New review out of the Zhd, original review posted HERE
Review Index : Technical Reviews : Parasound Z Custom Series Zhd 5x1 HMDI Switcher
Manufacturer: Parasound, Inc.
By Ralph Potts
SPot Senior Editor
Model number: zhd
2006-04-24 - " Parasound is a company that has been around for 25 years. While they may not be considered a household name like some of the mass market manufacturers of consumer electronics, they are well know to audiophiles and audio/video enthusiasts. "
Quotes: " Parasound is once again to be commended "
" The fact that the unit offers 5 HDMI inputs is a testament to Parasound’s forethought in that you can never have too many inputs "
Review:
They have a strong reputation for products whose performance seems to surpass their cost. Parasound’s Custom Z series are not new to those of us who are familiar with Parasound gear however recently the line has been upgraded and offers a tuner, preamp, speaker selector, a cooling fan, amplifier, phono preamp, and HDMI switcher. The Z custom line is aimed at the custom installer and/or those of us who desire top shelf performance but literally don’t have a lot of room on that shelf for audio gear. The Z series components are compact and take up one half the width of rack space in a standard sized 19 inch rack. They come with ready to go with rack mounts built into their chassis which allows two of them to be bolted together to equal one 19 inch rack mount space. To quote Parasound regarding the Z Custom philosophy:
“The Zcustom is our product line that provides a full measure of high-end performance in components that are extremely compact. Zcustom: Z because they are often used for multiple zones. Custom because their diminutive size solves space problems in custom installations, and anywhere space is at a premium. The current Zcustom models are second and third generation refinements of some of the industry's most popular products, proving once again that great things sometimes come in small packages“.
The subject of this review is the ZHD 5 X 1 HDMI switcher. The unit has 5 HDMI inputs and 1 corresponding output on its rear panel. Included on the rear panel are an IR Remote input and looping output, RS232 control port, and a grounded IEC power input. The front panel has a small but clearly legible display window with neon green LEDs labeled 1 through 5 which illuminate when the corresponding input is selected. Directly below them is a Boost indicator which illuminates when the Boost feature is activated ( more on that later ). Lastly there are 5 separate hard buttons, one for each of the inputs. The unit comes packaged with a heavy duty power cord, owner’s manual, remote control, and a Null modem or crossover cable terminated with male DB9 connectors. The aforementioned cable is provided as a convenience for owners of Parasound Halo C1, C2, or New Classic 7100 series controllers. Connecting the ZHD to any of the aforementioned controllers via their RS232 control ports will allow automatic input selection. The unit retails for $600 from an authorized Parasound dealer.
Upon unpacking and inspecting the ZHD it is very similar in appearance and build quality to the New Classic line gear. In other words it is built on a solid chassis and has a sturdy feel to it. The remote control is a simple affair and has 6 buttons on it, one for each of the corresponding HDMI inputs on the ZHD and one for switching off the HDMI signal. The remote worked flawlessly and I was happy to see that it’s infared signal was picked up by the ZHD even when off axis from 16 feet away.
I connected the ZHD’s HDMI output to my Sony VPL-HS51 front projector’s HDMI input via an 8 meter Best Deal Cables HDMI cable. I then connected my Denon DVD 3910, and Sony DVP-CX995V DVD players to inputs 1 and 2 on the ZHD. My Scientific Atlanta 8300HD high definition DVR and Dlink DSM520 Media Server were connected to inputs 3 and 4 respectively. The ZHD is HDCP compatible and rated to pass up to 1080p video along with HDMI 1.0, 1.1, and 1.2 specifications.
I powered things up and immediately received an image as my projector and the Zhd handled the HDCP required “handshake”. I powered up my SA 8300HD and was treated to Orange County Choppers on Discovery HD Theater. Images were crisp, colors were poppy and well rendered, and detail was aplenty. I activated the Boost feature which can only be done by pressing the 1 and 5 buttons simultaneously on the front panel. Doing so did not offer any improvement in the quality of the image so I deactivated it by pressing the aforementioned buttons again. This feature is said to modify the characteristics of the HDMI output for longer cable runs ( longer than 15 feet or 5 meters ) however my 8 meter cable run had no such problems using the ZHD. This may well be a useful feature for those who have cable run issues.
I watched a plethora of DVD videos via my Denon 3910’s upconverted HDMI output which is set to 720p. Images were consistently rendered with the superb detail and richness that I have become accustomed to. There were no signs of any artifacts or “sparklies” which are associated with poor signal quality. I run my Sony DVP CX995V HDMI equipped 400 Disc jukebox at 480p only and was curious to see how the pairing would be with the ZHD. Once again the ZHD did not disappoint and image quality was clean and detailed with no hint of signal degradation. My D link DSM520 is a media server which is capable of transferring media from my PC to my audio/video system. It can pass high definition video which is located on a PC as well as standard videos, photos, and music files. I did not have any HD video content on my PC however every home video, and photo which I ran through the DSM520 through the ZHD and on to my front projector looked great.
I programmed my Philips Pronto Pro TSU7000 remote control with the codes from the ZHD’s remote control and used it to set up macro commands for use with my B&K surround controller. It worked flawlessly and switching was instantaneous. For custom installers who use Crestron or AMX type remote systems the ZHD can be controlled via RS232 protocol which can be downloaded from Parasound’s website.
In the event you are currently the owner of a 7.1 channel Parasound controller specifically the Halo C1, C2, or the New Classic 7100 you can connect the ZHD to any of them using the supplied Null modem cable. Connection can be made via the RS232 port on the rear of the ZHD and the RS232 port on the controller. Doing so will allow automatic switching of the ZHD’s HDMI inputs when the specified input is selected on the controller. I had the New Classic 7100 controller in my system and could not wait to mate it with the ZHD. I connected the supplied cable between the 7100 and ZHD and powered things up. The ZHD manual specifies which HDMI input corresponds to which audio input on the controller. For example, the DVD input on the 7100 corresponds to HDMI input # 1 on the ZHD. The SAT input corresponds to HDMI input # 2 and so forth.
Switching between the ZHD and the New Classic controller was seamless. Each time the different input on the 7100 was selected the ZHD switched accordingly without delay. This is a great feature and offers an excellent HDMI switching solution for current Parasound 7.1 channel controller owners. It should be noted that the ZHD will not pass audio information through to a Parasound controller via the supplied null modem cable. This cable will only act as a conduit to allow HDMI input switching.
Parasound is once again to be commended. The Z Custom Series ZHD HDMI switcher is a quality product which offers a viable solution to consumers who have multiple HDMI sourced components and only 1 HDMI input on their display. Parasound answered the call for current Parasound controller owners by offering automatic HDMI input switching which is handled seamlessly. The fact that the unit offers 5 HDMI inputs is a testament to Parasound’s forethought in that you can never have too many inputs. The custom installer will be happy to see RS232 control as well as a well thought out and compact design. I have been using Parasound gear for some time now and have yet to be disappointed by it’s performance.
Thanks Parasound…….
Specifications:
- Five inputs, one output HDMI video and audio switcher
- Supports video resolutions up to 1080p and high resolution multi-channel digital audio
- HDMI 1.1, 1.2 and HDCP fully compliant
- Switchable HDMI booster for extra-long HDMI cable runs
- Links to Parasound 7.1 channel surround sound controllers (Halo C 1, C 2, NewClassic 7100) for seamless, automatic input switching
- IR remote control handset included; discrete IR codes
- HDMI output temporary 'mute' function
- Illuminated front panel indictors for input and boost
- RS-232C two-way communication with DB9 connector
- Unsolicited automatic RS-232 feedback for easy system integration
- External IR repeater input and loop out jacks
- Detachable IEC AC power cord
- Switchable 115v / 230v operation
- 1U half-rack space chassis
- (W x D x H): 9 ½” x 9” x 2 ¼” / 1 ¾” without feet
- (W X D x H): 242mm x 229mm x 57.5mm / 44.5mm w/o feet
Review system:
Sony VPL-HS51 High definition front projector
Denon DVD-3910 DVD video/audio/SACD player
Sony DVPCX995V DVD video/SACD 400 disc jukebox
Scientific Atlanta 8300 HD high definition DVR
D Link DSM-520 high definition Media Server
Parasound New Classic 7100 surround controller
Parasound New Classic Model 5250 amplifier
B&K Reference 50 S2 surround controller
B&K Reference S2 200.7 amplifier
Canton Electronics - Ergo Series speakers
Axiom QS8 Quadpolar surround speakers
Philips Pronto Pro NG TSU7000 Remote control
SV Subwoofers 20-39 PC Plus powered subwoofer
Audioquest, Wireworld, and Belden/Canare interconnects
Best Deal Cables HDMI cabling
Esoteric Speaker cables - Canare connectors
Features:
Rating:
Performance - 5 Paws
Value - 4 Paws
Manufacturer: Parasound, Inc.
By Ralph Potts
SPot Senior Editor
Model number: zhd
2006-04-24 - " Parasound is a company that has been around for 25 years. While they may not be considered a household name like some of the mass market manufacturers of consumer electronics, they are well know to audiophiles and audio/video enthusiasts. "
Quotes: " Parasound is once again to be commended "
" The fact that the unit offers 5 HDMI inputs is a testament to Parasound’s forethought in that you can never have too many inputs "
Review:
They have a strong reputation for products whose performance seems to surpass their cost. Parasound’s Custom Z series are not new to those of us who are familiar with Parasound gear however recently the line has been upgraded and offers a tuner, preamp, speaker selector, a cooling fan, amplifier, phono preamp, and HDMI switcher. The Z custom line is aimed at the custom installer and/or those of us who desire top shelf performance but literally don’t have a lot of room on that shelf for audio gear. The Z series components are compact and take up one half the width of rack space in a standard sized 19 inch rack. They come with ready to go with rack mounts built into their chassis which allows two of them to be bolted together to equal one 19 inch rack mount space. To quote Parasound regarding the Z Custom philosophy:
“The Zcustom is our product line that provides a full measure of high-end performance in components that are extremely compact. Zcustom: Z because they are often used for multiple zones. Custom because their diminutive size solves space problems in custom installations, and anywhere space is at a premium. The current Zcustom models are second and third generation refinements of some of the industry's most popular products, proving once again that great things sometimes come in small packages“.
The subject of this review is the ZHD 5 X 1 HDMI switcher. The unit has 5 HDMI inputs and 1 corresponding output on its rear panel. Included on the rear panel are an IR Remote input and looping output, RS232 control port, and a grounded IEC power input. The front panel has a small but clearly legible display window with neon green LEDs labeled 1 through 5 which illuminate when the corresponding input is selected. Directly below them is a Boost indicator which illuminates when the Boost feature is activated ( more on that later ). Lastly there are 5 separate hard buttons, one for each of the inputs. The unit comes packaged with a heavy duty power cord, owner’s manual, remote control, and a Null modem or crossover cable terminated with male DB9 connectors. The aforementioned cable is provided as a convenience for owners of Parasound Halo C1, C2, or New Classic 7100 series controllers. Connecting the ZHD to any of the aforementioned controllers via their RS232 control ports will allow automatic input selection. The unit retails for $600 from an authorized Parasound dealer.
Upon unpacking and inspecting the ZHD it is very similar in appearance and build quality to the New Classic line gear. In other words it is built on a solid chassis and has a sturdy feel to it. The remote control is a simple affair and has 6 buttons on it, one for each of the corresponding HDMI inputs on the ZHD and one for switching off the HDMI signal. The remote worked flawlessly and I was happy to see that it’s infared signal was picked up by the ZHD even when off axis from 16 feet away.
I connected the ZHD’s HDMI output to my Sony VPL-HS51 front projector’s HDMI input via an 8 meter Best Deal Cables HDMI cable. I then connected my Denon DVD 3910, and Sony DVP-CX995V DVD players to inputs 1 and 2 on the ZHD. My Scientific Atlanta 8300HD high definition DVR and Dlink DSM520 Media Server were connected to inputs 3 and 4 respectively. The ZHD is HDCP compatible and rated to pass up to 1080p video along with HDMI 1.0, 1.1, and 1.2 specifications.
I powered things up and immediately received an image as my projector and the Zhd handled the HDCP required “handshake”. I powered up my SA 8300HD and was treated to Orange County Choppers on Discovery HD Theater. Images were crisp, colors were poppy and well rendered, and detail was aplenty. I activated the Boost feature which can only be done by pressing the 1 and 5 buttons simultaneously on the front panel. Doing so did not offer any improvement in the quality of the image so I deactivated it by pressing the aforementioned buttons again. This feature is said to modify the characteristics of the HDMI output for longer cable runs ( longer than 15 feet or 5 meters ) however my 8 meter cable run had no such problems using the ZHD. This may well be a useful feature for those who have cable run issues.
I watched a plethora of DVD videos via my Denon 3910’s upconverted HDMI output which is set to 720p. Images were consistently rendered with the superb detail and richness that I have become accustomed to. There were no signs of any artifacts or “sparklies” which are associated with poor signal quality. I run my Sony DVP CX995V HDMI equipped 400 Disc jukebox at 480p only and was curious to see how the pairing would be with the ZHD. Once again the ZHD did not disappoint and image quality was clean and detailed with no hint of signal degradation. My D link DSM520 is a media server which is capable of transferring media from my PC to my audio/video system. It can pass high definition video which is located on a PC as well as standard videos, photos, and music files. I did not have any HD video content on my PC however every home video, and photo which I ran through the DSM520 through the ZHD and on to my front projector looked great.
I programmed my Philips Pronto Pro TSU7000 remote control with the codes from the ZHD’s remote control and used it to set up macro commands for use with my B&K surround controller. It worked flawlessly and switching was instantaneous. For custom installers who use Crestron or AMX type remote systems the ZHD can be controlled via RS232 protocol which can be downloaded from Parasound’s website.
In the event you are currently the owner of a 7.1 channel Parasound controller specifically the Halo C1, C2, or the New Classic 7100 you can connect the ZHD to any of them using the supplied Null modem cable. Connection can be made via the RS232 port on the rear of the ZHD and the RS232 port on the controller. Doing so will allow automatic switching of the ZHD’s HDMI inputs when the specified input is selected on the controller. I had the New Classic 7100 controller in my system and could not wait to mate it with the ZHD. I connected the supplied cable between the 7100 and ZHD and powered things up. The ZHD manual specifies which HDMI input corresponds to which audio input on the controller. For example, the DVD input on the 7100 corresponds to HDMI input # 1 on the ZHD. The SAT input corresponds to HDMI input # 2 and so forth.
Switching between the ZHD and the New Classic controller was seamless. Each time the different input on the 7100 was selected the ZHD switched accordingly without delay. This is a great feature and offers an excellent HDMI switching solution for current Parasound 7.1 channel controller owners. It should be noted that the ZHD will not pass audio information through to a Parasound controller via the supplied null modem cable. This cable will only act as a conduit to allow HDMI input switching.
Parasound is once again to be commended. The Z Custom Series ZHD HDMI switcher is a quality product which offers a viable solution to consumers who have multiple HDMI sourced components and only 1 HDMI input on their display. Parasound answered the call for current Parasound controller owners by offering automatic HDMI input switching which is handled seamlessly. The fact that the unit offers 5 HDMI inputs is a testament to Parasound’s forethought in that you can never have too many inputs. The custom installer will be happy to see RS232 control as well as a well thought out and compact design. I have been using Parasound gear for some time now and have yet to be disappointed by it’s performance.
Thanks Parasound…….
Specifications:
- Five inputs, one output HDMI video and audio switcher
- Supports video resolutions up to 1080p and high resolution multi-channel digital audio
- HDMI 1.1, 1.2 and HDCP fully compliant
- Switchable HDMI booster for extra-long HDMI cable runs
- Links to Parasound 7.1 channel surround sound controllers (Halo C 1, C 2, NewClassic 7100) for seamless, automatic input switching
- IR remote control handset included; discrete IR codes
- HDMI output temporary 'mute' function
- Illuminated front panel indictors for input and boost
- RS-232C two-way communication with DB9 connector
- Unsolicited automatic RS-232 feedback for easy system integration
- External IR repeater input and loop out jacks
- Detachable IEC AC power cord
- Switchable 115v / 230v operation
- 1U half-rack space chassis
- (W x D x H): 9 ½” x 9” x 2 ¼” / 1 ¾” without feet
- (W X D x H): 242mm x 229mm x 57.5mm / 44.5mm w/o feet
Review system:
Sony VPL-HS51 High definition front projector
Denon DVD-3910 DVD video/audio/SACD player
Sony DVPCX995V DVD video/SACD 400 disc jukebox
Scientific Atlanta 8300 HD high definition DVR
D Link DSM-520 high definition Media Server
Parasound New Classic 7100 surround controller
Parasound New Classic Model 5250 amplifier
B&K Reference 50 S2 surround controller
B&K Reference S2 200.7 amplifier
Canton Electronics - Ergo Series speakers
Axiom QS8 Quadpolar surround speakers
Philips Pronto Pro NG TSU7000 Remote control
SV Subwoofers 20-39 PC Plus powered subwoofer
Audioquest, Wireworld, and Belden/Canare interconnects
Best Deal Cables HDMI cabling
Esoteric Speaker cables - Canare connectors
Features:
Rating:
Performance - 5 Paws
Value - 4 Paws
