The Sil504's performance was good at the time of its introduction, but
superior de-interlacing is available these days. One sorely missing feature
is angle-adaptive video mode de-interlacing (removes the jaggies). Per-pixel
motion adaptive de-interlacing is capable of producing sharper images for
video mode, but is also much more expensive these days. Lumagen did announce
the Radiance processor which will utilize the Silicon Optix HQV system.
When it comes to film mode, most de-interlacers do a good job now.
Combing due to bad edits are inevitable, but are fairly rare for NTSC
content. PAL content does comb more often.
The second part of the equation is scaling. With one word, Lumagen's
homegrown scaling algorithms are amazing. Sharpness is maintained even with
custom resolutions, there is no edge ringing, and the image is just plain
great! I personally prefer the Lumagen scaling algorithms to virtually every
other I've compared them to on real life content.
The lack of ringing on Lumagen' scaling algorithms is distinct and
unmistakable. A 2.35:1 image that has black bars above and below the image
shows almost no ringing between the image and the black bars – something
that is very difficult to achieve.
Most of the video path today is handled on a 10 bit level, and Lumagen is making
efforts to complete the data path and make it exclusively 10 bit throughout
the processor. This should further reduce rounding errors and increase the
range of colors, as well as help reduce banding.
The scaling algorithms have an unexpected feature of slightly reducing
mosquito noise. This is not an advertised feature of the unit, but Lumagen
does privately confirm that mosquito noise is reduced, although not completely
eliminated by the processor.
1080i Cadence Detection
A long awaited feature of this unit was recently released, triggering this
review as well. It wasn't that long ago when there were only precious few
devices capable of doing proper 1080i cadence detection de-interlacing. These
often had other problems (e.g., price, inadequate SD de-interlacing performance).
The VisionPro HDP changes this equation. Not only is it reasonably priced, it can
now scale both digital (DVI/HDCP) and analog (component) high definition
signals, including 1080i, 720p, 1080i50, and 720p50. 1080i signals now have
working cadence detection.
Testing with Return of the King 1080i, I received a pristine image, with
details as never seen before. I could now distinctly see each hair follicle
on Gandalf's white beard.
Calibration
One of the latest trends for PQ (Picture Quality) junkies is the subject of calibration. Most
displays offer simple adjustments to assist with calibration, such as crude
color temperature controls and bias/gain settings. Some higher end
projectors do offer custom per-color gamma control, but this should be a
standard feature for every display. Even with such high end displays, they
often provide a single custom calibration graph, and neglect to allow us to
customize it on a per-input basis.
Lumagen provide an advanced color calibration system. Color calibration can
be done on either 2, 5, or 11 points. The calibration system allows you to
use built-in patterns (0-100 IRE) or supply your own (DVE/AVIA/etc.). When
using external sources, the display also provides an indication of the IRE
level at the center of the screen, quite useful for determining the best
position to adjust.
When adjusting calibration, one can select the position of the adjustment
(in gamma graphs, this would equate to moving adjustment points left and
right), the IRE level (this lets you calibrate without changing the
display's preset gamma), and the individual color values. This let me use my GretagMcbeth
EyeOne beamer to receive a flat D65 calibration across the
board. The resulting image is precise, skin tones are fleshy and accurate.
People look real instead of typical pinkish/redish TV replicas.
Color calibration can be saved on a per-input, per-memory setting. Memories
and calibrations can be easily copied from any input or memory to any other input
or memory with a simple click of a button. While it may sound complex, this
allows for such amazing flexibility that is unparalleled in the world of
consumer video processors.
Just in case you made a mistake, shutting down the unit and turning it on
flushes any setting changes you may have made. To save everything, you must
explicitly save the configuration. The unit also allows you to undo the last
change and go back a full revision. This is a very useful feature for those
of us who make "Duh" type mistakes that are immediately recognizable just
after you save your settings.
The Lumagen website provides not only access to all the official firmware
releases (not just the latest one, but also quite a few versions back), but
also a configuration software that lets you upload and download
configuration settings. This is useful for archiving your settings as well
as allow installers to prepare a few potential scenarios and install them
directly without having to do all the work in front of their customer.
Conclusions
The Lumagen VisionPro HDP offers excellent
flexibility and strength at a very reasonable price. HDTV and film (most DVDs) look spectacular with the unit. The
calibration features are unique, and the overall picture quality is
fantastic (video mode de-interlacing for SDTV could definitely be improved
though).
The unit requires somewhat of a learning curve and is more suitable for
advanced/pro users and installers. This is definitely not a device that
inexperienced consumers could or should be able to configure.
Those who can harness its potential will greatly enjoy this processor's
stellar performance and bang/$ ratio.
The HDP was awarded
Secrets
Best of 2005 for video processors.
- Ofer LaOr -
Mr. LaOr is Editor of Hometheater.Co.Il, a Hi-Fi magazine
published in Israel. He is also the moderator for the AVS Forum Video
Processing section.