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Hi,
In researching “wish list” requests for the 1098 I’ve started to develop a sense of what can be realistically added to the 1098 as is and what would require a major hardware upgrade. I thought this worth sharing, since it will provide a context for the next version of the 1098 wish-list.
My sources for this include:
Essentially I will maintain two lists, things that can probably be realistically added to the 1098 through firmware or minor hardware revision, and things that require significant hardware upgrades - hence the 1099 model suggestion.
Audio Outputs.
Some of the requests relate to things such as separate control of the two SUB pre-outs or the second CENTRE pre-out. Essentially, in a modern HT Processor the number of audio channels is preset by two key capabilities:
Now in the 1098 there is a one of the latest Cirrus crystal’s CS49400 DSP units that supports 8 audio channels configurable as up to 7.1 or 5.1 with a 2 channel zone 2. Support for more channels would require an additional DSP to process. This is what is done in very high end processors like the Lecicon MC-12, which supports 12 output channels, but its smaller brother the MC-8 only has the 8 channels. Equally, the more competitively priced B&K and Anthem units only have 8 channels.
Matching this, the 1098 has 4 Crystal CS43122 24 bit 192kz D/A converter each supporting 2 channels. Support for more channels would require an extra D/A for each 2 channels.
So the extra sub port being separately controlled is something that would require a second DSP and an extra D/A converter. On the good news front, once the extra DSP is added there is 8 more channels to play with so the possibilities are really endless. Think options like:
The possibilities are endless. I've got my credit card out and I'm drooling already!
Video Processing
A number of the requests relate to various options for video processing. These include options such as:
Essentially there are 3 key restrictions on the Video Processing in a HT Processor:
If we take the Video Processing Chip issue, for the newer standards like DVI and HDMI there are few manufacturers to choose from at the moment. These also need to be physically added to the unit.
For Video Conversion Chips, the situation is even more complex (as evidenced by the 1098s lack of back conversion to composite or conversion of composite to S-Video. Essentially a standard needs to be well understood and there be significant demand before the conversion chips become affordable.
Lastly we have back panel support, this is fairly self explanatory, with the 1098 having a already relatively full back panel, limiting the opportunity to add new video sockets without dropping some existing ones.
Audio Inputs
Again we have requests for more inputs, most popularly (and understandably) a second set of 7.1 multi inputs for that SACD player / laser disc etc.
Only in HT processors like the 1098, usually only a maximum of two analogue audio inputs are active (zone 1 and 2) and they are switched using relays or similar circuits. What this means is that you don’t need extra A/D converters etc to support more analogue audio inputs, just back panel real estate and some more relays (as well as the software).
Summing it up
The 1098 is most probably:
Adding extra video options would also require additional, newer generation video chips that are still emerging on the market.
Where does this leave Rotel lovers who just have to have more?
Well, one could easily imagine a (say) larger higher end 1099 unit with:
HDMI is an end to end encrypted interface that allows for digital sound and full DVD-A and SACD rates. As has been pointed out in a previous post, Pioneer has already announced their HDMI enabled DVD player. So we may as well throw in full on board digital processing of DVD-A and SACD signals!
This is a similar two tier strategy that Lexicon adopted with their MC-8 and MC-12 (except of course the 1099 would be way better than the MC-12 in terms of video and audio capability and most likely sound quality).
I want one.... I need one....
I bet lots of you do too!
Rotel – please make us one for 2004!
Feedback welcome. I hope this helps....
Geoff Costello
In researching “wish list” requests for the 1098 I’ve started to develop a sense of what can be realistically added to the 1098 as is and what would require a major hardware upgrade. I thought this worth sharing, since it will provide a context for the next version of the 1098 wish-list.
My sources for this include:
- Chip manufacturers (especially Cirrus who I thank for their helpful support)
- Technical articles on the web on topics such as HDMI chip design
- Comparative technical specifications of various high end HT processors
Essentially I will maintain two lists, things that can probably be realistically added to the 1098 through firmware or minor hardware revision, and things that require significant hardware upgrades - hence the 1099 model suggestion.
Audio Outputs.
Some of the requests relate to things such as separate control of the two SUB pre-outs or the second CENTRE pre-out. Essentially, in a modern HT Processor the number of audio channels is preset by two key capabilities:
- The number of channels supported by the units Digital Signal Processor (DSP)
- The number of Digital to Analogue converters in the unit.
Now in the 1098 there is a one of the latest Cirrus crystal’s CS49400 DSP units that supports 8 audio channels configurable as up to 7.1 or 5.1 with a 2 channel zone 2. Support for more channels would require an additional DSP to process. This is what is done in very high end processors like the Lecicon MC-12, which supports 12 output channels, but its smaller brother the MC-8 only has the 8 channels. Equally, the more competitively priced B&K and Anthem units only have 8 channels.
Matching this, the 1098 has 4 Crystal CS43122 24 bit 192kz D/A converter each supporting 2 channels. Support for more channels would require an extra D/A for each 2 channels.
So the extra sub port being separately controlled is something that would require a second DSP and an extra D/A converter. On the good news front, once the extra DSP is added there is 8 more channels to play with so the possibilities are really endless. Think options like:
- 3 Sub ports covering LFE and Left and Right or whatever suits!
- A 5.1 Zone Second Zone option (still allows for 2 extra sub ports)
- 2 Effect side channels as options giving a matrixed signal between the front left and back left, front right and back right.
- Choice of 2 pairs of rear channels, one for HT and one for Music
The possibilities are endless. I've got my credit card out and I'm drooling already!
Video Processing
A number of the requests relate to various options for video processing. These include options such as:
- DVI input and outputs
- HDMI
- Display of Component and S-Video on the TFT
Essentially there are 3 key restrictions on the Video Processing in a HT Processor:
- Video Processing Chip Support – each video standard requires specialised chips to support its inputs and processing signals.
- Video Conversion Chip support – translation between video standards, especially upconversion of frequencies or resolutions requires specialised chips
- Back panel real estate – room on the back plate to include the sockets for the inputs and outputs.
If we take the Video Processing Chip issue, for the newer standards like DVI and HDMI there are few manufacturers to choose from at the moment. These also need to be physically added to the unit.
For Video Conversion Chips, the situation is even more complex (as evidenced by the 1098s lack of back conversion to composite or conversion of composite to S-Video. Essentially a standard needs to be well understood and there be significant demand before the conversion chips become affordable.
Lastly we have back panel support, this is fairly self explanatory, with the 1098 having a already relatively full back panel, limiting the opportunity to add new video sockets without dropping some existing ones.
Audio Inputs
Again we have requests for more inputs, most popularly (and understandably) a second set of 7.1 multi inputs for that SACD player / laser disc etc.
Only in HT processors like the 1098, usually only a maximum of two analogue audio inputs are active (zone 1 and 2) and they are switched using relays or similar circuits. What this means is that you don’t need extra A/D converters etc to support more analogue audio inputs, just back panel real estate and some more relays (as well as the software).
Summing it up
The 1098 is most probably:
- At its limit for audio output channels without and extra DSP and D/A converters
- Very close to it’s limit for back panel expansion, especially as the inputs and outputs are arranged in removable segments.
- About consistent in its input and output capabilities with any competitive HT processor in its price range.
Adding extra video options would also require additional, newer generation video chips that are still emerging on the market.
Where does this leave Rotel lovers who just have to have more?
Well, one could easily imagine a (say) larger higher end 1099 unit with:
- More back panel space (made my making the unit higher)
- An extra DSP and D/A converters to create a dazzling array of output options for up to 8 extra pre-out channels configurable to a users choice.
- Extra video input and output options for DVI and HDMI
- The same magnificent sound
- A higher price
HDMI is an end to end encrypted interface that allows for digital sound and full DVD-A and SACD rates. As has been pointed out in a previous post, Pioneer has already announced their HDMI enabled DVD player. So we may as well throw in full on board digital processing of DVD-A and SACD signals!
This is a similar two tier strategy that Lexicon adopted with their MC-8 and MC-12 (except of course the 1099 would be way better than the MC-12 in terms of video and audio capability and most likely sound quality).
I want one.... I need one....
I bet lots of you do too!
Rotel – please make us one for 2004!
Feedback welcome. I hope this helps....
Geoff Costello
- it would be fun 
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