Following the recent announcement by DTS® of a discrete-rear-channel variant of its DTS-ES surround sound format, DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, the Onkyo Corporation announced plans for upgrade software that would allow several of its products to process music and movies encoded for the new format. These products, which are sold under the Onkyo, Integra, and Integra Research brand names, are already compatible with the derived rear-channel variant of DTS-ES, DTS-ES Matrix 6.1.

Onkyo Corporation’s products’ unique ‘future-proof’ DSP processor architecture allows them to be upgraded for the new format. As a long-time DTS licensee, Onkyo’s engineers are working with DTS engineers to translate this new format into an easy-to-use installer program for all upgradeable products from Onkyo, Integra, and Integra Research. The upgrade programs can be installed via a common RS-232 cable connecting the component to a personal computer. ‘This is exactly why we developed our future-proof upgradeable processor,’ said Mark Friedman, Senior Vice President, Onkyo USA.

Onkyo anticipates it will have its DTS-ES installer upgrade program available in the first quarter of the next year. The software, available at a nominal fee through authorized dealers and servicers, will be compatible with the Onkyo TX-DS989 and Integra DTR-9.1 home theatre receivers, and the Integra Research RDC-7 preamplifier/processor.