That matches my understanding of automatic lip sync. Plus, it just makes sense - for the feature to truly work, every component in the signal path that might be applying video processing (and thus potentially incurring a video signal delay) must be able to contribute to the determination of the sync delay. Otherwise, you will always have the potential to need to manually tweak the sync delay to account for the device that lacks automatic capability.

Auto lip-sync OK on the hi-End Model (1k?), but only manual adjust over modest range for the cost effective controller. "We don't need no stinkin' automatic stuff in the new entry level system controller (Model 980?) -- please." Just switching at HDMI 1.3 on 3 inputs (min) or 4 inputs (ideal) with one output. Extraction of audio stream into Dolby/DTS HD decodes and 8 chan audio also required on analog outputs. Also, modest flexibility on bass management and no balanced lines in or out please. Default 5.1 decode of streams from Dolby and DTS required and fiber input on at least a couple channels assumed (from the player or tuner).

No "big" added cost please on up-converting video. If the source output (tuner, HD DVD or BluRay players) or the receiver (TV monitor or projector) do not support, then we do not need to pay. New audio capability and 1920x1080p video support on the switching and control, and maybe, just maybe, up-convert to 1920x1080i for component output - if price point can be meet. Got to keep the new model (980?) at the $800 (absolute max $899) price point level out the door (of the website). For you rich guys (and gals) out there ready to shell-out $1500+ for a new box, let us in the "have-nots" crowd have something also. Outlaws - hold the line on the feature set for the new "lower cost" box (980?) - please.

When are we going to see it? I look at my e-mail every day for that big announcement from the OL's.
Thanks.

They both need manual, because the automatic will only work if you have also upgraded your entire signal path to HDMI v1.3 with automatic lip sync support (which is an optional aspect of v1.3, thus not guaranteed). Aside from that bit of nit-pickery, I agree. As for when, I still think it'll be spring at the earliest, but I've been wrong before...

I've been following this thread and the developments on the Onkyo / Denon side, and I'm wondering...

If the 990 and/or 970's successor does not include Audyssey MultiEQ (or similar scheme), would it be a deal breaker for you?

A few weeks ago, I personally would have said "no;" but I've read so many great things about Audyssey, I would now have serious reservations.

Apart from the benefits of dialing in the room response and optimizing multiple seating locations, I would be able to unload my SMS-1 and thus have one less box and cables cluttering my A/V rack.

From where I'm sitting (in my teeny tiny sweet spot), that's pretty tempting.

I really haven't decided either way yet. Audyssey has come a long way since its early forms, and the MultEQ version apparently yields good results in most cases. There has also been some chatter in a couple places about an alternative or two that could be on par with it (one that I've seen just a little bit about is Trinnov). For the 970 replacement, I don't know that I'd expect to see either, although some form of automatic EQ would probably be appreciated. For the 990 replacement, interest in something on par with Audyssey is likely to be high.

Well stated, gonk; I've got to wonder though: You can pick up the Onkyo TX-SR705 receiver -- which includes Audyssey MultiEQ -- for about $650 online. At the opposite side of the spectrum, the Onkyo pro and Integra pre/pros with Audyssey MultiEQ retail for $1,600 - $2,000. That makes me think the Audyssey processor is not the determining factor in the price differential. I could be wrong. Perhaps Onkyo has some sweetheart deal based on volume of sales that Outlaw could never touch.

If not, I would hope everyone would pay roughly the same for the chips and salsa that make Audyssey work (isn't that the case with surround processing chips?). Therefore, Outlaw could include it in the next generation of pre/pros and compete with the big dogs.

I realize I may be missing something here in terms of economies of scale, so if my reasoning is way off on this one, let me know.

Here's the difference directly from the manufacturer:

http://www.audyssey.com/products/products_onkyo.html

Notice how the high end versions use more measurement points in the room. Also, notice how the filter resolution changes. Basically the more advanced versions have more bands of EQ that can be used to tweak the signal further.

Hope that helps.

My father in law just bought an Integra for $1100 and I think it's using up to 10 points in the room...I've only demo'd it for an hour or so but it seems like a nice unit.

Heh, that's just a selling point, doubt that it adds any actual cost to the unit.

Actually, I'm pretty sure it does add some cost to the unit as it takes more DSP power to process more points.

Take a digital audio sampling rate as an example. The more times you sample the wave, the smoother the curve you're going to get. The Audyssey is taking the same approach, more points equal a smoother response. That's a very simplified explanation but is the best I can do on a Friday night.