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Post by doc1963 on Mar 17, 2017 0:05:37 GMT -5
Hello all, new here. Got a problem I'm hoping you can help me with because I'm about to return this thing for a refund. I'm running this with an XPA-5, Samsung KS9500, PS4 Pro (still waiting on my Oppo) and all brand new 2.0b HDMI cables. My problem is I'm getting no picture from the PS4. I get 4k HDR picture when going straight from PS4 to TV, but when attempting to go through the MC 700 I will occasionally get audio, but never picture. I've tried several HDMI cables (that work else where) and HDMI inputs 1-3, nothing changes. The PS4 is setup to output both audio and video via HDMI. Any ideas? Am I missing something or did I just get a bad unit (after 6 weeks on the waiting list)? Obviously I'm a bit frustrated. Thanks for any assistance. ..... Before we send you off buying new cables (which I still recommend), it seems as though the PS4 Pro has some horrendous issues of it's own. Namely, securing an HDMI handshake, especially if a splitter or repeater is in the HDMI chain. A quick Google search using the term "PS4 Pro black screen" gave me hundreds of hits. Reading through some of them reveals that Sony released a firmware update that totally " borked" the unit for many users with certain TVs (Samsung, LG, Vizio and even SONY). The solution is booting the unit into " Safe Mode" and changing the HDCP configuration. Watch THIS YouTube video for a description of the problem. Now, you "could" try a factory reset on your PS4 Pro. Some say that fixed the problem. If that doesn't work, you can try the fix I'll paste below. It will work until Sony fixes the problem they've created. - Turn off your PS4 Pro completely. - Then hold the power button for approximately 7 seconds (you'll hear 2 beeps). - The safe mode menu will now display. - From this menu change your HDCP setting to 1.4 - The console will restart, and everything should display as intended. This will limit content to HDCP 1.4, so streaming 4K UHD content from Neflix, Amazon or Vudu is out of the question (although 1080p HD will work just fine). Since the PS4 Pro's drive doesn't support UHD Blu-ray, it also won't matter. Since you're getting a UDP-203, who cares...? Let us know if this works...  |
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Post by frraksurred on Mar 17, 2017 0:33:12 GMT -5
STOP THE PRESSES..... Before we send you off buying new cables (which I still recommend), it seems as though the PS4 Pro has some horrendous issues of it's own. Namely, securing an HDMI handshake, especially if a splitter or repeater is in the HDMI chain. A quick Google search using the term "PS4 Pro black screen" gave me hundreds of hits. Reading through some of them reveals that Sony released a firmware update that totally " borked" the unit for many users with certain TVs (Samsung, LG, Vizio and even SONY). The solution is booting the unit into " Safe Mode" and changing the HDCP configuration. Watch THIS YouTube video for a description of the problem. Now, you "could" try a factory reset on your PS4 Pro. Some say that fixed the problem. If that doesn't work, you can try the fix I'll paste below. It will work until Sony fixes the problem they've created. - Turn off your PS4 Pro completely. - Then hold the power button for approximately 7 seconds (you'll hear 2 beeps). - The safe mode menu will now display. - From this menu change your HDCP setting to 1.4 - The console will restart, and everything should display as intended. This will limit content to HDCP 1.4, so streaming 4K UHD content from Neflix, Amazon or Vudu is out of the question (although 1080p HD will work just fine). Since the PS4 Pro's drive doesn't support UHD Blu-ray, it also won't matter. Since you're getting a UDP-203, who cares...? Let us know if this works... More good information, albeit disappointing. I think I would end up going HDMI directly to TV and optical to MC 700 before I would revert to HDCP 1.6, although I really don't do that much streaming. Nonetheless, I appreciate the option and info; it gives me more to go on. Btw, I ordered the Blue Jean HDMI's you recommended (6' lengths), so I should be able to test by mid weekend. |
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Post by doc1963 on Mar 17, 2017 1:31:53 GMT -5
More good information, albeit disappointing. I think I would end up going HDMI directly to TV and optical to MC 700 before I would revert to HDCP 1.6, although I really don't do that much streaming. Nonetheless, I appreciate the option and info; it gives me more to go on. Btw, I ordered the Blue Jean HDMI's you recommended (6' lengths), so I should be able to test by mid weekend. That's certainly a viable option...  Personally, I would try the factory reset on the PS4 Pro once you get your new cables and get everything reconnected and back in order. The factory reset should delete any erroneous EDID being stored by the PS4 and "force" a new handshake. If that still fails to rectify the issue, then your fallback plan is certainly an option. Do let us know how you make out... |
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Post by harlan on Mar 17, 2017 6:05:00 GMT -5
Who here has received the firmware update? What problems did it correct?
Has anyone received the manual?
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Post by rbk123 on Mar 17, 2017 10:10:46 GMT -5
Not quite... According to Monoprice support, they use 28 gauge shielded wire in their "certified" cables up to 10 feet, 26 gauge shielded solid copper in their cables longer than 10 feet. I have the 20 foot and based upon its weight and diameter, it's a well made "solid" cable. However, my first choice would always be the Blue Jeans if money's not prohibitive. The Blue Jeans are 28 gauge solid copper, but use Belden's patented, and more robust, bonded pair technology. Same AWG aside, standard cable stock cannot compare. If true on the Monoprice being 26ga then that's definitely a plus for it. As I'm not as impressed as you with their "bonded-pair" tech, I'll take a quality bigger wire over a bonded pair smaller wire. However, the Blue Jeans are made in the U.S. for those where that is important. |
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KeithL
Administrator 
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Post by KeithL on Mar 17, 2017 11:43:57 GMT -5
With very high frequency signals - like 4k HDMI - it's critical that all the individual wires in the cable be exactly the same length, and that the two wires in each twisted pair be twisted neatly, and remain in precise mechanical relationship to each other. Bonded-pairs, at least in principle, help ensure that everything remains in the exact proper location. Therefore, it seems like a very good idea. (It's not so much a matter of working better as of minimizing the chance of something being slightly wrong.) This is likely to be more important at higher frequencies, and for longer wires. Not quite... According to Monoprice support, they use 28 gauge shielded wire in their "certified" cables up to 10 feet, 26 gauge shielded solid copper in their cables longer than 10 feet. I have the 20 foot and based upon its weight and diameter, it's a well made "solid" cable. However, my first choice would always be the Blue Jeans if money's not prohibitive. The Blue Jeans are 28 gauge solid copper, but use Belden's patented, and more robust, bonded pair technology. Same AWG aside, standard cable stock cannot compare. If true on the Monoprice being 26ga then that's definitely a plus for it. As I'm not as impressed as you with their "bonded-pair" tech, I'll take a quality bigger wire over a bonded pair smaller wire. However, the Blue Jeans are made in the U.S. for those where that is important. |
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Post by rbk123 on Mar 17, 2017 15:30:27 GMT -5
With very high frequency signals - like 4k HDMI - it's critical that all the individual wires in the cable be exactly the same length, and that the two wires in each twisted pair be twisted neatly, and remain in precise mechanical relationship to each other. Bonded-pairs, at least in principle, help ensure that everything remains in the exact proper location. Therefore, it seems like a very good idea. (It's not so much a matter of working better as of minimizing the chance of something being slightly wrong.) This is likely to be more important at higher frequencies, and for longer wires. Lots of ways to skin the cat when it comes to cables. Does the bonded pair give a benefit? Probably, but how much? Then for longer runs you get more resistance and loss over the smaller gauge wire. Does the larger gauge give a benefit? Probably, but how much? What's the net difference between them? They're both certified and probably can support even more demanding applications than 4k. At 4k is there a discernible difference a user would notice? I'd want to see some independent scientific testing evidence before I pony up 300-500% more cost, especially when the Monoprice have already proven they're ability to me in resolving all of my MC issues. All just my opinion. I wouldn't pony extra $$ for premium power cables either, but some do and are happier for it. That's what it's all about - being happy with your purchase. |
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Post by davidkpar on Mar 17, 2017 17:45:51 GMT -5
Where did you get the new firmware update? Damon (sales) sent it, as an email attachment (bin file). I/we couldn't get it to work, at all, using any of my 3 flash drives; however, I borrowed a neighbor's 3.0 flash drive, and it updated, as it should. Damon said, when he updated their 700, with the same firmware, it did NOT clear the EmoQ, as it did, on my unit. (It also changed all my, so far, unused, EmoQ 1, EmoQ 2, and EmoQ 3 manual memories. It set most of the +/- DB settings, to +8db, in all three manual memories.) The problem with running "EmoQ Calibrate" and it shutting down my 5 channel amp, also existed BEFORE I updated firmware.
To clarify, regarding my firmware update post, above - After talking (at length) with Lonnie, it turns out, only a handful of us got this (beta) update. It was meant, to be a quick fix, for several problems, that some were having, with the 700. It is not the major update, that everyone was expecting, and will get. That one is still to come. I didn't know this, at the time, of my post. So, everyone, please continue to be patient, for the major update, going out, to the general public. It's coming! |
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Post by sydhaynes on Mar 17, 2017 17:58:29 GMT -5
Thanks for the clarification David.
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Post by rbk123 on Mar 17, 2017 18:36:37 GMT -5
To clarify, regarding my firmware update post, above - After talking (at length) with Lonnie, it turns out, only a handful of us got this (beta) update. It was meant, to be a quick fix, for several problems, that some were having, with the 700. It is not the major update, that everyone was expecting, and will get. That one is still to come. I didn't know this, at the time, of my post. So, everyone, please continue to be patient, for the major update, going out, to the general public. It's coming! What's the firmware version # that he sent you? I'm curious if it's the same as what is shipping with the current models. |
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Post by davidkpar on Mar 17, 2017 19:24:48 GMT -5
The version Damon sent is MC_700Release.bin.
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Post by rbk123 on Mar 17, 2017 20:23:22 GMT -5
That sounds like the file name he emailed you to put on the flash drive. You have to go into Setup in the MC's OSD and get the firmware version # there. Should be 2.8.x or similar.
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Post by sydhaynes on Mar 17, 2017 21:22:06 GMT -5
It also shows it on the MC-700 display when booting.
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Post by davidkpar on Mar 18, 2017 13:03:17 GMT -5
Sorry, I misinterpreted that one - it's 2.8.8.
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Post by doc1963 on Mar 18, 2017 13:24:44 GMT -5
Sorry, I misinterpreted that one - it's 2.8.8. That's even newer than what's currently shipping (2.8.7) which should indicate that the firmware is still in flux and why it hasn't been "officially" released. |
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Post by davidkpar on Mar 18, 2017 17:52:38 GMT -5
Anyone's 700 throwing their amp, or amps, into the protect mode, when you are trying to run EmoQ? (I'm running the 700, an XPA2, and an XPA5.) Sometimes, it shuts down the XPA5, as soon as I hit "start". Sometimes, it gets to the rear surrounds, before it shuts down the XPA5. Sometimes, it works as it's supposed to. Only other thing, I know to try, is to turn on all three units, unplug the trigger wire, at the 700, then run EmoQ - haven't tried that, yet. My amps are not the newest, so I have to use a "splitter", on the single trigger output, to each of the trigger inputs, on the two amps. Waiting on a call from Lonnie, as I write. Also, when you ran the new firmware update, did it clear all your EmoQ settings? My update cleared everything, in EmoQ, and I had done extensive subwoofer band tweaks, to the EmoQ settings, without first writing down all the settings. Drat! This is the email, that I just sent, to Damon, and Lonnie:
Hey Guys:
Good news (for a change) -Yesterday, Lonnie & I threw around several ideas, and trouble shooting possibilities, regarding EmoQ supposedly shutting down (protect mode) my XPA5 amp.
This one is on me. I had inadvertently plugged a power strip, where the 5 channel amp, left speaker, DVR, and telephone, were plugged, into an extension cord, and ANOTHER power strip, at the wall outlet! Once I pulled out all the furniture, and saw the two power strips plugged to one another, I knew, right away, this was probably the problem...and, it was. I completely took out, the 2nd strip, and voila, EmoQ ran perfectly.
Thank you both, for all the time & thoughts. Sorry, for all the trouble. It was a stupid mistake. I think I hooked up the 2nd strip, when I was trying to make enough spots for an overhead lamp, and must have connected the 2nd strip, without even thinking, that there was already one, in line. (It WAS buried behind the furniture!)
I'll wait, for the major firmware release, before I go thru all the subwoofer tweaking, with a SPL meter.
Best, David
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Post by frraksurred on Mar 19, 2017 1:11:59 GMT -5
More good information, albeit disappointing. I think I would end up going HDMI directly to TV and optical to MC 700 before I would revert to HDCP 1.6, although I really don't do that much streaming. Nonetheless, I appreciate the option and info; it gives me more to go on. Btw, I ordered the Blue Jean HDMI's you recommended (6' lengths), so I should be able to test by mid weekend. That's certainly a viable option... Personally, I would try the factory reset on the PS4 Pro once you get your new cables and get everything reconnected and back in order. The factory reset should delete any erroneous EDID being stored by the PS4 and "force" a new handshake. If that still fails to rectify the issue, then your fallback plan is certainly an option. Do let us know how you make out... The new Blue Jean HDMI's showed up today. I installed them between PS4 Pro and MC 700, and from MC 700 to TV. I booted up the TV first, then the 700, then the PS4 Pro; letting each finish its sequence before proceeding to the next. Unfortunately it did not change anything. The PS4 and MC 700 have both been unplugged for the last couple days; from what I've read 5-15 minutes should have been enough to clear any EDID settings, so I'm assuming it is not that either. Doing a reset on the PS4 would result in a fair amount of work for me, so for now I'm just going to return to my old wiring config (HDMI to TV+ Optical to Pre Amp) and grumble under my breath. Hopefully a Patch or Firmware update will fix this in the future, but I'm done wasting time on it this week. My Oppo shows up Weds and I can test a different 4k HDR source with the 700. If it works I'll keep it, if it doesn't its return & refund time. Regardless of all that, thanks for your help. I do appreciate it. |
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Post by frraksurred on Mar 23, 2017 17:32:02 GMT -5
Well, I'm returning this unit for a replacement.
The Oppo had the same issue as the PS4 Pro. I spoke to Tech Support who sent me the beta Firmware, but the unit wouldn't detect the file on two different thumb drives (1 yr old & 8 yr old FAT32), and I followed the manual's directions to the letter.
This has been nearly a month and a half ordeal from Waiting list to now, and I'm spent. Thanks for the help either way. If the next one is bad... well, guess I'll be moving on.
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Post by davidkpar on Mar 23, 2017 21:21:16 GMT -5
Well, I'm returning this unit for a replacement. The Oppo had the same issue as the PS4 Pro. I spoke to Tech Support who sent me the beta Firmware, but the unit wouldn't detect the file on two different thumb drives (1 yr old & 8 yr old FAT32), and I followed the manual's directions to the letter. This has been nearly a month and a half ordeal from Waiting list to now, and I'm spent. Thanks for the help either way. If the next one is bad... well, guess I'll be moving on. I could not get my 700, to accept the download, on any, of my 3 flash drives, which were older drives, and formatted to FAT32. I borrowed my neighbor's 3.0 flash drive, and it worked flawlessly. |
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Post by frraksurred on Mar 25, 2017 0:27:20 GMT -5
Well, I'm returning this unit for a replacement. The Oppo had the same issue as the PS4 Pro. I spoke to Tech Support who sent me the beta Firmware, but the unit wouldn't detect the file on two different thumb drives (1 yr old & 8 yr old FAT32), and I followed the manual's directions to the letter. This has been nearly a month and a half ordeal from Waiting list to now, and I'm spent. Thanks for the help either way. If the next one is bad... well, guess I'll be moving on. I could not get my 700, to accept the download, on any, of my 3 flash drives, which were older drives, and formatted to FAT32. I borrowed my neighbor's 3.0 flash drive, and it worked flawlessly. My Sandisk Extreme is a 3.0 drive. When this did not work, I tried a much older (8 years) 2.0 drive. This did not work either. I also put all other files in a folder to prevent any potential conflicts. Thanks for the info all the same. I appreciate you trying. |
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