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Post by Gary Cook on Oct 18, 2017 17:42:42 GMT -5
For sure, there will be those that upgrade or replace their XMCs with an RMC. However I still think that it's not a replacement (as in a product replacement in the product portfolio). I fully expect XMCs to be sold alongside the RMC. There is a market for both levels. Sort of like the Audi S8 and Audi S4. There will be those that cannot upgrade to Atmos for limitations (e.g. can't install ceiling speakers in apartments, etc.. etc.). As well as Atmos, there is the full spec HDMI board update/upgrade, that I suspect may well be more popular than the Atmos/DTSX update/upgrade. As well as upgraditis, it's getting pretty hard to buy a new decent spec TV that isn't 4K. So the HDMI board will be a "must have" compared to Atmos/DSTX that's more "optional". A "pain", not really strong enough, it's more in the "not even worth thinking about" category. Back on topic, I'm seriously considering an MC-700 as the 4K work arounds required with the UMC-200 in the system are getting tiresome (ie; low WAF). There seems to be 4 issues with the MC-700 from what I have read and understood; 1. The switching in and out of different digital audio formats - this one doesn't concern me as it's almost always the source that's the problem and none of my sources have a problem with the UMC-200 so I doubt that they will have a problem with the MC-700. 2. HDMI/HDCP confusion - like the rest of the world I have no fix on exactly what that means to the MC-700. 3. Dolby Vision - Emotiva reported that HDR is OK but the MC-700 doesn't "support" Dolby Vision, but at least one owner reports that it passes through OK. To add to my confusion Apple are soon upgrading the ATV4K with software to handle Dolby Vision, does the same apply to the MC-700? 4. The various formats of 4K video - what doesn't the MC-700 handle? Whilst I have a basic understanding of Chroma 4.2.0, 4.2.2 and 4.4.4, plus 8 bit, 10 bit and 12 bit and 24/50/60 frames per second. I'm not sure of their interrelationship and how that affects the MC-700 and what source material is going to be affected when played on an Oppo 203. I'm also interested in comments from MC-700 owners who have upgraded/updated from a UMC-200 and what they have found, what they like and if they have any dislikes? Cheers Gary
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Post by Ruiner46 on Oct 18, 2017 22:29:59 GMT -5
Gary, I'm not sure what you're referring to with number 1. If you are referring to the pops and noises that come out of the speakers when switching audio formats, then I will say that it is my only gripe about the MC700.
The problem is not a source problem as it can be repeated with several sources. The problem is with the HDMI switch Emotiva chose to use with the MC700. This is the pain that we have to go through for early adoption of HDMI 2.0.
If the sources you are using stick to one audio format, then you will rarely hear it. I chose to switch my satellite TV box to optical to avoid the issue since the shows seem to change format often.
The fact is, if you experience this, then digital noise will be played out your speakers at whatever volume you happen to be at, and I'm doubtful that a solution will be possible with a firmware update. The noise only occurs with a switch from PCM to an encoded format like Dolby, or DTS.
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Post by Gary Cook on Oct 18, 2017 22:46:58 GMT -5
Gary, I'm not sure what you're referring to with number 1. If you are referring to the pops and noises that come out of the speakers when switching audio formats, then I will say that it is my only gripe about the MC700. The problem is not a source problem as it can be repeated with several sources. The problem is with the HDMI switch Emotiva chose to use with the MC700. This is the pain that we have to go through for early adoption of HDMI 2.0. If the sources you are using stick to one audio format, then you will rarely hear it. I chose to switch my satellite TV box to optical to avoid the issue since the shows seem to change format often. The fact is, if you experience this, then digital noise will be played out your speakers at whatever volume you happen to be at, and I'm doubtful that a solution will be possible with a firmware update. The noise only occurs with a switch from PCM to an encoded format like Dolby, or DTS. I had this problem with the previous generation of cable box and the UMC-200, I also switched to an optical connection to avoid it. All other sources (ATV, BD player etc) were perfectly OK over HDMI, just the cable box. The current generation cable box (~3 years old) works just fine over HDMI with the same UMC-200. So I'm not really concerned with #1 if I choose an MC-700, just 2, 3 and 4 are questions, namely HDMI/HDCP which is a never ending story, Dolby Vision and 4K video formats. Cheers Gary
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Post by Gary Cook on Oct 18, 2017 23:03:19 GMT -5
Sort of like the Audi S8 and Audi S4. I couldn't let that one slip, it just needs a bit more work Not sure what model Audi's you guys get, but we have the S3 (sorta like an MC-700) and the S6 (kinda like an XMC-1) and the S8 (equal to an RMC-1) But we also get an S4, that size and $'s wise fits between the S3 and the S6. There is no Emotiva equivalent, resulting in a huge, gaping hole in the range. That I suspect for many people is going to be filled by used XMC-1's, because there is nothing in the Emotiva product offering that fills the gap currently and it seems nothing on the horizon either. Cheers Gary
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Post by jmilton on Oct 19, 2017 10:15:08 GMT -5
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Post by doc1963 on Oct 19, 2017 14:37:20 GMT -5
I find it difficult to understand how the MC-700 could pass Dolby Vision metadata without Emotiva first having Dolby's approval and the associated licensing to do so. I would advise the one owner who suggested that it "can" to first confirm that his display is, in fact, engaging its Dolby Vision mode. If not, then what he's actually viewing is the underlying HDR (or SDR) metadata.
You can play a Dolby Vision encoded disc on non-DV enabled equipment and get video, you just won't get the actual Dolby Vision metadata.
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Post by Gary Cook on Oct 19, 2017 17:58:16 GMT -5
3. Dolby Vision - Emotiva reported that HDR is OK but the MC-700 doesn't "support" Dolby Vision, but at least one owner reports that it passes through OK. To add to my confusion Apple are soon upgrading the ATV4K with software to handle Dolby Vision, does the same apply to the MC-700? Correction; 3. Dolby Vision - Emotiva reported that HDR is OK but the MC-700 doesn't "support" Dolby Vision, but at least one owner reports that it passes through OK. The Apple TV4K now has the software upgraded to handle Dolby Vision, does that indicate the same could apply to the MC-700? Cheers Gary
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Post by cwt on Oct 20, 2017 4:54:29 GMT -5
I find it difficult to understand how the MC-700 could pass Dolby Vision metadata without Emotiva first having Dolby's approval and the associated licensing to do so. I would advise the one owner who suggested that it "can" to first confirm that his display is, in fact, engaging its Dolby Vision mode. If not, then what he's actually viewing is the underlying HDR (or SDR) metadata. You can play a Dolby Vision encoded disc on non-DV enabled equipment and get video, you just won't get the actual Dolby Vision metadata. I would tread warily here too even considering dolbys hdmi 1.4 statement . And considering the dv updates denon etc hdmi2.0a avrs are getting this makes the following sdk packages mention noteworthy www.soundandvision.com/content/my-av-receiver-dolby-vision-compatible“Dolby Vision can technically be routed through any equipment starting at v1.4.b and above, however, the device needs to be aware of the kind of signal properties that differentiate Dolby Vision from a standard SDR signal. To this effect, we have issued a compatibility SDK that several manufacturers have already used to obtain pass-through compatibility on upcoming products. Compatibility on existing products is something that could possibly achieved as well, but is of course at the discretion of each manufacturer/OEM.” from avs forum as well ; UGH I just found this load of xxx about dv passthrough that could well have cost people a lot of money if futureproofing youtu.be/FU-K8aU3XI4
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Post by doc1963 on Oct 20, 2017 10:04:42 GMT -5
At this point, the fact that Dolby Vision can be tied to HDMI 1.4 is irrelevant. All UHD disc based content requires HDCP 2.2 which is tied to the HDMI 2.0 spec. HDR-10 requires HDMI 2.0a. The Dolby Vision metadata, which is its own proprietary variant of HDR, must be identified as "Dolby Vision" and allowed to pass as such.
During the handshake, if all of the components in the HDMI chain between your source and sink do not identify themselves as "Dolby Vision compatible", the source will default to the underlying HDR-10 (if supported by your devices) or SDR metadata.
Streaming services that offer Dolby Vision content, such as Netflix and Amazon, will resort to HDR-10. Vudu, which does not currently support HDR-10, will only offer HDX (SDR/1080p).
AFAIK, all firmware updates issued to "support" Dolby Vision must be certified by Dolby. I assume this process is to ensure that the proprietary Dolby Vision metadata is passed unaltered. I also assume that there is a licensing fee attached.
I hate to be a "Doubting Thomas" regarding the one owner who states otherwise, but since KeithL himself has stated that the MC-700 "does not support Dolby Vision at this time", I would take him at his word that it doesn't.
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Post by thrillcat on Oct 20, 2017 10:39:04 GMT -5
I find it difficult to understand how the MC-700 could pass Dolby Vision metadata without Emotiva first having Dolby's approval and the associated licensing to do so. I would advise the one owner who suggested that it "can" to first confirm that his display is, in fact, engaging its Dolby Vision mode. If not, then what he's actually viewing is the underlying HDR (or SDR) metadata. You can play a Dolby Vision encoded disc on non-DV enabled equipment and get video, you just won't get the actual Dolby Vision metadata. I do not believe you need approval and licensing to pass data through untouched, in the same way that cables are not required to pay licensing (unless of course they want to ADVERTISE using the DV logo). Only devices that decode and display should require licensing. Dolby would be stupid to require AVRs and Processors to pay licensing, as requiring consumers to upgrade devices that add nothing to the chain would be a prohibitor for adoption.
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Post by doc1963 on Oct 20, 2017 10:55:00 GMT -5
I find it difficult to understand how the MC-700 could pass Dolby Vision metadata without Emotiva first having Dolby's approval and the associated licensing to do so. I would advise the one owner who suggested that it "can" to first confirm that his display is, in fact, engaging its Dolby Vision mode. If not, then what he's actually viewing is the underlying HDR (or SDR) metadata. You can play a Dolby Vision encoded disc on non-DV enabled equipment and get video, you just won't get the actual Dolby Vision metadata. I do not believe you need approval and licensing to pass data through untouched, in the same way that cables are not required to pay licensing (unless of course they want to ADVERTISE using the DV logo). Only devices that decode and display should require licensing. Dolby would be stupid to require AVRs and Processors to pay licensing, as requiring consumers to upgrade devices that add nothing to the chain would be a prohibitor for adoption. I don't disagree, but we are talking about Dolby and "Dolby Vision" is proprietary. Regarding licensing, since the MC-700 contains only a simple HDMI pass-through switch, I agree that different rules "should" apply. However, the Anthem AVM-60 is in the same vein and required Dolby's blessing before issuing the update to "support" Dolby Vision pass-through. Dolby Vision, at least for pass-through, is still very much a gray area...
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Post by rbk123 on Oct 20, 2017 11:07:08 GMT -5
It's also possible the HDMI interface chips may not have "pass-thru if not recognized" functionality. ie. their implementation may only be to pass through items they recognize defined in their standard, and discard the rest. If true, it's still possible to pass through DV info if the DV data is embedded within an approved data set for that HDMI standard. Not likely but possible. I agree with the "gray area" as we need more info on it.
Similar to DTS-HD encoded discs playing but not in HD and so the receiver's display not lighting the DTS-HD light, I too am curious if there's some similar notification light or OSD info to confirm whether it's truly DV or something less.
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Post by doc1963 on Oct 20, 2017 11:15:37 GMT -5
It's also possible the HDMI interface chips may not have "pass-thru if not recognized" functionality. ie. their implementation may only be to pass through items they recognize defined in their standard, and discard the rest. If true, it's still possible to pass through DV info if the DV data is embedded within an approved data set for that HDMI standard. Not likely but possible. I agree with the "gray area" as we need more info on it. Similar to DTS-HD encoded discs playing but not in HD and so the receiver's display not lighting the DTS-HD light, I too am curious if there's some similar notification light or OSD info to confirm whether it's truly DV or something less. Maybe so, but it's a simple verification for anyone who has a Dolby Vision enabled display. If the Dolby Vision mode is automatically triggered, you're getting a Dolby Vision stream. If not, you aren't...
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Post by rbk123 on Oct 20, 2017 11:42:49 GMT -5
That's what I meant about the DV indicator light. Some notification that confirms it's truly DV.
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Post by bluebottle on Nov 13, 2017 18:36:51 GMT -5
Saving Emo-Q calibration to Manual stores 1,2 and 3. I'm running firmware 2.9.1, there is a menu option to copy the Emo-Q calibration to manual 1,2 or 3 saves/stores. I ran an Emo-Q calibration, it completed and sounds pretty good and was trying to 'copy' the Emo-Q calibration into one of the three available Manual saves, using the 'Copy to" option. The copy seems to save OK (shows "CopySuccess") and I can see the Manual save slot modified with the Emo-Q values, the problem comes when putting the unit into standby then waking it up - the manual saves all seem to get wiped/reset to blank. Is this a known behaviour or defect or am I missing a step? Same issue with any/all of the manual save/stores - they all get wiped on waking the unit up
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Post by hilodb1 on Nov 14, 2017 0:35:55 GMT -5
Saving Emo-Q calibration to Manual stores 1,2 and 3. I'm running firmware 2.9.1, there is a menu option to copy the Emo-Q calibration to manual 1,2 or 3 saves/stores. I ran an Emo-Q calibration, it completed and sounds pretty good and was trying to 'copy' the Emo-Q calibration into one of the three available Manual saves, using the 'Copy to" option. The copy seems to save OK (shows "CopySuccess") and I can see the Manual save slot modified with the Emo-Q values, the problem comes when putting the unit into standby then waking it up - the manual saves all seem to get wiped/reset to blank. Is this a known behaviour or defect or am I missing a step? Same issue with any/all of the manual save/stores - they all get wiped on waking the unit up Same for me and I'm on 2.9.0
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Post by jake51 on Nov 17, 2017 4:29:27 GMT -5
Hi This is my first experience with Emotiva and I'm experiencing some issues I have a strange problem with the a700/mc700 combo I only get PCM 2 CH when receiving an audio signal from the Panasonic UB900 The Emoticva is getting bitstream from the UB900 Pressing the Mode button on the remote, I don't get the option of choosing Dolby Digital, Dolby Truhed or DTS MA The audio signal from Apple TV (Netflix) is correctly identified as Dolby Digital I just can't figure out what the problem is Any suggestions? Jakob
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Post by Leefy on Nov 17, 2017 15:35:55 GMT -5
Does UB900 have an option for secondary audio? Like older Blurays? maybe switch it off? That's my first prognosis anyways... anyone else have a panny?
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Post by Tell mar on Nov 18, 2017 18:19:23 GMT -5
Hi Guys , just wanted to see if others have experienced this. I had ordered my MC 700 on pre order . Unit was one of the early ones. In stereo or direct, I could not get a center image(voice). The whole stage image pulled to the right. The unit was shipped with the original firmware. I called tech support , and they informed me a new software was available that would correct this. I did down load and install the 2.90 firmware that indeed did correct the stereo stage imaging however it did not correct the imaging when I went to 7.1 . The soundstage imaging is still pulled to the right. I have some what been able to correct this by going into the menue and adjusting the distance settings. Now , I initially was very careful to measure the exact distance from each speaker to the listening seat, which throws the whole soundstage off to the right. By trial & error, I have adjusted the distance settings on the left hand side that now has corrected this and provides a more immersive and accurate result. The distance settings now on the left hand side only , do not reflect the the actual distance from the listening seat. The right hand side reflects the exact distance from the listening seat. Soundstage now sounds open and more as it should. Anyone else experience this?
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Post by jake51 on Nov 20, 2017 3:59:37 GMT -5
Does UB900 have an option for secondary audio? Like older Blurays? maybe switch it off? That's my first prognosis anyways... anyone else have a panny? I have reset both the MC-700 and the Panny UB900 Secondary Audio is set to Automatic as default I was hoping that would solve the problem but i didn't The same as before Very happy I didn't sell my Pioneer: I'm using it now
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