Because I'm a pretty hard core video nut at heart, as well as more than a little out in left field on the audio side, I'm not generally one to get worked up over Pre-Pro's - most don't offer a combination of technology that hit's on all cylinders for me... 7.1 or 9.1 or whatever doesn't really count in my book; having advanced video switching capable of HDTV or full RGB sources would; having a full 8 channel analog input would; having balanced inputs and outputs would; having analog bypass would, for example. Oh, and make those video inputs and outputs on BNCs; quit screwing around with RCA's for the wideband stuff!
Well, after taking a look or two at the Parasound Halo C1 controller, I think there may now be a Pre-Pro out there I can get excited about...
C1 Features
Dolby Digital EX, DTS ES, and Dolby Pro Logic II surround
THX Ultra2 Certified with THX Surround EX
7.5 Channel Enhanced Surround; 7.1 with 4 programmable outputs
Additional DSP modes include Surround Music and Party
Patented hybrid bass management prevents time smearing
5" front panel TFT display of main or zone video and the setup menu
Automatic digital audio and video input selection
Nine balanced outputs, two balanced inputs with XLR connectors
Four audio only inputs plus a tape monitor/external processor loop
Eight digital inputs; two digital outputs
7.1 analog input with pure analog path, bypasses DSP
Six audio/video inputs with composite and S-Video connectors
3 composite video and 3 S-Video outputs: OSD, no OSD, record
2 assignable component/RGB video inputs with separate H and V Sync
1 additional assignable component video input
1 component/RGB video output with separate H and V Sync
BNC to RCA adapters are included for component video jacks
Component inputs/output pass 1080i and 720p signals flawlessly
Digital inputs and surround modes are assignable to sources
Presets for optimum analog input levels for various sources
100% automatic calibration of channel levels and delay times
Calibration microphone with 25’ cable included
Dual zone control with analog audio and composite video outputs
External IR input jacks for main and second zone
Three 12v triggers, two programmable for events; wires included
Fully upgradeable and controllable via two-way RS-232 port
Unique inductive-capacitive LC power supply post-filtering
4u chassis, rack mountable
Award winning customized MX-700 and Sidekick remotes included
Parasound’s 10 years parts, 5 years labor warranty
C 1 Specs:
Frequency response: digital inputs 20 Hz - 42 kHz;
analog inputs 20 Hz - 22 kHz;
7.1 channel input 5 Hz - 200 kHz +0/-3 dB
Total harmonic distortion: digital inputs <.002%;
analog inputs <.002%;
7.1 channel input <.002%
Signal to noise ratio: digital inputs 102 dB;
analog inputs 98 dB;
7.1 channel input 107 dB
Maximum input levels: balanced 35 V rms;
unbalanced 3.6 V rms;
7.1 channel input 8 V rms
Maximum output levels: balanced 16 V rms;
7.1 channel outputs 8 V rms;
programmable outputs 8 V rms
Video bandwidth: composite and S-video (non OSD) 30 MHz;
component video 300 MHz
Dimensions: 17-1/4" w x 7-5/8" h x 16" d, 7" h without feet
Net weight: 22 lb.
The only problem is that I haven't figured out where I'd come up with the 6K other than raiding the my savings for my daughter's college...
-Jon
Earth First!
_______________________________
We'll screw up the other planets later....
Well, after taking a look or two at the Parasound Halo C1 controller, I think there may now be a Pre-Pro out there I can get excited about...
C1 Features
Dolby Digital EX, DTS ES, and Dolby Pro Logic II surround
THX Ultra2 Certified with THX Surround EX
7.5 Channel Enhanced Surround; 7.1 with 4 programmable outputs
Additional DSP modes include Surround Music and Party
Patented hybrid bass management prevents time smearing
5" front panel TFT display of main or zone video and the setup menu
Automatic digital audio and video input selection
Nine balanced outputs, two balanced inputs with XLR connectors
Four audio only inputs plus a tape monitor/external processor loop
Eight digital inputs; two digital outputs
7.1 analog input with pure analog path, bypasses DSP
Six audio/video inputs with composite and S-Video connectors
3 composite video and 3 S-Video outputs: OSD, no OSD, record
2 assignable component/RGB video inputs with separate H and V Sync
1 additional assignable component video input
1 component/RGB video output with separate H and V Sync
BNC to RCA adapters are included for component video jacks
Component inputs/output pass 1080i and 720p signals flawlessly
Digital inputs and surround modes are assignable to sources
Presets for optimum analog input levels for various sources
100% automatic calibration of channel levels and delay times
Calibration microphone with 25’ cable included
Dual zone control with analog audio and composite video outputs
External IR input jacks for main and second zone
Three 12v triggers, two programmable for events; wires included
Fully upgradeable and controllable via two-way RS-232 port
Unique inductive-capacitive LC power supply post-filtering
4u chassis, rack mountable
Award winning customized MX-700 and Sidekick remotes included
Parasound’s 10 years parts, 5 years labor warranty
C 1 Specs:
Frequency response: digital inputs 20 Hz - 42 kHz;
analog inputs 20 Hz - 22 kHz;
7.1 channel input 5 Hz - 200 kHz +0/-3 dB
Total harmonic distortion: digital inputs <.002%;
analog inputs <.002%;
7.1 channel input <.002%
Signal to noise ratio: digital inputs 102 dB;
analog inputs 98 dB;
7.1 channel input 107 dB
Maximum input levels: balanced 35 V rms;
unbalanced 3.6 V rms;
7.1 channel input 8 V rms
Maximum output levels: balanced 16 V rms;
7.1 channel outputs 8 V rms;
programmable outputs 8 V rms
Video bandwidth: composite and S-video (non OSD) 30 MHz;
component video 300 MHz
Dimensions: 17-1/4" w x 7-5/8" h x 16" d, 7" h without feet
Net weight: 22 lb.
The only problem is that I haven't figured out where I'd come up with the 6K other than raiding the my savings for my daughter's college...
-Jon
Earth First!
_______________________________
We'll screw up the other planets later....
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