UMC-1 - Third time around

[Deleted]

Nov 2, 2011 4:38:34 GMT -5 @theresa said:

I think defensiveness about the UMC-1 is a losing proposition. There are problems with the UMC-1, how serious they are to users is a subjective matter but their existence is not.

I think generalizing that all UMC-1 units had problems is an incorrect statement. Many people had issues with the UMC-1 upon release - no doubt - but I know that there were some that purchased those first gen units and experienced no issues. There wasn't an explanation, just that they did not have the problems that many others experienced.

Since then Emotiva has, in my view, put a lot of serious time and effort into addressing the UMC-1 issues, and arguably has made significant progress. Neekos' original post is an excellent example of that progress.

[LCSeminole]

Nov 2, 2011 4:38:34 GMT -5 @theresa said:

While installing my new Onkyo 5508 I found one HDMI cable was bad, not the one that had been from the UMC-1 to the TV or to the computer but the one from my Sony 570 BD player. HDMI cables seem to break easily.
Also, I think defensiveness about the UMC-1 is a losing proposition. There are problems with the UMC-1, how serious they are to users is a subjective matter but their existence is not.

You are exactly right in saying how serious they are to users is subjective. I've only had minor problems, so I guess you can call me lucky. As for the defensiveness about those who own the UMC-1, why bother to keep dredging that hole? It's well acknowledged that there have been and still are some problems for some. Don't all processors/receivers have their own problems? You don't really believe that all problems are exclusive to Emotiva's processors do you? I keep up with a few sections of the AVS Forum, inparticular the "Amps, Receivers, and Processors" Section, and I'm constantly reading in specific brand threads about there problems. The most prevalent one at the moment being the "Onkyo/Integra Failures" thread, which doesn't just include the xx08 models anymore but has also reached into the most recent xx09 series models as well. Hopefully your 5508 doesn't need to be sent back because of a bad connector or ide cable, or just stops responding to the remote or even the front panel, or the HDMI board goes bad, or it won't stop randomly cycling through modes or even the inputs, or just doesn't even respond to the power button and has to be unplugged. The Cary Cinema 12 seems to be another that has problems, as well as the Rotel RSP-1570, the NAD T175HD and yes even the Anthems are having some rather minor quirks going on and their owners are waiting on the latest firmware update(sound familiar).

For the most part, I believe the above manufacturers to all be competent and have good products, not all being for everyone. I don't believe that everyone that owns the same processor will have the same problems as there are different factors involved from owner to owner. I also don't believe that the Onkyo products are as bad as the 36 pages of the AVS thread on their recent failures may lead many to believe, which is why I refuse to contribute to threads of that type as they inherently will turn and are plain NEGATIVE. It still amazes me that the more negative it gets on the internet, the more posts it gets. This is why the moderation/admin team on the Lounge have been working and will continue to promote a positive atmosphere.

[NorthStar]

^ Not bad Laurence!

[Deleted]

Nov 1, 2011 20:41:45 GMT -5 xki said:

neekos - What is the firmware version on your UMC-1?

I ask this because I am using all Emotiva HDMI cables and still get center channel drop outs on the BD player. I am 1 version behind in the firmware and waiting for the latest to be released before doing another upgrade.

I have to believe that my drop outs are version related and not the HDMI cables.

EDIT: Running 7.04.00.00

I'm also on 7.04

[thepcguy]

Nov 2, 2011 15:48:43 GMT -5 LCSeminole said:

Nov 2, 2011 4:38:34 GMT -5 @theresa said:

While installing my new Onkyo 5508 I found one HDMI cable was bad, not the one that had been from the UMC-1 to the TV or to the computer but the one from my Sony 570 BD player. HDMI cables seem to break easily.
Also, I think defensiveness about the UMC-1 is a losing proposition. There are problems with the UMC-1, how serious they are to users is a subjective matter but their existence is not.

You are exactly right in saying how serious they are to users is subjective. I've only had minor problems, so I guess you can call me lucky. As for the defensiveness about those who own the UMC-1, why bother to keep dredging that hole? It's well acknowledged that there have been and still are some problems for some. Don't all processors/receivers have their own problems? You don't really believe that all problems are exclusive to Emotiva's processors do you? I keep up with a few sections of the AVS Forum, inparticular the "Amps, Receivers, and Processors" Section, and I'm constantly reading in specific brand threads about there problems. The most prevalent one at the moment being the "Onkyo/Integra Failures" thread, which doesn't just include the xx08 models anymore but has also reached into the most recent xx09 series models as well. Hopefully your 5508 doesn't need to be sent back because of a bad connector or ide cable, or just stops responding to the remote or even the front panel, or the HDMI board goes bad, or it won't stop randomly cycling through modes or even the inputs, or just doesn't even respond to the power button and has to be unplugged. The Cary Cinema 12 seems to be another that has problems, as well as the Rotel RSP-1570, the NAD T175HD and yes even the Anthems are having some rather minor quirks going on and their owners are waiting on the latest firmware update(sound familiar).

For the most part, I believe the above manufacturers to all be competent and have good products, not all being for everyone. I don't believe that everyone that owns the same processor will have the same problems as there are different factors involved from owner to owner. I also don't believe that the Onkyo products are as bad as the 36 pages of the AVS thread on their recent failures may lead many to believe, which is why I refuse to contribute to threads of that type as they inherently will turn and are plain NEGATIVE. It still amazes me that the more negative it gets on the internet, the more posts it gets. This is why the moderation/admin team on the Lounge have been working and will continue to promote a positive atmosphere.

+100

I'd like to be the guy on the left..... smiling.... no sour (grapes?)

[jamrock]

May I join the erudite elite and say; +1000!

[roadrunner]

Rather and LC made very good observations. I don't think there is a single manufacturer that has not had problems similar to what the UMC-1 has had since its introduction. When the License Holders changed the rules on what can and can't be done with HDMI it caused a flood of problems with everyone scrambling to find solutions. As usual, the end-user was the one who suffered and are continuing to suffer while the engineers search for fixes.

I was one of those owners who received their UMC-1 within days of its release. The only significant problem that I have encountered in all this time was the Remote Control overlap of IR Codes between the USP-1 and the UMC-1. During all this time, I have never had problems with channel drops, lock ups, video issues of one sort or another, or any of the other reported issues.

Initially, I wondered if these issues where based on improper set-up, calibration, or just not understanding how the UMC-1's option selections. As time passed, it became obvious that some people were experiencing legitimate issues with their units. What was equally obvious is the fact that a great many users were not having problems and were very happy with there units.

Emotiva has worked diligently to identify the sources of the problems some users were having. They have made great strides in addressing and fixing the vast majority of those original problems. Yes, there are still some users having issues and Dan and Lonnie are committed to finding solutions to all remaining issues... as I am sure that the other manufacturers are also doing. No brand is immune to user's having problems -- not even Emotiva. ;D

I am fortunate not to have had any issues, beyond the IR Code overlap. Unfortunately, a few people have been unfortunate enough to have continuing problems of one type or another; and these people tend to be very vocal. Their posts understandably fail to acknowledge that most of us using the UMC-1 are NOT having issues. I hope they have better luck with their new processors.

[LCSeminole]

I think I speak for Allen as well on this, we appreciate the positive feedback, and thank you.

[NorthStar]

That was truly a great, honest, and realistic post Laurence.

[pop]

I agree, as I read thousands of reviews on different processors I couldn't help but think "Well, what potential problems am I willing to deal with?" With the sole fact that Emotiva has done so much to try and better their product, I decided to go with them. You don't really hear to much about the others trying to fix the issues with their receivers. Aside from how much time their equipment has been away from them trying to get it fixed. (repetitively I might add.) I have tried to prove the point that other companies have their problems as well, and wasn't met with such positives replies. However it seems as Laurence is much more methodical with his words.

Lol, LOTR you crack me up with your wonderful sincerity. You should be a guidance counselor. ;D

[NorthStar]

Hey, I just tell it like it is! ...And Laurence too.

[Deleted]

Nov 2, 2011 18:17:24 GMT -5 LCSeminole said:

I think I speak for Allen as well on this, we appreciate the positive feedback, and thank you.

Indeed you do.

"Some of us citizens are with you all the way, officer..."

But seriously, what is unfair (not to mention tiresome) is for people to state that all UMC-1s will have problems merely because this was their experience. This is simply not true.

I don't mind an individual sharing their issues, problems, or observations of their own experience with a particular product, but to categorically state that all units have the same issues is wrong.

[Deleted]

Nov 2, 2011 18:40:02 GMT -5 pop said:

Lol, LOTR you crack me up with your wonderful sincerity. You should be a guidance counselor. ;D

[/size][/size][/size]

[Pauly]

A guidance counselor? lol You don't know Bob too well yet do you? ;D

[hemster]

^ Hmm. Let's see if I can provide a little memory jog, should some members require it...

Well, we're all here to enjoy the sincerity or lack thereof from the other members, both from within and without the United States of le America... and foreign peoples too! ;D

I tell you this from the heart of my bottom bottom of my heart, that I love the life ce la vie and the bad things it has to offer... and of course the good things too. Becauze mostly people are here to share and snare alike, and that can not be a bad thing IMHO. This diatribe from me is coming to you on the gran internet de la monde, and thanks for letting me express me, myself and I ad nauseum and all that Jazz... ;D ;D




[Disclaimer] This is not a serious post but intended to inject a little levity in our dull drab world.[/Disclaimer] ;D ;D ;D

[Deleted]

I guess we'll never know how many do or don't have problems. I'm happy for those whose needs are met, it's a bargain for them. Didn't a Queen of England have something to say about levity?
"We are not amused."

[hemster]

Oh, let's bring back the sombre mood then.