Audio Video News

DTS and Sound United today announced a firmware update that integrates simplified DTS Virtual:X processing into seven AV receivers from Marantz and Denon.

DTS Virtual:X uses psychoacoustics-based processing for virtual height and virtual surround to enable DTS:X-like immersive sound with any content without the need for separate height or rear speakers.

The move to include DTS Virtual:X processing acknowledges DTS research showing that fewer than 30 percent of consumers who purchase multichannel AV receivers actually connect the height speakers and fewer than 48 percent connect rear surround speakers.

The firmware update is available for the Marantz NR1608 and SR5012 AV receivers and the following Denon AV receivers:

• AVR-S730H
• AVR-S930H
• AVR-X1400H
• AVR-X2400H
• AVR-X3400H

Both brands plan to expand the firmware update to other DTS:X-equipped models in December and January 2018.

Designed to work with all DTS codecs, including the flagship DTS:X, 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, according to DTS. An upmixer is said to provide a natural, immersive experience for legacy content.

For more information on DTS Virtual:X, visit dts.com.

For more information on the firmware updates, visit us.marantz.com and usa.denon.com.