Marantz Debuts HDMI 1.3a Switcher at CES 2008

[AVRevForum.com]

Marantz America will introduce an ultimate-quality HDMI version 1.3a Switcher (Model VS3002, SRP: $349.99) at CES 2008. The VS3002 (shipping in February 2008) is designed to provide increased switching capabilities for virtually any A/V Receiver or Preamp/processor when used with today’s most advanced HDMI based video sources, including Blu-Ray and HD-DVD video formats.

With its HDMI version 1.3a (6-In/2-Out) switching capability, discrete set of commands, RS-232c control terminal and direct IR input jacks, the VS3002 is designed with the custom installer in mind. It is the perfect “add-on” product to expand any HDMI based home theater system. And thanks to its switching capability between six inputs and two outputs, it affords an easy and reliable solution for multi-display home entertainment installations.

The VS3002 is designed for simple plug-and-play connectivity, and features automatic input switching for ease of use. The unit’s output signal emphasizer ensures that the highest quality video signal is being passed along to today’s high-definition displays and is especially useful for maintaining optimum performance through long cable runs. In addition, a special Sync Mode feature makes the VS3002 the ideal companion for use with Marantz A/V receivers and projectors as input/output switching is automatically recognized. RS-232 control, IR input/output, and a Multi-voltage power supply adds to its flexibility in a HDMI based multi display home entertainment system.

[deacongreg]

Superb, absolutely excellent. The type of product we all need. Though, I imagine, if this Blu-Ray victory is going to happen, there will be only one HD DVD player to connect now.

[PalmHarbor]

This is interesting as Marantz did not add HDMI inputs into their receivers until this year.

[Harleyujoe]

Would this new 1.3a switcher work on a Marantz SR 8001 receiver that is 1.2
and improve the audio and video and update it to what the SR 8002 receiver is.
Thank You Joe

[kennyt]

It wouldn't do anything for the audio, the 8001 is HDMI 1.2 so it can accept multichannel PCM but not the bitstream for high res audio formats, the video section in the 8001/8002 both only upconvert to 480p (kind of a joke) so no there either.