If Rotel can do it, why can't classe?

[sikoniko]

It would seem that Rotel is offering an upgrade path for the 1098 to get HDMI v1.1 connections. If Rotel can do it, why can't classe offer this for their SSP's?

[Hdale85]

I would say that Classe is more about pure sound quality while Rotel is aimed more towards the HT area. Basically 2 different companies with different goals.

[sikoniko]

I would say that Classe is more about pure sound quality while Rotel is aimed more towards the HT area. Basically 2 different companies with different goals.

What does sound quality have to do with being able to offer an hdmi upgrade? Classe offers HT products, so your arguement doesnt make sense to me.

[Hdale85]

It has tons to do with it. Their R&D department is not so worried about HDMI or video stuff. Also another reason they could possibly not be jumping on HDMI is that its constantly changing maybe they are waiting for a standard spec before tossing it in one of their HT processors. I know they make HT products as well I'm just saying that Rotel is more about their HT products and I don't think classe is quite as much. It's really not a huge deal... get a TV with lots of HDMI ports or get a switch box they have some auto switchers. The only thing you would be missing then is HDMI 1.3 features which I don't think Rotel has yet.

[hifiguymi]

It has to do with architecture more that anything. The design of the RSP-1098 allowed Rotel to remove the S-video "board" and replace it with the HDMI "board". The Classe preamps (SSP-300 and SSP-600) we not designed like that. There is no where to remove (or move) something to put HDMI inputs and outputs in their place. There is no where to add them to the existing chassis without changing the whole thing.

Eric

[RebelMan]

Eric is right, and it was this motive that gave way to the SSP-900. The SSP-900 was designed from the ground up with modularity in mind, same goes for the Rotel RSP-1098 with it's PC card based topology. Like the SSP-300 and SSP-600, the Rotel RSP-1068 was not built for "upgradablility" either. So Classe' can do it just not (easily) with the SSP's you have in mind, unfortunately.

Keep in mind the RSP-1098 HDMI daughter card is a VERY limited upgrade at best as it only buys you video switching and passthrough no transcoding, no scalling and no audio processing of any kind.

[pengilly]

It has to do with architecture more that anything. The design of the RSP-1098 allowed Rotel to remove the S-video "board" and replace it with the HDMI "board". The Classe preamps (SSP-300 and SSP-600) we not designed like that. There is no where to remove (or move) something to put HDMI inputs and outputs in their place. There is no where to add them to the existing chassis without changing the whole thing.

Eric

+1 on this quote

[lvhung]

New Rotel HDMI 1.1 1069 have some problems
May be Rotel too hhurried to roll out therie new products