Anthem: Latest bugs, er, Genesis


Anthem has updated the room correction software, but getting it working is a stupid PITA due to lack of documentation.  To get it working you have to go into the Web interface and turn on automatic as well as BETA updates.  Then let it finish the firmware upgrade process. 

Super counter intuitive because the first time I did a FW upgrade I could NOT use the web, had to do it via the remote/TV menu.  This time you can ONLY do it via the Web. 

The only major improvement I can see is the built-in distance setting which is hopefully more accurate than using a tape measure.  Based on prior testing, tape measures were off 4" or so from correctly aligned.  Long story, but in any event, this feature is now built in.  Good luck.

erik_squires

It's beta software, Erik, with all that brings with it. If you use it, you're a beta tester. I've been one many times, and I don't do it any more. Too aggravating.

The distance/phase feature should work better than a measuring tape, because it measures actual responses, and many subs have latency due to their DSP. The DSP filters in the Anthem processor also may add different latencies to various speakers. So it's a good feature to have, once they get the software straightened out.

I agree, Anthem is not great on documentation. That particular feature works fine on the Anthem STR preamp using released software, but the user is on their own in figuring out how to make it work best.

@mike_in_nc I feel swindled, bamboozled I say!! I didn't know it was beta. I may have missed that messaging, I thought it just said there was a new version available.   Damn fine print!    😂

@erik_squires The only problem I have had with Genesis on
my MRX 540 is that sometimes software does not find the
microphone. 

The thing that really annoys me with the Anthem is that
when using HDMI eARC, CEC has to be turned on to
get surround sound to work. 

This creates problems because the TV remote will turn
on the AVR when I don't necessarily want it to.    


   

Hey,

 

Yeah, it's not just surround, but yeah, it IS annoying that with my LG CEC must be enabled or we get NO audio output.  I don't get it at all.

 

Erik

CEC is required to allow communication/commands between the TV and your processor.  It is likely that CEC communication/coordination is needed to back-feed the Dolby Digital stream from the TV to your processor.  The pin 14 audio return channel on the HDMI cable is not just a "single use wire" like S/PDIF coax.  It's a combined audio return channel / ethernet / HEAC / misc. communications wire.

That is a better explanation than I got from Anthem.
I just gave up on CEC because I (and especially my
wife) want to control my LG TV and the Anthem 
independently.

I also, gave up on eARC. I have my Directv DVR 
and Oppo connected directly to HDMI IN on the
Anthem and optical audio out from the TV. This 
is not ideal as I would probably be getting better 
sound quality using HDMI cables.