Another couple weeks on the FW

[klinemj]

You gentlemen are entitled to your opinions. I believe I am also entitled to express mine. I do not think my comments were negative, but as you few always seem to take anything that is posted that is even remotely positive as an excuse to be negative, have at it and enjoy yourselves.

Well said...

And to the topic...I keep seeing people asking for a status update on the firmware. We just had one 3/23...that's 9 days ago. That's really not a long time. (If you missed it, see reply #17 from Big Dan in the locked "Manual Update" thread. Yes, I know it's not in the "definitive update" thread, but it's an update).

According to my count, that's the 12th update since 1/29...that's a LOT of communication on 1 topic from the head of a company.

Sincerely,

Mark

[2muchht]

Apr 1, 2010 17:56:27 GMT -5 klinemj said:

...I keep seeing people asking for a status update on the firmware. We just had one 3/23...that's 9 days ago. That's really not a long time. (If you missed it, see reply #17 from Big Dan in the locked "Manual Update" thread. Yes, I know it's not in the "definitive update" thread, but it's an update).

According to my count, that's the 12th update since 1/29...that's a LOT of communication on 1 topic from the head of a company...

Yes, and isn't that just the point!

Thanks for pointing it out, as I'd never have thought to look in an off-topic thread for a side comment from Dan about something that is clearly of interest to this community. For goodness sake, that thread is not only locked, but due to the inability to to add posts it has slipped back to the third page of threads where no one will see it.

I honestly can't figure out why, since Dan has no trouble about mentioning the status in a thread, he doesn't just quite the noise by putting out an official update. Really, if the news is just "no news", or even if it is "we're on it but still not there yet", we can take it.

Moral of the story is you can't have it both ways. The whole UMC uproar is rooted in announcing a product too early, then going dark, then promoting it, then delaying it, then going dark, then releasing it, then going dark, then saying there will be an update, then going dark, then saying there will be an update and now kinda-sotra going dark again.

Once you open the door, regualr communication with your customers with news, good or bad, is essential. Maybe even more important than "I have mine and it sounds good". How about an update on when the "buy" button will be back so those of us who didn't get on the pre-order list can purchase?

Or, keep it all under your hat and then spring it on us, as Apple sometimes does.

Or, sometimes do an advance notice when there is a high degree of certainty that you'll under-promise and over deliver, but DON'T over-promise and under- (or in this case, mis-) deliver.

Let's not let this disintegrate into another LMC where the product never lived up to the hype. It has so much promise and seems to be getting close -- don't blow it in the final innings.

[mysticwizard]

Bill, it's sort of similar to the not-so-warm reception the Yamaha effects channels got from the critical reviewers. I think most of these people just regurgitate what they read from some reviewer with a bias, having never heard PL IIz or a height effect channel in their lives. If you have, and don't like it, that's great, I don't mean you.

I loved the effects channels from my Yamaha RX-V1 receiver. There's 'purity', only listen to the mastered tracks, nothing more, and then there's 'enjoyment', if you can enhance what's there, add effects, sound, etc., then why not? Some people listen to 2-channel audio in surround!!!! I can't believe it's even legal. Some people event want to add height effects to their 5.1 soundtrack. While altogether blasphemous, it can create quite an enveloping effect.

I see PL IIz much like I see 3D and HDMI 1.4. I probably wouldn't buy something in the next few months on that didn't have them. Why? Because I might want to experience/use them at some point. I'm willing to bet that PL IIz sounds pretty awesome and puts rain drops over your head and helicopters in the middle of the room like 'pure' 5.1 never did. That's just my assumption, but, at some point, some day, I'll get to listen and make my own call.

Thanks so much for your response.

I really feel sorry for Emo, as they seem to be caught square in a product area where the feature advances are moving quicker than most of their product design. The 1.4 retrofit is a perfect example. Now, on a much smaller scale, it's PL IIz. Sure, it isn't going to affect many here who are Emo faithful.. but for me, it may be a deal killer.

(PS.. that's not to say I won't buy the new subwoofer!)

[billmac]

Apr 1, 2010 17:16:20 GMT -5 DYohn said:

You gentlemen are entitled to your opinions. I believe I am also entitled to express mine. I do not think my comments were negative, but as you few always seem to take anything that is posted that is even remotely positive as an excuse to be negative, have at it and enjoy yourselves.

I agree 100% that we are all entitled to our opinions. But when the opinion states "You folks should also realize the UMC-1 is not yet really released for mass market delivery" as you posted earlier is more of a statement than an opinion IMO . Actually it reads as if what you are saying is a factual statement not an opinion. And how is that statement even remotely positive? If it is in fact true then it certainly doesn't show Emotiva in a positive light.

Bill

[LCSeminole]

What is it about "AGREEING TO DISAGREE" that a few of you actually don't understand? If you don't agree with a fellow members opinions,(and they are just that ,opinions, not an official word from Dan or Lonnie), and you don't know how to reply in this thread without becoming negative or throwing an insult, then don't reply at all, take it off board or PM the member. We are ALL entitled to an opinion, and RESPECT for all of the members on the "Emotiva Lounge" is mandatory. Please talk to each other as adults and move this thread in the right direction.............

[billmac]

Apr 1, 2010 17:56:27 GMT -5 klinemj said:

And to the topic...I keep seeing people asking for a status update on the firmware. We just had one 3/23...that's 9 days ago. That's really not a long time. (If you missed it, see reply #17 from Big Dan in the locked "Manual Update" thread. Yes, I know it's not in the "definitive update" thread, but it's an update).

According to my count, that's the 12th update since 1/29...that's a LOT of communication on 1 topic from the head of a company.

Sincerely,

Mark

Mark,

I agree there have been many updates but when the updates announce that certain things will happen by a certain time and continously do not happen then what is the value of those updates? I mean the staff could announce once a week that the FW will be available the following week. If this went on for a month or longer would you still be happy with all the updates or be frustrated that the FW is not available. I do not mean this to be disrespectful to you in any way just maybe a different prespective on the discussion of updates .

Bill

[LCSeminole]

I've updated Big Dan's thread, "The definitive UMC-1 status page from Big Dan", with an update that he gave in another thread that is now closed. This should keep members that aren't apart of the "Processor/Preamps" section from having to do an exhaustive search. Thanks to several members for reminding me of this.

[ntrain42]

Apr 1, 2010 19:04:12 GMT -5 LCSeminole said:

I've updated Big Dan's thread, "The definitive UMC-1 status page from Big Dan", with an update that he gave in another thread that is now closed. This should keep members that aren't apart of the "Processor/Preamps" section from having to do an exhaustive search. Thanks to several members for reminding me of this.

That was really a torturous thing to do.............and I thought there was new word on the FW update...........

[LCSeminole]

Apr 1, 2010 19:37:44 GMT -5 ntrain42 said:

Apr 1, 2010 19:04:12 GMT -5 LCSeminole said:

I've updated Big Dan's thread, "The definitive UMC-1 status page from Big Dan", with an update that he gave in another thread that is now closed. This should keep members that aren't apart of the "Processor/Preamps" section from having to do an exhaustive search. Thanks to several members for reminding me of this.

That was really a torturous thing to do.............and I thought there was new word on the FW update...........

Sorry "ntrain", some members were frustrated that Big Dan's update from another thread wasn't in the proper "OFFICIAL" thread so I thought I'd do what I can. I just received my UMC-1 yesterday, so now I can participate in the UMC-1 threads and actually contribute with hands on experience and not just in a Moderator capacity.

[ntrain42]

Apr 1, 2010 17:36:50 GMT -5 mysticwizard said:

PLIIz??? Thats just a post processing function, nothing is encoded that way, a pretty worthless feature in my book............hell they have barely encoded anything in true 7.1 yet, the vast majority is 5.1 encoded..........True HD and DTS MA is what really matters.........

That's the response I got back a little while ago when I wondered if PLIIz may be included in the firmware update.

Will someone please explain to me why this function is not important? It seems to me that for Home Theater applications it is important. And from what I read will continue to increase in importance as many new receivers are including it.. even in the lower end.

I'm using my UMC-1 for Home 2 channel music, AND Home Theater and gaming. So, this feature is one which Emotiva, at least for me, seems to have fallen behind on.

Regards,
Bill

When the studios encode discreet channels for things like "height" channels, and "wide"(aka DSX)channels, then I will be onboard. But they don't, so you get a post processing function that literally tries to "guesstimate"through a software function of what sounds should go through to these "height" and "wide" speakers in PLIIz and DSX. Ive heard enough out of them to think they are really worthless. Many times sounds that go through them, shouldnt be going through them.

Really want a better home theatre experience? Instead of buying an extra pair or pairs of speakers(and possibly amps) for these phantom post processing channels, your better off putting that money into improving what you have(like putting the money into better speakers,amps,sound treatments, RTA mics/software to tune your setup etc)in both equipment and even room setup.

WHen the studios start encoding their releases with new effect channels I'll be on the boat with everyone else. Until then I feel that alot of these post processing features are just tossed in to help sell units. Because who is going to want to buy the new years AV gear if its literally identical to last years minus a model # change? Noone really. AV companies have to toss in new features if they want to keep sales high.

Thats why I am big into real meat and potato features that can be used NOW, like Dolby TrueHD,DTS MA, good HDMI 1080p(which is very cool that Emo will upgrade to 1.4 to users later on so that 3D passthru will be available) switchers, 7.1 channels(which have been around for years, but the studios are just now starting to release some 7.1 encoded material, even though the vast majority is still 5.1), a good onboard xover/EQ function(which the Emo has one of the best out there)good onboard DACs,manual user presets etc.

When I look at some of these new 9.1/9.2/11.2 AVR's and processors I just scratch my head. In reality lots of these features will never really be used and the equipment will become outdated by the time some of the features really become plausible(if even at all).

[ntrain42]

Apr 1, 2010 19:45:33 GMT -5 LCSeminole said:

Apr 1, 2010 19:37:44 GMT -5 ntrain42 said:

That was really a torturous thing to do.............and I thought there was new word on the FW update...........

Sorry "ntrain", some members were frustrated that Big Dan's update from another thread wasn't in the proper "OFFICIAL" thread so I thought I'd do what I can. I just received my UMC-1 yesterday, so now I can participate in the UMC-1 threads and actually contribute with hands on experience and not just in a Moderator capacity.

Hehe, thats ok, that thread is like the first thing I check out on a daily basis........just got me all excited for a date for a download.

[LCSeminole]

Yes, I have deleted a few posts. Move the discussion in another direction, please, and enough of the jabs at other members. This thread can be civil and informative, but not if it is locked.

[LCSeminole]

Apr 1, 2010 19:57:23 GMT -5 ntrain42 said:

Apr 1, 2010 19:45:33 GMT -5 LCSeminole said:

Sorry "ntrain", some members were frustrated that Big Dan's update from another thread wasn't in the proper "OFFICIAL" thread so I thought I'd do what I can. I just received my UMC-1 yesterday, so now I can participate in the UMC-1 threads and actually contribute with hands on experience and not just in a Moderator capacity.

Hehe, thats ok, that thread is like the first thing I check out on a daily basis........just got me all excited for a date for a download.

;D

[klinemj]

Laurence...brilliant move on putting that post where it needed to be anyway. Thanks!

To billmac and others who say Emotiva is promising certain things and not delivering. Go read the posts in the thread Laurence refers to. By that...I mean...read, internalize, think... From what I see - they have provided the best updates they can and have not firmly committed to any dates YET they have told us openly what they are doing and their view of how it's going.

But, they have not said that "certain things will happen by a certain time" and missed it.

Instead, they have share 5 times since 2/9 (which was the date of the first firmware update) what they are doing and how it's going with firmware update #2.

While I sympathize with those waiting on firmware updates, please...please...take the time to read what they have written and don't accuse them of things they have not done SINCE the lauch. (Note: in my view, what happened pre-launch is all water under the bridge, and I see a marked improvement in communication since just before the launch. I see all too many slamming them now on things that happened in the past...let's get over that!).

And, billmac - no disrespect here either...but please do...go read the chain of updates, esp. those since 2/9 from Big Dan. If I am wrong that Big Dan and Emo have made and missed committments, please PM me to show me where that's happened. If I am right...a public acknowledgement would be swell...

Best to all,

Mark

[NorthStar]

Apr 1, 2010 9:31:45 GMT -5 billmac said:

I have owned three Onkyos a 805, 885 and now a 886 all without one issue (knock on wood ;D).

Bill

Same for me; the 805, 876 and 906. All solid Rocks of Gibraltar.

Bob

[mlkmgr]

Mark,

According to Lonnie on March 16th, "hopefully released within a week". So there is a missed commitment. However, dan also gives the favorite generic line from emo: "we are very close".

according to dan's profile, he was logged in today at 7:34pm. he obviously sees what is transpiring, so his lack of updates leaves me to wonder what is going on?

why somebody other than a non-employed moderator cannot simply drop in and state an official update is beyond me. they need to hire PR rep as opposed to a creative director IMO.

[NorthStar]

Apr 1, 2010 10:56:50 GMT -5 RadTech said:

Apr 1, 2010 9:31:45 GMT -5 billmac said:

I have owned three Onkyos a 805, 885 and now a 886 all without one issue (knock on wood ;D).

Bill

I've had 5 Onkyos since the mid/late 80s and, never had a problem. In fact , the one from the 80s still works fine and, I beat the crap out of it. I used it to power my Peavey International 115s before I got a real PA amp. I had two 805s for over a year and, no issues except, for the heat. Maybe someone can explain why these AVRs heat up so much? I now have an 886 and, it is great. I would have to agree the 805 is not as musical as the 886.One thing I did notice immediately after hooking up the 886 was IMO an improvement in SQ, it was quite noticeable to me. I will sell my other 805 when the XMC 1 comes out and, I upgrade again . I've only heard basically what the chain stores have or the rare opportunity I have to go to someones home. Most people I know just get the basic HT in a box. There are not to many dealers where I live so, my options are limited. However, I did hear the Rotel and, I added it to my list along with Marantz and, Emotiva to possible replacements for my other 805.

Hi Rad,

First, the 805 does not run hot (same as any other Onkyo receivers); you just have to diseable all useless features, like "Immediate Display", "Lip Sync", "xvYCC", and "Control" (Power Control & TV Control).
Then it does not run any hotter (warmer) than my Denon AVR-3805 A/V Receiver, or my Yamaha RX-V2092 A/V Reveiver or my RX-Z11, or my Marantz SR-18 A/V Receiver.
Same goes for my 876 and 906.

Now, I also agree with you about the slightly better sound quality of the Onkyo PR-SC886P Surround Processor. Very normal behavior as there is no power amp section in this pre/pro to interfere with the preamp circuitry.
* Take the Video processor out and the Tuner out also, and you'll gain even more audio quality from it.

Regards,
Bob

[NorthStar]

Apr 1, 2010 11:45:50 GMT -5 RayoVac said:

Apr 1, 2010 4:46:37 GMT -5 NorthStar said:

I'm waiting ... for the next Big Thing.

;D "Call Starkist... Feed Mayonaise to TunaFish!" ;D

How did you guess?

[NorthStar]

Apr 1, 2010 12:54:29 GMT -5 carlp336 said:

i got my email today ready for shipment ?!!??! what to do

Get drunk.

[NorthStar]

Apr 1, 2010 13:18:06 GMT -5 roadrunner said:

Apr 1, 2010 11:54:42 GMT -5 DYohn said:

You folks should also realize the UMC-1 is not yet really released for mass market delivery. Once it is available on the web site to add to a shopping cart and the general public beyond us early adopters can buy it, it will succeed. It's too inovative in its price category to fail. The early release software issues will be worked out - indeed they are being worked out. Is it frustrating for some of us early adopters to have to wait for these fixes? Sure. But when the full-on product release with fully corrected software happens it will be a market changer and I bet Emotiva will have a hard time keeping up with demand.

dyohn

+1

Have you been reading my PMs to new customers? That is almost exactly what I have been telling potential customers. LOL I guess great minds run in the same gutter. ;D ;D ;D

That's the spirit!, see the good in bad.