Nuforce might consider going the route Cary Audio is going with their new Cinema 11a and 11v.
The 11a is and audio only processor it will have 1 HDMI 1.3 input and 1 HDMI 1.3 output which will pass through video but handle all the bitstream audio (DD, DD Plus, Dolby TureHD, DTS, DTS 24/96, DTS HD, DTS Master Audio, DSD for SACD decoding) and 7.1 Multi-channel LPCM 24/192 audio, I personally think this is brilliant on their part.
With this type of strategy nuforce can focuse on doing what they do best… Audio.
Then for video switching, you could use the OPPO HDMI video switch or use something like a DVDO VP50, or manage all the video connections through your TV, or if nuforce wants to keep video switching on board they will need cross conversion from composite, s-video, and component to HDMI. This would be a must, as there are still some inputs such as the x-box 360 and Wii which need to be output to HDMI, but up-conversion and scaling would not be required as it can be managed by the display device or seperate scaler.
One nice feature would also be multiple memory settings for managing lip sync issues for each source type even if the source is being fed by and external switcher.
Another incredibly important feature would be all the setup and configuration menus displayed over HDMI as many of us now days don’t use composite, svideo, or component connections to our display devices. Another option would be to use an onboard LCD or OLED display for managing the setup process and displaying status information, such as volume level, surround mode selected, incoming audio signal details, etc.
If you can keep all the functions and sound quality of the current AVP17 but add the above and keep a price point in the $1500 to $2000 range you will have a winner for the ages to come.
I am of the opinion let different devices do what they do best. Use an outboard video processor for video switching and scaling, using the AVP for purest analog and digital audio duties, and then if a user wants a room EQ and correction system go with something like Audyssey Sound Equalizer.
I do think nuforces has an opportunity to partner on a few fronts. They might want to consider partnering with DVDO or Realta and have them create a nuforce branded version of their video processor/switcher to mate with the AVP for video switching duties. They might also want to partner with Audyssey to provide a branded version of the Sound Equalizer (a separate box) to mate with the AVP to provide room equalization. By re-branding those products, software, firmware upgrades, etc are off loaded to each of those providers. which allows nuforce to stay focused on what they do best. By having these rebranded products, it will allow customization of the AVP system for the customer base.
If a customer wants a complete “high end” system they can purchase the AVP, video processor and room correction/EQ. I might suggest a price point on the complete system less amps in the range of $3500 to $4000. If a customer just wants the AVP or AVP plus sound equalizer they could purchase that setup, I might recommend that AVP plus sound Equalizer be in the range of $2000 to $2500 range and then if a user wanted just the base AVP it would be at the current $1300 to $1500 range.
A side benefit by offering a complete package is a higher price point and margin point for the dealers, it might enhance the relationship they have with the dealers.
I would love to see nuforce offer a direct to consumer purchase experience like Oppo Digital. With a good branding and internet marketing manager I think nuforce could do some amazing things with a better profit margin as opposed to selling through dealers.
