Onkyo Debuts ""Future-Proof"" A/V Receiver

2-May-00

Welcome to the fast-paced world of digital, where any product you buy is half obsolete when it leaves the store and fully obsolete by the time you unpack it. Except for this one: Onkyoís TX-DS989 home theatre receiver. Right out of the box, it comes equipped to decode every US and European multichannel standard, including DolbyÆ Digital, DTSÆ, MPEG and THXÆ Surround EXô (it is, in fact, the worldís first 7.1-channel receiver) - and, to handle any formats yet to come, its decoders are software-upgradeable via a bidirectional RS232 port. Those updates will cover more than just decoding standards. Other likely upgrades include DVD-Audio and SACD processing, new DSP algorithms, and software for a planned IEEE1394 interface. ""This technology is the best answer to consumer complaints that modern products can become obsolete overnight,"" said Sergio Batista, Onkyoís National Product Manager. ""Now, just install the new software, and it is like getting a new component.""Registered owners will be notified as new upgrade applications become available. Initially, software upgrades will be handled by authorized Onkyo service centers in order to identify any unforeseen problems. 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.Hardware provisions are already in place for these and other upgrades. Onkyo supplied the TX-DS989 with 24-bit, 192kHz D/A converters, ready for the highest data rates from DVD-Audio and SACD. Space is already reserved on the front panel for the IEEE1394 interface. A 7.1-channel input connector allows easy connection of any conceivable multichannel decoder or signal source. Component-video outputs and inputs stand ready to handle advanced video equipment - even HDTV, thanks to video switching with response out to 40MHz. The remote control can learn the control codes of infrared remotes for components not even on the drawing boards yet.And TX-DS989 owners neednít upgrade their receiver to upgrade or expand their systems now. Audio and video outputs and switching are already in place for multiroom/multisource operation. The RS232 port allows easy interface with touch-screen and home-automation controllers from Panja (AMX/Phast), Crestron, and others.The Onkyo TX-DS989ís WRAT wide-range amplifier delivers 130 watts to each of its seven channels; thatís plenty for almost any speaker, especially when bass is handled by separately powered subwoofers. Nevertheless, line-level outputs are provided for all channels, permitting the use of larger external amplifiers. Need to augment the bass or to overcome unusual acoustic problems? The TX-DS989 has not one but two line-level subwoofer outputs. Preamp jacks with loop-back allow the use of equalizers or other signal processors in all three front channels. Five coaxial and three optical digital inputs are provided, as well as an RF input for AC-3 signals from LaserDisc players. Analog connections are provided for four video sources, two video recorders, two audio recorders, and to audio sources. Thereís even an RIAA phono input, because Onkyo understands that preparing for the future should not rule out the best of the past.The Onkyo TS-DX989 will be available in May 2000. Source: Gordon Sell Public Relation