Zhd 5-source HDMI switcher now officially released

[Chris D]

This link is now officially released and posted on the Parasound Public Relations website:

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

Here is the text from the link:

SAN FRANCISCO (2/21/06) -- Parasound has introduced a five in/one out high-definition digital-video and -audio switching device that will add integrated HDMI source selection capabilities to the company's current audio-video processors, as well as many other processors and AV receivers using the included remote control. The Parasound Zcustom Zhd is used as a source selector for up to five HDMI video sources, connecting any of the inputs to an HDMI video projector or other display device. It is the latest of the company's many half-width rack-mountable custom installation problem solvers.

"This is a wonderful niche product for our Zcustom line," said Parasound's president and founder, Richard Schram. "We have many thousands of our audio video processors in use by consumers, and now they can enjoy state-of-the-art HDMI video quality that integrates seamlessly with their current system. We've included a remote control for use with processors and receivers that lack compatible RS-232 interface connections."

The Zhd adds HDMI switching capabilities to Parasound's Halo C 1, C 2 and NewClassic Model 7100 7.1 channel surround controllers, and operates seamlessly in the background taking command signals via the two-way RS-232C communications port with the supplied RS-232 cable. Any brand of house control system can also control the Zhd through the RS-232 port, and the included IR remote handset can be used with systems that do not employ RS-232.

The Zhd also includes an HDMI signal booster for the extra-long cable runs needed in large theaters, where the screen is far from the electronics rack. The Parasound Zhd is fully HDMI 1.3 certified and HDCP compliant. The Zhd is also completely compatible with DVI when used in conjunction with a readily-available DVI-HDMI adapter.

Other features include an external IR repeater input and loop output jacks, and HDMI input temporary muting. There are front-panel indicators for source and signal boost status.

The Parasound Zcustom Zhd is now available with a suggested retail price of $600.

Founded in 1981, Parasound Products, Inc., is a privately owned U.S. company that specializes in providing affordable audio and home theater components to the critical listener. Parasound's products are available from quality audio/video retailers, and select custom installation specialists. For more information, visit www.parasound.com or call 415-397-7100.

And here are the low-resolution pictures from the link. You must follow the link and click on the pictures for high-resolution versions of these photos:

[Chris D]

Other information:

- As of today, the Zhd still has not been added to the Z Custom portion of the home Parasound website. I would anticipate this shortly.

- Also as of today, no update is available yet for the Parasound MX-700 remote control. I would also anticipate this shortly, so that the MX-700 can be used to control the Zhd as a device.

- Similarly, no software update is posted yet for the C1/C2/7100 on Parasound's website. (software update is still 6.86) While it has not been stated that the C1/C2/7100 will be updated for the Zhd, I would venture a guess that this would be the case. Through RS-232, it should be the case that you can associate particular inputs on the Zhd with specific sources on the C1/C2/7100. (i.e. if you select "DVD" on your C1, through RS-232, the Zhd will automatically switch to input "2" to show DVD HDMI video, if that's how you have it set up)

- Again, as I've posted before, the "signal booster" is a very important part of this unit, as many people may not realize. For many people who run long HDMI cable runs from their equipment rack to their video display, (i.e. over 20 feet or so) HDMI signal degradation can introduce huge video problems in the display. Signal boosting becomes essential. Once I buy my Zhd and test it out, I'll report on the effectiveness of this feature.

[RJKuzma]

The Zhd and ZBreeze manuals and brochures are now posted on the Parasound website.

[Whistler]

Nice goodie, but how can it be HDMI 1.3 certified and HDCP compliant if there isn't any HDMI 1.3 certification on the market .

[gostan]

Isn't this just an external hdmi video switcher that is RS-232 controllable?

[Peter Nielsen]

Isn't this just an external hdmi video switcher that is RS-232 controllable?

Yes, but we all knew that already... :B

Peter

[gostan]

Some of us non-Parasound/Halo pre-pro owners were hoping for something more.

[Chris D]

Ah, good, it looks like you guys are on top of things.

Whistler, I've wondered that, too, how the Zhd can be 1.3 compliant. Perhaps (and I'm just guessing) transmission rates, bandwith, voltage tolerances, etc have been specified already for 1.3, but not necessarily in what manner devices decode information carried by 1.3 appliances? i.e. since the Zhd does not DECODE or PROCESS any information carried by the HDMI connection, it does not have to worry about what is specified later for these things? It just switches and passes on the data already contained in the HDMI input.

[Chris D]

I asked Parasound about the HDMI 1.3 compliance, and this is the answer I got back from Richard. (the president)

Our statement that it is 1.3 compliant will be reworded because it can't be compliant with something that isn't yet released.

The Zhd will be able to handle 1.3 or any other future HDMI standard because it is a pass-through; Zhd does not employ a "receiver" or "transmitter" and it has bandwidth to spare.

Makes sense. The only time I could see that the Zhd would NOT adhere to a future HDMI standard would be if they changed the physical plug. (which actually has been considered in the past, to add a locking feature)

[mlbrand]

I chatted with a Parasound customer rep. today about the Zhd. I was pretty sure that it is only a HDMI video switch, but when I asked him if the Zhd would pass HDMI AUDIO into the controller, he said YES. This surprised me, so I said are you sure and he again said yes.

I hope this is true, but I am not ready to believe it yet. From the FAQ's on this product it's hard to tell. Can anyone confirm or deny that the Zhd will pass HDMI audio to the controller?

[Chris D]

The Zhd WILL pass audio on HDMI THROUGH the switcher to the output, but will not pass HDMI INTO the C1/C2/7100 controller. Even if it could send HDMI audio into the controller (which would have to be through the RS-232 cable) the C1/C2/7100 does not have the capability to decode the audio input.

[kfr01]

So the "problem" is with the controller... i.e., if a controller supports the ability to receive and decode the HDMI audio input, then HDMI audio passing through the Zhd should work flawlessly...?

Thanks,

[Kingdaddy]

I guess if your already using the RS232 for external control your out of luck.

[Chris D]

Karl, you're on the right track... the C1/C2/7100 do not yet have the capability to receive and decode HDMI audio. (as is the case with almost every other pre/pro out there, too) So yes, if you have a receiver or pre/pro that CAN accept HDMI audio, you can use the Zhd as a switcher that passes audio as well as video. Hopefully we'll see this capability added to the Parasound pre/pros.

Daddy, kind of... Parasound can provide the RS-232 commands so that if you use a control system like Crestron, you can just plug the Zhd into the Creston as well, and control both the C1/C2/7100 and Zhd. That would work just as well as if you had the Zhd connected directly to the C1/C2/7100, but you still have full system control.

[Chris D]

Parasound adjusted the official press release today due to HDMI 1.3 being pushed back and still not released.

CORRECTION to Parasound Press Release of 2/21/06

Subject line: "Parasound Delivers Five-Source HDMI Switcher With Two-way RS-232 Control --- 26021"

Headline: "Parasound Adds Dedicated HDMI Switcher to its Zcustom Line"

In the fourth Paragraph, second sentence the reference to "HDMI 1.3"
should be change to read "HDMI 1.2"


BACKGROUND:
Despite the persistent industry rumors of an HDMI specification beyond version 1.2, none has yet to be announced or released. Therefore, any implication that the Parasound Zhd has potential compatibility with unannounced technology standards is purely speculative.


The corrected press release follows:

Parasound Adds Dedicated HDMI Switcher to its Zcustom Line

SAN FRANCISCO (2/21/06) -- Parasound has introduced a five in/one out high-definition digital-video and -audio switching device that will add integrated HDMI source selection capabilities to the company's current audio-video processors, as well as many other processors and AV receivers using the included remote control. The Parasound Zcustom Zhd is used as a source selector for up to five HDMI video sources, connecting any of the inputs to an HDMI video projector or other display device. It is the latest of the company's many half-width rack-mountable custom installation problem solvers.

"This is a wonderful niche product for our Zcustom line," said Parasound's president and founder, Richard Schram. "We have many thousands of our audio video processors in use by consumers, and now they can enjoy state-of-the-art HDMI video quality that integrates seamlessly with their current system. We've included a remote control for use with processors and receivers that lack compatible RS-232 interface connections."

The Zhd adds HDMI switching capabilities to Parasound's Halo C 1, C 2, and NewClassic Model 7100 7.1 channel surround controllers, and operates seamlessly in the background taking command signals via the two-way RS-232C communications port with the supplied RS-232 cable. Any brand of house control system can also operate the Zhd through the
RS-232 port, and the included IR remote handset can be used with systems that do not employ RS-232.

The Zhd also includes an HDMI signal booster for the extra-long cable runs needed in large theaters, where the screen is far from the electronics rack. The Parasound Zhd is fully HDMI 1.2 certified and HDCP compliant. The Zhd is also completely compatible with DVI when used in conjunction with a readily-available DVI-HDMI adapter.

Other features include an external IR repeater input and loop output jacks, and HDMI input temporary muting. There are front-panel indicators for source and signal boost status.

The Parasound Zcustom Zhd is now available with a suggested retail price of $600.

Founded in 1981, Parasound Products, Inc., is a privately owned U.S.
company that specializes in providing affordable audio and home theater components to the critical listener. Parasound's products are available from quality audio/video retailers, and select custom installation specialists. For more information, visit www.parasound.com or call 415-397-7100.

# # #

Parasound Products, Inc. 950 Battery Street San Francisco, CA 94111

415-397-7100

https://www.parasound.com

[Chris D]

RS-232 information is now posted on Parasound's website for the Zhd. This may help those who are interested in the tech data for integrating the Zhd with a RS-232 based control system like Creston, or to see the tech info for interacting with the C1/C2/7100:

http://www.parasound.com/pdfs/ZhdRS-232Guide.pdf

[JRausch]

Hey guys,

I received my Zhd on Wednesday and as you would expect, the product is very stable. I do recommend plugging the unit into a line conditioner with a digital filter and keep it away from other digital devices like DAC's since the unit will generate noise. I'm running a 50ft Key Digital HDMI cable to the set and found that the boost feature is not needed with this cable. I did find that my Oppo digital DVD player's remote switched the Zhd to input 4 when the up arrow was pressed, I moved that device to the input and found the Zhd does not refresh the input when I use the Oppo's remote.

Right now I'm using an AVC2500U, so until I upgrade to a HALO piece I won't be using the RS232 feature. If you guys have any questions about the Zhd, feel free to reply. :T

[Chris D]

Sweet... welcome to the Guide and Club parasound, JRausch! :banana: Thanks for the info, please keep us posted.

[sikoniko]

I got mine in and it was DOA. Having to send it back...