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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
chadnliz
3,736 posts
 
I dont see all that many problems (I own Projector, 7.1 surround seperates and do HD formats) yea some have handshake issues and so fourth but I wouldnt expect to have problems. Anthem, Lexicon are great on the Higher end, Rotel, Parasound in the middle are good examples and Emotiva looks attractive for a budget solution.
mitch4t's avatar
mitch4t
1,609 posts
 
.
I have a Marantz processor that does all the hi-def formats and it works like a charm.
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cruz123
586 posts
 
I don't have a stand alone processor, but have a two year old Onkyo 805 receiver that handles HDMI and all processing chores flawlessly, including all HD audio codecs. I am using a cable box, blu-ray player and LCD display running through the Onkyo with zero HDMI issues. In regard to having to upgrade software, that is a trend that's here to stay and I don't see it as a bad thing. I like the fact that I can download a patch to fix a bug if necessary.
elevick
2,636 posts
 
Anthem, Sunfire and Sherbourne: All amazing in 2 channel as well as theater.
wepratt
29 posts
 
I think we as consumers must take much of the blame for the current, in my opinion, shameful condition that manufacturers release their products to the general public.

Case in point - From day one, there were problems with hdmi cables and manufacturers are fully aware of the problems. Yet generation after generation of hdmi cables continue to be manufactured/sold with manufacturers knowing that the cables are problematic.

Some manufacturers of a/v receivers, etc. routinly release
equipment that they know does not meet/fulfill their own specs. So they issue firmware updates which in some cases can cost customers $50/100.00 to transport the unit back to the manufactrer to install the update. And manufacturers are so arrogant that a new model avr will probably need the exact same update as the previous model.
Inexcusable!!

And yet, we as consumers, myself included, continue to buy this faulty equipment; and, so long as we continue to support/reward these manufacturers, they will continue to sell equipment that is not up to par.
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