Theo Kalomirakis
Executive Director, Rayva

I am the kind of old-fashioned guy who has a tactile relationship with my movies: I locate what I want to see, I look at the liner notes to get excited, I plop the disc into the player, I watch the movie, and I return it to the shelf when it’s over. But with 15,000 (and counting) titles in my collection, many of the movies are on shelves as high as 13 feet off the floor–which means I need a ladder to reach them. Sadly, it also means I have stopped watching movies beyond my immediate reach. . . .

I am glad to report I do not have this problem anymore. Not long ago, I got my first Kaleidescape, and the first thing I did was transfer to it 500 of my favorite—but rarely seen—movies. Since then, Kaleidescape has become the most indispensable piece of hardware in my theater. I can watch any movie I want, anytime I want it. Just as importantly, I don’t have to sacrifice the quality of the transfer like I do when I stream a movie from Netflix or Amazon.

NOTE: Theo Kalomirakis will be reviewing movies from the Kaleidescape store in a weekly column, The Kaleidescape Corner, to be featured in the upcoming site www.rayvaroundtable.com. Rayva offers end-to-end solutions for home entertainment that incorporate designs, design accessories and AV electronics including a Kaleidescape unit.

William E., Kaleidescape Enthusiast
Los Angeles, CA

My Kaleidescape Alto has become the workhorse of my home entertainment system.

With the Alto I can play HD movies from the Kaleidescape Movie Store and enjoy them in pristine high resolution video and lossless audio. The sound is unbelievable, particularly for titles in the newer formats like Dolby Atmos which make the room come alive around me in incredibly sharp detail. The Kaleidescape interface with cover art for each film not only looks great but also makes it easy for me to organize my film collection and find what I want to watch quickly.

But the Alto really came into its own when I combined it with a Kaleidescape Disc Server. Cataloging discs is a breeze and new Blu-ray and DVD titles immediately appear on the display so my entire collection is accessible from the same interface. I can play movies from discs without having to scroll through menus or endure FBI warnings and countless previews thanks to Kaleidescape’s fantastic bookmarked film database. An additional bonus is being able to listen to surround-sound music recorded on Blu-ray or DVD through the Disc Server without having to insert each disc individually. Again, the lossless audio means that I can really hear how much care went into each recording, and the good ones really stand out.

I am steadily growing my collection with a combination of downloads from the Kaleidescape Movie Store and physical discs. My Kaleidescape Encore system is a source of constant enjoyment. The viewing (and listening) experience is so much better than streaming that my guests have been truly taken aback. Thank you Kaleidescape Team for your dedication to customers like me who want to get the most out of our home entertainment systems.

Kostas K.
Geneva, Switzerland

I’m a very happy owner of five Kaleidescape systems. I bought my first Premiere system in 2012. I liked it so much I had it installed in all of my homes. This way my family and I can enjoy the same wonderful movie viewing experience wherever we go. We have both Premiere and Encore systems in our primary home and a mix of Alto and Cinema One systems in our other homes.

I was first attracted to Kaleidescape as a way to manage our library of more than 1000 DVDs and Blu-Ray titles. My wife immediately loved that we no longer had shelves clogged with disks everywhere. But, we soon discovered the user interface to be an even more attractive feature. All of my family loves our Kaleidescape and our friends think it is phenomenal. Everyone is happy that we can enjoy different movies on different screens all from the same system. A really fun surprise for us was the “you might like” recommendations the system suggests for us.

I was thrilled when the Strato player came out. I like being an early adopter and several things attracted me to Strato. At the top of the list was the playback image quality of 4K content from the Kaleidescape online store. The quality is the best seen from any medium and blows away any other download or streaming sources. It makes the most of our 4K displays. I buy every 4K title I can online from the Kaleidescape Movie Store. It’s great to not have to rip discs anymore and to buy titles from a known and trusted source. I and my family look forward to being able to get more and more titles from the Kaleidescape Movie Store. We love Kaleidescape!

Gerard & Pamela Gleeson
Sharon, NH

A shared love of movies is one of the things that brought us together, almost 20 years ago. We built a large library of DVDs and Blu-Rays, but finding what we wanted to watch, or even remembering what we had, was a challenge. Finally last year we got an Alto and we love it! We’ve catalogued all the old discs, upgraded many to HD downloads, and now purchase new movies through the Movie Store. Quality and ease of use are outstanding. We can see additional Alto and Strato players, and Terra servers in our future.

Sean N.
Philadelphia, PA

I have been working on my home theater for 6 years now. At 27 years old, I know there are many things I still need to learn about this hobby. I have tried many products already, as my hobby has developed into an obsession, with me buying and selling speakers or projectors frequently.

But without a doubt, my Kaleidescape setup, consisting of a Strato, an Alto, and a Disc Server, has been the focal point of my home theater whenever I have guests over. There’s no better way for me to show off my system than with the ability to quickly flip between movie scenes using the beautiful user interface. A 45-minute demo used to consist of me putting 5-6 discs in my Blu-ray player one at a time, but I can now easily show scenes from 20+ movies in the same time frame.

When I don’t have time for a movie, there are times when I literally just watch my favorite scenes from a wide selection of movies… something I can only do with my Kaleidescape system.

I’m a health freak for sure, but I cannot imagine going back to the inconvenience of getting out of my seat to keep putting discs in my Blu-ray player now that I have 500+ movies available at any moment!

On top of all of this, the iPad app provides a phenomenal experience for easily controlling everything on a large touch screen.
The future looks incredibly bright for Kaleidescape, and I’m in it for the long haul!

Wayne and Cathy T.
British Columbia, Canada

My wife and I are avid film collectors. We started collecting 8mm condensed 1-reel movies and migrated through Beta and VHS tape, laser disc, DVD, HD DVD, Blu-ray, and now UHD Blu-ray. They’ve all had their challenges, but the common one is they take up lots of space. At one point, we had 6 large bookshelves overflowing. Organizing our library and finding a title to view made movie time no fun. Then came Kaleidescape!

Kaleidescape has been essential to our home theatre systems for over 12 years. Nothing else can keep our ever-expanding collection organized and so easily accessible. We cannot imagine how we managed without Kaleidescape. Friends are blown away by what it can do and how easy it is to use. Our children enjoyed having friends over to surf our collection to find a title for their movie nights. Their guests had never seen anything like it. Parental controls ensured safe viewing for the kids, and a worry-free evening for their parents. Now empty-nesters in a condo, the system continues to delight – the pinnacle of film library management.

With advances in high quality downloads making UHD/HDR quality a reality, the new Encore series Strato player provides an ultra-premium Kaleidescape experience. The Encore Terra server stores our downloaded HD and UHD/HDR titles. The build quality and appearance of the new line is top notch. The interface is smooth and quick, with ultra-sharp graphics. Additionally, the Kaleidescape Movie Store steadily releases UHD/HDR titles – many not even yet available on disc. The video and audio quality of these releases is absolutely stunning. Even playback of Blu-ray quality titles is a notch above the previous player.

As collectors, we’ve always preferred to own actual product over streaming, whether that be physical medium or download. The quality is a big step up from streaming, and we know it will be there when we want it. No buffering, no stuttering, just immaculate video and audio performance. Downloading from the Kaleidescape Movie Store is the quality choice for anyone passionate about film. The Encore Strato player and Terra server deliver the best high quality experience with unmatched organizational ease and accessibility. We can’t imagine home video without Kaleidescape. To us – it’s essential!

Chuck G.
Greensboro, GA

I’ve been an HT/Media Room enthusiast since 1983. I started with a VCR, Laser Disc Player and some kind of “surround” processor. I built my first real home theater in 1991.

When the original Kaleidescape system came out I looked at it and didn’t understand. Why something so expensive, just to not have to stick discs into a player? I work as an audio calibration professional, and spend a fair amount of time in high-end home theaters and dealer showrooms. Over the last 4 or 5 years, I began to notice virtually ALL of the high end home theater showrooms had Kaleidescape systems. I started thinking I should pay attention.

About a year ago I read about the new Encore system. It caught my attention because Kaleidescape was now offering a solution at a price point I could consider acquiring. I bought an Alto, and was hooked. I’ve now gotten to the point where handling discs really isn’t my thing anymore. Furthermore, since some of my nearly 1000 movies are not available on the Kaleidescape Movie Store, I added a Disc Server. So now, I don’t have to handle any more discs. As soon as 4K quality becomes consistent (Mastering quality varies widely and many 4K titles are up sampled from 2K) AND the Kaleidescape store delivers timely releases of 4K movies, I’ll be adding a Strato to my system.

Before making the decision to buy my Alto, I seriously considered the DIY approach. It would have saved me some real money. But NO alternative provides the “experience” or has the “industry acceptance” of Kaleidescape.

Having now enjoyed my Kaleidescape system for over I year, I love it. It’s so much more than just an alternative to handling discs. It’s an excellent means for categorizing my entire movie, concert video and multi-channel music (DVD-A) library (even those I choose not to store on the system). Very quick, variable-criteria search is possible with either my Control4 remote or the Kaleidescape iPad app. The user interface is incredible. It’s simple and a pleasure to use. It even eliminates the “pain in the rear” of fast forwarding through unwanted previews and can take me right to our favorite “scenes”. That makes doing quick demos of our theater to guests really fun! Plus, the picture quality is incredible.

What’s not to like?

The Laveau Family
Toronto, Canada

We love it. The best investment we ever made. Before Kaleidescape, we would go to the movies. You had to contend with people talking during the movie, cell phones going off, and getting up to let people in or out during the movie. Now we sit in the comfort of our home-no interruptions whatsoever. We have over 700 movies and counting. The biggest challenge is what movie do we watch tonight. We have been spoiled. When we see a new movie coming out, we wait and watch it in the serenity and comfort of our own movie theatre. Everyone should have one.

Jeff, Kathi, Jacob & Noah
Seattle, WA

Before purchasing a Kaleidescape, I researched and tried other solutions. When my wife saw a Kaleidescape demo, that was the tipping point. Not only was the interface beautiful, but my wife wanted something that “just works” without depending on me. Kaleidescape is part of the family now. We use it and love it. One day, my son even drew a picture of the logo!

Kaleidescape is a classic case of “You get what you pay for”. It’s a phenomenal product with fantastic support. I should have purchased it years ago!

Ed Daone
Kaleidescape Customer

As a husband, and father with 2 young children, my movie and music preferences are constantly changing while at the same time expanding. As a family man, when deciding to make a major purchase these days I look for long-term value relative to price. My Kaleidescape system is the perfect example. Not only does it get used daily, but my entire family gets to enjoy it. Everyone from Grandma to my 4-year old has their own personal collection stored on it. I ordered the “Child” remote for my 4-year old, and she is excited at the idea of being able to control the system all by herself, while my wife and I have the peace of mind knowing that the remote can be customized to only access age-appropriate material.

But perhaps the best feature about Kaleidescape, aside from the hardware itself, is that the Kaleidescape “experience” doesn’t just end at the point of sale. They’re there for you with tremendous customer support. Even the simplest question gets answered promptly, professionally, and courteously. They go above and beyond on their customer’s behalf… they won’t let an issue ever become a problem. For me Kaleidescape is not just an investment, but a relationship, and it’s hard to place a price on that kind of value.

Poppy, Luvy, and Grandchildren
In Poppy's Florida Theater Room

We have two Kaleidescape systems containing over 800 movies each, one in our Atlanta home and one in our Florida beach home. Kaleidescape provides us with one very special thing, memories of our 2 and 4 year old grandchildren curling up in our lap watching their favorite movie. Kaleidescape gave us the ability to create a collection just for them. The way Kaleidescape projects the covers grouped together on the screen provides a unique opportunity for our boys to participate in selecting what they watch. It’s great fun to see them point at a cover and then tell “Poppy” that’s the one.

Caitlin, Age 2½
World's Youngest End User

Kaleidescape Customer
Paris, France

Français:
Je profite au mieux de mes collections de films et de musique et la qualité du Système Kaleidescape est bien supérieure à d’autres solutions. J’apprécie les fonctions du système, en particulier les Scènes Favorites qui me permettent de partager les meilleurs moments cinématographiques avec mes amis.

English:
The Kaleidescape System provides the best of my movie and music collection, and the quality surpasses any other solution. I appreciate features such as Favorite Scenes which gives me the pleasure of sharing great cinematic moments with my friends.

Joshua Saslove
Real Estate Broker

Having been the listing broker of Hala Ranch in Aspen, Colorado, it was always a point of entertainment and excitement to show prospective purchasers the several Kaleidescape systems in this amazing 56,000 square foot retreat. Kaleidescape is a prerequisite necessity in any of the premiere properties we represent.

Bob Kaufman
Creator of Alaska.org

One of my favorite things in the world is to fly my bush plane into incredibly beautiful places in the Alaska wilderness and shoot videos, both from the air and on the ground. We get to go places in an afternoon most people won’t see in their lifetimes. We’ve now edited together dozens of these videos. Kaleidescape’s Premiere system is the perfect way to organize, share, and relive these adventures.

Buddy and Keith
Members of the Brickel Family

It’s hard to say what Kaleidescape does best.

As a movie server it has no competition. My collection is in excess of 1000 titles. I could never find the film I wanted to watch, or even knew if that film was in my collection. Then I found Kaleidescape. Now I can search for similar titles, or movies with the same actors in it. I can pick out a movie, and it starts in seconds, at the beginning, without previews, even for Blu-ray. Multiple movie players mean we can watch in several rooms at the same time, even different movies. The iPad app to control the system is truly a thing of beauty.

Morgan, Age 2
Talks About Kaleidescape

Ross Haerle, Captain, S/Y Bliss
www.sybliss.com

Superyachts like Bliss cannot rely on just their sailing prowess alone. Onboard entertainment systems continue to evolve and Kaleidescape leads the way. I need a system that is foolproof for my guests to use and completely reliable. With the great menu of movies and music, and also the remote diagnostic support, I am sure to be able to concentrate on the sailing and guest hospitality!

Randy Brazell
General Manager & Executive Producer

Before buying Kaleidescape, we were trying to manage our movie collection on a carousel system, but with over 1,200 titles, choosing and playing a movie was just a complicated mess. Now with Kaleidescape’s easy-to-understand menus and features, we’re rediscovering movies that we had forgotten we owned!

Being able to instantly start any movie in any room is an absolute joy. The system is amazingly intuitive to use, the picture quality is astounding, and the wow factor is off the charts!

One of our favorite features is being able to create a custom set of pre-rolls using the scripting commands. Our basement has a fun 1950’s theme, and the Kaleidescape System allows us to carry that theme onto the screen! We start the shows with a collection of old drive-in movie trailers and concession stand ads – remember “Let’s all go to the lobby?” It’s a real blast and our guests love it!

Every feature I could imagine is already included in this amazingly well thought out system. Honestly, my only regret is that we didn’t buy it sooner!

Bravo, Kaleidescape!

"Tut" the Abyssinian Cat
Spokane, WA

I’ve owned many other pieces of high-end equipment, and most are often “buggy,” especially when they’re in the early stages of their software development. Not Kaleidescape. It always works – perfectly and seamlessly – every time. I’ve had my Kaleidescape system about six years, and every year it keeps getting better. The Kaleidescape engineering magicians are constantly improving the operating system software, and of course the experience. One of my Kaleidescape players is hooked up to a state-of-the-art Runco Projector with a 7-1/2 ft wide screen, and the picture quality is jaw dropping. The Kaleidescape player is at the highest level of the food chain when it comes to “audiophile” and “videophile” quality.

Even to the most discriminating viewer or listener, I can’t imagine they could be disappointed. The last reason I want to touch on is just how cool the Kaleidescape system is. And I mean AWESOMELY COOL. You have instantaneous access to any movie, any part of a movie, any scene, and any song, in any room of the house. The real home run is the end-user experience. It’s one of those rare pieces of technology that perfectly blends state-of-the-art high tech, ease of use, and superb customer care.

Cindie McMahon
Kaleidescape Customer

Ali Ghaleb Jaber
United Arab Emirates

I first came across the Kaleidescape system about 4 years ago at Home Entertainment Trade Show here in Dubai. Loved the product as soon as I was put through a few scenes from a movie that was showing at the Home Theater Stand that was set up by Archimedia. Now, the Kaleidescape is installed through the whole house and in our 9-seat private theater, which has become the biggest highlight of the house. Kids can’t get enough of it. Always seem to buy movies just to upload onto the Kaleidescape.

Very happy with the product and looking forward to any updates.

Thank you Kaleidescape.

Cal McAusland
Kaleidescape Customer & Drummer

I use the system in a way that’s different, but I absolutely love it. My hobby is the drums, and I like playing along with concerts. I load concert discs onto my Kaleidescape, and then mark my favorite songs. Then I create my own playlists by mixing different songs from different concerts. I have one for hard rock, one for dinner music, and more. I’ve got over 70 concerts loaded on my system now, and I’m still buying more. My wife and I use the system every day – it’s our passion and our entertainment.

Lonely No More...Friends Galore
Lexington, MA

The Kaleidescape system is a great friend maker! All my friends love coming over now. Somehow we always end up in the theater. Who does not like watching movies? I have fostered new friendships and consolidated other ones through this godsend. And of course, I also enjoy it when I have it all to myself.

Seth Jacoby
Showtime Audio & Video

4-Year-Old Master of the Movie Universe
Kid's Remote User Extraordinaire

As much as I love the Kaleidescape system, my 4-year old daughter might love it even more. Lauryn especially LOVES the Kaleidescape Child Remote. She carries it around with her. She says, “Hey! Where’s my remote?” And then she points it at the TV and says, “I’m going to turn the TV on and watch my collection now.”

It is amazing how quickly she mastered it and took total ownership of it. It’s really great.

Rusty Henderson
Owner, Think Simple BVI

Brandon Hoishik
Kaleidescape Dealer & Customer

The Gibson Family
Denver, CO

We have had our Kaleidescape system for over five years, and our family loves it. The user interface is intuitive and easy to use. Even our two-year old can select and start movies when we let him. Customer service is top-notch too. They make sure that any issues are addressed to our satisfaction. I highly recommended this system.

David Raife
Paragon - Aspen