DTS, a wholly owned subsidiary of Xperi Corporation, is partnering with Sound United and its brands Denon and Marantz to incorporate DTS Virtual:X into select Denon and Marantz A/V receivers. 

Through the firmware updates integrators can provide their clients with the ability to experience immersive surround sound without having to add height and rear speakers to their A/V systems, according to Xperi. 

“We are excited to partner with the Denon and Marantz brands to integrate DTS Virtual:X technology in A/V receivers for the first time,” says Joanna Skrdlant, general manager, home audio, Xperi. “DTS Virtual:X technology provides consumers an immersive sound experience even if they only attach stereo, 5.1 or 7.1 speakers to their A/V receivers. Our partnership with these legendary brands reinforces our continued commitment to deliver consumers premium sound in the comfort of their home.”

DTS Virtual:X Benefits Majority of A/V Systems

Citing its own research, Xperi states that fewer than 30 percent of consumers who purchase multichannel A/V receivers connect the height speakers, and fewer than 48 percent of consumers connect the rear-surround speakers. 

Through its Virtual:X technology, which can be added to A/V receivers, DTS says consumers can experience the benefits of immersive audio without having to utilize height and rear-surround speakers. 

Richard Velazquez, global head of Denon, says the addition of DTS Virtual: X to select Denon products proves the commitment the brand is making to new technologies. 

“We are proud to announce that our customers will now be able to update select A/V receivers to incorporate DTS Virtual:X technology,” notes Velazquez. “It proves our constant mission to offer brand new technologies to existing products, adding value to our trusted customers.”

Denon and Marantz point out these products will have the DTS Virtual:X firmware update available for upgrade:

• Denon AVR-S730H
• Denon AVR-S930H
• Denon AVR-X1400H
• Denon AVR-X2400H
• Denon AVR-X3400H
• Marantz NR1608
• Marantz SR5012

Denon, Marantz and Xperi add there will be more Denon DTS:X and Marantz DTS:X model announcements in the winter of 2018.