iScan VP50PRO
DVDO iScan VP50PRO FAQs
- What is the iScan VP50PRO?
- What are the differences between the iScan VP50PRO and the VP50?
- What video inputs does the iScan VP50PRO have?
- How does the iScan VP50PRO handle different input signals and how can these signals be output from the iScan VP50PRO?
- What signal does the iScan VP50PRO output?
- What audio formats can the iScan VP50PRO support?
- Tell me more about the HDMI connections on the iScan VP50PRO
- What kind of aspect ratio control does the iScan VP50PRO offer?
- How do I configure the VP50PRO when it is used with a fornt projector that has an anamorphic lens?
- What VRS™, Video Reference Series, technologies are incorporated into the iScan VP50PRO?
- Tell me more about the lipsync correction on the iScan VP50PRO
- Does the iScan VP50PRO have an On Screen Display (OSD)?
- Tell me more about the frame rate conversion feature on the iScan VP50PRO
- What do the different frame rate options mean?
- How does the iScan VP50PRO detect incoming signals?
- What kind of power supply does the iScan VP50PRO come with?
- I have an A/V receiver to handle the switching of my A/V sources. How should I hook up the iScan VP50PRO in my set-up?
- Will the iScan VP50PRO improve the picture quality of standard definition channels from my satellite system (DSS)?
- What does the color of the power LED on my VP50PRO mean?
The DVDO® iScan™ VP50PRO is the world's first HDMI 1.3 enabled audio/video processor. The iScan VP50PRO is a high-definition video processor and A/V hub that converts standard definition, high definition (including 1080p) and PC signals from your DVD player, HD-DVD player, Blu-ray Disc player, HD DVR, game console or PC to any output resolution between VGA and 1080p, including popular HDTV resolutions such as 720p and 1080i.
The VP50PRO serves as your complete A/V hub, providing audio/video switching (with HDMI 1.3 compatibility) that simultaneously eliminates A/V lipsync and allows a one wire connection to your display or AV receiver.
The iScan VP50PRO brings three new Video Reference Series, VRS, technologies from Anchor Bay. The first is Mosquito Noise Reduction which reduces random noise which appears along the edges of compressed images. The second new technology is Fine Detail Enhancement which extracts fine detail in low resolution or compressed images. The third new technology is Edge Enhancement which sharpens edges without adding ringing. These algorithms are functional on all processed input signals (SD/ED/HD). Additionally, the iScan VP50PRO includes 10-bit Precision Deinterlacing™ and Precision Video Scaling™, PReP™ (Progressive ReProcessing), Progressive Cadence Detection™, Rightrate™ and Precision AV LipSync.
2. . What are the differences between the iScan VP50PRO and the VP50?
The iScan VP50PRO offers these additional features, above and beyond the features of the iScan VP50:
- Mosquito Noise Reduction - Reduces random noise which appears along the edges of compressed images.
- Fine Detail Enhancement - Extracts fine detail in low resolution or compressed images
- Edge Enhancement - Sharpens edges without adding ringing
- Two Programmable 12V Triggers
- THX Video Certification - The First and Only Processor to earn this Certification
- ISF ccc Certification
- Enhanced Anamorphic Lens Support
- Upgradeable to HD-SDI (with Optional Input Module)
Please see the iScan Comparison table for a detailed list of differences between the iScan models.
3. What video inputs does the iScan VP50PRO have?
The iScan VP50PRO has 2 Composite video inputs, 2 S-video (Y/C) inputs, 2 Component video (YPbPr) inputs, 1 RGBHV/Component video (BNCs) input, 4 HDMI 1.3 inputs, and 1 optional SD/HD-SDI Dual Input Module.
2 Composite video inputs |
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2 S-Video (Y/C) inputs |
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The composite and S-video inputs accept standard definition NTSC (480i) and PAL/SECAM (576i) signals. These standard definition signals are deinterlaced and scaled by the iScan VP50PRO.
2 Component video (YPbPr) inputs |
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(The component inputs also have an additional sync connector 
to accept RGB/S signals, commonly found in Europe).
The component inputs accept YPbPr or RGB/S formats. 480i and 576i signals are deinterlaced and scaled, 480p, 576p, 720p, and 1080i inputs can be scaled. Any signal that is processed can be output from the iScan VP50PRO as either an analog (component or RGB) or digital signal (component or RGB).
For example, a video source device which can output standard definition interlaced (480i/576i), standard definition progressive (480p/576p) and/or high definition (720p/1080i) can be attached to just one component input and the iScan VP50PRO will adapt to the input signal with the correct behavior. This is called "AutoVFR™", for Automatic Video Format Routing.
1 RGBHV/ |
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The RGBHV/Component input on the iScan VP50PRO will accept and process standard definition progressive (480p/576p), high definition (720p/1080i) and VGA/SVGA/XGA/SXGA computer signals at 60 Hz. Any signal that is processed can be output from the iScan VP50PRO as either an analog (component or RGB) or digital signal (component or RGB). All other input resolutions can be passed through to the analog output. Signals that are passed through will have exactly the same output resolution, color space and frame rate as the input signal.
4 HDMI 1.3 inputs |
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The HDMI inputs on the iScan VP50PRO will accept and process standard definition interlaced (480i/576i), standard definition progressive (480p/576p), high definition (720p/1080i/1080p) and VGA/SVGA/XGA/SXGA computer signals at 60 Hz. The HDMI inputs can accept a signal with RGB 4:4:4, YCbCr 4:4:4, or YCbCr 4:2:2 colorspace. All other input resolutions can be passed through to the digital output.
The iScan VP50PRO does process an HDCP-encrypted signal and output the signal on the HDMI output with the HDCP encryption intact. If the input signal is HDCP-encrypted then the analog outputs of the iScan VP50PRO must be turned off for legal constraints.
If the incoming signal is not HDCP protected, and if it is at a resolution of 480i/p, 576i/p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p, or VGA/SVGA/XGA/SXGA computer signals at 60 Hz, then it can be scaled by the iScan VP50PRO and output as an analog (component or RGB) or digital signal (component or RGB).
If your source has a DVI output (and no HDMI output), a DVI-to-HDMI adapter or cable will be needed to connect this source to the VP50PRO. The same is true, if your display does not have an HDMI input, but does have a DVI input. Typically, DVI sources and displays only use RGB 4:4:4 colorspace.
4. How does the iScan VP50PRO handle different input signals and how can these signals be output from the iScan VP50PRO ?
The iScan VP50PRO can deinterlace standard definition interlaced (480i/576i) signals and high definition (1080i) signals and scale progressive (480p/576p/720p/1080p) signals. The iScan VP50PRO can also scale PC signals (VGA, SVGA, XGA, and SXGA @ 60Hz) on the RGBHV and HDMI inputs. Any signal that is processed can be output from the iScan VP50PRO as either an analog (component or RGB) or digital signal (component or RGB). Any digital input signal that has HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) can only be output as a digital signal.
| Input Signal | What iScan VP50PRO does to the signal | Component Output | RGBHV Output | HDMI Output |
| Composite Video (480i/576i) | Deinterlace /Scale | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| S-Video (480i/576i) | Deinterlace /Scale |
Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Component Video (480i/576i) | Deinterlace /Scaled |
Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Component Video (480p/576p) | PReP/Deinterlace/Scale | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Component Video (720p) | Scaled | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Component Video (1080i) | Deinterlace/Scale | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Component Video (all other resolutions) | Passed Through | No | No | No |
| Component Video (480i/576i on RGBHV/Component Input) | Passed Through | No | No | No |
| Component Video (480p/576p, 720p on RGBHV/Component Input) | PReP/Deinterlace/Scale | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Component Video (1080i on RGBHV/Component Input) | Deinterlaced /Scaled | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Component Video (all other resolutions on RGBHV/Component Input) | Passed Through | Yes | No | No |
| RGBHV (VGA/SVGA/XGA/SXGA@60Hz on RGBHV/Component Input) | Scaled | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| RGBHV (all other resolutions on RGBHV/Component Input) | Passed Through | No | Yes | No |
| HDMI/DVI (480i with HDCP) | Deinterlaced / Scaled | No | No | Yes |
| HDMI/DVI (480i without HDCP) | Deinterlaced / Scaled | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI/DVI (480p/576p/720p with HDCP) | PReP/Deinterlace/Scale | No | No | Yes |
| HDMI/DVI (480p/576p/720p without HDCP) | PReP/Deinterlace/Scale | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI/DVI (1080i with HDCP) | Deinterlaced /Scaled | No | No | Yes |
| HDMI/DVI (1080i without HDCP) | Deinterlaced /Scaled | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI/DVI (1080p with HDCP) | PReP/Deinterlace/Scale | No | No | Yes |
| HDMI/DVI (1080p without HDCP) | PReP/Deinterlace/Scale | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI/DVI (VGA/SVGA/XGA/SXGA@60Hz) | Scaled | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI/DVI (all other resolutions) | Passed Through | No | No | Yes |
5. What signals can the iScan VP50PRO output?
There is one analog output and one HDMI 1.3 output. Only one output is active at a time.
The analog output colorspace can be either RGB or component, YPrPb. Sync options for the output video include separate H & V syncs, separate composite sync, or sync on the video. Sync on video can be either bi-level or tri-level sync. In addition, the separate sync signals' polarity can be inverted if required. To use the iScan VP50PRO with a cable terminated with RCA connections, you will need RCA-to-BNC adapters.
The digital output colorspace can also be either RGB or component, YCbCr. Additionally, when component colorspace is selected, the sub-sampling can be either 4:4:4 or 4:2:2 and the user can also choose between 601 and 709 color gamuts These options may be limited by the display that you connect to. The sync on the H & V syncs can also be inverted. If your source has a DVI output (and no HDMI output), a DVI-to-HDMI adapter or cable will be needed to connect this source to the VP50PRO. The same is true, if your display does not have an HDMI input, but does have a DVI input. Typically, DVI sources and displays only use RGB 4:4:4 colorspace.
The iScan VP50PRO is fully configurable with respect to output resolution and aspect ratio. There are 35 factory-defined presets. Predefined formats include 480p, 576p, 540p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p, VGA, SVGA, XGA, SXGA, various plasma resolutions (852x480, 1280x768, 1024x1024 ALiS, 1365x1024, etc.), DLP resolutions (1280x720, 1024x576), various LCoS resolutions (1400x1050, 1365x1024, etc.), and various CRT resolutions (1440x960, 1440x1152, etc.).
Alternatively, it is possible to easily define an output format. This can all be done from the front panel of the iScan VP50PRO or with the On Screen Display (OSD) using the remote control without the need to use any PC-based programming tools. The iScan must be 'Advanced' user mode to have access to these settings. Typically, you'd probably just start from one of the predefined formats and modify it to fit your needs. For instance, if you need 854x480 instead of 852x480, you can just increase the horizontal active video area by 2 pixels.
6. What audio formats can the iScan VP50PRO support?
The audio section of the iScan VP50PRO supports S/PDIF formatted audio with sample rates ranging from 24kHz to 192kHz. It will likely handle sample rates beyond this range, but is only guaranteed to support sample rates within this range. The iScan VP50PRO will pass digital audio having any bit-depth resolution up to 24 bits, at all supported sample rates.
The iScan VP50PRO will also pass compressed digital audio (e.g. Dolby Digital or DTS) provided the audio bitstream has been properly formatted for S/PDIF (IEC60958 or EIAJ-CP1201 standard) transmission by the digital audio source (according to international standard IEC61937). The iScan VP50PRO does not alter the sample rate, format, or content of the digital audio whatsoever; it merely inserts a programmable delay into the transmission path.
Users should take care to use proper digital audio cables in order to guarantee valid audio reception and re-transmission. Both coax and optical cables should have high-quality, positive mating connectors at both ends. Coax cables should have a 75-ohm characteristic impedance. The use of couplers or other types of adapters to extend the digital audio cabling is not recommended.
The HDMI inputs will also accept audio, given that the video signal is on the same input. If the audio format is Dolby Digital, dts, or PCM then the audio available on the HDMI output from the source will be available at optical/coaxial digital outputs. Excluded formats include Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, dts-HD, MLP (DVD-Audio) and DSD (SACD) which SPDIF connections are incapable of carrying due to bandwidth limitations. The HDMI 1.3 output does support high-bit rate audio and the audio delay function, Precision AVLipsync, is also available on high bit-rate audio.
There are some HDMI sources that do not output the correct audio signal when connected to an HDMI repeater, like an AV receiver or video processor. In these instances, we recommend that use an alternative method of sending audio, like the optical or coaxial digital audio outputs.
7. Tell me more about the HDMI connections on the iScan VP50PRO
The HDMI inputs on the iScan VP50PRO can process 480i/p-60, 576i/p-50, 720p-50/60, 1080i-50/60, 1080p-24/25/50/60 and VGA/SVGA/XGA/SXGA@60Hz. The HDMI input and output connectors on the iScan VP50PRO are backwards compatible with DVI-D inputs and outputs when used with an HDMI-to-DVI adapter or cable.
Most sources that have an HDMI output also carry HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection). If this is the case, the analog outputs on the iScan VP50PRO must be turned off. This is a legal constraint. If the incoming signal does not have HDCP and it is one of the resolutions that the iScan VP50PRO can process, this signal can be output as an analog signal with either RGB or component colorspace at any resolution between VGA and 1080p.
Note that if you have an HDCP source and a non-HDCP display, you will probably not get a picture, whether or not you use the iScan VP50PRO.
8. What kind of aspect ratio control does the iScan VP50PRO offer?
The iScan VP50PRO offers full control over the input and output aspect ratio.
Input aspect ratio
With respect to input aspect ratios, a full range of control is offered by the iScan VP50PRO. There are 4 predefined input aspect ratio settings:
- 4:3 Full Frame: to watch 4:3 content while preserving the aspect ratio
- 4:3 Letterbox: to watch 4:3 Letterbox, non-anamorphic, content full screen with no geometric distortion on a 16:9 display.
- 4:3 Non-Linear Stretch (Panorama): to watch 4:3 content stretched to fill a 16:9 display. In this mode, the image is distorted such that most of the stretching occurs at the side of the image, not the center.
- 16:9 Full Frame: to watch 16:9 anamorphic content while preserving the aspect ratio. This mode can also be used to watch 4:3 content on a 16:9 screen, although the image will be stretched horizontally
You may also specify any other active aspect ratio for the input by manually zooming/panning the input image. This also allows the user to reformat the image in any way desired, so the iScan VP50PRO doesn't enforce a set of fixed aspect ratios.
If you would like to zoom in on the image to remove the small black letterbox bars found with a 1.85:1 source on a 16:9 display, then you can simply do so without having to guess at the numeric aspect ratio which would do this. The user can define and save up to ten input aspect ratio presets.
Output aspect ratio
The iScan VP50PRO supports 4:3, 5:4 and 16:9 and 2.35:1 output aspect ratios, which are the aspect ratios of the majority of systems today. Additionally, the user can define a screen aspect ratio between 1.01:1 and 3.00:1. The iScan VP50PRO also supports the use of both constant height and constant width configurations. The iScan VP50PRO is Panamorph™ Compatible.
9. How do I configure the VP50PRO when it is used with a front projector that has an anamorphic lens?
The Output Aspect Ratio controls of the VP50PRO allow the User to define the aspect ratio for the display/projector, lens, and screen independently.
For a constant-height configuration where the lens is fixed in front on the projector, the 'Lens' mode needs to be changed based upon the aspect ratio of the content that is being viewed. For content that has an aspect ratio of less than 2.35:1 the correct 'Lens' mode is 'Mode 2' and for all content that has an aspect ratio of 2.35:1 or more 'Lens - Mode 1' is correct. Display profiles can be used to save these two modes.
For a constant height configuration where the lens is moved out of the way of the projector for all content that is not 2.35:1, the user only needs to select 'Lens - Mode 1 Auto'. This preset will automatically define the display as '16:9' and the screen as '2.35:1'. Additionally the VP50PRO can control an anamorphic lens with a 12V trigger by connecting to Trigger #2 on the back of the VP50PRO and changing the 'Output Setup - Trigger 2' setting to 'Lens'. All of the aspect ratio controls are now done with Input Aspect Ratio controls. If the content that you are viewing is formatted in a 4:3 aspect ratio, like standard definition broadcasts, than the Frame aspect ratio should be set at '4:3'. If the content is anamorphically enhanced or high definition, than the correct Frame aspect ratio is '16:9'. The 'Active Area' parameter controls how the content with picture information (versus black bars) and formats it correctly. If the content that you are watching is 2.35:1 content, than the correct 'Active Area' is 2.35:1. Although if the content that you are watching is 1.78:1 (16:9), than the correct setting is '1.78:1'. The user can also define a custom aspect ratio (within a range of 1.01:1 - 3:1).
10. What VRS™, Video Reference Series, technologies are incorporated into the iScan VP50PRO?
The iScan VP50PRO incorporates Anchor Bay's Mosquito Noise Reduction, Fine Detail Enhancement, Edge Enhancement, Precision Deinterlacing™, Precision Video Scaling II™, PReP™ (Progressive ReProcessing), Progressive Cadence Detection™, RightRate™ framerate conversion, AutoCUE-C™, and Precision AV LipSync™
Mosquito Noise Reduction
Video compression is a commonly used technique to squeeze more video content onto a disc, or beam down more channels via satellite, or transmit more channels over a cable. By using video compression content providers can achieve better economies of scale and offer the consumer more video content - e.g. more channels, bonus materials, etc. The problem with nearly all video compression methods is that too much of it causes compression artifacts. These artifacts are often seen by the viewer as ugly ringing around text letters or noise - often called mosquito noise.
To counter this Anchor Bay has developed a proprietary method of selectively removing mosquito noise. Unlike some methods of noise reduction that often makes the image worse by removing too much detail or causing blurring during motion, Anchor Bay's Mosquito Noise Reduction is designed to isolate the most objectionable of artifacts without removing detail or causing motion blur. To do this Anchor Bay had to devise a proprietary method of both isolating and predicting areas in the image where this noise is likely to occur. The end result is a highly effective noise reduction method that is impervious to motion, yet, largely maintains the integrity of the detail in the image through our conservative approach in removing video compression artifacts.
Unprocessed
With Mosquito Noise Reduction
Fine Detail & Edge Enhancement
Sharpness controls are not new in the world of video - nearly every TV sold in the last 20 years features a sharpness control. However, sharpening controls merely accentuates medium detail at the expense of fine detail and often adds horrible "halos" around the edges and lines. While this trick was a reasonable approach for standard definition TV, when screen sizes were well under 30 inches, today's large screen TVs and HDTVs have made traditional sharpness controls highly undesirable since the damage they cause is now magnified with such larger screens. In addition, traditional sharpening controls tend to exaggerate any noise in the image by making it more pronounced so noise becomes even more pronounced when viewed on a large screen HDTV.
Anchor Bay has designed VRS Precision Detail & Edge Enhancement with large screen HDTVs in mind. Using patent pending technology, VRS Precision Detail & Edge Enhancement is able to isolate areas of the image where hard edges are prevalent and increase fine details without adding halos or ringing. The net effect is quite extraordinary - images have more "pop" and fine detail such as blades of grass or even the pores on an actor's face are drawn out making your large screen HDTV even more enjoyable. Moreover, VRS Precision Noise Reduction can be used to remove objectionable ringing and noise in the image before using VRS Precision Detail & Edge Enhancement to draw out the fine details in the image."
Unprocessed
With Fine Detail Enhancement
With Edge Enhancement
Precision Deinterlacing™
Anchor Bay's 10-bit Precision Deinterlacing delivers the image quality demanded by today's large-screen, high-resolution displays. It eliminates many of the artifacts found in common deinterlacers to produce a smooth image, free of artifacts such as jagged edges and combing. VRS Precision Deinterlacing features five-field motion-adaptive deinterlacing and edge-adaptive processing for video sources, along with advanced cadence detection for film and animation sources. All processing is performed at full 10-bit resolution to preserve all the detail and subtle nuances in the video source. Edge-adaptive processing uses an adaptive, continuous-angle detection algorithm to accurately identify and smooth image edges.
Unique, "any-cadence" processing automatically locks to the wide variety of film and animation cadences found in current video sources, including non-standard cadences, and will track right through many types of "bad edits" and cadence changes. VRS Precision Deinterlacing also features operating modes for special video applications, such as low-latency processing for video games.
Precision Video Scaling™
Anchor Bay's 10-bit Precision Video Scaling technology is based on Anchor Bay's proprietary video scaling engine that can independently scale an image horizontally and vertically to achieve an outstanding picture quality for today's high resolution video displays. The scaling engine is completely flexible, accepting standard definition (480p, 576p) and high definition (720p, 1080i and 1080p) inputs and outputting any resolution from VGA (640x480) to 1080p (1920x1080) with multiple standard and custom aspect ratios. Since the scaling engine is completely flexible, other image manipulation features are also supported including zoom, pan and border controls.
The Precision Video Scaling technology was first deployed in Anchor Bay's DVDO® iScan™ HD. It has recently been designed into Denon's flagship DVD player, the DVD-5910 and is being designed into products that require exceptional video scaling performance available in the market.
PreP™, Progressive ReProcessing
Anchor Bay's Progressive ReProcessing (PReP™) is the video processing industry's first processing method that significantly improves progressive video signals and removes artifacts caused by inferior interlaced-to-progressive conversion.
Video signals that originate in an interlaced format are often degraded by artifacts incurred when the signal is converted from interlaced to progressive formats by general purpose chips in DVD players, AV receivers, and set-top boxes. Until now, there has been no way to improve these signals to optimize images on high-resolution displays. Poor interlaced-to-progressive conversion is especially problematic with large-screen HDTVs, as upscaling to higher resolutions often amplifies artifacts created in the conversion process, making them more noticeable.
As a solution to this problem, Anchor Bay introduces PReP, an advanced video processing technology that reverts the progressive video signal output from source equipment to its original interlaced format. PReP then converts the interlaced signal to progressive format, this time applying the source, edge, and motion adaptive algorithms in its Precision Deinterlacing™ technology to eliminate jaggies, combing, and other degrading effects. PReP technology allows 480p, 576p, 1080p/50, 1080p/60, and other formats to be processed by this method.
Progressive Cadence Detection™
Film-based content, which originated at 24 frames per second, is broadcast at 50 or 60Hz. Anchor Bay's Progressive Cadence Detection can lock on to the original 3:2 cadence in the broadcast, reacquiring the original 24 frames per second. This signal can then be output at a source-locked 24, 48, or 72Hz eliminating the judder that existed in the original broadcast signal. Progressive ReProcessing can be used with 480p, 576p, 720p and 1080p input signals.
RightRate™
Anchor Bay's RightRate technology converts the input frame rate to the optimal display frame rate without causing 'tearing' in the output frame. Anchor Bay's high performance frame rate conversion also supports converting film sources from 24 frames per second to 48, 60 or 72 frames per second for NTSC format and from 25 frames per second to 50 or 75 frames per second for PAL/SECAM format. The higher frame rates eliminate flicker in high-end displays such as CRT front projectors. In addition, driving displays at 48 or 72 frames per second (NTSC) and 75 frames per second (PAL) often results in smoother motion in panning scenes.
Anchor Bay's RightRate technology is extremely flexible, allowing the output frame rate of the video source to be changed to precisely match the frame rate requirement of today's high resolution displays.
AutoCUE-C™
Anchor Bay's AutoCUE-C technology automatically detects and removes chroma artifacts that are caused by incorrect upsampling of the chroma (color) signals by MPEG decoders in DVD players and satellite receivers. These artifacts are especially noticeable as horizontal streaks in images with highly saturated colors. When the artifacts are removed, the resulting picture quality is significantly improved, providing a much clearer and true-to-life image.
Precision AV Lipsync™
Anchor Bay's Precision AV LipSync technology is designed to automatically delay the audio signal to match the video processing delay in other Anchor Bay products. As a result, the AV Lipsync problem that is caused by video processing delay is eliminated. If required, the audio delay can also be further adjusted to correct any AV Lipsync problem that may be already be present in the AV source.
The iScan VP50PRO also uses Precision Gamma Correction™ which allows the user to get optimal performance from their display. Precision Gamma Correction™ allows individual adjustments to the gamma curves of the red, green, and blue elements that exist in all current display technologies.
11. Tell me more about the lipsync correction on the iScan VP50PRO
The iScan VP50PRO has 4 discrete digital audio inputs (2 optical and 2 coaxial) and 1 analog audio input (L/R) each of which can be assigned to any of the video inputs. The HDMI 1.3 inputs can also accept audio, if the video signal is on the same input. The iScan VP50PRO is also compatible with high bit-rate audio. If the incoming HDMI signal has HDCP, then the iScan VP50PRO can not output this audio using the optical or coaxial digital outputs, only the HDMI output. When you switch to a particular video input, then the audio input which has been user-assigned to that video input will also be selected. For example, when you switch to Video 1, then the audio input which has been user-assigned to Video 1 will also be selected.
The digital audio outputs provide a delay which matches the video processing delay of the iScan VP50PRO. Note that this delay will vary depending on the current configuration and processing mode of the iScan VP50PRO. 50 Hz sources will require a different amount of delay than 60 Hz sources, and frame rate conversion requires more delay than no frame rate conversion.
The correct audio delay for all inputs is set automatically, so you need to do nothing extra to match audio and video delays. In addition, there is a user-adjustable delay which can be added or subtracted on top of the automatically set delay for problem sources.
Anchor Bay's digital audio technology is called "Precision AV Lipsync™".
12. Does the iScan VP50PRO have an On Screen Display (OSD)?
Yes, there is an OSD that allows you to control all of the major parameters: output resolution, input and output aspect ratio, frame rate conversion, picture controls, and audio delay
There's also a 2 line, 20 character display on the front panel, mainly for initial setup purposes when you may not have a picture on your display yet.
13. Tell me more about the frame rate conversion feature on the iScan VP50PRO
There are 3 basic operating modes for frame rate (or vertical frequency) conversion:
- Source-lock mode where the output frame rate exactly matches the input frame rate.
- Arbitrary output frame rate which is not locked to the input.
- Progressive source-lock mode with frame rate conversion to an even multiple of the source frame rate. 24 Hz film-source material using a 3:2 pulldown pattern can be output with 2:2 pulldown at 48 Hz or 3:3 pulldown at 72 Hz. 25 Hz film-source material using a 2:2 pattern can be output using 3:3 pulldown at 75 Hz. These output rates are fully locked to the original 24 or 25 Hz source rate and are not actually 'floating' as with several other scaler products which offer 72 or 48 Hz output frame rates without really locking to the original film source rate.
14. What do the different frame rate options mean?
- First of all, note that there are separate settings for 24Hz, 25Hz, 50Hz and 60 Hz sources. This allows you, for instance, to configure the iScan's output to behave differently with NTSC, PAL and 1080p-24 sources. One potential advantage of this is that if you have a display which only works at a single frame rate - say, 60 Hz - that you can have the iScan run in locked mode (see below) for 60 Hz sources but convert all 24 and 50 Hz sources to the 60 Hz frame rate the display needs.
- Locked mode (1:1). This means that the iScan's output frame rate tracks the input rate - i.e., the output rate is locked to the input rate. In the 1:1 mode - i.e., 60 Hz source-locked to 60 Hz, and 50 Hz source-locked to 50 Hz, 24Hz source-locked to 24Hz - there is always exactly one output frame for every input frame/field. This mode has the advantage that there are never any dropped or repeated frames (unless the source itself does this). One disadvantage of this mode is that when the video source is changed, the iScan has to re-lock to the new input signal timing. This causes a disruption in the iScan's output signal while the locking process occurs, and can cause many displays to loose sync to the iScan's signal and temporarily blank.
- Unlocked mode. This means that the iScan's output frame rate is independent of the input rate. Regardless of any variations in the input, the output frame rate will be fixed at the specified value. This mode results in the most stable output signal as it's independent of any changes in the input signal. Unlike the locked mode(s), the iScan's output signal timing will not be disrupted when the input source is changed. However, it's guaranteed to cause dropped or repeated frames as the input and output frame rates are not the same. Note that regardless of what number the unlocked output frame rate is set to, it will never be identical to the input rate in this mode as the output signal timing is independent of the input timing. These dropped/repeated frames can result in visible irregularities in smooth motion, sometimes called motion judder or stutter.
- Locked mode (2:2 or 3:3). For standard definition interlaced sources the iScan can detect 2:2 and 3:2 pulldown cadences and convert these to either a 2:2 or 3:3 frame repetition rate. The main advantage of this is for 60 Hz sources using 3:2 pulldown, as the irregular 3:2 pattern can be converted to 2:2 at 48 Hz or 3:3 at 72 Hz. In these modes, each original film frame is repeated exactly 2 or 3 times, respectively, and motion is therefore smoother. Note that these modes are only useful when the video source is film-based - i.e., 3:2 pulldown for 24 Hz film on 60 Hz sources, and 2:2 pulldown for 25 Hz film on 50 Hz sources. If the source is not film-based, then the end result is a lot like unlocked mode without that mode's stability advantages.
- Motion-judder test pattern. The iScan has a built-in test pattern generator to help you determine which frame rates your display supports. This is the test pattern with the vertical bar which pans horizontally back and forth across the screen. Note that this test pattern is used to determine the capabilities of your display, and does not provide any indication of motion smoothness (or lack thereof) in the iScan's output. The test pattern is used with the unlocked output mode of the iScan. You set the (unlocked) output frame rate to be the one you're testing your display for, and observe if the back and forth panning motion of the test pattern is smooth or if it jerks or stutters. If the former, then the display supports that particular resolution and frame rate without performing any frame rate conversion of its own; if the latter, then the display is performing frame rate conversion on the signal.
- Examples. These configuration options provide a lot of flexibility to deal with differing source and display characteristics. Let's look at a few examples:
a) The display only supports 60 Hz input. In this case, the iScan must produce a (nominal) 60 Hz output. For 60 Hz sources you can run in either 1:1 source-locked mode, or in unlocked mode with the output frame rate set to approximately 60 Hz. You might choose unlocked mode if the display takes a long time to re-sync to new inputs and you channel-surf a lot. Locked mode will provide the smoothest motion and guarantee no dropped or repeated frames. For 50 Hz sources, you'd set the iScan's output to unlocked with a (nominal) 60 Hz frame rate. This will result in some motion irregularities as the iScan periodically repeats frames to convert the 50 Hz input to the 60 Hz output rate, but since the display only supports 60 Hz inputs there's not much you can do.
b) The display only supports 50 Hz input. This is the opposite of case A, and the required configuration is also the opposite - i.e., the output frame rate for 60 Hz source should be set to 50 Hz unlocked, and the rate for 50 Hz sources can be set to either 1:1 locked or unlocked at 50 Hz (for all the same reasons noted in the first example).
c) The display supports a wide range of frame rates (e.g., a CRT projector). In this case you can configure things most any way you like. If motion judder with 3:2 pulldown bothers you, then use the iScan's 48 Hz or 72 Hz source-locked output options for film-based 480i/1080i sources. If not, then 60 Hz locked is a good choice. For 50 Hz sources, unless you notice display flicker at 50 Hz, you'd probably want to run at 50 Hz locked to avoid repeated/dropped frames.
d) A digital display supports a narrow range of frame rates, either around 50 Hz or 72/75 Hz. If the display supports both 50 Hz and 48 Hz, and the primary use of 60 Hz source is film-based material, then you would likely want to configure the iScan as 48 Hz source-locked for 60 Hz sources, and 50 Hz locked (or unlocked, if desired) for 50 Hz sources. If the higher frame rate (72/75) is desired or required, then both source types can be configured for the 3:3 source-locked output option. For non-film material you may find that there's too much motion stutter, although that tends to be a very personal thing as not everyone perceives this the same way (as with low frame rate display flicker).
15. How does the iScan VP50PRO detect incoming signals?
The iScan VP50PRO has been designed to detect which of the thirteen possible input devices is turned on and is generating an active signal, and then to automatically switch to that input. With this capability, you can switch inputs simply by turning one input device on or by turning another device off.
The iScan VP50PRO also includes an "Input Priority" option which specifies which of the inputs to use when they are multiple active inputs.
There is also automatic source detection, so you can let the iScan VP50PRO do the switching if you wish. When you select an input source, one of the selections is "Auto", which is the iScan's automatic source switching. When in auto mode, the iScan VP50PRO will consult an internal priority list for the inputs (the list is user-configurable) and will choose the highest priority input that has an active signal.
16. What kind of power supply does the iScan VP50PRO come with?
The iScan VP50PRO comes with a universal 6VDC @ 7A AC to DC external power adapter, which accepts 100-240 VAC at 50/60Hz.
17. I have an A/V receiver to handle the switching of my A/V sources. How should I hook up the iScan VP50PRO in my set-up?
It is not necessary to route all the video signals through your A/V receiver. While this can be convenient, the iScan VP50PRO can also handle all the video switching for you and will also maintain A/V synchronization for all audio signals you choose to feed through it. In general, it's a good idea to minimize the amount of video switching that you're doing and the number of components that a video signal is routed through - i.e., you may not want to route everything through the receiver.
If you run your video and audio sources to the iScan VP50PRO first, you can then use the switching capabilities of the iScan VP50PRO instead of the A/V receiver. The audio output, either Optical/Coax or HDMI (with video), of the iScan VP50PRO can feed the A/V receiver and it can then do the audio processing (outside of simple audio delay to match A/V sync). In the case of an HDMI connection to the AV Receiver, you will also need to send video out of the AV Receiver over HDMI to your display. All video processing modes in the AV Receiver should be defeated, if possible.
An alternate method would be to use the A/V receiver as the audio switcher and run a single digital output to the iScan VP50PRO. To do so, the receiver needs to have a digital processing loop - i.e., you can select a source with the preamp, send it out a digital output to an external processor of some sort (in this case, the iScan VP50PRO), and then send it back into the preamp for audio processing. The iScan VP50PRO will provide an audio delay which exactly matches the video processing delay. The A/V receiver will do everything else. There are very few receivers with this kind of functionality.
If the A/V receiver has a global delay function, then you could use this to delay the audio to match the video. However, you'll have to match the delays yourself, and you won't make use of the iScan VP50PRO ability to change the delay based on the type of video processing being performed.
18. Will the iScan VP50PRO improve the picture quality of standard definition channels from my satellite system (DSS)?
Picture improvement of heavily compressed standard, and even high, definition satellite channels is often very subjective, and depends to a great deal on exactly which aspects of the image are objectionable. The iScan VP50PRO does incorporate three new technologies that do specifically address this issue: Mosquito Noise Reduction, Fine Detail Enhancement and Edge Enhancement.
One artifact of compression is mosquito noise. This kind of compression noise is apparent along the edges of compressed images, especially text. Anchor Bay's Mosquito Noise Reduction can significantly reduce this noise providing an appreciably better picture. Additionally, Anchor Bay's Fine Detail Enhancement can extract fine details in the image that were masked by this compression. Finally, Anchor Bay's Edge Enhancement can improve the perceived sharpness of the image without adding additional ringing.
19. What does the color of the power LED on my iScan VP50PRO mean?
iScan VP50PRO power LED color table:
| LED | Description |
 |
Standby Mode or Front Panel Brightness set to 0 |
 |
(Red/Solid) No Signal Received |
 |
(Green/Solid) Unknown/Unsupported Signal Received |
 |
(Blue/Solid) The iScan VP50PRO is processing the input |
 |
(Blue/Blinking) The iScan VP50PRO is processing the HDCP input signal but the display is not HDCP compliant (DVI or Analog) |
For additional product support, contact Anchor Bay:
Toll free: 1-866-423-DVDO (3836)
Email: help@anchorbaytech.com
Office hours are 9am-5pm PST Monday-Friday excluding holidays.
