You should *seriously* consider one of the (soon to be released) UMC-1 pre-processors from Emotiva.com It is a state of the art processor using the latest Cirrus chipset - same chipset that is used by the Cary Cinema 11A ($2500) and the new Krell Pre-pro ($35K - yowza!!).
The UMC-1 will sell for the princely sum of $699 - that is not a typo! This pre-processor has just about every input and output that you could ever need and it will decode all of the latest hi-def codecs. Check out this features list:
Twin Cirrus® 32 bit dual core DSPs for uncompromised high resolution HD audio decoding
Decoding support for Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital True HD, Dolby PLIIx, DTS, DTSES, DTS HD, DTS Master Audio, DTS Neo 6, SPDIF, PCM 8 channel (note: some audio formats only supported via HDMI)
Genesis® Torino high performance video scaling engine with full Faroujda DCDi® processing
10 bit video resolution
Automatic Emo-Q multi channel room correction and automatic loudspeaker setup. Calibrated measurement microphone included.
Quadruple bass manager with independently selectable high and low pass frequencies from 40hz 160hz
All legacy video inputs can be scaled and output over HDMI at up to 1080p
HDMI sources can be format converted to component video up to 1080i
Full color graphical OSD over live video, including HDMI
All inputs are assignable and feature input labeling, selectable decode modes, selectable triggers, etc.
Independent graphic EQ and bass and treble controls
0.5dB level trims
High voltage, low impedance main analog outputs (7 VRMS)
5 - HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output.
3- composite video inputs (RCA)
3 - S-video inputs (S-video mini DIN)
3 - component video inputs (RCA)
1 - component video output (RCA)
4 - stereo analog audio inputs (RCA)
1 - 7.1 analog input set (RCA)
1 - 7.1 analog output set (RCA)
4 - coaxial digital inputs, (RCA)
4- optical digital inputs (Toslink)
1- coax digital audio output (RCA)
1- optical digital audio output (Toslink)
1 - Stereo or 2 channel analog multichannel mix down output for fixed level monitoring (RCA)
1- stereo analog variable and independent Zone 2 output (RCA)
1 - stereo analog fixed level record output (RCA)
High performance AM/FM tuner with 24 FM and 6 AM presets
3 - assignable trigger outputs Movie/Music/Amp (3.5mm mini)
1- IR input (3.5mm mini)
1 - IR output (3.5mm mini)
1. Microphone input (3.5mm stereo mini)
1- USB data input (for software upgrades only)
The UMC-1 will sell for the princely sum of $699 - that is not a typo! This pre-processor has just about every input and output that you could ever need and it will decode all of the latest hi-def codecs. Check out this features list:
Twin Cirrus® 32 bit dual core DSPs for uncompromised high resolution HD audio decoding
Decoding support for Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital True HD, Dolby PLIIx, DTS, DTSES, DTS HD, DTS Master Audio, DTS Neo 6, SPDIF, PCM 8 channel (note: some audio formats only supported via HDMI)
Genesis® Torino high performance video scaling engine with full Faroujda DCDi® processing
10 bit video resolution
Automatic Emo-Q multi channel room correction and automatic loudspeaker setup. Calibrated measurement microphone included.
Quadruple bass manager with independently selectable high and low pass frequencies from 40hz 160hz
All legacy video inputs can be scaled and output over HDMI at up to 1080p
HDMI sources can be format converted to component video up to 1080i
Full color graphical OSD over live video, including HDMI
All inputs are assignable and feature input labeling, selectable decode modes, selectable triggers, etc.
Independent graphic EQ and bass and treble controls
0.5dB level trims
High voltage, low impedance main analog outputs (7 VRMS)
5 - HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output.
3- composite video inputs (RCA)
3 - S-video inputs (S-video mini DIN)
3 - component video inputs (RCA)
1 - component video output (RCA)
4 - stereo analog audio inputs (RCA)
1 - 7.1 analog input set (RCA)
1 - 7.1 analog output set (RCA)
4 - coaxial digital inputs, (RCA)
4- optical digital inputs (Toslink)
1- coax digital audio output (RCA)
1- optical digital audio output (Toslink)
1 - Stereo or 2 channel analog multichannel mix down output for fixed level monitoring (RCA)
1- stereo analog variable and independent Zone 2 output (RCA)
1 - stereo analog fixed level record output (RCA)
High performance AM/FM tuner with 24 FM and 6 AM presets
3 - assignable trigger outputs Movie/Music/Amp (3.5mm mini)
1- IR input (3.5mm mini)
1 - IR output (3.5mm mini)
1. Microphone input (3.5mm stereo mini)
1- USB data input (for software upgrades only)