I think the value proposition of JRVR and madVR are a bit different. I've a few different setups:
- JVC N7 to a perforated 16:9 125" Screen driven by a 1660Ti that is the main HT (7.2.4)
- Sony 65" OLED driven by a 1660Ti that is the main TV
- Epson 9300 to a 16:9 100" screen driven by a NUC8 (rumpus room)
- LG 65" OLED NUC7 driving a 60" LG OLED in a guest quarters
- Pair of Philips 436M6 driven by a 3090 on my "Main PC" that I use for grading
Here is why I'm now using JRVR vs madVR on my various setups:
- JRVR is vastly more efficient, and even the NUCs can output HDR passthough on content up to and including UHD HDR 59.94 without dropping frames. madVR cannot do this. It is worth noting, that both these setups are more for casual viewing where I'm more interested in getting smooth playback than squeezing that last bit of image quality. Works well.
- I also use Passthrough on the Sony 65" even though it has a 1660Ti as it is main TV. I let the TV do any tonemapping as it too is more casual TV viewing. Works Well
- I also use Passthrough on the Philips 436M6s with the 3090 but this is the work PC and when grading the output is actually from the BlackMagic UltraStudio 4K, and then previewed using JRVR in Passthrough mode to check it all looks correct. Works well.
- Now the more contentious is the dedicated HT setup. madVR vs JRVR. That is the question. It needs tonemapping. I've run madVR on this for years (including the development versions). Currently I'm running JRVR and I'm very happy with it and in real time viewing I see no difference. I'm not sure I particularly care about what exact shade the explosions in MadMax are, or Voldemort's energy bolts, or the tip of the spear that gets endlessly discussed in the madVR thread. I more care that the playback is smooth without dropping frames or that there is no brightness pulsing, blown highlights, crushed blacks... or other artefacts that pull you out of the story. I think this is where JRVR shines. It just works.
The extra efficiency means that you are not running on the edge all the time. It is easy to setup to get a great looking picture without needing 1,000 tweaks..... you know the ones that look great on one scene then no so good on another? I'm soooo over knob twiddling, bit polishing, and pixel peeping.... I just want to watch some movies not sit their evaluating the image.
That said, there is a strong case for madVR and its inclusion in MC. It has all sorts of flexibility and customising to suit a particular setup that I don't see JRVR ever having. If you want to squeeze the absolute best image quality out of MC, then madVR is your option.
Now... what movie should I watch?