Emotiva UMC-1 Audio-Video Processor

[sheedoe]

The Emotiva UMC-1 Audio-Video Processor enters into production.



http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/02/15...rs-production/

http://emotiva.com/umc1.shtm

So far it looks very promising. How many of you are excited about this pro/pro?

[crazyBLUE]

I'm going to get one to replace my 663 ! the 663 will go to the bedroom with my Bostons for the bedroom setup !

[Johk]

I can't wait for the reviews!

The on-screen menu/setup interface is really nice!

[BLindsay]

i wonder how long before we can actually buy one, im guessing a while right?

[saginawjuggalo]

I'm on Emotiva's pre-order list and getting sick of the wait but I know it will be well worth it!

[Josh]

I've been interested in this unit for a while, but I'm going to have to do some serious thinking on how important XLR outputs are to my set-up. The price is definitely right, but not having XLR might be an issue.

[sheedoe]

I like everything except the Faroujda DCDi upscaling video processor. Imo, the Anchor Bay VRS would've been much better, even if it raised the price by ~$100.

[Opips2]

Originally Posted by sheedoe

I like everything except the Faroujda DCDi upscaling video processor. Imo, the Anchor Bay VRS would've been much better, even if it raised the price by ~$100.

I don't like Faroujda DCDi in AV/Receiver because it's problem when Dvd-player has Faroujda DCDi upscaling video cause freeze!

need an separated! just simple Dvd-player has Faroujda DCDi upscaling to straight a T.V HD

[STARKILLER--1138]

Originally Posted by crazyBLUE

I'm going to get one to replace my 663 ! the 663 will go to the bedroom with my Bostons for the bedroom setup !

Same here. It'll be replacing my 663.

[fronn]

Originally Posted by sheedoe

I like everything except the Faroujda DCDi upscaling video processor. Imo, the Anchor Bay VRS would've been much better, even if it raised the price by ~$100.

The Torino is not quite the same old DCDi. It's hard to find reviews, as almost nothing uses it at the moment - it only came out middle of last year.

The version used in the UMC-1 is Genesis' high-end version (FLI30436).

We'll have to wait and see how it performs... it's stated to be competition to Reon, but who knows.

[BLindsay]

Originally Posted by Josh

I've been interested in this unit for a while, but I'm going to have to do some serious thinking on how important XLR outputs are to my set-up. The price is definitely right, but not having XLR might be an issue.

for us noobs out there, mind explaning how XLR jacks are beneficial?

[sheedoe]

Originally Posted by BLindsay

for us noobs out there, mind explaning how XLR jacks are beneficial?

XLR are balanced, so there is less likely to be noise that is introduced on long run RCA cables. RCA cables are fine, as long as the distance is not too long.

[Josh]

Originally Posted by BLindsay

for us noobs out there, mind explaning how XLR jacks are beneficial?

Pretty much what sheedoe said. Some users have reported an increase in volume and top-end by using XLR over RCA, but YMMV. If it had XLR, I would be in line today waiting for one. But lacking XLR... I don't know.

[fronn]

A little history for those that are wondering what XLR is:

XLR was made for the professional studio world to fix problems that don't typically appear in the home market.

In the studio you have tons of cables and typically rather long cable runs - this greatly increases the likelihood that interference will appear on the cable. Having a separate plus, minus, and ground path allows for the interference to appear on both the plus and minus, effectively canceling it out, rather than amplifying it.

In the home environment you've got relatively few cables and the cable run length from the Pre/pro to the AMP is like 1.5-4 feet or so... If you're going 10-20++ feet, for whatever reason, I'd say it may be worth the investment, otherwise it's just a nice bonus feature that likely won't produce any real audible difference (placebo aside). Similar to microphone inputs, iirc - using the normal 1/4" jack you can go maybe a dozen yards at most without getting major trouble, on an XLR equipped mic you can go a couple hundred feet and be fine.

Though, if you've got it, you may as well use it... It certainly won't hurt

The XMC-1 will have the XLR outputs as well as other features, if that's something you need.

[HD Man]

I've also been waiting for the release of the UMC ($700) but would really like to see a side-by-side comparison with the upcoming XMC ($1000) to see if it's worth waiting.

[Josh]

Originally Posted by HD Man

I've also been waiting for the release of the UMC ($700) but would really like to see a side-by-side comparison with the upcoming XMC ($1000) to see if it's worth waiting.

I had no idea there was an XMC coming! I'll get me one of dem (pending specs and price, of course)!

[HD Man]

Yeah the XMC is a more full-featured processor than the UMC. I wanted the UMC but may wait until more info on the XMC is released. Don't want to pull the trigger too so, ya know!!

From what I have gathered so far, here are some of the features:

* similar in size to mmc-1
* rotary level control
* Dual HDMI outs
* 2 completely independent video zones
* second zone has its on GUI just like main zone, so its fully independent also handles digital audio sources with no limitation
* balanced line drivers on all outputs
* more elaborate multifunction remote.
* Using better opamps.
* Supposed to retail for about $999

[Drew664]

A pilot run took place late last year, and units went to various places for testing. One of those places was a major software development company, where is was tested very extensively for bugs. A few things were found, and corrected. We recently got a thumbs up, and a new pilot run is being produced, which will be tested.

During testing, 3 separate crews ran tests 24 hours a day for several weeks, running over the OS from top to bottom.

We should be receiving those units soon, to use ourselves and make sure things are as they should be. Pending that, we will hopefully have more news about the release of the thingy.

That was taken from the Emotiva forums. Makes a summer release very plausible (at least for those that pre-ordered).

Can't wait for reviews!

[STARKILLER--1138]

Thanks for the info Drew. I'm foaming at the mouth waiting to get this thing.

[Drew664]

UMC-1 updated 3/12/2009

The new updated page now has the back panel of the UMC-1 available in PDF format. Looks clean!