Integra DCT 9.8 /Onkyo PR-SC885P

[BG3]

Out of frustration and Onkyo/Integra's seeming ambivalence I sent them this email asking about the firmware:



I will post the response when/if I get one.

Good Luck...I never received a reply to my email regarding the Temperature Display.

 

[Warpdrv]

Out of frustration and Onkyo/Integra's seeming ambivalence I sent them this email asking about the firmware:

I am seeing that there has been a new firmware release on new machines (885/805/875/905) and that is being supplied by customer service in the EU. I would like to know the time frame of when this will be available in the states. I would also like to know why there is not a section on your website pertaining to firmware updates. There are several known issues with these units that have been acknowledged by Onkyo customer service (some have been addressed in earlier updates) but when a customer calls we are being given answers ranging from "there are no updates" (which is an uniformed answer at best and at worst a lie) to "the most recent update is in testing now" then why is it released in the EU and coming on new models.

There are many frustrated customers out there who are getting knowledge from message boards and other users which could in fact damage their units.

Would someone please acknowledge these issues and let the owners know exactly what is being done to fix the issues?

Thank you.

I will post the response when/if I get one.

Now this is why I have been reluctant to just run right out and grab one of these units... I understand they are pretty good machines, but for the reasons you just stated, and other problems, I feel like Onkyo/Integra is not as concerned with handling their customers issues as they probably could be...

The units look like the real deal to me, but don't want to be looped into the crowd with the rest of the unhappy people.

I am hoping that they release new firmware soon, and I might probably make a decision easier for me...

 

[BG3]

Now this is why I have been reluctant to just run right out and grab one of these units... I understand they are pretty good machines, but for the reasons you just stated, and other problems, I feel like Onkyo/Integra is not as concerned with handling their customers issues as they probably could be...

The units look like the real deal to me, but don't want to be looped into the crowd with the rest of the unhappy people.

I am hoping that they release new firmware soon, and I might probably make a decision easier for me...

I felt the same way you did. Though, after comparing performance, features and cost, I decided the Onkyo was the "best bang for the buck." My experience to this point has justified that finding and then some...

While I'm not sold on their customer service, that alone isn't enough to keep me from purchasing a great product in most cases. Though, the older I get and the more poor customer service I experience, it is becoming more of a factor.

 

[Tee-HTF]

Another Review!

Home Theater mag just did a review on the Integra DTC-9.8.

Integra DTC-9.8 A/V Processor
By Kris Deering • April, 2008
Next-generation audio/video controller.

http://www.hometheatermag.com/preampprocessors/508integra/

 

[rmk]

Home Theater mag just did a review on the Integra DTC-9.8.

Integra DTC-9.8 A/V Processor
By Kris Deering • April, 2008
Next-generation audio/video controller.

http://www.hometheatermag.com/preampprocessors/508integra/

Thanks for the link. I have to agree with Kris, the 9.8 is a remarkable product especially considering its price.

I upgraded mine today via the info on the AVS Forum Thread and all went smoothly. The slight audio delays that I had been experiencing are gone. I am using all four HDMI inputs and both outputs and all are working perfectly. If you are in the market for an SSP, the Integra 9.8 or the Onkyo 885 deserve your consideration.

 

[rmk]

Integra DCT 9.8 update

As this remarkable unit doesn't seem to get much attention or interest on this Forum, I thought I'd post an update on my take on the 9.8 after 11 months of use. Since purchasing the 9.8, I have upgraded my speakers, most electronics, the room has been treated and seating revised. The one constant has been the 9.8. I did perform the firmware upgrades to the DSP and main firmware with no problems. The "issues" these upgrades resolved were mostly unknown to me but I wanted to get my unit to the current version just in case.

The 9.8's performance for both music and HT has been stellar. I am amazed at the quality of the audio side regardless of a direct source or when applying additional processing via the 9.8's many options. It handles SACD, DVD-A and DTS hi rez music formats and due to my rekindled interest in music, I am always on the lookout for any well recorded titles of most any music genre. I have four source devices all exclusively connected via HDMI in fact I have a box full of component, digital and analog audio cables if anyone needs some. I am using both HDMI outputs and they are connected to a plasma and front projector in the same room. I have no handshake nor lip sync issues with any of these HDMI connections.

For HT, Bluray or HD-DVD uncompressed audio tracks are just remarkable. I find myself watching films all the way through the final credits just to get another taste of the lossless audio. I don't know if these are re-mixes, but the music on some of the (especially the DTS HD/MA) tracks over the closing credits is some of the best recorded music I have ever heard.

The 9.8 has opened up the small but growing HD audio world for me and it was a buy decision I have never regretted. If you are in the market for an SSP or separates, I can't think of anything with the 9.8 features at anywhere near it's price.

 

[adk highlander]

I absolutely agree. I have the 885 and cannot say enough about how happy I am with this unit.

Thanks for posting your thoughts.

 

[Ron Temple]

Thanks for bumping this thread Rob...I've been waiting for the next gen to come out on this unit and/or the new Emo XMC, but I think I'll just look for a used 9.8 and call it a day

 

[rmk]

Thanks for bumping this thread Rob...I've been waiting for the next gen to come out on this unit and/or the new Emo XMC, but I think I'll just look for a used 9.8 and call it a day

No problem Ron, if you want to hear the 9.8 and are in the area let me know and I'll give you a demo.

 

[Tee-HTF]

I agree 100% the 9.8/885 is and outstanding unit, come next week it will be a year that i have been living with the 9.8.

Still loving it!

 

[klix58]

I also have the 905 with no issues, the firmware is installed how? and if not on the Onkyo site where? Thanks

 

[rmk]

I also have the 905 with no issues, the firmware is installed how? and if not on the Onkyo site where? Thanks

This was my source but read the instructions for the 905 carefully before proceeding. If you read the thread you'll notice most upgrades have gone smoothly but there are exceptions.
Measure twice, cut once.

 

[Revenuer]

885 questions

I have the Onkyo 885 with firmware version 1.04. The unit does have a ethernet jack but unfortunately this is not for firmware or internet radio, just high end controllers like crestron or amx.

I have a variety of sources and do not have any lipsync issues or audio drops.

I use the REON to scale everything to 1080P and use a couple of the noise reduction settings for my lower quality video sources.

 

[Revenuer]

How exactly did you install the latest firmware if the ethernet port doesn't work for that task? Where did you get the latest firmware? How do you upscale using the reon chip. The owners manual isn't clear on this.

 

[Davemcc]

Integra sent me a CD to upgrade my firmware. IIRC, there are sites where bootleg copies are available to download and burn to a disc but if you call Onkyo support, they will probably send you a disc to download the latest firmware.

To use the Reon scaling, simply change the HDMI output resolution in the setup menu to the setting you prefer. Menu>Input/Output Assign>Monitor Out>Resolution

 

[pepar]

I need v1.05 firmware for this unit. I went to do an Audyssey Pro calibration on a unit just bought used by a friend and found it has 1.04. I have 1.08 to apply, but you can't go from 1.04 directly to 1.08 ... must go to 1.05 first. Onkyo has been zero help.

Thanks,

Jeff

 

[adk highlander]

PM sent. Hope it helps.