Digital audio company Arcam is updating its latest range of AV receivers with Auro-3D technology.
The update is coming to Arcam’s 2019 AVR10, AVR20 and AVR30 receivers, together with its AV40 AV processor, the company said this week.
Auro-3D is a technology and format that creates a highly realistic, three-dimensional sound effect around the listener. Auro-3D makes use of the “crucial third dimension” in audio technology, which is the “height layer”, Arcam said, adding that it’s the perfect complement for its AV receivers, which use recommended speaker configurations ranging from Auro 9.1 to Auro 13.1.
Auro-3D is often seen as the forgotten immersive audio format, as it generally sits in the shadow of more popular formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. However, it's featured on AV receivers from popular brands including Marantz and Denon, as well as high end offerings from Trinnov, Datasat and Lyngdorf.
Now, we can add Arcam to that list.
“The updated ARCAM models can transform the listening room, transporting the listener into the virtual world of their selected content, regardless of the original format,” the company said.
Arcam said its latest AV receivers will be integrated with the Auro-Codec decoder and the Auro-Matic up-mixer via a firmware update going out this week. It said this should ensure an extremely accurate reproduction of 3D audio that helps to create a truly “immersive” experience. For those who already own one of the company’s AV receivers, all they need to do is hook up a Blu-ray player and an Auro-3D configured speaker array to enjoy the enhanced audio experience.
One advantage of Auro-3D speaker configurations is that there’s no need for ceiling speakers to recreate true 3D sound. All users have to do is mount speakers above their existing surround layer to create the necessary vertical stereo field effect. Arcam’s Aur0-3D enabled AV receivers do this automatically, adding a “height layer” directly above the speakers at 30 degrees, the company said.
“Auro Technologies is thrilled to see Auro-3D enabled on the newest Arcam AV receivers,” said Auro Technologies Chief Executive Officer Rudy van Duppen. “This announcement signifies a milestone for the expansion of Auro-3D into more devices and Arcam's commitment to expand the availability of Auro-3D. Auro-3D brings to customers the truest to real-life immersive experiences for the Home.”
Arcam said there is lots of native Auro-3D content available already on Blu-ray discs, and that the available catalogue of content continues to grow by the day. However, the technology is able to enhance the audio experience with non-Auro content too.
