JoeRod

8/20/14

So instead of releasing a new full size component video porcessor DVDO has decided to do an "add on" accessory unit. It is definitely a more cost effective route. The good news is this little guy gets the job done and then some. It has plenty of nice features and adjustments that are pertinent to Ultra HD or 4K as we call it these days. The number one I notice is Ringing Suppression. This reduces blooming on sharper edges. This drastically reduces jaggies and helps suppress that halo look. I am seeing the cleanest looking image with NFL football I have seen to date. The Output Smoothing setting helps smooth artifacts from scaling. My other "eye candy" feature or setting really makes the lines on the field stand way out! When you set the Enhancements section to HIGH (which by the way you have different User settings you can do for your viewing habits) the Edge and Detail Enhancements really bring out details by sharpening edges. Now keep in mind I am using a Darbee built in an Oppo 103D which gives the perfect one two punch! Still have doubts? No problem, the 4K Mini has a cool demo mode which shows you to see the difference. I have had countless components in my rack that upscale to 4K and none so far have matched the pristine image of the VRS Clearview scaling chip in this compact scaler. You also can do Digital Audio stripping to an Optical output! They squeezed a lot of features which results in impressive performance in this little box...

DVDO iSCAN MINI 4K ULTRA HD ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM

It's hard to discern the positive effects in images but trust me when I say the devil is in the details! You can even make out the individual strands in Troy Polamalu's hair! Close ups have that in your face effect which really makes you feel like you are on the sideline. Sure the results may vary somewhat per display but there is enough adjusting to find the sweet spot for everyone. Mine is using the 4K Mini as an add on accessory with the DVDO Duo and of course the Darbee with the 103D.

Looking at the clean OSD you can see it is simple to navigate. The remote is small and logical. It gives immediate access to Test Patterns, the Enhancement User Settings, Scaling and general Info and Menus. You will want to invest in the Monoprice IR Extender (model 8060). Click or Tap on the pic of it to the right to go to Monoprice. Good news is this baby only costs a few bucks! They also carry them on Amazon. My seat is about 20 feet away and I didn't have a single issue controlling the 4K Mini. The pic above shows the EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) which shows what resolutions the display is capable of. Sometimes you have to force a signal and this allows it. Awesome being able to see it on your screen. 

Yes the 4K Mini works with Blu-ray 3D and 2D. It passes the 1080p/24 signal through without issue. I don't recommend it but you could send in 1080p/60 to get the effect of the 4K Mini. At this time I am mainly liking it with the Xbox One and of course DirecTV. In conclusion if you get one and have any issue make sure you contact DVDO. They have terrific customer service and are very helpful making sure you are getting the best image possible. And after all, isn't that what it is all about? The 4K Mini is proof the grass is greener on the other side!

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   JOERODHOMETHEATER.COM

Click the DVDO logo to hit their site and read about the 4K Mini. There you can also see the user manual and read more about this cool product!

EQUIPMENT USED FOR ALL OR PART OF THIS REVIEW:

SONY VPL-VW1100ES 4K PROJECTOR, VUTEC SilverStar Curved 3D 133" Screen, McIntosh MX151 A/V Control Center, Marantz AV8801, OPPO BDP-103D Blu ray, Simplay Labs DVDO DUO VP, XBOX ONE, DARBLET, DirecTV Genie, Xbox 360, PS3, Monster Power HTS 5100, Oppo 103 Blu ray,Sony S790 Blu ray player, MonsterVision 3D glasses, Sony 3D glasses, Parasound HALO A51 Black AMP x 2, Antec Component Coolers, Speakers: MARTIN LOGAN STAGE X Center, THEOS (Left and Right), VANQUISH (Surrounds), AXIS (Backs), Subwoofers- Martin Logan DESCENT i, BG Woofer SW210, Dayton APA150 Sub AMP x 2, 8 Aura Pro Bass Shakers, 8 Black Seatcraft Venetian Home Theater Chairs, Remote: Harmony 1100. Monster 1000 HDX Ultimate HDMI cables top to bottom. And two Monster 35 foot HDX Hyperspeed HDMI cables.

Thanks again to my amazing Wife for her love and support of this addictive Hobby!

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@joerodhometheat