Anthem D2/D2v/AVM50/AVM50v/ARC1 tweaking guide - Page 255

I'm trying to narrow down a BluRay player purchase and am finding it confusing since I'm also looking at buying a D1 or D2 and there may be some overlap or features in the BluRay players that are irrelevant if the D2 does them better.

Hence my questions below for you experts! Thanks in advance!


(1) Does the D2 scaler do anything other than 60Hz output? Can it do the CRT projector friendly 48Hz or 72Hz? (eliminating 3:2 pulldown judder). I would likely run my projector at 1080i/72Hz. If yes, how accurate can you get? I say 72Hz but it's actually 71.928Hz.

(2) Similar to (1), how adjustable is the resolution output of the D2 scaler? Can you do oddball resolutions? Interlaced? I'd likely do 1920x1080i (note the 'i' - this is not 'p').

(3) The D1 doesn't have any HDMI inputs. Odd, since HDMI isn't about video only. Assuming I don't care about the video side of the D2, I'm supposing that if I want to get into higher quality audio from BluRay (ie: lossless) in the near future, I will need to get the D2 so that I can feed the prepro a multi-channel LPCM signal over HDMI if i want to do more than 5.1 channels since both the D1/D2 have 5.1 analog inputs but not 6.1 or 7.1 analog inputs. The D1 just seems very limiting for the future, even when ignoring the video side, no?

(4) Some source devices (such as the Sony BDP-S300 BluRay player) have crap scalers built in for upscaling standard DVDs. (The Samsung 1200/Panasonic 10A are better but have other limitations). Is this a moot point if you use the scaler in the D2? In other words, is there a way to output standard DVD's at 480i from the Sony BDP-S300 directly to the D2 and have it upscale to whatever my resolution my projector 'enjoys'?

(5) Re: 24 fps output. Some new BluRay players now output 24 fps to avoid any sort of judder artifacts. I think I read that the D2 can take that input signal and covert it to 60Hz for the projector? (Would be nice if it could simply double it to 48Hz or triple to 72Hz as per question (1).

That's enough for now! Thanks everyone.

For the curious, the D1 or D2 will be likely mated with a new P5 amp, all driving my existing Paradigm Signature S8/C5/ADP/Servo15 speakers. (I'm replacing an Acurus ACT-3 prepro and two multichannel Acurus amps).

Kal

Kal,
The D1 is not an appropriate choice for best quality HD-DVD or Blu-Ray listening. Go with the D2. In the AVM line, Anthem offers the AVM-40 which provides HDMI audio processing and HDMI video pass through (no scaler, etc). But there is not an equivalent product in the Statement line. They go right from the D1 to the D2 -- equivalent in the AVM line of going from the AVM-30 to the AVM-50.

The D2 provides complete flexibility for video UP TO HDMI 1080p/60Hz. So you could get HDMI 1080p/24Hz, or /48Hz, but not /72Hz. The D2's user interface provides access to certain pre-defined video output resolutions. But if one of those doesn't suffice then you can completely define the resolution and video timings and enter a Custom video output resolution into the D2 using the Live Video Settings Editor (Windows PC) application, free from Anthem. The Live Video Settings editor includes some additional pre-defined resolutions. The D2 manual is available for download from the Anthem site if you want to check the built-in resolutions. For example, 1920x1080i/60Hz, 1920x1080p/60Hz, and 1920x1080p/24Hz are all built into the D2 itself. 1920x1080p/48Hz is available as a pre-defined Custom resolution from the Live Video Settings Editor.

Check the links in the first post of this thread for posts that discuss the completely Custom resolution and video timing settings available in that Editor.

I don't know whether the Sony player you ask about will output HDMI 480i, but of course that is indeed what you want to send to the D2 for standard DVD playback. And yes the D2 will de-interlace and scale that input to the video output you specify.

The D2 properly handles 1080p/24Hz to 1080p/60Hz conversion now, and handles 1080p/24Hz to 1080p/24Hz pass through for some projectors with the current official software and, as far is known, for ALL suitable projectors with the software that is currently in field testing (should be official soon).

In addition Anthem is finishing up support for 1080i/60 and 480i/60 to 1080p/24 conversion for film based content that would be input from, say, standard DVDs and HDTV.

==================================

EDITED TO ADD: The D2 is *ALSO* limited to 5.1 channel input for high bandwidth LPCM over HDMI, as from HD-DVD or Blu-Ray players. The D2 will process that input, or its 5.1 channel analog inputs, up to 7.1 speaker output. But the input itself has the 5.1 limit, even over HDMI. This is not likely to change any time soon.

I won't try to discuss again here whether discrete 7.1 input actually provides anything particularly useful for movie watching over discrete 5.1 input processed up to 7.1 output.
--Bob

Ok, that was my suspicion. Just wanted it confirmed.


It's the "up to 1080p/60" that is confusing since 1080i/72Hz actually uses considerably lessbandwidth than 1080p/60 so in practical terms, most would call 1080i/72 "lower" than 1080p/60 since the pixelclock rate is a lot lower. (Most devices that are flexible in terms of resolution/refresh rate that can do up to 1080p/60 are usually only limited by their pixelclock).


Very interesting. I need to read up on what's available then. This sounds exactly like the sorts of features you'd find in PowerStrip (a PC application) that I've used for years to get custom timings on my HTPC. You can adjust the horiz/vert resolution complete with front/back/top/bottom porches, and refresh rate. Very interesting indeed.


Thanks - missed that.


I don't see that being a bit limitation really, since there's no such thing as 6.1 or 7.1 on the master (source). Every receiver or prepro out there now with 7.1 outputs has to 'make up' the extra channels itself in what ever way it feels is right.


Oops - I think I just did it myself.

Thanks Bob. Things are a lot clearer now. I'm impressed at the scaler flexibility of the D2 for CRT projector owners (which are basically non-fixed pixel/multi-scan devices that will sync to anything), and again surprised that nobody's talking about the D2 in the CRT projector forum here. I guess I need to start...

Kal

Kal, I see what you are saying on 1080i/72Hz, although I'm not sure why you would be targeting that instead of letting the D2 do the de-interlacing (i.e 1080p/24Hz from the D2 frame replicated in the projector up to a 72Hz refresh rate).

The Custom video timings stuff includes a pixel clock setting, etc. I'm not sure what the hard upper limit is on the pixel clock vs. the frame sizes, so 1080i/72Hz might be possible. If this important to you, it would probably be best to give Anthem tech support an email or a call. The email address is at the top of the first post of this thread.

There are a few movies for the new formats which have put their toe in the water with discrete 7.1 mixes -- and of course the game machines are using it. In fact one of our posters here, Film Mixer, is currently engaged in testing a 7.1 mix for an upcoming feature film. But ANY such mix also has to be available as a 5.1 stream (possibly matrixed) that can be processed by the D2 up to 7.1 speaker output. So the big unanswered question at this point is, practically speaking, how much is lost, if anything, in processing a 5.1 matrixed stream up to 7.1, compared to a discrete 7.1 stream, for commercially released films.
--Bob

Thanks Hank.....I'll try that tonight. AND the new lamp paired with the D2 is totally A W E S O M E ! ! ! I can honestly say that I have never seen anything this good in the flesh......and thats before calibration!!!

I forgot just how good this thing can be.

Peter

And the same goes for the AVM-50, if you were wondering.

I got an e mail saying the upgrade is now available for the 30, which will be called the AVM 30HD after an upgrade. A 2-3 week turnaround is expected. The upgrade will make it identicle to the 50 except the faceplate. I guess they really are finally catching up.

Woo-hoo! What's the price in US$?
--Bob

Found it!

http://www.anthemav.com/NewSitev2.0/.../Upgrades.html

US$2000 to upgrade an AVM-30 to an AVM-30HD (= AVM-50)
--Bob

The downloadable version of the AVM-50 manual has been updated. The new cover page indicates it is also for the AVM-30HD and AVM-20HD.

This means an AVM-20 to AVM-50 upgrade program is probably also about to begin.

http://www.anthemav.com/NewSitev2.0/...OwnersMan.html

--Bob

Jeff,

I found out today that I actually did get a reply from Nick yesterday. My spam filter caught the message due to the size of the file attachment.

Once again, Anthem's response to customer requests are handled very quickly.

Also, Nick sent version 1.12s. I'll try to install it tonight.

Buddy

I am quite new to the "separates game" and wondered about the combination of the AVM 50 with an MCA 50 amp. I have a 14'x26' room and what I think are pretty good speakers(PSB stratus bronze mains and centre) and a paradigm servo 15 sub. I now use a Denon 3803 and wondered what I could reasonable expect to improve upon with the above combination. I was considering a Denon 4308 but was advised to go with separates. Just wondered what some of you guys thought. Thanks

I think that the advice you got to go with separates is a very good one!

I also think that you are looking at one of the better options available.

Not to get into too many technical details here, but the usual limiting factor in CRT projectors is bandwidth and physical resolving capability on the tube faces. Other than the super high-end models, many people are better off using 1080i instead of 1080p due to the fact that it's 1/2 the bandwidth. (Remember that CRT projectors are not fixed pixel devices so they simply display what they're shown - there's no internal scaler).

Coupled with the fact that 24 fps movies do not really look any different at 1080i/60 as compared to 1080p/60, there's no compelling reason for these mid-grade CRT owners to push their units excessively to do 1080p. I just makes them work harder, gives a softer picture, and generates more heat. Not to mention that it doesn't look any different. Hence the interest for 1080i. 72hz instead of 60hz comes about as any signs of flicker or scanlines (usually) completely go away when you go from 60 to 72.

Anyway, enough of the off-topic talk.

Thanks again for the info Bob!


Not overly important. Was more of a curiousity. I'd get the D2 anyway for the HDMI audio features.


If more movies come out this way and people start asking for 7.1 inputs (either discrete analog or via HDMI LPCM), I'm sure Anthem will bow down and offer upgrades.

One of the MAIN reasons I'm looking at Anthem is simply due to the support they provide. I want my next prepro to last me a long time and don't care if it costs me a few hundred $$ every now and again if I decide I need the latest and greatest. Their upgrade paths have always been very good.

Kal

Rob,
thanks for the endorsement, your experience makes me feel more comfortable with the decision.

Bob P,
I notice that when I toggle through and change the resolution outputs (480i, 480p, 720p 1080i) of the HR10-250 TIVO that I am unable to hear audio using the 480i setting. The other settings I can hear. Is something setup incorrectly in the AVM-50. I think at one time this was working correctly. I have version 1.11g software. Thanks.

German

Are you using HDMI? 480i will deliver uncompressed stereo and multichannel Dolby Digital just fine over HDMI.

I suspect it may be a setting OR limitation of the TIVO box.

I don't believe the HR10-250 has a known problem with HDMI audio when set to 480i output, but I'm not sure.

On the other hand, the V1.11g software HAS had some audio issues with some HDMI source devices.

Give Anthem tech support a call. Your Tivo is a commonly used source device so they should be up on any issues with it. My guess is they'll switch you to V1.12s.
--Bob

Take some time and read through some of the thread. You will see that people who own the Anthem D2 or AVM50 came from some high end stuff like Lexicon. Those who came from receivers are never disappointed, to say the least.

This thread is almost as long as War and Peace

Wonding if anyone is using a TVIX M-4100SH network media player w/ HDMI with thier D2? I've been looking at one of these for a while now, but just haven't gotten around to ording one. I'm pretty sure it does 480i over HDMI to playback ripped DVD's etc. Just wondering how the video quality might compare with my Pioneer Elite 59avi for SD DVD.

Actually I measured it........its slightly longer than two thirds of the Lord Of The Rings (extended version) but far more readable.

and I quote "d2's are like dreams, each bear fruit, each in their own time."

Peter

why is the anthem thread not an official sticky?

I guess not until we are at least as all three rings.

Gerry

For future reference Hank......simply turn on the ruby (and nothing else) then using the remote "reset" , "left arrow", "right arrow" and then "enter". each button for about 1 sec in the above sequence. If you plan to keep the old bulb as a spare I would suggest skipping the step that turns the screw till the hissing stops as that drains the bulb.

Sorry folks for the off thread comments.....hopefully there is something there for the D2 ..Ruby community.

I can hardly wait for the final full prod release for the D2 software. I desparately want to calibrate this environment before it ages too much.....

Actually you raise an excellent point......we don't need a 'sticky ' status. Its a mark of the caliber of this community that has sustained it as an active useful environment. I for one would search through a maze to stay current with this group. I have learned more about this passion in this thread than any other source of information in or out of the web. Who needs a Cray III or an IBM mainframe or even a Hitachi super computer when you can have a Bob P on a thumb drive.

Nope, we don't need a sticky because this thing continues to offer true value to the community on its own relative merits without any artificial support.

Thank you Bob, Hank, Alain, Marc, Rob and all the other super contributors to this dialogue and support of the Anthem Technology experience!

You have all enhanced our enjoyment a thousand fold because of your willingness to share.

Peter

OK boys, I did it. I have a new Anthem A5 with an AVM 50

I haven't hooked anything up but that will happen in the next few days. I'm sure I will have some questions but I feel like I have graduated from high school directly into Grad school. I look forward to trying them out. This thread helped me make my decision so thanks to all the helpful posts.

John

AWESOME ....welcome to the club John.....Hank or Rob will deliver your new mascots in short order. You are in for a treat.

Peter

Lets Wait until Power-Up - that way John and the Mascot will be jumping

Peter,
Given your location and mine, I would be happy to help you get other products as I have a very good connection in Miss. for AV stuff.

ps. off to read this thread

Grats, and thanks to all the wonderful folks in this thread. I don't really post much as you can tell but I read the boards all the time and this thread was the main reason I upgraded the home theater that was in the house my wife and I bought and year ago.

The Anthem AVM50 and MCA-20 and MCA-50 are now in my new rack feeding audio to my Paradigm Studio 100's, CC-690, ADP-590, SA-15R30 in-ceiling,Servo-15 and video to the Sony "Pearl"

Thanks again as my home theater education continues to grow on a dalily basis