Anthem D2/D2v/AVM50/AVM50v/ARC1 tweaking guide - Page 14

yatchaks - Glad to see that you are getting good support from Anthem. Also, as you have seen, the Anthem pre/pro is very flexible. With flexibility comes some complexity, however, once the setup is complete, you will be very happy.

Please keep us updated on your progress. My hope is that the problem with your unit is just an exception.

Cheers!

Has anyone ever quoted themselves in a post? Anyways, I just finished watching Finding Nemo and X-Men with the kids. I feel much better about the video output. It was very clean and very nice. It's been a while since I last watched them, but I'm pretty sure it was better than I recalled them being. How much better, I can't say with certainty.

The movie I watched the other day during setup was Terminator 2 Ultimate Edition.

My earlier post was regarding setup and testing from yesterday. Today was relax day. I listened to music and watched movies with the kids. I feel much better about my purchase. The audio side of the AMV50/PVA7 is absolutely fantastic. If I can just get it to accept my computer input, I'll be set. I finished watching Desperate Housewives from the HDTV box using component and it was just as good as watching it straight into the H79 using DVI/HDMI, so I'm ok with using component out of that box.

Thanks for the information, especially regarding DVD-Audio. I will also do more research into the Foreigner 4 disc.

Regarding switching audio tracks, it was easy to do in TheaterTek and with my Panasonic RP91. I guess I could just go back to the main menu of the disc to switch tracks.

I will also send a note off to Nick asking for some suggestions. More so about hooking up my computer (for the convenience of HDMI switching, not for the video processing of that input). I'm ok at this point with using component outputs from the HDTV box.

My initial post was after some mixed results from the day before. The family was watching and when you've just spent a significant amount of coin, everything needs to go smoothly in order to justify the expenditure to the wife.

Great to see this thread finally started! I will be watching this thread closely
since I am trying to decide between the AVM 40 and the AVM 50...

I completely understand what you're saying. I just got the AVM50 and PVA7 to replace an Integra DTR 6.5. I definitely hear a difference. It's a different kind of sound, one that seems to be a bit crisper and clearer than before. When I crank it up now, the sound gets better. Before, it just got louder. Does that even make sense?

I've also posted about some setup issues I've had with my AVM50. Since it's video and setup is essentially the same as the D2, I posted in that thread since there is more activity.

I know what you mean about the budget being over extended, but just like you, I am also happy that I did this upgrade. If I can just get the AVM50 to accept 720p from my computer, I'll be set. It would be nice if it took HDMI/DVI from my HDTV box as well.

Do you by any chance have a DVI source connected to the AVM50? If so, any issues? HDMI inputs seem to be working on my AVM50 (Pioneer Elite 79avi), but I seem to be having issues with the two items which I try to connect to the AVM50 that are outputting from a DVI port (computer and HDTV box). Even though its' an HDMI cable going from the DVI device (with a DVI to HDMI adapter) into the AVM50, maybe there's some DVI issue?

It sounds good and has a great PQ for about an hour, then shuts it's self off. That's with
six 80 mm fans (two blowing into the power supply and 4 sucking elseware)! With NO fans it runs about a half hour. The Denon had no problems in that location (even using two of the channels for zone two use).

My Dreadnought is "walled off" from the D2, so it's not contributing.

One would think that for that kind of money, Anthem would do a "burn-in" to catch this kind of thing. With all of the processing going on, I'm not suprised the thing runs warm, but the PC guys gave figured cooling high powered boxes out...

Needless to say, I'm disappointed.

larry

Congrats on a buy
Ease with frustration, i know where you coming from had similar problem with my initial setup.
1. are you renting HD box from rogers
if yes get it change out some of them have major software problems
If you would like to use hdmi like i do, get an HDPVR box it has HDMI out and you can set it to 480i it looks amazing
2.Some video cards out of PC will not send proper signal out. What are you using for signal out from your PC.
NOT all DVI outputs are compatible with HT equipment, this really depends on Factory specs and a plug type.
Hope this helps

I bought the SA 3250 box from Rogers, so I don't think I can swap it out.

I have an ATI All In Wonder 9800 card sending 1280x720 out at 60Hz. If I connect either of the above two signals straight into the H79, it works. But into the AVM50, and crapola or nada.

I'm gonna send a shout out to Anthem tomorrow and see what they'v got to say.

I will try different sequences as you suggest, but what would I do if I wanted to watch a DVD first and then CSI or something from the STB?

I will be watching some stuff later, so I'll jot down the settings.

I guess you are using svideo out or is dvi

I don't think ypu can
How long did you have it for
I think roger has a warranty on them for a year.
Also borow from them one of the HDPVR's and see if it does the same thing, It shouldn't cost you a penny if you return it with in 21 days

I have some more information regarding my DVD-audio issue. After carefully reading the back of the two discs I bought, I noticed the REM multichannel audio is 48KHz/24 bit, while the Foreigner disc is recorded at 96/24. Does the AMV50/D2 not accept 96/24?

I thought this might be the problems, so I tried the down convert feature of the 79avi. The signal from the Foreigner disc is now leaving the 79avi as 48/24 (just like the REM disc), but the AVM50 is still picking it up as 2 channel stereo. Damn!

I then played the disc as a DVD-video disc and selected the DD/DTS soundtrack. It was coming in now as 5.1 channel, but then again its' not the high resolution audio track. However, to my ears, it sounded just the same when comparing the DD/DTS soundtrack to the multichannel soundtrack. So for now I guess I could just listen to both of these DVD-audio discs this way.

Is the DD/DTS soundtrack as good as the multichannel soundtrack? Should I try an analog connection from the 79avi to the AVM50?

BTW, I've sent Anthem technical support an email with my problems. I'll let you all know what they have to say.

The D2 receives 24/96 8ch.

Well, my non working HDMI output was confirmed dead. Anthem will be sending out a replacement unit.

FerretHunter, I have not had any luck with the DVI inputs, but only because my HDMI out was not working. I tried running DVI in while selecting component out, but it appears the unit may not down convert DVI/HDMI to component out.

You mentioned you are using a DVI/HDMI adapter. On page 7 in the owners manual, it mentions using an actual HDMI to DVI cable is more reliable than using one with an adapter. I wonder if a new cable will help? I just purchased a few cable from monoprice, one being a 10 foot HDMI/DVI cable for $18.00. You could buy their lesser expensive cable for less than six dollars.

When I press the select button, the unit reads AVM 30-HD. Shouldn't it say AVM 50? Anyone else have the same display reading?

I also notice when watching 4x3 content, the image is shifted to the far left, as well as the AVM 50 display graphics. I have attempted to move the image within the scaler menu, but the image will not move. When I press bypass, the image turns into a small box about an eighth the size of full screen.

Can others confirm if this is happening to your units as well? I'm wondering if I may have a software issue.

Ferret Hunter,

I had some problems with certain DVD-A's over HDMI from my 79avi to the D2 as well. Not exactly what you report, but close. In any case, the setting that ultimately saved me was a setting for HDMI under the Initial Settings area of 79avi. It is NOT under the Audio settings, as you might expect (that would make too much sense :-)

Instead, go under Initial Settings, HDMI Settings, and about 4 fields down the screen, there is an option called Audio. Make sure that is set to Auto, not to Linear PCM.

This may not fix it, but thought I would throw that out there as a suggestion.

Good luck,
ManWithAPlan

Thanks for the suggestion, but I tried every possible setting. It didn't matter if this setting was Auto or Linear PCM. The AVM50 is only picking up 2.0 channel stereo from the Foreigner disk, even though the 79avi is outputting LPCM 3/2.1.

Just curious if you get 5.1 out of the analogs on the Foreigner disc if you have them hooked up? I don't have that DVD-A or I would check it on my 79AVi.

I just got some Upgrade info that will interest most everyone.

The D2 upgrades require different firmware than a virgin D2.

This different firmware is still in development with an unknown ETA.

One difference is the D1 supports OSD over composite and the D2 does not.

This same story holds true for AVM-50 upgrades for AVM-30's.

Ken

A new D2 is headed west as I write this. I'm dissappointed that I got a defective box, but Anthem's response is terriffic.

I have a Universal MX-800. Universal's database has a listing for the Anthem D1 buy not (yet) for the D2. I'm assuming that the D1 remote codes should *work* for the D2.

Have any of you D2 owners tried this?


larry

Larry,

I have the MX-3000 and am using AVM-30's codes for AVM-50.

Yes, the difference in sound is due to the D2 replacing the Denon 3805 used as a pre/pro. The Denon sounded "thin". The D2 added a lot of dementionality - I'm not a professional audio reviewer, no do I play on on the forums -- there just seemed to be more there (like comparing coffee machine coffee to French Roast out of a press).

It was a dramatic difference. I remenber thinking, wait till my wife hears this! (She was in Hawaii for a week -- her gift, the D2 -- my gift).


larry

Ken,

Nick told me pretty much the same thing. I hope they get this done soon, because it seems like it's been forever waiting for this upgrade. I'm about ready to throw the towel in and sell my D1 and go with another solution.

...Nisi

Larry - I was going to get the D2 but I was hoping the difference was more like comparing coffee machine coffee to espresso, guess I'll wait on the D3.

Nisi - Assuming you are waiting on the HDMI upgrade what other solutions are you considering?

Tom.
Maybe, I don't drink espresso . Considering the work that Anthem has ahead of them (all the upgrades, ramping up production on the AVM-30/40/50 and the D2, not to mention the software development for the above products), I wouldn't expect a D3 until HDMI v1.3 + a year.


larry

There are several D1's on Audiogon - and a D2 too - selling for $3500 - $3600. It seems that some D1 owners would rather sell their D1's and buy the D2 than wait for the D1->D2 upgrade.

R

I tried to buy a used D1 on Audiogon last year and they would only take an MO, no escrow or paypal etc. I wasn't about to send that big an MO across the country. Been afraid of the place ever since, seems like there are a lot of shady dealers/postings there.

I have bought three items off Audiogon with excellent results everytime. I would much rather buy electronics from their site than ebay, as I have found a higher quality of seller on Audiogon. However, just like other online auctions, be sure that the people you are buying from have good feedback. I highly agree with never sending a money order to anyone you don't know, but that's pretty much a "no-brainer".

By the way, (back on topic) I am STILL waiting for my D2 to come in to my dealer that I ordered it from FOUR weeks ago. He says he was waiting for some of the initial "bugs" to get worked out so I wouldn't have to bring it back to him right away. That's not exactly comforting, but after reading a few posts here it might be a plausible excuse!

MLBRAND,

That's a crap excuse from your dealer. He is either misinformed dramatically, or just plain making excuses, or outright lying. It is one thing to tell you that he is having a hard time getting his hands on one because of high demand for a new product, or whatever. But to say he is waiting for bugs to be worked out, that is lame, and you should threaten to go to another dealer, who will gladly push to get you a box sooner than this guy.

Make no mistake about it - this is one hell of an SSP/Video Processor, and it absolutely works as advertised in all respects. Now, have I found defects with some of the Beta code I've tested? Yes. Have any of those things led me to de-value the D2? No. Is the current General Release of software stable and effective? Absolutely. Are there still some edge cases, where certain combinations of equipment behave suboptimally under certain conditions? Yes. Will the software get better and better over time? You're damn right it will. Do I wake up every day happy as a pig in s&%# that I bought the D2? You bet!

This thread is about tweaking and sharing our experiences and getting the very most out of the D2 that we can as owners. You will hear a preponderence of "issues" with the D2 on this forum, simply because, as audio/videophiles, we are picky bastards that wanna get the most out of everything we own. Don't let the issues you hear about on here deter you from running out and getting this product. IMHO, you will NOT be disappointed.

Good luck with it, and let us all know how we can help you maximize your enjoyment of the D2.

Peace,
ManWithAPlan