Proceed PMDT/PVP... (1 Viewer)

[Dean M]

Other than the information posted on the Madrigal web site, does anybody have any more information (or links to reviews) about the PVP and its performance. It seems like a lot of money to pay for a DVDO chip. Though I do like the seamless integration with the AVP unit, not to mention its other obvious benefits

. I am not too concerned about multichannel audio right now as the AVP/AMP 5 is in my bedroom and is mainly for movies and two channel music. (My other set up takes care of multichannel audio and ES/EX movies.)
Any information our discussion would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Phil A]

I have it in my main system right now. Only have had it less than a week. I have a Sony 9000ES in the bedroom system which backs to the wall of the main system. My AVP is with composite video only. I have the composite output of the Sony and my Pioneer Elite CLD-59 into the AVP which then gets hooked to the PVP. I also had the opportunity to look at it in the store with a VHS tape hooked to it and it was quite an upgrade. I also had the upgrade to the AVP DACs done. So far I am very impressed with the package. I have a couple of 24/96 DADs and I could hear the improvements with the PMDT outputting 24/96 to the AVP. It will likely take me a couple of weeks or so until I have the time to try different things. I did run "The Phantom Menace" LD video thru it vs. both composite and 'S' direct to the TV and there was not a comparison between that and the PVP. On some LDs it could boost the shortcomings of the video noise on the LD on certain scenes. I will have more info when I get a chance to use it more and we are hoping to get a HT meet here in the near future so that maybe you can get the benefit of multiple opinions.

 

[Robert A. Willis Jr.]

Phil,
Did you notice any dropouts when playing 24/96 discs?
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[ernie smith]

I have always received an exemplary image from my system which includes a PMDT, PAV/PDSD, despite numerous glitches that have included sending ALL of the units back to Madrigal for repair. I am very disappointed about that; I don't expect to buy hi end equipment and have to have them worked on repeatedly.
I have my PMDT hooked up directly to my Faroudja line doubler with S-Video connections and have been told by undefined but supposedly reliable sources that this is akin to spending $1500 for the PVD software upgrade. Whether it is or not, I don't know but my picture looks good and I am going to leave it at that. That PVD upgrade really sticks in my craw after paying out what I did for the PMDT and the subsequent glitches that I have had to endure.
I am confused when you guys are talking about audio in your discussion above; isn't PVD all about progressive video?

 

[Phil A]

Robert, I only have 2 DADs, one Chesky and one Classic Records and played a bit of the Chesky one for a couple of songs and noted no dropouts. Since the AVP would not accept 24/96 prior to the recent software upgrade, I had set my PMDT not to output since it would result in no sound. I will likely play with it more and probably get a couple of more now that I am able to hear it. I have not had much time to play with it and will let you know if I encounter anything. What discs where problems? I just got an Elite CD recorder which I have been playing with and it would not accept the digital output (from the PMDT) of the 24/96 (DVD) disc probably due to some copy protection. Ernie, the PVP is much more than a software upgrade. It includes hardware and software. There is an input and output card added. The input card has composite, 'S', and component and then goes through the processor and is output by the progressive component outputs. When used in conjuntion with the RJ45 jack connecting the AVP and PVP along with the output of the AVP into the PVP, it detects which source is selected along with the switching in the AVP. Yes it is expensive comparing what one could purchase as a progressive scan source. I did compare the 'S' output of the (Elite) LD both directly into the TV and the PVP as well and prefer just the composite. Anytime you go through another device with cables you may introduce a potential for a whole new set of problems.

 

[Robert A. Willis Jr.]

Phil,
I have about 15 DAD's now and always experience one drop out per disc. Never in the same place. I sent in a report to Madrigal and I am going to play all of the discs again this weekend using the transports DAC's.
Do your regular CD's sound better since you installed the 24/96 upgrade?
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[Phil A]

I have played a handful of tracks with the upgrade. I did notice the difference when playing a couple of tracks from one of the DADs immediately. I have not noticed anything significant with the few CDs I have played. The PMDT always has been a great CD transport. I forwarded an E-Mail to my dealer since I had problems with "The Patriot" DVD. I did not have the earlier software upgrade and the disc would not boot-up. Now it boots but breaks up (both audio and video). I tried some of the DVDs it had problems with before the upgrade and it seemed to do fine now. It also had some problems with "Traffic" about 30-40 minutes from the end. Let me know what you have problems with.

 

[Phil A]

I just listend to one of the DADs and while I probably was dozing off on the last song or so - noticed no drop-outs.