DarbeeVision Darblet Digital Video Processor (media included)

[Blzer]

I'd like to introduce a device to some of you who would like to squeeze out a little more "pop" to their high-definition displays. I got two of these about four years ago, and haven't looked back.

http://www.amazon.com/DarbeeVision-D.../dp/B00A2ORV5G

UPDATE (3/29/16): Only sold right now by third party sellers on Amazon, but the official website has a new version for $250, and excellent customer support: http://www.darbeevision.com/products/dvp5000s

Feel free to read any reviews you'd like. There are a few other members on OS who also have this device and can also attest for its abilities, even if subtle (and that's the operative word in all of this).


<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SuOC0GcU0HU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


(Select 1080p & fullscreen if possible. Skip to about the 4-minute mark if you want to watch the Darbee effect.)


0% Darbee
80% Darbee







Side-by-side comparison (full effect @ 120%)




It is a device that has an algorithm designed to enhance contrasting images, which gives and appearance of a sharper picture without the unwanted artifacts that the sharpening tool does with your TV screen. It leaves away the jaggies, mosquito noise, etc. Video calibrators do their job with screens, then apply a bit of this for that last bit of what you always wanted your TV to give you. It provides a certain kind of depth and pop to your image, and really when you turn it on it almost feels like your TV was hazy before and is not after you use it.

Three big things about it, though:

• The cleaner the source (or the better calibrated your image), the better off you'll be taking advantage of it.
• The effects will be more significantly pronounced on a bigger screen. Obviously, that means 100"+ projector screens get the most benefit from it.
• On The Show, the crowd will get the most benefit from this thing, but whenever you can get grass blades on your screen you'll love the difference even from far away, and you'll see a lot of little parts on every player that get a clarity boost as well.

[Blzer]

Re: DarbeeVision Darblet Digital Video Processor (media included)

OP updated with video.

[Steve_OS]

Re: DarbeeVision Darblet Digital Video Processor (media included)

Interesting, never heard of this thing. How does it connect?

[Blzer]

Re: DarbeeVision Darblet Digital Video Processor (media included)

Interesting, never heard of this thing. How does it connect?

The original piece of hardware is very very small, like a few S6 Galaxy's stacked together.







You'll see it there, but basically there's power, then HDMI in and HDMI out. DarbeeVision wised up and made a much more built and robust unit that basically looks like any other player with everything in the back, but it's $499. Not for me haha.

It accepts HDMI 1.0 up to 1080p/60, and 4:4:4 color space. They have not yet gone 4K (not sure what their plans are for it). I believe I mentioned I have two of them? I use them for two separate television sets, but at one time I used them on one television set and daisy-chained them. One of them was set on the HD preset mode at maybe 40%, and the other one was set at Full Pop at about 10%. The result was very cool. I think that had the best effect of all. Only problem there was that my other TV didn't get to use it haha, so I put them back.

I don't remember what the return policy is exactly (unless you buy from Amazon, then you know what it is). but this thing used to be $299 and people were biting the bullet. I think I somehow got it at $269, and loved it so much I got another one. You can obviously see what the results are from the video, I'm not tricking you guys at all, so maybe just decide from there whether it's something you're interested in. Obviously though the effect can only truly be experienced on your own television set.

As far as other OS'ers who own this, off the top of my head I believe PhilliesFan13 bigfnjoe96 have it, and I think another forum member named robinson had it (I only remember that because that's my last name, so imagine the coincidence there haha). I think authentic used to have one, but he goes 4K now so he might have rid his. Other members have asked me about it either online or through PM, not sure if they ever picked it up.

Like I said, read Amazon reviews (I haven't read them yet myself, but I trust them), check AVS Forums, and you can keep asking me about what it can and can't do. I for one love this thing and would always recommend it for those who need it. For example, one of the people who PM'ed me about it mentioned they have a 42" 720p LCD screen and watch cable on it (with some PS4 gaming), and I did not recommend this product for them unless they went for a bigger, badder set and planned to watch some film as well. That's just my personal opinion, though of course I'm selling this to people on just a YouTube video for The Show.

[dubplate]

Re: DarbeeVision Darblet Digital Video Processor (media included)

This looks awesome. They currently have 5 on Amazon for $199.99. Not a bad price but I just can't justify the purchase at the moment as I've been trying to save money lately.

[Blzer]

Re: DarbeeVision Darblet Digital Video Processor (media included)

This looks awesome. They currently have 5 on Amazon for $199.99. Not a bad price but I just can't justify the purchase at the moment as I've been trying to save money lately.

Now there are four left.

Interesting, maybe people bought them based on this thread haha.

EDIT: Now there are eight left. Maybe four people returned them.

[Jr.]

Re: DarbeeVision Darblet Digital Video Processor (media included)

That's pretty cool. You mentioned someone who had it but has a 4K TV now.. would the effect of this device be eliminated on 4Ks?

I'm in the market for one in the next few weeks, but I'm also interested in this device. But no need to get one if it doesn't help with the 4K screen.

[Blzer]

Re: DarbeeVision Darblet Digital Video Processor (media included)

That's pretty cool. You mentioned someone who had it but has a 4K TV now.. would the effect of this device be eliminated on 4Ks?

I'm in the market for one in the next few weeks, but I'm also interested in this device. But no need to get one if it doesn't help with the 4K screen.

I just don't think it operates with 4K resolution, but I think it works on 4K TV's.

Meaning if you include it in your chain, it will only show a picture if the resolution is 1080p or less. Are you planning on watching any 4K content right now outside of Netflix? Because I imagine video games and Blu-rays will still work just fine. Then again, I don't know about the upscaling process and how that would affect it.

I'll check with you later today on AVS Forums, they might have that answer for you.

[Jr.]

Re: DarbeeVision Darblet Digital Video Processor (media included)

I just don't think it operates with 4K resolution, but I think it works on 4K TV's.

Meaning if you include it in your chain, it will only show a picture if the resolution is 1080p or less. Are you planning on watching any 4K content right now outside of Netflix? Because I imagine video games and Blu-rays will still work just fine. Then again, I don't know about the upscaling process and how that would affect it.

I'll check with you later today on AVS Forums, they might have that answer for you.

Yeah, the only 4K content would be from Netflix, Hulu (if they have any, not sure about that) and other streaming services.

Thanks for the help, I'll do some research as well.

[PhilliesFan13]

Re: DarbeeVision Darblet Digital Video Processor (media included)

I own this as well. Have for the past few years, and can tell you that everything Blzer is saying is truth. Darbee is awesome.

[Blzer]

Re: DarbeeVision Darblet Digital Video Processor (media included)

Yeah, the only 4K content would be from Netflix, Hulu (if they have any, not sure about that) and other streaming services.

Thanks for the help, I'll do some research as well.

So, here's what I found out:

Your Darblet will not provide a picture for anything that is feeding it 4K. So if your BD player or receiver is sending 4K through HDMI, it won't show a picture. However, send it something 1080p or less, and it will show a picture, even if your TV is doing some upscaling (because that is after the Darblet).

Will upscaled content look good with the Darblet's algorithm? No idea. But the 4K TV will be just fine, as it technically has nothing to do with the TV being 4K more so than it has to do with whatever signal is going through the Darblet at the time.

So maybe it's something you look into for gaming, cable, and Blu-rays?

[HypoLuxa13]

Re: DarbeeVision Darblet Digital Video Processor (media included)

What about input lag? Logically speaking, adding another layer of video processing is going to introduce additional lag, especially if that processing is in the form of an additional device to route the signal through.

[Blzer]

Re: DarbeeVision Darblet Digital Video Processor (media included)

3 microseconds, at most (correct, not milliseconds). Negligible.

I've had two of these daisy-chained before with zero perceptible difference whatsoever, some people have done four. And I'm sure you could search my OS post history on how bitchy I am about input lag. There is no issue in that regard, though that is a very valid concern since it is a processing effect.

[NAFBUC]

Re: DarbeeVision Darblet Digital Video Processor (media included)

Thanks for the info Blzer and excellent research detail.

[COMMISSIONERHBK9]

Re: DarbeeVision Darblet Digital Video Processor (media included)

Is it worth it and how do you connect it