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Feature-Packed Kenwood 500-Series Receiver Line Offers THXÆ Select, Component Video Switching, And Dolby Pro Logic II Processing

Kenwood First To Market With Dolby Pro Logic II

12-Jun-01

Offering exclusive technologies and features, Kenwood USA Corporation introduced five home theatre receivers that include the first $600 receiver with THXÆ Select certification, and three receivers equipped with Dolby Pro Logic II processing, the new audio technology which improves playback of stereo and Dolby Pro LogicÆ recordings. All models in the line are equipped to automatically detect and decode DolbyÆ Digital and DTSÆ soundtracks, and four have six-channel analog inputs for DVD-Audio/SACD compatibility. ìNo manufacturer comes close to offering the combination of performance and convenience features found in our receivers at comparable prices,î said Bob Law, Kenwood Vice President of Sales and Marketing. ìOnce consumers start learning about Dolby Pro Logic II and find out that Kenwood has it in stores before anyone else, weíll realize a significant advantage on the sales floor.î The Kenwood 500 Series receivers, new for 2001, consist of the VR-510, Kenwoodís THX Select-certified receiver, and the VR-509, VR-507, VR-506, and VR-505. All AM/FM receivers are rated to deliver 100 watts or more to each of five speaker channels and provide subwoofer output. The top three models offer Dolby Pro Logic II processing and six-channel input for DVD-Audio/SACD compatibility. The VR-510 and VR-509 are equipped with two component video inputs and one component output, and VR-510, VR-509, VR-507, and VR-506 offer four S-Video inputs and two outputs, in addition to four composite video inputs. All models offer 24-bit Crystal Semiconductor DSPs, 24-bit/96 kHz DACs, and Dolby Digital and DTS. Top Of Line Kenwood VR-510 As a THX Select-certified product, the VR-510 is perfect for smaller home theatre rooms (3,000 square feet or less) and as the central component to any home entertainment system. While highlighting primary features like Dolby Digital, DTS, and Dolby Pro Logic II decoding, the VR-510 incorporates innovations typically not found on mid-priced receivers, such as the full array of THX management features, an aluminum front panel, and preamp outputs for multi-zone operations. The VR-510ís amplifier section is based on Kenwoodís exclusive KAM-1ô power amplifier circuitry that delivers 110 watts x five channels in surround modes and 110 watts in two-channel stereo. Component video switching (two in, one out), S-Video switching (four in, two out), digital audio inputs and outputs, six-channel analog inputs, and audio pre-outs for 5.1 are included. CSÆ Circle SurroundÆ 5.1 and five audio DSP modes give the unit added audio playback flexibility. The VR-510 includes Kenwoodís exclusive Pointlessô RF/IR pre-programmed learning remote control, which can communicate with the receiver without requiring line-of-sight. The remoteís LCD readout will display titles of up to 600 discs when the VR-510 is used with select Kenwood CD and DVD changers. The VR-510, has a manufacturerís suggested list price of $600. Kenwood VR-509 The VR-509 is a full digital 5.1 channel home theatre receiver, equipped to faithfully reproduce Dolby Digital and DTS audio soundtracks from DVD-Video and DVD-Audio sources, and is capable of handling component video sources and output. Dolby Pro Logic II, CS Circle Surround 5.1 and five audio DSP modes provide surround processing options to suit most any genre of music or listening preference. The receiverís amplifier section, like the VR-510, is based on Kenwoodís exclusive KAM-1 power amplifier circuitry, and delivers 100 watts x five channels in surround and 100 watts in two-channel stereo. S-Video switching (two in, one out), multiple digital audio inputs and outputs, six-channel analog inputs, and subwoofer pre-out are included. As with the VR-510, the receiver is equipped with Kenwoodís exclusive Pointless RF/IR pre-programmed learning remote control. The VR-509 carries an MSRP of $400. VR-507 Home Theatre Receiver The VR-507 offers Dolby Digital and DTS Digital Surroundô processing for movie soundtracks, and also includes CS Circle Surround 5.1, Cinema EQ, six-channel analog inputs (DVD-Audio/SACD), and Dolby Pro Logic II. The receiverís amplifier section is based on Kenwoodís exclusive KAM-1 power amplifier circuitry, delivering 100 watts x 5 and 100 watts in two-channel stereo. S-Video switching (four in, two out) and four digital inputs (two optical, two coaxial), as well as a six-channel input is standard on the VR-507. The unit is also equipped with Kenwoodís new, ìVelvet Touchî pre-programmed universal remote control. The VR-507 has a manufacturerís suggested list price of $300. Rounding out the lineup are the VR-506 and VR-505 home theatre receivers and the music only AR-404 stereo receiver. The VR-506 and VR-505 have built-in Dolby Digital and DTS processors, are rated at 100 watts x 5 and 100 watts x 2 featuring Kenwoodís KAM-1 power amplifier circuitry. Each has a full-function remote, five audio DSP modes, and digital audio inputs. The VR-506 adds S-Video switching and six-channel analog audio inputs for DVD-Audio. The AR-404 is Kenwoodís audio-only receiver rated at 100 watts x 2 and is perfect to handle audio needs. The three receivers are available now and retail for $250, $200, and $130, respectively. For more information about Kenwood USA Corporation, visit www.kenwoodusa.com.

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