Kenwood USA Offers First THXÆ Select Home Theatre Receiver With New DolbyÆ Pro Logic II Surround Processing

Multi-Zone VR-510 Switches Component Video And S-Video, Packed With Digital A/V Features

16-Mar-01

Kenwood USA Corp. introduced its first THXÆ-certified home theatre receiver in three years and the industryís first receiver equipped with new DolbyÆ Pro Logic II surround sound technology. Kenwood unveiled the VR-510, a 5.1-channel THX Select receiver offering DolbyÆ Digital, DTSÆ Digital Surround, and Dolby Pro Logic II audio technologies, component video and S-Video switching, optical and coaxial digital connections, five audio DSP modes, and other features associated with superior home audio/video entertainment systems.Designed for optimized playback of discrete, six-channel audio and video sources as well as ""matrixed"" two-channel analog sources, the new VR-510 delivers 110 watts into five speaker channels. It provides six-channel analog inputs for use with DVD-Audio players and includes Kenwoodís exclusive Pointlessô RF/IR preprogrammed learning remote control. The remote, equipped with an LCD display can communicate with the receiver from any room in the house. The VR-510, available in April, has a manufacturerís suggested list price of $600.""We're pleased to reaffirm our commitment to the best in home theatre with the launch of the THX Select-certified VR-510 receiver."" said Brian Towne, Kenwoodís National Product Manager for Home Electronics. ""This spring Kenwood will be introducing a full range of THX certified products, which will include THX Ultra and THX Surround EX technologies.""In addition to audio features already mentioned, the VR-510 offers Dolby 3 Stereo and dual-mode Circle SurroundÆ 5.1 sound enhancement. When used in a conventional two-channel stereo mode, theVR-510 delivers 110 watts per channel. Its DSP processing, which recreates five listening environments (arena, theater, jazz club, stadium, and disco) is handled by a dedicated, 24-bit crystal semiconductor DSP, and its A/D (analog to digital) and D/A converters provide 24-bit resolution for each channel. The receiver also recognizes the signal format of digital sources (Dolby Digital, DTS, and PCM), and automatically switches modes for proper decoding. The VR-510 has an internal pink noise generator and independent 5.1-channel input level control to ensure easy and accurate in-home set up. The VR-510 is equipped with two coaxial and two optical digital audio inputs, one optical digital audio output, eight stereo audio analog inputs, two stereo analog audio outputs, and stereo outputs for a second audio zone. In addition to the aforementioned six-channel inputs for use with DVD-Audio players, the receiver also provides six-channel pre-outs (preamp outputs), which gives consumers the option of using utilizing separate power amplifiers in their home entertainment system. The auxiliary inputs - for analog stereo audio, composite video, and S-Video - are located on the front panel for easy, convenient access.""THX is very excited to have Kenwood in the family of THX licensees,"" said Mark Paddack, Director of Licensing at THX. ""We're delighted that Kenwood is not only introducing the VR-510 THX-certified Select receiver, but that they will have both THX Select and THX Ultra tiers in their 2001 receiver lineup.""Suitable for use with highest quality monitors or video projectors, the VR-510 offers component video and S-Video switching, as well as composite video switching. 

Further information can be obtained by visiting www.kenwoodusa.com.

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