madVR Labs Enhances Its Envy Processors With Directly Integrated, Seamless AV Device And Screen Masking Control

August 30, 2024

Press Release

madVR Labs LLC, a leader in cutting-edge video processing technology, is proud to announce the rollout of a new test firmware build, now available to all Envy customers. This latest update marks another industry-first for the company in an extensive line of continuous innovation, bringing groundbreaking functionality by enabling control of AVRs (Audio/Video Receivers), AVPs (Audio/Video Processors), displays, and several Screen Masking Systems directly from the madVR Envy video processor.

This new capability eliminates the need for costly and complex control systems when these systems are otherwise used primarily for these purposes, making sophisticated home theater control accessible to a broader audience. When a dedicated control system is not included in a project, the Envy can now provide direct control over these supported devices, ensuring a seamless user experience. For projects using a dedicated control system, however, the Envy also supports direct IP control with these systems, such as Crestron Home, Crestron, Control4, Savant, and RTI, using free drivers available from the madVR Labs’ website at https://madvrenvy.com, enabling even deeper integration possibilities.

Enhanced Display and Projector Control
The firmware update introduces the ability for the Envy to manage display and projector functions directly. The Envy can now, for example, automatically switch display picture modes for supported displays based on whether the content is HDR or SDR, ensuring optimal picture quality at all times. Additionally, the Envy can automatically recall preset lens memory zoom positions for supported projectors based on the aspect ratio, with control over the timing when watching content with variable aspect ratios. This feature eliminates the need to manually adjust the lens position with the projector remote every time the aspect ratio changes, offering convenience for users who prefer lens zoom over digital auto aspect ratio control and not using a dedicated control system.

Advanced AVR and AVP Integration
The Envy can also now manage supported AVRs and AVPs with unprecedented ease, allowing users to assign Envy source profiles to recall specific settings based on the selected HDMI input on their AVR, and can also switch the HDMI input based on the Envy profile selected. Also included is the ability to overlay a volume bar within the content itself, offering a better-integrated and visually appealing volume display compared to traditional AVRs, without causing aspect ratio changes due to the volume bar's positioning. Additionally, some AVRs do not provide any volume overlay, making this feature particularly valuable. Moreover, the Envy remote control can be used to change the volume or mute the audio, providing further convenience and control directly from the Envy.
 
Seamless Screen Masking System Integration
The new firmware also brings powerful integration with supported Screen Masking Systems. The Envy can now direct these masking systems to adjust to the correct aspect ratio based on the content’s native aspect ratio, as detected by the Envy in real time. This feature supports both types of masking systems: those that use recalled preset positions for fixed aspect ratios, and those capable of adjusting to any aspect ratio without the need for presets. The Envy supports masking systems that communicate via both IP and serial connections, ensuring broad compatibility.

Users can easily configure how the Envy handles aspect ratio changes, including setting delays for content with variable aspect ratios and choosing a preferred fixed aspect ratio for the remainder of the movie to prevent frequent switching of the masking. The integration also works seamlessly with the Envy’s Non-Linear Stretch (NLS) feature, allowing users to fine-tune their viewing experience, if desired, with a combination of masking and NLS.

Supported Devices
This functionality is available for supported devices, with more coming soon. The currently supported devices, subject to change and to further testing, include:

AVRs/AVPs1

• Acurus [Certified for Envy]: All models.
• Anthem [Certified for Envy]: (Most models since 2016 including: MRX 520/540/720/740/1120/1140, AVM 60/70/90).
• ARCAM [Certified for Envy]: AV41, AVR31, AVR21, AVR11 and similar models.
• JBL Synthesis [Certified for Envy]: JBL Synthesis SDP-58, SDP-75, SDR38 and similar models.
• StormAudio [Certified for Envy]: ISP Elite, ISP Core, ISP Evo.
• Trinnov Audio [Certified for Envy]: Altitude 16 and Altitude 32.
• Sony: All models with IP control since 2014.
• Lyngdorf: MP-40/50/60. TDAI-3400 and TDAI-1120, TDAI-2170 likely.
• Denon & Marantz: All models with IP control since 2015.
• Mark Levinson: No502.
• Monoprice: HTP-1.
• NAD: T758/T777/T778.
• Onkyo, Integra, and Pioneer: Wide range of models.
• Yamaha: Most models since 2011.

Displays1

• Barco: All pulse-based models.
• Sony: GTZ380, XW7000ES, XW6000ES, XW5000ES, VW1025ES, VW995ES, VW885ES, VW325ES, VW715ES, VW295ES, VW695ES, VW285ES, VW675ES, and all Sony ADCP protocol models overall.
• Epson: New units: QB1000, QL3000, QL7000. Older units: LS12000, LS11000, LS10500, 6050UB, 6040UB, 5050UB, 4050UB, 5040UB, 4040UB, LS10500.
• JVC: RS4200/NZ900, RS3200/NZ800, RS4100/NZ9, RS3100/NZ8, RS2100/NZ7, RS1100/NP5, RS3000/NX9, RS2000/NX7, RS1000/NX5, RS640/x990, RS540/x790, RS440/x590, RS620/x970, RS520/x770, RS420/x570, RS600/x950, RS500/x750, RS400/x550, RS49u/x500, RS4500m RS4910, RS6710 and likely all models with an Ethernet port.
• Christie: Implementation planned soon.

Screen Masking Systems1

• Display Technologies: Dynamic.
• Screen Research: Reference X-Mask.
• Stewart Filmscreen CVM.
• Stewart Filmscreen BRIC (requires IP to serial bridge).
• Xtrem Screen: CineMask (implementation planned soon).

1More models and devices may be supported than listed. Some models and devices are not yet verified/tested. The devices are preliminary and subject to change.

Available Now
This firmware update is available now for all Envy customers and is directly installable from the Envy Firmware menu. For more information, see Envy Academy Online Lesson 430: "Controlling Devices with the Envy" at https://madvrenvy.com/lesson/430 which covers integration of AVRs and projectors, with a new Academy Lesson on masking control to be released soon.

This update further solidifies the Envy's position as a versatile and powerful tool for home theater enthusiasts and professionals alike, delivering not only the ultimate in picture quality but also unrivaled convenience, native support for 3rd party devices, and ease of use.

The madVR Envy Extreme MK2 and the newly announced Envy Core will be on display by the madVR Labs team at CEDIA 2024, Booth 2938, from September 5-7, 2024, in Denver, Colorado. These products will also be featured in a dozen high-end booths and demo theaters across the show floor. We invite you to meet our team and discover how the Envy can elevate your home theater and media room experience.