The Integra DHC-9.9 Three-zone AV Preamplifier/Processor is THX Ultra2 Plus certified, has ISFccc video calibration, HQV-Reon VX video processing, 4 HDMI 1.3a repeaters, HD Radio, and the new THX Loudness Plus, and Audyssey's new Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume.

Integra, a manufacturer of home theater components designed specifically for the custom installer, has introduced the Integra DHC-9.9, the worlds first AV preamplifier-processor to include Imaging Science Foundation's Certified Calibration Controls (ISFccc) which facilitate individual image quality calibration of video source components while simplifying system configurations.

The Integra DHC-9.9 is a three-zone THX Ultra2 Plus certified AV preamplifier-processor. It replaces the company's DTC-9.8, which was the first pre-pro to include HDMI 1.3a repeaters and Silicon Optix' premium HQV Reon-VX circuitry for upscaling and video processing. The new model adds the new audio processing capabilities of THX Loudness Plus and Audyssey Dynamic EQ which both improve the home theater experience when listening at moderate sound levels. It also adds Audyssey's Dynamic Volume, which maintains consistent overall volume levels regardless of changes in the source. For broadcast fans, the DHC-9.9, has an HD Radio tuner, is Sirius and XM Satellite radio ready, and offers XMHD Surround and THX Neural Surround.

An ISF Certified calibration technician with unrestricted access to the DHC-9.9's ISFccc menus can achieve optimal image quality for each of the video inputs. Previously, video calibration was usually limited to one source, or required complex cabling and intricate remote control macro programming to achieve a reasonably user friendly system. The use of these calibration functions, especially with HDMI, will result in simpler system configurations, reduced set-up time, and end-user systems offering optimal video performance while retaining the ease-of-use of HDMI switching. Up to three calibration settings -- day, night, or custom -- can be stored for each source.

The heart of the video circuitry is Silicon Optix' premium HQV Reon-VX processing for studio-quality upscaling of all sources to 1080p over HDMI, and also provides analog component video upscaling to 1080i. The DHC-9.9 has four HDMI, three component video, and six S-Video/composite inputs. There are two HDMI outputs to facilitate applications such as a second monitor in the same room with a projector.

With its THX Ultra2 Plus certification the DHC-9.9 is designed for use with powerful external amplifiers in large rooms, and provides 7.1-channel professional-grade balanced XLR outputs for connection to compatible multichannel amplifiers. The new THX Loudness Plus feature improves the experience of movies at lower volume levels. Because ambient sounds and bass can be lost or perceived differently when the volume is lowered, THX Loudness Plus automatically adjusts the front-to-back speaker level and frequency balance to help retain the sonic details of movies when listening below reference level.

Like its predecessor, DHC-9.9 includes Audyssey's MultEQ XT room acoustics correction, a powerful built-in solution for countering room distortion in dedicated home theaters. The system is Audyssey MultEQ Pro compatible, allowing certified installers to further refine this process. New for the DHC-9.9 is Audyssey Dynamic EQ, which provides real-time adjustment of surround levels and equalization when listening at moderate sound levels. Also new is Audyssey's Dynamic Volume, which detects and corrects for undesired dramatic changes in volume level during program changes and commercials, maintaining a consistent output level.

The DHC-9.9 has three TI Aureus• 32-bit DSP chips to provide onboard decoding for every major format in use today, including the latest high definition and lossless audio formats specified for the Blu-Ray disc formats. The unit features an oversized Toroidal transformer for the main power supply as well as separate transformers for the audio and video circuitry. Each channel also employs premium quality Burr Brown audio DAC's and Integra's VLSC (Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry) for dynamic, low-distortion reproduction at all output levels. The HDMI and AV inputs are assignable, as are three optical/coaxial digital inputs, two-channel balanced XLR inputs, phono and line-level analog inputs, and multi-channel inputs and pre-outs.

The DHC-9.9 boasts multizone capabilities, including fixed and variable line level outs with subwoofer for two additional zones. Zone 2 also includes both composite and HD-quality component video outputs, as well as independent tone controls. Zone 2 and Zone 3 both include balance controls as well as maximum and power-on volume settings.

The Integra DHC-9.9 includes a package of features tailored to the needs of custom installers, including an Ethernet port for integration with network-based control systems. It also includes bi-directional RS-232, RIHD (Remote Interactive over HDMI) system control integration over HDMI, three programmable 12-volt triggers, dual IR inputs, and three unique assignable IR code sets. Lockable customized dealer settings can be independently stored for easy recall, making it simple for installers to maintain complex installations.

The DHC-9.9 includes a high quality AM/FM radio tuner and built-in HD Radio reception capability. It is also compatible with Satellite radio programming with connections for both XM and Sirius antennas. It includes onboard Neural THX processing for multichannel surround programming on XM HD and other Neural THX sources. Finally, there are 40 presets for AM, FM, HD Radio, XM, or Sirius stations.

The Integra DHC-9.9 is now available from Integra dealers with a suggested retail price of $2,000.

For more information about Integra and its many products, contact:

Integra
18 Park Way, Upper Saddle River NJ 07450
(800) 225-1946
www.integrahometheater.com