Integra Unveils Networked AVRs, Processors

Integra debuted its THX-Ultra2 Plus Certified A/V processor and A/V receivers at CEDIA Expo 2011. Integra, which is the leading receiver brand among the CE Pro 100 companies with a 61 percent market share, also debuted remote control apps for iPod/iPhone and Android devices.

These three A/V components all feature the new HQV-Vida video processors, DTS Neo:X dimensional surround processing, Dolby Volume processing, improved networking and streaming media capabilities, plus numerous other features not included in the 2010 models.

Keith Haas, director of sales, is bullish about the A/V and networking capabilities of the new models. "While 4k video displays are now few and far between, we see that changing over the next 12 months, especially in the high-end and commercial installs," he says.

"With added streaming services, wireless features, and ongoing support upgrades, our customers get new value added on a regular basis," he adds, noting the networking capabilities make it possible for consumers to improve the product post-purchase.

The DHC-80.3 A/V preamp controller, and the DTR-80.3 and DTR-70.3 A/V receivers are all 9.2-channel THX ULtra2 Plus Certified systems. All three use the new DTS Neo:X dimensional sound processor, which is the industry’s first 2.0/5.1/6.1/7.1-to- 9.1/11.1 conversion technology within a single algorithm, in addition to Audyssey DSX, and Dolby ProLogic IIz. With 11 speaker- or line-outputs, these new models can accommodate a variety of different combinations of front, height, wide, and surround channels without the need to rewire speakers.

Another upgrade from Integra is its video processors. While all 2011 Integra receivers employ the Marvell Qdeo 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels) upscaling video processor, the new three high-end models replace last year's HQV ReonVX chipset with the new IDT HQV Vida VHD1900. This provides additional high-performance video processing, including enhancement of low-resolution streaming video, and to facilitate ISFccc calibration capabilities.

This trio of products features networking capabilities with an Ethernet connection plus front and rear USB ports for digital storage devices and other devices. Direct digital connection for iPod/iPhone is available through the front panel USB. This receiver is certified for Windows 7 and DLNA, and can playback a variety of digital audio file formats via a home network or USB devices.

An iPod or iPhone can also be connected using and optional dock connected via Integra's proprietary Universal Port, which can also be used for an optional HD Radio Tuner and forthcoming wireless devices. The network connection provides Internet radio and streaming music services, with pre-formatted service packages for Spotify, Mediafly, Pandora, SlackerT, Napster, Rhapsody, vTuner, SIRIUS XM Internet Radio, and Last.fm.

The Integra DHC-80.3 AV preamp processor uses high-end balanced XLR outputs designed for optimal performance with a comparable high-end nine-channel power amplifier, like the Integra DTA-70.1. The DHC-80.3 AV processor and DTR-80.3 AV receiver both have high-current power supplies with premium toroidal transformers for ultimate low-noise performance.

The DTR-70.3 uses a different three-transformer power supply configuration with separate supplies for each major circuitry division. The DTR-70.3 and DTR-80.3 have powerful, low-distortion WRAT amplifier stages with 135- and 145-Watts per channel respectively.

Integra has also announced the immediate free availability of wireless remote control Apps that will allow all 2011 Integra processors and receivers to be controlled using an iPod/iPhone or Android wireless device.

The Integra DHC-80.3 A/V preamp processor and the DTR-80.3 and DTR-70.3 A/V receivers are now shipping to Integra dealers with suggested retail prices of $2,600, $3,000 and $2,300 respectively.