The DarbeeVision Darblet...

jon s

To anyone who consider themselves to be Videophiles. There is a new product called the DarbeeVision Darblet. I mentioned this item in a different posting but felt that the Darblet deserves its own thread.

The DarbeeVision Darblet is a video detailer. It brings out detail in a image without adding artifacts which regular Sharpness controls do, such as "ringing" or "halos" round the edges, i.e. edge enhancement.

The Darblet

The Darblet plugs inline on the HDMI cable between the projector/televsion and the source signal. Unfortunately, it does not have multiple inputs, so unless you have an AVR, you probably will need a Darblet for each source device. The box is very small, uses an external AC adapter and has a single HDMI port for input and one for output.
The device is controlled by a small wireless remote. The remote allows you to adjust the intensity of the DarbeeVision effect (0-120), it also allows you to switch it on/off and different modes, DEMO, HD, Pop and Game mode.

HD mode is for high definition sources and the Darbee makes subtle differences in the image on hi-def signals. Pop gives you a more intense change in detail but the image control can be too heavy handed. The last control is for games, since I did not have any game consoles, I was unable to test this mode.

For reference, I have a JVC RS-1 D-ILA front projector (on a 98" wide screen) with a Pioneer BDP-05FD Blu-Ray player and an Onkyo TX-NR906 AV receiver. With a Blu-Ray player, the control is best set around 50-85 in HD mode. Any higher than that, the image suffers, looking like it was over-sharpened (with out the ringing effect, mind you). If you stay within the recommended limits, the image will show enhanced detail which is quite noticeable. Watching DVDs is another matter. Since most DVDs movies are made with sharpening already added, the present ringing and halos can be made more obtrusive, especially since the Darbie does not differentiate between the real image and the ringing or halo effects from bad sharpening. If the DVD was made with no added sharpening, there can be a benefit to the image, unfortunately, it is rare that the DVD is made without additional video processing.

I find the POP mode too heavy handed with the video image and do not suggest anyone try and use it, but everyone is different. They might like it, but I for one did not.

I also connected the Darblet to a Panasonic 46" Plasma display. While it does improve the image, the Darblet effect is a lot more obvious on a bigger display.

You can see how the Darblet can affect the image by going to this site here.

Pros:
1. The unit is relatively inexpensive and $280
2. The processor really works
3. The DEMO mode can give you an instant on-screen sample. It divides the screen into two, one side on and other is Darbie off.

Cons:
1. There has been some reports of HDMI handshaking issues
2. There has been reports on some players the signal changes from YPbPr to RGB
3. The unit appears cheaply built.
4. the layout of the unit is awkward. The HDMI ports are on opposite ends, making it difficult to connect neatly.

jon s

There is a thread on AVS Forum if you want to see more info...

Some sample shots off that forum, this was from a JVC RS-55 and a 142" screen

polkfarmboy

Great review jons, before you posted this I never new they existed and wonder why after reading the thread on avs. For $280 it can bring out details in a way expensive video processing cannot. I have spent too much money these past few days to get one but for the size of screen I bought I will need one for sure. I heard Darbee will be bringing a cheaper version of this out thats built into an hdmi cable and will be sold at BestBuy etc..

I would love to try the darbee for 3D movies on the big screen as its supposed to work great for that application also

Sherardp

I ordered one from AVS. Looking forward to it.

EndersShadow

Intriguing. I wonder how much the player/source its connected to makes a difference. For example does it make a bigger difference when used with a 100 dollar blu-ray player, and NOT as big of one with say an Oppo? Same with AVR's, do the higher end ones NOT really need it as much?

Also whats the minimum Panel/Screen size you would want to use one on?

Lastly does the "enhanced" image cause any lag with the video to where the audio and video are not sync'd. Does it cause any additional motion blur as well?

This item is interesting to me to say the least, but it costs a bit too much to justify right now. Maybe when Best Buy starts carring them and I can go look at them in person & or demo this will change.

Personally I am looking at possibly getting some Audioquest HDMI cables that are decent quality (Cinnamon) after a demo of some of them in which I did notice some changes between the cables.

Personally I dont see con #4 as a con. Just means you can attach it to the wall easier and/or put it IN wall if you happen to have conduit behind your TV.

Drenis

This looks like an "EQ" but for your TV instead of your stereo.

Sherardp

Installed this today, after getting settled in and unpacked. Wow the difference is nothing short of amazing especially on the larger screens. I will spend some more time with it this week and report back.

polkfarmboy

Sherardp wrote: »

Installed this today, after getting settled in and unpacked. Wow the difference is nothing short of amazing especially on the larger screens. I will spend some more time with it this week and report back.

Its those types of comment's that make me jealous. I got the 166" screen up and going and never realized how badly it softens the image at that size. after buying the screen, pj and 9 pairs of 3d glasses my wife would just freak the f out lol if I make another purchase so soon after. I really think I need this product in my system and would love to see what it does for the 3D effect

PSOVLSK

Sherardp wrote: »

Installed this today, after getting settled in and unpacked. Wow the difference is nothing short of amazing especially on the larger screens. I will spend some more time with it this week and report back.

Are the differences as obvious as they appear in the examples that jon s linked? If so, I may have make this purchase as well.

polkfarmboy

My darbee dvp 5000 comes today

I cant wait to try it out with the super sharp battleship and new animated Starship Troopers movie on bluray. I will also do some tests with 3d mode on the epson 5010 to see if it helps with detail and 3d depth

Sherardp

The Darblet is very good and yes the claims are awesome. Very well worth the $200.00. I ordered mine from AVS , and got a great deal. I'm also ordering the new JVC RS4810 projector soon, once released.

polkfarmboy

I paid $289 for mine on amazon because I wanted the super fast shipping. I put a video game in the ps3 and could not believe my eyes, the demo mode is really cool the way a line sweeps from left to right showing you the enhanced detail. Its kind of like cleaning a dirty car windshield with the clarity that comes through. This has been on my plasma so I am really excited to fire up the projector and get the full benefit of this little plastic box.

One thing that sucks is the fact that is so ugly but you cant hide it because the remote does not work when its all tucked away behind the equipment. I think I will have to just do a set and forget with it as it is kind of embarrassing to leave out in the rack

I think I will have to get a panny bdp 500 or sony 790 to get 100% out the darby

EndersShadow

Sherardp wrote: »

The Darblet is very good and yes the claims are awesome. Very well worth the $200.00. I ordered mine from AVS , and got a great deal. I'm also ordering the new JVC RS4810 projector soon, once released.

polkfarmboy wrote: »

I paid $289 for mine on amazon because I wanted the super fast shipping. I put a video game in the ps3 and could not believe my eyes, the demo mode is really cool the way a line sweeps from left to right showing you the enhanced detail. Its kind of like cleaning a dirty car windshield with the clarity that comes through. This has been on my plasma so I am really excited to fire up the projector and get the full benefit of this little plastic box.

One thing that sucks is the fact that is so ugly but you cant hide it because the remote does not work when its all tucked away behind the equipment. I think I will have to just do a set and forget with it as it is kind of embarrassing to leave out in the rack

I think I will have to get a panny bdp 500 or sony 790 to get 100% out the darby

Post some pics of before and after fella's :biggrin:

polkfarmboy

I will some pics up later today if I have time

Last night I watched the new Van Dam movie '6 bullets' and some other slasher called ' The Loved Ones' Both these movies where on DVD and the darbee picked up the film grain and did terrible things to it. Most movies I enjoy have alot of grain and I am very fond of foreign film that is mostly only available on dvd so the darbet does not work for me. I checked out netflix and for some programming it really improved the perceived resolution and contrast especially on dark scenes with alot of shadow detail

I think the darbee has limited applications for me because I bought it to improve upon movies on my projector screen but it causes more harm than good

jon s

FYI... I understand the price of the Darby went up to $350. They were also introducing a multi-input model at CEDIA with a SRP of $2000.00...

Sherardp

polkfarmboy wrote: »

I will some pics up later today if I have time

Last night I watched the new Van Dam movie '6 bullets' and some other slasher called ' The Loved Ones' Both these movies where on DVD and the darbee picked up the film grain and did terrible things to it. Most movies I enjoy have alot of grain and I am very fond of foreign film that is mostly only available on dvd so the darbet does not work for me. I checked out netflix and for some programming it really improved the perceived resolution and contrast especially on dark scenes with alot of shadow detail

I think the darbee has limited applications for me because I bought it to improve upon movies on my projector screen but it causes more harm than good

What settings are you using to experience these issues? Everything I've played so far has been spectacular. Adjust your settings, perhaps your values are too high.