Emotiva & HDMI 2.1

[fequois]

Hey there. Just seeking some help with a conundrum I'm experiencing...

So with the new generation of games consoles (Xbox Series X and Playstation 5) HDMI 2.1 is quickly becoming a thing, with everything from higher bandwidth requirements to to things like ALLM.

My question is basically this: how do I take advantage of HDMI 2.1 if I have an Emotiva XMC-2? ARC doesn't work well on this processor with LG TVs so I'm kinda not seeing that as an option, and Atmos requires eARC (AFAIK) which is a HDMI 2.1 feature as well, anyway.

HDFury doesn't seem to be an option either as they offer nothing with a higher bandwidth than 18Gbps (HDMI 2.0).

Am I missing something? Is there a solution? 

[garbulky]

My advice - don't count on anything that is not available. HDMI 2.1 is a huge step up in processing requirements.

[megash0n]

Nov 1, 2020 4:22:50 GMT -5 fequois said:

Hey there. Just seeking some help with a conundrum I'm experiencing...

So with the new generation of games consoles (Xbox Series X and Playstation 5) HDMI 2.1 is quickly becoming a thing, with everything from higher bandwidth requirements to to things like ALLM.

My question is basically this: how do I take advantage of HDMI 2.1 if I have an Emotiva XMC-2? ARC doesn't work well on this processor with LG TVs so I'm kinda not seeing that as an option, and Atmos requires eARC (AFAIK) which is a HDMI 2.1 feature as well, anyway.

HDFury doesn't seem to be an option either as they offer nothing with a higher bandwidth than 18Gbps (HDMI 2.0).

Am I missing something? Is there a solution? 

Going to find out in a couple weeks! The new XBOX will be here. If these new features don't work with the G3P, mine will be for sale. I'm not sure but I assume VRR and ALLM is going to work.

[bootman]

Use the TV to switch and run optical out.
I assume you have read about the current bug in the Panasonic 2.1 chipset used by Denon, Yamaha, Marantz et all and this is what they recommend with their “Hdmi 2.1 avr”

Also what games have an Atmos sound track and also has 8k/60?



Don’t fall for the FOMO it just isn’t real right now.

[doc1963]

You didn’t mention specifically which HDMI 2.1 compatible LG model you own, so I’ll assume it’s a CX.

As bootman mentioned, considering the flaw in the Panasonic chip (which cannot be fixed with a firmware update), there are now exactly ZERO HDMI 2.1 compatible AVPs or AVRs currently on the market that will support the upcoming gaming platforms.

Right now, the cheapest and easiest solution would be to plug the console directly into the TV and use eARC to bitstream the hi-rez audio back to the audio processor. Since your XMC-2 does not support eARC, your solution would be to purchase a Thenaudio Sharc eARC processor.

The Sharc would plug into the eARC compatible input of your CX (HDMI 2). The HDMI output from the Sharc would then plug into any available HDMI input on your XMC-2. The Sharc adapter will receive the audio from the eARC channel and then seamlessly convert it to conventional HDMI.

Since the Sharc does not support video, your XMC-2 will need to connect to your CX using a different HDMI input (there’s four HDMI inputs on the CX) for normal viewing of your other video sources that are connected directly to your XMC-2.

The Thenaudio Sharc may effectively solve two problems or you... First, pass though audio from your new gaming platform and, second, solve audio issues from your TV apps since using traditional HDMI ARC between your LG and XMC-2 is no longer used or required.

HERE is more information on the Thenaudio Sharc eARC processor. You’ll find that many users are using this exclusively to avoid spending thousands of dollars upgrading what are, otherwise, perfectly good processors and, instead, use the HDMI 2.1 switch of the display.

There’s a thread specifically dedicated to this device over on the AVS forum. You’ll also find references to this device throughout both the C9 and CX threads.

Hope this helps...

[fequois]

Nov 1, 2020 13:06:00 GMT -5 bootman said:

Use the TV to switch and run optical out.
I assume you have read about the current bug in the Panasonic 2.1 chipset used by Denon, Yamaha, Marantz te all and this is what they recommend with their “Hdmi 2.1avr”

Also what games have an Atmos sound track and also has 8k/60?



Don’t fall for the FOMO it just isn’t real right now.

Yep, read about this. I'm not interested in ditching my XMC-2 anyway, just looking for alternative solutions.

Dolby Atmos is going to become common in Xbox games with this new generation from what I've read, and also, even 4K/60 with HDR is more bandwidth than HDMI 2.0 can provide...

If the Atmos thing is not the case, using the optical output on the TV is definitely an option like you said. Might be worth it in the meanwhile in any case.

Thanks for your input. 

[fequois]

Nov 1, 2020 14:14:09 GMT -5 doc1963 said:

You didn’t mention specifically which HDMI 2.1 compatible LG model you own, so I’ll assume it’s a CX.

As bootman mentioned, considering the flaw in the Panasonic chip (which cannot be fixed with a firmware update), there are now exactly ZERO HDMI 2.1 compatible AVPs or AVRs currently on the market that will support the upcoming gaming platforms.

Right now, the cheapest and easiest solution would be to plug the console directly into the TV and use eARC to bitstream the hi-rez audio back to the audio processor. Since your XMC-2 does not support eARC, your solution would be to purchase a Thenaudio Sharc eARC processor.

The Sharc would plug into the eARC compatible input of your CX (HDMI 2). The HDMI output from the Sharc would then plug into any available HDMI input on your XMC-2. The Sharc adapter will receive the audio from the eARC channel and then seamlessly convert it to conventional HDMI.

Since the Sharc does not support video, your XMC-2 will need to connect to your CX using a different HDMI input (there’s four HDMI inputs on the CX) for normal viewing of your other video sources that are connected directly to your XMC-2.

The Thenaudio Sharc may effectively solve two problems or you... First, pass though audio from your new gaming platform and, second, solve audio issues from your TV apps since using traditional HDMI ARC between your LG and XMC-2 is no longer used or required.

HERE is more information on the Thenaudio Sharc eARC processor. You’ll find that many users are using this exclusively to avoid spending thousands of dollars upgrading what are, otherwise, perfectly good processors and, instead, use the HDMI 2.1 switch of the display.

There’s a thread specifically dedicated to this device over on the AVS forum. You’ll also find references to this device throughout both the C9 and CX threads.

Hope this helps...

Your assumption is spot on.

Thanks a lot for your suggestion and explanation on how it works... I do like the sound of your plan. Even better that I no longer would need to use a traditional ARC solution at all. Thanks a lot!

Now the only problem is finding one of those devices here in Europe (Sweden). And patience, waiting for it... 

Edit: Ordered a SHARC as per your suggestion, doc1963! Thank you so much.