ARCAM AURO-3D UPDATE

If you own an Arcam AVR10, AVR20, AVR30 or AV40 receiver, you can update it to Auro-3D surround sound via a firmware update that’s available right now.

Auro-3D is an immersive—and fully backwards compatible—technology and format that creates a full, three-dimensional space around the listener primarily due to the addition of a ‘height’ layer. Although Auro-3D is increasingly becoming available on Blu-ray, it will work with ‘non-Auro’ content. “Whatever the resolution of the audio input, all these Arcam receivers will automatically up-mix the audio content to the AURO-3D format,” said Nigel Ng, of Advance Audio, which distributes Arcam in Australia. “So irrespective of the original signal— mono, stereo, or 5.7/7.1 surround—listeners will be able to enjoy the thrilling effect of sound in 3D.”

Although users do require an Auro-3D configured speaker array, Ng said this is easily and economically achievable. “AURO-3D capable speaker formations do not require ceiling speakers” he said. “Simply mounting speakers above the existing surround layer will enable the required vertical stereo field. The AURO-3D-equipped ARCAM models add a ‘height layer’ directly above the speakers at 30 degrees.”

To take advantage you’ll need one of the above Arcam devices, a Blu-ray player with the appropriate discs and an Auro-3D-configured speaker array, which involves anything from a 9.1-channel speaker array up to a 13.1-channel array. “We’re very pleased to have AURO-3D on our products allowing the end-user greater choice and flexibility,” said Nick Clarke, of Arcam. “I’m excited by the possibilities it brings to the experience of ARCAM users—both now and in the future.”

For more information, contact Advance Audio Australia on (02) 9561 0799 or visit www.advanceaudio.com.au