Arcam brings the Auro-3D audio format to the HDA range of home cinema receivers/processors-- specifically the AVR10, AVR20 and AVR30 AVRs and the AV40 processor-- via free firmware update.

The format, developed by the Galaxy Studios Group, adds a height layer to an existing speaker flatbed, including 9.1 and 13.1 configurations. However it does not require in-ceiling or reflective upfiring speakers. Instead, it uses height models directly above traditional speaker positions, and as such installers simply need to mount speakers above the existing surround layer to enable the required vertical stereo field.

AudioControl announces three AV receivers (AVRs) and two AV processors, with all 5 units sharing the same industrial designs. The AVRs make part of the Concert series, while the processors belong to the Maestro range.

The Maestro X9 and X7 are 16-channel immersive audio high-performance preamp/processors. Both support 9.1.6 Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and IMAX Enhanced, with 16-channels of balanced and unbalanced output and a full complement of inputs, including x7 HDMI 2.0b inputs with full support for 4K UHD and HDR playback. Dirac Live room correction and ESS Sabre DACs are also included, while connectivity comes through Google Cast, AirPlay 2, aptX Bluetooth and wifi.

ISE 2020 sees Trinnov Audio demonstrates the DTS:X Pro capabilities of the Altitude32 and Alititude16 processors with a purpose-built 15-seat 15.3.10 channel immersive audio system.

Built in partnership with co-exhibitors Procella Audio and Kaleidescape, the setup consists of an Altitude32 processor and Amplitude8 power amplifiers handling the playback system, together with 28 Procella loudspeakers, Procella amplifiers, a Kaleidescape Strato and a Sony VPL-W5000ES projector.

Emotiva launches a second flagship AV processor-- the RMC-1L, with precise video switching of HDR and DolbyVision 4K UHD video content and 16-channel audio to support object-oriented surround sound formats.

The RMC-1L promises to be best-in-price class, with 16 fully balanced channels (fixed) including an all-analog preamplifier section, precision 32-bit AD/DA conversion and advanced 4K UHD video management. Connectivity comes through x8 HDMI inputs and x2 HDMI outputs, all with support for the 2.0b feature set and HDCP 2.2.

Rayva announces a patent-pending process for constructing acoustical wall panels for home theatres featuring a "collapsible" design promising to reduce the time, effort and expense involved with traditional acoustic wall panels.

According to the company, the wall panels sidestep the large shipping containers, special fabric wrapping skills and complicated modifications traditional designs involve. Instead, the Rayva panels ship with a deconstructed wooden frame, while the fabric coverings are premade to fit precisely over the panel using a proprietary internal tightening system.

Enclave Audio announces a pair of WiSA-certified wireless multichannel surround speaker systems making part of the CineHome portfolio-- the CineHome II and CineHome PRO, together with the CineHub wireless audio transmitter.

According to the company, the complete 5.1 CineHome system sets up like a soundbar but provides the audio performance of a multichannel surround system. It consists of three wireless front speakers (left, right and centre), two wireless rear speakers (left and right) and a wireless subwoofer. The systems pair and sync automatically to deliver a high-definition audio experience across a 360-degree field of wireless surround by leveraging WiSA technology.