(June 11, 2025) It’s been nine months since Lumagen teased a new flagship video processor called ArtisaN, a first-of-its-kind design promising advanced support of home theater and gaming video demands. At the time, Lumagen painted a picture of a premium-tier processor, poised to build upon its acclaimed Radiance Pro platform using custom hardware, proprietary software, and an entirely new processing architecture. Today, the next chapter begins: Lumagen has released details – official launch details – about its first ArtisaN series product,"ArtisaN 8K Ready," and we've got everything you need to know, including final pricing, upgrade paths, and purchasing details.
ArtisaN first entered the conversation last fall at CEDIA 2024. Designed for high-end home cinema, corporate, and studio environments, the platform was said to combine Lumagen’s existing strengths, like reference-grade Dynamic Tone Mapping (DTM) and scaling, with a future-ready backbone powered by a significantly larger Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). In that initial reveal, Lumagen President Jim Peterson emphasized the company’s goal of preserving “the director’s intent,” positioning ArtisaN as the next evolution in pro-grade video processing. Part of that goal included full 8K/60 and 4K/120 support, while dangling a projected MSRP of $12,995.
Fast-forward to June 2025 and how much of that initial tease still holds true?
Let's start with the name: ArtisaN 8K Ready is a slight alteration of the original "ArtisaN 8K Video Processor," and there's good reason for that. Out of the box, it supports up to 4K/60 video, and includes full compatibility with HDCP 2.3, HDR10, and HLG. It also supports Dolby LLDV sources while introducing Darbee visual enhancement processing for 4K/60 content – a feature not previously mentioned last year.
The processor ships with eight HDMI inputs and two HDMI outputs, featuring Lumagen’s proprietary scaling engine, which, the company claims, scores over 20% higher than competitors on Tektronix PQA600C benchmarks. That makes it particularly potent for standard-def to UHD conversion, not to mention aspect-ratio control in projector-based setups.
As billed, Lumagen says the processor will directly control both Seymour Screen Excellence and Stewart Filmscreen Screen Masking systems, while also delivering Lumagen’s signature DTM engine. This frame-by-frame tone mapping dynamically analyzes multiple regions of content, identifies scene changes, and applies per-frame optimization to HDR content. Producer and AV NIRVANA guest writer Jon Thompson (aka “JonnyFocal”), who works with studios like Walt Disney, says, “This is the best tone mapping I have ever seen… I hope you agree this is the world’s best video processor by a long way. The best just got better.”
On the audio front, ArtisaN includes the same HDMI output jitter reduction circuitry found on the Radiance Pro 5348, reducing distortion at downstream DACs—a non-trivial detail for enthusiasts using high-performance AV processors.
In a shift from the original CEDIA announcement, Lumagen is now offering a tiered upgrade path. While ArtisaN 8K Ready ships with 4K/60 capabilities, customers can unlock higher performance using optional software keys. One, a $500 upgrade, enables 8K/60 and 4K/120 passthrough (HDMI 2.1 switching only). The other, a $2,000 upgrade, adds full 8K/60 and 4K/120 processing, converting the unit to the full-fledged ArtisaN 8K version. This approach lowers the cost of entry while providing buyers with the flexibility to scale performance according to their system needs. It also reinforces Lumagen’s design philosophy: use the FPGA’s modularity to enable future upgrades, including hardware-level image processing and setup features for years to come.
Taking those upgrade fees into consideration, the ArtisaN 8K Ready carries a revised MSRP of $10,995, with an introductory pre-order price of $9,995 available through the end of September 2025. Securing that pricing requires a 50% deposit. Lumagen has also detailed a trade-in program for current Radiance Pro owners, offering increased trade-in value when paired with a pre-order. Dealers have full pricing tiers available and can assist with logistics.
First shipments are expected to begin in Fall of 2025, with software key upgrades available starting in Q4 2025.
For more details or to pre-order, visit www.lumagen.com or contact your authorized dealer.
ArtisaN 8K Ready Specifications:
Video Processing & Resolution Capabilities
- Native processing resolution: up to 4K60 (4:4:4, 12-bit)
- 8K ready: upgradeable via software license
- 8K and 4K120 input/output passthrough
- 8K and 4K120 input/output with full video processing
- Fast source switching between inputs
- Game mode with 3ms video delay (all processing enabled)
Video Features & Formats
- Dynamic tone mapping:
- Industry-leading performance with accurate color fidelity
- Supports HDR10, Dolby Vision LLDV, and HLG
- Desaturates Rec. 2020 content for Rec. 709 or P3 displays
- 21-point 1D LUT and 4913-point 3D LUT for calibration
- 3D video format support (input and output)
- No dropped or duplicated frames
- Provides optimal lip-sync accuracy
- Programmable video delay for syncing with external audio processors
Connectivity & Integration
- IP control support (feature in development)
- Control system integration for home theaters
- Supports Kaleidescape Costar and content type metadata features
- Seymour Screen Excellence
- Stewart Filmscreen
Hardware & Physical Design
- Custom FPGA-based architecture
- 2U rack-mountable chassis with included rack ears
- Backlit remote control included
- Designed for low HDMI jitter and low electrical noise
- Low EMI (conducted and radiated) to prevent system interference
User Configuration & Support
- Four configuration memories per input
- Free firmware/software updates
- Two-year limited warranty (extendable to five years)
- Lumagen’s industry-leading technical support
Related Reading:
- CEDIA 2024: Inside Lumagen’s Video Processing Revolution: Jim Peterson Reveals New 4140 and Artisan Models, Talks About Lumagen's Pro-Level Tech!
- CEDIA Surprise: Lumagen Unleashes New ArtisaN 8K Video Processor
- Lumagen Launches a New, More Affordable Video Processor: The Radiance Pro 4140
- Industry Legend Jason Dustal Joins madVR Labs as Senior Field Specialist
- Join Us For a Chat as We Explore a Few of madVR's Envy Core Premium Features!
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