HARMAN Luxury Update

With the introduction of twelve new products at ISE last month, JBL Synthesis is expanding its portfolio of custom loudspeakers and electronics to reach different market needs. Whilst there are several products that will garner the favor of our integration partners, nothing can compare to the amount of innovation and horsepower packed into our new JBL Synthesis SDP-70. This new 24-channel processor raises the bar but lowers the investment cost for high channel count cinemas.

After several rounds of feedback sessions with our valued dealers who have participated in the JBL Synthesis Product Councils, our product development and engineering teams have created our first 24-channel immersive cinema processor leveraging the DNA of the JBL Synthesis brand. Capable of supporting Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, IMAX Enhanced, and Auro-3D immersive sound formats, the SDP-70 also allows integrators to assign any output channel by way of our matrixed channel assignment feature.  For system designers, this translates into maximum freedom when specifying a room full of loudspeakers without being constrained by fixed channel topologies.

When it comes to high resolution video, the SDP-70 utilizes an HDMI 2.1a platform which supports up to 8K at 60 Hz and 4K at 120 Hz. Dynamic HDR formats such as HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG are also supported, alongside gaming-oriented features including Variable Refresh Rate and Auto Low Latency Mode. This makes the processors suitable not only for cinematic playback but also for high-performance gaming and streaming applications.

When it comes to bass management, a defining element of the SDP-70 is the integration of Dirac Live Active Room Treatment. Unlike traditional room correction systems, Dirac Live ART treats the loudspeaker array as a system which enables more precise control of the lower frequencies and smoother transitions between speakers and subwoofers.

So, by now you are thinking, the SDP-70 may have some cool new features, but you may also be wondering what is so disruptive about it? It’s the affordability of the technology that makes this product stand apart from anything on the market. Priced at just $11,999 USD MSRP it comes in at $17,000 below the Storm Audio ISP Elite MK3 configured with 24 channels with similar feature sets.

JBL Synthesis SDP-70/Storm Audio ISP Elite

Technical Comparison Matrix

I am sure you will agree that the new JBL Synthesis SDP-70 will be a game changer once it starts shipping in the summer. We look forward to hearing about your first experience installing one of these new processors. I am sure it will leave your clients with goosebumps.

Speaking of goosebumps, earlier this month I was interacting with Nathan Fowle from our distribution partner Amber Technology in Australia about a developer who came to one of his dealer’s showrooms to experience a JBL Synthesis system designed, installed and calibrated to our certification level. He said the developer commented that he had heard over 100 home cinema systems in his lifetime, but it was the first time that he had ever felt one. That insight made me smile. Because it’s our passion as a manufacturer to deliver emotional connections to those who experience our products. Check out the case study about the Amber Tech dealer in our featured What’s New section of this newsletter.

If you are interested in learning more about our new expanded line of JBL Synthesis cinematic solutions for any size room and budget, head to HARMAN Luxury Audio University and immerse yourself in the interactive training courses created by our product teams. https://harmanuniversity.talentlms.com/index