AVS Forum banner

New DVDO iScan Duo [2.0 firmware released]

503K views 4K replies 320 participants last post by  JRD57 
#1 ·
The iScan Duo is the first DVDO video processor with dual HDMI 1.3 video output capability, allowing connection to two separate displays.


The iScan Duo converts standard definition, high definition and PC signals from up to fifteen sources (including eight HDMI 1.3 compatible devices) to any output resolution up to 1080p through either HDMI video output. The iScan Duo has three HDMI 1.3 outputs, two with audio and video and one with audio only to facilitate connections to two HDMI/DVI equipped displays and one HDMI AV Receiver. One optical and one coaxial audio outputs are available for older AV Receivers.


The DVDO iScan Duo incorporates several of Anchor Bay's acclaimed Video Reference Series, VRS, technologies on the ABT2010 ASIC, including:



Precision Deinterlacing - 480i/576i/1080i 10-bit Motion, Edge & Source Adaptive Deinterlacer

Five-field motion adaptive deinterlacing


Edge adaptive processing to produce smooth diagonal edges


Maximum three frame video processing delay


Game Mode with very low latency (sub-1 frame delay)


Multi cadence detection including 2:2, 3:2, 3:2:2:3:2, 2:2:2:4, 4:6, 5:5, and 8:7

Forced 2:2 modes for reliable PAL deinterlacing

Forced 3:2 mode enables 1080p24 output



PReP - Progressive ReProcessing of 480p, 576p and 1080p input signals allows poor deinterlacing of any source to be undone and done correctly using Precision Deinterlacing.



Mosquito Noise Reduction - Reduces random noise which appears along the edges of compressed images in SD and HD content

.

Fine Detail Enhancement - Extracts fine detail in low resolution or compressed SD or HD content.



Edge Enhancement - Sharpens edges without adding ringing

.

Precision Video Scaling II - 10-bit Scaling up to 1080p.



Rightrate - High-Performance Framerate Conversion which enables different output frame rates including 1080p24 and 1080p25 for film based content.


Precision A/V Lipsync - Intelligent digital audio delay technology to match Audio and Video timing.



AutoCUE-C - Automatic Chroma Upsampling Error detection and correction
.


Features



Two HDMI 1.3 video outputs supporting two display applications, for example LCD TV and projector.

Third HDMI 1.3 audio only output for connections to AV Receivers and Processors.

15 video inputs including 8 HDMI 1.3 inputs which process 480i/p-60, 576i/p-50, 720p-50/60, 1080i-50/60, 1080p-24/25/50/60, and VGA-SXGA@60Hz signals.

Flexible Digital and Analog Audio switching and routing - 8 HDMI 1.3 audio/video inputs, 6 assignable audio inputs (4 digital, 2 analog) with two HDMI 1.3 audio/video outputs and 3 digital audio outputs (HDMI/optical/coaxial).

Individual Picture Controls per input and per SD/HD format.

Flexible Input Aspect Ratio Control

High performance, multi-standard video decoder with 3D comb filter and supporting up to 1080p input resolutions.

Serial Port for automation.

Rear Panel IR input and output.

Two programmable 12V triggers (source 50mA each).


Intuitive Display/Source Setup Wizards make installation a breeze

.

User Definable Names for all inputs using keyboard entry.



On Screen Hints' available for all controls
.

External 12V Universal Power Supply (100-240 VAC @ 50-60 Hz).


Input Aspect Ratio Controls


Presets: 4:3 full frame, 4:3 letterbox, 16:9 full frame, Panorama (non linear stretch).


Flexible Horizontal and Vertical Zooming & Panning controls.

Overscan Adjustment per input with separate memories for SD and HD

.


Output Aspect Ratio Controls.



Presets: 4:3, 16:9 


Underscan Adjustment to eliminate Overscan inherent in a display

.

Preset output resolutions: 



480p-60 (720x480@60Hz)


720p-60 (1280x720@60Hz)


1080i-60 (1920x1080@60Hz)


1080p-60 (1920x1080@60Hz)




576p-50 (720x576@50Hz)


720p-50 (1280x720@50Hz)


1080i-50 (1920x1080@50Hz)


1080p-50 (1920x1080@50Hz)




1080p-24 (1920x1080@24Hz)




VGA (640x480@60Hz)



Technical Specifications



Fifteen Video Inputs 


8 HDMI 1.3 (RGB or YCbCr) processes 480i/p-60, 576i/p-50, 720p-50/60, 1080i-50/60, 1080p-24/25/50/60, VGA-SXGA@60Hz

2 Component (YPbPr or RGB/S) processes 480i/p-60, 576i/p-50, 720p-50/60, 1080i-50/60, 1080p-50/60

1 HD15 (VGA, SVGA, XGA, SXGA @ 60Hz)

1 S-Video (NTSC/PAL/SECAM)

3 Composite (NTSC/PAL/SECAM)



Forteen Audio Inputs


 8 HDMI 1.3 (Compatible with Multi-channel PCM, DSD, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD, and DTS-HD Master audio formats)

3 Assignable Optical Digital

1 Assignable Coaxial Digital

2 Assignable Analog Pairs (L/R)



Outputs

2 HDMI 1.3 Audio/Video Outputs (for Connection to 2 Displays)

Configurable for RGB or YCbCr

Also carries digital audio (Compatible with Multi-channel PCM, DSD, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD, and DTS-HD Master audio formats)

3 Digital Audio Outputs

1 HDMI 1.3 Audio Only' output for receivers with HDMI (Compatible with Multi-channel PCM, DSD, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD, and DTS-HD Master audio formats)

1 Coaxial Digital

1 Optical Digital

Controls


 Intuitive On Screen Display (OSD) and easy to read 2 line, 20 character Front Panel LED Display.

Front Panel Controls, included IR Remote Control (discrete codes available), 2 rear panel IR connectors (IN & OUT) & RS232 port.

Mini USB port for firmware updates
.

Fully programmable controls for each separate video input with non-volatile memories:


- Automatic input source detection & input priority selection


- Picture controls with memory for each input: Fine Detail, Edge Enhancement, Brightness, Contrast, Saturation, Hue


 35 Built-in test patterns for ease of set up.



Physical Dimensions (height x width x depth)


10.4 x 17 x 2.2 (26.3cm x 43.4cm x 5.5cm)



Rack-mount kit : included


MSRP: $1,299
Production units shipping late September



Specifications and features subject to change without notice.



FAQs



Q: What Video Reference Series (VRS) technologies are incorporated into the iScan Duo?
A: iScan Duo incorporates Anchor Bay's Mosquito Noise Reduction, Fine Detail Enhancement, Edge Enhancement, Precision Deinterlacing, Precision Video Scaling, PReP (Progressive ReProcessing), Progressive Cadence Detection, RightRate framerate conversion, AutoCUE-C, and Precision AV LipSync.

Mosquito Noise Reduction

Video compression is a commonly used technique to squeeze more video content onto a disc, or beam down more channels via satellite, or transmit more channels over a cable. By using video compression content providers can achieve better economies of scale and offer the consumer more video content - e.g. more channels, bonus materials, etc. The problem with nearly all video compression methods is that too much of it causes compression artifacts. These artifacts are often seen by the viewer as ugly ringing around text letters or noise - often called mosquito noise. To counter this Anchor Bay has developed a proprietary method of selectively removing mosquito noise. Unlike some methods of noise reduction that often makes the image worse by removing too much detail or causing blurring during motion, Anchor Bay's Mosquito Noise Reduction is designed to isolate the most objectionable of artifacts without removing detail or causing motion blur. To do this Anchor Bay had to devise a proprietary method of both isolating and predicting areas in the image where this noise is likely to occur. The end result is a highly effective noise reduction method that is impervious to motion, yet, largely maintains the integrity of the detail in the image through our conservative approach in removing video compression artifacts.

Fine Detail & Edge Enhancement

Sharpness controls are not new in the world of video - nearly every TV sold in the last 20 years features a sharpness control. However, sharpening controls merely accentuate medium detail at the expense of fine detail and often add horrible "halos" around the edges and lines. While this trick was a reasonable approach for standard definition TV, when screen sizes were well under 30 inches, today's large screen TVs and HDTVs have made traditional sharpness controls highly undesirable since the damage they cause is now magnified with such larger screens. In addition, traditional sharpening controls tend to exaggerate any noise in the image by making it more pronounced so noise becomes even more pronounced when viewed on a large screen HDTV. Anchor Bay has designed Fine Detail & Edge Enhancement with large screen HDTVs in mind. Using patent pending technology, Fine Detail & Edge Enhancement is able to isolate areas of the image where hard edges are prevalent and increase fine details without adding halos or ringing. The net effect is quite extraordinary - images have more "pop" and fine detail such as blades of grass or even the pores on an actor's face are drawn out making your large screen HDTV even more enjoyable. Moreover, Mosquito Noise Reduction can be used to remove objectionable ringing and noise in the image before using Fine Detail & Edge Enhancement to draw out the fine details in the image.

Precision Deinterlacing

Anchor Bay's 10-bit Precision Deinterlacing of standard and high definition video delivers the image quality demanded by today's large-screen, high-resolution displays. It eliminates many of the artifacts found in common deinterlacers to produce a smooth image, free of artifacts such as jagged edges and combing. Precision Deinterlacing features five-field motion-adaptive deinterlacing and edge-adaptive processing for video sources, along with advanced cadence detection for film and animation sources. All processing is performed at full 10-bit resolution to preserve all the detail and subtle nuances in the video source. Edge-adaptive processing uses an adaptive, continuous-angle detection algorithm to accurately identify and smooth image edges. Unique, "any-cadence" processing automatically locks to the wide variety of film and animation cadences found in current video sources, including non-standard cadences, and will track right through many types of "bad edits" and cadence changes. Precision Deinterlacing also features Game Mode with low-latency processing for maximum "playability".

Precision Video Scaling

Anchor Bay's latest 10-bit Precision Video Scaling technology is based on Anchor Bay's proprietary video scaling engine that can independently scale an image horizontally and vertically to achieve an outstanding picture quality for today's high resolution video displays. The scaling engine is completely flexible, accepting standard definition (480p, 576p) and high definition (720p, 1080i and 1080p) inputs and outputting the most popular resolutions from VGA (640x480) to 1080p (1920x1080). Since the scaling engine is completely flexible, other image manipulation features are also supported including zoom and pan. Non-linear stretch or panorama mode is also supported for 4:3 images that need to fill 16:9 displays without showing borders.

PReP, Progressive ReProcessing

Anchor Bay's Progressive ReProcessing (PReP) is the video processing industry's first processing method that significantly improves progressive video signals and removes artifacts caused by inferior interlaced-to-progressive conversion. 
Video signals that originate in an interlaced format are often degraded by artifacts incurred when the signal is converted from interlaced to progressive formats by general purpose chips in DVD players, AV receivers, and set-top boxes. Until now, there has been no way to improve these signals to optimize images on high-resolution displays. Poor interlaced-to-progressive conversion is especially problematic with large-screen HDTVs, as upscaling to higher resolutions often amplifies artifacts created in the conversion process, making them more noticeable.
As a solution to this problem, Anchor Bay introduces PReP, an advanced video processing technology that reverts the progressive video signal output from source equipment to its original interlaced format. PReP then converts the interlaced signal to progressive format, this time applying the source, edge, and motion adaptive algorithms in its Precision Deinterlacing technology to eliminate jaggies, combing, and other degrading effects. In iScan Duo, PReP technology allows 480p, 576p, 1080p50 and 1080p60 formats to be processed by this method.

Progressive Cadence Detection

Film-based content, which originated at 24 frames per second, is broadcast at 50 or 60Hz. Anchor Bay's Progressive Cadence Detection can lock on to the original 3:2 cadence in the broadcast, reacquiring the original 24 frames per second. This signal can then be output at a source-locked 24Hz eliminating the judder that existed in the original broadcast signal. Progressive Cadence Detection can be used with 480p, 576p, 720p50, 720p60 1080p50, 1080p60 input signals.

RightRate

Anchor Bay's RightRate technology converts the input frame rate to the optimal display frame rate without causing 'tearing' in the output frame. Anchor Bay's high performance frame rate conversion also supports converting film sources from 24 frames per second to 60 frames per second for NTSC format and from 25 frames per second to 50 frames per second for PAL/SECAM format.

AutoCUE-C

Anchor Bay's AutoCUE-C technology automatically detects and removes chroma artifacts that are caused by incorrect upsampling of the chroma (color) signals by MPEG decoders in DVD players and satellite receivers. These artifacts are especially noticeable as horizontal streaks in images with highly saturated colors. When the artifacts are removed, the resulting picture quality is significantly improved, providing a much clearer and true-to-life image.

Precision AV Lipsync

Anchor Bay's Precision AV LipSync technology is designed to automatically delay the audio signal to match the video processing delay in other Anchor Bay products. As a result, the AV Lipsync problem that is caused by video processing delay is eliminated. If required, the audio delay can also be further adjusted to correct any AV Lipsync problem that may be already be present in the AV source.

Q: What is 'Game Mode'?
A: This mode can reduce the amount of video delay to less than a single frame. In many competitive processors the effects of applying complex algorithms to the video image results in upwards of a seven frame delay. This can inhibit the real-time performance for gamers who want instantaneous response to react to stimuli and to realize peak performance from their application. The VRS Precision Deinterlacing Game Mode will reduce frame delay down to slightly less than one frame of video.

Q: What signals can the iScan Duo output?
A: iScan Duo has two HDMI 1.3 audio/video outputs to allow connection to two displays, for e.g. an LCD TV and a projector without requiring an HDMI splitter. The third HDMI output only carries audio, with blank 720p video, which is intended to carry audio to a connected Audio/Video Receiver. If your source has a DVI output (and no HDMI output), a DVI-to-HDMI adapter or cable will be needed to connect this source to the iScan Duo. The same is true, if your display does not have an HDMI input, but does have a DVI input. DVI does not carry audio, so for DVI sources/displays an alternative method of connecting audio must be used. iScan Duo can automatically determine and output the preferred' format of the display by reading the EDID of the connected display. Some displays do not report the correct information in which case, the user can select one of the available output formats including 480p, 576p, 720p50/60, 1080i50/60, 1080p24/25/50/60,VGA,SVGA,XGA,SXGA@60Hz.

Q: Tell me more about the HDMI connections on iScan Duo
A: There are eight HDMI 1.3 inputs on iScan Duo. The HDMI inputs on iScan Duo can process 480i/p-60, 576i/p-50, 720p-50/60, 1080i-50/60, 1080p-24/25/50/60 and VGA/SVGA/XGA/SXGA@60Hz. The HDMI input and output connectors on the iScan Duo are backwards compatible with DVI-D inputs and outputs when used with an HDMI-to-DVI adapter or cable. Please note that DVI is a video-only connection that does not carry audio so an alternative method of connecting audio must be used. 
Note that if you have an HDCP source and a non-HDCP display, you will probably not get a picture, whether or not you use iScan Duo.

Q: What kind of aspect ratio control does the iScan Duo offer?
A: iScan Duo has 4 predefined input aspect ratio settings:

4:3 Full Frame: to watch 4:3 content while preserving the aspect ratio
4:3 Letterbox: to watch 4:3 Letterbox, non-anamorphic, content full screen with no geometric distortion on a 16:9 display.
4:3 Non-Linear Stretch (Panorama): to watch 4:3 content stretched to fill a 16:9 display. In this mode, the image is distorted such that most of the stretching occurs at the side of the image, not the center. 
16:9 Full Frame: to watch 16:9 anamorphic content while preserving the aspect ratio. This mode can also be used to watch 4:3 content on a 16:9 screen, although the image will be stretched horizontally

You may also control the size and position of the input image on your display with the Stretch and Shift buttons on the remote control or with the on-screen menu. If you would like to zoom in on the image to remove the small black letterbox bars found with a 1.85:1 source on a 16:9 display for example , then you can simply do this with the Zoom Up and Zoom Down buttons on the remote control or with the on-screen menu.

Q: What audio formats can the iScan Duo support?
A: iScan Duo has five audio outputs: the two HDMI audio/video outputs, the dedicated HDMI 1.3 audio only output, the optical digital output and the coaxial digital output. If a source connected using HDMI is outputting high bit-rate audio, Dolby TrueHD or DTS Master Audio, and iScan Duo is connected to an AV Receiver or Processor that supports these formats they will be passed through with the proper amount of delay to be in sync with the processed video. If the optical output is used with a source that supports high bit-rate audio, iScan Duo will communicate with the source to output an audio format that the optical connection is capable of carrying, stereo PCM or Dolby Digital/DTS. Audio that is input via the analog inputs can be output over HDMI or optical. There are some HDMI sources that do not output the correct audio signal when connected to an HDMI repeater, like an AV receiver or video processor. In these instances, we recommend that use an alternative method of sending audio, like the optical or coaxial digital audio outputs. 
The audio section of iScan Duo supports S/PDIF and PCM formatted audio with sample rates ranging from 24kHz to 192kHz. It will likely handle sample rates beyond this range, but is only guaranteed to support sample rates within this range. The iScan Duo will pass digital audio having any bit-depth resolution up to 24 bits, at all supported sample rates.
iScan Duo will also pass compressed digital audio (e.g. Dolby Digital or DTS) provided the audio bitstream has been properly formatted for S/PDIF (IEC60958 or EIAJ-CP1201 standard) transmission by the digital audio source (according to international standard IEC61937). The iScan Duo does not alter the sample rate, format, or content of the digital audio whatsoever; it merely inserts a programmable delay into the transmission path.

The iScan Duo will also pass-through SACD (DSD) signals through HDMI.
Users should take care to use proper digital audio cables in order to guarantee valid audio reception and re-transmission. Both coax and optical cables should have high-quality, positive mating connectors at both ends. Coax cables should have a 75-ohm characteristic impedance. The use of couplers or other types of adapters to extend the digital audio cabling is not recommended.

Q: Tell me more about the lipsync correction on iScan Duo
A: iScan Duo has 4 discrete digital audio inputs (3 optical and 1 coaxial) and 2 analog audio inputs (L/R) each of which can be assigned to any of the video inputs. The HDMI 1.3 inputs can also accept audio, if the video signal is on the same input. iScan Duo is also compatible with high bit-rate audio, like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-Master Audio. If the incoming HDMI signal has HDCP, then iScan Duo cannot output this audio using the optical or coaxial digital outputs, only the HDMI output. When you switch to a particular video input, then the audio input which has been user-assigned to that video input will also be selected. For example, when you switch to Video, then the audio input which has been user-assigned to Video will also be selected. 
The digital audio outputs provide a delay which matches the video processing delay of iScan Duo. Note that this delay will vary depending on the current configuration and processing mode of iScan Duo. 50 Hz sources will require a different amount of delay than 60 Hz sources, and frame rate conversion requires more delay than no frame rate conversion. The correct audio delay for all inputs is set automatically, so you need to do nothing extra to match audio and video delays. In addition, there is a user-adjustable delay which can be added or subtracted on top of the automatically set delay for problem sources. Anchor Bay's digital audio technology is called "Precision AV Lipsync". The iScan Duo also supports the DSD audio format on HDMI.

Q: Does iScan Duo have an On Screen Display (OSD)?
A: Yes, there is a very intuitive OSD that allows you to control all of the major parameters: output resolution, aspect ratio, picture controls, and audio delay. There are hints available with all controls to assist inexperienced users.

Q: How does iScan Duo detect incoming signals?
A: iScan Duo has been designed to detect which of the fifteen possible input devices is turned on and is generating an active signal, and then to automatically switch to that input. With this capability, you can switch inputs simply by turning one input device on or by turning another device off. iScan Duo also includes an "Input Priority" option which specifies which of the inputs to use when they are multiple active inputs.

Q: What kind of power supply does iScan Duo have?
A: The iScan Duo comes with a universal 12VDC @ 5A AC to DC external power adapter, which accepts 100-240 VAC at 50/60Hz.


Q: Will the iScan Duo improve the picture quality of standard definition channels from my satellite or cable system?
A: Picture improvement of heavily compressed standard, and even high, definition satellite channels is often very subjective, and depends to a great deal on exactly which aspects of the image are objectionable. The iScan Duo does incorporate three new technologies that do specifically address this issue: Mosquito Noise Reduction, Fine Detail Enhancement and Edge Enhancement. One artifact of compression is mosquito noise. This kind of compression noise is apparent along the edges of compressed images, especially text. Anchor Bay's Mosquito Noise Reduction can significantly reduce this noise providing an appreciably better picture. Additionally, Anchor Bay's Fine Detail Enhancement can extract fine details in the image that were masked by this compression. Finally, Anchor Bay's Edge Enhancement can improve the perceived sharpness of the image without adding additional ringing.

Q: What does the color of the Status LED on iScan Duo mean?
A: iScan Duo power LED color table:



No LED = Standby Mode or Front Panel Brightness set to 0 


Red/Solid = No Signal Received


Green/Solid = Unknown/Unsupported Signal Received


Blue/Solid = The iScan Duo is processing the input

Blue/Blinking = The iScan Duo is processing the HDCP input signal but the display is not HDCP compliant (DVI or Analog)



Ken Nguyen


DVDO
 
See less See more
#77 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by HogPilot /forum/post/17214460


That's what DVDO has told me as well - the VP50Pro has enough room for a CMS, the VP50 does not. Of course when I asked them about it in October of last year, they said they were working on a CMS firmware update for the Pro that would be out within "the next couple of months."

when the engineering team i work with says "two weeks" it usually ends up being 2+ months so "couple of months" probably means 2 years
 
#78 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by HogPilot /forum/post/17214460


That's what DVDO has told me as well - the VP50Pro has enough room for a CMS, the VP50 does not. Of course when I asked them about it in October of last year, they said they were working on a CMS firmware update for the Pro that would be out within "the next couple of months."

I also have enough room for this in my garage:

http://www.maserati.com/maserati/en/...ranCabrio.html


But it aint going to happen...
 
#81 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by HogPilot /forum/post/17213774


Actually there's plenty of displays out there - cheap and expensive - that would benefit from the greyscale, gamma, and gamut adjustments available on Lumagen's VP's. I'm not saying that every single standalone VP out there should have a CMS, nor am I saying that every end user out there needs a CMS. However, for DVDO to not offer one on a single product - even their flagship - when Lumagen has it on all of theirs is not doing them any favors.

But isn't the grayscale work being done on the signal to the TV from the player, not the TV's grayscale itself?
 
#82 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by prepress /forum/post/17226212


But isn't the grayscale work being done on the signal to the TV from the player, not the TV's grayscale itself?

If you keep the bit-depth high-enough above the reference signal and you won't really know the difference. This is how it is done in video/film production (external boxes/software: Blackmagic, Cine-tal, etc.).
 
#83 ·
Maybe they will send me this to replace my Edge that never worked right and now doesn't work at all. But since every device I have bought in the last two years has good scaling and de-interlacing I don't need either one anyway.
 
#87 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by BENN0 /forum/post/17229331


Isn't this thing out in a week or so? How long is the NDA for?

I take it some in this thread already have a production unit for either limited beta testing or review purposes?

I would say Beta purposes more but I plan to do a Review as soon as I get the thumbs up...

 
#89 ·
I hate to say it but I don't remember the exact amount of space between the HDMI inuts on the 50pro. Let's just say that with using some Monster M1000s I have plenty of room. And if you are not going to use all 8 inputs (which would be the case for most) you could easily skip one (or go into HDMI input1 then 3) if room was a factor...
 
#90 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by joerod /forum/post/17229744


I hate to say it but I don't remember the exact amount of space between the HDMI inuts on the 50pro. Let's just say that with using some Monster M1000s I have plenty of room. And if you are not going to use all 8 inputs (which would be the case for most) you could easily skip one (or go into HDMI input1 then 3) if room was a factor...

Thanks for that looking forward in reading your review.
 
#91 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by prepress /forum/post/17211142


Depending upon your target audience/clientele, yes. The average consumer will have to be trained to understand what that means and shown in real-world terms, and the difference must be noticeable. Even then, some may balk.

The visual difference between having a CMS/Grayscale/gamma controls on a display that needs them vs not is IMO larger then the difference between the displays built in deinterlacing/scaling and what a VP adds.


CMS/grayscale/gamma off vs. on:








Shawn
 
#92 ·
Add me to the "want CMS" camp. I do it now with Lumagen HDP, and I would move to iScan Duo if it had it (I want hdmi instead of dvi -I want my audio passed thru the VP and audio delay added as needed), but as of right now, because of the lack of CMS, I would not consider a single DVDO product, sorry.
 
#93 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by sfogg /forum/post/17232989


The visual difference between having a CMS/Grayscale/gamma controls on a display that needs them vs not is IMO larger then the difference between the displays built in deinterlacing/scaling and what a VP adds.


Shawn

You and I see this and agree the difference is noticeable. But I'm speaking of Joe Six-pack who doesn't know about these things and whose frame of reference isn't the same. There are those who would find the CMS images washed out. It's reminiscent of those who go into brightly lit chain stores, see how bright the LCD looks next to the plasma and consider the LCD better on that basis.


Those who look at the images you provided and conclude the color controls need merely turning up or down (which is exactly what I would have said in the past) would need to be educated on the grayscale issue; here's hoping they get a knowledgeable and convincing sales person.
 
#95 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by sfogg /forum/post/17234075


"But I'm speaking of Joe Six-pack who doesn't know about these things and whose frame of reference isn't the same. "


How many Joe Six-packs are purchasing external video processors?


Shawn

I'm with you on that. I work with people in the broadcast industry (people who demand a good looking image) and I'm the only one of them with an external scaler. Well, two.


No...I guess now I have three.


I've got to stop.
 
#96 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by sfogg /forum/post/17234075


"But I'm speaking of Joe Six-pack who doesn't know about these things and whose frame of reference isn't the same. "


How many Joe Six-packs are purchasing external video processors?


Shawn

That was my point. If the intended audience for a product is the true videophile, people like most here (I'm a semi-videophile), then the VP's features are of greater interest and under more scrutiny. But Mr. Six-pack would likely need to be shown the value of the product in general first, then the CMS feature if he is considered a potential customer.


If Anchor Bay (or anyone else) is after a specific audience, then the product would need to be tailored to that audience. I don't know the reason CMS isn't included in their line somewhere, but I haven't missed it in my setup.
 
#97 ·
Hi Prepress,


Didn't you point out that you had A pro calibration performed on your Video chain ?..


If the Pro calibrator had A full tool kit, CMS Gamma & gray scale adjustments

to work with he would have much much greater controll over you displays short comings thus getting you closer to the defined standard BTU 709/ SEMTE meaning an accurate picture as the Dirctor intended.....


Simply put, A ISF/THX calibrator can't do A whole lot with basic adjustments, and if A "Video Processor (DVDO)" could provide the needed tools as A "standard feature in there VPs for NO EXTRA COST" whats wrong with that..


That doesn't mean that you need to know how to use these tools just like it doesn't mean you need to know how to service your car....


Cheers....
 
#100 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by cinema mad /forum/post/17238246


Hi Prepress,


Didn't you point out that you had A pro calibration performed on your Video chain ?..


If the Pro calibrator had A full tool kit, CMS Gamma & gray scale adjustments

to work with he would have much much greater controll over you displays short comings thus getting you closer to the defined standard BTU 709/ SEMTE meaning an accurate picture as the Dirctor intended.....


Simply put, A ISF/THX calibrator can't do A whole lot with basic adjustments, and if A "Video Processor (DVDO)" could provide the needed tools as A "standard feature in there VPs for NO EXTRA COST" whats wrong with that..


That doesn't mean that you need to know how to use these tools just like it doesn't mean you need to know how to service your car....


Cheers....

Yes, I had my Pioneer 111FD (with an already excellent grayscale) calibrated by an ISF tech. Since the 111 has ISF ccc modes available, he set it up and I watch everything in ISF Night mode. Pictures are gorgeous and I have no complaint. If my EDGE had a CMS system I wouldn't complain either, but it doesn't and I've not seen a need in my case.


There were other sets in the comparisons I did leading up to buying the 111 that had clear need for something, as the red push was obvious even though all sets in the comparison were calibrated (not ISF, though). And the grayscale patterns of the sets really showed most needing help, some more than others. A CMS, probably.


Are Lumagens more expensive than Anchor Bay products in general, by the way?
 
#101 ·
not a lumagen owner, but the vision HDP (with the not-as-good CMS, as in "not all CMS' are created equal") can be found on eBay today for $599, whereas the Radiance XD (with the really good CMS where secondaries don't start getting squirrelly as you move primaries) lists for $5000, $4500 street, and you can find one for $2300 today on videogon
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top