Description
When the XMC-1 was originally developed, the current video standard was HDMI 1.4b, which supported 1080p video, streaming video in HD, and HD Blu-Ray discs. Since then, the HDMI standard has gone through one major revision, and several minor ones. The current version of the HDMI standard is HDMI 2.0b (with HDCP 2.2), which supports 4k UHD video, both static and dynamic HDR, and the Dolby Vision proprietary HDR standard. The benefits of the new standard include a sharper picture, with brighter highlights, better contrast, and more vibrant colors. 4k video is currently available in the form of 4k UHD Blu-Ray discs, and is currently supported by many cable companies and streaming content providers, and 4k UHD displays and projectors are becoming ever more popular.
Because Emotiva developed the XMC-1 to be modular, and avoid the obsolescence so common with other home theater products, they are pleased to announce the release of the new HDMI 2.0b Video Upgrade Board for the XMC-1. By installing this upgrade any XMC-1 can be upgraded to fully support HDMI 2.0b, including the latest 4k UHD video and HDR color standards. Every XMC-1 sold from this point forward will include this upgrade, and it will be available as an upgrade for every XMC-1 we’ve sold so far.
What The Upgrade Does
With this upgrade installed, your XMC-1 will support HDMI 2.0b and HDCP 2.2 on all of its eight HDMI video inputs and both of its HDMI outputs. Support is included for the full 18 Gbps video bandwidth specified by HDMI 2.0b, which includes support for 4k UHD video modes up to 4k/60, with full HDR and dynamic HDR capabilities, including Dolby Vision, 4:4:4 chroma subsampling, and dazzling 12 bit color.
Upgrade Eligibility Details
The new HDMI 2.0b Video Upgrade Board is compatible with every XMC-1 ever sold.
Because all XMC-1 units sold by Emotiva after June 2018 already include the HDMI 2.0b Video Board, this upgrade does NOT apply to units purchased after that date.
Installation
The HDMI 2.0b Video Upgrade Board replaces the current HDMI video circuit board in your XMC-1. The upgrade procedure, which is quite similar to upgrading a circuit board in a computer, involves opening the top cover of the XMC-1, removing several screws and disconnecting several ribbon cables, switching the new circuit board for the original, and replacing the ribbon cables and screws. The firmware in the XMC-1 will also have to be upgraded during installation.
Emotiva offer users the option of replacing the circuit board themselves, or having the upgrade installed by Emotiva. If the upgrade is performed by Emotiva, in addition to installing the new circuit board, Emotiva will test your XMC-1 to ensure that the upgrade is operating properly, and that your XMC-1 is otherwise performing up to its original specifications.
