Lumagen Vision DVI

[Ultima]

Is the Lumagen Vision DVI a HD scaler??

I seem to have read somewhere that as a result of the latest firmware update that it can scale HD material in addition to SD. I can't find where I read this.

Am I totally wrong on this?

Martin

[MozzaS]

I noticed that too, I read it on the progressive av web site.
I was also wondering about the significance and if that now makes it a good buy compared with the HDP.

[timmorris]

It can, but it only has 8 bit processing and it can only output 1080i not 1080P, whereas the HDP and HDQ have 10 bit processing and more inputs and outputs. The DVI cannot be upgraded to add analogue outputs or SDI inputs, the list goes on.

The best place to get answers is on the Lumagen forum (hosted by Gordon @ Convergent AV, the UK distributor).

http://www.convergent-av.co.uk/forum

I should add that Lumagen support is excellent with firmware updates being released every couple of weeks - they even have software in there that fixes problems with a number of DVD players, the new Tosh HD being one, and the CUE bug that my DVD player happens to suffer from. Only last week a guy from the UK had a problem which he posted on the forum and it was fixed inside 48 hours.

Tim

[sdb123]

Originally Posted by timmorris

The DVI cannot be upgraded to add analogue outputs or SDI inputs, the list goes on.

They're both options for the DVI. The one I have just purchased has the additonal analogue (BNC) outputs.

[timmorris]

Apologies. I was typing from memory and I assumed that they couldn't be added. I know there's something else that can't be done but can't remember what. I'm sure Gordon will chime in when he gets a moment.

I've got an HDP on loan while I wait for my HDQ to be delivered and I've learned a hell of a lot about the replay chain, even going so far as to attempt an 11 point greyscale calibration myself.

Tim

[sdb123]

Originally Posted by timmorris

I've got an HDP on loan while I wait for my HDQ to be delivered and I've learned a hell of a lot about the replay chain, even going so far as to attempt an 11 point greyscale calibration myself.

Tim

Well done!

[Gordon @ Convergent AV]

DVI used to be retro-fittable with BNC and SDI. It's now not...it has to be pre-ordered with the parts up front.
Also SDI boards will no longer be available from 1st July.

For full differences see here:
http://www.convergent-av.co.uk/article3.html

[Liam @ Prog AV]

Originally Posted by MozzaS

I noticed that too, I read it on the progressive av web site.
I was also wondering about the significance and if that now makes it a good buy compared with the HDP.

Vision DVI has per-pixel motion adaptive deinterlacing for 1080i as does the rest of the range. But the rest of the range also has cadence detection for 1080i film mode work. i.e. if a 1080i broadcast started life in 1080p, then the HDP/HDQ/ProHDP can regenerate the original 1080p25 frame where the VisionDVI would still emply motion adaptive which basically wouldn't be quite as sharp.

The difference on SD performance between the 8bit DVI and 10bit models is also quite noticeable. But there again, with the HDP at 50% more expensive again the DVI really is the bargain of the industry. Without doubt in fact. £825 for something that can handle SD and HD, and that has scaling that good is quite unbelieveable.

[timmorris]

With 4 DVI inputs the HDQ is the one to look at for future proofing. It does cost almost double but If you want to hook up Sky HD (when they stop it breaking HDCP), and HTPC (you can send VGA over CAT5 now or even HDMI if you are prepared to pay) and an HD based DVD player that will take up three slots.

It also fits neatly under standard width equipment whereas the DVI and HDP are rather an odd size with gaudy looking graphics. The loan HDP I have while I wait for my HDQ (where is it btw Gordon? ) is on the floor, behind my rack using the IR pass-through of my Squeezebox to control it, because I couldn't find space for it. The HDQ will sit underneath my Sky HD box, leaving the rear of my equipment rack looking an awful lot tidier.

Tim

[Matt Horne]

I quite like the style of the DVI.. but then again I have plenty of space under the plasma for it

[timmorris]

I used to when I had the 42" plasma but I dropped the height of my rack and lost a shelf when I moved up to a 50. I've also just gone from a Meridian 561 to a G68, which in itself is a big mother! Now I don't have an HDP shaped hole!

Tim

[creative-av]

Only problem is the waiting list for the HDQ!

Steve

[timmorris]

Has it grown again?

I've only waited since the beginning of April IIRC.

Tim

[Liam @ Prog AV]

Originally Posted by creative-av

Only problem is the waiting list for the HDQ!

Steve

Depends who you go to and how well they have planned their stock intake....

[creative-av]

Now we know who ate all the pies Liam

Steve