Should You Buy Kaleidescape or madVR for Your Home Theater?

A question I get often is "should I buy a Kaleidescape or a madVR (or Lumagen)". Here's my take on this question and some elements to consider in making the best choice for you if facing this home theater dilemma.

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0:00 Kaleidescape or madVR? Which to Buy?
0:39 Buy the Kaleidescape
2:07 Buy the Video Processor
3:12 Beware Opportunity Cost
5:00 New Models & Old Deals
6:28 My Choice
8:07 Is It Really Either Or?
9:21 What Will You Buy?

#hometheater #kaleidescape #madvr

[TechinaSec]

Its simple, Never a Kaleidescape ( just get a Zidoo player ), If you have a cinema scop screen, then get a Lumagen, not a MadVR. If you have a 16:9 then it really is not that crucial other then HDR Tone Mapping. Note: the new motion feature that MadVR is pushing now.... Zidoo has it also.

[dc]

JP as usual your on point. I purchase the k-scape many years ago then the processor. It’s quite expensive . I enjoy both. Thanks

[tyler]

Kaleidescape needs to be disk to digital for 4K physical media to get me to invest in it.

[CJ-erpf]

Thanks for sharing this. I am really looking into Kaleidescape. I am tired of ripping moves and I think it's time to move on. I want to come home, put on my system and look at movies. So I'm doing my research into what unit would work best for me.

[rmangoba]

I had this very question last Summer. I have a CinemaScope screen. I was using JVC lens memories, which work fine if you only watch movies in it (and they're almost all fixed aspect ratio). With movies, you only need to change lens memory in the beginning of the movie (and go through the pain trying to guess which aspect ratio to use if it's not a standard aspect ratio). But if you watch short content (short TV shows, YouTube content) or have lots of source devices (blu-ray, streamers), definitely get processor FIRST. If you don't have a CinemaScope screen, no question: get a Kaleidescape first. I wound up getting a MadVR Pro, and then a few months later got a Kaleidescape.

[vikasgoyalgzs]

I grabbed prev gen madVR envy at a 40% discount. It is the GOAT when it comes to DTM. Love the imax curved screen with amazing HDR content! Super happy with it and thankful to my AV dealer for the idea!

[Australia]

I would love to get a kscape but how long will they last?

[MrCtmcclain]

I didn't know about the mad vr labs video processor, thank you very much.

[vpnogueira]

Using a JVC NZ9 with a Kaleidescape, adding a Madvr Envy Mk2 would bring a substantial improvement to the image? Or just a small improvement?

[Lbmwm]

I just got my Kaleidoscape System and used your Referral Code. Thanks for making this video. I was stuck between a MadVR and Kaleidoscape. So I opted for The Kaleidoscape Ecosystem. Hopefully, this time next year or sooner a MadVR. But you are solid on the information. Thanks again😉!!!

[Terrell]

Good morning Tech.I have a 1st Gen strato 6Tb.Should I get the mad or lum next?

[JamilMoledina]

I think “which first” is a very perceptive conclusion. I was thinking that halfway through the video! For me it’s K in 24 and Luma in 25.

[bkervaski]

So... you're leaning towards the MadVR Envy MK2?

[nonametofame]

I had the chance to pick up a kscape for about $2k secondhand (Strato 6tb). Just couldn't bring myself to pull the trigger. You really have to be all in with their ecosystem. It was hard to fathom the price of early release prices when I know I can get retail 4k disc for $20. And still be able to sell the code for $10. Or redeem to vudu so it's accessible when I'm traveling.
I also enjoy Dolby Vision on my secondary OLED monitor. Apple's bitrate just seem to be getting better each year too.
And more than half the content I watch is TV (kscape won't help you there). I think kscape is really for those who are allergic to any form of physical format. Just don't ask them about their vinyl collection in their other room 😅

[sammie_prescott]

In my case I got both at the same time roughly as it was all when I was building my theater so they were all planned for. Well the kscape was more of a why not last min addition but I had planned on having a video processor because I had got a scope screen and DCR lens when I was purchasing everything. Within a few weeks of getting stuff installed I got my lumagen, which is what I had originally, and within 2 weeks of that I got my kscape.

They are big investments but they really are something you buy once and you really don't need to upgrade them. Though with that said I do need more storage for kscape so will likely be getting a terra 22 sooner rather than later and I will honestly probably do terra 22 and strato c and move the strato s 12 to living room, unless I can find a good deal on a 2nd hand terra 18 or even better an amazing deal on a terra 48 lol. I will also likely be moving from Extreme MK1 to MK2. So even though one doesn't need to replace them or upgrade there are some scenarios where one might.

It really comes down to application and what one is trying to accomplish as well as ease of use. Having a VP makes it so anyone can use the theater. So if I'm not home and my wife wanted to watch a movie she won't have frustrations on how the image is displayed because a lens memory wasn't used or aspect mode wasn't changed between D or C, etc.

I honestly feel the sweet spot is the Extreme MK1 trade in right now personally especially if someone has a NZ series from JVC. I would say though if someone is on the fence between getting one or the other if the "need" is there and I put need in quotes because no one needs any of this stuff lol, but if the need were there a VP is the way to go as that will solve the pain points one has while a kaleidscape will look pretty and have a level of convenience to it that you can't get with disc, and ripping, etc, but those pain points will still exist.

A kaleidescape won't solve problems, it will make consuming content more convenient, where a video processor will directly solve various problems within an installation

[golfparadisetour]

It will be very helpful if you make a video of the differences between MadVR & Lumagen

[gregcastiglione]

Obviously I am missing something. Why would you not opt for an anamorphic lens for your projector BEFORE ever considering Kaleidescape or a video processor? Shouldn't the Anamorphic lens be the better purchase? Way more value and performance even though these cost 5-6K.

[cbrown]

Great content. I went with a mix solution with Kscape and HDFury Vrroom. I have a 16x9 and a cheaper projector so I just needed a processor to boost the hdr. HDFury works well for a cheap price. Might be worth trying it out for the channel and compare to the Madvr and Lumagen as a cheap alternative if you don’t need the aspect ratio changes.

[FrankieKennethL]

I have gotten to a place where the Kscape has moved higher and higher on my short wishlist. It started way at the bottom of the long term wishes. I already have a Lumagen so Kscape def gets my vote over going w a MadVR.

[cbmore]

YOMV but both Lumagen and MadVR are both good. Can’t go wrong with either honestly. Definitely staying out of the usual arguments that arise when owners of each square off.
No doubt Kaleidescape is a convenient way to get movies but also the most costly. There are other options but they involve a bit more knowledge on ripping your collection and using a media player with built in storage or NAS, but they can be equal in performance and a bit cheaper if you’re willing to learn about the options.
Jeremy, I’ve heard recently of possibly a Kaleidescape option to get credit or discounts for movies you already may own on physical media when purchasing that same movie on Kaleidescape. Maybe you could expand on that if you have more info.