Yes. The smaller manufactures view their systems as upgradable platforms.
This can be done but it is expensive. HDMI 2.1 is 8K and as pointed out in the video there is virtually no 8K source material.
There are HDMI 2.1 features worth having beyond 8K, instant source switching, eArc, and the gamer stuff looks cool.
Current HDMI boards can require 2 to 4 times the power, so it is likely the power supply will need to be upgraded.
Emotiva has chosen to implement a new processor family with an option to factory upgrade. I suspect that all that will remain is the case.
JBL has also decided to implement new models.
New models address part availability issues, fundamental design flaws, and basically improve the design from lessons learned.
The reality is that a future proof processor is not possible because who knows what the future holds.
I had the Integra "Nostradamus" of processors that did not receive a single update.
The supply chain not only introduces delays and part manufactures often streamline their offerings.
Parts become unavailable and boards rework becomes necessary.
I believe the HTP-1 is a MDS design, as was the Emotiva XMC-1, so the implementation has more established roots to the platform is not really 1.0.
Monoprice may continue to make an HTP-1 that includes a new power supply, new HDMI board.
Eventually, it may include new DACs and DSPs. At some point, there customers require qualifiers to describe the version.
Denin (kidding) has different 3700H AVRs, informed buyers might want the AKM version.
I think at some point, it simply makes sense to up the model number.
Manufacturers embrace this because they can market the new version.
- Rich
