Add-On HDMI Transcoders (and) Affordable Pre/Pros w/ HDMI

[Mike1234]

From what I've seen, the new pre/pros with built-in HDMI are either very pricey or flaky. For instance, the Emotiva LMC-1 is said to sound very nice but the software is buggy.

QUESTION #1: Is the LMC-1 still not ready for primetime?

QUESTION #2: Are there any good-sounding 7.1 pre/pros with HDMI video and audio for less than $1K? OR... am I as well off with a receiver like the Emotiva DMR-1 that's on sale for $999?

QUESTION #3: Are there any good-sounding add-on HDMI transcoders worth buying? Example: Sherwood HSB-6501... can be seen on the Parts Express website.

THANKS!!

 

[skriefal]

The LMC-1 does not have integrated HDMI support. The HDMI connectivity comes from an external 2-in, 1-out HDMI switchbox that connects to the LMC-1 via a small RS232 cable. The switchbox selects one of the two inputs when the DVD or CABLE inputs are selected on the LMC-1 (this is non-configurable), and obviously this is a video-only solution.

Not sure about the DMC-1/DMR-1...

 

[mtrycrafts]

From what I've seen, the new pre/pros with built-in HDMI are either very pricey or flaky. For instance, the Emotiva LMC-1 is said to sound very nice but the software is buggy.

QUESTION #1: Is the LMC-1 still not ready for primetime?

QUESTION #2: Are there any good-sounding 7.1 pre/pros with HDMI video and audio for less than $1K? OR... am I as well off with a receiver like the Emotiva DMR-1 that's on sale for $999?

QUESTION #3: Are there any good-sounding add-on HDMI transcoders worth buying? Example: Sherwood HSB-6501... can be seen on the Parts Express website.

THANKS!!

Let me ask a question, if you would. Why a transcoder instead of a player with HDMI?

 

[Mike1234]

I want the best bang for the buck and most new pre/pros with HDMI are pricey. That said, I see the Emotiva DMR-1 receiver ($999 on sale) is $300 less than their DMC-1 pre/pro. Interestingly enough, after inspection of the images on Emotiva's website, the receiver seems to be internally identical to the pre/pro ($1299), except for the built-in amplification and minor layout differences. Also, the balanced outputs on the pre/pro are replaced by speaker outs on the receiver.

Anyway... it's just perfomance vs price. Also, separates allow individual upgrades vs replacing the entire all-in-one unit. The fact is the manufacturers "have it out for us". They want us to keep buying their new stuff, right? Why would they make products that never need replacement?

Let me ask a question, if you would. Why a transcoder instead of a player with HDMI?

 

[mtrycrafts]

I want the best bang for the buck and most new pre/pros with HDMI are pricey. That said, I see the Emotiva DMR-1 receiver ($999 on sale) is $300 less than their DMC-1 pre/pro. Interestingly enough, after inspection of the images on Emotiva's website, the receiver seems to be internally identical to the pre/pro ($1299), except for the built-in amplification and minor layout differences. Also, the balanced outputs on the pre/pro are replaced by speaker outs on the receiver.

Anyway... it's just perfomance vs price. Also, separates allow individual upgrades vs replacing the entire all-in-one unit. The fact is the manufacturers "have it out for us". They want us to keep buying their new stuff, right? Why would they make products that never need replacement?

Another question then. What analog signal do you want to transcode to digital? You may be expecting more than it can deliver.

 

[Mike1234]

I'm upgrading to Blu-Ray and HD-DVD soon so I need HDMI inputs but I can't afford a $4K pre/pro or receiver. My budget is ~$1K.

Another question then. What analog signal do you want to transcode to digital? You may be expecting more than it can deliver.

 

[mtrycrafts]

I'm upgrading to Blu-Ray and HD-DVD soon so I need HDMI inputs but I can't afford a $4K pre/pro or receiver. My budget is ~$1K.

OK. A transcoder is to convert analog video to digital, so I am not sure if you want to convert other analog video signals going to the Tv or what? If so, just send it analog and let the TV do that conversion.

You can send the HDMI from the new hi-def player direct to the TV and if you want lossless audio from it, let the new player decode it and send the analog to your current receiver if it has 5.1 analog input.

 

[Warpdrv]

This is one of the reasons I went with a HDMI switching receiver (Pioneer Elite 81) to serve as my temp. Pre/Pro until new products come out and they sort through the issues of HDMI......

Here is a HDMI switcher that is a forum sponsor....
http://www.impactacoustics.com/product_list.asp?cat_id=1002

 

[palmharbor]

Buggy?????

I am considering buying the LMC-1 EMOTIVA this week....what buggs do you know about? If this product is a lemon I would prefer to know today.
Thanks

 

[Warpdrv]

I agree.... one would want to know the limitations before purchasing something with problems... I wouldn't want to....
P.S. I did see that they had an update to firmware out for that unit...

Hey... I searched for the Emotiva Forums on google, but came up with nothing.

Does anyone have the link to it... I was just on there reading about some stuff... Im interested to know when they are coming out with the second gen of Processors... They look very nice, and will be following the user reviews.
With Integrated HDMI.

 

[palmharbor]

buggy II

I will be calling them tommorrow

 

[mtrycrafts]

This is one of the reasons I went with a HDMI switching receiver (Pioneer Elite 81) to serve as my temp. Pre/Pro until new products come out and they sort through the issues of HDMI......

Here is a HDMI switcher that is a forum sponsor....
http://www.impactacoustics.com/product_list.asp?cat_id=1002

Is he looking for a switcher or a transcoder?

 

[Davemcc]

Im interested to know when they are coming out with the second gen of Processors... They look very nice, and will be following the user reviews.
With Integrated HDMI.

I asked this at the Emotiva demo this weekend and while the new pre/pros are supposed to be out later this year, apparently they probably won't be ready till early next year.

 

[Warpdrv]

Is he looking for a switcher or a transcoder?

Good question.... If he's looking for upconverting.... the MMC-1 offers that,
If he's looking for HDMI Switching, the MMC-1 offers that as well... but if he's looking for UpScaling, Im not sure that the MMC-1 has a processor onboard that I see...

What exactly are we looking for here Mike.....


Found the Emotiva Lounge... http://emotivalounge.proboards54.com/index.cgi

 

[Mike1234]

I read 3 or 4 threads on different forums referencing LMC-1 software issues. I'm looking for them now. Emotiva "may" have resolved them by now. I don't know. Here's one link... http://www.av123forum.com/showthread.php?t=20700

EDIT: Here's another link... http://www.av123forum.com/showthread.php?t=19727

Here's a PDF on Emotiva's website addressing the concerns from an AV123 member... http://emotiva.com/manuals/emo.updates/LMC-1.pdf

 

[Mike1234]

Okay... obviously I don't understand how HDMI works. I have yet to find a thread that explains HDMI functionality in detail but I'll keep searching.

I guess I just need a switcher?? I want HDMI video and audio capability for my next system. Although HDMI may never catch on fully, as I've read in other threads, I see no reason to self-limit.

EDIT: I've read about HDMI and I understand that it's a versatile high bit-rate uncompressed digital format. I guess what confuses me is its implementation into and within the pre/pro. What's happening and where?

Good question.... If he's looking for upconverting.... the MMC-1 offers that,
If he's looking for HDMI Switching, the MMC-1 offers that as well... but if he's looking for UpScaling, Im not sure that the MMC-1 has a processor onboard that I see...

What exactly are we looking for here Mike.....


Found the Emotiva Lounge... http://emotivalounge.proboards54.com/index.cgi

 

[Warpdrv]

Ok buddy.... now is the time that you take a step back, and do some research about what it is you are looking for.... HDMI is a complicated multi faceted scenario.... there are alot of caviats involved with HDMI and you should study up on.... please check out this thread... http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=789994

tons of info there... just a brief start to HDMI, but will lead you in the right direction... please do hesitate to ask more questions...

We all want you to get what your after, and understanding what that is, is where we start... We are all in the same boat here, trying to get what most of the companies don't offer what we already know should be available...

Warp

 

[mtrycrafts]

Okay... obviously I don't understand how HDMI works. I have yet to find a thread that explains HDMI functionality in detail but I'll keep searching.

I guess I just need a switcher?? I want HDMI video and audio capability for my next system. Although HDMI may never catch on fully, as I've read in other threads, I see no reason to self-limit.

EDIT: I've read about HDMI and I understand that it's a versatile high bit-rate uncompressed digital format. I guess what confuses me is its implementation into and within the pre/pro. What's happening and where?

Well, in that case you are not looking for transcoding, conversion of an
S-video or component video to digital video.
How many components do you think you will have that may need switching? Will you go into hi def DVds where the new lossless audio and 1080p would need it, unless the DVD player will decode and pass the lossless analog to the receiver via the 5.1 or higher analog audio cables?
Not a real advantage with standard def dvd as component does a real nice job.

 

[Hi Ho]

You could use a receiver like the Yamaha RX-V1800 as a pre/pro if you already have an amp. I have an RX-V2700 (previous generation) and I have no complaints with the HDMI transcoding performance. The sound quality of the Yamaha is excellent.

 

[davidtwotrees]

YBA Design

I am waiting to see what YBA's entry into the 7.1 game looks like. They are offering a whole line of Home Theatre gear in the "affordable" Design line.
I have swapped some emails with distributor and he couldn't come up with any specs or pictures of the rear of the units. I love my "yba" prepro for it's simplicity. Here is a link to the YBA Design line.
I think the receiver is out now, and the pre pro is due soon....