[Jason Turk]

INTRO:


The DVDO DUO was released last year to the masses. It is the latest video processor from Anchor Bay Technologies. What makes the Duo special is that it has loads of features and inputs, but retails for a mere $1299! From the front, the Duo looks very similar to the VP50Pro flagship model, containing a few controls, and blue back-lit LCD display.

However, on the back it is a good amount different. The Duo has the following inputs/outputs:


8x HDMI 1.3 Inputs

2x HDMI 1.3 Video Outputs

1x HDMI 1.3 Audio Output

1x Composite Video Input

1x S-Video Input

2x Component Video/RGB Inputs

1x VGA 15Pin Video Input

2x Analog Audio Inputs

1x Coax Digital Audio Input

3x Optical Digital Audio Inputs

1x Coax Digital Audio Output

1x Optical Digital Audio Output


In addition, there is a full slew of control features, including RS232, IR In/Out, and 2 12volt Triggers.

How one might ask why all the audio ins and outs? Obviously the video is supposed to be there. But the Duo tries to take into consideration all the possible hookup scenarios, and so by having all these audio ins and outs, it gives more flexibility.


The DVDO Duo has full onscreen display in addition to the front LCD. This is easier to navigate obviously, but it is nice to have the redundancy to be on the safe side. The remote is well laid out as well, and easy to get access to all necessary functions.

 

[Jason Turk]

NOW WITH CMS!


However, we are not really going to delve into the Duo too much since it has been out for some time. For those who want more details on its processing capabilities, please visit their website at www.dvdo.com . Rather the point of this mini-review is a new feature for the Duo that was just announcedCMS (Color Management System). The Duo now ships with full 11 point Grayscale and RGB CMS controls. This means for people with more limited ability displays can now dial in their display to much more standardized settings.


There is no better way to explain than to demonstrate, so here it is. This first calibration chart is the test display out-of-the-box (JVC DLA-RS15). This is how it came from the manufacturer with no changes on my end. As you can see, the grayscale is off a good amount, and the colors are very oversaturated and their luminance values are very high.

 

[Jason Turk]

Now this second chart is calibrating the display using the projector controls alone (no Duo). Now the RS15 happens to be pretty darn good at adjusting the grayscale internally, so these results are quite good. However, many displays aren't so good at this fact, thus making the Duo even more useful. But, the limitation of the RS15 is that the colors, though somewhat tamed, are still out of the Rec. 709 standards and there is no way internally to make them any better.

 

[Jason Turk]

Looking at this last chart, which contains the RS15 and Duo together, you can see the improvement that can be made. Though the grayscale was quite good with the projector alone, I was able to get it even more accurate using the 11 point grayscale adjustments on the Duo (NOTE: 0 is black so the measurement is really irrelevant). But even more importantly, the colors are much closer to the Rec. 709 color spec. This version of the Duo currently only has x/y adjustments for the primary colors, as opposed to a full 6 color CMS (though that may be added later). Regardless, you can see that the improvement is still quite substantial.

 

[Jason Turk]

But the best part is it is EASY to do. Though I am very experienced in calibration and have all the necessary gear, I was still able to immediately go into the Duo and start tweaking. There was virtually no learning curve to use this particular device. That means for many of you DIYers who like to tinker, as long as you have the gear to take the measurements, you will find the Duo quite easy to use and maximize the performance of your display.


I will keep this brief as promised, as this gives you the basics of the new features on the DVDO Duo. I encourage anyone considering a video processor, or for those who might be interested in improving the calibration of their display, to look into this piece a bit more. It certainly offers a lot of bang-for-the-buck.


Thanks for reading!

 

[Jason Turk]

SPECIAL LIMITED TIME OFFER ON THE DVDO DUO FOR AVSForum.com MEMBERS!


In support of the new version of the DVDO Duo, A/V Science is offering a limited time special on the DVDO Duo processor. For more details and pricing, please contact one of the salespeople below:


Jason Turk: 585-671-2968: Direct [email protected]

BobbiJean Coakley: 585-671-2920: Direct [email protected]

Daniel Hutnicki: 585-671-2937: Direct [email protected]


Thanks for supporting AVSForum.com!

NOTE: For VP50Pro owners, there is an upgrade path. Please visit http://www.anchorbaytech.com/products/order/ . (This is only for upgrades...new orders please contact and AVS salesperson).