I have always maintained all signal chains as pristine as possible by NOT inserting or using any form of video processing to the native 1080P24 HD or 3840P24 signals. I rely on the player to provide the original source material as it was transferred to the media and an accurately calibrated projector to display it with the correct color temperature, SMPTE color coordinates and gamma; no adjustments are made to it for preference.

However, I broke this lifetime rule after I saw the technical performance of the Darbee Darblet HD video presence processor. This small box provides impressive improvements in detail and edge sharpness with negligible negative measurable or observable impacts to any test signals. Yes, it can be misused just like any other enhancement device and it will clearly show its negative presence, but with just a small amount of enhancement, I feel the positive effects to the perceived image more than outweigh any negative side effects.

Darbee Darblet Video Processor

At the time of writing there was no 4K version of this device and it is yet to be seen that when such a device is released just what kind of improvements it will provide.

UPDATE-3/18/2021: A 4K version by Pixelgen has now been developed see my original post here and further details here. This new 4K version will cost $599.00 and maybe pre-ordered on their site here.

Image Credit: Pixelgen

Brief Technical Specifications:

• ARBEE Visual Presence™ (DVP™) enhancement of UHD 2.0b video formats
• Integrated 802.11ac 5GHz Wi-Fi for Pixelgen iOS/Android App Control
• AutoDVP™ Programming: Customize automatic format-dependent DARBEE levels
• Dimmable Front panel Darbee-status Indicators (DARBEE Level 0-100%, 10% Increments)
• HDCP 2.3/2.2/1.4 Copywrite Protection
• Consumer Electronics Control 2.0 (Source/Sink Passthrough) & Audio Return Channel Passthrough
• Dimensions: 6 7/8″(175mm) X 5 1/2″(140mm) X 1 1/4″(32mm)
• Aluminum Casing
• Rubberized feet for clean AV cabinet use
• Max High-speed Bit-rate: 17.91Gbps/5.94Gbps per/CH (4K60 8-bit 4:4:4)
• 4K60/50/30/25/24, 1080p120/60/50/24, 720p60/50, 1080i60/50 (With DVP™)
• Standard Dynamic Range: 4K SDR formats with sub-chroma sampling up to 4:4:4, 60 frames per second & 12-bit colour depth
• High Dynamic Range: 10-bit 4K HDR formats (HDR10, HDR10+, Hybrid Log Gamma) at 60 frames per second with DVP™ enhancement available with future firmware release
• Colour space: BT.2020, BT.709, BT.601

My DVDO iScan VP50pro is now only used to provide technically accurate test and alignment signals over HDMI.