Sounds like they are close to releasing a firmware to make instant aspect ratio switching a thing (using NLS) this is awesome for changing aspect ratio movies! And scope screens
Not really. I'd never use NLS - that's an abomination. 2nd, why would you want a small 16:9 image on your scope screen every time it's supposed to be an IMAX scene? I just lock the aspect ratio at 2.35:1. Switching to a smaller image would be distracting. I'm not going to do anything different with this new firmware.
I'm not a huge fan of NLS either, but do understand that it can be helpful in some situations, used judiciously. And some people aren't that sensitive to the distortion such that it bothers them less than others, and feel the added immersion compensates for it. No right or wrong here, just personal preference. I used it to watch Justice League, going from 1.33:1 to 2.00:1 and it looked pretty good. Watching 1.33:1 on a 2.35:1 screen just seemed ridiculous to me, but at 2.00:1 it was reasonable.On dealing with variable aspect ratio movies, once again there is no right or wrong, and it's difficult (if not impossible, as in my particular room) to fully honor director intent. I would need a 1.9:1 screen, with the same width as my scope screen, masked all the time top and bottom except when watching the occasional variable ar movies, and this is simply not possible.So I don't disagree with you that IMAX scenes were meant to be larger (same width as the 2.35:1 screen, but now taller), and using a processor to display it at 16:9 doesn't honor that intent. But at the same time, watching it at 2.35:1 is also inconsistent with director intent, since much of the additional content is cropped and not seen. Many movies may be "safe" to do this, and I understand this is often how it was shown in commercial theaters. But technically, it's still not what the director's intent was in having these IMAX scenes to begin with, as I understand it anyway.I typically do watch these with aspect ratio switching, and don't find it visually distracting. In fact it's very easy to not even notice when the switch is occurring. But if someone chooses differently, to watch them at 2.35:1, that's also a perfectly legitimate choice.Again, no right or wrong in any of these, and personal preference features prominently. This hobby is ultimately about our enjoying an experience in our homes, and what works for one may not work for everyone.
new firmware is out. in beta form. great for instant aspect switch for menus
One of those things you think you don’t need. Until you have one
I'm looking forward to the upcoming firmware update like a kid waiting for Xmas! Even better dynamic tone mapping and a better picture. Hard to believe considering I have zero complaints now!