madVR Labs enhances Envy processors with directly integrated, AV device and screen masking control and Invision UK announces major training opportunity for installers on madVR Core.
madVR Labs LLC, provider of cutting-edge video processing technology, has announced the rollout of a new test firmware build, now available to all Envy customers. This latest update marks another industry-first for the company bringing ground-breaking functionality by enabling control of AVRs, AVPs (Audio/Video Processors), displays, and several Screen Masking Systems directly from the madVR Envy video processor.
This new capability eliminates the need for control systems when these systems are otherwise used primarily for these purposes, making sophisticated home cinema control accessible to a broader audience. When a dedicated control system is not included in a project, the Envy can now provide direct control over these supported devices, delivering an enhanced user experience. For projects using a dedicated control system, however, the Envy also supports direct IP control with these systems including Crestron Home, Crestron, Control4, Savant, and RTI, using free drivers available from the madVR Labs’ website. This firmware update is available now for all Envy customers and is directly installable from the Envy Firmware menu.
The powerful madVR Envy
In other related news, UK distributor for the brand Invision UK will holding a special training session on the madVR Core product hosted by company Co-Founder and CEO Ric Litofsky on Friday 4th October 2024. The session introduces madVR Core the new ‘entry level’ products from the company. Get more details and sign up to attend here.
The new more compact, entry level madVR Core
Enhanced Display and Projector Control
The firmware update introduces the ability for the Envy to manage display and projector functions directly. The Envy can now automatically switch display picture modes for supported displays based on whether the content is HDR or SDR. Additionally, the Envy can automatically recall preset lens memory zoom positions for supported projectors based on the aspect ratio, with control over the timing when watching content with variable aspect ratios. This feature eliminates the need to manually adjust the lens position with the projector remote every time the aspect ratio changes, offering convenience for users who prefer lens zoom over digital auto aspect ratio control and not using a dedicated control system.
Advanced AVR and AVP Control
The Envy can also now manage supported AVRs and AVPs allowing users to assign Envy source profiles to recall specific settings based on the selected HDMI input on their AVR, and can also switch the HDMI input based on the Envy profile selected. Also included is the ability to overlay a volume bar within the content itself, offering a better-integrated and visually appealing volume display compared to traditional AVRs, without causing aspect ratio changes due to the volume bar’s positioning. Additionally, some AVRs do not provide any volume overlay, making this feature particularly valuable. Moreover, the Envy remote control can be used to change the volume or mute the audio.
Seamless Screen Masking System Integration
The new firmware also brings integration with supported Screen Masking Systems. The Envy can now direct these masking systems to adjust to the correct aspect ratio based on the content’s native aspect ratio, as detected by the Envy in real time. This feature supports both types of masking systems: those that use recalled preset positions for fixed aspect ratios, and those capable of adjusting to any aspect ratio without the need for presets. The Envy supports masking systems that communicate via both IP and serial connections, ensuring broad compatibility.
Users can configure how the Envy handles aspect ratio changes, including setting delays for content with variable aspect ratios and choosing a preferred fixed aspect ratio for the remainder of the movie to prevent frequent switching of the masking. The integration also works with the Envy’s Non-Linear Stretch (NLS) feature, allowing users to fine-tune their viewing experience, if desired, with a combination of masking and NLS.
Supported Devices
This functionality is available for supported devices, with more coming soon says the company. The currently supported devices, subject to change and to further testing, include:
AVRs/AVPs
- Acurus [Certified for Envy]: All models.
- Anthem [Certified for Envy]: (Most models since 2016 including: MRX 520/540/720/740/1120/1140, AVM 60/70/90).
- ARCAM [Certified for Envy]: AV41, AVR31, AVR21, AVR11 and similar models.
- JBL Synthesis [Certified for Envy]: JBL Synthesis SDP-58, SDP-75, SDR38 and similar models.
- StormAudio [Certified for Envy]: ISP Elite, ISP Core, ISP Evo.
- Trinnov Audio [Certified for Envy]: Altitude 16 and Altitude 32.
- Sony: All models with IP control since 2014.
- Lyngdorf: MP-40/50/60. TDAI-3400 and TDAI-1120, TDAI-2170 likely.
- Denon & Marantz: All models with IP control since 2015.
- Mark Levinson: No502.
- Monoprice: HTP-1.
- NAD: T758/T777/T778.
- Onkyo, Integra, and Pioneer: Wide range of models.
- Yamaha: Most models since 2011.
Displays
- Barco: All pulse-based models.
- Sony: GTZ380, XW7000ES, XW6000ES, XW5000ES, VW1025ES, VW995ES, VW885ES, VW325ES, VW715ES, VW295ES, VW695ES, VW285ES, VW675ES, and all Sony ADCP protocol models overall.
- Epson: New units: QB1000, QL3000, QL7000. Older units: LS12000, LS11000, LS10500, 6050UB, 6040UB, 5050UB, 4050UB, 5040UB, 4040UB, LS10500.
- JVC: RS4200/NZ900, RS3200/NZ800, RS4100/NZ9, RS3100/NZ8, RS2100/NZ7, RS1100/NP5, RS3000/NX9, RS2000/NX7, RS1000/NX5, RS640/x990, RS540/x790, RS440/x590, RS620/x970, RS520/x770, RS420/x570, RS600/x950, RS500/x750, RS400/x550, RS49u/x500, RS4500m RS4910, RS6710 and likely all models with an Ethernet port.
- Christie: Implementation planned soon.
Screen Masking Systems
- Display Technologies: Dynamic.
- Screen Research: Reference X-Mask.
- Stewart Filmscreen CVM.
- Stewart Filmscreen BRIC (requires IP to serial bridge).
- Xtrem Screen: CineMask (implementation planned soon).