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Finally, Proceed has made an announcement about the forthcoming upgrade for the AVP. Quite frankly, they are pretty vague about specific features and the cost, but at least they have made an announcement. What follows is the announcement from their web page (Proceed/Mark Levinson News):
Our most recent software release for the AVP enables the preamplifier to receive and process two channels of 24-bit, 96kHz PCM audio, currently being delivered on special DVD-Video discs that contain this high quality music format. There is no charge by Madrigal for this software-implemented feature. Should you own an AVP and have an interest in adding 24/96 capability, we encourage you to contact your dealer.
So what's next? We know that our customers are asking about and want DTS 6.1 ES and Dolby Surround EX. We also know that they want more than that. We know that while some customers like the simplicity of having a small number of surround modes, other customers want more surround mode choices. We know that Proceed customers want and expect the AVP to provide the best performance available in its price class. And, we know that many buyers want it all - including great construction quality, and ease of use. We know what you want, and that is what we intend to deliver.
A Major AVP Update: In order to address all of those needs, the next AVP update will involve both hardware and software. As you may know, Madrigal has spent considerable time and resources developing the hardware and software for the Mark Levinson No.40 Media Console. The No.40 is destined to set new standards in terms of audio and video performance, flexibility, controllability, and ease-of-use. The No.40 is truly the ultimate home theater component.
The No.40 is much more important to Madrigal, our dealers, and our customers than its value as a product alone. It is a watershed design, much like our Reference products, in that technology (both hardware and software) developed for the No.40 will find application in a wide range of future Madrigal products. The first of those products was the Proceed PVP video processor and more recently, the Mark Levinson No.390S CD Processor. Next will be the AVP.
Technologies that were developed for the Mark Levinson No.40 that will be implemented in the AVP Update include:
* DSP architecture: The No40 and all Mark Levinson Digital Processors utilize 32-bit SHARC DSP devices. Proceed products currently use 24-bit Motorola devices. To gain maximum benefit from the extensive DSP related software written for the No.40 platform (such as HDCD, Surround EX, DTS ES, Dolby Pro Logic II, the latest THX Ultra(r) algorithms and other processes), the Proceed AVP will migrate to the same 32-bit SHARC platform. This consolidation allows our product development process to be more efficient and timely by making DSP software portable up and down the range of Proceed and Mark Levinson products. The updated AVP immediately benefits by inclusion of many decoding and processing capabilities developed on the No.40 platform.
* Volume Control: The AVP Update incorporates a new volume control implementation similar in performance to that used in Mark Levinson components, including the No.40 Media Console and No.32 Reference Preamplifier. As such, it is a high-resolution, digitally controlled, analog design. Significantly, this unique analog attenuator maintains the full performance of the AVP's remarkable DACs at ALL levels, something impossible with digital volume controls.
* Intelligent FIFO(tm): All digital audio signals are received using Madrigal's Intelligent FIFO digital receiver technology. Previously reserved for Mark Levinson separate digital processors, (including the No.40), our Intelligent FIFO effectively rejects distortion-inducing jitter and maximizes the performance potential of the incoming signal.
* Digital to Analog Conversion & Output Circuitry: The AVP Update will include all new digital-to-analog conversion circuitry. Like the No.40, the converter and its associated circuitry is fully capable of optimizing the performance of any signal that the AVP is likely to receive. An outstanding new output buffer circuit employs similar topology and performance to that found in our best components and contributes greatly to the AVP Update's sound quality. The output buffer features remarkable immunity to adverse interactions with interconnecting cables and unusual input impedance characteristics of power amplifiers.
* DVD-A or multi-channel SACD compatibility: An optional version of the update includes a new audio input module to allow an updated AVP to receive and optimize a six-channel analog input from similarly equipped DVD-A or multi-channel SACD players. All of the AVP's bass management functions and performance enhancing features remain intact, unlike simple "pass-through" connections. We have also made accommodations in the AVP Update for a future high-resolution, encrypted digital interface option. Our desire is to incorporate an industry standard interface, however should an accepted standard not emerge, we are prepared to consider implementing a Madrigal-designed, proprietary interface. We cannot be certain that either of these digital input options will ever become available for the AVP - it all depends on external market and industry factors. What we have done however is to ensure that if such a connection is made possible, an AVP will be updateable to accept it.
Summary: Madrigal has a tradition of making upgradeable products. Not only do we make it possible to update products-we actually do offer updates whenever the expense is cost effective and practical given the capabilities or limitations of the previous model's platform. We know that our customers want to make long-term investments in products that can be updated. And, we know that updates must be cost effective and practical if they are to be offered.
We expect this significant update for the AVP to be available in the first quarter of 2002. Should you own an AVP, or are considering buying one, you have our assurance that your unit will be 100% updateable-and at a cost that is in balance with the improved performance, additional features it provides, and the price difference between the current AVP and the updated version. For owners who buy an AVP within six months of the update, the cost to convert their processor (to the newer, more expensive model) will be prorated, based on the unit's manufacturing date.
Geoffrey Reynolds
Our most recent software release for the AVP enables the preamplifier to receive and process two channels of 24-bit, 96kHz PCM audio, currently being delivered on special DVD-Video discs that contain this high quality music format. There is no charge by Madrigal for this software-implemented feature. Should you own an AVP and have an interest in adding 24/96 capability, we encourage you to contact your dealer.
So what's next? We know that our customers are asking about and want DTS 6.1 ES and Dolby Surround EX. We also know that they want more than that. We know that while some customers like the simplicity of having a small number of surround modes, other customers want more surround mode choices. We know that Proceed customers want and expect the AVP to provide the best performance available in its price class. And, we know that many buyers want it all - including great construction quality, and ease of use. We know what you want, and that is what we intend to deliver.
A Major AVP Update: In order to address all of those needs, the next AVP update will involve both hardware and software. As you may know, Madrigal has spent considerable time and resources developing the hardware and software for the Mark Levinson No.40 Media Console. The No.40 is destined to set new standards in terms of audio and video performance, flexibility, controllability, and ease-of-use. The No.40 is truly the ultimate home theater component.
The No.40 is much more important to Madrigal, our dealers, and our customers than its value as a product alone. It is a watershed design, much like our Reference products, in that technology (both hardware and software) developed for the No.40 will find application in a wide range of future Madrigal products. The first of those products was the Proceed PVP video processor and more recently, the Mark Levinson No.390S CD Processor. Next will be the AVP.
Technologies that were developed for the Mark Levinson No.40 that will be implemented in the AVP Update include:
* DSP architecture: The No40 and all Mark Levinson Digital Processors utilize 32-bit SHARC DSP devices. Proceed products currently use 24-bit Motorola devices. To gain maximum benefit from the extensive DSP related software written for the No.40 platform (such as HDCD, Surround EX, DTS ES, Dolby Pro Logic II, the latest THX Ultra(r) algorithms and other processes), the Proceed AVP will migrate to the same 32-bit SHARC platform. This consolidation allows our product development process to be more efficient and timely by making DSP software portable up and down the range of Proceed and Mark Levinson products. The updated AVP immediately benefits by inclusion of many decoding and processing capabilities developed on the No.40 platform.
* Volume Control: The AVP Update incorporates a new volume control implementation similar in performance to that used in Mark Levinson components, including the No.40 Media Console and No.32 Reference Preamplifier. As such, it is a high-resolution, digitally controlled, analog design. Significantly, this unique analog attenuator maintains the full performance of the AVP's remarkable DACs at ALL levels, something impossible with digital volume controls.
* Intelligent FIFO(tm): All digital audio signals are received using Madrigal's Intelligent FIFO digital receiver technology. Previously reserved for Mark Levinson separate digital processors, (including the No.40), our Intelligent FIFO effectively rejects distortion-inducing jitter and maximizes the performance potential of the incoming signal.
* Digital to Analog Conversion & Output Circuitry: The AVP Update will include all new digital-to-analog conversion circuitry. Like the No.40, the converter and its associated circuitry is fully capable of optimizing the performance of any signal that the AVP is likely to receive. An outstanding new output buffer circuit employs similar topology and performance to that found in our best components and contributes greatly to the AVP Update's sound quality. The output buffer features remarkable immunity to adverse interactions with interconnecting cables and unusual input impedance characteristics of power amplifiers.
* DVD-A or multi-channel SACD compatibility: An optional version of the update includes a new audio input module to allow an updated AVP to receive and optimize a six-channel analog input from similarly equipped DVD-A or multi-channel SACD players. All of the AVP's bass management functions and performance enhancing features remain intact, unlike simple "pass-through" connections. We have also made accommodations in the AVP Update for a future high-resolution, encrypted digital interface option. Our desire is to incorporate an industry standard interface, however should an accepted standard not emerge, we are prepared to consider implementing a Madrigal-designed, proprietary interface. We cannot be certain that either of these digital input options will ever become available for the AVP - it all depends on external market and industry factors. What we have done however is to ensure that if such a connection is made possible, an AVP will be updateable to accept it.
Summary: Madrigal has a tradition of making upgradeable products. Not only do we make it possible to update products-we actually do offer updates whenever the expense is cost effective and practical given the capabilities or limitations of the previous model's platform. We know that our customers want to make long-term investments in products that can be updated. And, we know that updates must be cost effective and practical if they are to be offered.
We expect this significant update for the AVP to be available in the first quarter of 2002. Should you own an AVP, or are considering buying one, you have our assurance that your unit will be 100% updateable-and at a cost that is in balance with the improved performance, additional features it provides, and the price difference between the current AVP and the updated version. For owners who buy an AVP within six months of the update, the cost to convert their processor (to the newer, more expensive model) will be prorated, based on the unit's manufacturing date.
Geoffrey Reynolds
(less down time).
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