We often get queries from potential customers asking for clarification on the differences between the three models in the Lumagen range. This little document will hopefully clear things up.

Lumagen DVI: The DVI shares the same form factor as the HDP. Internally there are some differences. The DVI uses a lower performance FPGA than the HDP. The FPGA is the area where the bulk of the clever Lumagen processing is done. The DVI also doesn't have the stand off pins fitted to allow retro-fitting of SDI input and BNC output options. These need to be ordered and fitted in the factory if they are required. From a performance point of view the DVI is limited to outputting a maximum resolution and refresh rate of 1366x768@60Hz. It can output lower resolutions at higher refresh rates as long as they are within it's bandwidth limitations. The component inputs and DVI inputs will accept 720P and 1080i HD signals for de-interlacing and scaling. While film detection is carried out on the SD sources it is not on HD sources in the DVI model. The scaling algorithm accuracy is to 8 bits on DVI, but the analogue output is 10bit just as the other units are.

Lumagen HDP: Same form factor as the DVI. Internally it is fitted with connectors to allow in field retro-fitting of SDI input board or BNC output board. The HDP has a more powerful FPGA that is the same as the HDP Pro's. This extra processing is systematically being tapped by the Lumagen engineers. Currently they are developing new 10bit scaling and sharpening algorithms. These will not be able to be run on the DVI only on the HDP and HDP Pro. Film detection for 1080i HD sources is almost complete and should be available in future downloads. Again this is beyond the processing power of the DVI. The output resolutions available on the HDP are all the way up to 1920x1080P@60Hz.

Lumagen HDP Pro: The HDP Pro has a full width form factor and incorporates an LCD display to aid set up when in a rack away from the display. The larger case allows superior connectivity over the HDP and DVI. The Standard Definition BNC analogue inputs on the Pro can be configured for component, s-video or composite. Used in conjunction with the HD component inputs the s-video sockets can be used to allow RGBHV from PC or RGBcvS from Scart. SDI inputs and BNC outputs are standard on the PRO. The HDP and Pro share the same processing capabilities as they have same FPGA and SD de-interlacing circuitry. The Pro has superior internal power supply sections and the true 75ohm analogue pathway will mean that on a high resolution CRT projector you should see an improvement in image quality with a Pro over an HDP. The Pro comes with two sets of high quality RCA to BNC component cables and two sets of s-video to BNC cables. Rack mount ears are also provided.

If you have questions about any of this or about Lumagen products in general, please feel free to email us at helpme@convergent-av.co.uk

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