My receiver, a Sony STR-DA5300ES, has 6 HDMI 1.3 inputs. All of which are used. Plugged into them (presently) are a satellite receiver, an XBox360, a PS3, a Mac (as media librarian), a unscaling DVD player, and an Accurian HDTV Receiver. HDMI output goes to a DLP projector. In addition, the Sony has lots of component, SVHS and composite inputs, not to mention optical and coaxial audio and a special input for iPods. And a separate PIP input. All this for about $1500.
Looks to me like Krell isn't putting effort into the right part of the design. I mean, really, if they want to tempt me, they're going to have to at least outdo the mundane consumer rigs in input flexibility. Four inputs just doesn't cut it. Offer nine, or even twelve (and dual or triple independent HDMI outputs), and they'd have my attention -- and my money.
How long before something comes out that makes me want more inputs than six? A hi-def security DVR, or an HDMI radio or other audio source, or a handheld camera that just begs for a handy, front panel HDMI input?
For those of you who have struggled with switchers, you know that a well integrated input that your remote understands and gives direct random access to is far preferable to an array of outboard multiplex hardware.
Seriously... manufacturers, hi-end doesn't just mean more channels. Enable me. Add features and flexibility. Maybe even add some front panel controls so I don't spend my entire life wading around in menu hell. C'mon. I DARE you.
The number of inputs and channels aren't really their selling points. Companies like Krell focus on best signal to noise ratios, lowest distortion, and more and more power. Extra inputs and channels are the sizzle, while a cleaner signal path and more power are the steak. There really isn't much of a market for more than 4 HDMI inputs in the high end. High end installations either run direct feeds, use a switcher, or more popularly bypass using HDMI all together.
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My receiver, a Sony STR-DA5300ES, has 6 HDMI 1.3 inputs. All of which are used. Plugged into them (presently) are a satellite receiver, an XBox360, a PS3, a Mac (as media librarian), a unscaling DVD player, and an Accurian HDTV Receiver. HDMI output goes to a DLP projector. In addition, the Sony has lots of component, SVHS and composite inputs, not to mention optical and coaxial audio and a special input for iPods. And a separate PIP input. All this for about $1500.
Looks to me like Krell isn't putting effort into the right part of the design. I mean, really, if they want to tempt me, they're going to have to at least outdo the mundane consumer rigs in input flexibility. Four inputs just doesn't cut it. Offer nine, or even twelve (and dual or triple independent HDMI outputs), and they'd have my attention -- and my money.
How long before something comes out that makes me want more inputs than six? A hi-def security DVR, or an HDMI radio or other audio source, or a handheld camera that just begs for a handy, front panel HDMI input?
For those of you who have struggled with switchers, you know that a well integrated input that your remote understands and gives direct random access to is far preferable to an array of outboard multiplex hardware.
Seriously... manufacturers, hi-end doesn't just mean more channels. Enable me. Add features and flexibility. Maybe even add some front panel controls so I don't spend my entire life wading around in menu hell. C'mon. I DARE you.
@Ben
The number of inputs and channels aren't really their selling points. Companies like Krell focus on best signal to noise ratios, lowest distortion, and more and more power. Extra inputs and channels are the sizzle, while a cleaner signal path and more power are the steak. There really isn't much of a market for more than 4 HDMI inputs in the high end. High end installations either run direct feeds, use a switcher, or more popularly bypass using HDMI all together.