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Kaleidescape Strato Ultra HD Movie Player Preview

Ever since I read about Kaleidescape in the early 2000s, I have wanted to experience one of their movie players in my home.

Today, that wish came true when a Strato Ultra HD Movie Player was delivered. This is a premium component that sells for a premium price, but there is nothing else out there that can do what it does. The Strato is a movie server with either six or ten terabytes of storage. The latter is enough to hold 180 Ultra HD, 330 Blu-ray, or 1500 DVD titles. My review sample came loaded with 74 titles and sufficient space for 37 additional UHD, 50 Blu-ray, or 279 DVDs. It can also store music if one wishes. The player portion offers full support for 3840×2160 resolution with 12 bits-per-pixel. You also get HDR10 and extended color up to BT.2020. Every sound format is here too, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.

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I recently installed a new JVC DLA-RS640 Ultra HD projector so this will be the perfect inaugural review for that superb display. I’ve already unpacked the Strato and installation consisted merely of hooking up two HDMI cables, one for video and one for audio, and plugging in the power. Video output is a full 18Gbps over the version 2.0a connection while audio works over a 1.4 jack. My Integra DHC-80.1 surround processor had no issues with the player’s bitstream output.

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The Strato is more than just a playback device. It also enhances the buying experience with Kaleidescape’s Movie Store. Once can choose from among thousands of titles, all downloadable at Blu-ray or Ultra HD quality that’s equal to what’s found on optical discs. My first impression? This is how entertainment should be. Read my full review in a few weeks to see just what our movie-watching future may hold.

See the complete review of the Kaleidescape Strato Ultra HD Movie Player

Chris Eberle

Chris' passion for audio began when he took up playing the bassoon at age 12. During his third year at the New England Conservatory of Music, he won a position with the West Point Band where he served for 26 years as principal bassoonist. He retired from the Army in 2013 and is now writing full time and performing as a freelance musician in Central Florida. As an avid movie lover, Chris was unable to turn away the 50-inch Samsung DLP TV that arrived at his door one day, thus launching him irrevocably into an obsession with home theater. Dissatisfied with the image quality of his new acquisition, Chris trained with the Imaging Science Foundation in 2006 and became a professional display calibrator. His ultimate theater desires were realized when he completed construction of a dedicated cinema/listening room in his home. Chris is extremely fortunate that his need for quality audio and video is shared and supported by his wife of over 25 years. In his spare time he enjoys riding his recumbent trike at least 100 miles per week, trying out new restaurants, going to theme parks and spending as much time as possible watching movies and listening to music. Chris enjoys bringing his observations and discoveries about every kind of home theater product to as many curious and well-informed readers as possible. He is proud to be a part of the Team and hopes to help everyone enjoy their AV experiences to the fullest.