Feature wishlist for 2nd gen pre-pros

[mrgreg]

Let's start a list of features we'd like to see in the next generation of products. Here are mine:


Video scaling - take any video input, or at least anything from component or hdmi and scale it to a fixed resolution (1080p) for output on hdmi

Allow a lower crossover point for the main L R speakers. I would love to be able to set a crossover at about 40hz for my mains and send the rest to the sub. My mains go down to about 30hz and my sub can go below 20hz, so I'd like to send the very bottom to the sub, particularly in bypass mode.

FM preset up/down buttons on the remote. I switch between FM preset looking for a good song (or at least not a commercial) and there is a delay when I select preset 1 or 2 because it is waiting for a second digit in case I want to change to a channel > 9. It would be great if I could just push one button and go to the next preset higher, looping back to 0 if there is no higher preset saved. Turning the left knob on the face of the LMC-1 currently does this, but I'm lazy and don't want to get up.

If I switch from a video source (cable) to an audio source (cd/fm/etc.), keep passing through the video of the previous source. My old HK receiver did this and I really liked it. I often watch the tv (looking through the guide, scheduling recordings, etc.) while listening to music from another source.

[mrgreg]

Oh, and I would love to be able to either disable the volume ramp-up, or at least be able to switch inputs while it is happening.

[The Administrator]

It's hard to really put together a wishlist for the LMC-2, because I find myself realizing that I'm really just asking for an MMC-1 priced at LMC-1 levels.

+/- Trim control and full Basss Management on the analog inputs with the ability to bypass it all. My SACD player has crummy B/M, and i need the ability to trim it differently than the other sources. Negative-only trim isn't good enough (for me ) See Outlaw 990 for a darn-good implementation.

USB, consumer-capable upgrades. No dongles, no shipping back to Tennessee.

Source-specific memory. I want my prepro to understand that the CD input should be 'Stereo', the DVD input should default to DD/DTS.

Customizable source names & inputs. How hard is this, really?

Internal HDMI switching that supports audio. Honestly, I could care less as I have yet to jump on the HD bandwagon. But I know that a whole lot of people would love to see this.

I'd like to see variable crossovers. Meaning, any crossover from 20hz-200hz+. While I know nothing about how the hardware/software is designed, it seems to me that this would be possible and would be the ultimate in fine tuning ability.

I'd like to see some auto setup capabilities, but really, in an entry-level rig that's not required. But auto setup features are starting to creep their way into $500ish AVR's, so why not an LMC-2. I actually think Dan commented that this was on the drawing board.

I'd like to have a headphone jack too as I've been recently bitten by the headphone bug, and realized that the LMC didn't have a one!

I'd really like to see a Network (wired or even wireless) capable PrePro that can play Shoutcast or other MP3/AAC streams. Heck, it could download its own updates from Emotiva. ;D

[sbavnut]

1. Video Transcoding (all inputs to HDMI) should be doable at this price point (LMC-2 - under $750), but a quality de-interlacer/scaler will cost more.

That should be an option - some people already have external scalers. If they did this right and added a SO Reon (or similar) solution, the price for that option should not be more than $300. A SO Realta (or similar ABT, HQV, etc.) solution would add $600+ to the cost (probably an option on the MMC-2/DMC-2)

2. Room EQ - there are some many solutions - simple ones can be added for $100 - complex ones, much more. Something like the LMC-2, should have a "medium complexity" one like the Audessey MultEQ. The MMC-2/DMC-2 should have more complex one like the MultEQ XT.

3. Yes, would be great to have a very flexible Bass Management - on ALL inputs (but this adds too much complexity...)

a. BYPASS (no BM)
b. ANALOG (60,80,100 Hz?)
c. DIGITAL

4. DON'T convert analog inputs to digital (In the LMC-1, this is done for all inputs except the 7.1 in) - let the Bass Management decide what to do.

5. Get rid of the built-in digital amp - potential for interference.

[moovtune]

I agree - no need for any amps in the prepro. But there is a need for audio delay, both in the digital SPDIF/OPTICAL and HDMI inputs. Ideally, separate level adjustments for all inputs. Setting levels for DD or DTS bitstreams doesn't usually work for 5.1 analog inputs in my experience. In fact there is often a difference between DD and DTS slightly. I wouldn't expect scalers at this level or even auto setup (which I probably wouldn't trust anyway) and I wouldn't use any EQ built in to a prepro either - not one at the pricepoint I assume and LMC model would cost.

[mrgreg]

I wasn't limiting this wish list to the LMC-2. I wouldn't expect a full blown video scaler at that level.