DVDO Edge Instead of High End Processor

[snmhanson]

Hoping I can get some advice here. I am trying to decide whether I should get a DVDO Edge or just hold out for one of the new processors that handle HDMI 1.3 w/ quality upconversion and all of the new HD audio formats (Emo UMC or XMC, Integra, Onkyo, etc...). I like the looks of the Edge as it would handle all of my video switching/processing needs and I think I can find one for a decent price. However, I would still need to get something to go between the Edge and my amp (NAD T-973) to handle the audio signals. Would I end up having to buy a decent processor or receiver in the end anyway or are there other reasonably priced devices that will simply handle the audio conversion? In other words, I think I would be looking for a pretty bare bones piece of equipment that doesn't have any switching capabilities, amplification capabilities or most of the features found on a typical processor or receiver. Something that will simply convert a single HDMI or optical digital audio input to pre-outs for the amp. For the time-being I have a couple of older receiver that I could use to handle the conversion but I would eventually require something that can handle the new HD audio formats. Is there anything out there for me?

Also, is there any reason not to pass audio only sources through the Edge? I am not currently concerned with analog audio which I think would be the main deterent to having the Edge handle audio-only signals.

Thanks,

Matt

[adk highlander]

I guess my first question would be what do you need the processor for? Upscaling of SD sources, deinterlacing or Upconverting and switching?

I use my Onkyo 885 prepro with a REON HQV chip. It does a decent job scaling SD sources and offers a few options to clean up the image (edge, mosquito noise, saturation etc.) I have found a few of the options to be helpful but many are only mildly useful.

From what I am seeing you can get a 885 (08 model) for around 800 bucks and it will give you HDMI 1.3 so you can get all the lossless codec's as well as Audyssey room correction and a host of other features. I've never owned a DVDO edge and I see it uses the Anchor Bay VRS chip. I just got that in my Oppo blu-ray player but I have not tested the scaling results yet between that and the REON.

[snmhanson]

I want a processor mainly because I need something to handle the video upconversion/switching aspect of the system. As I said, I was planning on a $1000+ pre/pro to handle the full gamet of my A/V processing needs but I have found a few DVDO Edges for pretty cheap. That would cover the video processing requirements pretty well, as well as provide a single HDMI or optical audio signal for audio processing. I guess my main concern is whether there is anything that will handle only the audio aspect of the system, acting as a bridge between the HDMI or optical digital signal and the pre-outs required by the amp. As I said I would like it to be able to process the new HD audio codecs as well.

A little more info may be in order here. This room is a media room in an addition that we recently built. Right now I have a five year old rear projection TV with DVI and 1080i max resolution and a NAD T-973 amplifier. I don't have speakers yet as I am waiting until I can afford what I really want (Paradigm Studios). I actually don't have source components yet either as there has been no reason to buy them so far, but they will be coming shortly. I do have an older receiver that could process the audio signals and provide audio for the television and to the amp once I get some speakers. Plus, I will be getting a projector and screen within the next year or so as well. So, I am after something that will fit into my system once I finish it off, but will also be able to act as a switcher/upconverter and provide a single audio/video source to my tv right now.

Not sure if I really added much or just basically restated by initial question but hopefully that helps. Basically, what draws me to the Edge is the simplicity of it. It has the inputs I need and only requires the one output (plus my audio output). The only thing that's really up in the air is how to process the audio signal without having to get a full-blown pre/pro or receiver anyway.

Matt

[agarwalro]

The DVDO Edge product and the likes are made to bridge the gap between older analog (but superlative) audio components that the owner may not want to discard and the newer digital formats. Say, McIntosh analog pre-pro or Denon 5803, etc. Most receivers and especially pre-pros in the $1000+ range have good inbuilt video processing that will be on par or better than the DVDO. For example, Integra DTC 9.8.

That said, a good quality source paired with a good display and properly calibrated for the room, will eliminate any need for processing the video for all but the most anal-retentive of folks.

[jostenmeat]

Not sure if I really added much or just basically restated by initial question but hopefully that helps. Basically, what draws me to the Edge is the simplicity of it. It has the inputs I need and only requires the one output (plus my audio output). The only thing that's really up in the air is how to process the audio signal without having to get a full-blown pre/pro or receiver anyway.

Matt

Well, to process a signal, you need a processor. You also need a preamp. Your EDGE doesn't have a volume knob, if you haven't noticed. Your current receiver, or whatever it is, will be both preamp and processor. That's what a pre/pro is, preamp+processor. A receiver is both those things, + an amplifier.

The DVDO Edge product and the likes are made to bridge the gap between older analog (but superlative) audio components that the owner may not want to discard and the newer digital formats. Say, McIntosh analog pre-pro or Denon 5803, etc. Most receivers and especially pre-pros in the $1000+ range have good inbuilt video processing that will be on par or better than the DVDO. For example, Integra DTC 9.8.

I have the opposite impression. That for the best video processing, you want a stand alone. Sure the Anthem v2 is very nice, but um how much is that? You can't compare that price point. If I did compare that price point with standalone VP, I'd get the $4500 Lumagen XD, a dream item of mine.

I am also under the impression that the Integra's Reon implementation is useful, and is a nice side bonus, but will still be inferior to the Edge. Now, something like the Denon AVP scores very well in VP, but that's $7,000.

That said, a good quality source paired with a good display and properly calibrated for the room, will eliminate any need for processing the video for all but the most anal-retentive of folks.

He has a dedicated front projection setup. I do as well. If I actually watched television broadcasting, DVD, whatever, I'd already own a standalone VP. But, I only watch Bluray on it. Yet, if I was very rich, I'd still get the Lumagen for the CMS alone.