Kenwood Home Theatre Receiver Line Offers THXÆ Select Certification, Component Video Switching And New DolbyÆ Pro Logic II Processing

Most Components Offer DVD-Audio Compatibility, All Equipped with DolbyÆ Digital and DTSÆ Decoding

16-Mar-01

Delivering features and technologies associated with advanced, costly home theatre components, Kenwood USA Corp. introduced five Kenwood home theatre receivers for 2001, including a THXÆ Select-certified component and the worldís first receivers equipped with new DolbyÆ Pro Logic II audio processing.Debuting products at the International Consumer Electronics Show, Kenwood demonstrated its VR-500 series receivers, including several models priced below $500 that offer component and S-Video switching, Dolby Digital and DTSÆ Digital Surroundô decoding, multiple DSP modes, digital inputs and outputs, DVD-Audio compatibility (with six-channel analog inputs), and an exclusive preprogrammed and learning RF/IR remote control with an LCD display. ""No manufacturer comes close to offering the combination of performance and convenience features found in our receivers at comparable prices,"" said Brian Towne, Kenwoodís National Product Manager for Home Electronics. ""Once consumers start learning about Dolby Pro Logic II and find out that Kenwood has it months before anyone else, weíll realize a significant advantage on the sales floor."" According to Towne, the new models are the line-leading VR-510, Kenwoodís THX Select-certified receiver, the VR-509, VR-507, VR-506, and VR-505. Other than the VR-510, which is rated at 110 watts per channel with five channels, all models offer 100 watts per channel into five channels, plus an output for a powered subwoofer.Electronically, the VR-510 and VR-509 are identical except for the VR-510ís more powerful amplifier, THX features, multi-zone capability, and rear panel IR sensor input. The VR-509 is a full digital 5.1 channel home theatre receiver, equipped to faithfully reproduce Dolby Digital and DTS soundtracks from DVD-Video sources, as well as DVD-Audio, and to provide switching for component, S-Video, and composite video sources. The VR-509 offers the added benefit of Dolby Pro Logic II (PLII) surround technology, which is designed to enhance two-channel stereo and ""matrixed"" analog stereo sources, particularly Dolby Pro LogicÆ soundtracks on VHS tape or disc, for playback through a discrete 5.1-channel audio system. PLII creates a more expansive surround sound effect with full-range frequency response in all channels. The receiver also offers Dolby 3 Stereo and Circle SurroundÆ 5.1 processing. For ease of use and convenience, the VR-509 comes with Kenwoodís exclusive Pointlessô RF learning/preprogrammed remote control. The remote employs both RF and IR technology, which allows it to ""talk"" to the receiver from virtually any room in the home. Though the use of IR repeaters, you can control other components in your system through RF or by IR directly from the remote. The remote is both a preprogrammed universal as well as a learning remote, which means that it is preprogrammed with codes for most if not all IR controlled equipment already owned, including non-Kenwood gear. But if not, the remote can be quickly ""taught"" additional new IR codes. The remote includes an LCD display, and disc title information from Kenwood mega-changers can be downloaded directly to the remote for disc selection by title on the remoteís LCD display. DSP modes, handled by the receiverís 24-bit crystal semiconductor DSP, can be used to simulate arena, theatre, jazz club, stadium, and disco environments. The receiver also provides six-channel analog input, required for the multichannel playback of DVD-Audio discs.  The receiverís amplifier section is based on Kenwoodís exclusive KAM-1 power amplifier circuitry, which delivers 100 watts to all channels (stereo or surround mode, 20Hz-20kHz, 0.7% THD, 8 ohms). Other audio features include a pink noise generator for speaker balancing during setup and a two-stage midnight theatre mode, which decreases the soundtrackís dynamic range to avoid disturbing others in the household. A Cinema EQ mode is incorporated to improve sound performance with small satellite speakers. For superior A/D and D/A signal conversion, the VR-509 employs converters with 24-bit resolution for each channel.  The receiverís tuner section employs quartz PLL digital synthesized tuning, provides 40 station presets, and allows direct preset and station tuning via the remote control. Audio inputs and outputs on the VR-509 include two digital coaxial audio inputs, two digital optical audio inputs, one digital optical output, eight analog audio inputs, and two analog audio outputs. Video connections include two component, four S-Video and four composite video inputs and one monitor output each for component video, S-Video, and composite. The front panel auxiliary inputs accepts analog stereo, composite video, and S-Video.  Speaker connections are made using banana plug-compatible binding posts (front channels) and one-touch spring connectors (surround channels). Those using the VR-509 as part of a home theatre or home audio system will be pleased to find two IR repeater outputs on the receiverís rear panel, SL16 format connections for use with other Kenwood equipment, and switched AC power outlets on the rear panel. The remote control is equipped with macro capability, allowing one-touch execution of a series of complex equipment commands. Available in April 2001, the VR-509 carries a manufacturerís suggested list price of $400.VR-507 Home Theatre Receiver The VR-507 offers the same feature set at the VR-509, except for component video capability, a digital optical audio output, or IR repeater outputs. The VR-507 is also equipped with Kenwoodís universal, preprogrammed IR remote control. Available in April 2001, the VR-507 has a manufacturerís suggested list price of $300. VR-506 Home Theatre Receiver The VR-506 offers the same features as the VR-507, except that it is not equipped with Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby 3 Stereo or Circle Surround 5.1. Frequency response in stereo or surround modes is slightly reduced in the lowest bass frequencies (40Hz-20kHz, 0.7% THD, 8 ohms). Digital audio inputs are two coaxial, one optical. There are six analog inputs, three S-Video inputs, and three composite video inputs. The receiver is equipped with a Kenwood System IR remote control with video preprogramming. Available in February 2001, it has a manufacturerís suggested list price of $250.VR-505 Home Theatre Receiver  The VR-505 offers the same features as the VR-506, except it does not provide six-channel analog audio inputs (needed for DVD-Audio compatibility), and it offers only composite video connections (three inputs, one output, one monitor output). There is no front panel auxiliary input for audio or video. All speaker connections are with one-touch spring connectors. Available in February 2001, it has a manufacturerís suggested list price of $200.

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