Premium Audio Company (PAC) has released a firmware update for its flagship audio video receivers (AVRs) that will improve audio playback, functionality, and room correction experience. Firmware updates will allow users to optimize performance on the Integra DRX-8.4, Onkyo TX-RZ70, Elite VSX-LX805, and Pioneer VSX-LX805 models launched in Spring 2023.
Addition of Auro-3D for Three-Dimensional Sound Experiences
Auro-3D is an advanced audio technology and format that creates a more realistic audio experience by layering sound via lower, height, and top channels. Audio that has been mastered in Auro-3D format and played through one of our flagships AVRs will immerse the listener in a dynamic soundstage compatible in both home and commercial cinema environments. Auro-Matic is the unique up-mixing technology that transforms existing content such as mono, stereo, and surround sound into a natural 3D experience.
Roon Ready for High-Resolution Audio Decoding, Playback
In a major upgrade for audiophiles with Roon subscriptions, this firmware update certifies our flagship AVRs are Roon Ready, proving via compatibility testing that they met the standards set by Roon Labs to ensure a smooth and optimized user experience. Roon is the revolutionary music player for true music fanatics that combines locally saved files with streams from TIDAL and Qobuz to create a vast, interconnected digital library of high-resolution files rich in artist content and metadata.
Pre-amp Mode
Pre-amp mode turns off the Power Amp output and changes the products to Preamp-only mode. By turning off the Power Amp output, the Signal/Noise level is slightly improved, and the sound quality is also improved. It also reduces power consumption. Pre-amp mode will expand the range of use of the AVRs, which is why we decided to include it in these products.
Source Based Tone Mapping for HDMI2.1a
Source-Based Tone Mapping (SBTM) allows a portion of the HDR mapping to be performed by the source device, rather than the display device, automatically producing an optimized HDR signal to maximize processing and display capability without manual user configuration.
Dolby Atmos Music Playback Capability for Amazon Music HD
Dolby Atmos Music uses ground-breaking Dolby Atmos® technology to elevate audio experiences beyond the realm of movies and TV, allowing music creators to produce and mix music with spatial audio elements for a more immersive experience. With this new firmware update, our flagship AVRs are some of the world’s first audio video receivers to play Dolby Atmos content via Amazon Music HD.
Improved Dirac Room Correction Delay Times
Improved Dirac Live room correction delay times will allow users more flexible speaker placement as automatic sound field correction technology, such as that employed by Dirac Live, can correct for varying speaker distances. This firmware update will increase compensation from 20ms up to 50ms, which translates to correction delays for speakers from a further distance away (approx.6.8 meters to nearly 17 meters).
“The latest software updates delivered by PAC engineering reinforce our continued commitment to music and home theater enthusiasts. Strike that… our customers go beyond the enthusiast level. They are truly the heartbeat that drives sound and video innovation, and we are thrilled to be part of their journey,” said Rob Vieira, senior director of AVR brands of Premium Audio Company, Americas.
This firmware update will be indicated via on-screen display and front panel display for Onkyo, Elite, and Pioneer models connected to the internet. For non-connected devices, software can be downloaded from the website and uploaded via USB drive. The firmware update will be available on the Integra AVR by navigating to the “Setup Firmware Menu” and following the on-screen prompts.
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