DTS has collaborated with Sound United to integrate DTS Virtual: X into select A/V receivers from Denon and Marantz via firmware upgrade. The new technology is intended to deliver a virtual height or rear “rich, immersive” surround sound field, without the need for actual speakers to do the job.
DTS claims that, according to its research, less than 30% of consumers who buy multichannel A/V receivers actually connect height speakers and less than 48% of consumers connect rear surround speakers. The Virtual: X solution allows home theater equipment buyers to simulate the presence of height and/or rear immersive audio speakers until they upgrade to an “even better immersive sound experience when they’re able to add additional speakers to their system”.
“We are excited to partner with the Denon and Marantz brands to integrate DTS Virtual: X technology into A/V receivers for the first time,” says Joanna Skrdlant, general manager of DTS parent group Xperi Corporation. “DTS Virtual:X technology provides consumers an immersive sound experience even if they only attach stereo, 5.1 or 7.1 speakers to their AV receivers. Our partnership with these legendary brands reinforces our continued commitment to deliver consumers premium sound in the comfort of their home.”
As of today’s announcement, the DTS Virtual: X firmware update is available for the following Denon and Marantz receivers: Denon AVR-S730H (US only), Denon AVR-S930H (US only), Denon AVR-X1400H, Denon AVR-X2400H, Denon AVR-X3400H, Marantz NR1608 and Marantz SR5012. Further models from Denon and Marantz are expected to be added to the firmware-ready lineup in January and February 2018 respectively.
“We are proud to announce that our customers will now be able to update select A/V receivers to incorporate DTS Virtual:X technology,” said Richard Velazquez, global head of brand for Denon. “It proves our constant mission to offer brand new technologies to existing products, adding value for our trusted customers.”
DTS Virtual: X is deliverable from any input source from stereo to a 7.1.4 configuration, and will support an immersive audio experience over speaker layouts from 2.0 stereo, up to 5.1 and 7.1.
Martin, a seasoned journalist and AV expert, has written for several notable print magazines. He’s served in key roles at Lucasfilm’s THX Division, NEC’s digital cinema division, and has even consulted for DreamWorks. Despite his illustrious career, Martin remains rooted in his passion for cinema and acting, with notable appearances in several Spielberg films, Doctor Who, and Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. He currently resides in San Francisco.
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