Lumagen has announced the official launch date for its new ArtisaN video processors, and integrators interested in getting their hands on the company’s 8K-ready video processor can now bank on it releasing sometime in Fall 2025.
The ArtisaN will be Lumagen’s—and perhaps the home cinema category’s—first video processor to support 8K inputs and outputs.
The initial ArtisaN processor won’t start off supporting 8K, however. According to Lumagen, the initial ArtisaN 8K Ready will support up to 4K60 inputs and outputs and be upgradable to 8K and 4K120 inputs and outputs with optional Software Key.
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The processor will also support HDCP 2.3, HDR10, and HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma), and is compatible with Dolby LLDV sources out the gate.
Lumagen ArtisaN Processors to Pull from Successful Radiance Pro Series
In talking about the construction of the ArtisaN processor, Lumagen president Jim Peterson stated that company pulled from the Radiance Pro series when building out the ArtisaN’s core features and capabilities, especially when it came to picture scaling.
According to Peterson, when using the Tektronix PQA600C analysis software, ArtisaN scored 20% higher in terms of picture quality when scaling images to 4K, 1080, 720, and SD.
Additionally, the ArtisaN leverages a similar circuitry setup as the Radiance Pro 5348 designed to reduce HDMI output clock jitter, resulting in less distortion and improved audio when run through the audio processor’s DACs.
ArtisaN will also be able to support Darbee processing out the box for up to 4K60 sources with an edge-sharpening feature meant to help restore detail lost during compression of digital content.
Currently, the ArtisaN has eight inputs, two outputs, and a host of video processing, setup, and calibration features. Additionally, in a timely statement given the current chaos surrounding tariffs, Lumagen has stated that all ArtisaN processors will be manufactured in the United States.
8K Capabilities Keep Building, But Consumer Adoption Remains Muted
While 8K video processing is a major step towards broader availability of ultra-high resolutions, the public appetite remains largely muted now for 8K. In an analysis of the 8K trend, channel experts speaking with CE Pro stated that 4K saw a similar lag in availability of technology to widespread adoption.
The availability of devices and infrastructure to support 8K video systems still remains critical, however, if the format begins to take off as 4K did all those years ago, and video processors, while not as widely used as they once were, would be a key component in supporting systems looking to achieve 8K resolutions.
Critics of 8K, like director Barry Sonnenfeld see the format as being overkill in terms of detail, though even through his criticism, he does concede that higher resolutions are a “game changer” when it comes to watching sports.
Still, others, like Jon Thompson, a producer for major movie studios including Walt Disney, had plenty of positives to say when testing out the ArtisaN processor himself.
“This is the best tone mapping I have ever seen, including professional non-real-time solutions,” Thompson said on the AVS Forums, where he is known as “JohnnyFocal.”
“From Dailies to the final 4K home master… I hope you agree this is the world’s best video processor by a long way.”
Pricing and Availability
In the USA, pre-orders can now be placed on the $10,995 MSRP ArtisaN 8K Ready processor. Lumagen states pre-ordering now through the end of September nets a special purchase price of $9,995, though it does require a 50% deposit.
Upgrading to the full 8K version will cost an additional $2,000 MRSP
Those that pre-order will also receive enhanced trade-in values on their current Lumagen Radiance Pro processors as well.
Lumagen is targeting its first shipments of the 8K Ready version in the Fall 2025.
Keep Reading:
Why video processing remains an absolute essential in higher end AV systems
8K has the industry excited, so why isn’t it catching on with consumers?
Should you start future-proofing your installations for 8K content?
