XMC-1 upgrade to HDMI 2.0 board issues.

[rossj]

Hello all,

First time post here.... I am trying to reach out to see if anyone has solved the same problems I am having with my system. I have an XMC-1 that I have been happily running for a few years without a single problem. I was excited to upgrade to the HDMI 2.0 board when Appletv released a 4k version... My setup only has a computer and an Appletv. 

The problem that I have is that the xmc-1 has to be restarted often due to hanging up when switching between inputs. There is clipping.. or some popping when power cycling or when the HDMI handshake is happening. The switching of inputs takes 10-12 seconds or so and will flash on for a moment... then black.. then on again. 

I have power cycled everything fully. I have updated the firmware to the newest version. Im not sure what to do next. Tech support says that HDMI 4k is complicated and that it is what it is... 

If anyone uses an Apple TV 4k and has maybe some other settings etc. (maybe I have missed something)? Otherwise I feel like the xmc-1 felt like a nice piece of equipment well worth its cost. Now.... it seems like a bit frankensteinish in its handling of input switching and handshaking. Its not how slowly it works... more that there is clipping every time you want to switch inputs, or having to constantly power cycle to get it to work. 

***Is anyone using appletv4k on the newer RMC-1l without these problems?

Any help is greatly appreciated,
Thanks... Ross

[ttocs]

Sept 25, 2020 14:13:17 GMT -5 rossj said:

Hello all,

First time post here.... I am trying to reach out to see if anyone has solved the same problems I am having with my system. I have an XMC-1 that I have been happily running for a few years without a single problem. I was excited to upgrade to the HDMI 2.0 board when Appletv released a 4k version... My setup only has a computer and an Appletv. 

The problem that I have is that the xmc-1 has to be restarted often due to hanging up when switching between inputs. There is clipping.. or some popping when power cycling or when the HDMI handshake is happening. The switching of inputs takes 10-12 seconds or so and will flash on for a moment... then black.. then on again. 

I have power cycled everything fully. I have updated the firmware to the newest version. Im not sure what to do next. Tech support says that HDMI 4k is complicated and that it is what it is... 

If anyone uses an Apple TV 4k and has maybe some other settings etc. (maybe I have missed something)? Otherwise I feel like the xmc-1 felt like a nice piece of equipment well worth its cost. Now.... it seems like a bit frankensteinish in its handling of input switching and handshaking. Its not how slowly it works... more that there is clipping every time you want to switch inputs, or having to constantly power cycle to get it to work. 

***Is anyone using appletv4k on the newer RMC-1l without these problems?

Any help is greatly appreciated,
Thanks... Ross

You'll need to check some things. First, which firmware is installed? Compare that with the "current" firmware posted in the firmware section of the Lounge.

I'm trying to recall how long the switching was with my XMC-1 just prior to upgrading to the XMC-2, but I'm pretty sure it was around 11 seconds - pretty slow. The XMC-2 wasn't any faster at that time, but is now half that.

RE ATV4K, I have that and it worked fine with the XMC-1, but took a little longer for switching, which is still the case. It takes 2-3 seconds longer than anything else, always has. The popping is something that comes and goes with firmware. You're best bet is to look over the XMC-1 V3 and Owner's threads for pointers.

XMC-1 Owner's thread

Official V3 Upgrade Board thread

[rossj]

Thanks


        I installed the most recent version of the firmware per emotive tech support. I will look in the other threads for pointers as you suggest. I am leaning towards just returning the board... as tech support has suggested that it is what it is..

[creimes]

Sept 25, 2020 16:48:29 GMT -5 rossj said:

Thanks


        I installed the most recent version of the firmware per emotive tech support. I will look in the other threads for pointers as you suggest. I am leaning towards just returning the board... as tech support has suggested that it is what it is..

By chance is the XMC-1 warranty in your name, if so and I know it is more expensive but you get into the XMC-2 trade in program, a entire new processor with 5 years of warranty is an amazing thing imo.

Chad

[405x5]

Sept 25, 2020 16:48:29 GMT -5 rossj said:

Thanks


        I installed the most recent version of the firmware per emotive tech support. I will look in the other threads for pointers as you suggest. I am leaning towards just returning the board... as tech support has suggested that it is what it is..

That’s what I would do...
I’ve been using the XMC in its original configuration since 2014. Since then, I took firmware until I got to V. 4.1.....that’s it with the original board.
4K switching via the processor is the only thing missed if you’re not doing ATMOS and that’s an easy workaround.

Bill

[Gary Cook]

I have my XMC-1 with an Apple TV4K as a source, the first thing I did was to turn of CEC and ARC (the devil's twins), that fixed 90% of my problems. For a long time I used the low power standby, which fixed the other 10%. Just recently I tried high power standby and it seems to be working OK. I have had only one hang up in a couple of months, so I'll keep using it. I am still on the original firmware.

As per below I also have a Sony 4K BDP as a source, plus a HD (not 4K) cable box. All sources, the XMC-1 and the Samsung panel have CEC and ARC turned off. The cable box was by far the worst for hang ups, especially when it switched from 420 (adds etc) to 1080 (program). A software upgrade from the supplier fixed that about 2 years ago and it's been OK ever since.

I did run through a few HDMI cable options, with mixed results, I settled on an inexpensive set from my local pro audio shop, they haven't given me any issues.

The best tip I give to people with HDMI/HDCP issues is too fix one source at a time, then duplicate the settings for the other sources.


Cheers
Gary

[rajdude]

Which port is your appletv plugged into?

Can you please try to hook up your source to any of the ports from HDMI 5 to 8? Emotiva's techs say there is an difference in the electronics in those two switching "banks" ranges.

In my system, I have issues with port 1 to 4, but nothing in 5 to 8.