High end processors with HDMI 1.3a

Cytocycle-

I do not know of any hardware updates for the HDMI chips or, in fact, of any hardware updates at all. I have had the Integra since it was released and have only needed one firmware update for AudysseyPro use. There is a DSP update and newer firmware that makes additional improvements and I intend to do those shortly. It has been painless.

Kal

Integra has a hot 7.1 channel pre/pro model 9.8 that has multiple HDMI 1.3 inputs, multi-channel inputs for SACD or DVD-A player, balanced outputs, phono stage, and an ethernet connection. I just bought one and they are hard to come by because of the great features and low price (sugg.retail was $1600). Comes with Audyssey auto calibration and mic.

Regarding cycocycles post regarding problems with the Integra 9.8...

yes there were issues with "handshake" problems, but if you get the current model with at least 1.06 firmware, those issues have been resolved.

You can find a tracking thread on AVS about this question:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=940065