RMC-1 - Known issues, firmware updates and equipment lists

[deewan]

The purpose of this thread is to list issues reported by confirmed owners of the RMC-1. I will also keep tabs on the firmware releases and what issues the firmware resolves. Once an issue is resolved I will mark it as resolved and color code it. If an existing issue is found in a new firmware I will not list it again, but instead leave it listed when first reported. New issues will only be added to the list if user has latest firmware installed. I will attempt to always keep this first post updated with reported issues, resolutions and firmware update info.

Also, owners can provide me in a post their equipment list to help others learn if their equipment works friendly with the RMC, or possibly has some issues.
IF YOU ARE A RMC OWNER AND HAVE NONE OF THE ISSUES LISTED BELOW, you may also send me your equipment list so that can be provided as a list of 'friendly' equipment with the RMC.

PLEASE ONLY POST TO THIS THREAD IF YOU HAVE A NEW ISSUE TO REPORT OR HAVE A SYSTEM WITHOUT ISSUES AND YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WHAT EQUIPMENT YOU ARE RUNNING. DO NOT USE TIS THREAD TO DISCUSS SURROUND SOUND FORMATS, RELEASE DATES, YOUR FAVORITE COLOR OR YOUR DISLIKE FOR ANY EMOTIVA PRODUCT!!!

RECOMMENDED FIRMWARE UPGRADE PROCESS
1. Save your user settings to the USB stick.
2. Do a factory reset on the RMC to get the unit back to all default settings.
3. Power on RMC, insert USB stick and use RMC menu's to load the new code into the processor.
3. Once the processor reboots turn RMC on.
4. Load your saved user settings onto the RMC.
5. Turn everything off and unplug power from all source and display devices.
6. Flip the main power switch on the back of the RMC to off, wait 10 seconds and turn power back on tot the RMC.
7. Beginging plugging your source and display devices back into a power source one at a time.
8. Wait one minute to ensure everything is on standby mode or powered on.
9. You can now use your system with the new firmware.


HELPFUL HINTS AND BEST PRACTICES

• Ensure all hdmi cables to support a minimum of HDMI 2.0 18 Gbps with up to 32 audio channels and HDCP 2.2 Compliant
• Use only one display device (TV, projector, etc). The single biggest cause for unusual issues is connecting monitors, TV's or projectors that have different video requirements. If you connect two devices connected to the two outputs of the RMC-1, it has to find a video output configuration that satisfies both, and must re-think that whenever you turn one or the other on or off. Since your projector is 4k and HDR, if you connect a TV to the other output on the RMC-1, choose one that is also 4k and HDR will minimize this sort of issues.
• If using only one display device and that device is a project, use hdmi output #1. If using a TV or a display device with it's own audio capabilities use hdmi output 2.
• I have set all my source devices to a specific and matching video type. Many hdmi connected devices will do their best to automatically pick the best quality and frame rate settings based on your other equipment. When you have multiple devices with auto or different video signals things can get confusing for the RMC. Changing all video source devices to the same format helps reduce the complication.
• If using dual monitors that are connected at the same time, please note with the introduction of HDMI 2.0 (which supposedly is backwards compatible), HDCP 2.2 IS NOT! If you have two devices with different HDCP capabilities you WILL NOT (should not) get a picture per the licensing agreement if both displays are powered on. While you can mix HDMI 2.0 with 1.4, you CANNOT mix HDCP 2.2 with 1.4! The chain has to be 1.4 or 2.2 all the way through to produce an image. The RMC1 is not a true HDMI matrix switcher and thus cannot be relied upon for predictable results.
• The order which devices are powered on. If you're using all your device remotes, try turning on the RMC first, then your projector/TV and then finally your source device. I'm using a Harmony remote and I've rearranged the order of my turn on macros. I first turn on the RMC, then projector and then the video player. I also have a 2 second delay between the RMC turning on and sending the signal to switch inputs.
• The order which devices are turned off. Much like the above point, I believe the order can have an impact on the RMC's next startup. While shutting down I use there reverse order of turning items on. I turn the source device off first, then projector and finally the RMC.
• Turn off CEC for all my devices.
• Disable all inputs that are not being used. This seems to help a bit when cycling through input selections trying to get hdmi AV lock on.
• When setting up each source device within the RMC, select if that device is hdmi 1.4 or 2.0 compliant.
• Double check all speaker levels with both internal and external test tones. I have found differences between the internal tones when compared to external tones for a calibration disc.

Firmware release versions and known issues with each release
Green Font = Resolved
Orange Font = Possible work around
Black Font = Issue discovered

Firmware 1.0 – Release date 11/19/2018
User Reported issues with this firmware:

1. Using HDMI input no bass management from any sound MODE except "Surround". Resolved with firmware 1.1
2. Delayed sound at beginning of track. Reported by multiple users
3. Using HDMI input and USB DAC, drops signal if there is not a continuous sound streaming. Example: playing youtube videos back to back. Reported by Geronimo
4. Using HDMI input and Oppo player – when using balanced input on reference stereo mode there is a hum at the same volume and RMC will lock up. Reported by rhale64
5. HDR video “banding” - RESOLVED with firmware 1.1
6. 24db sub slope does not survive cold reboot - RESOLVED with firmware 1.1
7. Incorrect video status when using internal black screen - RESOLVED with firmware 1.1
8. Incorrect mode displayed (Reference Stereo) was shown for dtsHD5.1 when in “Auto”. - RESOLVED with firmware 1.1
9. OLED do not always refresh when exiting out of menus. - RESOLVED with firmware 1.1
10. DSD playback has pops and clicks. Lonnie communicated to avoid playing DSD files on 11/28/2018.
11. Using HDMI input and Oppo 203, media from disc and network files exhibit a chirp at same volume at roughly 8-10 minute intervals. Chirp does not occur if same timestamp is played back, but will occur in another 8-10 minutes. Chirp is RESOLVED with firmware 1.1, possible new audio click introduced
12. During cold restart, RMC will freeze and require a full reboot. WORKAROUND - can be avoided by putting your unit in "low power" standby, or turn off the source device feeding the input, or switch the RMC to an input with nothing connected before turning the RMC off. RMC should be fine at next startup.
13. HDMI sync issues when switching inputs. RMC tends to have problems locking on to audio signal. Reported by multiple users

Firmware 1.1 – Release date 12/07/2018
Additional user reported issues with this firmware:

1. RMC cycles through audio playback modes when fed a PCM signal. RMC may choose reference stereo mode when fed surround format. Possibly resolved with beta firmware 1.1.4
2. DSP will sometimes lock up and only output a buzzing sound. Full system reboot is the only solution. Reported by multiple users
3. Audio Dropouts – Dropouts can range from 2-3 seconds to a complete loss requiring a full reboot to get audio back. Seems to impact DTS soundtracks more than Dolby. Reported by multiple users
4. RMC has a quick audio click at roughly 8-10 minute intervals. Audio click does not occur if same timestamp is played back, but will occur in another 8-10 minutes.
5. No bass management under "Stereo" mode. Reported by multiple users.

Firmware 1.1.4 BETA – Release date 12/21/2018
AFTER THIS FIRMWARE UPDATE IS PERFORMED WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU RESET ALL THE HDMI DEVICES YOU HAVE CONNECTED TO THE RMC-1.
THIS IS *NOT* REQUIRED - BUT WE STRONGLY SUGGEST YOU DO IT IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY ISSUES.
Additional user reported issues with this firmware:

1. RMC crashes when trying to select system preferences in the menu. - Reported by Emotiva during firmware release. Only impacts menu running 1.1.4 firmware!!!
2. Issue locking onto hdmi signals. When switching to a new input audio or video may not work
3. When watching TV, loss of audio when changing to a different channel or while using DVR functions (rewind, pause, fast forward). WORKAROUNDS - 1) Change audio output to PCM. 2) Change to a different input then back to Cable TV input
4. When using LEFT and RIGHT sub outputs and selecting dual mono sub setup, the LFE channels may exhibit strange behavior such as continuously playing the test tone. WORKAROUND - Enter into the Test Tones within the menus and cycle the test tones for each sub on and off. Exit menu by pressing the "menu" button instead of using the left arrow key.
   
   

Firmware 1.7 – Release date 11/13/2019
AFTER THIS FIRMWARE UPDATE IS PERFORMED WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU RESET ALL THE HDMI DEVICES YOU HAVE CONNECTED TO THE RMC-1. THIS IS *NOT* REQUIRED - BUT WE STRONGLY SUGGEST YOU DO IT IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY ISSUES. Follow the best practice firmware loading process listed above for best results.
Additional user reported issues with this firmware:

1. RMC becomes unresponsive when switching from certain soundtrack formats. One example is when the RMC switches from DD 5.1 to PCM 5.1 signal. This is a repeatable bug when using the BluRay disc of Mad Max: Fury Road and watching the trailer section.
2. Losing channel output when the RMC is fed a lossy PCM signal. Most notable the center channel will go silent. This issue found while watching BluRay of Doom Annihilation.
3. With dual displays and a source devices set to "auto" or "raw" to output the native source resolution, if both display devices are powered on the RMC does not display an imagine on either display device. Found while using an Oppo 203 and setting the output resolution to "Raw". If only the secondary monitor 1080p monitor is turned on, video is seen. If only the JVC projector which is native 1080p but can accept a 4K signal is turned on, the video is seen. If both display devices are powered on both display a blue screen.
4. The RMC internal test tones seem to be 5-10db softer when compared to using external test tones. This seems to impact subwoofers using both the center sub/LFE output as well as dual right and left subwoofers.
5. When setting the OLED display level to 0%, the OLED remains lit after pushes the "Info" button on the remote instead of returning to 0% brightness (nothing displayed)
6. The AES/EBU input on the RMC outputs a random 'knocking' sound with nothing connected to it.Sound seems to bounce back and forth from the left and right channels
7. Multiple users continue to experience hdmi lock on issues. The workaround continues to be flipping back and forth between inputs.

Known issues that impact the RMC but are not limited to the RMC (aka - issues that impact other higher channel count processors in addition to the RMC)

• While streaming content using an AppleTV, the center channel may be misdirected to other channels. This is an issue with Apples device and has been seen with other processors besides the RMC.

[deewan]

Hopefully this doesn't get post doesn't get crazy or add confusion to this thread, but I thought adding a list for a "firmware wish list". I'm not talking about hopes for specific modules or a silver knob for the front. What I would like to see are some ideas that should be able to be done via firmware update to help the RMC become more user friendly.

• Update the front wide speakers to duplicate the side surround channels, essentially creating a side surround speaker array. This will help those who have more than one row of seating and more than one pair of side surrounds from using XLR splitters to split the single side surround output. Perhaps similar to how the left and right subs can be reassigned to overhead speakers.
• Reduced response times when switching inputs and sound formats. Currently the RMC sits idle for 1-2 seconds after switching AV inputs or changing sound formats (example: switching from Direct to All Stereo mode)
• Crazy idea #3

[deewan]

Reserved for later

[deewan]

HELPFUL HINTS AND BEST PRACTICES

I've been doing a fair amount of testing and I wanted to note what I've done to help minimize the issues while the RMC-1 is still using beta firmware 1.5. I wanted to post here what I've found to be best practices to have a "best chance" for a working system.

• Replaced all hdmi cables with new cables that support HDMI 2.0 18 Gbps with up to 32 audio channels and HDCP 2.2 Compliant
• I have disconnected my second monitor. The single biggest cause for unusual issues is connecting monitors, TV's or projectors that have different video requirements. If you connect two devices connected to the two outputs of the RMC-1, it has to find a video output configuration that satisfies both, and must re-think that whenever you turn one or the other on or off. Since your projector is 4k and HDR, if you connect a TV to the other output on the RMC-1, choose one that is also 4k and HDR will minimize this sort of issues.
• If using only one display device, use hdmi output 2.
• I have set all my source devices to a specific and matching video type. Many hdmi connected devices will do their best to automatically pick the best quality and frame rate settings based on your other equipment. When you have multiple devices with auto or different video signals things can get confusing for the RMC. Changing all video source devices to the same format helps reduce the complication.
• The order which devices are powered on. If you're using all your device remotes, try turning on the RMC first, then your projector/TV and then finally your source device. I'm using a Harmony remote and I've rearranged the order of my turn on macros. I first turn on the RMC, then projector and then the video player. I also have a 2 second delay between the RMC turning on and sending the signal to switch inputs.
• The order which devices are turned off. Much like the above point, I believe the order can have an impact on the RMC's next startup. While shutting down I use there reverse order of turning items on. I turn the source device off first, then projector and finally the RMC.
• I've turned off CEC for all my devices.
• Disable all inputs that are not being used. This seems to help a bit when cycling through input selections trying to get hdmi AV lock on.
• When setting up each source device, select if that device is hdmi 1.4 or 2.0 compliant.
• Double check all speaker levels with both internal and external test tones. I have found differences between the internal tones when compared to external tones for a calibration disc.

Prior to making all these changes and using the latest 1.1.4 beta firmware, I had still experienced a cold start reboot issue. While I noticed that Dolby Atmos soundtracks no longer seemed to have any audio clicks, pops, or audio dropouts with the latest 1.1.4 firmware, I was still experiencing issues with DTS at roughly 10 minute intervals. Normally the issue was a 2-3 second audio dropout. After making all the changes I listed above, last night I was able to watch 2 hours of DST 5.1MA material unmixed using DST Neural:X and I did not have any audio dropouts. The locking onto the video from my cable box also seems to be stable now. I still lose audio anytime I change a channel or hit pause on the DVR, but video seems stable and in the past it has not been. I've also not experienced a cold start reboot issue, although I have to admit I've only tried a cold start three times, so my test sample is low.

I wanted to post all this in case it helps one or more issues for anyone else who may be experiencing the same issues I was. These changes have not solved all my issues, but they have lessened the number of issues I was getting, most notably the audio issues that were driving me crazy and limiting the content I watched.

[junchoon]

This is great!

For a moment I thot Emotiva paid u to do all the testings until I read further

[rhale64]

Had an issue last night.

Sotm sms200 ultra hooked to Oppo205 through USB. Then Balanced out from Oppo into RMC1. Reference mode. When lost internet to the Sotm loud static in both speakers for approximately 2 seconds. Then it muted. Never happened prior to this.

[jpshinn]

I took delivery of my device today and I am thoroughly disgusted. While I can get it to boot up, it doesn't output any signal to my display, whether a wide screen display or a smaller PC monitor. Further, when I try to enter into the preferences menu, the entire box freezes. For a box that costs in excess of $5K, this is totally unacceptable.

Shame on me for trusting this company.

John

[rhale64]

You must have beta firmware version 1.14. You can't go into preferences with that firmware. Yes I know not a good thing. And the other seems like either a hook up problem. Or a HDMI cable problem. Make sure you are on HDMI 2 out.

[jpshinn]

Regarding the HDMI outpout, I am on Output 2 and a brand new high end HDMI cable. Very sad...

[deewan]

Jan 9, 2019 9:54:48 GMT -5 jpshinn said:

Regarding the HDMI outpout, I am on Output 2 and a brand new high end HDMI cable. Very sad...

You may want to take this troubleshooting to the Owners thread. Also, don't use hdmi output 2 if you only have one display device connected. If you have two display devices connected please look at the best practices I have listed above.

[rhale64]

Emotiva told me to use HDMI out 2 with only 1 display connected
And in the manual it also states this. I argued with them about it but that's what they told me

[cwt]

Jan 9, 2019 10:40:57 GMT -5 rhale64 said:

Emotiva told me to use HDMI out 2 with only 1 display connected
And in the manual it also states this. I argued with them about it but that's what they told me

That's what Lonnie explained while pertaining to a limitation with the osd with the new Panasonic chipset as used in the XMC1 too

emotivalounge.proboards.com/post/949738/thread

Also mention hdmi2 out is the ARC output with the new board ; if you are fortunate with compatibility

[rhale64]

Yep that's what I was told by Keith. I had a problem with none of my HDMI outs working when I first received my second RMC1. My first had the Dolby security ding. I remembered someone else out of the first batch returning one for a replacement that couldn't get his HDMI 1 out to work. I first hooked my second one up the same as my first with HDMI 1 out. On my first one it worked. On the second it didn't. I called Emotiva and they said to use HDMI 2. I said my first one worked no problem with HDMI 1 out. Anyways neither worked at first. We had to do a bunch of stuff to get either to work. Finally we got it working and neither one of us could figure out what exactly fixed it. But it started after a bunch of troubleshooting.

[Creature]

Hi,

Hoping Emotiva can give us a heads up on when we can anticipate
the next software update. I have a RMC-1 sitting unopened for
a week now. A bit afraid to hook it up.

Thanks

[novisnick]

Jan 11, 2019 15:56:25 GMT -5 Creature said:

Hi,

Hoping Emotiva can give us a heads up on when we can anticipate
the next software update. I have a RMC-1 sitting unopened for
a week now. A bit afraid to hook it up.

Thanks

Go ahead and hook it up!  You’ll be fine.  

[deewan]

Fellas! The purpose of this thread is to list issues for owners in order to educate them on the current state and history of the RMC and let them decide what to do. Let's PLEASE keep this thread limited to only a list of known issues, firmware releases and work arounds.

[Delco]

I also have version 1.1.4 with the second batch. I don't see the issue about using Appletv4k causing intermittent audio switching between pcm 2.0 and pcm 5.1. My hardware is in my signature.

[Bonzo]

Jan 11, 2019 16:52:44 GMT -5 novisnick said:

Jan 11, 2019 15:56:25 GMT -5 Creature said:

Hi,

Hoping Emotiva can give us a heads up on when we can anticipate
the next software update. I have a RMC-1 sitting unopened for
a week now. A bit afraid to hook it up.

Thanks

Go ahead and hook it up!  You’ll be fine.  

Forgot one to delete Nick. Not pertinent and not true.

[KeithL]

RMC-1 Firmware v 1.2 has just been released.
You will find a link to it, and a short summary of some of the issues it has successfully addressed, here:

emotivalounge.proboards.com/thread/54028/latest-release-rmc-firmware-2019

[rhale64]

Ok I am having a problem with the new firmware that I hope someone can help with.

First of all I have downloaded and installed the new firmware 1.2
I backed up my settings
I have reset to factory.
I have reinstalled from my backup
I have unplugged all my components for about a minute.
I have a Panasonic UHD 820
JVC 790X

Everytime the Panasonic turns off I lose all HDMI sync. I get a green screen. And then I can't get it back without turning the Pany back on and off a few times. Eventually it works. But the problem is I can't go into the menu on screen unless I have an active HDMI input. And yes all HDMI cables are certified high speed Monoprice.

And the other problem on the new firmware is I can't setup any other inputs at all. What happens is when I go to HDMI 2 which has nothing hooked up I get that same green screen and lose sync again. Then have to go back to HDMI 1 and wait for about a minute for it to go back to HDMI 1 then start the power off and on several times of the Panasonic again. I never had this problem before with the original firmware or the first beta. But with the second beta and with 1.2 I am having these same problems. Please help!