Owing to the highly flexible, modular architecture, the Home Theater Standard 7.1 is THX Ultra certified and features THX Surround EX, Dolby Digital Surround EX, DTS 6.1 ES, DTS NEO:6, Dolby Pro Logic II processing, in addition to nine proprietary Krell Music Surround modes. This flexibility allows upgrades to internal hardware and software for future surround sound formats and design enhancements.

Digital Engine
Two crystal digital signal processors, the CS49623 and the CS493302, perform all surround mode processing. Krell software upsamples all digital signals to 24-bit precision and operates these DSPs at 88 MHz. These advanced processors are further enhanced by the addition of Krell digital signal processing running from an additional 8 MB of external memory. The high processing speed and additional software increases operating efficiency for improved bit stream recognition and channel steering. After decoding, the individual digital signals are sent to the adjustable digital crossover circuitry. Crossover points are available at 40Hz, 60Hz, 80Hz, 100 Hz, or 120Hz. This circuitry runs in double precision mode at a word length of 48-bits for the most precise division of frequencies and optimization of the system's speaker/subwoofer combination. The individual channel information is then sent to 24-bit/192KHz DACs in all 7.1 channels. The resulting eight analog signals are the most accurate possible.

Analog Circuitry
The analog preamplifier circuitry is the most critical audio stage in a surround sound preamp/processor. The eight output stages include the advanced signal path that was developed in our flagship Class A Series stereo preamplifier, the Krell Current Tunnel. Each channel is fully balanced using Krell Current Mode topology in a zero feedback configuration. This design results in a staggering 1 MHz bandwidth. This extended bandwidth is critical for accurate reproduction of the current generation of movie soundtracks and high-resolution audio formats. In preamp mode, the HTS 7.1 operates as a pure analog preamp. This configuration bypasses all digital circuitry and routes the analog input, stereo or 7.1 multi-channel, directly to the volume control for the purest path possible.

Video Circuitry
The broadcast quality signal path insures the most vivid color and detailed picture for composite, S-video, and component signals. The all-discrete video circuitry bandwidth is greater than 80 MHz which provides pristine pass-through of all progressive and wideband high definition component signals while still providing on screen display for interlaced component video signals.

Operation
The advanced digital, analog, and video circuitry included in the Home Theater Standard 7.1 is coupled to a powerful yet easy to use configuration and operating system. A step-by-step menu-driven procedure guides you through the setup ensuring optimal performance from the system. The suite of control features includes bidirectional RS-232 communication, multiple 12V triggers, direct RC-5 input, and is Crestron I²P certified for use with touchpanel based systems. The operating system software resides in FLASH memory and permits future software upgrades to be made via the RS-232 Port.

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