Las Vegas (1/08/03) – Parasound has introduced the THX Ultra2-certified
Halo C 1, a multichannel A/V controller that uses the world’s most
sophisticated DSP engine to deliver previously unattainable levels of
performance and control.
The Halo C 1’s key features include a 5-inch front panel video
monitor, all the latest state-of the-art surround processing modes,
future processing modes via an upgradeable processor, automatic channel
calibration with an included microphone, professional-grade balanced
XLR audio and BNC video connections, two remote controls, multi-zone
capability, and four programmable output channels that take surround
sound beyond the boundaries of 7.1 channels.
“Three years ago we asked a team of designers in the US, Finland
and Norway to create an instrument of such exquisite refinement that
it would truly be in a class by itself,” said Parasound’s
president, Richard Schram. “The result has surpassed even my highest
expectations, and it will have great appeal both to custom installers,
who want to get the system running right and get it done fast, and to
audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts, who want to fine-tune their
systems to within the last fraction of sonic perfection.”
The Parasound Halo C 1’s DSP engine provides many advanced features
and operating modes, including a patented, hybrid digital and analog
bass management system that prevents time-smear when low frequencies
from channels with varying delays are mixed into the subwoofer channel.
The processor also looks at incoming digital signals in three different
ways to determine if they are worthy of accepting to avoid unwanted
noises. It also eliminates any unwanted muting at the start of new tracks,
a problem common to most A/V processors on the market.
“The C 1 is designed for enthusiasts,” continues Schram,
“yet it maintains a level performance and ease-of-use far above
anything else in the marketplace. A custom installer can have one up,
running, and fully calibrated in 30 minutes. But many home theater and
multi-channel audio enthusiasts want more, so we added a whole layer
of user controls, upgrade capabilities, and even additional programmable
channels that give the audiophile an opportunity to push beyond the
7.1-channel state of the art.”
The Halo C 1 setup and control menu system offers complete customization
of every aspect of the processor's function. Distance and level adjustments
for each of the 7.1-channels required for THX Ultra2 home theater specifications
can be calibrated automatically using the included omni-directional
electret microphone and 25’ cord, or manually. A rear-panel expansion
port allows for the addition and integration of future technologies
without the addition of a new processor. A rear-panel RS-232 port allows
for integration with home automation systems, upgrade to the system
software and trouble-shooting via a home PC. With Parasound's HaloControl
software, the RS-232 port also allows for the use of a home PC to control
and setup the C 1, delivering far more extensive control and backup
capabilities than any other processor.
The C 1 includes digital processing of Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital
EX, DTS, and DTS-ES matrix and discrete software. Dolby ProLogic II,
DTS Neo:6, and THX Ultra2 Cinema and Music modes, with a variety of
customization options, can be used to generate multichannel sound from
stereo analog or digital sources. For audiophile listening, there is
a balanced XLR audio input, whose signal can be set to bypass the digital
processing circuitry completely, passing only through only the analog
volume control, for optimum integrity at the output jacks.
The C 1 has unbalanced analog inputs and both balanced XLR and unbalanced
outputs for eight channels (7.1). The controller also features four
additional outputs, one for a second Sub/LFE channel, one for sub-20
Hz LFE bass to drive a tactile transducer "room shaker," and
two completely programmable output channels. Each programmable channel
has independent adjustments to mix its content from any or all of the
eight main channels, plus adjustments for level, delay, high- and low-pass
filters. Some possible configurations of these channels are for true
stereo subwoofers, a dedicated rear-channel subwoofer, additional front
or center channels, mid-ceiling speakers for improved front-rear pans
and improved spatial ambience, or mono channels for single speakers
in adjacent rooms.
The Parasound Halo C 1 features professional grade BNC connectors (RCA-BNC
adapters are also supplied) for three component video/RGB inputs and
one output, including separate horizontal and vertical sync signals.
There are composite and S-Video connections for up to six A/V components,
and four analog pairs for audio-only gear. There are eight digital inputs,
four optical and four coaxial, and both optical and coaxial digital
outputs. A set of 7.1-channel unbalanced analog inputs is provided for
multichannel SACD and DVD-Audio players. Finally, there are outputs
for a second zone, which can provide audio and video independently from
any source connected to the C 1.
All of the C 1’s functions can be adjusted either by using the
simple front panel controls and front-panel five-inch TFT video monitor
menus, or with equal capability by using the programmable Master remote
and on-screen displays. The back-lit Master remote control, and the
convenient and compact back-lit SideKick remote can each be customized
and configured using a PC and available software, allowing them to control
an entire home theater system, from DVD player to lighting.
The Halo by Parasound C 1 Audio/Video Controller will be available
in January at a suggested retail price of $6,000.
Parasound introduced the Halo brand in 2002 as a performance- and design-conscious
step-up from the company’s traditional product line. Founded in
1981, Parasound Products, Inc., is a privately owned U.S. company that
specializes in providing affordable audio and home theater components
to the critical listener. For more information and dealer locations,
visit http://www.parasound.com or call 415 397-7100.
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