Lexicon Debuts Flagship Home Theater ControllerLatest Audio Technologies, Broadcast-Quality Video Redefine Home-Theatre Standards

Lexicon introduced at the International Winter Consumer Electronics Show (WCES) their new, flagship surround preamp/processor, the Lexicon MC-1 Music And Cinema Processor. Featuring the latest audio and broadcast-quality video technologies, the multichannel controller, says the company, will redefine the world standards for serious home entertainment and audio systems. Available beginning in March í99 at a suggested retail price of $5,995. The MC-1 includes Dolby Digital Æ ,DTS Digital Surround, and a refined version of the propriety Lexicon LOGIC-7 system and will be THX Ultraô certified.The MC-1 concept, in the view of Lexiconís Vice President of Consumer Products Buzz Goddard, was very simple. ""Our development program for the MC-1 was very straightforward: Take all of our best systems, refine everything that was receptive to improvement, and combine it all in a single product. Weíre confident that itís the best processor/preamp available at any price, even though itís by no means the costliest.""Central to the MC-1ís design is Lexiconís unique DSP expertise, applied to all surround and ambience modes (and all other digital audio processing functions). More than two dozen such modes are on board, including both the Dolby Digital and DTS Digital Surround 5.1-channel digital ñsurround decoding systems in state-of-the-art implementations.The MC-1 also features a refined version of Lexiconís proprietary LOGIC-7 surround algorithm. LOGIC-7 has been universally praised as the finest surround process yet devised for film-sound and pure-music playback of both matrix-encoded and un-encoded stereo recordings. This exclusive Lexicon system develops 7.1-channel, surround/ambience, employing discrete surround and side channels, that rivals (and in some cases out-performs) 5.1-channel discrete reproduction.The MC-1ís LOGIC-7 processing is further able to ""down-convert"" 5.1-channel recordings to 2-channel media such as MiniDisc, CD-R, or even Hi-Fi videotape, such that yet when re-played via Logic-7 these will recover the full discrete content and perfomance of the original discrete recording.To optimize performance under real-world conditions the MC-1 features several newly developed options. In the tragic event that an MC-1 processor is used in a less-than-optimum system, the MC-1 can create additional ""virtual rear"" speakers to provide the seven channel experience even if only five channels are used. A unique low-frequency enhancement algorithm, also inspired by very recent research, delivers smoother, more enveloping bass when used with large full range speakers at the front, side or rear. In addition to the THX (specified 80-Hz crossovers) 120-Hz and 40-Hz double precision crossovers double precision crossovers are available, optimized for high-end systems that combine extended-bass main speakers, subwoofers and smaller satellite speakers. Of course, the new MC-1 also incorporates the full range of THXô 5.1 enhancements and will be THX Ultraô certified. The MC-1ís eight channel architecture employs high-speed digital signal processing to perform all surround decoding, crossover equalization and configuration functions. Because the MC-1 includes five DSP ""engines"" individually dedicated to surround format and major audio functions, fully optimized processing is guaranteed. And the MC-1 is fully auto-sensing, automatically selecting the highest-performing available surround mode from any recording.Lexiconís discrete digital bus architecture provides system upgradeability: Lexicon has long been the leader in providing audio performance software enhancements, and the MC-1 as well as can be easily upgraded. Additionally, the MC-1 incorporates a six-channel digital input array. If future audio formats provide a six channel digital bitstream, an outboard processor can feed these signals directly to the MC-1ís high performance DACís.Complementing the MC-1ís extraordinary digital processor power are exceptional analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion systems, plus a sophisticated anti-jitter circuit for digital sources.A unique enhanced dual bit delta-sigma analog-to-digital conversion design (24 bit) achieves an astoundingly wide dynamic range, while retaining the superior low distortion characteristics of conventional single bit delta-sigma A/Ds.The new multi-bit 24 bit delta-sigma digital-to-analog converter design is employed on all eight output channels, providing stunning performances and 96kHz compatibility. Separate digitally controlled analog volume attenuators complement the high performance DACís with their internal 24 bit 8x digital interpolation filters and multi-bit modulators. Refined circuit design and carefully selected analog componentry further contribute to sound quality that Lexicon encourages to be compared to any ""esoteric"" stand-alone D/A converters.MC-1 modes and settings are extensively customizable by owners and /or designers/installers, for tuning to room acoustics, system configuration, and personal preference. Numerous memory options remember favored settings and balances, and can automatically associate these to the selected input or other system context, with customized labeling at both the front-panel and on-screen displays. In short, the MC-1 can deliver, with virtual transparency, the best possible playback of any incoming audio signal from mono to 7.1-digital.Lexicon recognized that to lead the industry, the MC-1 must be state-of-the-art in video as well as audio. The new controller thus incorporates an all-new, broadcast-quality video-switching section that ensures loss-free routing of images for convenient, centralized system control with zero performance penalties. This accommodates eight video sources, in composite or S-Video formats, while identical numbers of stereo analog-audio inputs of digital paths ñ five coaxial and three optical ñ combine for completely flexible system configuration. A digital output for digital input sources allows direct dubbing when used with a digital-recording component (DAT, MiniDisc or CD-R). The MC-1 also incorporates two Zone 2/Record outputs that permit both multi-zone/multiroom system design and flexible media-dubbing, simultaneously.Lexicon also developed an all new powerful yet ergonomic remote-control/on-screen-display system, to endow the MC-1 with a simple and intuitive look that belies its exceptional power and flexibility.Its all-new remote handset features a glow-in-the-dark feature that instantly illuminates all its controls with cool blue light.The MC-1 menu system incorporates virtually every function, option, and parameter setting. An attractive blue vacuum florescent front panel readout allows easy viewing from any angle, in any lighting condition. Two 12-volt ""trigger"" blocks, a direct infrared-data input, and dual RS-232 serial ports combine to extend this eminently usable system over an enormous potential range of remote functions and system-control options when integrated with whole-house media-control or home-automation systems.For additional information visit Lexiconís web site at http://www.lexicon.com.