MadVR or Lumagen

[zsigmund]

I have seen a lot of information on video processors and MadVr and Lumagen are the ones that keep coming up. Does anybody have one? If so which one and is it worth it?

 

[DaveN]

The answer is highly dependent system specific as to the benefit of a video processor. As to which is better....

 

[DLCPhoto]

I have an Envy Extreme, which provides the features I need and want (Geometry Correction and MotionAI), in addition to the 'Core' processing features (Dynamic Tone Mapping for HDR, automatic Aspect Ratio and Subtitle Management, and others). The Core models are fine for most theaters at a much lower price point than the Extreme.

For me it is definitely worth it - I wouldn't consider having a theater without one (especially if when a scope screen is being used).

The Envy vs Lumagen topic usually gets quite heated, and I won't go there. Both are good products, with good teams behind them, with some important differences in the feature set and other areas. My choice indicates my preference. Others are quite happy with their Lumagens. Feel free to PM me to discuss in more detail.

 

[Mike_S]

I've had a Lumagen since September of 2019 and it has served me well. I echo the sentiment of not wanting to be without one for any projector-based setup, especially with a scope screen. I would consider a MadVR if Lumagen didn't exist, but given that I don't care for Motion Interpolation and don't need Geometry Correction, I prefer not to spend the extra thousands of $.

I would expect that you would be thrilled with either should you decide to purchase one. I am definitely an advocate for a video processor in a home theater.

 

[cinelife]

Being a Lumagen dealer I'm biased, but I agree with above comments. I believe Lumagen owners are happy with their choice, and MadVr owners are likewise happy with that line. The value in adding either to your particular system depends on the equipment you are current using (as Dave noted above).

Jim

 

[thrillcat]

Yeah, I'm going to post this and unfollow the thread because these can turn fast.

Lumagen and MadVR are the two that keep coming up because they're the two major players, if not the only players. They are, in my opinion, an essential tool for projector owners.

I own a Lumagen, and am also biased as such. Neither are inexpensive, but looking at the product lifetime and amortizing the cost, I think the Lumagen is the much better value.

• MadVR
  • offers a couple features listed above that the Lumagen does not and likely won't do
  • is essentially a PC running software
• Lumagen
  • offers a product life cycle that is unheard of in this hobby, the Lumagen Radiance Pro was released over 10 years ago and continues to receive feature updates for free via firmware updates
  • the new Lumagen model is due around end of year, which is being designed as a new platform of the future for the product
  • is a custom built appliance built on FPGAs instead of off the shelf PC hardware

I bought my Lumagen to add dynamic tone mapping to my previous projector that didn't offer it. What I realized is that it offers a ton more functionality for my theater than DTM. As a user with a 2.40:1 screen, the auto aspect ratio detection and control is essential now that I've experienced it. No more imperfect lens memory adjustments, waiting for the lens to settle in. It's now instant. And so much more, but those are the huge features.

Both systems provide more granular calibration capabilities than those built in to projectors and other displays. The MadVR goes deeper on this, Lumagen claims to stop where the human eye can perceive the increase in precision.

Anyway, if you have a projector, especially if you have a scope screen, you should dive much deeper in to the features of each and select the one that matches your needs.

 

[Johnraiders]

Lumagen user and vote hear, as mentioned above firmware continually developed and its all free updates,
MadVR probably has a prettier user friendly front end, but is more expensive.
Until a few recent shows I'd never seen a good picture from MadVR, but clearly both equal to each other.

 

[LoveCinema]

If you want to get into a more specific conversation on advantages you may see, it'd be best to provide some details about your equipment.

An OLED TV vs. Projector w/Scope Screen are radically different conversations.

 

[DLCPhoto]

Just to clarify a few points:

• All Envy models, regardless of age, get free firmware updates, including added features and functionality
• Some Envy models can be more expensive than some Lumagen models, but the Envy Core, introduced about a year ago, has changed the landscape here completely

Agree 100% with @LoveCinema above - we need to know the specifics of your gear to determine if a video processor is needed at all.