XMC-1 Redux!

Ok, ok, ok...you win!

Seriously speaking, after reading your somewhat, mmm...'passionate' and well considered comments, the brain trust went into a 3-day huddle, went back to the engineering team, dragged out the drawing board (and the eraser), and made some changes to the XMC-1 feature set. Arms were twisted, egos bruised, threats exchanged, excuses given, and tears shed.

But, in the end, we believe we've come up with a winner. If we haven't, we're sure you'll let us know...

Obviously, we can't please EVERYONE under every possible scenario, but please understand we have a very clear product vision for this project.

1. Audio, audio, audio. We are putting a huge emphasis on having an extremely high quality digital and analog signal path. This, to us, is of paramount importance.

2. We also want the same for the main video path. Quality is concern #1. We believe, and with good reason, that we have an outstanding video engine already in place with the UMC-1, and with the XMC-1, we're taking it up a notch.

3. The XMC-1, as currently envisioned, will not have a dual zone video path. This has been moved to an as of yet, unannounced platform (please don't ask). We will offer another processor with a fully featured dual video processor topology, but it will not reside in the XMC-1.

Why? With the XMC-1, we are looking for a natural step up from the UMC-1, and our main criteria is audio and video quality, along with exceptionally high two channel analog signal quality. We believe that the XMC-1 will rival the finest analog preamplifier's in two channel mode, and provide outstanding digital audio processing and signal management. To this end, we are concentrating on, and putting the money and development energy into these areas of the unit.

So...having said this, there will products on the market that have more 'features'. None will have better performance. You'll have to spend upward of $5k to equal or better the XMC-1 baseline audio capabilities.

Strong words, yes...but sincere ones.

Now, on to the features (revised since Monday )


XMC-1 Audio/Video Media Processor/Controller – (updated November 8, 2009)

The Emotiva XMC-1 is a state of the art, high end multichannel preamplifier/processor with an integral high performance video scaling engine. It incorporates a wide array of features designed to enhance both stereo and multichannel music, and acts as the centerpiece and command center for a reference quality HD cinema and music system.

Features:

Twin Cirrus® 32 bit dual core DSP’s for uncompromised high resolution HD audio decoding.

THX Ultra II certification

Decoding support for Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital True HD, Dolby PLIIx, Dolby Headphone, DTS, DTSES, DTS HD, DTS Master Audio, DTS Neo 6, SPDIF, PCM 8 channel (note: some audio formats only supported via HDMI)

Wireless or wired Internet radio capability featuring the Frontier Silicon Venice 6.2 streaming engine; allows live Internet radio broadcast reception, Pandora, Sirius/XM Internet radio, FM broadcast, etc.

Multichannel Dolby Volume

Genesis® Torino high performance video scaling engine with full Faroujda DCDi®

8 HDMI inputs

Dual HDMI outputs for main and secondary displays – selectable for outputs 1, 2, or both simultaneously.

Full HDMI 1.3a support

Front panel direct access control for inputs

Absolute HDMI “reference” bypass mode – hardware enabled, supports advanced bit depths

Automatic Emo-Q™ multi channel room correction and automatic loudspeaker setup. Calibrated measurement microphone included.

Quadruple bass manager with independently selectable high and low pass frequencies from 40hz – 225Hz in 5Hz and 10Hz increments, frequency selective.

Independently selectable HP/LP slope rates of 12 or 24 db/octave for all speaker groups

All legacy video inputs can be scaled and output over HDMI at up to 1080p 60Hz

HDMI sources can be format converted to component (subject to Macrovison restrictions)

Full color graphical OSD over live video on all video formats with variable transparency

All inputs assignable and feature input labeling, selectable decode modes, selectable triggers, etc.

Independent graphic EQ for all channels

Global bass and treble controls by channel groups

0.5dB level trims on all channels

Headphone output – front panel, with high current discrete headphone amplifier circuitry

Professional balanced (XLR) line outputs on main 7.1 channels with fully discrete balanced line driver stages for exceptional fidelity and high common mode rejection.

Premium quality signal path and component selection for uncompromised audio/video performance

High voltage, low impedance discrete single ended (RCA) analog output stages

1 Precision phono input with MC/MM capability

3 composite video input (RCA)

3 S-video input (S-video mini DIN)

3 component video inputs (RCA)

1 component video output (RCA) main

4 stereo analog audio inputs (RCA)

1 stereo XLR/RCA input pair (special high fidelity pure analog signal path)

1 7.1 analog input set (RCA)

4 coaxial digital inputs, (RCA)

3 optical digital inputs (Toslink)

1 coax digital audio output (RCA)

1 optical digital audio output (Toslink)

1 Stereo or 2 channel analog multichannel mix down output for fixed level monitoring (RCA)

1 stereo analog variable and independent Zone 2 output (RCA)

1 stereo analog fixed level record output (RCA)

1 RS-232 control port (DB9)

4 assignable trigger outputs Movie/Music/Amp1/Amp2 (3.5mm mini)

1 IR remote input (3.5mm mini)

1 IR output (3.5mm mini)

1 microphone input (3.5mm stereo mini)

1 USB data input (for software upgrades only)

1 Milled aluminum remote

3 RU chassis
Note: All trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners.

Before you ask, we're also going to offer an external 1x4 balanced/unbalanced subwoofer driver/splitter, as a low cost accessory for those of you running multiple subs. Something had to get squeezed off that rear panel, kids.