Can a prepro be made redundant

[captrajesh]

As per my understanding, the a/v processor which is also referred to as prepro has the following functions:-

1. Switching between different sources.

2. Volume Control.

3. Conversion of digital audio information from inputs ports like HDMI/ Optical/ Coaxial to analogue and distributing the audio to go to different speakers.

4. Upscaling/ downscaling of video information.

5. Room correction to delay the audio from different speakers to ensure that the audio information from those reach the user at the same time.

6. Adjust the Low Frequency cut off point to match the capability of the front speakers and redirect the Low frequency information to the sub woofer.

7. Displaying the information on the above for the user.

AFAIK, all the above functions can be handled by the HTPC. If that is the case, can't we do away with the processor and connect the HTPC directly to a 5/7/9 Channel Power Amp? Hasn't the Processor become redundant?

Would love to hear from Home Theatre gurus.

 

[elangoas]

Do you get 5/7/9 channel Pre-outs on HTPC ?

 

[spirovious]

AFAIK, all the above functions can be handled by the HTPC. If that is the case, can't we do away with the processor and connect the HTPC directly to a 5/7/9 Channel Power Amp? Hasn't the Processor become redundant?

Would love to hear from Home Theatre gurus.

Yes,HTPC can do it,but its not very handy way.You have to do many things manually.Remote works with volume and media functions.But if you feel to change the settings like channel level,you have to go to driver settings and do.
You can use wireless keyboards to make it easy.But those who are used to remotes,they may find it tough.

I have tried connecting Rotel 5ch power amp to Xonar D2X.It really sounds nice and powerful.
Few other thoughts-
http://www.hifivision.com/home-theater/51126-home-theater-pc-use-av-receiver-2.html

 

[ranjeetrain]

An AVR is more than that.

** An AVR can usually handle multiple rooms (multiple sources + multiple destinations) simultaneously.

** An AVR typically provides an array of inputs (not just one, or of one type).

** An AVR typically provides an array of outputs (not just one, or of one type).

** An AVR typically provides a means of "monitoring".

** It mostly comes with some or other proprietary DSP. Since these DSPs are proprietary they may not be available as software.

** In AVR Up/down-scaling / conversions are usually handled by specialized chips.

** An AVR typically handles volume in analogue domain.

** The remote control of an AVR can't only operate the AVR with convenience, but can usually eliminate the need for multiple-remotes by unifying functions of multiple remotes and by learning to synchronize the operation of various devices. This simplification of operational ergonomics is of unparalleled value to most users.

** An AVR typically facilitates daisy-chaining of remote controls.

** Most AVRs these days can be used as a standalone DAC (stereo as well as multichannel).


There must be more things they can do that escapes my mind at this moment.

 

[Santy]

ranjeet has summarised well before I could respond.

• Audio & video are in one box when it comes to AVR/ prepro while you have two independent devices in HTPC - the GPU and sound card.
• Depending on options, the sound quality of a prepro can be much beyond a high end sound card.
• The ADC part of sound cards / interfaces are unused in HT application, so your money goes for something not used.
• The sound card is heavily dependent on the quality of computer's PSU whereas the prepro could have a very high quality power supply depending on which brand/ model we look at.
• Besides remote, many handy operations are controlled by physical switches on the processor while its all soft controls on PC.
• Licenses for room correction software (like Dirac) are very expensive to buy for PC
• Prepro is essentially a plug and play device whereas it takes a great deal of knowledge and effort to setup HTPC properly. Usage too is highly user friendly in prepro and quite complicated when it comes to HTPC.
• AVR/ prepro supports muti zone audio and I am not sure if sound card offers that.
• These days we have exclusive apps for AVR/prepro but in case of HTPC you have only for the players and even if you have another for sound card, you would need two apps.
• Surround sound decoding, DSP, video processing etc all takes away plenty of PC power.
• A calibration mic is usually a part of the prepro package but you need to buy it separately. Setting it up on PC is another pain.
• AVR/ pre pro have good displays besides OSD, that reads out useful information whereas HTPC relies only on the OSD.
• A BDP + Prepro for 3D is pretty straight forward, but in HTPC, well...
• Almost all prepro have 12v trigger output(s) for HT automation. Not sure if a HT sound card has it.
• Last but not the least, there are plenty of options when it comes to AVR, quite many for prepro but hardly a handful for HT sound card.