NEWS: Strato K Movie Player with 8K capability and new "4K Cinematic" full-chroma & higher bitrate support

[KDeering]

Could one of the tech nerds tell me whether MadVR can exploit this? My minimal understanding of full chroma is that it matters more for things like sharp text edges than video

Any video system would benefit from this becuase it is starting with more chroma information regardless. The only question is whether the increase in native chroma information would subjectively be better than the chroma scaling that was already being done before. There is also the increase in data rate which may have benefits as well.

 

[Darthbishop79]

Any video system would benefit from this becuase it is starting with more chroma information regardless. The only question is whether the increase in native chroma information would subjectively be better than the chroma scaling that was already being done before. There is also the increase in data rate which may have benefits as well.

Kris, can you explain to me why so many people are hung up on “Chroma”? Lol

This kind of reminds me of the HD-DVD Days when they dropped “Deep Color”

 

[RobT]

Any video system would benefit from this becuase it is starting with more chroma information regardless. The only question is whether the increase in native chroma information would subjectively be better than the chroma scaling that was already being done before. There is also the increase in data rate which may have benefits as well.

Pragmatically speaking, on a JVC NZ500 and MadVR chain, will I notice much between this and a Strato C, or is this going to get better results on a good TV or video wall? My perhaps mistaken impression has been that, for projectors, quality roughly peaks at the C level.

 

[KDeering]

Pragmatically speaking, on a JVC NZ500 and MadVR chain, will I notice much between this and a Strato C, or is this going to get better results on a good TV or video wall? My perhaps mistaken impression has been that, for projectors, quality roughly peaks at the C level.

I honestly have no idea as I haven’t tested one yet or had a chance to compare. I am on a family vacation right now so won’t be able to test any of this until early July. Objectively there is no question this provides a better video file than what was available before. Whether that improvement manifests subjectively is something else entirely. You are essentially comparing native chroma resolution to scaled chroma resolution. Our eyes are not nearly as sensitive to chroma as luma, which is why we have the color compression we have already. You can absolutely see the difference when you use chroma test patterns, but those are completely different than moving video. So really hard to say how much “better” these will look compared to standard 4K from a C.

 

[HighImpactAV]

DCI-compliant Digital Cinema Packages do not use chroma subsampling and the content is 4:4:4. Some of you may remember when Kaleidescape announced in 2024 that they were expanding into cinema: Kaleidescape Announces Alternative Content Delivery Platform for Cinema.

One of my local theaters uses a Kaleidescape system. I wonder if some of the impetus behind the Strato K and Cinematic content is based on Kaleidescape's relationship with the studios and theaters.

 

[DrNeal]

Has already been done.
On the store download page:
View attachment 10469

and on the local browser interface History page (you need to be running kOS 26.1.0):
View attachment 10470

It has also been updated on the OSD Settings place but I don't have a screenshot of that handy.

Not on mine, as recent as today.
What am I missing?

 

[J.Green]

What am I missing?

kOS 26.1.0.
But you can still see the updated capacities if you look at the Downloads page on the web store.

 

[DieZwei]

Yeah, there was no mention of extreme mk2 in my recommendation to the member, i thought that was understood. You need to stop reading posts too deeply and chill out. (Insert wink emoji).

Now I think you´re reading my posts too deeply I just added some information as I thought your post might have been confusing to some people not that familiar with the Envy line as we are. I even build you a bridge introducing a possible misunderstanding.

 

[Broncowrangler]

Just finished watching Speed Racer Cinematic 4k on the K. I also did a bit of A/B with Speed Racer between the K and the V after finishing the movie, since this particular title resides on both systems. Fwiw, both my systems have been set up independently.

Let me just say that the image is jaw dropping gorgeous. The image is so detailed and beautiful. There is a certain 3D pop which is more evident on the K. Speed racer is eye candy anyways, especially for HDR impact and color explosion, and it looked quite spectacular on the V as well.

Forget the 4:4:4, 4:2:2 riff-raff doing rounds across the board; IMHO, the biggest benefit of a larger file size (extra information/bits) is that artifacts/ banding and other anomalies associated with bit starved files are significantly mitigated. What you end up getting is a significantly cleaner image which appears to “resolve” better thus presenting a perceptibly more detailed, sharper and color saturated output. Although this is an intangible which I cannot quantify, but I felt the color appeared to be more voluminous and saturated on the K.

Lastly, the native 4K GUI on the K is quite awesome, just wish the V was equipped with this as well.

 

[Broncowrangler]

Now I think you´re reading my posts too deeply I just added some information as I thought your post might have been confusing to some people not that familiar with the Envy line as we are. I even build you a bridge introducing a possible misunderstanding.

The only Individual who appeared confused was…you. Very thoughtful of you though, to look out for people since they are incapable of fending for themselves.

Don’t think I’m interested in this senseless back and forth.

 

[stanrozenfeld]

Just finished watching Speed Racer Cinematic 4k on the K. I also did a bit of A/B with Speed Racer between the K and the V after finishing the movie, since this particular title resides on both systems. Fwiw, both my systems have been set up independently.

Let me just say that the image is jaw dropping gorgeous. The image is so detailed and beautiful. There is a certain 3D pop which is more evident on the K. Speed racer is eye candy anyways, especially for HDR impact and color explosion, and it looked quite spectacular on the V as well.

Forget the 4:4:4, 4:2:2 riff-raff doing rounds across the board; IMHO, the biggest benefit of a larger file size (extra information/bits) is that artifacts/ banding and other anomalies associated with bit starved files are significantly mitigated. What you end up getting is a significantly cleaner image which appears to “resolve” better thus presenting a perceptibly more detailed, sharper and color saturated output. Although this is an intangible which I cannot quantify, but I felt the color appeared to be more voluminous and saturated on the K.

Lastly, the native 4K GUI on the K is quite awesome, just wish the V was equipped with this as well.

What display did you use?

 

[DieZwei]

Don’t think I’m interested in this senseless back and forth.

At least something we can agree on.

 

[Broncowrangler]

What display did you use?

JVC NZ800 / Screen innovation maestro ii 160” 16:9. I will test drive this on my 77” A95L QD-Oled
in a day or two.

 

[todo]

Just finished watching Speed Racer Cinematic 4k on the K. I also did a bit of A/B with Speed Racer between the K and the V after finishing the movie, since this particular title resides on both systems. Fwiw, both my systems have been set up independently.

Let me just say that the image is jaw dropping gorgeous. The image is so detailed and beautiful. There is a certain 3D pop which is more evident on the K. Speed racer is eye candy anyways, especially for HDR impact and color explosion, and it looked quite spectacular on the V as well.

Forget the 4:4:4, 4:2:2 riff-raff doing rounds across the board; IMHO, the biggest benefit of a larger file size (extra information/bits) is that artifacts/ banding and other anomalies associated with bit starved files are significantly mitigated. What you end up getting is a significantly cleaner image which appears to “resolve” better thus presenting a perceptibly more detailed, sharper and color saturated output. Although this is an intangible which I cannot quantify, but I felt the color appeared to be more voluminous and saturated on the K.

Lastly, the native 4K GUI on the K is quite awesome, just wish the V was equipped with this as well.

Jhonnyfocal at the 'Lumagen Artisan' thread on AVS is reporting why 4:4:4 is misleading in this case, I quote his post:

The beauty of the IPTPQc2 colour encoding system is that conventional discussions around 4:2:2 and 4:4:4 become somewhat misleading. The colour information is not being handled in the same way as traditional video formats. Instead, it is encoded perceptually and at full range, meaning that the familiar chroma-subsampling terminology does not accurately describe what is taking place.

This is also why Kaleidescape can legitimately describe the system as delivering full-bandwidth colour. Strictly speaking, this is a simplification, because it is not 4:4:4 in the conventional sense used by traditional video engineering. Rather, the perceived result is equivalent to what people associate with full-bandwidth colour, but it is achieved through the encoding methodology itself rather than through a literal 4:4:4 signal structure - a framework we would now consider increasingly obsolete anyway.

 

[Imakeller]

Running a MadVR Extreme MK2 with JVC NZ9 (soon to be Christie Mk25). Even though the MK2 has 2.0 HDMI input, on paper there seems to be no reason to upgrade to the MK3 (I am not a gamer). Does anyone have real world experience with this? Seems like the MK2 can handle the Strato K????

Imho, Strato K is just the precursor for bigger things down the line. You don’t want to second guess yourself each time. Therefore I have the extreme MK3 on order. Buy once, cry once. I’m moving from the Epson LS12000 to the JVC Nz800, as I got a killer deal on a mint (less than 100 hours used) NZ800. For existing users i think MK2 should be fine, but for new buyers, I would recommend at least getting the MK2 with premium pack or MK3.

The only Individual who appeared confused was…you. Very thoughtful of you though, to look out for people since they are incapable of fending for themselves.

Don’t think I’m interested in this senseless back and forth.

Sorry @Broncowrangler , @DieZwei wasn’t the only one confused by your response to @Neighbor . I was too. Not a big deal. Neighbor was wrestling between his Extreme MK2 and whether upgrading to Extreme MK3 was necessary. You replied you have the Extreme MK3 on order, but that his Extreme MK2 should be fine with the Strato K. For new buyers, you advised “getting the MK2 with premium pack or MK3.” Adding “Core” before “MK2” there would have been clearer. After reading your post, I had to search for a MadVR model comparison chart to clarify and still wasn't sure if you misspoke or were referring to the Core. Mostly it’s MadVR’s fault for having too many models and using MK2 and MK3 repeatedly!

P.S. I'm psyched for the Strato K based on your Speed Racer Cinematic 4K impressions!

 

[Techthusiasm]

I'm told I'm allowed to share this link. madVR updated their Kaleidescape setup FAQ with a dedicated section on the K. I will be covering this ASAP in my setup.

https://madvrenvy.com/wp-content/uploads/Envy-Setup-Guide-KScape.pdf?r=210

 

[Imakeller]

I'm told I'm allowed to share this link. madVR updated their Kaleidescape setup FAQ with a dedicated section on the K. I will be covering this ASAP in my setup.

https://madvrenvy.com/wp-content/uploads/Envy-Setup-Guide-KScape.pdf?r=210

Very helpful. Glad to see MadVR is “on it” in giving Strato K guidance. People have questioned exactly how to handle Strato K chroma with their MadVR and the guidance spells that out. Something they may be underselling is 8K capabilities. If people want to enjoy what will undoubtedly be expanding 8K offerings from K-scape, only an 8K ready MadVR will suffice. Of course, you’d need an 8K capable display, but that’s another matter!

 

[Imakeller]

Lastly, the native 4K GUI on the K is quite awesome, just wish the V was equipped with this as well.

Major improvement! The lack of 4K GUI on the V was a letdown. Do you notice any difference in navigation smoothness or speed with the Strato K too, or is it just 4K now?

 

[Darthbishop79]

Not gonna be a popular assessment but it sounds like V was a beta-tester model, K is born from it.

 

[9riffTX]

I did have an old fashioned with brunch today, but I’m afraid that’s just a sweet iced tea. But Cinema 77 rules require glassware, so there you go.

And yes, thank you, I love my coasters! I won them in a raffle here. I haven’t won a prize in 37 years, so I’m really thrilled with them.

Does it light up amber when your network hiccups?