INTEGRA W/ISF ccc Video Calibration.

[deacongreg]

Two THX Ultra2 Plus Certified models also feature HQV-Reon VX video processing, THX Loudness Plus, HDMI 1.3a repeaters, HD Radio, and new Audyssey Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume.

Integra has introduced two new top-of-the-line THX Ultra2 Plus certified A/V receivers that are the first such products to incorporate ISFccc (Imaging Science Foundation Certified Calibration Controls) capability, giving installers a simpler and more effective way to optimize individual video source calibration for high-end home theater installations. The DTR-9.9 and DTR-8.9 are both three-zone capable, and include HQV Reon-VX video processing, new THX Loudness Plus processing, Audyssey's new Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume technologies, HD Radio, and a comprehensive set of custom installation capabilities and features designed specifically for custom installers and systems integration professionals. The Certified for Windows Vista DTR-9.9 also incorporates an advanced suite of networked and streaming digital audio capabilities.

The DTR-9.9 and DTR-8.9 are the first A/V receivers available that include ISFccc calibration capability, which allows ISF Certified calibration technicians to custom define both day and night settings for each individual video source component connected to the receivers. Additionally, each input includes a third Custom calibration memory that can be accessed by consumers to adjust video output to their specific tastes. Previously, video calibration was usually limited to one source, or required complex cabling and intricate remote control macro programming to achieve a reasonably user friendly system. The incorporation of these calibration functions in the receiver results in simpler system configurations, reduced set-up time, and end-user systems offering optimal video performance while retaining the ease-of-use of HDMI switching.

The DTR-9.9 and DTR-8.9 each include Silicon Image HQV Reon-VX video upconversion processing, accommodating any source video signal with transcoding and upscaling to resolutions as high as 1080p via HDMI (1080i via component-video). Its pixel-by-pixel deinterlacing and scaling processing and noise-reduction algorithms can enhance legacy SD signals as well as HD sources.

With THX Ultra2 Plus certification the DTR-9.9 and DTR-8.9 are designed to provide outstanding performance with both music and movies in even large theater spaces. The new THX Loudness Plus feature improves movie sound at lower volume levels. Because ambient sounds and bass can be lost or perceived differently when the volume is lowered, THX Loudness Plus automatically adjusts the front-to-back speaker level and frequency balance to help retain sonic details of movies when listening below reference level.

Both receivers include Audyssey's acclaimed MultEQ XT room acoustics correction, a built-in solution for countering room distortion in dedicated home theaters. The systems are also Audyssey MultEQ Pro compatible, allowing certified installers to further refine this process. The receivers also include Audyssey's newly developed Dynamic EQ technology, which makes adjustments to the output on-the-fly to compensate for reduced audibility and balance between front and surround channels, particularly at lower volume levels. Finally, these are among the first products available to include Audyssey's Dynamic Volume technology, which continually monitors input signals and adjusts gain to maintain a consistent output volume regardless of changes in the source signal strength.

Conservatively rated at 145 and 140 watts per channel respectively and certified for use with 4 Ohm speakers, the DTR-9.9 and DTR-8.9 A/V receivers are capable of driving any speaker system. Each features a massive high-current capable power supply with low-feedback WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology) and parallel push-pull topology for extended frequency response. The rear surround amplifier channels can also be repurposed to bi-amp the front L/R channels for compatible speakers, or bridged with the front L/R channels to deliver higher current and power output.

Audio decoding and processing in the receivers feature high-quality Burr-Brown 192-kHz/24-bit DACs for each channel, and accommodates every major sound format in use today, including the HD and lossless audio codecs included on the latest Blu-Ray discs. The receivers' A/V processing circuitry is powered by its own separate power transformer for A/V to minimize interference between amplifier and processing sections.

The Integra DTR-9.9 and DTR-8.9 each boast multizone capabilities, including fixed and variable line level outs with subwoofer for two additional zones. Zone 2 also includes both composite and HD-quality component video outputs, as well as independent tone controls. Zone 2 and Zone 3 both include balance controls as well as maximum and power-on volume settings.

The receivers include packages of features tailored to the needs of custom installers, including an Ethernet port for integration with network-based control systems. It also includes bi-directional RS-232, RIHD (Remote Interactive over HDMI) system control integration over HDMI, three programmable 12-volt triggers, dual IR inputs, and three unique assignable IR code sets. Lockable customized dealer settings can be independently stored for easy recall, making it simple for installers to maintain complex installations.

Integra DTR-9.9 and DTR-8.9 are built to work with all the latest A/V sources and formats. Besides being XM and Sirius satellite-radio-ready (including Neural-THX surround for XM HD), both have built-in HD Radio. The Windows Vista Certified DTR-9.9 also supports portable audio devices thanks to a front panel USB connection, as well as streaming audio via rear panel Ethernet port. Ethernet streaming includes files stored on networked PCs and hard drives in a wide range of formats (MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC, and Ogg Vorbis), as well as web-based audio programs via Internet radio, including SIRIUS iRadio and vTuner support. The inclusion of Integra's Music Optimizer function ensures high fidelity audio performance from all these digital sources.

The Integra DTR-9.9 and DTR-8.9 will be available in September at suggested retail prices of $2,600 and $1,900 each, respectively.

For more information about Integra and its many fine products, contact:

Integra
18 Park Way, Upper Saddle River NJ 07450
(800) 225-1946
www.integrahometheater.com

Source: HomeTheaterReview.com