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Does anyone actually make a processor that works

Hello all,

I'm building a new dedicated theater/two channel room and have been researching projectors, screens, amps, pre/pro, processors etc... I have a question for you knowledgeable theater guys.... does anyone produce a processor (video/audio) that actually works! It seems that ever manufacture is having problems these days with the HDMI? 1.3? or whatever. I’ve read so many threads where frustrated folks have to constantly do downloads/upgrades, popping noises, processors locking up... all kinds of problems. It seems like every manufacture is having problems these days getting stuff to work. I've been a two channel guy for years, but I don’t know much about HT. I've been really doing my research on HT, though, and it just seems like everyone is having problems. Does anyone know of a manufacture who has got it figured out and their stuff is working? PS: One of my main criteria for my HT is that it sounds good. So I’m looking for equipment that works....and sounds damn good.

Thank you for all responses.
128x128keithmundy
lodi
15 posts
 
See the discussion 'Need advice on pre/pro - Rotel1098/Outlaw990/??' about halfway down the list of Home Theater discussions. I provided links to several reviews for the Integra 9.8/Onkyo PR-SC885 pre/pro (same unit). I just ordered it this weekend and have not yet received it, but in all of my research I have found one user who was not happy with the unit. Look into it.

Dave
keithmundy's avatar
keithmundy OP
106 posts
 
Ok, thanks to all. It seems like we should be getting to the end of the amount of resolution one can get (as far as the video goes). I don't know, hopeful the upgrade thing will slow down. Of course, I'm sure folks thought we were at the outer limits of resolution when we were at 780 or whatever.

HDMI is obviously tricky and we probably need to get some sort of standard so that we do not have "handshake"/compatibility issues. Hell, I don't know! I just want to buy some stuff that will work and forget about it!
marks2512
13 posts
 
I have an Anthem AVM 50 that has hdmi but does not decode the new codecs. I use a Sony BDP S550 which decodes the lossless audio internally. It goes out via hdmi cable and sounds awesome!
The only problem is the hand shake with the hd cable box. You just have to start the the first time in the right order.
martykl
3,578 posts
 
HDMI 1.3 problems seem to be either a) brand specific or b) backwards compatability. That is, if all components connected via HDMI 1.3 are the same brand, problems should be rare. Evidently there's enough wiggle room in 1.3 implementation that conflicts between brands can arise.

Also, outputting a signal via 1.3 into a 1.1 display is iffy. My Integra htr's 1.3 output will not work with my Sony 1.1 projector. However, I ran HDMI direct from the Sony blue-ray's 1.3 output into the projector's 1.1 input without a hitch.

Good Luck

Marty
ckorody
643 posts
 
Integra 9.8 here with Pani 30, Oppo DVD, DirecTV HDR and Apple TV sources into a Pio 50.

It is a true 1.3 system.

Zero HDMI problems since day one.

FWIW - Wireworld HDMIs and everything is plugged into a power conditioner. No ground loops, no super long runs. And no sparkles, drop outs or other artifacts.

The most annoying thing about the system is the Pio constantly switching to 4:3 and putting up grey borders which has nothing to do with HDMI and everything to do with the Pio.

BTW - stand by for 1440 - the display manufacturers aren't done yet - the question is whether the studios will keep up.
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