UMC-1 Owners: Is it ready and bug free?

[vvv]

Hey guys,

I just got the notification that my UMC-1 will be ready to ship in the next two weeks. Should I take the plunge? Is it finally free of bugs and working well?....Or should I hold off...

[snodog]

Its really up to you, like anything people need time to learn the functions. My last three pre/pro/AV receivers have all operated differently. Given some people's problems there could be a bit of both users at fault and bugs. I personally have had mine going all week and apart from momentary drops during inputs and once in a while when Dolby Digital is running the top will say PlxII even though I know that this didnt change. If it bothers me I just hit the mode and it changes back but this has only happened a couple of times and I dont know why. Other than that I have spent a lot of time making adjustments and have it where I want it and it sounds outstanding! If you are concerned call Emotiva and ask them if they are having a lot of complaints or issues to fix and Im sure they will keep you on the list.

[steviet1000]

VVV, I received my UMC-1 friday and have had a weekend of learning. In short I'd say go for it. I'm very happy with the end result... but be prepared for the challenge of configuing. The reward is far greater thna the risk. The proof, my wife is loving it (I think that's called ROI!!!!!)

BUT. I'm an enthuasiast, an Emotiva fan, bought in on the company philosophy. My UMC-1 is replacing a Yamaha RX-V663. Quality wise there is no comparison - everything... SQ, Video and looks. Set-up is was tough, but there are SO MANY GOOD PEOPLE on this site it's not daunting if you run into problems. You simply can't get that anywhere else.

I had a few problems, my HTPC didn't like handshaking on HDMI, I learnt, read people's thoughts and switched to Component video inputs. Little disappointing but no big deal. Sound quality off the bat is fantastic, Emo-Q is tough but again support is there... I definitely have some tweaking but I'm happy with where I'm at at the moment. I'm sure after watching a few Blu-rays I'll get an idea of where I need to tweak. 2 Channel stereo and the DAC in the UMC-1 are MUCH better than my Yamaha - I spend a lot of time listening to music from my Sonos.

The 480i issue is really only an issue if you watch much standard def TV or don't have a High Def cable box. One channel seriously is a problem - (unfortunately it's my soccer channel!!!) but the cable company is converting to HD!!!

The only thing I find moderately annoying is the delay when cycling between inputs. It's longer than it should be.

If you have a Harmony - read the forums; it's not that easy but it can be done. Don't settle on the remote cycling through the inputs; get the hex codes and badger Logitech

Hope this helps.

[vvv]

Thanks for the opinions. This really makes me feel confident. I have a Home Theater Master MX 900. Are discrete input codes available? I don't see them in my IR database. Can they be learned from the included remote?

[steviet1000]

vvv. Sorry dude, don't know that remote. I simply sent the HEX codes that Dan put out on the forum and sent to Logitech. If your remote can upload HEX codes then I think you'll be on for a winner. The challenge with learning from the remote is that there are not individual buttons for each of the inputs; there is a input up/down button that's it; so the learning piece would just simulate cycling through a number of iterations.

[vvv]

Cool, I will check the hex code thing. Sounds like a good many bugs have been solved.

I know that I do not care about Emotiva's Auto set-up and I do not have any issues with the 480i issue.

The major item I am worried about now is Direct TV lip sync issues. I believe my HD DVR is a HC20. In any case, I'm guessing I could bypass this potential issue if I drop down from HDMI to component.

Any thoughts? Does this work in a pinch?