Crestron has announced a new 7.1 AV Receiver, the HD-XSPA. It is designed to be the "brains" of 7.1 4K-based AV system and features plenty of input and output ports as well as the "full performance of a Class D power amp". In addition it can provide a 2-channel downmix of any content in order to feed a whole-home audio system.
From Crestron
Crestron's New 7.1 AV Receiver With Integrated DigitalMedia™ Input is Now Shipping
The HD-XSPA delivers professional surround performance in a space-saving design for the ultimate audio experience in any room in the home.
Rockleigh, NJ, March 4, 2014 - Crestron announced today that the new HD-XSPA, a powerful surround sound processor, multi-channel amplifier, and DigitalMedia (DM®) room box in one, is now shipping. The HD-XSPA makes it easy to enjoy spectacular, full-bodied 7.1 audio in a room as part of an integrated whole-house 4K AV system.
Integrated by Design™
The HD-XSPA connects directly to a DM switch, eliminating the need for a separate DigitalMedia receiver in the room. A full range of built-in control ports, including RS-232, IR, Ethernet, and relay, allows for programmable control of local devices. CEC pass-through allows control of many devices via HDMI®.
"In designing the HD-XSPA, we've made life easier for integrators," said Dennis Fink, Technology Manager for audio products at Crestron. "Until today, they were forced to install both an AVR and a DM roombox in each room. Now they can deliver amazing 7.1 audio, with the full performance of a Class D power amp, with one compact component."
Pure 4K support
The HD-XSPA fully supports 4K Ultra HD sources and displays through 4 HDMI inputs, the DigitalMedia input, and the HDMI output, so it works flawlessly as part of a Crestron DigitalMedia distribution network. It decodes all the latest digital surround formats, including Dolby® TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio™; and full input connectivity is provided for all types of digital and analog sources, including Blu-ray Disc® players, HDTV receivers, game consoles, computers, and media servers.
Big performance, small form factor
Featuring a high-power, 8-channel amplifier, the HD-XSPA delivers professional-grade performance (140 Watts per channel @ 8 Ohms; 240 Watts at 4 Ohms). It includes a powered sub-channel, making it easy to install an in-wall subwoofer (such as a Crestron ASPIRE® IWS82) without impacting living space. Compact in design at just 2U, the HD-XSPA saves space in the equipment rack and integrates easily with other Crestron systems and AV equipment.
Audio that goes anywhere
In addition to providing spectacular 7.1 surround sound, the HD-XSPA simultaneously provides a 2-channel stereo downmix to feed to a whole-house audio distribution system. Homeowners can now hear all the action from the big game anywhere in the home--not just rooms with surround sound. In addition, two channels of the integrated power amp can be allocated for a downmix stereo feed to an adjacent space, like a bathroom or patio, leaving 5.1 for the main zone.
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