AudioCircle

Industry Circles => Bryston Limited => Topic started by: James Tanner on 20 Jul 2017, 05:33 pm

Title: Evaluating the HDMI upgrade paths for SP-3
Post by: James Tanner on 20 Jul 2017, 05:33 pm
Hi Folks,

We have already upgraded production SP3 with new high res USBX 192/24 with DSD 1x,2x.

We are now evaluating the HDMI upgrade paths. Due to certain restriction inherent in the new HDMI board replacement used by the SP3, Bryston production is facing the following choices.

Which would be your preferred implementation:  1,  2 or 3?

1.  Upgrade SP3 using the new HSR72Q HDMI board and discontinue existing HSR82P HDMI board. 

Advantages:
a) implements HDCP 2.2 copy prevention standard on all 7 inputs (and one output).
b) support all 4K video modes as per HDMI 2.0 standard (600MHz clock)
c) supports High Dynamic Range video (HDR)

Disadvantages
A) no DSD via HDMI
B) 7 inputs rather than 8.

2.  Do not upgrade SP3 with new HDMI, use existing HSR82P HDMI board as is. 

Advantages:
a) capable of playing native DSD 1x through HDMI
b) has 8 inputs (rather than 7)

Disadvantages
A) implements HDCP 2.2 on only 1 input (and one output).
B) supports only the most common 4K video modes but not all, a subset of HDMI 2.0 standard (300MHz clock).
C) does not support HDR

3.  Upgrade SP3 using the new HSR72Q HDMI board but keep existing HSR82P HDMI board in production as a special customer-selectable option .

Advantages:
a) combines advantages of scheme 1 and 2 albeit not in the same unit, a customer has to select between HSR72Q with full video features versus less video capability but DSD over HDMI made possible.

Disadvantages
A) Higher production costs which translates into higher cost for customers.

Title: Re: Evaluating the HDMI upgrade paths for SP-3
Post by: BrystonFan on 20 Jul 2017, 08:08 pm
Hi James,

For me personally, I'm looking to upgrade the video section of my SP3 to it's fullest.
Option #1
DSD via HDMI is not a priority
 :thumb:
Title: Re: Evaluating the HDMI upgrade paths for SP-3
Post by: scottsol on 20 Jul 2017, 08:56 pm
#2 is definitely a no go, no matter anybody says. In real life, as compared to this board, the Hdmi video capability is far more important than the audio. At the same time, for anyone who needs more than 7 inputs there is a good chance 8 won't be enough either so I don't think that is a meaningful consideration.

The choice between #1 and #3 certainly depends on the amount of the potential price increase. A modified version, 3a, might be keeping a small number of old boards for (expensive?) custom versions while the new board would be in the standard model.
Title: Re: Evaluating the HDMI upgrade paths for SP-3
Post by: gbaby on 20 Jul 2017, 09:15 pm
I like option 1. If one owns the BDA-3, which I encourage, there is no need to play DSD through HDMI on the SP3.
Title: Re: Evaluating the HDMI upgrade paths for SP-3
Post by: Alpha10 on 3 Aug 2017, 01:29 pm
Option 1 for me, as soon as possible  :D I have been even contemplating down grading to a cheap and cheerful new AV amp just to get the 4k switching done which would break my heart as I love the SP3 sound, but the lack of 4k support is becoming a big issue for me.

James if Option one is chosen when do you think it might happen and be available in the UK?

Two 4k (2.2) outputs would have been better  :oops:

Cheers
Title: Re: Evaluating the HDMI upgrade paths for SP-3
Post by: Grit on 4 Aug 2017, 10:32 am
I'm an "option 1" person also. If I can't get HDCP 2.2 on all inputs, it isn't worth it. In fact, to keep my SP3 relevant, I really need HDCP 2.2.

While Dolby Atmos et. al. may feel unnecessary or too much work for some, there's no denying the advantages of HDR. I'm not even convinced 4k is a big deal, but HDR was a no-brainer.

I don't see the loss of DSD via HDMI as a big deal. I think the BDA-3 is a more capable DAC for music, and that would be my choice if I was concerned with DSD via HDMI.

So, if I can get my SP3 to pass through a HDR video signal and still process the audio, I'll be one VERY happy camper! Been waiting a LONG time for this upgrade!

- Garrett
Title: Re: Evaluating the HDMI upgrade paths for SP-3
Post by: sdolezalek on 9 Aug 2017, 02:37 pm
Add me as another vote for Option 1.  Maximize HDMI for its video properties.  HDMI is, to my view, too noisy a solution for highest quality audio, or at least inferior to the best USB or Ethernet implementations.  The ability to play DSD files from a NAS or a separate DAC (i.e. BDA-3) matters, but would presumably use either the stereo XLR or the 5.1 analog outputs for that.
Title: Re: Evaluating the HDMI upgrade paths for SP-3
Post by: gdbalp on 10 Aug 2017, 11:59 pm
Hi Folks,

We have already upgraded production SP3 with new high res USBX 192/24 with DSD 1x,2x.

We are now evaluating the HDMI upgrade paths. Due to certain restriction inherent in the new HDMI board replacement used by the SP3, Bryston production is facing the following choices.

Which would be your preferred implementation:  1,  2 or 3?

1.  Upgrade SP3 using the new HSR72Q HDMI board and discontinue existing HSR82P HDMI board. 

Advantages:
a) implements HDCP 2.2 copy prevention standard on all 7 inputs (and one output).
b) support all 4K video modes as per HDMI 2.0 standard (600MHz clock)
c) supports High Dynamic Range video (HDR)

Disadvantages
A) no DSD via HDMI
B) 7 inputs rather than 8.

2.  Do not upgrade SP3 with new HDMI, use existing HSR82P HDMI board as is. 

Advantages:
a) capable of playing native DSD 1x through HDMI
b) has 8 inputs (rather than 7)

Disadvantages
A) implements HDCP 2.2 on only 1 input (and one output).
B) supports only the most common 4K video modes but not all, a subset of HDMI 2.0 standard (300MHz clock).
C) does not support HDR

3.  Upgrade SP3 using the new HSR72Q HDMI board but keep existing HSR82P HDMI board in production as a special customer-selectable option .

Advantages:
a) combines advantages of scheme 1 and 2 albeit not in the same unit, a customer has to select between HSR72Q with full video features versus less video capability but DSD over HDMI made possible.

Disadvantages
A) Higher production costs which translates into higher cost for customers.



Well, I will response with a question.  Isn't there a HDMI board that will do both the High resolution Audio and the high resolution video?  At this level of a surround sound processor, I would expect the best of both worlds for Audio/Video....  This should be a must for future developments like the SP4...

Luigi
Title: Re: Evaluating the HDMI upgrade paths for SP-3
Post by: Grit on 11 Aug 2017, 06:02 pm
Depends on the compatible HDMI boards that are manufactured. I'd guess Bryston might be able to find boards that do what you're suggesting, but they won't be compatible with the existing SP3 hardware.
Title: Re: Evaluating the HDMI upgrade paths for SP-3
Post by: stanb on 28 Aug 2017, 06:07 pm
Luigi wrote: Well, I will response with a question.  Isn't there a HDMI board that will do both the High resolution Audio and the high resolution video?  At this level of a surround sound processor, I would expect the best of both worlds for Audio/Video....  This should be a must for future developments like the SP4...

Hi Luigi,

All HDMI boards mentioned above:   HSR8-3D (old), HSR82P (current) and HSR72Q (future) can play high resolution multichannel and 2ch audio but they differ in a degree of support for the high resolution video modes, and the degree of support for the latest viewing-prevention scheme HDCP2.2 .  For example, all HDMI boards including the oldest one will play lossless audio formats such as Dolby True HD and DTS HD Master Audio (at the highest rate of 192000 samples/second, and 24bits). 

In addition, HSR82P is the only HDMI board that will support playing DSD 1X audio format.  Though attractive, DSD is not the highest resolution audio.  DSD 1X is supposed to be similar (but not the same of course) to PCM 16 bits  88200 samples/s (as far as know) .       

Stan B.  (Bryston)
Title: Re: Evaluating the HDMI upgrade paths for SP-3
Post by: Grit on 1 Sep 2017, 05:26 am
Any idea/time frame on when the HSR72Q might be offered? I won't hold you to it, just curious. I've been waiting for a while, and now that there's a light at the end of the tunnel, I'm a tad excited. :)
Title: Re: Evaluating the HDMI upgrade paths for SP-3
Post by: Alpha10 on 11 Sep 2017, 09:28 am
Any idea/time frame on when the HSR72Q might be offered? I won't hold you to it, just curious. I've been waiting for a while, and now that there's a light at the end of the tunnel, I'm a tad excited. :)

Bump, any idea of times James?

Many thanks
Title: Re: Evaluating the HDMI upgrade paths for SP-3
Post by: James Tanner on 11 Sep 2017, 10:23 am
Hi

I have a new version of the SP3 at home this weekend with the new 2.2 HDMI board and the new USB high resolution board - all seems to work well.

We should have units available shortly.

james
Title: Re: Evaluating the HDMI upgrade paths for SP-3
Post by: Alpha10 on 11 Sep 2017, 12:02 pm
^^^

Excellent, thank you.

Cheers
Title: Re: Evaluating the HDMI upgrade paths for SP-3
Post by: WillyP on 11 Sep 2017, 02:50 pm
Hi James,

And what will be the price? Any changes to the current price of a SP3?

Kind regards,

Willy
Title: Re: Evaluating the HDMI upgrade paths for SP-3
Post by: James Tanner on 11 Sep 2017, 03:17 pm
Hi James,

And what will be the price? Any changes to the current price of a SP3?

Kind regards,

Willy

Not that I am aware of.

james
Title: Re: Evaluating the HDMI upgrade paths for SP-3
Post by: Grit on 11 Sep 2017, 06:19 pm
Hi James,

Will the new HDMI upgrade require any other upgrades?

For example, Mike explained that the BDP-3 upgrade ($1500) would also require the IAD sound card upgrade ($500) as well, for a total of $2000 (if one does not already have the IAD).
Title: Re: Evaluating the HDMI upgrade paths for SP-3
Post by: James Tanner on 11 Sep 2017, 06:37 pm
Hi James,

Will the new HDMI upgrade require any other upgrades?

For example, Mike explained that the BDP-3 upgrade ($1500) would also require the IAD sound card upgrade ($500) as well, for a total of $2000 (if one does not already have the IAD).

Hi

The IAD card only applies to BDP upgrades.

james
Title: Re: Evaluating the HDMI upgrade paths for SP-3
Post by: WillyP on 11 Sep 2017, 07:05 pm
Hi James,

There is something I don't quite understand. At the moment there is a one-to-one correspondence between the first 8 inputs and the 8 HDMI inputs. What is going to happen when the new board has 7 HDMI inputs. Which one of the 8 inputs won't have a corresponding HDMI input anymore?

Willy
Title: Re: Evaluating the HDMI upgrade paths for SP-3
Post by: James Tanner on 11 Sep 2017, 07:33 pm
Hi James,

There is something I don't quite understand. At the moment there is a one-to-one correspondence between the first 8 inputs and the 8 HDMI inputs. What is going to happen when the new board has 7 HDMI inputs. Which one of the 8 inputs won't have a corresponding HDMI input anymore?

Willy

Number 1 gets blocked and the software reassigns 1-7.  I will get Stan to explain it in more detail

james
Title: Re: Evaluating the HDMI upgrade paths for SP-3
Post by: WillyP on 11 Sep 2017, 09:09 pm
Does the latest version of the SP-3 get a new front, with numbers 1 -7?

And a bit of-topic, do you also have good news about the 9B3 power amplifier?

Willy
Title: Re: Evaluating the HDMI upgrade paths for SP-3
Post by: James Tanner on 11 Sep 2017, 09:11 pm
Does the latest version of the SP-3 get a new front, with numbers 1 -7?

And a bit of-topic, do you also have good news about the 9B3 power amplifier?

Willy

I am not sure how Stan is handling that - will ask.

The 9B3 is still being worked on so I have high hopes it will be out this winter.

james

Title: Re: Evaluating the HDMI upgrade paths for SP-3
Post by: Grit on 11 Sep 2017, 10:41 pm
I know it's not a vote, but I would LOVE a new front. I'm sure this seems silly, but I'd prefer if the inputs were not named.  Instead of "DVD", CBL/SAT", I'd prefer "AES/BEU 1", "SPDIF 1", "BAL 1", etc. Or if they're all assignable, just "Input 1", etc.
Title: Re: Evaluating the HDMI upgrade paths for SP-3
Post by: WillyP on 16 Sep 2017, 07:43 am
Hi

I have a new version of the SP3 at home this weekend with the new 2.2 HDMI board and the new USB high resolution board - all seems to work well.

We should have units available shortly.

james

Hi James,

When will the SP3 with the new 2.2 HDMI board available?

Kind regards,

Willy
Title: Re: Evaluating the HDMI upgrade paths for SP-3
Post by: James Tanner on 16 Sep 2017, 10:17 am
Hi James,

When will the SP3 with the new 2.2 HDMI board available?

Kind regards,

Willy

It should be any time now.

james

Title: Re: Evaluating the HDMI upgrade paths for SP-3
Post by: WillyP on 20 Sep 2017, 11:48 am
Hi James,

If my dealer orders the SP-3 now, will it be the new version with updated USB and HDMI board?

Is the delivery time the same for silver or black versions of Bryston, also for the BDP-3 and DAC-2 or -3?

Kind regards,

Willy
Title: Re: Evaluating the HDMI upgrade paths for SP-3
Post by: Nick77 on 20 Sep 2017, 12:06 pm
I listen to DSD through HDMI and have a question about quality HDMI cable for audio reproduction.

What quality HDMI cables are you guys using for best sound?
Title: Re: Evaluating the HDMI upgrade paths for SP-3
Post by: WillyP on 22 Sep 2017, 03:48 am
Hi James,

If my dealer orders the SP-3 now, will it be the new version with updated USB and HDMI board?

Is the delivery time the same for silver or black versions of Bryston, also for the BDP-3 and DAC-2 or -3?

Kind regards,

Willy

Hi James,

Could you please answer my questions?

Thanks,

Willy
Title: Re: Evaluating the HDMI upgrade paths for SP-3
Post by: James Tanner on 22 Sep 2017, 10:45 am
Hi James,

If my dealer orders the SP-3 now, will it be the new version with updated USB and HDMI board?

Is the delivery time the same for silver or black versions of Bryston, also for the BDP-3 and DAC-2 or -3?

Kind regards,

Willy

Hi Willy

Sorry I just saw this.

Yes we are producing the new versions of the SP3 now - just to make sure though when the dealer orders make sure he says you want the new boards.

Yes the delivery time on most products is about 2 weeks from order.

james
Title: Re: Evaluating the HDMI upgrade paths for SP-3
Post by: Grit on 22 Sep 2017, 11:09 am
Ooooh! And what about upgrades? Options, ETA & prices?

And what'd you do with the back panel (old panels had 8 HDMI vs 7 now, correct?)
Title: Re: Evaluating the HDMI upgrade paths for SP-3
Post by: James Tanner on 22 Sep 2017, 02:56 pm
Ooooh! And what about upgrades? Options, ETA & prices?

And what'd you do with the back panel (old panels had 8 HDMI vs 7 now, correct?)

Yes you can email Mike about the upgrade options - mpickett@bryston.com

I believe we are using new back panels with the upgrade.

james
Title: Re: Evaluating the HDMI upgrade paths for SP-3
Post by: BSMSPEMBA on 10 Oct 2017, 01:19 pm
James,

A couple questions, please.  Does the new HSR72Q board support Dolby Vision?  Regarding the upgrade, has the cost been determined and will a new front panel be installed, since there will only be 7 inputs?

Thank you
Title: Re: Evaluating the HDMI upgrade paths for SP-3
Post by: BrystonFan on 15 Oct 2017, 08:28 pm
Hi James,
Can we start sending in our SP3 via your licensed dealers to Bryston for the 4K upgrade?
What is the turnaround time like?
I have to prepare myself to be without my baby.  :cry:
Title: Re: Evaluating the HDMI upgrade paths for SP-3
Post by: James Tanner on 16 Oct 2017, 12:31 am
Hi James,
Can we start sending in our SP3 via your licensed dealers to Bryston for the 4K upgrade?
What is the turnaround time like?
I have to prepare myself to be without my baby.  :cry:

Hi

Please email Mike on this as we are doing a few now and he will know the schedule.

mpickett@bryston.com
Title: Re: Evaluating the HDMI upgrade paths for SP-3
Post by: gbaby on 16 Oct 2017, 02:51 pm
James,

A couple questions, please.  Does the new HSR72Q board support Dolby Vision?  Regarding the upgrade, has the cost been determined and will a new front panel be installed, since there will only be 7 inputs?

Thank you

When you start asking for new panels you ask for increased cost. I would forgo new panel if it will keep cost down.
Title: Re: Evaluating the HDMI upgrade paths for SP-3
Post by: BSMSPEMBA on 16 Oct 2017, 05:03 pm
When you start asking for new panels you ask for increased cost. I would forgo new panel if it will keep cost down.

I was thinking about it.  There is no compelling reason to change the front panel.  Although the HDMI inputs will decrease from 8 to 7, the total number of inputs will stay the same.  If they remove HDMI from Bal-2, the only thing that will be "mislabeled" is the "8" below the Bal-2 button. However, the input will remain active as either analogue or digital (opt or coax).

Gbaby, I agree with you, that would not be worth incurring additional cost.