(July 31, 2024) The video experts at madVR Labs have added a new member to their small but powerful family of high-test video processors, giving installers and enthusiasts access to key components of madVR performance at a significantly lower price. Offering a chassis that’s half the size and weight of the company’s mid-tier Envy Pro MK2, the new Envy Core also sheds cost, landing at a limited introductory price of $4,995.
First, let’s look at physical specs because the Envy Core is certainly more space-friendly than the decidedly bulky Pro MK2 and Extreme MK2 models. Measuring 17.25” W x 13.5” D x 3.5” T and weighing 20 pounds, the Envy Core can easily slot in a media center or smaller home theater rack. As noted by madVR, it can even mount behind a TV, though it’s not quite small enough to comfortably hide in a box between studs.
The Envy Core’s styling is eye-catching and different from anything we’ve seen from madVR. Early images appear to show a front faceplate that allows for airflow, complimented by a porous top plate and a well-ventilated rear panel. Speaking of the rear, it isn’t busy, providing easy-to-identify access to LAN, IR, and RF inputs, along with a range of HDMI inputs and outputs. Identifying where to plug in cables won’t be an issue, as ports are clearly labeled and color-coded.
madVR says the Envy Core offers owners access to the same intuitive interface and menu system as the more expensive Pro MK2 and Extreme Mk2 models, but given a significantly lighter price point, there are some sacrifices on the performance front. As the name indicates, core video processing capabilities are offered across the board. That means the Envy Core can perform frame-by-frame 4K HDR tone mapping and associated processes, along with basic motion handling, aspect ratio, and artifact reduction capabilities.
The Envy Core can also execute upscaling, madVR’s in-house non-linear stretch for cinemascope and 16:9 screens, subtitle management, convergence correction, and image enhancement processes. It does so using an Nvidia 4060 GPU that flexes modest processing power as compared to the more powerful Pro MK2 and Envy MK2 models. What’s missing are some of madVR’s more advanced features, such as MotionAI (the company’s proprietary motion interpolation solution), AI-based upscaling up to 8K 60Hz resolutions, geometry correction for lens barrel distortion, curved screens and off-axis projector installations, and AI-based grain and noise reduction processes among others. However, for an additional $995, Envy Core owners can purchase a Premium Pack that unlocks many of those features, save for MotionAI and several processes that installers might find useful in larger home theater installations.
Envy Core owners can enjoy free access to madVR’s Envy Academy Online, which currently has 50 lessons. They’ll also benefit from a two-year warranty (parts and labor) that increases to four years with a Premium Pack purchase.
Look for the Envy Core to make its debut at Audio Advice Live in Raleigh, N.C. (August 2-4) and the forthcoming CEDIA 2024 trade show in Denver. Pre-orders can be placed now at the introductory price of $4,995. That price will increase to $5,995 after December 31, 2024. Shipping is currently slated to begin in the coming months.
Click here to compare feature sets across all madVR models. Otherwise, visit www.madVR.com for complete details on its video processing and educational offerings or to find a dealer.
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