Daniel J SaitLumagen is claiming to have raised the bar for video processors with the new ArtisaN 8K.
A bespoke video processor intended for filmmakers to preserve their vision, and for movie enthusiasts to see the image as the director intended is the aim of the new release.
The product includes all the current features of the company’s Radiance Pro 4K series, including the newest, compatibility with Dolby LLDV and direct control of Seymour-Screen Excellence’s masking systems.
Lumagen president Jim Peterson, says, “Being Lumagen’s first 8K processor, with ArtisaN, we embarked upon a completely new innovative design. We hand-crafted the proprietary hardware, software and video processing algorithms and have selected the finest components, 8K HDMI chips and Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). This all comes together to deliver the best in-motion video, complementing the artistic craft of the filmmaker, and delivering the best home cinema experience.”
The ArtisaN supports up to 8K60 and 4K120 inputs and outputs, including HDCP 2.3, HDR10, and HLG, and is compatible with Dolby LLDV sources (new feature) with eight inputs, two outputs and a multitude of video processing, setup and calibration features. An evolution of Lumagen’s commercial-grade Radiance Pro series, the ArtisaN includes all the current features of the series, including the new ability to directly control Seymour-Screen Excellence’s masking systems.
Jim adds, “The ArtisaN will continue to provide and even exceed what Lumagen processors are best known for. This includes ongoing refinement of our Dynamic Tone Mapping (DTM), which analyses multiple regions of every frame of content, detects scene changes, and optimizes the image for each frame of content. Jon Thompson, a movie producer responsible for post-production image quality at a major studio, recently evaluated the Lumagen DTM versus the other options. He stated that ‘the other DTM options used today are not even in the same league as the Lumagen.’”
Jim continues, “With 8K projectors and televisions, scaling quality again comes to the forefront. The ArtisaN builds upon the foundation of the Radiance Pro series as the industry’s best motion picture scaling that scores more than 20% higher than the competition using the Tektronix PQA600C analysis software. Lumagen’s scaling provides the best quality scaling for 4K, 1080, 720, and SD, and with the ArtisaN, sources for 8K projectors and TVs. Scaling is also essential for aspect-ratio control, especially when using an anamorphic lens. In addition, the ArtisaN will have an edge-sharpening feature that helps restore detail lost during compression of the digital content.”
Less is more
Like the Radiance Pro 5348, the ArtisaN uses circuitry to reduce HDMI output clock jitter. Minimising signal jitter is an extremely important criteria for HDMI. The ArtisaN will produce an optimal clock to send to the audio processor to minimise jitter at the DACs. Reduced jitter at the DACs reduces distortion and significantly improves audio.
“The adaptability of the ArtisaN is second to none. Using FPGA technology, the ArtisaN can add hardware image processing and setup features years after installation to incorporate new features as technologies evolve, providing the best image experience possible for our customers,” says Jim.
Available in 2025, the ArtisaN will be manufactured in the USA to maintain the highest quality standards, says the maker and with a release price of MSRP (USD) $12,995. Jim adds Lumagen will offer a generous trade-in program for customers who currently own a Radiance Pro series video processor. Stay tuned for the ArtisaN Beta launch.