DTS:X, Auro-3D & the power of firmware
Several of our Sound+Image award-winning receivers are having their abilities enhanced through the power of the firmware upgrade.
Yamaha has released firmware bringing DTS:X to three Aventage AV receiver models — the RX-A3050, RX-A2050 and RX-A1050 — plus the CX-A5100 AV pre-amp processor, all of which already include Dolby Atmos processing (and, of course, a whole lot more).
Denon and Marantz AV receivers have gone one step further and can now be updated to allow Auro-3D surround processing — although unlike the recent free firmware upgrades for DTS-X compatibility, there is a charge for the Auro-3D upgrade. Confirmed by QualiFi in Australia as ready for the update are two Marantz models, the SR7010 AV receiver and the AV7702mkII surround preamplifier, along with five Denon AV receivers, the AVR-X4100W, AVR-X4200W, AVR-X5200W, AVR-X6200W, AVR-X7200WA, and the Sound+Image award-winning AVR-X7200W. In the Australian market these upgrades can be obtained through the European websites; this will require a PayPal account, and the cost is €149 (about $220).
Another technology to keep an eye on is FireConnect’s multiroom technology, developed by Blackfire Research, and used in Harman Kardon’s Omni system (see p51). Pioneer and Onkyo have now announced it will include FireConnect in upcoming receivers; for a more detailed brief on this technology, see our primer at www.avhub.com.au/fireconnect