I need your input for my Senior Design Project at SCAD!

[randymako]

I am a Student at the Savannah College of Art and Design. I am working on my Senior Project and focusing on home audio. I am designing a Receiver that is between $1000 and $5000 that is easy to use and styled different then the traditional “rack”.

So here’s where I need your help by answering a couple questions:

1. What problems do you have with your home theater system? (ex. changing the subwoofer level is too many steps or. connecting the speaker wire is complicated...)

2. What would you like to see in a home theater system, maybe a feature or look? (ex. I would like to have the option to have a favorites button for each family member)

3. What is the favorite part of your home theater system? (ex. The Bass and Treble knobs)

4. What inputs do you use with your system? (ex. DVD, CD, MD etc...)

5. Sky is the limit ... tell me all your thoughts on home theater systems and what you like / dislike ... anything.

Thanks you for your time and answers! Any other thoughts, images, links feel free to e-mail me at audioexploration@gmail.com.

 

[strube]

Welcome to the forums!

What exactly are you designing? I am not trying to be hostile, it just sounds to me like your college is not an engineering one. Unless you are an electrical engineer you really aren't technically qualified to truly design the electronics portion of the receiver. I can't speak for all of my fellow EE's, but I can't support unqualified people trying to do what we go to school for 4-8 years to be able to do right.

On the other hand, you are probably well qualified to design the external aesthetics of the unit. The ideal thing would be to work in conjunction with an electronics-focused EE to get the ideal balance between form and function.

I will still answer to your question though. I would like to see a pre/pro (or AVR) that has modern HT I/O (HDMI, digital optical and coaxial, and component video), lots of 12v triggers, XLR pre-outs, a couple stereo inputs (maybe two RCA pairs and one XLR pair) - all fully assignable - and nothing else - sort of a minimalist HT pre/pro but still very high-end component- and feature-wise. There is no reason to pay for so many inputs and outputs that I will never use. I honestly think aesthetically, a minimalist design that is clean, symmetric, and has a fairly standard-sized footprint and a complete informational display on the front is all I really need.

I could also go for a Pre/Pro that is priced like an AVR without an amp, instead of paying much more than an equivalently equipped AVR.

 

[Shock]

1. The worst problem I encounter is speaker terminals on the back of a receiver being too close together for anyone who does not have small girlish hands.

2. I would like the option to have the receiver connect directly to a home network wirelessly, for wireless audio streaming.

3. The remote, the remote should be able to do everything without having to get up and press buttons on the receiver itself.

4. Currently, DVD, CD, VCR1, TV are being used. I don't need a million inputs I'll never use.

5. The thing I want most in any receiver is ease of use. I don't want to have to jump through a hoop just to change a setting, no fancy "hold button down for 2.5 seconds...." I want a button on the remote for every option. I also do NOT need the remote to be universal. All that extra real estate could be used for dedicated menu buttons instead of scrolling through menu after menu with a single button. Lastly, a GUI displayed on the moniter I am using if available.

Just a few of my thoughts, hope I helped.

 

[jamie2112]

Multi Tasking AVR

I want a reciever that can make tacos and chips. I can't seem to get my AVR to do anything except play music and play movie soundtracks. Could you design one that will help Adam get a girlfriend? I also think Alex needs one that is easy enough for his monkey to use how bout that? Also I would love to be able to surf the web on my AVR so I don't need a computer anymore. I would also love to have a 15 inch LCD screen that pops up out of the back so I don't need any screen. Could you also put a microwave in it so I don't have to go upstairs to get anything to eat I can cook it right in my AVR. I know these may be silly answers but to me your question is silly IMO. I am in agreement with Strube on this one. Engineers go to school for 4-8 years to be able to do what you are seeking to do. Best of luck to you but I think its a little far fetched IMO of course.

 

[Adam]

Hi. How about a build-to-order type of operation, like what is available for PCs (e.g. Dell, HP). You could offer a few different types of chassis, and the customers could pick which options they want (out of some set number of choices, of course). The chassis would be built like PC cases in that they could be upgraded. Home theater PCs are already in that genre, but I haven't seen (or looked for) an AVR like that.

 

[strube]

Hi. How about a build-to-order type of operation, like what is available for PCs (e.g. Dell, HP). You could offer a few different types of chassis, and the customers could pick which options they want (out of some set number of choices, of course). The chassis would be built like PC cases in that they could be upgraded. Home theater PCs are already in that genre, but I haven't seen (or looked for) an AVR like that.

Brilliant!!

 

[Reorx]

Hi. How about a build-to-order type of operation, like what is available for PCs (e.g. Dell, HP). You could offer a few different types of chassis, and the customers could pick which options they want (out of some set number of choices, of course). The chassis would be built like PC cases in that they could be upgraded. Home theater PCs are already in that genre, but I haven't seen (or looked for) an AVR like that.

I love this idea. Do it for both pre/pro and avr.
Adjust the price baised on what options you select.
Allow upgradability for future add-in cards.

Standardize the specs across all manufactures AVR's and pre/pro's.

 

[jinjuku]

So here’s where I need your help by answering a couple questions:

1. What problems do you have with your home theater system? (ex. changing the subwoofer level is too many steps or. connecting the speaker wire is complicated...)

Control side: Ethernet/Web based config plus a touch screen that does away with all the hard buttons. Virtual jog/shuttle etc...

2. What would you like to see in a home theater system, maybe a feature or look? (ex. I would like to have the option to have a favorites button for each family member)

A lock out feature to keep kids from punching all the buttons forcing me to factory reset the receiver.

3. What is the favorite part of your home theater system? (ex. The Bass and Treble knobs)

Good initial setup that requires little to no tweaking after words.

4. What inputs do you use with your system? (ex. DVD, CD, MD etc...)

Not much to say here. More modern inputs (HDMI/Optical), less legacy (RCA,S-Video,Component)

5. Sky is the limit ... tell me all your thoughts on home theater systems and what you like / dislike ... anything.

Speaker outputs not so crowded or an included e-z termination system and then make your connections.

 

[popotoys]

5. Sky is the limit ... tell me all your thoughts on home theater systems and what you like / dislike ... anything.

How about one that has built in Surge Protection, Line Conditioning and Power Regulation?

 

[popotoys]

2. What would you like to see in a home theater system, maybe a feature or look? (ex. I would like to have the option to have a favorites button for each family member)

How about a remote that is RF and not IR?

 

[Midcow2]

Another idea - automatic learning AVR

I am a Student at the Savannah College of Art and Design. I am working on my Senior Project and focusing on home audio. I am designing a Receiver that is between $1000 and $5000 that is easy to use and styled different then the traditional “rack”.

So here’s where I need your help by answering a couple questions:

1. What problems do you have with your home theater system? (ex. changing the subwoofer level is too many steps or. connecting the speaker wire is complicated...)

2. What would you like to see in a home theater system, maybe a feature or look? (ex. I would like to have the option to have a favorites button for each family member)

3. What is the favorite part of your home theater system? (ex. The Bass and Treble knobs)

4. What inputs do you use with your system? (ex. DVD, CD, MD etc...)

5. Sky is the limit ... tell me all your thoughts on home theater systems and what you like / dislike ... anything.

Thanks you for your time and answers! Any other thoughts, images, links feel free to e-mail me at audioexploration@gmail.com.

PCs went through a cycle (well maybe not the MACs which seem in this aspect at least to be more advanced ) of difficulty of adding new cards and new hard-ware. Then in two generations back with Windows 2000, Windows 95 we came to Plug-N-Play. Now with XP and Vista, PCs recognize new devices and automatically look for drivers , install the drivers and voilla everything magically works ( I know Jamie MAC has done this all along).

Okay now getting too my point. We are not even at a analogous level on AVRs of even the old windows concenring remotes and control. Each remotes is specialized and even so there are limitations of of how components interface. Even the best Harmony, RF20 remote controllers, etc still have ther limitations and must be programmed, tweaked, learned, etc.

An ideal AVR would automatically sens and be able to control any existing on new audio video device. It would have flexibilty easily integrate current and future devices automatically by plugging in a USB drive, Ethernet cable or wireless interface with new device codes or info. The remote would be evergreen and always work perfectly.

Design this and get an A+

 

[Nemo128]

I want a receiver that can administer an electric shock to any room occupant who speaks while a movie is playing.

 

[randymako]

Hi All,

Thank you for your input and keep it coming. This really helps define the areas that need improving and the areas that already work.

Again, thanks for your time!

 

[popotoys]

Separate on & off buttons

 

[lsiberian]

1. I actually love my home theater system and have no problems with my speakers either, but for improvements I would like to have volume control on my video output. I also would like a bit more power(mail testosterone thing)

Also my Center speaker is never quite right in quiet dialogue. Thought it's great for normal stuff.


2. I would like to see it have some simplified options for my SO. While I love having lots of option and trolling through menus I would like some programmable user setting options. I also would like some kind of noise cancelling technology on external sounds. My neighbor's kids are really loud and annoying.

3.The THX modes. I think it's awesome to have THX modes. Just cause THX is a cool company.

4.Two HDMI inputs. One for PS3 and One for TV tuner. I love HDMI reduces the amount of wires.


5. I think they need to be more honest in their wattage ratings. That way consumers could make more informed decisions.


Additional thoughts my Senior Design project was to build an autonomous land rover. I lead a team of 4 guys in the first half and then asked another guy to take over the second semester. That was the hardest thing I've ever done. Nothing compares to that in my life. We did our presentation on 1-2 hours of sleep. We got it to avoid obstacles though! I was responsible for the GPS system.

 

[lsiberian]

I can't speak for all of my fellow EE's, but I can't support unqualified people trying to do what we go to school for 4-8 years to be able to do right.

On the other hand, you are probably well qualified to design the external aesthetics of the unit. The ideal thing would be to work in conjunction with an electronics-focused EE to get the ideal balance between form and function.

Oh my you've angered an electrical engineer. This could be a shocking moment for us all.

On a serious note, I doubt he's doing anything on the level of electrical engineering. I think he is to sane for that, but I could be wrong.