Video Processor Reviews

User Interface
The Edge isn't your typical A/V box with no curb appeal. It features a sleek, sculpted design measuring only 2 inches tall with a recessed face lacking any controls other than a hidden flip-down HDMI input, a dim power light, and an IR receiver. The back panel contains the lion's share of inputs with ample space between them, a detachable power cord, an IR mini-jack for use with control systems, and a mini-USB port for firmware upgrades.

The universal remote can control up to seven devices and sports an elegant matte-black finish, and it sits comfortably in my hand. I'm usually not a fan of stock remotes, but this backlit model has a great layout, it's capable of learning codes not available in its database, and it's programmable with macros and punch-through commands.

Setting up a video processor can be difficult, but the Edge is designed to be set up by the end user without the assistance of a professional installer. It includes an onscreen Setup Wizard that guides you through the process in an intuitive manner, and it offers onscreen hints. A well-written setup guide is also included, and as a last resort, dedicated tech support is available by toll-free phone and online.

Hidden in the menu system are a couple of features that should have been given more prominence. First is 1:1 Frame Rate, which defaults to Off. This function prevents the incoming frame rate from being altered—if 24fps comes in, 24fps goes out. This should be part of the Display Wizard setup because if your display can accept a variety of signals—24, 30, 50, or 60fps—1:1 Frame Rate should be enabled.

Another hidden feature is a set of test patterns. These include IRE (brightness) patterns, color bars, and full-field color patterns for adjusting the CMS (color-management system) in displays that provide one. Navigating the patterns is a bit laborious and could be improved by offering a fast exit/enter command. Too many button pushes are required to enter and exit, making calibration a somewhat tedious process.