You don't always need to ditch hardware to get an upgrade. Denon just announced a major hardware and firmware upgrade for owners of its AVR-5308CI 9.3-channel A/V Receiver and AVP-A1HDCI 12-channel A/V Home Theater/MultiMedia Preamplifier -- but you're going to have to pay for it.
While a lot of companies often provide web-based software upgrades for free, this one will come at a price. For $999.99, users can upgrade both units to have full 3D pass-through capability, as well as Audyssey MultEQ XT32, Audyssey DSX and Dolby PLIIz.
If you have a 3D home theater (or want one), this upgrade is an absolute must. It also adds that audio jolt, putting in Dolby Pro Logic IIz decoding for front height channels and Audyssey DSX with left and right height and width channels. The end result promises more realism and depth to put you right in the middle of the action.
As an added bonus, the upgrade includes Audyssey's advanced MultEQ XT32 room acoustic correction system and includes a specially calibrated microphone. This will allow users to create the perfect setup, based on their room's actual conditions.
Because this upgrade is more than your average tweak, owners will have to seek out an Authorized Denon Service Center. A road trip isn't necessary! Users can send it in, but at their own expense.
"We're excited to bring these ground-breaking features to owners of our flagship AVR-5308CI A/V receiver and AVP-A1HDCI Preamplifier," noted Yoshinori Yamada, Denon's product manager. "The early adopters who purchased these components nearly 4 years ago bought them with the confidence that they would experience the very best in home entertainment for years to come. This upgrade is yet another example of Denon's committment to our customers to ensure that they remain at the cutting edge of the latest performance-enhancing technologies. The Firmware/Hardware upgrade provides Denon consumers with a whole new range of features and functions."
Other features on the AVR-5308CI receiver include THX Ultra2 certification, built-in Wi-Fi, web radio and HD radio, 150 watts per channel, and a $5,499.99 MSRP. Priced at $7,499.99, the AVP-A1HDCI preamplifier also has built-in Wi-Fi, as well as 12 high-definition video inputs, 16 standard definition inputs, and deinterlacing, upscaling and conversion to HDMI outputs via the Silicon Optix HQV Realta reference video processor.
Where to Buy:
Authorized Denon Service Centers:
