Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

Thanks again, Robert.

Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

i have a lexicon mc-8 receiver with component inputs, and a pioneer sd-582hd rear projection tv, that also only has component inputs...i would like to purchase one of the toshiba hd dvd players...which one would work the best with my setup...i want to just enjoy hd dvd's...i currently have the toshiba sd9200 dvd player, that i will keep for playing cd's and dvd audios....thanks

Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

I also have (actually "had" because it's now sitting in its box) a Lexicon MC-8 pre/pro. If your MC-8's 5.1 analog inputs are available for your use then you can take advantage of the uncompressed audio codecs that the Toshibas send over analog output as long as you choose a 2nd generation Toshiba that has analog audio outputs (it is my understanding that some of the models don't).

In my case I was using the 5.1 analog inputs on my MC-8 for SACD/DVD-A from my Denon 2930ci DVD/SACD/DVD-A player so the only way I could get lossless audio codecs was by switching to an HDMI receiver/pre-pro. I'm currently using a Denon 3806 as a temporary (a year or two) solution since it offers two HDMI inputs and, as a bonus, also has DenonLinkIII which provides a direct digital link from SACD/DVD-A on a Denon player (it's a proprietary link that keeps everything in the digital domain - very nice.) Ironically, now that I've made the switch I have no need for the 5.1 analog inputs on my 3806.

Speaking of 5.1 inputs, if you are currently using the MC-8 to listen to SACD/DVD-A via 5.1 and also need 5.1 analog for the HD-DVD audio codecs you can configure the MC-8 to provide two sets of 5.1 analog inputs. That way you could listen to both SACD/DVD-A and lossless HD audio. However, the drawback is that if you configure the MC-8 in this fashion (two sets of 5.1) then that only leaves you two stereo audio pairs for any other analog input needs. Sidebar: The MC-8 has eight stereo analog audio pairs (thus the name) and each 5.1 configuration takes up 3 stereo pairs (6 inputs = 3 pairs) leaving you only two stereo pairs if you opt for two 5.1 sets. Depending on your connection needs this might or might not work for you.

The MC-8 is a very nice piece of equipment but without HDMI (1.1 is fine as long as the players do the decoding) it limits my HD use - (which includes not only HD-DVD but Blu-ray via my PS3, which must use HDMI to deliver HD audio codecs. Stepping up to the Lexicon MC-12HD (which has HDMI input) was just too expensive for me (list about $12K+ and the "upgrade price" via trade-in was not as good as I would have thought on my MC-8) so the Denon 3806 was a perfect fit (and sounds great since I'm still using external amplification) while I wait to see what new products CES brings in 2007. Maybe by 2008 I'll have found a better pre/pro, probably with HDMI 1.3 just to be on the safe side and definitely with more than just two HDMI inputs like the 3806 has.

Robert should be able to suggest a Toshiba that fits your immediate needs. Good luck.

Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

hi robert...i also have a pioneer elite receiver and a pioneer elite dvd player, also with the direct link for sacd..i was planning on installing a media room in my basement..that project will be postponed for awhile....i am wondering if i could incorporate these two components with my existing setup, along with a toshiba hd dvd player...i really love the mc-8, and would hate to pack it away....that would mean i would have three dvd players and two receivers...does that seem a little ridiculas..or not....

Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

Raymond,

I'm not quite sure which "Robert" you were addressing, myself or Robert Zohn. However, since I recently commented on your situation I'll assume that you were continuing the dialog.

I fully understand your fondness for your MC-8. It's a terrific piece of equipment and has a lot of quality components. I fell in love with Lexicon's Logic7 several years ago and that was the main reason I purchased it. By configuring the 5.1 analog inputs to accept audio from my Denon DVD/SACD/DVD-A player I was fine with the MC-8. That is, until lossless audio came along. I was left with a choice of listening to my SACD/DVD-A's or listening to lossless HD audio since the only practical way for me to configure my MC-8 was to have one set of 5.1 inputs and I didn't want to get involved with audio switching, etc. The best solution, of course, would have been to go with a pre-pro that offered HDMI inputs (so I could get the lossless audio that way) but the Lexicon offerings seemed a bit pricey (and dated) to me. A friend suggested that since I already owned a Denon DVD player then the use of a Denon pre-pro (I'm actually using a 3806 in pre-pro mode) would offer the advantage of moving all the SACD/DVD-A audio to their proprietary DenonLink - keeping the 7.1 analog inputs available for other use. I did a little research and discovered that the Denon interface has matured over the years and some of the new audio codecs (like DolbyPLIIx 7.1) are actually very competitive with Logic7 to me. I was able to pick up a 3806 relatively cheaply (under $900) and it offered me an entry path to HDMI audio so I made the move.

I know that you understand what I'm saying because you also own an MC-8 and a Pioneer Elite DVD and Receiver that also link digitally for audio (ala DenonLink with a similar proprietary system). It becomes a tough call as to which takes precedence. In my case I went with the Denon for now and will be on the lookout for new pre-pros with multiple HDMI inputs (my 3806 has 2 and I'd like 3 or 4) in the next year or two. A recent thread here opens the possibility that SACD/DVD-A might actually be possible over HDMI (if it's HDCP compliant) so that would not limit us to Denon-Denon or Pioneer-Pioneer digital links for our beloved SACD/DVD-A discs. I'm going to follow that closely to see what transpires.

As to using two receivers in one location I'm not quite sure how you would handle a single set of speakers (unless your plan was to use separate speakers for each unit?) I'm not a big fan of adding a bunch of switches to your equipment and, in the case of speakers, you might run into some impedance matching problems. Or maybe I'm reading your comments incorrectly?

In any event good luck. And if the other "Robert" was the target of your follow-up question, maybe he'll add his 2 cents here.

Take care.

Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

thanks for the input...it becomes very confusing and frustrating....i don't mind spending the money on higher priced components....BUT...when they become obsolete within a couple of years in tends to take the fun out of the hobby....i was thinking of piggybacking the pioneer elite receiver with the lexicon receiver so that i could still use the 7 speaker setup that i have now

Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

In your system, because you do not have an HDMI input on your receiver and if you want to take full advantage of lossless audio TrueHD audio you would need to go with the HD-XA2.

The HD-XA1 ($399.99) would also work as XA1's have 5.1 analog audio outputs, but the XA1 is the first generation HD DVD player and the load times are slower and no 1080p output.

-Robert

Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

Robert,

Grist from the rumor mill was that this week there would be a new firmware update for first gen Toshiba units. Any news on this?

Thanx in advance!

D

Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

I am the source of the rumor and the rumor is real. I expect to see 2.1 for G1 HD DVD players by this Friday.

-Robert

Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

Hey Robert,

Do you know if we will be able to download the 2.1 update off Toshiba's site?

And what does the update fix? And does it add any decoding or funtions?

Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

Dave, No downloads off the site, but you could download directly into the G1 HD DVD player or order the 2.1 firmware disc from Toshiba tech. support.

More info is due tomorrow.

-Robert

Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

RAF and Raymond Caputo,

I'm also an MC-8 owner who found myself running out of 5.1 analog inputs. I had my MC-8 set up with a Denon 2900 connected to one set of 5.1 analog inputs for DVD-A/SACD. Since I also still have older equipment that needed analog inputs (i.e., laserdisc and VHS), I really couldn't configure for two 5.1 analog inputs once I got my HD-DVD player. My solution was to add a component video switcher to give myself additional 5.1 analog audio switching. I currently have my Denon DVD-A/SACD player and HD-DVD players hooked into the component switcher, and then the switcher's output is connected to the MC-8.

Shawn Fogg, who I'm sure you know from the Lexicon forums, used to market a switchbox that connected to the Lex and used the triggers to automatically switch to the active input. My setup isn't that elaborate. It's manual, but I've got the component video switcher sitting on top of my HD-DVD player. It would be nice to have a remote switcher, but since I have to go to the rack anyway to insert the disc, selecting the correct audio from the component switcher isn't such a big deal. And, I've still got available switching for when I add a blu-ray player.

Ultimately, I'd love to have an HDMI processor, but I don't think that the MC-12HD will be in my price bracket until it's replacement has been replaced. I have considered a used MC-12 as prices fall. The one MC-12 feature that I wish the MC-8 had is the ability to digitize the analog inputs. That way, I could get time alignment, bass management, and use Logic 7 for DVD-A/SACD, HD-DVD, and Blu-Ray.

Raymond, if you are wanting to keep your Lex in the loop along with your HDMI receiver, I'm wondering if you could basically use the receiver as an HDMI switcher. Connect your DVD-A/SACD player, HD DVD player, Blu-Ray, etc. to the receiver via HDMI. Then connect the pre-amp outputs from the receiver into the 5.1 analog pass through on the MC-8. The receiver would handle all of the hi-rez digital signals from your sources and the Lex would basically just be a volume control. The Lex could then handle the regular coax and optical digital outputs from your other sources. Sort of a complicated setup, but typing this has me thinking about finding the cheapest HDMI capable receiver around with pre-amp outputs. Hmm. . .

Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

Robert,

I have a question about the Feb 2009 HDTV transition. Does the shutting off of the analog broadcasts only apply to OTA? Are the cable companies making any changes in that regard, or can you still receive the same cable broadcasts in analog, or are they switching to all digital (not necessarily HD)? Thanks

Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

Anthony, I'm not Robert, but this link may help answer your questions:
http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/digitaltv.html

You should also contact your cable provider to find out if you'll need new equipment.

Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

Robert,

Any word on the release of firmware 2.1 for the first gen players??

Thanks!

~Jason

Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

Hey Robert,

Have you heard about what version of HDMI the upcoming Sony BDP-S300 will be using?

Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

Sorry David I do not know. Spec's are not available yet.

-Robert

Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

Hi Robert,
I made my first lcd purchase a month ago with a Sony KDL40V2500. I made sure i was ready for the digital change by also getting a Sony upconversion DVD player(not ready for the expensive HD players yet) and hdmi cables for the player and my cable box. I ended up being very dissapointed with the picture quality on both. I tried a cheap hdmi cable and an expensive one and no difference. I decided to exchange the upconversion player for a progressive scan and hooked up the player and my cable box with component cables and the picture improved on both. Any thoughts on this when all i keep hearing is hdmi is the way to go?
Thanks, Steve

Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

Of course, let's not forget that Blu-ray supports uncompressed PCM audio on every currently available player on the market. It is also worth mentioning that Blu-ray software from Sony, Lionsgate, Disney, Touchstone and Miramax has supported the PCM format on the vast majority of releases. The Panasonic BD player also will support Dolby TrueHD as of the next firmware update this coming April. The PS3 currently supports TrueHD.

Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

Via HDMI only.

Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

Robert,

I started this thread, but thought I'd ask you.

Is there such a beast as a single 3rd party unit that would allow multiple 5.1 inputs from both a BluRay Disc Player and an HD-DVD Player, and then output to a receiver with a single 5.1 analog input? What I want to do is add a BluRay Disc player to my home theater, but my receiver is not hdmi compatible. However it does have a single set of 5.1 anolog inputs which are currently spoken for by my Toshiba HD-A1. Am I making sense? I'm very happy with my receiver and don't see the need to upgrade. Please advise.

Thanx in advance.

Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

Other members may know better, but I have seen many folks use Zektor's 4x2 component video switcher to accomplish multiple analog 5.1 audio inputs and outputs.

-Robert

Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

Robert... I use the Zektor for that same purpose and it does an outstanding job for a very reasonable price!

Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

Thanks Ben, mostly we sell Zektor's component switches for switching video and audio, but many customers buy the=m exclusively to switch analog 5.1 audio.

Great company and very nice equipment.

-Robert

Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

I guess I don't really need an expert for my question, it's kind of general, but here goes anyway...

I recently bought the HD-A2 to go with my (3 year old) Mitsubishi 48" RPTV (DVI only, so I had to get a HDMI-DVI cable). I'm not a HT whiz, I don't spend hours recalibrating my set, although once in a while I'll try to touch up the convergence. The HD-DVD player was pretty much an impulse buy. I can definitely notice a difference, but I have to say it didn't knock my socks off like I'd hoped it would. My question is, would I see a noticeable improvement by upgrading to a brand new LCD or plasma set? And which would you recommend: LCD or plasma?

Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

Martin, first be sure you have the A2 set to 1080i output resolution. I assume you are watching HD DVDs and have your HDTV set-up properly? You should be loving the picture quality.

Regarding a new HDTV, I personally prefer Pioneer plasma HDTV or if you want a LCD be sure to get a new 1080p 120 Hz new model. Sharp is the only one out at the moment, but Toshiba has great new LCD HDTV coming over the next few months that look fantastic and are priced very competitively.

-Robert

Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

Thanks for the response.

I'm pretty sure it's set to 1080i... at least that's what the indicator says on the front of the A2. Yes, I'm watching HD-DVDs: GoodFellas, Serenity, and Forbidden Planet (and I skimmed through Departed). I don't know if any of those are good transfers or not. There wasn't anything wrong with them, they looked great -- it just seemed there should have been more of a "wow" factor, but maybe I had unrealistic expectation. As for having the HDTV set-up properly, I guess so. I've always had difficulty finding the right brightness and contrast settings. I watch in a fairly well-lit room (except at night, obviously), so that might be part of the problem.

So a plasma would look significantly better than my aging RPTV?

Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

Martin, yes a good plasma would be better, but even better plasma technology is coming this fall if you don't mind waiting.

I would strongly recommend buying the HD DVD version of Joe Kane's DVE calibration disc. and spending some time properly setting-up your display to peak the performance.

-Robert

Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

Robert,

thanks for participating at HTF! I only just discovered this thread thanks to a link posted by Cees in another discussion.

Question for you:

Have you heard any industry sources talk about 3-D reproduction in regard to HD DVD or Blu-ray playback?

I've got a great idea that could, for the first time in any consumer media, provide full-quality 3-D reproduction and at the same time be backwards compatible on all existing players. (the "60i L/R field-interlacing used on 3-D DVDs won't work for 2-D viewers without the LCD shutter glasses).

BD-J allows that the secondary video stream (expected to be used for PIP etc.) could accomodate *full quality* 1080p24 video (unlike HD DVD which restricts the secondary video stream to SD levels). This second "PIP" video stream could be used to encode the other L/R video stream. You've not got a BD that has two 1080p24 video streams for both L/R eye angles that is completely compatible with all standard "2-D" players.

Now all that's required is a manufacturer to offer "3-D" playback by one of two means:

1. Matrixing the two 1080p24 streams together in an "alternate frame" scenario into a single 1080p48 stream to be used with LCD shutter glasses

or

2. A BD player with two HDMI outputs, each feeding one of two projectors to be used with poloarized light (like we see at IMAX theaters).

Either way you've now got a full-quality "1080p24" 3-D image that incurs absolutely no image compromise whatsoever. And the same disc plays fine for all viewers without the 3-D hardware!

Any chance that something like this could get worked into appropriate discussions? Are there any manufacturers or industry sources you might suggest we talk to?

They thought we were crazy for asking for 1080p24 encoding and lossless high-resolution audio when we started our HD petition 5 years ago. Now these concepts are the foundations of our new HD media. At this stage of BD-J's lifecycle, it seems the perfect time to begin to discuss how 3-D encoding/playback could take place. Playback could be purely optional so no manufacturer would be required to incur added costs unless they desired to provide 3-D playback as an option on their product.

Re: Got Questions? Ask our resident expert, Robert Zohn

Dave,

Great idea! Not sure you should have posted this publicly as it would have been better to get a major CE manufacturer to sign a agreement first.

I'll be happy to give you a list of senior management of a few big BD companies for you to speak to. The best person off the top of my head is Andy Parsons. Andy is the Chairman of the USA BD association, Andy is also the EVP of advanced technology for Pioneer Electronics.

Andy and I co-chaired the 2007 CES session on HD DVD vs. BD so I can easily communicate with him.

BTW, I love your posts, which I read on other forums. You are a highly valued member at AVS. Hope to see you more on HTF.

Best regards,

-Robert