Hey AVSers -

We're considering -- just considering -- doing a limited run of hand-built versions of our Penteo/RT for Broadcast units that we showed at the NAB show last week for consumer use. It wouldn't be cheap, but since it will be quite a while before the code is ported for mass production, it would be quite a unique product, able to convert any stereo sources to 5.1 using our panorama-slicing algorithm.

f you haven't heard it, the easiest way of describing it is that it is so clean that you can independently listen to, for example, the left rear speakers, and hear only those instruments and/or singers that the original mixer went out of his way to pan hard left. The left rear and right rear are completely discrete, with >90db of separation. There are no phase rotations or effects; it's all designed to uncover the work of the original mixer.

Nothing else has ever done that in the history of audio, to be able to cleanly uncover the original performances with discrete separation.

You will help design it -- should it have HDMI outs, or one optical in three out, or one S/PDIF in and three S/PDIFs out or what? Any analog or not? It seems that many receivers don't have provisions for any outboard processing, so that source selection can be routed through an outboard processor and then back out through the surround power amps.

Let me know whatever ideas or solutions you have.

-John

John, 5.1 analog out and digital coax output at a minium. Later units. maybe HDMI.

John, 5.1 analog out and digital coax output at a minium. Later units. maybe HDMI.

Digital coax would have to be implemented using compression -- and we're not doing that. It's looking like HDMI and analog.

What about digital toslink/coax INPUTs? That way, a CD or DVD player could be connected digitally which would remove one ADC step in the chain. I would be very interested in this product should it come to market, but when you say "it wouldn't be cheap" do you have a ballpark figure in mind? I have heard a number of your samples and this would be a great way to transform 2 CH material to MCH--better than anything I've been able to achieve with current DSP settings in my gear (and I have DTS Neo:6 as well as Dolby Pro Logic II (with adjustable parameters for music). I've not used LOGIC7 or some of the other proprietary DSPs that are considered a cut above the standard "jazz club", etc. settings, but I have difficulty imagining they would do a better job than what I've heard from your samples so far.

Should this device come to market, I will definitely get one--how soon depends on pricing but it's a matter of when, not if.

Good luck.

What about digital toslink/coax INPUTs?
I agree.
Should this device come to market, I will definitely get one--how soon depends on pricing but it's a matter of when, not if.
Good luck.
Thanks. We'll keep you posted.

wow John, this would truly be exciting. I have so much music that is perfect for a 5.1 application having something like this for the home where you could just put on a disc and have instant 5.1 would be awesome. Not that I could afford a one off but boy if you need some beta testers count me in. I have several of your demos I have played for people and when I tell them that it came from a straight stereo source they look at me as if to no way.

So glad this is working out for you. Best of luck

Scooter