What's New
Arcam adds Auro-3D Immersive Audio Technology
Arcam recently announced the addition of Auro-3D technology to its latest AV receivers, the AVR10, AVR20, and AVR30, as well as to its formidable AV40 AV processor. Auro-3D is an immersive – and fully backwards compatible – technology and format that creates a full, three-dimensional space around the listener.
The magic of Auro-3D technology is found in its introduction and use of the crucial third and final dimension – the height layer. With recommended speaker configurations ranging from Auro 9.1 to Auro 13.1, the updated Arcam models transform the listening room, transporting the listener into the virtual world of their selected content, regardless of the original format.
True to form, the Arcam design team expertly implements Auro-3D for AVR, combining the Auro-Codec decoder and Auro-Matic up-mixer, enabling an immersive audio experience that accurately reproduces 3D audio for a superior effect. To experience Auro-3D, the user simply requires an AVR10, AVR20, AVR30 or AV40, plus a Blu-ray player, and an Auro-3D configured speaker array.
“We’re very pleased to have Auro-3D certified on our products allowing the end-user greater choice and flexibility,” said Nick Clarke, Senior Director, Global Engineering, Luxury Audio. “It’s been a really fun experience working with the Auro-3D team to bring this partnership to life and I’m excited by the possibilities it brings to the experience of Arcam users – both now and in the future.”
Auro-3D capable speaker formations do not require ceiling speakers, meaning there’s no need to lug out the toolbox. Simply mount speakers above the existing surround layer to enable the required vertical stereo field. Here, the Auro-3D-equipped Arcam models add a "height layer" directly above the speakers at 30 degrees.
When it comes to content, Auro-3D is already available on Blu-ray discs and the catalogue continues to grow. Crucially, though, Auro-3D technology also works with ‘non-Auro’ content. Whatever the resolution of the audio input, the Arcam machines employ the Auro-Matic up-mixer to convert any and all content into the Auro-3D format, recognising existing mono, stereo, or 5.7/7.1 surround signals and transforming them into 3D audio. Therefore, regardless of the original format, the listener can always enjoy the thrilling effect of sound in 3D.
Auro-3D is currently available as a firmware update to the Arcam AVR10, AVR20, AVR30, and AV40.
Nick Clarke
Senior Director, Global Engineering