topcat
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A Dream Come True
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Post by topcat on Feb 18, 2010 11:27:38 GMT -5
Great feedback. Thanks for the photos Neekos. Seeing the Furman 15DMi in your signature and that of Tomcat also was the reason I looked at and then bought that unit. A great match with all the Emo blue lights. ;D Was that Tomcat or topcat? Thomas |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 19, 2010 1:03:05 GMT -5
Whoops! Sorry, Thomas (Topcat). ;D
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topcat
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Post by topcat on Feb 20, 2010 22:32:38 GMT -5
chuckie, you're forgiven...this time. ;D
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 21, 2010 10:09:04 GMT -5
ok more follow up:
THE BAD
Video
although the video processor in the UMC is good, I like sending a pure signal from my Oppo 83 Blu Ray player to take advantage of the incredible ABT/VRS chipset. So for me, having the UMC in "Auto" mode is not a good option for movies. Video delay times is also unacceptably long when set to "Pass" when watching tv. It can range from 10-15 seconds to lock into a signal.
As stated previously, there seem to be some intermittent video drop outs which are problematic. I have a 30 foot run of an HDMI cable going from the UMC to my Epson 1080p projector. I just bought an HDMI signal switcher/amplifier and installed in near the display to get a stronger signal, but still have the same issue.
At this point, the audio capabilities of the UMC is the major factor that is saving it from being returned. It's that good. However, I don't know if I can live with the video constraints and other bugs.
Here is a list of issues that need to be addressed:
1. Delay times when switching channels are 10-15 seconds when set to "Pass" mode
2. Intermittent video and audio dropouts.
3. Intermittent inability to lock into an audio signal unless toggling through inputs.
4. EmoQ is not very accurate
5. Front display is too much, too busy. I'd like to see just the volume dial and center display lit.
6. The remote is abysmal. I've seen better remotes on clock radios. Owners of universal remotes are having horrific times controlling the UMC.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 21, 2010 10:19:36 GMT -5
THE GOOD
The audio processing is as good as I've heard. Compared to the Yamaha 665, it sounds more immediate and lively. There is very good seperation of instruments as well as focus. Vocals are felt with weight and delicacy that an avr's pre amp section just can't keep pace with. If this is any indication of analog sound quality, I can't wait to hear the XMC-1.
Using the ERC-1 with the UMC is pure joy. They work so well together, it's hard to imagine the USP being that much better than the UMC in sound quality. I believe some of the results I am getting could be because both the ERC and UMC have higher voltages than your typical mid tier equipment. Whatever it is, it works.
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Post by Dan Laufman on Feb 21, 2010 12:24:08 GMT -5
Hi neekos,
Your comments are noted, appreciated, and being looked into.
Regarding your video lock issues; I need to impress upon you how incredibly important it is to use a very high quality certified HDMI cable for longer runs. There are huge differences in performance among cable brands and unfortunately, very little oversight. Longer lengths just bring their shortcomings out for all to see. I'm not saying your issue is your cable, but it is an extremely important element in maintaining signal integrity.
We routinely use 30' and longer cable for testing with no stability issues. My personal system at home has a longer run than this. However, when you use a cable with excessive capacitance or poor internal geometry, you can run into issues EXACTLY like the ones you are experiencing; especially at 1080p 60.
Just a thought, and something you might want to take out of the loop in the diagnoses of your video stability issue.
Thanks,
Big Dan
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DYohn
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Post by DYohn on Feb 21, 2010 12:28:27 GMT -5
I'll add to Dan's comments about longer HDMI cables: one method that I've used to diagnose a cable issue is to try lower resolution signals. Set the UMC-1 to 480p. If the timing problems stop, it's likely a cable issue between the processor and the display. I see this a lot with HDMI cables longer than about 3 meters.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 21, 2010 12:58:20 GMT -5
Hi neekos, Your comments are noted, appreciated, and being looked into. Regarding your video lock issues; I need to impress upon you how incredibly important it is to use a very high quality certified HDMI cable for longer runs. There are huge differences in performance among cable brands and unfortunately, very little oversight. Longer lengths just bring their shortcomings out for all to see. I'm not saying your issue is your cable, but it is an extremely important element in maintaining signal integrity. We routinely use 30' and longer cable for testing with no stability issues. My personal system at home has a longer run than this. However, when you use a cable with excessive capacitance or poor internal geometry, you can run into issues EXACTLY like the ones you are experiencing; especially at 1080p 60. Just a thought, and something you might want to take out of the loop in the diagnoses of your video stability issue. Thanks, Big Dan Hi Dan: The cable I am using is a 24 gauge well constructed one. It is a certified ver 1.3b HDMI cable. Also, these issues were not present when the Yamaha 665 was doing the chores. Thanks for your feedback. |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 21, 2010 13:13:29 GMT -5
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DYohn
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Post by DYohn on Feb 21, 2010 13:20:09 GMT -5
I still suggest trying a lower resolution output setting and see if the performance improves...
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 21, 2010 13:59:06 GMT -5
I'll add to Dan's comments about longer HDMI cables: one method that I've used to diagnose a cable issue is to try lower resolution signals. Set the UMC-1 to 480p. If the timing problems stop, it's likely a cable issue between the processor and the display. I see this a lot with HDMI cables longer than about 3 meters. Bingo! I remember a rather involved test at Audioholics about HDMI cable performance versus length. Unfortunately I can't find it right now. Dyohn makes a great suggestion. Length really matters! ;D |
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Post by SticknStones on Feb 21, 2010 14:40:10 GMT -5
I'll add to Dan's comments about longer HDMI cables: one method that I've used to diagnose a cable issue is to try lower resolution signals. Set the UMC-1 to 480p. If the timing problems stop, it's likely a cable issue between the processor and the display. I see this a lot with HDMI cables longer than about 3 meters. Bingo! I remember a rather involved test at Audioholics about HDMI cable performance versus length. Unfortunately I can't find it right now. Dyohn makes a great suggestion. Length really matters! ;D Theres a joke in there somewhere but I ain't touching it! ;D |
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Post by tchaik on Feb 21, 2010 14:41:55 GMT -5
i thought size doesn't matter. oops wrong forum.
i'll go back to the marriage seminar forum now.
tchaik............
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 21, 2010 15:31:06 GMT -5
I still suggest trying a lower resolution output setting and see if the performance improves... I just tried this test. In this mode, it's still problematic. On certain channels, it recovers quickly, yet others, it gets hung up and takes a while to project an image. |
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DYohn
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Post by DYohn on Feb 21, 2010 15:44:02 GMT -5
I still suggest trying a lower resolution output setting and see if the performance improves... I just tried this test. In this mode, it's still problematic. On certain channels, it recovers quickly, yet others, it gets hung up and takes a while to project an image. OK great, thanks for trying that. So while your results do not completely eliminate cable issues as a possible cause, it more clearly indicates there are simply handshaking problems between the UMC-1 and your display device. Do you have another HDMI display you can test with other than a projector? There could potentially be input issues as well. Does it do something similar no matter the input, say if you play a BRD and jump chapters? |
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Post by SticknStones on Feb 21, 2010 16:33:29 GMT -5
I still suggest trying a lower resolution output setting and see if the performance improves... I just tried this test. In this mode, it's still problematic. On certain channels, it recovers quickly, yet others, it gets hung up and takes a while to project an image. That's a smoking hot avatar ya got there and it stopped my scrolling dead in my tracks! Who is it? ;D |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 21, 2010 16:40:43 GMT -5
One of my all time favorites....Scarlett Johansson  |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 21, 2010 16:46:06 GMT -5
I just tried this test. In this mode, it's still problematic. On certain channels, it recovers quickly, yet others, it gets hung up and takes a while to project an image. OK great, thanks for trying that. So while your results do not completely eliminate cable issues as a possible cause, it more clearly indicates there are simply handshaking problems between the UMC-1 and your display device. Do you have another HDMI display you can test with other than a projector? There could potentially be input issues as well. Does it do something similar no matter the input, say if you play a BRD and jump chapters? I took the UMC upstairs and hooked it up to my Panny plasma. The delay seems a bit shorter when switching channels, but not by much in 480p and Auto mode. In Pass mode, the same issue. It sounds like it is a combination of the UMC lag times and a handshake issue with the Epson projector.. When playing a blu ray movie, changing chapters is stable most of the time, but on occassion when changing chapters, the screen will go blank and then take a few seconds to come back. |
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Post by SticknStones on Feb 21, 2010 16:46:49 GMT -5
One of my all time favorites....Scarlett Johansson Yeah, Woody Allen likes her a lot too and so do I. |
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Post by akbungle on Feb 21, 2010 17:52:28 GMT -5
Sorry to hear about the video drop outs. I have a bit older Epson projector, pro cinema 1080, and at least 25ft HDMI cable and have not had that issue.
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