Dolby Laboratories Unveils Dolby Pro Logic IIx

2-Sep-03

Dolby Laboratories has announced the introduction of DolbyÆ Pro LogicÆ IIx technology. Dolby Pro Logic IIx technology provides home theatre enthusiasts with a solution for 7.1-channel playback of stereo and 5.1-channel content.Dolby Pro Logic IIx expands upon the advanced matrix decoding techniques first introduced in Dolby Pro Logic II and Dolby Digital EX.This new Dolby technology, when incorporated into audio/video receiver and processor products, will provide home theater enthusiasts with a flexible upgrade path, allowing them to connect extra channels and speakers to their 5.1- or 6.1-channel systems in the future.""Home theatre is about personal choice and lifestyle. For many consumers, a traditional 5.1 system provides the best performance within their listening environments,"" said Craig Eggers, Director, Consumer Technology Marketing, Dolby Laboratories. ""However, with the introduction of Dolby Digital EX, home theatre enthusiasts began integrating two rear speakers with their side surrounds,"" Eggers continued. ""Soon, they were demanding independent 7.1-channel performance from their systems. Dolby Pro Logic IIx satisfies that need by introducing four independent full-range surround channels. The result is a highly compelling and natural multichannel listening experience.""Dolby Pro Logic IIx technology is ideally suited for a range of potential audiences, including:- Early-adopter A/V enthusiasts upgrading 5.1-channel or Dolby Digital EX home theatres to 6.1- or 7.1- channel status - Discerning listeners who demand a seamless, enveloping music and movie experience and the most versatility from their surround sound systems- Consumers of traditional two-channel content (such as LaserDisc, VHS, or stereo TV) who appreciate natural, full-range multichannel listening experiences- Music lovers seeking a dramatic and natural-sounding multichannel experience from CDs, compact cassettes, MP3 files, and FM stereo broadcasts- Videogame enthusiasts who appreciate spatial effects, low-frequency impact, and imagingDolby Pro Logic IIx technology expands upon sophisticated discrete and matrix decoding technologies developed by Dolby Laboratories, incorporating the best elements of Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, and Dolby Pro Logic II. Any speaker configuration from 5.1 to 7.1 channels can be used with Dolby Pro Logic IIx, depending on individual preference and system capabilities.Products Coming Soon- Arcam DIVA AVR300 - Fosgate FAP-T1 Plus - Marantz SR7400 - Meridian Audio Ltd. G68 - Pioneer VSX-59TXi- Yamaha RX-Z9The following hardware manufacturers will offer upgrades for current models in the marketplace. These include:- Denon AVR-5803 - TAG McLaren AV32R - TAG McLaren AV192R - Marantz SR9300, SR9200, SR8300, SR8200, and SR7300 - Meridian Audio Ltd. Model 861 Dolby anticipates further announcements shortly from leading consumer electronics hardware manufacturers, including Harman Kardon, Integra, Kenwood, Onkyo, and Sony.In addition, a variety of DSP implementations are being developed by leading manufacturers of integrated circuits including:- Cirrus Logic (CS49300) and (CS49400) - Fujitsu (MB8634x) and (MB86D4x) - Yamaha (YSS941) and (YSS942) - Analog Devices (SHARC Melody, ADSP2116IN)- Texas Instruments - Motorola - New Japan Radio Co. Ltd - Asahi-Kasei""Dolby Laboratories' reputation for innovation and quality in developing multichannel surround sound technologies is well established with the theatergoer, the home theatre enthusiast, and even the most casual listener,"" said Eggers. ""Nevertheless, it is particularly gratifying to see so many of our partners embrace this new technology as soon it became available. We look forward to working with all of our partners to deliver this new technology to the home theatre enthusiast,"" he added. ""As a leading provider of audio processing technology for high-performance consumer and automotive audio applications, we are fully committed to supporting the latest audio standards,"" said Brian McAloon, Group Vice President and General Manager, DSP and System Products, Analog Devices, Inc. ""With consumer demand rapidly moving toward 7.1 multichannel audio entertainment systems, Dolby Pro Logic IIx technology will enable customers of our SHARC Melody platform to deliver the highest-quality surround sound experience for the home A/V enthusiast."" Stephen Baker, Denon Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, pointed out, ""Denon is committed to providing our customers with products that incorporate the most advanced home entertainment technologies. Our flagship AVR-5803 receiver, hailed by reviewers as the finest audio/video receiver in the world, is a perfect example. With the addition of Dolby Pro Logic IIx as a soon-to-be-available upgrade, the AVR-5803 will be even more desirable as an ultimate-performance component.""""Fujitsu Limited has incorporated Dolby Pro Logic IIx technology into its MB86344B 32-bit fixed-point DSP, with eight-channel audio inputs and outputs. By extending current Pro Logic II technology to 6.1 channels and higher, Dolby enables us to provide consumers with a seamless, natural-sounding, and extremely compelling audio experience from the wealth of existing two-channel content sources, no matter how many speakers the consumer uses,"" said Mr. Toshiyuki Uehara, Fujitsu Limited. ""Dolby Pro Logic IIx technology is an important advance in surround sound technology, and it will make our MB86344B even more attractive to home theatre enthusiasts as well as makers of sophisticated home theatre systems,"" he added.""As the world continues to move towards multichannel sound, Marantz is pleased to be the very first company to utilize Dolby Pro Logic IIx technology in our forthcoming SR7400 home theatre receiver. ""With the ability to create 7.1 channels of information from any source, we ensure the most enveloping playback experience for our consumers,"" said Kevin Zarow, Director of Marketing, Marantz America, Inc. ""Dolby has always been one of the leading audio technology companies, so it's no surprise that Dolby Pro Logic IIx technology is able to deliver the highest-quality, enveloping surround sound experience for 6.1/7.1-channel systems."" said Russ Johnston, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Home Entertainment at Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.""Jim Fosgate designed the original Dolby Pro Logic II to provide audiophiles and casual listeners alike with superior multichannel performance from two-channel source recordings,"" said Brian Carlsness, Managing Director, Rockford Home Group. ""We're thrilled to see Dolby introducing a 7.1 version that truly envelops the listener in a seamless and natural soundfield. Our new FAP T1+ surround processor/preamp is the first of what will certainly be numerous products that take advantage of this exciting enhancement,"" he continued.For more information about Dolby Laboratories, visit www.dolby.com.

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