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Unlike any other video processor, Realta HQV is also fully software programmable
and upgradeable. The Realta HQV processor executes its video algorithms entirely in
software. As new firmware is developed, Vantage-HD consumers can simply
download the upgrades from the Calibre web site.
Vantage-HD is a scaler and a switcher with flexible range of inputs and outputs,
integrated with on screen menu controlled by remote or by an RS232 serial link for
use with third party control systems, the base input configuration is 2x HDMI with
support for up to 8 channel digital audio, HDCP capability and backwards capability
with DVI, 2xcomposite video and 2xcomponent analog video for YPbPr or RGBS SD,
ED or HD signals compatible with 480i (NTSC), 576i (PAL/SECAM), 480p, 576p, 720p
and 1080i as well as 1080psf. Additional options include 2xHDMI expansion board
and an HD-SDI expansion board with single or dual port inputs available during
2006.
On discussing some technical features with Calibre, I obtained the following
information:
1. There are several aspect ratio conversions available; the aspect ratio can be
customized for non-standard applications. Vertical stretch of a 2.35:1 image for use
with 1080p projectors fitted with an anamorphic lens is pre-programmed into the
selectable aspect ratio conversions. The chosen aspect ratio is automatically saved
and recalled on a per-input, per signal aspect-ratio basis. It is also possible to select
the required aspect ratio from the OSD menu, or via the OSD select button on the
remote control, or via discrete IR command, or via RS232 serial command.
2. 1080p will physically pass through the on-board circuitry but signal processing can
be disabled by turning off the various filters and enhancement settings via the OSD
menu. By 1080p passes through the scaler so that it can be scaled to different
screen sizes or aspect ratio conversion can be performed.
3. 1080i de-interlace uses a true per-pixel motion detection algorithm with MDDF
(multi-directional diagonal filter). The algorithm temporal aperture is four fields.
4. At present 1080p 24fps is output as 60Hz or 50Hz, there is presently no
48Hz/72Hz option. That functionality may be added later, it has been discussed, but
there is presently no timescale for this as market demand has been virtually nonexistent.
The cadence detection and pull-down mode is automatically adaptive to
the input cadence, so is not just fixed at 3:2 for 60Hz or 2:2 for 50Hz, it adapts to
non-standard and broken cadences.
5. There is an HDMI expansion card due soon, to add a further 2 HDMI inputs, giving
a total of 4. You can fit either the HDMI expansion card, or the HDSDI expansion
card.
Digital Projection
In September 2005, the company released their VIP 1000 video processor developed
in partnership with Silicon Optix for use with Digital Projection displays. The VIP
1000 is suited with the Silicon Optix Realta HQV state-of-the-art processor. Details
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