Denon/Marantz AV Receivers Get Firmware Update with New Features 11/1/18

[gene]

Denon and Marantz owners rejoice as select models receive firmware updates today with some impressive new features.

• eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel)—A feature introduced for HDMI 2.1, eARC will allow for additional formats to be transported including the below. Moreover, eARC includes a mandatory information channel telling the TV which sound formats are supported by the AVR so that the TV outputs best possible format automatically.
  • Dolby Digital Plus (up to 7.1 channel)
  • Dolby TrueHD (up to 7.1 channel)
  • Dolby Atmos
  • DTS-HD High Resolution Audio (up to 7.1 channel)
  • DTS-HD Master Audio (up to 7.1 channel)
  • DTS:X
• IMAX Enhanced—The Denon AVR-X8500 and Marantz AV8805 will be the first receivers equipped with IMAX Enhanced technology. As IMAX Enhanced content becomes available, owners of these products will have access to one of the most advanced audio and visual formats available. With meticulous adjustments modeled on how the IMAX theatrical sound system operates, this proprietary IMAX audio mix is translated for home theatre environments and exclusively delivered using a special variant of the DTS:X codec technology integrated in home entertainment equipment to deliver immersive, powerful sound.
• Smart Remote Management (SRM) and Web UI—Audio, video, speaker and input functionalities will support via web UI for the Denon AVR-X8500H, Marantz AV8805, and Marantz SR8012.
  • This Web UI and remote monitoring and management are made available by ihiji invision and Domotz pro

 

[Buddd99]

Will they eventually have an update for the sr7010 for the imax?

 

[PENG]

Will they eventually have an update for the sr7010 for the imax?

As far as I know only the 2018 models are getting it, the only exception is the 2017 launched SR8012.
https://marantz-uk.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/6741/~/imax-enhanced

 

[gene]

Will they eventually have an update for the sr7010 for the imax?

Not that I'm aware of.

 

[gene]

As far as I know only the 2018 models are getting it, the only exception is the 2017 launched SR8012.
https://marantz-uk.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/6741/~/imax-enhanced

SR8012 gets it next year.

 

[PENG]

SR8012 gets it next year.

I am surprise it is not getting it the same time as the AVR-X8500H, thought they were released in 2017 around the same time.

By the way, as far as I can see, no one in this planet has done bench tests as detailed and inclusive as yours, any chance you may do the same on the AVR-X8500H any time soon? I would love to see how it compares with the SR8012 that you have already done.

It would also be fantastic to hear you opinion on whether the superior measurements of the Anthem STR pair should result in significant, or just subtle difference in sound quality in pure direct mode, all else being equal. Obviously the D&M flag ship AVRs have no chance at all of coming anywhere near the STRs if power output is the issue, but I mean for medium sized room driving typical 4-8 ohms speakers with 88-90 dB/2.83V/1m sensitivities.

Thanks again for such great reviews!!