Polk Audio Announces Second-Generation High-End HTIB Digital Solution Systems

Systems Combine Optimized High-End Electronics With Polk Sub/Sat Speakers

4-Jun-01

Polk Audio unveiled two second generation Digital Solution (DS) home-theatre-in-a-box (HTIB) audio systems. Continuing the tradition of the original award winning RMDS-1, the new Digital Solution systems are the only integrated home theatre systems to use dedicated high-end separates-quality electronics to achieve component system performance. The Digital Solution systems allow non-hobbyist customers to enjoy high-end audio performance without the choice, setup, and use complexity of mix and match systems. Both DS systems include a DVD-Video player with component video output, a full-featured control interface with AM/FM tuner, preamp, DolbyÆ Digital and DTSÆ surround processing, six-channel audio inputs (for DVD-Audio players), high current six-channel power amplifier (built into the subwoofer enclosure), five slim satellite speakers, a subwoofer, and all necessary cables. The $2,599 DS7200 compact system features a 350-watt, six-channel power amplifier, and an 8-inch driver in the subwoofer enclosure. The $2,999 DS7600 features larger satellite speakers, a step-up tweeter, beefier 500-watt amplifier and 10-inch subwoofer driver. ìThe ëHTIBí box category has seen explosive growth in the past two years so we know that consumers want simple home theatre solutions,î said Polk Audio co-founder Matthew Polk. ìOther than our original RMDS-1 system, the current crop of HTIB systems offer, at best, mediocre performance. We believe that there are many consumers in search of a simpler choice; easier set-up and operation who also want great sound quality. We aim to serve that market segment and we put enormous effort into making sure the Digital Solution systems deliver no-compromise performance. We customized high-end, separates-quality electronics specifically for our speakers. And of course, we offer ëThe Polk Performance Advantageí - our systems come with great sounding speakers: Polk speakers. The DS systems bring component quality performance to people who are unwilling to put up with the complexity of mix and match systems.îAll of the DS system components were designed together and optimized to maximize system performance. This system optimization, Polkís Pure Path technology, uses specially designed active crossovers, active equalization, and a proprietary ìspeaker set upî (bass management) configuration to maximize performance.The systemsí satellite speakers are specially designed versions of Polk RM7000 Series. The DS7600 satellites and center speaker are a mere 5.5 inches deep (less than 5 inches for DS7200), perfect for on-wall placement, especially near flat-panel and recessed video screens. All five satellites are timbre-matched for precise imaging and lifelike surround effects. A rear-mounted Power Port vents each satellite. This patented bass venting system vastly reduces air turbulence at the mouth of the port for lower distortion and low frequency extension unusual in speakers of this size. The result is seamless satellite-to-subwoofer blending, rich lower midrange response, and wide dynamic range. Drivers and tweeters are mounted on a raised bezel that minimizes grille-edge diffraction for spacious, three-dimensional imaging. The gently-rounded enclosure profile minimizes cabinet-edge diffraction, and contributes to the stunning look of the system. These versatile satellites may be wall mounted via keyhole slots built into the Power Ports. The satellites and subwoofer enclosures are finished in high gloss black. Explains designer Polk, ìWe chose a small, slim satellite platform, because space and decorating concerns are major impediments to home theatre for many families. By optimizing the electronics for the loudspeakers, we overcame the typical sub/sat performance drawbacks. This system really does deliver big speaker sound without the big speakers.îThe DS subwoofers feature high excursion drivers and Polkís patented Power Port venting system to lower air turbulence at the mouth of the port for greater bass output with reduced port noise and distortion.The Digital Solution preamp/processor is based on a well-reviewed high-end brand name unit. Besides Dolby Digital and DTS surround processors with 96 kHz/24-bit DACs, it features a full array of audio and video inputs, AM and FM tuner, three digital inputs, six-channel analog inputs (with bass management) for DVD-Audio players, and multi-room/multi-source outputs. The ì6-Channel Musicî processing mode provides surround sound from stereo sources without the center channel collapse of standard Pro LogicÆ or the unnatural reverb and echo of DSP circuits. The IR remote is clearly labeled, easy to use, and features a subwoofer volume control for convenient setting of bass levels.The six-channel power amplifiers, built into the subwoofer enclosures, feature massive power supplies, protection circuitry, and topology comparable to high-end separate power amplifiers. The Digital Solution systems are optimized to achieve the best possible performance. Bass management functions have been preset to perfectly match the speakers. There is no complicated setup, and no confusing multi-level menus with mysterious choices. Unlike many units, the Polk DS processors do provide bass management on the DVD-Audio 5.1 analog inputs. Channel balance and time delay settings have been set by Polk to yield great sound in most rooms without user adjustment. In the rare cases where user adjustment is called for, a single keystroke on the remote opens single-layer on-screen channel balance and time delay menus. Both systems normally come with a matching high quality DVD-Video player. A universal learning remote control comes with the DVD player and is pre-programmed to operate the DS preamp/processor and the matching DVD player for single remote convenience. Polk Audio took great care to make the remoteís learning functions easy and intuitive to use. The remote can ìlearnî the IR codes of other audio/video devices to unify system command down to a single remote device.The new Digital Solution systems will be available in July 2001 at suggested retail prices of $2,599 for the DS7200 and $2,999 for the DS7600, both including DVD-Video player and universal remote control. For more information about Polk Audio, visit www.polkaudio.com.

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