Which Strato for my Theater ?

[Kgveteran]

Hello All, first time post ! Im looking for some advice on which Strato and why.

First, my viewing is usually find a movie, watch it and done, no archiving. My projector is a JVC RS400 1080p(native) which projects HDR, its a cinemascope 2.35:1 acoustically transparent screen. A Vertex2 down scales 4K to 2K and passes HDR, i dont use e-shift, if you were a JVC fan. The audio is 7.1.4 and easily reproduces 20hz [ (4) 15” sealed subs and 6k watts available] with easy and authority (sadly streaming sounds like garbage)

Im more interested in hearing what i hear with Atmos BR, without buying more discs, than video.

I am aware after brief search theres a M model that is perfect having 2K resolution, but if my 8yr old PJ kicks the bucket im boot strapped to a 2K machine.



Imagine the Martin Logans are on their sides when a movie is pkaying, a new 2seat recliner, and the blackout shades drawn. I would show the 600lb acoustically sealed door Lol, but thats a whole other story, i love this theater and it took some time to build, i wanna hear it again

Thanx for viewing

 

[DieZwei]

The Strato M was taken out of production just recently, so that´s not an option anymore (I also have never seen one for sale as used).
So if you´re looking for the most cost-efficient option, I´d go for the Strato E. It has a bit of local storage (0,5TB) which would be enough for your watching style (download, watch, delete). You could also just rent movies for that use case.

BTW: I´m wondering how you watch HDR content - since your projector is not able to do any tonemapping, the image must be pretty dark/low contrast.

 

[Kgveteran]

The Strato M was taken out of production just recently, so that´s not an option anymore (I also have never seen one for sale as used).
So if you´re looking for the most cost-efficient option, I´d go for the Strato E. It has a bit of local storage (0,5TB) which would be enough for your watching style (download, watch, delete). You could also just rent movies for that use case.

BTW: I´m wondering how you watch HDR content - since your projector is not able to do any tonemapping, the image must be pretty dark/low contrast.

JVC let me load nit files if thats what ya call it but it recognizes HDR content, picture always looks real nice, but to be honest i project onto white spandex over black spandex 100”x42” im not so much a video buff, i can just tell when it looks like garbage and its usually nit my PJ. Hope that answers your question

 

[Kgveteran]

The Strato M was taken out of production just recently, so that´s not an option anymore (I also have never seen one for sale as used).
So if you´re looking for the most cost-efficient option, I´d go for the Strato E. It has a bit of local storage (0,5TB) which would be enough for your watching style (download, watch, delete). You could also just rent movies for that use case.

BTW: I´m wondering how you watch HDR content - since your projector is not able to do any tonemapping, the image must be pretty dark/low contrast.

Thanx, pretty concise explaination.

 

[jdsmoke]

Welcome to the forums. I would keep an eye out in the used section. Great way to get a player at a lower cost. I started w an E but just recently added a server. I found I liked having all the movies ready to play. I also liked the video wall which I think you only get when you have a server.

 

[JonProphet]

I’d look at upgrading that projector first. K-scape is a dangerous slippery slope. With any of the current Strato players in stand alone, you be playing the el deleto game (downloading movies to watch, then deleting to watch others) and the current players natively play 4K content. SDR/HDR/DV with the K playing K-scapes proprietary Cinematic format. I would not even consider an M or E.

I’m more of an audio guy myself but when you upgrade to a true 4K projector, one that either is run through a video processor or tone maps HDR/Dv or even Cinematic, it’s life changing.

 

[Kgveteran]

I’d look at upgrading that projector first. K-scape is a dangerous slippery slope. With any of the current Strato players in stand alone, you be playing the el deleto game (downloading movies to watch, then deleting to watch others) and the current players natively play 4K content. SDR/HDR/DV with the K playing K-scapes proprietary Cinematic format. I would not even consider an M or E.

I’m more of an audio guy myself but when you upgrade to a true 4K projector, one that either is run through a video processor or tone maps HDR/Dv or even Cinematic, it’s life changing.

I get the pj upgrade, and actually is the smarter direction, the real issue always falls back on budget and timing, budget being the real issue as always.

 

[Kgveteran]

The Strato M was taken out of production just recently, so that´s not an option anymore (I also have never seen one for sale as used).
So if you´re looking for the most cost-efficient option, I´d go for the Strato E. It has a bit of local storage (0,5TB) which would be enough for your watching style (download, watch, delete). You could also just rent movies for that use case.

BTW: I´m wondering how you watch HDR content - since your projector is not able to do any tonemapping, the image must be pretty dark/low contrast.

The E sounds like the right player for what im looking for. My concern is always my current PJ and its native 1080p output. All video would run through my Vertex2 for down converting 4K and extracting HDR. Are non-atmos movies in DD or DTS. I use an older Denon X4300 receiver as a prepro and have had no issue with 4K BR DolbyAtmos through the Vertex2, im just wondering if there is any proprietary issues there, which i understand is more of an HD Fury issue.

 

[JonProphet]

I get the pj upgrade, and actually is the smarter direction, the real issue always falls back on budget and timing, budget being the real issue as always.

There are several paths you can go. You can go second hand depending on your market or two. Reach out to some dealers and you can get into a NZ500 for about the same as a player. There are some bulb true 4K PJ's that still put out a fantastic picture and some even support HDR. I have a Sony PJ that I got for "cheap", it didn't support HDR but still put out a fantastic picture.

I would definitely look at a better projector otherwise you will be doing yourself a pretty big disservice. Just my opinion. Best of luck on your decision.

With the E, as I mentioned previously, you will be doing a lot deleting and downloading.

 

[JonProphet]

The E sounds like the right player for what im looking for. My concern is always my current PJ and its native 1080p output. All video would run through my Vertex2 for down converting 4K and extracting HDR. Are non-atmos movies in DD or DTS. I use an older Denon X4300 receiver as a prepro and have had no issue with 4K BR DolbyAtmos through the Vertex2, im just wondering if there is any proprietary issues there, which i understand is more of an HD Fury issue.

One last, note, I’m a bargain hunter. I may have stepped into K at the right time with the release of the Strato K but I was able to get a Strato V and Terra server for less than the price of a Strato K here on this board. Both pieces still had warranty remaining as well.

 

[DieZwei]

The E sounds like the right player for what im looking for. My concern is always my current PJ and its native 1080p output. All video would run through my Vertex2 for down converting 4K and extracting HDR. Are non-atmos movies in DD or DTS. I use an older Denon X4300 receiver as a prepro and have had no issue with 4K BR DolbyAtmos through the Vertex2, im just wondering if there is any proprietary issues there, which i understand is more of an HD Fury issue.

I don´t see any specific issue here.
As this is a K forum and you were explicitly asking for advice on a new K player, I focused on that.
However, looking into upgrading your projector is definitely not a bad advice in general.

 

[JonProphet]

I don´t see any specific issue here.
As this is a K forum and you were explicitly asking for advice on a new K player, I focused on that.
However, looking into upgrading your projector is definitely not a bad advice in general.

Doing what I did is usually a big pet peeve of mine. He asked for which player. If you had the goal to upgrade items in your system over time, that’s one thing. I’d go with a V. The extra storage is very much worth it.

Having said that, putting a Strato player on an older PJ is like putting an exotic car engine in a Chevy. Can it be done, sure. Are you going to be able to take advantage of everything, probably not.

But then again, my new PJ does t take full advantage of HDR and surely cat do anything with DV.

 

[Kgveteran]

I don´t see any specific issue here.
As this is a K forum and you were explicitly asking for advice on a new K player, I focused on that.
However, looking into upgrading your projector is definitely not a bad advice in general.

I believe getting into i product i “dont have” is farther into my destination of upgrading, and as you stated the OP. I really never gave a thought into pj upgrades until i looked at a used JVC DLA NX7 yesterday, that would give me native 4K, Tone Mapping HDR, and possibly/probably eliminating the Vertex2. Wts, i think the E will suffice, i dont archive, and if i wanted to, adding HD wouldn’t be an issue way down the line after an E, then the pj upgrade.

Thanx for your input

 

[LoveCinema]

...I really never gave a thought into pj upgrades until i looked at a used JVC DLA NX7 yesterday, that would give me native 4K, Tone Mapping HDR, and possibly/probably eliminating the Vertex2...

Extra caution should be exercised with the JVC NX line of projectors. This line experienced issues with the DD board rendering the projector unusable. As JVC warranties don't transfer (NX are too old anyway) if this error pops up you're out a projector. People suggest that if an NX hasn't hit a DD issue to date it's unlikely to, but I'd only spend money on an NX that I was willing to walk away from. I'd recommend checking out a JVC NP5 as a similar projector without this risk.

 

[Kgveteran]

Extra caution should be exercised with the JVC NX line of projectors. This line experienced issues with the DD board rendering the projector unusable. As JVC warranties don't transfer (NX are too old anyway) if this error pops up you're out a projector. People suggest that if an NX hasn't hit a DD issue to date it's unlikely to, but I'd only spend money on an NX that I was willing to walk away from. I'd recommend checking out a JVC NP5 as a similar projector without this risk.

I forgot how much research has to go into purchasing a projector geez, Thanx for the heads up, i haven’t researched pj’s since 2017

 

[DrNeal]

Most people who have Kaleidescape want the best possible picture and sound quality.
I seem to upgrade something every year.
This year I upgraded to a Sony Laser projector and was thrilled, it was life changing.
Then I was surprised by the Strato K and after waiting 2 weeks, I had to order it.
I am very happy with the result, especially the 4k C movies.
Each improvement in the chain makes the overall experience better and better.
Your sound system looks very good, I had speaker like that till I got married .
You state you are not a Videophile, that is because you have not been exposed to how good an experience it is with a good projector and screen. You have many options and the new panels OLED etc are really dynamic and come in large screen sizes.
George Lucas stated that the picture and sound are each equally important saying the sound is 50% of the viewing experience.
All that being said, I realize that finances play and integral part of the decision process. Saving up for the next upgrade can take time, however, the newest items always have improvements.
Good luck in your journey.

 

[JonProphet]

Most people who have Kaleidescape want the best possible picture and sound quality.
I seem to upgrade something every year.
This year I upgraded to a Sony Laser projector and was thrilled, it was life changing.
Then I was surprised by the Strato K and after waiting 2 weeks, I had to order it.
I am very happy with the result, especially the 4k C movies.
Each improvement in the chain makes the overall experience better and better.
Your sound system looks very good, I had speaker like that till I got married .
You state you are not a Videophile, that is because you have not been exposed to how good an experience it is with a good projector and screen. You have many options and the new panels OLED etc are really dynamic and come in large screen sizes.
George Lucas stated that the picture and sound are each equally important saying the sound is 50% of the viewing experience.
All that being said, I realize that finances play and integral part of the decision process. Saving up for the next upgrade can take time, however, the newest items always have improvements.
Good luck in your journey.

Well said. I'm waiting to get my PJ calibrated until after I finalize my screen but the JVC line of projectors with the autocal feature is amazing. Watching Kaleidescape movies on laser true 4K projectors is amazing. I'm now in the boat of 50/50 visuals and sound.......

 

[Kgveteran]

This has been exactly what i needed to hear, all the information is in….First off i have a PJ, and i dont have a “K”. I need a K (E) and once i get a feel of the E and save some shillings a PJ upgrade will be just perfect. My guess if the JVC is still operating it will be a nice pj for anither part of my mansion i dont own a mandion btw.

Oh, and ditch the spandex screen for a tru
AT 2.35:1 screen……eventually

None of this without all your help, offering up solid info!!!!!!!!

 

[DrNeal]

You have a lot to look forward to

 

[Kgveteran]

You have a lot to look forward to