Optimizing 3D's potential using Darbee Video Processors

[Joe D.]

Some might recall I recently connected my bluray player to my a/v receiver after purchasing the darbee DVP 5000s. While the darbee indeed improved the picture, I also noticed the picture appearing a bit brighter despite the overall increased detail, etc.

On a hunch, I turned off the darbee, put on my Disney Wow calibration disc and found the test patterns were off, though my monitor settings had not changed. And when connecting the player to the receiver I made certain to keep the video output adjustment in the "off" mode.

But I learned that didn't mean it was an uncompromised pass through. And the contrast was now clipping because it was impossible to get rid of the invisible stars and squares on the contrast test pattern.

Was able to keep most all my monitor settings while using the receiver's contrast, brightness and saturation adjustments to get the calibrations back again. BUT TO MY SURPRISE I ACTUALLY GOT MORE PRECISE CALIBRATIONS than ever before. Which means one could use the video settings for other components in conjunction with the monitor (always thought that would be overkill and cause distortion).

The picture is better than ever and the 3D has more depth, pop out and detail than ever before. So happy because with the darbee, this is now the second time it feels like i got a new upgrade.

Anybody else make use of multiple sources to fine tune their overall video calibrations? If not, try it.

[Smaugone]

What kind of receiver are you using?

[Joe D.]

Originally Posted by Smaugone

What kind of receiver are you using?

Dennon avr x2100w. Thought keeping video off meant clean pass through. But as said, turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

Flight of the Butterflies looked great a few days ago. Tonight it was stunning and now the 3D really does pop out.

[jrutz]

So you just connected your BD player directly to the TV instead of through the receiver? I'm having trouble following what you did to reach your optimal calibration.

[Joe D.]

Originally Posted by jrutz

So you just connected your BD player directly to the TV instead of through the receiver? I'm having trouble following what you did to reach your optimal calibration.

Hi jrutz,

Originally had the player's HDMI connected to the TV with the coaxial audio to the a/v receiver because I wanted only one device connected to each HDMI input on my set so not to worry if the video outputs from different components required slightly different adjustments. So the Denon had no interplay with video until I got the darbee and wanted it used for all video sources.

[RockyIII]

I'm confused. So you set contrast and brightness using the AVR commands while leaving the tv commands at default??

[Joe D.]

Originally Posted by RockyIII

I'm confused. So you set contrast and brightness using the AVR commands while leaving the tv commands at default??

Hi Rocky,

Nope.

Had my set calibrated when the HDMI was plugged directly into it, with a coaxial going to the receiver only. It allowed me get a close picture/brightnes balance based on the test patterns.

When I got my darbee it was necessary to connect my blu ray and cable box to the receiver and use its single video output because the darbee only had one HDMI input. I wanted it used for cable as well as blu ray.

Made sure the video was set to "off" on the Dennon. With the darbee there was more detail, color and 3D depth yet after a while I sensed the picture was a bit brighter. So with the darbee disabled, I put on the Disney WOW disc and found the contrast pattern clipping, obviously affecting the brightness and saturation. No matter what I tried with the set, could not get the contrast lower.

The Dennon was not passing through an uncompromised video signal.

I returned my set's adjustments to those I made when calibratting it. Adjusted the receiver's picture, contrast and color saturation to resolve the problem - obviously since the receiver caused the problem to begin with. To my surprise, this provided me finer control to precisely meet the requirements of test patterns. The picture is now better than ever and the darbee enhances it even more.

One thing I did not do was check the test patterns with the darbee on. I think the device prevented the picture from being as distorted as it would have been otherwise for it did darken portions somewhat.

[RockyIII]

Is there any difference between Darbee 5000 and Darbee 5000S other than price?

[DB5]

Good question, I purchased the Darbee 5000S before Christmas with the Ebay $15 off $75+ purchase, still waiting on delivery though.
I picked the 5000s because it was an updated version and looked better built, it would be interesting to know if there is a difference in performance between the 2 though.

[RockyIII]

Originally Posted by DB5

Good question, I purchased the Darbee 5000S before Christmas with the Ebay $15 off $75+ purchase, still waiting on delivery though.
I picked the 5000s because it was an updated version and looked better built, it would be interesting to know if there is a difference in performance between the 2 though.

If there is no difference, I can get me a Darbee 5000 used for under $70

[Joe D.]

Hi Rocky,

I have no idea. Got the 5000s and if I recall from the advertising it's advantage was being sturdier in construction, smaller and more convenient to place hidden away.

[RockyIII]

Originally Posted by Joe D.

Hi Rocky,

I have no idea. Got the 5000s and if I recall from the advertising it's advantage was being sturdier in construction, smaller and more convenient to place hidden away.

I think I might go with the older 5000 model then.
What are the GO-TO modes/levels for:
1)Blurays
2)DVDs
3)Low quality streaming
4)High quality streaming

Thanks!

[shield80]

Originally Posted by RockyIII

If there is no difference, I can get me a Darbee 5000 used for under $70

Good price and a Darbee is a must on projectors.

[RockyIII]

Originally Posted by shield80

Good price and a Darbee is a must on projectors.

That is what the feedback seems to point out. The Darbee 5000S is the newer model but I wonder if the only difference in just the slicker shape and not much more. I really dont care what it looks like because it's going behind my new shelf anyway, out of sight

[shield80]

Originally Posted by RockyIII

That is what the feedback seems to point out. The Darbee 5000S is the newer model but I wonder if the only difference in just the slicker shape and not much more. I really dont care what it looks like because it's going behind my new shelf anyway, out of sight

I do think it's no different than the old except newer menus and it looks much nicer than the old one.the old will do the same as the new will.

and the new has HDMI 1.4

For 3D I would have gone for the new one and I know you like 3D but if you watch on your projector I don't know.

[RockyIII]

Originally Posted by shield80

and the new has HDMI 1.4

So does the older darbee 5000

http://www.darbeevision.com/dvp-comparison

[shield80]

Originally Posted by RockyIII

The older darbee 5000 also HDMI 1.4

http://www.darbeevision.com/dvp-comparison

Yea your right.then it will be the same I think, the s is newer with a slicker look and new menus

[RockyIII]

Originally Posted by shield80

Yea your right.then it will be the same I think, the s is newer with a slicker look and new menus

Only difference I see is that the older one does not have 'tactile buttons'

[shield80]

Originally Posted by RockyIII

Only difference I see is that the older one does not have 'tactile buttons'

No the older one has it the newer don't have

[RockyIII]

Originally Posted by shield80

No the older one has it the newer don't have

Either way, nothing to do with the actual image processor/upscaler itself, which is really what I care about.
I am replacing my Sony 45 pj with a new Ultra Short Throw Laser projector so I want to have this before the projetcor is delivered