Time to start thinking about Next Gen...

[Chetk]

So, now that we know the Halo C1 and C2 WON'T be upgraded to support DD Plus and DTS-HD via HDMI, we need to start thinking about the future.

From what I've read DD Plus' spec isn't even completed yet. So, assuming that DD Plus' spec will be completed this year, and HDMI 1.3's spec will be completed this year and Blu-Ray players start releasing supporting DD Plus and DTS-HD over HDMI 1.3, when do you think Parasound will release the next high-end receiver? Something comparable to the C1/C2, but supporting HDMI 1.3, DD+ and DTS-HD with true lossless 7.1.

[Chris D]

Good question. I'm disappointed that so much is up in the air in the industry regarding the future of high definition audio and video. A good portion of it could be attributed to the format war of Blu-Ray and HD-DVD, but not all. With Blu-Ray supposedly being mass released in 3 months, (and I assume HD-DVD at the same time) you would think that right now everything would be stabilized and firm with HDMI 1.3, DD+, (or DD TrueHD) and DTS-HD, and manufacturers would simply be going into production at this point to prepare for release. We all are so excited for the release of mass high-def media, but I'm concerned with the way the industry is progressing.

Personally, I would be very wary of brand new receivers or pre/pros released right at the release of Blu-Ray and HD-DVD. With these things still up in the air, or at the very least brand new without being stable in implementation, I don't think these new units are going to be a good, solid, stable solution that will last an owner well for a good period of time. To me, upgrades to current models seems like a much smarter and cost-efficient solution for the time being, even if it's not a perfect long-term solution.

On that note, I'd say that the new disc players have a similar but less potential for the same thing. I personally would be more likely to spend $200 on a new Blu-Ray player, than $1000 or much more on a new receiver or pre/pro, knowing that I may have to replace either of the units within the next 12-18 months.

Given all this, I would have to guess that it'll be a good 18-24 months before we would see an all brand new high-end processor from Parasound. Maybe longer.

[begood]

I am not sure how things will pan out for the C1 and C2 as far as DD Plus and DTS-HD will go, but I just learned that Parasound announced the release of a new HDMI switcher that can be used with the C1 and C2 for video switching. According to the press release this new device is HDMI 1.3, which I believe is the first on the market. The suggested retail price is $600.00. I know this does not answer the DD Plus and DTS-HD, but it does make a statement regarding Parasound’s effort to adopt HDMI. -

http://www.gspr.com/parasound/zhd.html

[Chris D]

Wow, begood, great find on the press release. Gordon Sell hasn't even officially posted that press release yet, on his website or through regular industry notification channels. If you go to Parasound's news website, that page isn't linked yet. Where'd you find that?

In any case, I KNEW I had read somewhere that the Zhd was HDMI 1.3 compliant. Odd.

[begood]

Sorry, I cannot reveal my secrets, but I just assumed the official release was already made. The date on the release is 02/14/06. I guess it is not official as of yet. I must had stumbled on to a draft

[Chris D]

Notice that if you click on the link today, it's updated with even more new information and pictures. :T

I'll wait to post this in a new, dedicated thread, until it's officially released. The date on the posting has been updated to "2/21/06" so we may see this officially in 5 days. (and perhaps the other new Parasound models at the same time?)

[Chris D]

Notice the pictures of the "HD1" remote control also, as well as the picture of the RS-232 connection between a 7100 controller and the Zhd. Here's the connection pic:



Sweet... can't wait for this thing to be released.

[JamesE]

So, now that we know the Halo C1 and C2 WON'T be upgraded to support DD Plus and DTS-HD via HDMI, we need to start thinking about the future.

Where was it announced that Parasound was not going to do an upgrade? Would you post a link.

Thanks,

Jim

[Peter Nielsen]

Where was it announced that Parasound was not going to do an upgrade?

Yeah, where? I'd like to know that too! That statement totally clashes with the information I got from Richard Schram in January. From what he told me, it sounds like they're currently evaluating the Titan Generation 7 platform... He told me to get in touch in March when he is able to give more info...

Peter

[jprafter]

Chris,

The serial connection looks good, but is there going to be a software update available for the C1/C2 that allows you to associate a HDMI input with a specific source? If not, what does the serial connection provide? Do you have any specifics?

Thanks in advance,

John

[Chris D]

Well, the official press release of the above link just got put out today.

http://www.gspr.com/parasound/zhd.html

As for a C1/C2/7100 software upgrade, that's a good question. But yes, it looks like the RS-232 connection will allow you to associate a particular HDMI input with a specific source. (i.e. if you change the input to "DVD", the Zhd will switch to HDMI input "2" to show the DVD HDMI video if you have it set up that way)

I have a copy of the Zhd manual saved in electronic format, but I think I've got it on my desktop computer and I'm currently travelling. I'll check when I can for more info.

[jprafter]

Thanks, I noticed your other post today. Still wondering about the link between the two products.

John

[AVspec]

"So, now that we know the Halo C1 and C2 WON'T be upgraded to support DD Plus and DTS-HD via HDMI, we need to start thinking about the future."

"Where was it announced that Parasound was not going to do an upgrade? Would you post a link."

Yes, please let us all in on this so we can start making plans one way or the other...

[Whistler]

Well you don't need HDMI 1.3 for High Definition images "1920 x 1080 or 1280 x 720". And that's what we all want, better image quality, there hasn't been any proof yet if DD Plus and DTS-HD is even better.

[JamesE]

I'm more interested in the improved sound quality. I'm ready to upgrade but I'm not going to do it until I'm sure that HDMI 1.3 ie DD Plus and DTS-HD is included . Why would you invest in Parasound equipment and not want the best possible audio source?

[Whistler]

Like I said before, there is no proof de sonic-performance is better with DD Plus and DTS-HD. And besides that, I think the more expensive brands won't replace any of their current processors just because of a "new" standard which hasn't proof itself yet.

Maybe it will be a disaster just like with SACD and DVD-Audio .

[Chris D]

While I don't think that SACD and DVD-A have been "disasters", I wouldn't call them rousing sucesses, either. I'd probably actually call them successes that were not fully brought to their potential, bringing about an impending early death.

Whistler, you've got a good point, though. None of us know if these new high-res audio formats are going to audibly be any better yet. (I suspect that they will be, though, since SACD and DVD-A have demonstrated that improvement is definitely possible over current surround sound formats)

[nicholtl]

SACD and DVD-A seem to be, and seem to be destined to remain, an audiophile-only format.