Campbell, CA — July 6, 2006 – DVDO, by Anchor Bay Technologies, Inc. (ABT), announces first customer shipments of the DVDO iScan VP20 video processor and A/V Hub. This 1080p capable video processor builds on the success of the iScan VP30 by providing the same high-quality image enhancement technologies. Pricing of the iScan VP20 makes the component ideal for lower priced HD displays in mid to high-end home theater systems and consumers who want to dramatically improve their system performance. While the VP30 offered a wide array of “tweakable” options for videophiles and serious HD enthusiasts, the iScan VP20 features a slightly lower combination of inputs and outputs, along with simplified menu structures in the OSD for mainstream consumers.
The DVDO iScan VP20 utilizes an array of processing technologies from Anchor Bay’s recently launched Video Reference Series (VRS) brand. VRS Precision Video Scaling II technology incorporates 10-bit scaling, enhanced sharpness controls and non-linear scaling. The 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. Since the scaling engine is completely flexible, other image manipulation features are supported including complete pan and zoom capability to position and/or stretch an image on the screen, overscan, underscan, and border controls to eliminate “black-bars” by filling the entire screen.
“The DVDO iScan VP20 further entrenches DVDO as a leading manufacturer of system-level video processing solutions by providing a quality lower cost option not yet seen in this performance category. The VP20 offers tremendous value to customers because it delivers ‘Best in Class’ performance at a much lower price point than the competition, making it a valuable addition to the growing DVDO and Anchor Bay Technologies family,” said Senior Director of Worldwide Sales and Marketing for DVDO, Gary Chappell.
Anchor Bay’s VRS RightRate technology present in the VP20 converts the input frame rate to the optimal display frame rate without causing ‘tearing’ in the output frame, a process that eliminates flicker in high-end displays and results in smoother motion during panning scenes. VRS AutoCUE-C technology automatically detects and removes chroma artifacts that are caused by incorrect upsampling of the chroma (color) signals by MPEG decoders. These artifacts are especially noticeable as horizontal streaks in images with highly saturated colors. When the artifacts are removed, the resulting picture quality provides a much clearer and true-to-life image.
The iScan VP20 features nine video inputs: three HDMI, two Component, two S-Video, and two Composite. Each video input has separate picture controls allowing the user to set their own parameters for each input to achieve the best picture from every source. Standard and custom aspect ratios can also be setup and then “one button selected” giving users many options for fitting and viewing an image on their display. The iScan VP20 also serves as an audio switcher and router, featuring seven digital audio inputs and one analog that can be assigned to any of the video inputs to allow one button switching of both audio and video together. Each one of the audio inputs on the iScan VP20 employs Anchor Bay’s VRS Precision A/V Lipsync which eliminates the annoying audio/video delay common on many displays. The three HDMI inputs accept both audio and video, allowing one simple connection for sources like a DVD player, high definition set top box, D-VHS or the next generation game consoles.
The iScan VP20 processes both analog and digital SD and HD signals so that all video signals can be routed to the display with a single connection thereby reducing the amount of cables needed to connect all video sources to a high definition digital display. This affords the maximum connectivity options for consumers who wish to incorporate their legacy analog sources into a theater setup with new digital based receivers and displays. The iScan VP20 allows the user to precisely match their display’s native resolution to any resolution between 480p and 1080p, including 720p or 1080i, and has many preset output resolutions for plasmas, LCD, DLP, LCOS and CRT-based displays.
The VP20 also accepts the new VRS Precision Deinterlacing Card (ABT102) featuring source, edge, and motion adaptive deinterlacing for “Best in Class” performance. Serving as a complete A/V hub, the iScan VP20 provides simultaneous audio/video switching with high definition Video Processing in a single cable connection.
An elegant front panel designed to complement the most sophisticated home theater systems will allow the iScan VP20 to blend seamlessly with other components (optional silver faceplate). An optional rack-mount kit is available for home theater systems that utilize an equipment rack.
The iScan VP20 is currently available for volume shipment to authorized DVDO Resellers and customers and carries a U.S. MSRP of $1,699.
For more information on DVDO, please visit www.dvdo.com.
Anchor Bay Technologies Inc. (ABT) designs, manufactures, and markets semiconductor and system-level solutions for the next generation of Digital Television and Digital Video electronic products. Headquartered in Campbell, California, ABT is the parent to DVDO Home Theater Products and the creator of the proprietary DVDO iScan line of video processing systems. Anchor Bay Technologies’ Precision Video Scaling technology is based on ABT’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.
