madVR Labs Introduces Another Industry first, with NLS+

madVR are excited to share with you that the new non-linear stretch (NLS+) feature is now available in the latest Envy builds for both the Pro and Extreme models.

WHAT IS NON-LINEAR STRETCH?

Non-linear stretch is used to fill a scope screen so there are no black bars when watching content with a smaller aspect ratio. For instance, you can use NLS+ to remove the vertical black bars when watching 16:9 content on a 2.40 screen.

HOW ABOUT AN EXAMPLE?

You got it. In the first image, 16:9 content is shown on a 2.37 aspect ratio screen. Notice the black bars on the side (which appear here as a very dark grey, so you may have to look carefully).

Now let’s take a look at this same image, but with NLS+ engaged.

LOOKS GREAT, BUT HOW DOES NLS+ LOOK IN MOTION?

Well, glad you asked. How about some baseball with fast motion and panning? Click below and give it a try (30 MB download). Please pardon the way the video is narrower on the top than bottom – this is just due to the camera angle when recording.

SO, WHAT’S THE SECRET?

NLS+ is the first non-linear stretch algorithm to combine horizontal expansion with vertical compression.  This innovation (yet another madVR Labs industry first) “shares the load” for the stretch both horizontally and vertically, resulting in a more natural looking stretched image than may be achieved otherwise.

Here are some more examples of NLS+. Again, please look hard to spot the black bars, which closely blend in with the email background. Also note that the slant of the images is just from the camera being off-axis. These pics were taken casually, just for fun, to show you some more examples of NLS+ in action.

IS NLS+ RIGHT FOR EVERYONE?

NLS+ was one of the most asked for and anticipated Envy features over the past year, and the preliminary feedback has been outstanding. That said, some people prefer viewing the original, non-stretched content, with the full black bars. Even within madVR Labs, we have different thoughts on it.

So for the purists out there, please note that madVR are not advocating that NLS+ is for everyone. Rather, if you’re in the camp that really enjoys such a feature, you now have yet another fun and exciting way to get even more enjoyment out of your Envy!

And since NLS+ is subject to such personal taste, they provide many easy to use settings to adjust the amount and type of stretch and/or zoom. So whether you prefer no stretch, a little stretch or want to go wild, you can set things exactly as you prefer.

For more information on the madVR Envy (>>>), and how NLS+ can raise the video performance in your theater, contact us here (>>>) or click the button below.