Onkyoís TX-DS989 Is Worldís First Receiver With 7.1-Channel THXÆ Surround EXô and a ""Future-Proof"" Upgradeable Processor

State Of The Art Today - State Of The Art Tomorrow

2-May-00

Onkyo has introduced the worldís first home theatre receiver with 7.1-channel THXÆ Surround EXô, seven built-in 130-watt amplifiers and a groundbreaking open architecture design that wonít become obsolete the instant someone announces another new format for digital audio or home theatre sound. This technology will allow owners of the new Onkyo TX-DS989 to easily upgrade their processors to accommodate future digital audio formats.When a new format, such as the soon-to-be-released DVD-Audio standard is introduced, Onkyo will create a software application that will allow the TX-DS989 to correctly process the new format. The upgrade can then be loaded into the receiverís built-in flash memory via an RS-232 data port. These updates will cover more than just decoding standards. Other likely upgrades will include new DSP algorithms, and software for a planned IEEE1394 interface. Registered owners will be notified as new upgrade applications become available. Initially, software upgrades will be handled by authorized Onkyo service centers and some dealers. This will allow the company to identify any unforeseen problems that could potentially damage the receiver's operating system. Assuming the upgrade procedures prove to be trouble-free and consumer-friendly, the company's goal is to make them available on the Onkyo USA Web site.""This is the worldís first truly ëfuture-proofí receiver, and the first seven-channel THX Surround EX receiver,"" said Mark Friedman, Onkyoís Senior Vice President. ""Thanks to its open architecture design, it can handle any digital audio format on the market today, and it can be upgraded to handle the formats of tomorrow.""In addition to this remarkable upgrade capability, the Onkyo TS-DX989 is the first receiver include Lucasfilmís new THX Surround EX format with 7.1 channels of dedicated digital audio backed by 130 watts of power for each of the seven channels. This new format builds on DolbyÆ Digital Surround EX by using left and right back surround speakers instead just a single rear speaker to supplement the side surround speakers. Listeners will now be able to enjoy a fully-integrated 360-degree soundstage, and even sounds overhead. In addition, the Onkyo TS-DX989 has dual ""point-one"" line-level subwoofer outputs for the optimum reproduction of low-frequency sound effects.The Onkyo TS-DS989 has just about every feature and capability the home theatre enthusiast could imagine. With processing for DTSÆ, Dolby Digital and MPEG digital audio, it can deliver outstanding sound from any source. It has 192kHz/24-bit DACs that provide a system bandwidth of 96 kHz and a potential dynamic range approaching 120dB for all seven channels. The Onkyo TS-DX989 has extremely capable preamplifier and amplifier stages. Each of the seven channels is FTC rated at 130 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 160 watts into 6 ohms from 20 to 20,000Hz with less than 0.05 percent distortion. The power amplifier section uses Onkyoís proprietary WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology) to achieve a bandwidth at rated power of 5 to 100,000Hz +1, -3dB. WRAT virtually eliminates the adverse effects of counter-electromotive force with a low-negative-feedback topology and the use of very high-tolerance parts in critical sections. When it comes to connectivity, the Onkyo TS-DS989 has every input and output the enthusiast could need. These include nine digital inputs, three optical, five coaxial and one RF for LaserDisc. The optical and coaxial inputs can be assigned to any of six video and three audio sources. Each video input has coaxial and S-Video connectors and there are three assignable component video inputs. Other connections include a phono input, a 7.1-channel analog input for external processors, an RS-232 upgrade and communications port, and provisions for adding an IEEE1394 connection once the industry standard is ratified. There are also outputs for seven speakers, two line-level subwoofer outputs, tape loops for two video and two audio recorders, one component video, two composite video, plus dual zone audio and video, and connectors for AM and FM antennas. For the home theatre enthusiast or the custom installer, the Onkyo TX-DS989 offers exceptional convenience. The rear-panel RS-232 port provides complete integration with home media controllers like Panja, AMX, Phast, Crestron and others. The receiver is also dual zone audio and video with full infrared control capabilities and optional remote eyes. The TX-DS989 has an easy-to-read backlit learning remote control with an LCD display and it can learn up to 16 macro functions. The remote control can operate any other Onkyo component and be trained to control products from other manufacturers.The Onkyo TX-DS-989 is very ruggedly built, with a heavy-gauge anti-resonant steel chassis and aircraft-grade brushed aluminum front panel. A motorized front-panel door slides down to reveal less-used controls. The TX-DS989 will be available in May 2000 with a manufacturerís suggested retail price of $3200.Source: Gordon Sell Public Relations