DTS, now a wholly owned subsidiary of Xperi Corporation, announced its collaboration with Sound United to integrate DTS Virtual:X technology in A/V receivers for the first time. Sound United is the parent company to Polk Audio, and Definitive Technology, which acquired the D+M Group, owner of the Denon, HEOS by Denon, Marantz, and Boston Acoustics brands, in February 2017. Now, select Denon and Marantz A/V receivers will be able to receive a DTS Virtual:X firmware update to provide users with immersive sound, even when there are no height or rear speakers in place.
“We are excited to partner with the Denon and Marantz brands to integrate DTS Virtual:X technology in A/V receivers for the first time,” says Joanna Skrdlant, general manager, home audio at Xperi. “DTS Virtual:X technology provides consumers an immersive sound experience even if they only attach stereo, 5.1 or 7.1 speakers to their A/V receivers. Our partnership with these legendary brands reinforces our continued commitment to deliver consumers premium sound in the comfort of their home.”
DTS’ research shows that, for a variety of reasons, fewer than 30 percent of consumers who purchase multichannel A/V receivers actually connect the height speakers and fewer than 48 percent of consumers connect the rear surround speakers. DTS Virtual:X technology in an A/V receiver gives consumers an improved sound experience without the need for additional speakers while still allowing an upgrade for an even better immersive sound experience when users are able to add additional speakers to their system.
“We are proud to announce that our customers will now be able to update select A/V receivers to incorporate DTS Virtual:X technology,” says 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.”
The DTS Virtual:X firmware update is now available in exclusive Denon and Marantz A/V receivers, including the Denon AVR-S730H (US only), Denon AVR-S930H (US only), Denon AVR-X1400H, Denon AVR-X2400H, Denon AVR-X3400H, Marantz NR1608 and Marantz SR5012, and will expand to additional Denon DTS:X models in January 2018 and additional Marantz DTS:X models in February 2018.
DTS Virtual:X technology supports any input source from stereo to a 7.1.4 layout (11.1 channels) and plays back an immersive experience over speaker layouts from 2.0 stereo up to 5.1 and even 7.1. DTS Virtual:X has been designed to work with all DTS codecs, including the flagship DTS:X. For legacy content, an efficient upmixer is included to provide a natural, immersive experience. The flexibility of its architecture enables product manufacturers to utilize one or more features concurrently, including Virtual Height and Virtual Surround.
www.dts.com | www.xperi.com | www.soundunited.com
