FOCUS Enhancements - CenterStage CS-2 and CS-HD
Video Scaler/Deinterlacer
High
performance scalers have become popular with the increasing number of
fixed pixel displays currently available. While some of these new displays
have built-in scalers, many lack the flexibility or performance users
desire for their high-end home theater system. Focus Enhancements, Inc.
has introduced their new CenterStage CS-2 video processor, which is both
a line doubler and a scaler. This video processor accepts composite, s-video,
component, RGB, RGBS, SDI (optional), DVI and DVI-HDCP for processing
and scaling to any native rate on a VESA, Plasma, Projector, or DTV format
display. There's even an HDTV pass-thru mode since analog HD signals are
not processed. Full geometric adjustments are offered with 4:3, 16:9,
and anamorphic aspect ratios. High performance video deinterlacing fully
capable of 3:2/2:2 pull down detection and correction for viewing of film-based
sources is included. This is the first scaler we've seen that supports
DVI-HDCP which allows full scaling of protected content at native display
resolutions. In addition, the CS-2 has user definable output resolutions
for the ultimate in flexibility.
The CenterStage front panel is simple to use with nine backlit buttons and a two-line backlit display. The picture adjustments include contrast, brightness, saturation, sharpness and hue. CS-2 control choices include the infrared remote, rear panel RS-232 port, or front panel backlit switches. When the unit is powered on, the firmware version is displayed. Input and output selections are also shown on the display. Changing input modes is simple, especially with the remote. Output mode changes require the front panel buttons.
The
rear panel is loaded with an assortment of video inputs and outputs to
meet today's demands. A pair of composite, s-video, and interlaced component
video inputs (RGB or YPrPb) resolution. All coaxial connections use BNC
connectors. Our review unit included the optional SDI interface card that
streams serial digital video (SMPTE 259M) over a single coaxial cable.
A DVI (Digital Visual Interface) input and output is provided on the CS-2
for the ultimate in digital connectivity. There are also 12 volt triggers
available for screen control. The RS232 connection can be used for several
different applications. Using the CSR (CenterStage Remote) software running
under Microsoft Windows, the user can control, customize, and upgrade
the unit. We recently upgraded our CS-2 to the latest V2.04 firmware with
ease. The serial port can also be used with Crestron or AMX controllers.
As new display resolutions emerge, the CS-2 has the ability to change
with the times making it resistant to obsolescence.
Content
Protection
One of the great features available on the CS-2 is the High-bandwidth
Digital Content Protection (HDCP)
offered on both the input and output DVI interfaces. HDCP is a content
protection scheme that is sometimes used with DVI to prevent unauthorized
duplication of digital content. As new products emerge with digital outputs,
HDCP protection is likely to be enabled with high-definition and pay-per-view
movies. As we move into the world of digital video interfaces, content
protection becomes a reality all of us must deal with as studios will
not release their content unless they are confident strong barriers exist
to thwart piracy. Unlike the CS-1 (an option) and CS-HD, the CS-2 fully
supports HDCP on its DVI interfaces. When HDCP is active, the analog video
outputs are disabled. This encryption standard is now becoming commonplace
on new high-end video displays being offered by the vast majority of manufacturers.
Now with the CS-2, encrypted digital data can remain in the digital domain
from the source (Set-Top Box) all the way to the display device. This
eliminates any unnecessary analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog processing
which can typically degrade the video signal.
Inside
The CS-2 has some powerful video processing "under the hood".
One large circuit board holds all of the main electronics while a separate
module holds the switching power supply. The optional SDI card mounts
on a header right in the middle of the main board. Composite, s-video
and interlaced component video get switched and processed by the Philips
SAA7118E video decoder chip. Full 3:2 and 2:2 video deinterlacing is performed
by a Silicon Image Sil504 chip along with the associated SDRAM needed
for storing the video frames for real-time processing. The CS-2 uses the
Genesis Microchip GM5020-H for scaling as well as receiving DVI and DVI-HDCP
1.0 protected content. The Silicon Image SIL170B is used to transmit the
DVI and DVI-HDCP data. A mix of Xilinx CPLDs and one FPGA perform custom
processing functions. The VGA analog video is driven by an Analog Devices
ADV7123 high speed triple 10-bit DAC. The optional SDI board uses a Gennum
GS7005 SMPTE 259M-C compliant SDI receiver chip. The CS-2 incorporates
an array of high performance ASICs and custom programmable chips from
top notch companies such as Silicon Image, Genesis Microchip, Analog Devices,
Gennum and Xilinx, which all contribute to the impressive performance
and flexibility this powerful deinterlacer and scaler has to offer. The
trick is putting the right ingredients into the mix and making sure the
user benefits from them.
Performance
Our evaluation of the CS-2 included several different displays capable
of both analog and digital video. We started out with our Pioneer Elite
PRO-610HD displaying 480p and 1080i analog video. DVDs produced very good
results with the deinterlacing and upconversion process. Introduction
scenes from Star Trek's Insurrection are quite demanding on video
processors due to the difficult deinterlacing scenes. In addition, high
frequency scene detail sometimes confuses Y/C separators when using composite
video. The CS-2 performed well with some cross-color artifacts in the
scenes where the children are jumping through the hay. However, the artifacts
were minimal and the deinterlacing from the composite source as well as
all interlaced video was excellent. No videophile in their right mind
would ever use the composite inputs unless they were forced to by composite
based content such as laserdisc. Therefore, few will ever have to use
the comb filter if they stick with s-video and component-based source
material.
We switched to the analog and digital 720p output format for our SharpVision XV-Z10000U HD2-based DLP projector. Here we projected a 100" image on a Stewart Luxus FireHawk Filmscreen using both the analog VGA cable and a high performance Monster M500DVI-5M DVI-D cable. Both worked well in our setup, but the advantage of DVI is clear with a reduction in low level noise in the picture. DVD material looked good running through the CS-2, but certainly nothing compared to a real high definition source from HD-Net or HBO's 509 HD channel. It's not fair to compare standard definition material (DVD) to high definition, but we want to make it clear that the existing DVD format will not look as good as true high definition content.
We also ran the DVI cable into a less expensive Optoma DLP projector that is based on a 4:3 1024x768 DLP. This projector has good performance with an MSRP of under $5K. Again, the CS-2 worked well running the output resolution in XGA (1024x768) mode with excellent performance on a variety of source material. We were convinced that the high quality scaler used in the CS-2, combined with excellent front-end deinterlacing from the Silicon Image Sil504 processor, produced a winner.
So
what if you really don't want all the bells and whistles offered in the
CS-2, but still need a good deinterlacer and scaler for your high-definition
display? Well, Focus Enhancements addressed this call and came out with
their new CenterStage unit dubbed the CS-HD. It lacks the DVI and SDI
inputs, but still has the DVI output and only supports a limited number
of output modes when compared to the CS-1 and CS-2. It's also not upgradeable
like its big brothers, nor does it have user-defined output modes. All
BNC connections on the CS-2 are now RCA connectors on the CS-HD. It also
lacks the TBC (time-based correction) and RGBS support. However, the CS-HD
has most of the other features offered in the CenterStage line and is
priced at an attractive $995. Looking at the design of the CS-HD, I can
tell you that the same high performance chips used for deinterlacing and
scaling processing found in the CS-2 are also utilized here. The tests
we ran on the CS-HD proved to be very similar in performance to what we've
seen on the higher priced units. In fact, the design and performance of
the new CS-HD 
leaves
many competing deinterlacers over-priced in my opinion, especially when
you consider the CS-HD also provides scaling. So far, from what I can
see, it's an incredible deal if you don't need all the high-end features
offered in the CS-2 model.
Conclusion
Focus Enhancements pull no punches with their CS-2 and the features and
performance would excite any videophile. The DVI-HDCP capable input and
output connections are unique in today's products and offers serious home
theater enthusiasts the ability to stream and process protected digital
video content. The optional SDI board further enhances the capabilities
of the CS-2. The Windows-based CSR software increases the capabilities
of the product and the periodic firmware updates are a huge benefit in
this ever-changing world of display products. When you compare the capabilities
of the CS-2 to other deinterlacers/scalers with similar features, you
may be surprised at the reasonable price.
Should you not need the full power
offered in the CS-2, but want the fundamental deinterlacing technology,
the CS-HD may be more suited to your needs. We found the CS-HD very attractive,
but still wanted the ability to scale DVI/HDCP content offered in the
CS-2. Depending on your system requirements, Focus Enhancements appears
to have you covered.
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Kevin Nakano