AVS › AVS Forum › Audio › Receivers, Amps, and Processors › Anthem D2/D2v/AVM50/AVM50v/ARC1 tweaking guide
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Anthem D2/D2v/AVM50/AVM50v/ARC1 tweaking guide - Page 232

post #6931 of 40788
5/30/07 at 9:23pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by hifisponge View Post

Of course, there is one person in particular in these forums that really doesn't like Anthem gear and he has a few followers, but he and I couldn't be farther apart in our beliefs as to what makes a good piece of gear. I have more faith in solid engineering and internal component quality than I do in claims that there is an "art" to the design of AV equipment. Based on the features, parts used and build quality, the D2 would seem to have very strong potential for good sound quality.

We are not talking about a painting or a sculpture here. We are talking about engineering and physics. There is no "black-magic" in a good sounding piece of gear. Just a well done and well built pre/pro, that's all.

Quote:
Originally Posted by hifisponge View Post

With that said, I am going to take a chance and order up a D2 and an A5.

Good move. You won't regret it. And if you have any problems, Anthem's customer services is second-to-none, and everyone in here will do everything to help you. I think that Anthem's philosophy, and the obvious care and passion they had while making those great breakthrough products (D2/AVM50) is reflecting on us. That's why we are all acting in a civilized way and helping each other like that.

Quote:
Originally Posted by hifisponge View Post

All though I'm sure you will say that I don't need it, wish me luck.

Good luck! But I know you won't need it, since Bob will have ALL the answers to any problems you could encounter.
Reply
Reply

Gear mentioned in this thread:

post #6932 of 40788
5/30/07 at 10:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by soapman72 View Post

Straight from 1.11 to 1.11g. I had the original software until Monday of this week. I did not want to upgrade before the next official release, but I was finding too many problems to wait.

Thanks. I think Bob was thinking 11e to 11g based on comparison question. I agree with your findings, unfortunately 11g and the Tosh XA2 dont get along.
Reply
Reply
post #6933 of 40788
5/31/07 at 4:07am
Quote:
Originally Posted by soapman72 View Post

I too, am looking for the answer to this question. The A2 is sold by Costco re-labled as a D2 and sells for $250 currently. At this price, and with 5 free movies, the player is tempting. I would rather keep the $220, and the subsequent hundreds of dollars I will surely spend on movies if the performance will be mediocre.

I have one additional question though. Can the AVM 50 accept uncompressed PCM if the toshiba decodes one of the new audio formats, and outputs the signal as PCM?


Sean


I'd get the A20 if you want to take advantage of the supposed future 1080p24 output upgrade. No reason to get the XA2 for AVM50/D2 owners IMO. The A2 won't do 1080p24 ever.

Yes the AVM50/D2 takes the multi-LPCM to take full advantage of the new formats.
Reply
Reply
post #6934 of 40788
5/31/07 at 4:49am
Quote:
Originally Posted by hifisponge View Post

All though I'm sure you will say that I don't need it, wish me luck.

You won't need LUCK.

I have owned every version of Lexicon Since the CP-1 which might have
been the first Pre/Pro for consumer use. I SOLD my Lexicon MC-12b to
buy my D2.

It was the BEST decision I made on any Pre/Pro.

NOW WHAT you need is NOT LUCK - You need to buy the new Pioneer
BDP-94HD Blu-Ray Player to enjoy the Lossless Audio of Blu-Ray movies
through your Anthem D2 - so that this will be you
Reply
Reply
post #6935 of 40788
5/31/07 at 6:44am
I am coming from a full analogue world. For Stereo listening I was using a system based on an Integrated tube amp driven by Vecteur 2.2/Audiomat Tango 2.5 CD Transport/DAC combo. For multi-channel audio I was using an Audio refinement 5.1 analogues Preamp with the Left and Right connected to the one of the integrated tube amp input. I was using a Denon 3910 for bass management. That was nice until I end up with more than one source 5.1 source (thanks to lack of a HD DVD/Blu-Ray/DVD/SACD/DVD-A universal player).

To replace the 5.1 analogue preamp I listen to a large crowd of audio processor, only the D1/D2 and the Bryston were my two serious contenders. I decided to pick the D2 because the performance addition provided by the HDMI audio is amazing something the Bryston is not capable and will not be capable before 1-2 years form now.

Now I connected my setup in such a way that for some disk I am still using the tube integrated amp and for some I am going from my transport to the D2. When I compare the D2 DAC with my Audiomat Tango 2.5, the D2 performance is just a bit short of the Tango 2.5. Considering that the Tango alone is almost the 2/3 of price of the D2 it is amazing. On some type of music I will prefer the sound stage and musicality provided by the Tango 2.5 and the tube preamp, on pop music going through the D2 I endup with more punch and a better bass. Having integrated both setup I endup with the best of both world.

That being said, this is my own taste and I believe that Preamp and DAC selection is a personal taste and strongly recommend that you try the D2 or at least the D1 or worst case the AVM30 before making a decision.

I also believe that the D2 is a real barging. For the same price of my CD source (Transport and DAC) I endup with a high end prepro, a good 5.1 preamp, an excellent DAC, one of the best video processor, and an interesting tuner. There is also a phone amp included but I only use it for late movie listening. For real music listening through headphone I much prefer to use an Antique Sound Lab Tube Phone Amp (note I am using a pair of Grado RS2 for headphone).
Reply
Reply
post #6936 of 40788
5/31/07 at 7:45am
Quote:
Originally Posted by cpcat View Post

I'd get the A20 if you want to take advantage of the supposed future 1080p24 output upgrade. No reason to get the XA2 for AVM50/D2 owners IMO. The A2 won't do 1080p24 ever.

Yes the AVM50/D2 takes the multi-LPCM to take full advantage of the new formats.



I understand what you are saying about 1080p/24, however, with all the problems surrounding that, as well as the fact that I have an SXRD Sony that wont do 24/48 refresh rate, I way just spend the cash on movies instead of the A20. My SXRD is supposed to do 72hz, but I wonder if it will automaticly display the picture at 72hz when fed a 24hz signal..........


Also, I read reports that at least currently, the A20 pulls the info off the disc in 1080i and then de-interlaces it (poorly). I don't know if that is a limitation built into the video chip, or oif it can really be addressed with a firmware upgrade. I don't mean to bash anyone's equipment, but I don't see the point in buying an 1080p HD player that won't pull the video off the disc in it's native format.

Lastly, as we all are, I am annoyed by the fact that there are 2 HD Disc formats, one of which will likely bite us at some point in the future when it goes away. A couple hundred bucks isn't so bad, but you wont catch me buying a premium player for either format until this shakes out.

Sean
Reply
Reply
post #6937 of 40788
5/31/07 at 9:09am
Quote:
Originally Posted by soapman72 View Post

I understand what you are saying about 1080p/24, however, with all the problems surrounding that, as well as the fact that I have an SXRD Sony that wont do 24/48 refresh rate, I way just spend the cash on movies instead of the A20. My SXRD is supposed to do 72hz, but I wonder if it will automaticly display the picture at 72hz when fed a 24hz signal..........


Also, I read reports that at least currently, the A20 pulls the info off the disc in 1080i and then de-interlaces it (poorly). I don't know if that is a limitation built into the video chip, or oif it can really be addressed with a firmware upgrade. I don't mean to bash anyone's equipment, but I don't see the point in buying an 1080p HD player that won't pull the video off the disc in it's native format.

Sean

It's true about the 1080i being deinterlaced to 1080p poorly according to a couple of reviews of the a20. I'm still going to buy the a20 over the a2 because the price difference is now minimal, there's at least a chance that 1080p24 may eventually be available, and there may be other hidden improvements in the model (probably not though!). My plan is to use the D2 to deinterlace the 1080i to 1080p. I'm just waiting for the "bugs" to be worked out in the video portion before upgrading my D1.
Reply
Reply
post #6938 of 40788
5/31/07 at 9:15am
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Bogg View Post

I'm just waiting for the "bugs" to be worked out in the video portion before upgrading my D1.

Since the upgrade takes awhile - I would get in the queue.

I'm using 100% standard FW 1.11 and 1080i to 1080p
works perfectly.
Reply
Reply
post #6939 of 40788
5/31/07 at 9:23am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Pariseau View Post

Some TV's can be turned on via the 12 volt trigger from the Anthem. If that's the case with your TV then you can instruct the Harmony to leave the TV turned on all the time (i.e., the Harmony won't send power on/off commands to the TV) and then you can actually turn on the TV using the Anthem trigger -- either whenever the Anthem is on, or only when certain sources are selected.

The three Anthem triggers have a 1/4 second delay between them, so if you put the amp on trigger 1 and the TV on trigger 3 that may give you the delay you need.

But really your best bet here is to have an electrician install an additional circuit for your amp.

---------------------------------------------------------

In the interim, it might be best for you to tell the Harmony to leave the TV on all the time, and then manually turn it on and off yourself.
--Bob

Approach this with caution if you have a rear projection set that requires the cooling fan to run for a specified period of time after the TV has been turned off (such as the new Sony SXRD TVs) - to cool off the lamp.

Use the 12 volt trigger on the Anthem ONLY if your TV itself comes equipped with a trigger input. What that means is that sending a 12 volt signal from the Anthem to the TV is merely your intention to turn off the TV - the internal circuitry in the TV then turns the display off but continue to run the fan for a period of time until the temperature in the lamp housing has been brought down. This is similar to using the remote control or the front panel of the TV to power off.

On the other hand, there are some power conditioners out there that come equipped with 12 volt inputs that can be used to set specific outlets to respond to 12 volt signals. My power conditioner came so equipped and I was initially excited to implement this functionality. I connected the trigger from my Anthem AVM-50 to the input on the power conditioner so that the outlet that my TV is connected to is automatically turned on or off based on whether AVM-50 is on or off. I realized quickly that by sending a 12 volt signal to the power conditioner I was cutting the power at the outlet level and was not letting power in for the cooling fan to run. This is a BIG no-no and has a potential to drastically reduce the life of internal componentry of the TV.

Just a cautionary tale - DO NOT use the 12 volt triggers on power conditioners to control the outlets that components with internal fans are connected to (rear projection TVs, DVRs, PS3, XBOX 360, some HD-DVD and BluRay players, etc.,)
Reply
Reply
post #6940 of 40788
5/31/07 at 9:46am
Bob & nine ball,

Thanks very much for the replies - very helpful.

Ian
Reply
Reply
post #6941 of 40788
5/31/07 at 3:05pm
Anyone here having issues with their AVM50 doing all the video nicely, but having issues outputting sound?

After finally setting up my media room equipment, a few nights ago i was having issues getting sound switched out of my AVM50. I have Toshiba HD-DVD, PS3, and an xbox 360 elite, coming in via HDMI and my Scientific Atlanta cable box coming in via component and coax for video and sound.

I was having issues getting sound at at all the other night, and after messing with the satellite inputs and changing them from HDMI to coax I was able to get sound switched out via HDMI.

I was watching King Kong last night on HD-DVD and everything appeared to be going fine, but after powering up again today I was able to get video to work but no sound.

I checked all of the inputs and they are all what they are supposed to be. HDMI 1 2 and 3 for the Tosh, PS3, and x elite and coax for the satellite.

Are there any known issues with firmware 1.11 that fit my problems?

Aside from that, i have the same issue Rob has in regard to my setup screen not showing on screen. I am comfortable enough with the setup via the front panel on the AVM50 that this by itself isnt too big of an issue for me, but coupled with the problems with sound I am starting to get irritated with the idea that I am betaing a $4000 piece of equipment.

Anyone have any ideas? 8(
Reply
Reply
post #6942 of 40788
5/31/07 at 3:43pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by hifisponge View Post

Thanks Levesque, nine ball, and cpcat for your comments on the sound quality of the D2.

I've taken the time to read every review published on Anthem gear (both pro and end user), and the overwhelming majority have had only positive things to say, not even hinting at possible flaws, except the usual disclaimer that no piece of gear will make a bad recording sound good. I have been in this hobby for many years, so I know that virtually every piece of equipment reviewed receives much more praise than criticism. However, if you read between the lines, as I have learned to do, you can judge by the overall tone of the review and the offhand comments as to how they really feel. Even taking that into account, it is hard to find any faults or strong characterizations of Anthem gear.

Of course, there is one person in particular in these forums that really doesn't like Anthem gear and he has a few followers, but he and I couldn't be farther apart in our beliefs as to what makes a good piece of gear. I have more faith in solid engineering and internal component quality than I do in claims that there is an "art" to the design of AV equipment. Based on the features, parts used and build quality, the D2 would seem to have very strong potential for good sound quality.

With that said, I am going to take a chance and order up a D2 and an A5. I have asked my dealer if I could take the floor model home to try out first, but they have told me that it is just too much hassle. I know that doesn't doesn't sound like very good service, but they are the only shop in the state that carries Anthem. On top of that, there is a restocking fee if I want to return it. So I'm taking an educated risk, but it is worth it to me. I have the audiophile sickness and I just have to finally step out of the AVR world and into separates. I'm tired of waiting and researching.

All though I'm sure you will say that I don't need it, wish me luck.

Oh, and once I get the system, which should take 4-6 weeks I'm guessing, I will certainly bring more talk of sound quality to this thread.

Thanks again to everyone that has chimed in over the past fews weeks as I've probed this thread for the info I need. You're a great group of guys.

- Tim

Tim, I will definitely be interested in hearing your opinion on the sound quality of the D2 when you get it and how it compares to the other equipment you have had. Keep us posted!
Reply
Reply
post #6943 of 40788
5/31/07 at 3:53pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Catdaddy67 View Post

Anyone here having issues with their AVM50 doing all the video nicely, but having issues outputting sound?

After finally setting up my media room equipment, a few nights ago i was having issues getting sound switched out of my AVM50. I have Toshiba HD-DVD, PS3, and an xbox 360 elite, coming in via HDMI and my Scientific Atlanta cable box coming in via component and coax for video and sound.

I was having issues getting sound at at all the other night, and after messing with the satellite inputs and changing them from HDMI to coax I was able to get sound switched out via HDMI.

I was watching King Kong last night on HD-DVD and everything appeared to be going fine, but after powering up again today I was able to get video to work but no sound.

I checked all of the inputs and they are all what they are supposed to be. HDMI 1 2 and 3 for the Tosh, PS3, and x elite and coax for the satellite.

Are there any known issues with firmware 1.11 that fit my problems?

Aside from that, i have the same issue Rob has in regard to my setup screen not showing on screen. I am comfortable enough with the setup via the front panel on the AVM50 that this by itself isnt too big of an issue for me, but coupled with the problems with sound I am starting to get irritated with the idea that I am betaing a $4000 piece of equipment.

Anyone have any ideas? 8(

Sorry to hear that you still didn't get this sound issue resolved. I don't know what else to tell you, so I will let one of the resident experts give this a go from here.

Regarding the OSD issue: you are apparently only the second person to experience this (I am the first) as Nick said that he had never had a complaint about this before (and I am not aware of anyone else here having that issue either).

The difference is that mine works about 60% of the time, while your apparently doesn't work at all. I agree that it isn't a HUGE deal, but it is still quite annoying. I still haven't decided one way or the other whether to attempt to get a new unit (or have it fixed) or just keep it as is since everything else seems to be working quite well.
Reply
Reply
post #6944 of 40788
5/31/07 at 5:10pm
Hey,

Anyone driving both an analog (component or s-vid) TV and a HDMI projector with their one D2?

I'm wondering the best way to hook it up.

Can I set the Component Out to always be 480i or 480p even if the HDMI out is set to 1080p?

Is the 480i s-video always active? (no matter the input rez?) (and is it of good quality?)

How are you doing it?

Thanks!
Ken
Reply
Reply
post #6945 of 40788
5/31/07 at 5:17pm
Yeah, Rob. I might call you again tonight, as that seemed to give me some good luck a few nights ago. I know that the connections are good, as ive been running it for a few days. I had not used it anywhere as extensively as i did last night, though.

Its separated from my other components and well ventilated, too. Very frustrating.

On a good note, the image looks fantabulous with the panamorph/AVM50/HD1 combo.
Reply
Reply
post #6946 of 40788
5/31/07 at 6:16pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob Tomlin View Post

No problem, and let us know how it goes.

As an aside, you still get my vote for best user name ever!

Nicest thing ive heard all day!

Didnt get to it this weekend. I was having trouble saving settings with the editor so Nick suggested I just wait for the new firmware rather than risk having to re-entering my info twice. I'll keep the group posted, hopefully with good news!
Reply
Reply
post #6947 of 40788
5/31/07 at 6:17pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Catdaddy67 View Post

Anyone here having issues with their AVM50 doing all the video nicely, but having issues outputting sound?

After finally setting up my media room equipment, a few nights ago i was having issues getting sound switched out of my AVM50. I have Toshiba HD-DVD, PS3, and an xbox 360 elite, coming in via HDMI and my Scientific Atlanta cable box coming in via component and coax for video and sound.

I was having issues getting sound at at all the other night, and after messing with the satellite inputs and changing them from HDMI to coax I was able to get sound switched out via HDMI.

I was watching King Kong last night on HD-DVD and everything appeared to be going fine, but after powering up again today I was able to get video to work but no sound.

I checked all of the inputs and they are all what they are supposed to be. HDMI 1 2 and 3 for the Tosh, PS3, and x elite and coax for the satellite.

Are there any known issues with firmware 1.11 that fit my problems?

Aside from that, i have the same issue Rob has in regard to my setup screen not showing on screen. I am comfortable enough with the setup via the front panel on the AVM50 that this by itself isnt too big of an issue for me, but coupled with the problems with sound I am starting to get irritated with the idea that I am betaing a $4000 piece of equipment.

Anyone have any ideas? 8(

You should call Anthem tech support. They will likely want you to try the V1.11e software, although I know of no specific problem like this in the software you are using.

For your On Screen Display, go to Setup / Displays & Timeout and verify that all settings match the defaults shown on page 39 of the V1.1x users manual. If that doesn't fix the problem for you then you likely have a hardware problem that Anthem will have to address.

For your audio problems, go into Setup / Source Select, go to each input in turn and:

* Confirm that HDMI Repeater=NO is set

* Confirm that Auto Dig=NO is set

For each "overlayed" input that you are not using (i.e., DVD2, DVD3 & etc.), go into Setup / Source Select and "disable" that input in the first line item of that menu. This is to make sure you are not accidentally selecting one of those by accident and confusing yourself.

Make sure that you are selecting your input device using the "Main" path of the Anthem. To do that, press the Main button at the top of the Anthem remote before selecting the input source using the buttons at the bottom of the remote. This tells the remote you want it to send commands to the Main path of the Anthem. [If you accidentally select a Zone 2 input then of course the Main path's audio outputs will see no change in audio.]

If you have headphones plugged in, unplug them.

If that doesn't fix it for you, you could have an unusual variation of the HDMI audio problem that has affected some Toshiba XA2 owners. The V1.11e software should fix that. If it doesn't, you may have a hardware problem that Anthem will have to address.
--Bob
Reply
Reply
post #6948 of 40788
5/31/07 at 6:39pm
Thanks Bob, will try all of that out here in a few. I hope it works!
Reply
Reply
post #6949 of 40788
5/31/07 at 8:53pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Expletive View Post

Nicest thing ive heard all day!

There is something inherently amusing about someone named "expletive" saying that's the "nicest thing Ive heard all day"!

Quote:


Didnt get to it this weekend. I was having trouble saving settings with the editor so Nick suggested I just wait for the new firmware rather than risk having to re-entering my info twice. I'll keep the group posted, hopefully with good news!

When you say "new firmware" which version is he talking about? Are we getting close to an "official" new FW version?

If so, I am probably going to have to break down and purchase a laptop computer (that's right I don't own one) for this purpose alone. Of course it would be nice to be able to use Live Video Editor too.

Anyone have any recommendations for a laptap to use to upgrade the D2 (I don't need bells and whistles, just something basic that will do the job)?
Reply
Reply
post #6950 of 40788
5/31/07 at 11:35pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by drhankz View Post

You won't need LUCK.

I have owned every version of Lexicon Since the CP-1 which might have
been the first Pre/Pro for consumer use. I SOLD my Lexicon MC-12b to
buy my D2.

It was the BEST decision I made on any Pre/Pro.

NOW WHAT you need is NOT LUCK - You need to buy the new Pioneer
BDP-94HD Blu-Ray Player to enjoy the Lossless Audio of Blu-Ray movies
through your Anthem D2 - so that this will be you

drhankz -

It is certainly encouraging to hear that you like the D2 as much if not better than the Lexicon gear. I'm friends with the salesman that sold me the D2 and he has Lexicon gear mated to Classe amps and B&W 801's. He had me over for a viewing of the first Lord of the Rings movie, and it was far and away the best surround sound demo I had ever heard. Of course he has a dedicated room that is acoustically treated that I'm sure had quite a bit to do with the excellent sound quality.

I'm looking forward to the arrival of the D2 and the A5. They should be head and shoulders above the Denon AVR I have currently. And since I will be mating them to Paradigm Signature speakers, there should be a an excellent synergy between the two. Considering Anthem and Paradigm are both owned by the same parent company, it would seem that there is a good chance that the D2 was evaluated on Paradigm speakers during development. Just a guess.

Cheers,

- Tim
Reply
Reply
post #6951 of 40788
5/31/07 at 11:47pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Pariseau View Post

You should call Anthem tech support. They will likely want you to try the V1.11e software, although I know of no specific problem like this in the software you are using.

For your On Screen Display, go to Setup / Displays & Timeout and verify that all settings match the defaults shown on page 39 of the V1.1x users manual. If that doesn't fix the problem for you then you likely have a hardware problem that Anthem will have to address.

For your audio problems, go into Setup / Source Select, go to each input in turn and:

* Confirm that HDMI Repeater=NO is set

* Confirm that Auto Dig=NO is set

For each "overlayed" input that you are not using (i.e., DVD2, DVD3 & etc.), go into Setup / Source Select and "disable" that input in the first line item of that menu. This is to make sure you are not accidentally selecting one of those by accident and confusing yourself.

Make sure that you are selecting your input device using the "Main" path of the Anthem. To do that, press the Main button at the top of the Anthem remote before selecting the input source using the buttons at the bottom of the remote. This tells the remote you want it to send commands to the Main path of the Anthem. [If you accidentally select a Zone 2 input then of course the Main path's audio outputs will see no change in audio.]

If you have headphones plugged in, unplug them.

If that doesn't fix it for you, you could have an unusual variation of the HDMI audio problem that has affected some Toshiba XA2 owners. The V1.11e software should fix that. If it doesn't, you may have a hardware problem that Anthem will have to address.
--Bob


Well guys,

v1.11g does not work for me with my new Toshiba A2 HD DVD player. I get a beautiful picture, but no sound. I loaded v1.11e and the sound worked, but everything is green, and I mean GREEN!!!!!!!!

Also, when I am on the input that I have the toshiba connected to, the video adjustment menus are greyed out and therefore inaccessible. I will need to contact Anthem in the morning. Bummer.

Man, this hobby makes me depressed sometimes.

I hope there is something newer that they can send me that will allow me to get this player to cooperate.

As a side note, when I went back to 1.11e, the component 480i bug came back. Talk about kicking a guy when he is down.
Reply
Reply
post #6952 of 40788
5/31/07 at 11:49pm
I think we are getting close to a new official firmware. I'm running 1.12n now and all seems to be working fairly well. i'm able to switch between sources now and the XA2 audio is also working.

If I have a Blu Ray disc running at 24fps, my 8300 playing, my XA2 playing an HD DVD, my computer on, all HDMI sources, I am able to switch between any of these sources and get a correct picture and audio(most of the time). I have a couple of component inputs that are also no problem. I think there is an S video glitch in this version, but I don't use S video currently.

The BDP HD1 is still very slow loading and getting sync. with frame lock on auto. It also loses sync after the previews and has to resync for the main menu. It again has to resync once you choose to start the movie. Once the movie starts it is completely stable. If you switch to a different source and come back it regains sync in about 5 seconds.

I have watched quite a bit of Blu Ray at 24fps now and I am becoming a bit spoiled by it. I notice the uneven motion in HD DVDs a lot more that I used to. I wish Anthem would fix this for us but I know they have a lot of other things going on now. I wonder if Toshiba will ever live up to their promise for 24fps with the XA2?

For the 24fps it is still best to start the D2 with the Blu Ray source selected and then start the player. I also found it is best not to switch sources until the main movie is playing. I know many here probably never switch sources during a movie, but I'm bad about this. I hated not being able to stop a movie and check something on the net if I want. Also I may see a DVD advertised on TV and want to add it to my BB queue while I'm thinking about it.

The last few firmwares have had two video output configurations and for any source you are able to select which you want. I know this will be a welcome addition for some. This newest firmware has a separate Bass Management for Movie and Music(I think this is new). There are also a few other menu changes such as source audio presets are on a separate menu now.

This firmware still has a few quirks for my use, but it is the best I have used so far. I think I can easily adapt to using this one, there are just things you need to do in a certain order sometimes. Once I learned these everything works great for my equipment. I'm not using any analog audio so I can't really comment on this area.
Reply
Reply
post #6953 of 40788
6/1/07 at 4:41am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Randall Morton View Post

I have watched quite a bit of Blu Ray at 24fps now and I am becoming a bit spoiled by it. I notice the uneven motion in HD DVDs a lot more that I used to. I wish Anthem would fix this for us but I know they have a lot of other things going on now. I wonder if Toshiba will ever live up to their promise for 24fps with the XA2?

It would solve it if we had proper inverse telecine applied to 1080i and 480i sources. That would be terrific. I think the problem stems from mixed cadences/bad edits in the source which corrupts the IVT. I'm not sure if anyone can really do this properly yet. Maybe Anthem will be one of the first.
Reply
Reply
post #6954 of 40788
6/1/07 at 5:17am
Quote:
Originally Posted by hifisponge View Post

drhankz -

It is certainly encouraging to hear that you like the D2 as much if not better than the Lexicon gear. I'm friends with the salesman that sold me the D2 and he has Lexicon gear mated to Classe amps and B&W 801's. He had me over for a viewing of the first Lord of the Rings movie, and it was far and away the best surround sound demo I had ever heard. Of course he has a dedicated room that is acoustically treated that I'm sure had quite a bit to do with the excellent sound quality.

I'm looking forward to the arrival of the D2 and the A5. They should be head and shoulders above the Denon AVR I have currently. And since I will be mating them to Paradigm Signature speakers, there should be a an excellent synergy between the two. Considering Anthem and Paradigm are both owned by the same parent company, it would seem that there is a good chance that the D2 was evaluated on Paradigm speakers during development. Just a guess.

Cheers,

- Tim

Your Dealer has some good gear in his home - as I do also. My Home Theater
is also purpose built and acoustically treated.

I'm not sure how that movie was demonstrated. Was it HD DVD
or Blu-Ray? Was it a lossless audio track over HDMI?

If it was none of those - it will only get better. I was going to upgrade
my MC-12b to MC-12HD - to get the HDMI inputs - but the Lexicon
Engineers told me NO 1080p --- PERIOD. That was a deal breaker for
me. I actually tried a Denon 4806 and took it back after 24 hours and
went back to my OLD Lexicon. Comparing Lexicon and Denon - is just
silly. It took me another 3 months to even find out about Anthem. I
had never heard about Anthem before my quest for a new HDMI Pre
Pro. Even if I had upgraded the MC-12b to MC-12HD - or if the Denon
had been good - I had an external DVDO VP50 for Video Processing.

The Anthem D2 had it all in one package. For me BUYING the D2 was
a Money Making Deal. I sold by VP50 and MC-12b and still had MONEY
left over after buying the D2.

NOW you Know why this is the Anthem Mascot
Reply
Reply
post #6955 of 40788
6/1/07 at 6:36am
Quote:
Originally Posted by drhankz View Post

Your Dealer has some good gear in his home - as I do also. My Home Theater
is also purpose built and acoustically treated.

I'm not sure how that movie was demonstrated. Was it HD DVD
or Blu-Ray? Was it a lossless audio track over HDMI?

If it was none of those - it will only get better. I was going to upgrade
my MC-12b to MC-12HD - to get the HDMI inputs - but the Lexicon
Engineers told me NO 1080p --- PERIOD. That was a deal breaker for
me. I actually tried a Denon 4806 and took it back after 24 hours and
went back to my OLD Lexicon. Comparing Lexicon and Denon - is just
silly. It took me another 3 months to even find out about Anthem. I
had never heard about Anthem before my quest for a new HDMI Pre
Pro. Even if I had upgraded the MC-12b to MC-12HD - or if the Denon
had been good - I had an external DVDO VP50 for Video Processing.

The Anthem D2 had it all in one package. For me BUYING the D2 was
a Money Making Deal. I sold by VP50 and MC-12b and still had MONEY
left over after buying the D2.

NOW you Know why this is the Anthem Mascot

I also sold a DVDO VP50 to get the D2. In my case didn't make money but the upgrade was almost free for a change.
Reply
Reply
post #6956 of 40788
6/1/07 at 8:17am
Hi:

I am a new member-First post. I have a D2/A5, one month old. No problems - I
love it. I just switched from Direct TV to Dish because of the much talked about
picture quality. I am very happy with the improvement but have a question about
the resolution output to the D2. Everythings shows as 1080i input to the D2. If I
force a change to 480i for the SD channels, they all, including HD channels go to
480i. I set it back to 1080i because they all look better. With Direct TV SD was 480i and HD was 1080i. This Dish receiver is one of the new models that no longer have a access card. I guess this one of those "what ever works" things.

Any comments would be appreciated.
Reply
Reply
post #6957 of 40788
6/1/07 at 8:20am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Randall Morton View Post

I think we are getting close to a new official firmware. I'm running 1.12n now and all seems to be working fairly well. i'm able to switch between sources now and the XA2 audio is also working.

If I have a Blu Ray disc running at 24fps, my 8300 playing, my XA2 playing an HD DVD, my computer on, all HDMI sources, I am able to switch between any of these sources and get a correct picture and audio(most of the time). I have a couple of component inputs that are also no problem. I think there is an S video glitch in this version, but I don't use S video currently.

The BDP HD1 is still very slow loading and getting sync. with frame lock on auto. It also loses sync after the previews and has to resync for the main menu. It again has to resync once you choose to start the movie. Once the movie starts it is completely stable. If you switch to a different source and come back it regains sync in about 5 seconds.

I have watched quite a bit of Blu Ray at 24fps now and I am becoming a bit spoiled by it. I notice the uneven motion in HD DVDs a lot more that I used to. I wish Anthem would fix this for us but I know they have a lot of other things going on now. I wonder if Toshiba will ever live up to their promise for 24fps with the XA2?

For the 24fps it is still best to start the D2 with the Blu Ray source selected and then start the player. I also found it is best not to switch sources until the main movie is playing. I know many here probably never switch sources during a movie, but I'm bad about this. I hated not being able to stop a movie and check something on the net if I want. Also I may see a DVD advertised on TV and want to add it to my BB queue while I'm thinking about it.

The last few firmwares have had two video output configurations and for any source you are able to select which you want. I know this will be a welcome addition for some. This newest firmware has a separate Bass Management for Movie and Music(I think this is new). There are also a few other menu changes such as source audio presets are on a separate menu now.

This firmware still has a few quirks for my use, but it is the best I have used so far. I think I can easily adapt to using this one, there are just things you need to do in a certain order sometimes. Once I learned these everything works great for my equipment. I'm not using any analog audio so I can't really comment on this area.

Randall, thanks for taking the time for the update.....this is very, very encouraging news. There's a whole 'bunch' of us sitting on the side lines waiting for the 'production' version of what you are describing. If we come close to the level of stability you are describing I am convinced most if not all the dialog in this thread will go to the next level.

For the first time since this thread has started we will have a stable common experience set that will give us the opportunity to begin the process of calibration at least on the video side of the equation. I suspect many of the hard core members of this thread will wait for the equalization functionality to begin the audio tweaks but my hope is that we can retain enough interest to hold onto the valuable assets that contribute to this environment to our immense benefit.

Thanks again.......
Peter
Reply
Reply
post #6958 of 40788
6/1/07 at 8:32am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Trigger44 View Post

Hi:

I am a new member-First post. I have a D2/A5, one month old. No problems - I
love it. I just switched from Direct TV to Dish because of the much talked about
picture quality. I am very happy with the improvement but have a question about
the resolution output to the D2. Everythings shows as 1080i input to the D2. If I
force a change to 480i for the SD channels, they all, including HD channels go to
480i. I set it back to 1080i because they all look better. With Direct TV SD was 480i and HD was 1080i. This Dish receiver is one of the new models that no longer have a access card. I guess this one of those "what ever works" things.

Any comments would be appreciated.

As a NEW MEMBER you deserve the Anthem Mascot

As for your Dish Receiver - Probably known of us Know the answer.
My SONY Receivers - NOT for DISH TV - have a NATIVE mode. I
don't know if that is a mode you can find on your Dish receiver.

If there is one - then it lets SD come through as 480i and HD come
through as either 720p or 1080i.

If you have no such mode - native or direct - then by all means
leave it set at 1080i into the D2.
Reply
Reply
post #6959 of 40788
6/1/07 at 8:42am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Trigger44 View Post

Hi:

I am a new member-First post. I have a D2/A5, one month old. No problems - I
love it. I just switched from Direct TV to Dish because of the much talked about
picture quality. I am very happy with the improvement but have a question about
the resolution output to the D2. Everythings shows as 1080i input to the D2. If I
force a change to 480i for the SD channels, they all, including HD channels go to
480i. I set it back to 1080i because they all look better. With Direct TV SD was 480i and HD was 1080i. This Dish receiver is one of the new models that no longer have a access card. I guess this one of those "what ever works" things.

Any comments would be appreciated.

I don't use cable/satellite (OTA 8 miles from transmitters), but HDTV receivers either force you to select one output resolution (e.g. 1080i) for all programming, or they may offer something called "native" resolution - meaning the output will switch depending on SD (480i) or HD (720p or 1080i). If your receiver has some way of doing native, that's what you want. Otherwise, you are best off selecting 720 or 1080 - I use 1080 on my receiver.

Also, if you use native, you will probably want to use component rather than HDMI. Every time you switch channels between SD/HD you will trigger a new HDMI handshake, which can take a few seconds. Save your HDMI inputs for HD DVD/BD or HTPC.

[Edit - drhankz already covered this - but use component if you use Native, or else suffer with resyncing while channel surfing)
Reply
Reply
post #6960 of 40788
6/1/07 at 8:52am
Quote:
Originally Posted by gdc View Post

[Edit - drhankz already covered this - but use component if you use Native, or else suffer with resyncing while channel surfing)

YES - GDC - is correct.

If you have a native mode - it is better to use Component
to save on the channel changing HDMI re-sync each time
you change from one resolution to another.

OTHERWISE - enjoy the 1080i Show!

Now with the D2 - you need to get some Blu-Ray movies
going to better enjoy the show and sound
Reply
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Receivers, Amps, and Processors

Gear mentioned in this thread:

AVS › AVS Forum › Audio › Receivers, Amps, and Processors › Anthem D2/D2v/AVM50/AVM50v/ARC1 tweaking guide