Posted Fri Nov 2, 2018 at 09:35 AM PDT by Steven Cohen
The company's AV components are now the first to offer IMAX Enhanced support.
Denon and Marantz have launched a new firmware update for the Denon AVR-X8500 AV Receiver and the Marantz AV8805 Pre-Amplifier/Processor, adding support for IMAX Enhanced technology. In addition, the update also includes eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) capabilities.
The IMAX Enhanced certification & licensing program is designed to offer premium 4K HDR and immersive audio performance across home theater gear and content. To receive IMAX Enhanced certification, AV receivers need to meet a specific set of audio and video performance standards determined by IMAX and DTS engineers and leading Hollywood technical specialists. As part of the firmware upgrade, the AVR-X8500 and AV8805 will add support for IMAX Enhanced audio mixes. These proprietary tracks use a special variant of the DTS:X codec and feature specific adjustments for the home theater based on how the IMAX theatrical sound system operates.
Meanwhile, eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) adds support for receiving additional audio formats from a connected TV with such capabilities, including Dolby Digital Plus (up to 7.1 channel), Dolby TrueHD (up to 7.1 channel), Dolby Atmos, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio (up to 7.1 channel), DTS-HD Master Audio (up to 7.1 channel), and DTS:X.
The Denon AVR-X8500 is available now for an MSRP of $3,999 (full review HERE). The 13.2-channel receiver supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtracks with up to 9.1.4 or 7.1.6 speaker configurations. Likewise, the Marantz AV8805 is available now for an MSRP of $4,499. The 13.2-channel pre-amplifier offers 15.2 Channel XLR and RCA outputs.
And beyond the AVR-X8500 and AV8805, IMAX Enhanced firmware updates are also expected to launch for the Denon AVR-X6500H ($2,199), Denon AVR-X4500H ($1,599), and the Marantz AV7705 ($2,199) in 2019.
The first IMAX Enhanced 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray titles will be released on December 11. The initial lineup will include A Beautiful Planet and Journey to the South Pacific.
Source: Denon
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