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Cambridge Audio Launches Azur 640R 7.1 HDMI Home Cinema Receiver What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision Show (13/11/2006)

Suggested retail price - £600 inc VAT

Following Cambridge Audio's recent successes in the home cinema arena, the company is pleased to launch the Azur 640R, a high performance 7.1 receiver with 3-input HDMI switching and HD compatible component switching. Designed for breathtaking multi-channel surround-sound performance, the 640R also takes an uncompromising approach to music reproduction.

The 640R's seven 100 Watt audiophile grade fully discrete amplifiers are kept separate from the processing and input stages and feature a substantial power supply and an oversize low flux toroidal transformer. This careful design of the amplifier stages ensures that the 640R can replicate the dynamics and scale required for modern movie soundtracks whilst also being able to reproduce a genuinely musical performance with either stereo or multi-channel music sources.

Key features:

¥ HDMI switching allows the latest satellite receivers, DVD players and games consoles to be routed to the TV with full digital video transfer, fully HDCP compatible ¥ Power output of 7 x 100 watts rms per channel, 8 ohms (all channels driven) ¥ Analogue video up-conversion (transcodes between composite, S-video and component) ¥ HDTV capable via component video or HDMI / DVI ¥ Dolby Digital / EX and DTS / ES / Matrix / Discrete formats in all 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1 variants ¥ Dolby Pro Logic(r) II or IIx and DTS Neo:6 decoding in all 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1 variants ¥ DTS 96/24 ¥ Post processing of 5.1 or 6.1 digital material with PLIIx or DTS Neo:6 to full 7.1 ¥ 5.1/6.1/7.1 analogue input for connection of DVD-Audio or SACD players ¥ Analogue stereo direct mode for audiophile stereo sources (pure analogue, no DSP) ¥ Comprehensive composite, S-video, component and HDMI video input switching ¥ Fully specified for custom install applications o Incognito Ready(tm) A-BUS(tm) multi-room outputs o RS232 port, IR emitter In, Control Bus In/Out ¥ On Screen Display (OSD) ¥ Navigator style Azur remote control ¥ Available in either silver or black

The key to this musical performance is the fact that the seven 100W audiophile grade fully discrete amplifiers are kept as separate as possible from the processing and input stages. This highly considered amplifier design ensures that the 640R can reproduce the dynamics and scale required for modern film soundtracks whilst also being able to afford a genuinely musical performance with either stereo or multi-channel music sources.

Always at the vanguard of embracing innovation, Cambridge Audio's most powerful AV receiver allows up to three HDMI sources (e.g. HDMI DVD player, SkyHD(tm) box ) to be routed to an HD Ready LCD or plasma screen using just one feed. Automatic selection of digital video source ensures seamless picture transmission from the 640R to screen.

A full range of digital and analogue inputs enables connection of a plethora of source equipment. The 640R subsequently decodes inputs into stereo, stereo and sub or various digital surround formats including Dolby Digital and DTS formats in 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1. It's also capable of decoding analogue or digital stereo sources in Dolby Pro Logic(r) II or IIx and DTS Neo:6, again in 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1 variants for a convincing and effective surround experience from a matrix encoded stereo source. Post-processing of 5.1 or 6.1 digital material is also possible with PLIIx or DTS Neo:6 to turn these formats into full 7.1.

The 640R carries a 5.1/ 6.1 /7.1 channel analogue input enabling connection of a DVD Audio or SACD player equipped with a 5.1 output and is also compatible with future external 6.1 or 7.1 audio formats.

As well as the full complement of audio inputs, the 640R performs composite, S-video and component video input switching and transcoding. The component video inputs and outputs are progressive scan and HDTV compatible and the unit features full On Screen Display on all analogue video outputs. Transcoding allows analog video formats to be converted to S-video or component for a simpler interface to the TV/monitor.

Multi-room compatibility is featured for connection to Cambridge Audio's Incognito system or other custom install applications. Twin Incognito Ready (Type II) outputs offer plug and play compatibility with Cambridge Audio Incognito keypads or active speakers. This provides connection with up to two additional rooms Ð with fully independent source control Ð for the simplest hub-free multi-room system. Second and third zone video outputs mean even the remote rooms can benefit from video capability. Additionally, an RS232 port, IR Emitter In and Control Bus In/Out make it easy to fully integrate the 640R into more complex custom install systems.

All this proprietary engineering is housed within a low resonance, acoustically damped chassis which uses a thick aluminium front panel and is available in silver or black. A highly ergonomic navigator style remote control also offers full control of the 640R's wide range of features and functions.

www.cambridge-audio.com