups so it may come down to specific models and then maybe firmware/revisions.

Only DVDO are in a position to gather enough data to give a definitive answer but they won't ever publish such a thing, although personally I think it should be on there front webpage under "1080p compatible displays".... "VPx0 compatible amps". :rolleyes:

But who knows, maybe the firmware update due "by the end of the month" (insert month of choice ;) ) will make it all go away and we can get back to discussing deinterlacing and such after all when I contacted DVDO about my concerns over world peace they said it was fixed in the new firmware due out this month! :D

For me, the ONLY audio issue is when using the HDMI as the audio source, other then that, I have NO audio issues with my Fosgate Preamp, no dropouts whatsoever. Till it is resolved, I use Optical/Coax inputs with my HDMI sources.

I do not use the vp50 for audio. I run audio directly to my NAD Masters Pro and Amp. So I have not had the audio dropout issue to contend with.

For me, the ONLY audio issue is when using the HDMI as the audio source, other then that, I have NO audio issues with my Fosgate Preamp, no dropouts whatsoever. Till it is resolved, I use Optical/Coax inputs with my HDMI sources.

All of which indicates: 1. More examples that audio problems exist. 2. There are some work-arounds - however this requires BYPASSING a significant feature of your $3k all-in-one HDMI A/V ("A"= AUDIO) solution. 3. If you have or are considering HD-DVD, then your choices for best audio may need re-thinking, if HDMI audio continues to be problematic since some players require HDMI for best audio. None of this is acceptable IMO, given the advertising claims and price point. But that's just me and I'm still hopeful a f/w audio fix will appear. It should certainly take precedence over adding glitzy new mini-features.

Today's adventure

No audio at all. Had to do a factory reset to correct it. I'm probably doing two or three factory resets a week.

Have the same experience over here. I'm feeding the VP50 sat signals via a Humax box. The box has 3 res. 1080i, 720p, 576p (all via HDMI or COMP) if I'm using the lowest for non HDTV channels the signal to my 1080p pio (5000EX) is bad. If I switch to 1080i the signal becames better. Although not to bad I hardly notice any difference with or without the VP50. DVD PQ is OK but again without the VP50 not much (hardley no) difference. Same for gameplay via PS and XBOX. Res out from VP50 always on 1080P BTW (screen set to Dot by Dot) everything connected via HDMI or COMP.

Any other thoughts on how to improve?
Hope for some help with this.


just make sure that:

1) you have the best connection between your sat dish and the VP50 - ie: component or HDMI, and

2) the sat box is not re-scaling any signal - is passing through as native - ie: 480i as 480i into the VP50.

3) make sure the HP DLP is not re-scaling the signal again - you can check it via the test patterns on the VP50 ....

on my sat connections - bad channels.. look bad.. but reasonably good channels, like movies showtime, etc.... it looks great via the vp50.

hope this helps.

Have the same experience over here. I'm feeding the VP50 sat signals via a Humax box. The box has 3 res. 1080i, 720p, 576p (all via HDMI or COMP) if I'm using the lowest for non HDTV channels the signal to my 1080p pio (5000EX) is bad. If I switch to 1080i the signal becames better. Although not to bad I hardly notice any difference with or without the VP50. DVD PQ is OK but again without the VP50 not much (hardley no) difference. Same for gameplay via PS and XBOX. Res out from VP50 always on 1080P BTW (screen set to Dot by Dot) everything connected via HDMI or COMP.

Any other thoughts on how to improve?
Hope for some help with this.

the problem looks like is that the Humax box is doing the deinterlacing for you 576p ..... hopeuflly when the Prep function is enabled, your picture could improve dramatically... depends on how bad the humax box is at deinterlacing.......

with DVD, the picture should imrpve ... are you sending 576i out? you can check that on the info page of the DVDO ....

xbox and ps2.... the xbox looks much better through the vp50 onto my 50" NEC plasma....

I just called DVDO to get a clarification on how (if ever) I could plug my Xbox 360 HD-DVD player VGA to the VP50 for 1080p output. I was just informed by Erin (or Aaron) at DVDO that is NOT possible and will never be possible due to their hardware limitations. :mad:

I had a similar experience where I lost audio completely on my VP50 this week. This audio issue is getting irritating & annoying. Atleast for me this was not an issue with VP30. DVDO's first & foremost priority should be to fix audio issues & worry about other fancy features later.

I just called DVDO to get a clarification on how (if ever) I could plug my Xbox 360 HD-DVD player VGA to the VP50 for 1080p output. I was just informed by Erin (or Aaron) at DVDO that is NOT possible and will never be possible due to their hardware limitations. :mad:
Indeed.

Did you ask if the component inputs are similarly limited? I expect they are.

Indeed.

Did you ask if the component inputs are similarly limited? I expect they are.

I didnt ask but I assume they are limited. I dont understand why I cant convert the VGA to DVI to HDMI and plug it into the HDMI connector. He said that it was not possible either.

I didnt ask but I assume they are limited. I dont understand why I cant convert the VGA to DVI to HDMI and plug it into the HDMI connector. He said that it was not possible either.I believe the limit on the analog inputs is simply that the VP50's analog-to-digital converters will not run fast enough to digitize a 1080p signal.

I see no reason, however, why you couldn't convert an analog 1080p signal to DVI or HDMI externally, and then feed that to one of the VP50's HDMI inputs. The VP50 would not 'know' the signal originally came from an analog source and it should handle it the same as any other HDMI/DVI 1080p signal.

- Dale Adams

Flint, I did not say it was acceptable, but when I contacted DVDO for support the other day, he confirmed that they are diligently working on the audio issues and they are thier top priority.

Flint, I did not say it was acceptable, but when I contacted DVDO for support the other day, he confirmed that they are diligently working on the audio issues and they are thier top priority.


That is great news if accurate. As soon as I see this actually happen, I may be able to put the VP50 back on my list of potential VP's.

You know, as many of you realize, I want to give ABT the benefit of the doubt.

But then, tonight I get an email newsletter from them announcing:

The VP50 (shown above) features all of the processing power of Anchor Bay’s VRS™ technologies, including Progressive Re-Processing (PReP™), the video processing industry’s first processing method that significantly improves progressive video signals and removes artifacts caused by inferior interlaced-to-progressive conversion.
...

Funny, my VP-50 doesn't have it, nor is it available now for download from their site.

eric

You know, as many of you realize, I want to give ABT the benefit of the doubt.

But then, tonight I get an email newsletter from them announcing:

The VP50 (shown above) features all of the processing power of Anchor Bay’s VRS™ technologies, including Progressive Re-Processing (PReP™), the video processing industry’s first processing method that significantly improves progressive video signals and removes artifacts caused by inferior interlaced-to-progressive conversion.
...

Funny, my VP-50 doesn't have it, nor is it available now for download from their site.

eric

Indeed, I found that amusing this morning too. Went straight to the website thinking they might have sneaked it out since I checked yesterday.... but no still no fw for anything since Aug. :rolleyes:

Add it to the list of *still* advertised "comes with" features;

pass thru
usb-> serial
rack mount kit
prep

But you never know maybe *one* of these will actually turn up on my doorstep before the end of the month (this month that is, <= 30th Nov 2006). ;)

Indeed, I found that amusing this morning too. Went straight to the website thinking they might have sneaked it out since I checked yesterday.... but no still no fw for anything since Aug. :rolleyes:

Add it to the list of *still* advertised "comes with" features;

pass thru
usb-> serial
rack mount kit
prep

But you never know maybe *one* of these will actually turn up on my doorstep before the end of the month (this month that is, <= 30th Nov 2006). ;)

Yep - rather poor of them really - there's no hint in the newsletter that it's to be released in a future firmware release and it's highlighted as a great reason to buy a VP50. I'd be REALLY p*ssed off if I bought one of the back of that email. Still, on the bright side, perhaps it means that the firmware update isn't far away - hopefully with audio improvments and fixes to allow 1080i into the BNC inputs to be properly supported.

Is the firmware still 1.0 or is there a new one?

Is the firmware still 1.0 or is there a new one?

Not that I am aware of. The first update is supposed to come out in (late) Nov.
____
Axel

I see no reason, however, why you couldn't convert an analog 1080p signal to DVI or HDMI externally, and then feed that to one of the VP50's HDMI inputs. The VP50 would not 'know' the signal originally came from an analog source and it should handle it the same as any other HDMI/DVI 1080p signal.

I have a feeling that the rep was trying to say that you can't use a VGA-to-DVI adaptor (which would only adapt to DVI-A) followed by a DVI-to-HDMI adaptor (which wouldn't work at all coming from DVI-A). If you're going to put a genuine transcoder in the signal chain before the VP50, indeed there's no reason it wouldn't work. Of course, you'd have to find a transcoder that will handle a 1080p signal.

Do you have a 1080p display? The VP50 may require confirmation of 1080p compatibility during its HDMI handshake to enable that output.

If you do have a 1080p display and it's still not working, you should notify DVDO of your display model # and this problem.

I have a G 70 + Moome´s DVI-inputcard so I should have a 1080p display ?

Flint, I did not say it was acceptable, but when I contacted DVDO for support the other day, he confirmed that they are diligently working on the audio issues and they are thier top priority.

vfrjim,

I realize that. I was just re-making my point that it takes either "living with it" or "work-arounds" to deal with these various audio problems, for those of us experiencing them. And to hear, once more, that the audio issues are a "top priority" at DVDO is both re-assuring and worrisome at the same time. It has supposedly been a top priority for quite some time now and they still released a new product that has obviously inherited a serious flaw from its predecessor. I wasn't picking on you or your solution, just griping. Having some solution is better than none! ;)

To me, DVDO is a good company and makes generally very good products - BUT, their priorities on this audio problem may need adjusting. Stop worrying about the next new "feature" or the VP70 or PreP, etc and get the basic audio to work. Put everybody capable on THAT. Otherwise, they are either admitting it may be a much larger (possibly unsolvable) problem calling for a new design or they are simply giving lip service to the problem while they go about trying to expand their market and product line. They won't expand it any further with me unless they finally show me they can make the basic audio work. You don't have to know the science behind it to know that it either can be reasonably fixed, or it's a design/hardware issue. They can't expect to sell many more $3k units that only work on video, and some of the time with audio. Word gets around, questions are asked and new (and old) consumers make new and different choices. Regards, ifr-flint :D

Out of the blue today, after playing a DVD and then watching some digital cable, I was turning off my monitor and cable box with my Harmony 880, like I had done hundreds of times before, and the VP50's display suddenly lit up with "Serious Error 12-Contact Your Dealer" with the status LED staying solid blue.

Nothing worked getting it back but a hard reset. After resetting things back up, everything seems fine now with the VP50 (with fingers crossed).

Anyone know what "Serious Error 12" is and what I might watch for?

TIA.

- Gerry