Bryston SP2 and DVDO VP30 interoperability

lbouchard · « **on:** 15 Jun 2006, 07:45 pm »

I am seriously planning to purchase a DVDO VP30 instead of waiting for the SPV-2. The VP30 had a terrific review from hometheaterhifi.com

And I was wandering if anyone knew if it is possible to control a DVDO VP30 as if it was Bryston SPV-1 via the serial port at the back units?

I believe that using my Harmony 880 to control both equipments would be very unreliable.

"http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/cgi-bin/shootout.cgi?function=search&articles=128#DVDOiScan VP30 HD Video Processor with ABT Precision De-interlacing (HDMI)

gazza982 · « **Reply #1 on:** 16 Jun 2006, 08:18 am »

I use a Lumagen HDP Pro Video processor but have to use Girder on a HTPC to relay info between them. It works well but probably not the solution you are looking for. It also took a bit of time to setup.

alpsy · « **Reply #2 on:** 16 Jun 2006, 09:00 am »

why would the harmony be unreliable? i would have thought it that it would thrive in this environment

cheers,

julie

mv038856 · « **Reply #3 on:** 16 Jun 2006, 09:08 am »

Hi lbouchard!

I wouldn't expect the SP1/1.7/2 to operate directly with an IScan VP30. The most luxerious solution however would be to connect both via the RS232 ports to an AMX/Crestron type control processor and implement the logic, which input and modes to choose when switching on the pre/pro, there. Since I own a Crestron system already that would be the way I would go.

The backside of this solution is that it will most likely cost you more than a VP-30 with SDI and the new scaler card...

Maybe there are other possibilities to control them through their serial ports that cost less...

Markus

Jason Nugent · « **Reply #4 on:** 16 Jun 2006, 12:10 pm »

Keep in mind that the VP30 also does audio switching. You'd run all of your devices into the VP30 for both audio and video. Then you'd run one video output directly to your display device, and one audio output to your SP2. This does make the audio switching of the SP2 redundant. You'd just keep the SP2 turned to whatever that input is. Probably the DVD digital coax input, or something. You could still cycle through the modes on the SP2, and also run any non-video devices like a CD player to the SP2 for two channel listening without needing the VP30. This would still make the two channel bypass mode very useful.

By the way, if you're going for a VP30, definitely get the ABT102 SD deinterlacing card with it.

sikoniko · « **Reply #5 on:** 16 Jun 2006, 05:57 pm »

the only think i dont like about the dvdo solution is that it does not have an hdmi out option for audio. what will you do when you are ready to send an hdmi signal from the scaler to the bryston? so far, the only model I have seen that supports that is the optoma scaler. cant remember the model number, but is external, but also comes with the optoma hd81.

Jason Nugent · « **Reply #6 on:** 17 Jun 2006, 12:34 am »

Quote from: sikoniko

the only think i dont like about the dvdo solution is that it does not have an hdmi out option for audio. what will you do when you are ready to send an hdmi signal from the scaler to the bryston? so far, the only model I have seen that supports that is the optoma scaler. cant remember the model number, but is external, but also comes with the optoma hd81.

The scaler you're referring to is the Optoma VX-3000.

The HDMI audio out is certainly nice, yes, but you do lose the ability to add an SDI input i'm going to bet that by the time the HDMI input feature is available on the Bryston, the VP50 will be out (The VP40 is the VP30 + Precision deinterlacing board, due out in Sept. or Oct, according to the rumours).

DVDO has an awesome trade-in upgrade plan, too.

ec · « **Reply #7 on:** 17 Jun 2006, 03:29 am »

I use the SP 1.7 with the DVDO IScan HD and also feed the digital inputs of my sources (HDTV and SDI DVD Player) through the IScan - works well. I use a Home Theatre Master MX-500 universal and have macros to switch between inputs on the SP 1.7 and DVDO for video and audio and it has been extremely reliable.

Bob15 · « **Reply #8 on:** 17 Jun 2006, 11:36 am »

This thread brings up an interesting thought... I wonder whether Bryston would consider scraping the SPV switcher line and instead "partner" with a company like DVDO or other scaler/switcher technologies (Gennum, etc.). The benefits for a small company like Bryston are obvious:

1. Begins to lay out a solution and provides the foundation for adapting/integrating the SP2 with the new hi-def formats;
2. Lead to a significant increase in SP2 Sales; and
3. Refocuses resources (people, time and money) back to the audio side - the catch phrase being, "leaving the video to the video experts and the audio to the audio experts"

AND.....
There is a precendence here having this partnering approach ala TORUS, Energy PRO and PMC.

How 'bout it James? There seems to be a synergy here.

Jason Nugent · « **Reply #9 on:** 17 Jun 2006, 12:56 pm »

Quote from: Bob15

This thread brings up an interesting thought... I wonder whether Bryston would consider scraping the SPV switcher line and instead "partner" with a company like DVDO or other scaler/switcher technologies (Gennum, etc.). The benefits for a small company like Bryston are obvious:

1. Begins to lay out a solution and provides the foundation for adapting/integrating the SP2 with the new hi-def formats;
2. Lead to a significant increase in SP2 Sales; and
3. Refocuses resources (people, time and money) back ...

What you're describing is similiar to what Anthem did. They used Gennum technologies to create the Anthem D2.

I do wonder about how good an idea it is to put video switching inside the same box as audio processing. I've always been under the assumption that you wanted to keep those things shielded and away from each other.

Bob15 · « **Reply #10 on:** 17 Jun 2006, 02:38 pm »

Quote from: Jason Nugent

I do wonder about how good an idea it is to put video switching inside the same box as audio processing. I've always been under the assumption that you wanted to keep those things shielded and away from each other.

That's not what I was suggesting at all. I would never want Bryston to compromise their philosophical purist approach with adding video circuitry to their box. I was suggesting a better platform than the SPV switcher by partnering with a company like DVDO to develop a "Bryston Certified" (much like the Torus) world class scaler/switcher which would be the basis for a platform to add hi-def audio circuitry to the SP2. Sorry if that was not clear in my previous post.

I'm not that smart so either this has been thought of and dismissed or is in the works.

Jason Nugent · « **Reply #11 on:** 17 Jun 2006, 09:37 pm »

Bob, no problem. I understood you

My comment was more geared toward Anthem's D2 design in which both audio and video processing are in the same unit.

Bob15 · « **Reply #12 on:** 17 Jun 2006, 10:20 pm »

Quote from: Jason Nugent

Bob, no problem. I understood you My comment was more geared toward Anthem's D2 design in which both audio and video processing are in the same unit.

Yep, and the D2 even throws in a radio. EEEEK!

sikoniko · « **Reply #13 on:** 18 Jun 2006, 11:47 am »

Quote from: Bob15

This thread brings up an interesting thought... I wonder whether Bryston would consider scraping the SPV switcher line and instead "partner" with a company like DVDO or other scaler/switcher technologies (Gennum, etc.). The benefits for a small company like Bryston are obvious:

2. Lead to a significant increase in SP2 Sales; and
...

From James's comments, I dont think they really care about that as a driving factor. he seems content with the current sales and his responses indicate that they dont need to do anything to boost sales, as they already have been backlogged since it was released.

then you'll hear that they are a small company and dont have time to put resources on something like that.

dont get me wrong, im happy with my sp2, but i have kind of tamed myself to understand that our wants list might make it onto a future development list that might not happen for some time.

for example, James mentioned that a couple months after the SP2 is released, they would probably be releasing an EQ feature. last time he mentioned it, they havent begun looking into it.

another example, his comments also allude to them staying far from any hdmi activity at the moment. since the sp2 just shipped, i wouldnt expect anything on the hdmi front for 1 - 2 years from byston for our sp2's. if they deliver great, but dont keep your expectations high.

so you can either wait for bryston to come out with a solution or you can purchase something existing and enjoy it now. your choice.

MOZ · « **Reply #14 on:** 19 Jun 2006, 07:40 am »

Has anyone tried the Anthem D2 ?
How does it sound compared to the SP1.7/SP2 ?

alpsy · « **Reply #15 on:** 19 Jun 2006, 12:59 pm »

Quote from: sikoniko

dont get me wrong, im happy with my sp2, but i have kind of tamed myself to understand that our wants list might make it onto a future development list that might not happen for some time ...............

so you can either wait for bryston to come out with a solution or you can purchase something existing and enjoy it now. your choice.

so there lies the tough choice!

julie

sikoniko · « **Reply #16 on:** 19 Jun 2006, 01:31 pm »

Quote from: MOZ

Has anyone tried the Anthem D2 ?
How does it sound compared to the SP1.7/SP2 ?

I have a friend that bought the sp2 when it first came out, then decided to sell it and get the D2. He likes the D2 better. He enjoys the xlr input for his CDP greater than the single ended option that Bryston offers, and with audio being passed over hdmi, he can use THX and or PLIIx for 7 channel matrixing on DD+.

I considered switching, but I feel that the SP2 is not the weakest link in my system, and dont see much point in trying to continually put money in the pre when it could be better used elsewhere. I like the sound of the SSP.

My next step is to consider switching my amps for my l/c/r from Nuforce ref9 to either a 6b or classe 3200. havent made up my mind yet. I have heard that classe, but need to demo the 6b first.

lbouchard · « **Reply #17 on:** 1 Jul 2006, 10:37 pm »

Thank you all for your inputs...
I bought and received my new DVDO VP30 with the ABT102 de-interlacer, the video is superbs
I took me about 2 hours to install, reprogram the SP2 and my Harmony 880 for the new setup.

the 880 does a geat job at driving my home theater setup, but now it is close to impossible to do anything manually, for exemple switching from DVD to normal, because of the complexity of the configuration... I wish my 2 months old kids will be able to manage with the TV in a short while... my wife has already given up!!!