PXLVISION 4K DARBEE Video Processor
Image Credit: Pixelgen
The 4K version of the renowned original Darbee Darblet HD video processor is about to be released by Pixelgen. This new 4K version has an MSRP of $599.00 and maybe pre-ordered on their site here.
The PXLVISION 4K Video Processor is the worlds first standalone 4K Video Enhancement product that uses the 4K DARBEE Visual Presence™ (DVP™) technology. DarbeeVision is the only company that has managed to provide the real time computational image processing solution that can calculate and embed the real disparity depth information for any digital image or video signal as perceived by the human visual system. Providing real image depth improvement together with edge enhancement.
This unique technology uses Intel Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) and the PXLVISION maybe placed at either end of the HDMI connection. It supports HDMI 2.0b (18Gbps), HDCP 2.3, CEC2.0, HEAC and all combinations of 4K resolutions, HDR formats, bit depths, frame-rates and sub-chroma sampling. It may be controlled by the front panel push-button interface and IR/Remote Control for DVP strength and menu navigation. Additional control is available via the downloadable iOS/Android app that uses two way Bluetooth communications which Pixelgen plans to provide in depth control and display of a range of features to include: full DVP control, information feedback and Extended Display Identification Data (EDID) management providing users information on exactly what signals are passing through the PXLVISION, at all times. The rear USB-C power connection also doubles as an in-field firmware port for future updates.
According to Pixelgen; “DVP is compatible and complementary to all existing image fidelity factors and technologies. No matter how many pixels, colors, dynamic range, or frames per second, DVP always creates “Best in Class” image quality and realism.”
Technical Specifications:
Features:
- DARBEE 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
- Made In Canada (Designed and Manufactured)
Video Standard Support:
- 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 color 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
Connectivity (Rear):
- Ultra HD (Type A) Input, Ultra HD (Type A) Output
- USB-C Power Supply
- IR input 3.5mm (1/8″ Mini Plug) Stereo Jack
- MicroB USB Firmware Port
Control (Front-panel):
- Front-panel IR Sensor window & Darbee Up/Down Push button control
- Remote Control (Included)
- Downloadable iOS/Android Mobile App
Accessories:
- Remote Control (IR) with batteries
- IR Extender Cable
- DC Power Supply (9V/3A USB-C) with regional adapters
- 1.5m(4.9ft) Pixelgen Ultra HD Cable
- MicroB USB Cable
Environmental & Regulatory:
- Safety: CE, UL
- EMI/EMC: FCC Class B – Section 15
- Environmental: RoHS, WEEE
- ESD Rating: IEC 61000-4-2 Level 2 (8kV Contact)
- Typical Power: 15W, Max Consumption: 18W
- Operating Temperature: 0 to 70°C
Limited Warranty:
- 3 Years
Availability:
Estimated shipping date 09/21.
UPDATE 9/22/2022: According to PXLVISION sales Release date is now 2023 due to IC availability. Pre order will be opened at a later date.
For further technical details see their web site here.
See my original post here.
This unit supports all video factors including 3d tv
Thank-you
Van,
Thank you for clarifying the 3D support. I think that all other standards are covered above in both the final paragraph and specifications.
Paul
Hi, will this 4k unit, enhance a dvd SD upconverted image from a 4k blu-ray player. We’re would this processor go between the 4k blu-ray and, the Amp. Or from the Amp to the TV (vava chroma 4k projector) ?. Please advise, Thank You.
Hi Thomas,
As Darbee processes the video image data it will enhance any video signal that it can handle. This will include upconverted SD. This works with my Darbee Darblet but the enhancement for an SD to HD upconverted signal is not very great. Only worthwhile if the SD source is a really good one. To be honest I would not use the Darbee products for enhancing upconverted SD to 4K as there may be too many upconversion artifacts in the image. Many older SD discs have significant edge enhancement etc.
The position of the 4K Darbee processor depends upon your setup:
1. If the AVR/Processor/Pre handles 4K sources then it would go on the AVR’s main video output that is feeding the projector or TV. If you do not want processing you can simply turn it off with its remote. The Darbee is passthrough when not processing.
2. If the AVR DOES NOT handle 4K (like my Denon AVP A1) I feed my projectors two inputs as follows:
My Oppo 203 that I only play SD and HD on feeds my Darbee Darblet and that feeds input 2 on my projector (JVC RS40). The Oppo 203 creates a 1080P24/60 signal even for SD.
My Oppo 205 that I only play 4K on feeds the projector directly on input 1. (I have no 4K Darbee yet. If I did I would place it on the output of the Oppo 205 feeding the projectors input 1, like the 203.
The two Denon AVR main video outputs feed the Oppo 203 and Oppo 205 external inputs so that I can select external on either of them to see the AVP menus and other DVD players that are connected to the Denon.
All audio is handled by the Denon AVP using the separate HDMI audio outputs from each Oppo.
Remember that you need to place the Darbee processor somewhere that it can receive its remote signal.
I hope that the above helps. If not please feel free to e-mail me with any other questions.
Thank you for visiting my site. Stay healthy and have a happy holiday.
Regards
Paul
Any estimated time on availability of the 4k Darbee
Hi Jason,
I haven’t read anything as to the availability of this unit. Strangely their web site now says “Out Of Stock” on the product page but the main page still stays Pre Order Now! I will contact them to see what they have to say.
Regards
Paul
Hi Jason,
I just heard back from PXLVISION sales and the unit is not going to become available until sometime in 2023. This is due to the limited availability of IC components. Something that is out of their control and I am sure is a direct result of COVID.
So its just going to be be a waiting game. If you contact them directly they will put you on their wait list.
Regards
Paul.
Bonjour Monsieur,
J’aimerais savoir quand le Processeur vidéo PXLVISION 4K DARBEE sera disponible car je possède un lecteur bluray
OPPO UDP 203 qui ne règle pas la netteté et réducteur de bruit.
Je vous remercie cordialement.
Lallement André
Bonjour Lallement,
Je n’ai reçu aucune mise à jour de Pixelgen depuis un bon moment maintenant. Le Drabee 4K est toujours affiché en précommande et en rupture de stock sur le site Pixelgen. Veuillez contacter jack@pixelgendesign.com pour les dernières informations.
J’espère qu’il pourra aider.
Merci d’avoir visité mon site.
Désolé si mon français est un peu rouillé !
Salutations
Paul
And for my English readers:
Hello Lallement,
I have had no updates from Pixelgen for quite a while now. The Drabee 4K is still showing as Pre-Order and out of stock on the Pixelgen website. Please contact jack@pixelgendesign.com for the latest information.
I hope that he can help.
Thank you for visiting my site.
Sorry if my French is a little rusty!
Regards
Paul