High-performance video processor maker madVR Labs has announced the Envy MK2 Series, the next generation of their acclaimed Envy Extreme and Pro video processors aimed at high-end home theaters and videophiles.

The company says the Envy MK2 represents a significant upgrade from the previous generation. Among the highlights, madVR Labs notes the Envy MK2 offers a big boost in GPU power, upgraded system components including enterprise-grade ECC RAM, redesigned cooling system, new aluminum face premium backlit remote control, and elegant custom case.

The Envy MK2’s new Glacier X2 cooling system delivers highly efficient cooling, now essentially inaudible from just a couple of feet away when running in Silent mode, according to madVR.

According to madVR, the Extreme MK2 uses the Nvidia 4080 GPU, boosting GPU power by as much as 100% and providing important headroom now and into the future, for MotionAI and other AI-based algorithms. The Envy Pro MK2 will also feature an upgraded GPU over its predecessor, with a triple-fan design for enhanced cooling efficiency and noise reduction, and share the same high-end case and premium components (aside from the GPU) as found in the Extreme MK2.

In terms of aesthetics, the Envy MK2 is housed in a new, custo- engineered all-aluminum 3mm case with a 20mm front plate and custom matching rack ears. The engineering process involved multiple rounds of prototyping, spanning a year and a half, the company says, to ensure that every aspect of the MK2 was designed and built to meet the highest standards of quality and performance. The MK2 models come with a 5-year warranty on parts and labor.

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The company notes that its vision is to use adaptable modern-day hardware to deliver products that take full advantage of the latest technological advances, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), such as found in their MotionAI per-pixel motion interpolation, currently in beta.

“I’m incredibly proud of our team for this accomplishment and grateful to our esteemed dealers, distributors, and customers around the world for their exceptional support and feedback, which was a driving force behind the MK2 design. We believe the Envy MK2 delivers on all fronts — best-in-class video quality and performance, build quality and high reliability, and ease of use,” says Richard Litofsky, madVR Labs co-founder and CEO.

Dealers Excited for New madVR Labs Envy MK2 Processors

Integrators are already anticipating the new wares. Industry veteran Leon Shaw, founder of North Carolina-based dealer Audio Advice, switched to the Envy Extreme as his video processor of choice after seeing the Envy Extreme MK1 in 2020, madVR reports. “The completely redesigned MK2 brings the Envy to an entirely new level, making it an even better choice for any serious home theater,” says Shaw, who noted madVR’s quick rise as a luxury brand in only a few years..

“Some of the technology in the Envy MK2 is not only new for them but is revolutionary for the entire industry. I’ve been very impressed how fast their team innovates and love the fact they invite our feedback. And as an added bonus, their menu system is the best I have seen on a piece of AV gear. I can’t wait to see the future updates Envy rolls out for the MK2 version as its huge amount of processing power will allow them to continue down the innovation path.”

Last year at CEDIA Expo in Dallas, madVR Labs’ processing was used in arguably the most popular demo theater on the show floor, featuring Trinnov, Kaleidescape, McIntosh among others.

The company is taking orders for the MK2 models. The Envy Extreme MK2 is set to start shipping in limited quantities from late April 2023. Early units will ship with the MK1 remote control, which will be replaced at no charge when the premium backlit remote control is available shortly thereafter. The Envy Pro MK2 is expected to begin shipping in summer 2023.

MSRP in the USA is $15,995 and $9,495 for the Extreme MK2 and Pro MK2, respectively. Qualifying owners of the madVR Envy Extreme MK1 will soon have the opportunity to upgrade to a new Extreme MK2 for just $4,795 with a new 5-year warranty, by trading in their Extreme MK1 in good physical condition. Although the MK1 models will no longer be manufactured, the MK1 will still be supported and continue to receive firmware updates.

Last fall, madVR Labs launched a Certified for Envy program that ensures audio/video products meet the highest quality standards for video excellence, as determined by madVR Labs. 

The Envy Extreme MK2 will make its first public showing at the TOLA Expo in Dallas, Texas, May 2-4, 2023, where it will power the video processing in the show’s main demo room, paired with the new Samsung 140-inch microLED TV.

Concurrent with the announcement, madVR Labs added that in the UK, it has partnered with Invision UK on a distribution agreement to bring the new products to the custom install market.

“Our home cinema portfolio is already extensive, and adding this award-winning product to the mix takes our comprehensive cinema solution to a whole new level,” enthuses Mark Taylor, Invision UK commercial director.

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