http://www.avhub.com.au/news/sound-image/what-is-fireconnect-powered-by-blackfire-417102
VSX-1131 – brand new top level AV receiver incorporating Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
Pioneer & Onkyo Europe GmbH are delighted to announce the introduction of a brand new Pioneer AV receiver, the VSX-1131. Incorporating Dolby Atmos and DTS:X object based audio formats*1 plus many other new and innovative features including MCACC*2 Pioneer’s unique automatic sound adjustment technology, now with enhanced support for Dolby Atmos ‘enabled’ speakers, support for the latest network functions including GoogleCast*3, TuneIn, Deezer*3 and TIDAL*3, a new dual band Wi-Fi connection, a new 384kHz/32 bit DAC and support for a new Multi-room Audio*4 capability that allows sources connected to the AV receiver to be played back on additional speakers*5 in different rooms. There is a brand new GUI and support for HDCP 2.2, HDR*6/BT.2020*7.
Powerful Sound
– A 7.1-channel receiver with 160 W/ch (6 ohms, 1 kHz, THD 1.0 %, 1ch Driven)
New DAC
– Incorporates a high grade 384kHz/32bit DAC (AK4458) produced by AMK which offers clear, delicate audio reproduction thanks to a unique digital filter which achieves extremely low distortion.
MCACC – Create the ideal acoustic environment for surround sound
– Pioneer’s MCACC (Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System), developed with the expertise of professional recording studios creates the ideal acoustic environment. With a custom microphone, the system automatically compensates for differences in speaker size, level and distance, and equalizes response. A professionally EQ’d audio environment is then created enabling faithful reproduction of the original master sound.
– A brand new feature ‘Reflex Optimizer’ enhances object-based audio reproduction specifically aimed at users of upward firing Dolby Atmos ‘Enabled’ Speakers.
Phase Control
– As an innovative solution for phase lag between the subwoofer and main L+R speakers, Phase Control compensates the delayed bass to improve sound synchronization. Consequently, it makes LFE more dynamic and achieves clear reproduction of sound in the mid and high frequency bands.
Dolby Atmos & DTS:X support*8
– The latest object-based audio formats, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are both supported. This technology utilizes object based data as opposed to traditional channel based data and creates a three dimensional soundscape in the room utilizing height based audio information in addition to the traditional horizontal based audio that is offered by channel based solutions. DTS:X will be supported through a free to download firmware update.
UltraHD (4K) and HDR compatibility
– VSX-1131 supports 4K/60p/4:4:4 24-bit video signal transmission with HDCP 2.2 technology, ensuring compatibility with the many upcoming UltraHD(4K)sources and televisions.
– In addition, VSX-1131 is also ready for the next generation HDR (High Dynamic Range) and BT.2020*6 video standards.
– ‘Super Resolution’ Ultra-high-resolution 4K upscaling technologies have been incorporated to upscale ‘standard’ HD-quality content to the quality of a 4K video signal.
GoogleCast
– Included for the very first time in a Pioneer AV Receiver.The VSX-1131 has Google Cast, the same technology behind Chromecast built-in, so you can use your mobile device to cast your favorite music, radio, or podcasts to your speaker. You can control the audio from anywhere in the house using Cast-enabled apps running on your personal device—iPhone, iPad, Android phone and tablet, Mac and Windows laptop, and Chromebook. Discover apps at g.co/cast/audioapps.
Multi-room Audio
– Another exciting first for the VSX-1131 is support for FireConnect™ Powered by Blackfire*4 via an upcoming firmware update. FireConnect enables any audio source connected to the receiver—from vinyl to streaming audio—to be sent wirelessly to a compatible speaker placed anywhere in the home. Stable, fast, and easily controlled, it’s the smart way to set audio free.
Internet Radio and Online Music
– A limitless flow of music, sports, talk, and news entertainment from internet radio stations and online music services, including, Spotify® and for the first time TuneIn, TIDAL, and Deezer
Built-in Dual Band Wi-Fi®*9 and Bluetooth® wireless technologies
– high-fidelity high-resolution sound sources can be enjoyed wirelessly through a Wi-Fi connection that supports dual band 5GHz (11a/n) and 2.4GHz (11b/g/n) offering faster transmission with fewer interruptions,
– Music can also be streamed simply and easily via the integration of wireless Bluetooth®
Hi-Res Audio Support
– 192kHz / 24-bit high-resolution FLAC, WAV, AIFF and Apple lossless file formats are supported, along with DSD (2.8/5.6MHz) *10 files.
Uncompressed HD audio
– VSX-1131 supports various high-definition audio formats including Dolby® TrueHD® and DTS-HD®
Other features
– Powered Zone 2
– Zone 2 Line Out
– iControlAV5 compatible
– AirPlay compatible
– Supports HDMI®-based control functions
– Another exciting first for the VSX-1131 is support for FireConnect™ Powered by Blackfire*4 via an upcoming firmware update. FireConnect enables any audio source connected to the receiver—from vinyl to streaming audio—to be sent wirelessly to a compatible speaker placed anywhere in the home. Stable, fast, and easily controlled, it’s the smart way to set audio free.
OSAKA, JAPAN: Onkyo marks 70 years as a world-leading Hi-Fi and audio-video innovator by smashing the price-to-performance barrier with two of its most sophisticated and sweet-sounding receivers to date.
The 7.2-Channel TX-NR555 (130 W/Ch) and 7.2-Channel TX-NR656 (160 W/Ch) A/V receivers bring high-current Dynamic Audio Amplification and state-of-the-art features to the mid-range with DTS:X™* and Dolby Atmos® decoding, support for 6G video, Google Cast™*, AirPlay, Wi-Fi®, and an all-new wireless multi-room audio system.
AccuReflex also makes its debut in these receivers as part of Onkyo’s AccuEQ room acoustic calibration suite. The technology adjusts the phase of sound bounced off the ceiling by upfiring speakers—which reproduce “height” elements in object-based formats—so that it syncs with sound from the other speakers at the listening position. Together with AccuEQ to eliminate standing waves, surround-sound is precisely balanced for supreme clarity.
A firmware update due this summer will activate FireConnect™* on the TX-NR555 and TX-NR656 receivers, as well as selected legacy models.
FireConnect™, developed by Blackfire Research Corp., is a stable wireless protocol that mirrors any audio source connected to the receiver—from vinyl to streaming audio—on optional FireConnect™-compatible speakers in other rooms*. Users can alternatively use Powered Zone 2 speaker outputs for multi-room playback of digital and analog sources.
Both receivers let music lovers take advantage of the full-scale stereo power on offer. Google Cast, AirPlay, Wi-Fi®, and Bluetooth enable easy audio streaming from mobiles and PCs, while Onkyo’s Remote App streams everything from MP3s to Hi-Res Audio stored on media server. Digital music benefits from noise-free 32-bit D/A conversion with original VLSC™ technology, while discrete non-phase-shift amps provide a sense of clarity and depth seldom heard at this price.
The TX-NR555 and TX-NR656 also support the latest in UltraHD entertainment. HDCP 2.2-compatible HDMI® terminals pass 4K/60 Hz/4:4:4/HDR video through to the latest TVs. A simplified remote, meanwhile, enables fast input switching and fine-tuning via an overlaid Quick Setup menu, while an intuitive GUI streamlines initial one-time setup.
Adding emotionally compelling sound to the film experience today with the freedom to expand into wireless audio entertainment tomorrow, the TX-NR555 and TX-NR656 are prime examples of why Onkyo remains at the cutting edge of home entertainment.
* Note: Firmware update enabling these features is scheduled around summer, 2016. Further details will be communicated on our website and in other media at a later date. Firmware update release timing is subject to change. FireConnect™-compatible speakers are scheduled for release this summer.
