Sound United is adding DTS Virtual:X technology to AV receivers for the first time. Select Denon and Marantz AV receivers are now able to receive a DTS Virtual:X firmware update to provide consumers with immersive sound in their home theaters without the need for height or rear speakers.
“We are excited to partner with the Denon and Marantz brands to integrate DTS Virtual:X technology in AV receivers for the first time,” said Joanna Skrdlant, general manager, home audio at DTS parent company 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 AV 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 AV receivers actually connect the height speakers and fewer than 48 percent of consumers connect the rear surround speakers. DTS Virtual:X technology in an AV receiver gives consumers an unparalleled sound experience without the need for additional speakers while still allowing consumers to upgrade for an even better immersive sound experience when they’re able to add additional speakers to their system.
“We are proud to announce that our customers will now be able to update select AV 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.”
The DTS Virtual:X firmware update is now available in exclusive Denon and Marantz AV receivers, including the Denon AVR-S730H (U.S. only), Denon AVR-S930H (U.S. only), Denon AVR-X1400H, Denon AVR-X2400H, Denon AVR-X3400H, Marantz NR1608 and Marantz SR5012 and will expand to other DTS:X models in December 2017 and January 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.
