ZHD question?

[J.H.]

Parasound is coming out with a HDMI switcher to hook up to Parasound controllers right? Anyone know how its going to work? Also it can't send the new Dolby Digital True HD to the controller and decode it right? As you can see I'm confused. Thanks J.H.

[Chris D]

And so the discussion begins on the actual Zhd. Okay, Parasound has not released formal, final information on the product, and it's not on the website yet, even as an instruction manual or anything. But from what I know and the talk that's been going around, this is the indications of the product info:

- Purpose of the unit is for HDMI audio and video switching. (not for sending A/V signals to/from the controller)

- It will have *5* HDMI inputs (wow!) and one HDMI output.

- It will connect to the Halo C1, C2, and New Classic 7100 controllers via the RS-232 serial port. This will likely mean that owners that control their equipment with high-end RS-232 systems like Crestron will not be able to control the Parasound controller AND connect the Zhd all at once.

- Commands to the controller to switch an audio/video input will likely send a command through the RS-232 to the Zhd to switch the HDMI input as well. My guess is that this will be highly configurable and customizable as are the Parasound controller menu options.

- It will pass audio through the HDMI, from the selected input to the HDMI output, but will probably not pass audio to the controller. WHAT THIS MEANS: For example, if you have a DVD player that can output both HD video and high-res multichannel audio on HDMI, both audio and video will be passed to the Zhd output as well. However, you will still have to send a separate audio signal from the DVD player to your C1/C2/7100 for decoding and playing through the speakers, as the HDMI audio will not go to the controller. (I've been really hoping for this one)

- The Zhd will come with its own remote and IR loops like the back of other Parasound equipment.

- The Zhd will incorporate a HDMI signal booster. To some, this may seem unimportant or you may wonder what this is. This becomes VERY important in many setups, as there is a good chance you're using the Zhd to switch between multiple HDMI sources in your equipment cabinet, and then send one HDMI cable to your video display. Digital video cables (DVI and HDMI) suffer signal degradation over longer runs, and long-length high-end cables that prevent this are very, very expensive. So if your primary HDMI cable is long, this boosts the signal to prevent degradation. Otherwise, you'll encounter flicker, green lines, snow, or other stuff on your pristine, high-def display.

- The Zhd will be in the style of the Parasound "Z-Series" half-rack equipment, half as wide as a standard mounting rack.

[J.H.]

Thanks great information. Its still a little confusing so I will have to find out when I get one for use with my 7100. Any release date for the ZHD? Thanks J.H.