Audio Video News

At the end of January, San Francisco-based Parasound will begin shipping its highly anticipated Halo C1 audio/video controller. The Halo C1 and its sibling, the Halo C 2, are said to allow audiophiles to control their acoustic environment in ways never before possible with consumer products. The two new models are THX Ultra2-certified, multichannel A/V controllers with sophisticated DSP engines, and are claimed to deliver "previously unattainable levels of performance and control, while remaining exceptionally easy to set up and operate."

The result of three years of research and development by designers in the US, Finland and Norway, the C1 is "an instrument of such exquisite refinement" that is "truly in a class by itself," according to Parasound president Richard Schram.

The Halo C 1 has a feature found on only a few other reference-grade controllers: a 5" front-panel LCD video monitor that can duplicate the program and/or on-screen display on the component's faceplate. (The C2 has a fluorescent alphanumeric display.) Both the Halo C 1 and C 2 provide the complete "alphabet" of all the latest state-of the-art surround processing modes, while future processing modes will be available via an upgradeable processor and software, according to a January 27 announcement.

An RS-232 port interfaces with home automation systems or a Windows PC for set-up, control, and processor upgrades. Available Parasound "HaloControl" software allows the user or custom installer to manage all the set-up and control functions, and to backup user settings. An included microphone makes system setup easy with an automated calibration program.

A unique feature on the C1 is four programmable output channels that expand surround sound potential beyond the limits of conventional 7.1 channel systems. These four additional channels let users fine-tune the sound of their system in ways not possible with other controllers. Programmable outputs consist of a second Subwoofer/LFE channel, a sub-20 Hz LFE bass channel to drive a tactile transducer "room shaker," and two completely customizable output channels. Each programmable channel has independent adjustments to mix its content from any or all of the eight main channels, plus adjustments for level and time-delay, and controls for high- and low-pass filters. Possible uses include "true stereo subwoofers," a dedicated rear-channel subwoofer, additional front or surround channels, mid-ceiling speakers for improved front-rear pans and improved spatial ambience, or mono channels for single speakers in adjacent rooms. The C1 and C2 both have multi-zone capability.

The back panel of the $6000 C1 sports professional-grade balanced XLR audio and BNC video connections. The $4000 C2 has fewer inputs, a different power supply, and lacks the video monitor, but is said to offer the same audio and video performance as the C1. The C1's internal video circuit can be turned off for purist audio use. The controller comes with two remote controls. Except for the video monitor, slightly fewer connections, and some differences in the power supply, the smaller Halo C 2's provides the same sonic and video prowess as the C 1.

The C1 exceeds his "highest expectations," Schram said. "It will have great appeal both to custom installers, who want to get the system running right and get it done fast, and to audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts, who want to fine-tune their systems to within the last fraction of sonic perfection."