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Marantz has announced that a fee-based firmware upgrade for the new Auro-3D surround-sound format will be available for its SR7009 receiver (shown, $1,999) and the AV7702 preamp/processor ($1,999) in early December. Both models have built-in Dolby Atmos surround sound processing.

The cost of the upgrade was not announced but the company said information will be available soon at us.marantz.com.

Unlike Atmos, which uses object-based mixing, Auro-3D is a discrete but scalable 13.1-channel system, with most installations optimized at 11.1 channels. Auro-3D divides the speakers into three vertical layers: A lower-layer with ear-level speakers at the front, sides, and back, height speakers situated just above ear level, and an overhead ceiling speaker referred to as the “voice of god” channel.

For more information on Auro-3D, see ”Full Immersion: Auro-3D Auriga Home Theater Receiver”, which includes an interview with Auro Technologies CEO Wilfried Van Baelen.