Anthem D2/D2v/AVM50/AVM50v/ARC1 tweaking guide - Page 633

Can we abbreviate that

nice, I'm excited to hear the difference with arc1.
I replaced my old monitor golds fronts with revel f32s.
they sounded great in the store but so-so in my family room.
My avm50 arrived at Paradigm NY yesterday

For CD playback I go even further with a dedicated CD/DAC. Don't forget that all pre-pro DACs are optimized for Multichannel movie playback. Audio stere is not the top priority. Menwhile most peoples are happy whit that.

The remote should automatically switch to headphone

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Breaking news!

IMPORTANT WARNING: "Test" Firmware V2.02c has just been withdrawn. It contains a new speaker level bug that breaks both manual and ARC speaker level calibration! Do not install "test" firmware V2.02c! In the unlikely event you've already installed it (it just came out, so dang! you're quick!) you should simply re-install your prior firmware version.

I'm leaving the rest of this post intact so folks can know what we're talking about. The new "test" ARC software also described below can still be used.

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New "Test" Software Appears on Password Protected Download Page!

Lots of news this morning!

First, "test" firmware V2.02c for the D2v and AVM 50v has just appeared on Anthem's password protected download page. The release notes for the V2.xx firmware stream read as follows:


In addition to these typically sparse release notes, I've just received an email from Nick on this software. He says that the fixes span the new DSP (audio) code, the motherboard (basic system functions like front panel), HDMI code, and the video processor. He says it is believed to fix most of the problems reported in the original software with two notable exceptions:

First, there is a problem with HDMI YCbCr gray scale levels (blacks and whites). The gray scale that typically results is too low -- i.e., you have to raise Brightness and Contrast to get things back to where they should be. What's worse is that there is more than one incorrect result meaning that if you force a new handshake you may end up with different blacks/whites levels that are still wrong. The problem appears to be on the HDMI input side, meaning that the work you do using the Anthem's internal test charts to set the video levels in your display is still correct, but adjustments you then make in the Video Source Adjust menu to account for each source device are different from what they should be. Clipping of Blacker than Black data can also result from this. This is a nasty one, and Anthem is focussing on fixing this as quickly as possible.

At the moment, a workaround if you are seeing this is to use RGB video input. HDMI input gray scale levels for both Studio and Extended RGB input appear to be correct and stable. Another workaround is to cycle inputs away from the source and back to force a new handshake as necessary when a handshake results with different gray scale levels than what existed when you did your Video Source Adjust setup for it.

I don't have an ETA for a proper fix.

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Second, Anthem has determined that reverse telecine can be made to work correctly in the D2v if only one HDMI output is live. Rather than release that, they are awaiting a VXP firmware fix from Sigma Designs that allows it to work properly with both HDMI outputs live.

Reverse telecine is the stutter free conversion of 480i/60 or 1080i/60 input to 1080p/24 output when viewing film-based content, i.e., content that was originally captured at the film frame rate of 24 frames per second and then "raised" to 30 frames per second (60 fields per second) for broadcast or for putting on SD-DVDs through the telecine process that has been used since the dawn of TV.

Attempting this right now produces stuttering video. The workaround is to use 1080p/60 output instead of 1080p/24 output for all 480i/60 or 1080i/60 input video.

I don't have an ETA on the finished fix for this, but it is good to know they are actively working on it.

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Although the release notes don't mention it, since DSP fixes are involved I think it would be wise to assume you need to re-Measure, Calculate and Upload new ARC results for use with the V2.02c "test" firmware.


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Next "test" ARC V2.0.1.1 has also just been released on Anthem's password protected download page. This is for all ARC capable Anthem units, not just the D2v and AVM 50v. The release notes for changes since the current "official" version of ARC, V2.0.1, read as follows:


This was not the fix I was expecting, but could easily be related to that expected improvement of lowest frequency bass results for those rare folks who are lowering the Max EQ Frequency Target below the default 5KHz value. The problem referred to in the release notes is that ARC only uses Measurements up to the Max EQ Frequency when analyzing the speaker volume trims. That means if you lower Max EQ Frequency and your average speaker output above that frequency is much louder or much softer than your average speaker output below that frequency then the speaker volume trim calculated by ARC doesn't get set to the optimal value.

Please note the warning in the release notes: The installer won't let you install this version on top of ARC V2.0.1 directly (apparently it shows as the same version to the installer), so you have to uninstall ARC V2.0.1 first using Windows Add/Remove Programs. Uninstalling ARC, in the past, has left your pair of serialized licensing/calibration files still in place in the Program Files > Anthem > Anthem Room Correction folder. If that remains true then there is nothing special you will need to do to get those two files in there for the ARC V2.0.1.1 install. If not, just copy those two files in.

The release notes do not mention if re-Measurement is necessary, so it would be wise to assume that you DO need to re-Measure to get the full value of this fix.


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As usual, "test" software is still being field tested and may have some surprises in it. Generally speaking you should not install "test" software versions unless you are fighting one of the mentioned problems (in which case Anthem tech support will ask you to try the test software) or you have an unusual tolerance for potential software problems. Keep copies of your Anthem settings, and be prepared that you may need to back out the "test" software and re-install the previous version.

Also, since we have so many newbies entering this thread at the moment, take careful note of the firmware install instructions that come on screen when you run the firmware installer. If you have not completed any of the prep instructions, exit the installer and do those steps before allowing the install to continue. In particular you must make sure you have no powered HDMI connections during a firmware install. Many HDMI source and display devices leave their HDMI sockets powered even though the device appears OFF. Rather than pulling the delicate HDMI plugs, I recommend you remove wall power from everything in your system except for the Anthem and the computer you are using for the install. Also be aware that you must Reload Factory Defaults prior to the firmware install. If you have up to date values in Saved User and/or Installer Settings, or if you have Setup menu and Video Source Adjust menu settings saved to PC files, you can reload from those after the firmware install.
--Bob

See the IMPORTANT WARNING I just edited into my post above. The new "test" firmware V2.02c has just been withdrawn. If you already have it, do not install it. If you have already installed it, re-install your prior firmware version.
--Bob

It's a D2v !!

Well, after that fire drill above, I have some MUCH more pleasant news to report:

We here at "Bob Pariseau" are delighted to announce the safe delivery of a bouncing baby D2v! Weighing 27 lbs, no ounces (unpacked), both owner and D2v are doing fine!

We intend to home school our D2v with new software this evening.

Gee, I hope it doesn't get cranky if we keep it up all night!

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Meanwhile our beloved D2, which has given us many years of faithful service, has been put out to well deserved stud. We wish it long and happy life in its new role.
--Bob

An update from Nick on the "test" firmware. The problem with V2.02c only shows up when you try to do a calibration pass -- for example when you re-Measure with ARC. If you use V2.02c with existing ARC results, that works.

He thinks that they'll have a fix for this before they break for the Canadian 3 day weekend, so there may very well be a replacement "test" firmware version by the end of the day.
--Bob

Bob,
Best wishes to the family on your new addition
I got an email from Nick saying the test firmware had fixed the Dark Knight dropouts. Too bad it was so short lived
John
ps. If you need help with you D2v setup, I'm available
John

More dropouts during Predator at the 24 and 46 min. mark. Looking forward to the fix.
John

I have a D1 and control it over serial, it is 100% reliable with way more options than IR.

I use a Nevo Q50, my configuration file can be found on Remote Central.

D2v/AVM50v V2.02b firmware: HDMI LPCM 7.1 channel input to 5.1 speaker output bug!

If you have only a 5.1 speaker configuration and you feed 7.1 channel HDMI LPCM to the D2v or AVM 50v running the V2.02b firmware, then the Anthem will mistakenly ignore your speaker configuration and send audio to the unconnected Rear Surround speaker jacks instead of mixing it into the Side Surround speakers as it is supposed to.

You can check to see if this is happening by pressing Select on the remote repeatedly until the audio output speaker set is displayed when playing a 7.1 channel input track. If the LR and RR speakers are shown in the output display and you only have a 5.1 speaker configuration, then you are being bitten by this bug and you are losing some of your surround audio. [NOTE: It is correct for the LR/RR channels to show in the *INPUT* display when playing a 7.1 channel input track.]

This has been reported to Anthem, and with any luck we'll discover it is already fixed when they re-release the new, "test" V2.02c firmware later today.

The workaround for now is to set you source devices to down mix 7.1 channel audio tracks to HDMI LPCM 5.1 channel audio for output to the Anthem.

For example, in the PS3 do the automated HDMI setup for audio, but instead of simply accepting the results list it shows you, select the option to edit that and clear the check marks for every 7.1 channel audio output option. Then accept those changes.

I discovered this only after installing V2.02b, so I don't know if this problem exists in the original V2.02 firmware.

If you have a 7.1 speaker configuration, there's nothing you need to do except make sure your sources are all set up to output 7.1 channel tracks to the Anthem.
--Bob

just ordered my arc kit today, since my unit is at the factory we asked to install it there. hope they will.
inquiered about upgrading my avm50 to avm50v not good idea but what I was told...
I can't wait to get it back!!!
Anthem dealer in Morris Plains NJ were very helpful!

Good question and I am not certain of the answer. I do not have ARC.


Interesting. That would certainly explain it then. What you are saying is that the DAC's in my Pioneer Elite are better than the D2, right?


How?

I use the remote and it just controls the volume of the speakers, not the headphones. I have to push the headphone button on the D2 itself, then adjust the volume while headphone volume is displayed...which only lasts for a few seconds.

Woo Hoo! New "Test" Firmware V2.02c(13feb) Now Up!

New "test" firmware V2.02c(13feb) for the D2v and AVM 50v has appeared on Anthem's password protected download page.

This is the re-release of the V2.02c "test" firmware released/withdrawn earlier this morning. This version fixes the speaker level calibration problem that forced the withdrawal of that earlier version. In addition, Nick tells me they think they have fixed the YCbCr gray scale problem (still needs to be confirmed)! The 7.1 to 5.1 down mix failure I just reported above is also now in this list as a fix, as is JAYRAY's audio dropout issue.

Here are the release notes for the V2.xx firmware stream:


Off to home school my new D2v!

ETA: CAUTION -- Note carefully the warning that Video Source Adjust menu settings will be lost in this upgrade. It is actually the transition from V2.02a to V2.02b that caused this, so if you already have V2.02b installed you should not have this problem. But if coming from a version older than V2.02b you should use the Live Video Settings Editor utility Windows application (found with the ARC install software) to save and restore your Video Source Adjust menu settings via a PC file.
--Bob

What do you plan on feeding that baby?

Nick just emailed me that the fixed firmware is up.

Release notes.

CHANGE LIST


v2.02c (beta):

Bug fixes for:

1. "The Dark Night" BD on PS3 audio dropout at 1:20:07.

2. Level Calibration menu.

3. 7.1 to 5.1 downmix.

4. YCbCr black level / grayscale.

5. Various front panel display updates.

6. Deep color output.

7. Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD work up to 192 kHz.

8. PCM input over HDMI now supports up to 192 kHz with all common input configurations (2.0, 2.1, 5.1, 7.1 etc.)

9. Rears when 5.1 input is detected with PLIIx Movie applied (switching to None and back was the previous work-around to get sound from rears).


VIDEO PROCESSOR SETTINGS WILL BE LOST when this version is installed unless v2.02b is now in the processor. If using v2.02a or prior, the settings can be saved and transferred using Live Video Settings Editor.

Hard to beat Bob to the draw. Sorry for the redundant post.
John

*Yosemite Sam voice* "Ahm the fastest poster north, south, east, AAAAANND WEST of the Pecos!"


--Bob

Mostly I intend to spoil it with Blu-Rays.
--Bob

Careful, that baby's gonna get FAT!

Bob, can you answer my question about changing the headphone volume with the remote? Can it be done?

Sure. See Section 4.5 of the Manual.

While in Main path, press "Fronts" twice on the front panel or on the remote and then use the big knob on the front panel or the Vol+/- buttons on the remote. The "FRT" button on the remote is the little button up and to the left of the arrow keys.

In Setup you can set the power on volume level for the headphones as well as whether the main speakers are to be automatically muted whenever the headphone jack is plugged in.
--Bob

Installed V. 2.02c and all went well. Reloaded ARC after and saved settings. Will test sometime, hopefully tonigt to see if our wishlist was fulfilled.
John

Zuesmaximus -I was wondering if you saw my post earlier. They are good guys and I couldn't recommend them any higher...

Hey all! Just ordered a Pioneer 151FD Elite to make sure I get one while they are still available. Can't wait for it to arrive.

flavorguy,
yeap from your post found them. Not too far from where I live. Very good guys!
He called Anthem so that they will install arc kit.

CONGRATULATIONS Try not to spoil your new baby too much; but, I know that will be very hard. Enjoy it, and I am sure you are going to let us know how it compared to your previous D2. Have FUN!!!!!

The D2v that I ordered on Jan 3 arrived at my dealer on Wednesday, 02/11. I was able to pick it yesterday and was disappointed to find it only had ver. 2.00 loaded. I tracked the UPS label on the box and it listed it shipped on 02/05.

Bob - any crumbs left?
____________________
Kevin

'Fraid not. The cookie lovers have already been and gone.

From the number of fixes that are rolling into the "test" releases right now, I suspect we'll see an "official" 2.03 release fairly soon. But if you get in touch with Anthem tech support on Tuesday (Canada is closed this Monday) they can probably give you access to 2.02c or whatever they are up to by then.

Or you could just sit tight on 2.00 for a while until things settle down a bit.
--Bob

My new D2v ate up all of its V2.02c update without a complaint.

The big news for me is that the YCbCr gray scale problem seems to be almost completely fixed. Based on preliminary testing, the best video levels setup I had with my prior D2 now works as well in the D2v for my various sources. And for devices that can output both YCbCr and Studio RGB, the gray scale levels setup that works for one also works for the other, which is how it is supposed to be.

I say almost fixed because I find my PS3 can still end up in an incorrect gray scale after an HDMI handshake into YCbCr 4:4:4. The error this time is in the opposite direction -- way too bright. If Video Source Adjust > Brightness of 50 is your "correct" set up, this bad gray scale result now requires lowering Brightness down to around 39, so the error is not subtle.

The good news is that switching the D2v to a different input and then back to the PS3 seems to fix the problem.

The problem gray scale seems to happen every time I switch from the PS3's XMB user interface (which outputs RGB video) to YCbCr 4:4:4 for video from a disc.

Again, if this happens, the workaround is to leave the PS3 outputting YCbCr 4:4:4 (e.g., pause the disc) and then switch the D2v to a different HDMI input and back to the PS3. You should also do this when playing calibration discs to make sure you are getting the correct gray scale out of the PS3 before you go to the effort of adjusting your blacks/whites/gamma correction settings.

This bug does not affect the video output produced by the D2v's internally generated test patterns (Video Source Adjust > Patterns), so you don't have to worry about it while using those patterns to set the video levels in your display. You have to worry about it when setting the Video Source Adjust > Picture settings for each source device.

So the good news is that you can now get the "correct" gray scale results. The bad news is that with at least the PS3 this may require some manual cycling of inputs to get the HDMI handshake right.

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In addition the 7.1 input to 5.1 speaker down mix also appears to be not quite fixed yet.

After doing the automated HDMI setup in the PS3, when you display the PS3's XMB user interface it sends 7.1 channel HDMI LPCM to the D2v. That works fine. The problem is that if you have only a 5.1 speaker output configuration the D2v now thinks it should send output to a non-existent Center Rear speaker. Anthem has been notified.

Again the workaround is to set each source to send no more than 5.1 channel HDMI LPCM if you have a 5.1 speaker configuration. I suspect this one will be easy for Anthem to fix.
--Bob

Ok. I have verified that deep color does indeed work. I did have an issue with some garbled audio from Narnia Bluray until I cycled power. Probably could have cycled input but power button was closer.


Ok have checked this with Frame Lock Auto and there are issues...I've had it never show the video from my PS3...and other times it works....It seems it may be related to selecting Auto rather than 4:4:4.

The video issues for my setup have been fixed. Brightness,contrast are back to where they were with my AVM50. BTB now shows on DVE patterns. The dropout has been fixed for Dark Knight although there was a very short moment in which the sound appeared to go out but for all intended purposes, it seems fixed. Haven't tried Predator which gave me problems today prior to the firmware update.
John
Predator did not dropout this time. Great. I also haven't had the same PS3 problem as Bob.