Lumagen Launches a New, More Affordable Video Processor: The Radiance Pro 4140

(August 28, 2024) 2024 is shaping up to be "The Clash of the Video Processors," with the industry's two heavyweights – Lumagen and madVR – both releasing fully featured models to anchor entry-level positions in their model lineups. A month ago, madVR introduced its budget-minded Envy Core. Priced at $4,995 through the end of the year ($5,995 thereafter), Envy Core's basic configuration requires a $995 fee to unlock advanced features found on upper-tier models. Today, Lumagen has countered madVR by revealing the all-new Radiance Pro 4140. This model lands $1000 under Lumagen's own Radiance Pro 4240-18G, and with a price tag of $5,495, it's perfectly wedged between introductory and MSRP pricing of the Envy Core's base configuration. Lumagen is celebrating today's launch with an enticing promotional offer that sweetens the pot, making the Radiance Pro 4140 even more tempting.

According to Lumagen President Jim Peterson, “The Radiance Pro 4140 incorporates a single 18GHz input and 9GHz output in a compact case design with the same outstanding video processing as other models in the Radiance Pro series. The 4140-18G with an 18GHz output is also available and is housed in a 1U rackmount case at $5995 MSRP USD. The single HDMI configuration satisfies the requirements of entry-level home cinema systems."

Backed by over two decades in the industry, Lumagen's entire Radiance Pro series uses proprietary video processing algorithms to refine and enhance video images presented by front projectors, flat panel TVs, and microLED video walls. All models also carry the same video feature set, including HDR Dynamic Tone Mapping (DTM), scaling for in-motion video content, instant-auto-aspect ratio detection and selection, and a bevy of customization features. They also support 4k60 video input and output, in addition to modern HDMI features like HDCP 2.3, HDR10, HLG, and compatibility with Dolby Low-Latency Dolby Vision (LLDV) sources. The upper-end Radiance Pro 5244 and 5348 models add HDMI dejitter circuitry, which improves audio by reducing the HDMI clock jitter at the audio processor input.

“Because the Radiance Pro provides the industry’s best processing for in-motion video content, it has become more than a home cinema product," explains Peterson. "It has found its way into studio post-production suites for use in video quality control for consumer releases and for use in maintaining proper lip-sync using its Genlock feature. Image science is our passion, and our products allow viewers to see what the director intended. We are excited that the Radiance Pro 4140 allows a broader segment of the home cinema enthusiast market to enjoy the very best in video processing.”

Lumagen's Radiance Pro products are on the verge of artfully integrating with Seymour Screen Excellence masking systems, thus eliminating the need for an expensive third-party control system. According to Peterson, an installer will need to program masking positions for various aspect ratios, like 4:3, 16:9, 1.85, 1.90, 2.00, 2.10, 2.20, 2.35, 2.40, 2.55, and 2.70. Then, when new content is sourced, an associated Radiance Pro will automatically detect and communicate aspect ratio information directly to a Seymour mask controller unit. In turn, the screen's masking will automatically position itself in the correct location.

Now through the end of September, Lumagen is offering Radiance Pro 4140 buyers access to an upgrade valued at $250. Units that would carry an 18GHz input and 9GHz output will ship with an 18GHz In and 18GHz out configuration, free of charge. What does this mean? Well, a 9GHz output handles 12-bit 4:2:2 color at 4K 24Hz but is limited to 8-bit 4:2:0 color for 4K 60Hz. Lumagen says the Radiance Pro's output dither mitigates this difference, but for those who want no compromises, the 18 GHz output allows 12-bit 4:2:2 color at 4K 60Hz. In other words, the 18GHz output option gives you more overall signal headroom.

The Radiance Pro series of video processors will be demonstrated at CEDIA Expo 2024 in Sound Room 4 (SR4), booth 4409, plus other locations. Visit www.lumagen.com for more technical information on the Radiance Pro series, or contact Jim Peterson by phone (503.574.2211) or email (sales@lumagen.com).

 

[Travis Ballstadt]

For those wondering what the LLDV compatibility is referring to, this per Kris Deering:

"it will now do LLDV without a separate device for hacking (like a HD Fury). It will do it on a per input basis as well, so you can use LLDV with some sources and not for others (if using the Lumagen for switching). This version of LLDV has gone thru direct Dolby testing with no issues. There will be options for 1000, 4000 and 10,000 nit EDIDs. This will be a free firmware for ALL Lumagen users soon. I've been testing it with AppleTV and my Oppo for some time now and others have been testing with other devices (Shield, Strato V and more)."

I for one love my Lumagen Radiance Pro. The fact that they have continued to build upon a robust hardware platform for a decade without requiring owners to completely replace hardware to add features is very much overlooked. Rather than build upon a PC hardware platform, the Lumagen has user-replaceable I/O cards and has received consistent firmware upgrades to add features like auto-aspect ratio, dynamic tone mapping, and more. When 4K came about, users could simply purchase new I/O boards and replace them without having to throw out the unit and buy a completely new one. Dynamic Tone Mapping is continuously improved and fine-tuned, all with free updates.

Considering the expense MadVR users have seen over the past couple years, only to see a new, more affordable unit announced this year, the Lumagen is a tremendous value. MadVR does have a couple features that Lumagen does not, with regards to motion smoothing and barrel distortion correction for anamorphic lens users, but if those aren't two things you need, I think the better choice is obvious.

 

[Todd Anderson]

Great to hear that direct from an owner. I’ve seen both Lumagen and madVR in action… for me dynamic tone mapping is the single best benefit. Since my JVC has the most recent optimizer firmware, it’s really not something I’ve felt I’ve needed - JVC has done an amazing job with their dynamic tone mapping, and much like Lumagen, it hasn’t cost a dime for updates.

What I love about Lumagen is its long life cycle, with updatable hardware. It’s the same exact principle behind brands like Trinnov and Storm. Minimal waste when you upgrade… and you can keep the unit you have on hand.

Brilliant.

I also like Lumagen’s aggressive price point on this new model. The looks of the hardware aren’t aesthetically appealing, but the brains and muscle are nuts.

Fantastic release!!

 

[Travis Ballstadt]

I bought it for the Dynamic Tone Mapping. What I didn't realize was all the other features it includes. Auto-aspect is fantastic for those of us with scope screens. And now that will directly control the new SeymourAV/Seymour Screen Excellence masking system controller, so the Lumagen will directly tell it what aspect ratio is being displayed and the masking will move into place without any input from the user. This has previously only been possible with a full-blown control system. Now we get two great companies with two great products that talk directly to each other for the simplest control yet.

 

[Todd Anderson]

I love the control integration. I'm guessing that feature doesn't work with Seymour screens that have RF masking control?

 

[Travis Ballstadt]

I love the control integration. I'm guessing that feature doesn't work with Seymour screens that have RF masking control?

It requires the new Seymour control box which will replace the RF/IR box you already have.

 

[Todd Anderson]

Is that currently for sale or being launched?

 

[Travis Ballstadt]

Is that currently for sale or being launched?

They should start hitting the street just after CEDIA in smaller numbers but increasing as quickly as possible.

 

[Todd Anderson]

That's something we need to cover here... I'll reach out. If we can get control without a control system... HUGE win!

 

[Travis Ballstadt]

That's something we need to cover here... I'll reach out. If we can get control without a control system... HUGE win!

I should have one shortly after CEDIA and I have a Lumagen already.

 

[Todd Anderson]

This is exciting

 

[Todd Anderson]

Folks, we're going to get some further information on the differences between 9 gig and 18 gig output and what that ultimately means for performance. Hang tight!

 

[Travis Ballstadt]

Folks, we're going to get some further information on the differences between 9 gig and 18 gig output and what that ultimately means for performance. Hang tight!

9G output will handle 4K24 with no problem and 4K60 will be dithered. To get 4K60 without dithering you need the 18G output for extra bandwidth. Not generally an issue in day to day use as menus and navigation are the predominant use of 4K60 in home theaters, outside of gaming.

 

[austinblackboxspace]

what is the average cost of the SSE 4-way making screen at about 200"? that is an item we are pondering for our annex ht. cheers. ||||K

 

[Todd Anderson]

You should reach out directly to Seymour for that info... I can't say for sure, but I bet it's over $10K.

 

[Todd Anderson]

Note that the article has been updated to include information about Lumagen and Seymour Screen's new automatic aspect ratio/masking system adjustment feature. Also, update information on 9GHz vs 18GHz.

 

[austinblackboxspace]

You should reach out directly to Seymour for that info... I can't say for sure, but I bet it's over $10K.

cool beans, thanks. i had the 20k number in my head so hopefully i'm safe.

 

[Todd Anderson]

cool beans, thanks. i had the 20k number in my head so hopefully i'm safe.

That's probably getting closer

 

[Sonnie Parker]

These companies are creating "more affordable" processors that are still 5K.

At those prices, they are still only affordable for folks for whom $10-15K would be affordable.

Let's get them on down to $2500 or so.

 

[Travis Ballstadt]

These companies are creating "more affordable" processors that are still 5K.

At those prices, they are still only affordable for folks for whom $10-15K would be affordable.

Let's get them on down to $2500 or so.

Call a dealer. Those are MSRP.

 

[Todd Anderson]

It’s a good point… even at $4k, these processors are hardly “affordable.” They’re just less expensive than their own upper tier models, relegating them to the high-end crowd.


I’d love video processing find its way to the AVR or processor portion of the chain. If Panasonic can integrate advanced HDR tone mapping into a $500 disc-player, there’s no reason it can’t be integrated into a receiver.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

The video side of AV is just not as important to me when I can get what I do with my 98" Sony. I might spend 2K on a processor if it will make a significant improvement that I could notice.

 

[VJM]

Does a dealer need to set these things up to get the most of them? If so that's another added cost to think about

 

[Travis Ballstadt]

Does a dealer need to set these things up to get the most of them? If so that's another added cost to think about

Some dealers like Kris Deering (Deep Dive AV) include pre-configuration in the cost, so it's plug & play when it arrives. They'll ask questions about your setup, the rest of the hardware in your system, screen gain, throw distance, any recent calibration data you may have, etc and they have it ready to go when you get it.

Also keep in mind the price is list, and dealers are allowed to offer at lower prices if they wish.

All that said, when I first received mine, I was able to get it up and running on my scope screen, including auto aspect, dynamic tone mapping and more without any assistance. When Kris came to calibrate my projector, he was able to make some tweaks and get the tone mapping more in tune with the actual measured output of my projector.

A dealer/calibrator can definitely tweak a Lumagen to be more effective, but it's not a requirement. You can add a more precise calibration via the Lumagen as well, but most don't.

There is a setup guide on the Lumagen website.

 

[JStewart]

@Travis Ballstadt , may I ask what settings you used on your jvc to work with the Lumagen tone mapping?