ONKYO USA OFFERS 3D AUDIO WITH 2019 AV RECEIVER LINE PREMIERING AT CES 2019

New TX-SR493 & TX-SR393 to Offer Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer and DTS Virtual:X For a Greater Immersive Listening Experience

January 11, 2019

Providing consumers with a host of new features to enjoy a next-generation home theater experience, Onkyo USA today announced two new AV receivers: the 7.2-channel TX-SR494 AV Receiver (160 W/Ch) and the 5.2-channel TX-SR393 AV Receiver (155 W/Ch).  Both units are capable of producing an immersive 3D soundstage in a wide variety of layouts via Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer*1 and DTS Virtual:X®*2.  The TX-SR494 and the TX-SR393 will be available in February for $479.99 USD / $599.99 CAD and $349.99 USD / $479.99 CAD, respectively.

The TX-SR393 offers a space-saving 3.2.2-channel solution to native Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, while the TX-SR494 expands object-based audio playback through 5.2.2 channels.  Dolby Surround® and DTS Neural:X® up-mixing technologies remap legacy soundtracks for playback through any speaker layout, including those with height channels for more spatially realistic sound.

When playing a Dolby® format, the new Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer*1 creates a virtual surround and height effect from traditional speaker layouts without employing additional surround or height speakers.  Similarly, DTS Virtual:X®*2 creates a 3D sound-field through any speaker layout without surround or height speaker connection.

While 3D sound virtualization creates a spatial sound-field from as few as 2.1 channels, the TX-SR393 offers real 5.2-ch or 3.2.2-ch surround-sound, while the TX-SR494 real 7.2-ch, 5.2.2-ch, or 5.2-ch surround-sound, the latter with either Front L/R Bi-Amping or Powered Zone B audio distribution.  With speakers in another room, users can enjoy any AVR audio source in Zone B simultaneously in Main and Zone B.

Several new features debut on these models, including DSP-based Vocal Enhancer which lets users raise or lower vocal frequencies to clarify movie or TV dialog via the remote controller or front-panel VOCAL buttons.

Additionally, Zone B line-out passes audio signals --including HDMI and digital audio -- to a component with an analog RCA audio input such as a nearby hi-fi system or a wireless headphone dock.

Both receivers feature four HDMI® inputs and one ARC-enabled output with pass-through support for 4K/60p and HDR (Dolby Vision®, HDR10, HLG, and BT.2020) along with 4:4:4 color sub-sampling.

To confirm that content is playing as desired, the GUI includes an overlaid OSD information window.  Input/output data can be easily accessed to display details such HDR format, video resolution, frame-rate and audio codec, all of which can prove tricky to check in real time.

Onkyo deploys its discrete high-current analog amplification system backed by a High-Current Low-Noise Power Transformer and large audio-grade capacitors. Power is evidenced by 4-ohm simultaneous speaker-driving capability, muscle that few comparable products can match.

AccuEQ Room Acoustic Calibration creates a harmonious sound-field in the room, detecting speaker presence, size, and distance from a measurement point, and setting sound-pressure levels. It selects the best subwoofer crossover and EQ’s all speakers. AccuReflex™ technology optimizes 3D audio reproduction through Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers. It resolves phase-shift that arises from path differences between directional and non-directional sounds, resulting in a cohesive sound-field with vertical movement and overhead dimensionality.

The TX-SR393 and TX-SR494 are well equipped for music, with their discrete amps and high-current power serving up detailed sound on a scale well above its suggested price-point. Each carries optical and coaxial digital audio inputs and RCA analog audio inputs, and feature Bluetooth®wireless audio technology to stream audio from a smartphone, tablet, as well as PC apps.  The Advanced Music Optimizer™ restores compressed audio files close to their original integrity for improved playback quality, and a USB power output supports network media streaming sticks.

With a tremendous combination of features offered at a compelling price point, both the TX-SR393 and TX-SR494 provide a best-in-class unit.  With its easy set-up and expandability, Onkyo looks forward to welcoming a growing number of film, music, and game lovers wanting to take their home’s sound to the next level.