8K Upgrades Coming to JBL Synthesis and Arcam AV Receivers
Harman has announced today an upgrade kit that will be available for JBL Synthesis and Arcam current AV Receivers and Processors enabling 8K Support via HDMI 2.1.
Current JBL Synthesis products, such as the SDP-55 and SDR-35, will be replaced by the SDP-58 and SDR-38, featuring the new HDMI 2.1 boards and enabling 8K video capability. It is understood there are no other differences between the revised model numbers.
Existing users will be able to return their compatible Arcam and JBL Synthesis products to authorised service centres for the HDMI 2.1 upgrade, which includes a change of circuit board and firmware update, before shipping the units back to the customer. Arcam's current models (AVR10, AVR20, AVR30, and AV40) and Harman stablemate JBL Synthesis's SDR-35 AVR and SDP-55 AV preamp are all upgradable to HDMI 2.1.
HDMI 2.1 extends bandwidth capability to 48Gbps – up from 18Gbps with HDMI 2.0. Resolutions supported up to 10K and frame rates up to 120fps. While the new standard maintains the same physical connector and is backwards compatible with existing HDMI 2.0 cables and components, new Ultra High-Speed HDMI cables are required to unlock HDMI 2.1 products' full capabilities.
Harman intended on displaying working samples at the upcoming CEDIA Expo, September 1-3, in Indianapolis, before withdrawing from the event due to rising COVID concerns. The event is now said to be in doubt after more than 60% of exhibitors have reportedly withdrawn in the last two weeks.
The HDMI 2.1 upgrade kits and refreshed JBL Synthesis SDP-55 and SDR-35 products will ship in November 2021. Pricing has not yet been announced.
For more information visit Arcam | JBL Synthesis
Marc Rushton
StereoNET’s Founder and Publisher was born in England and raised on British Hi-Fi before moving to Australia. He developed an early love of music and playing bass guitar before discovering the studio and the other side of the mixing desk. After writing for print magazines, Marc saw the future in digital publishing and founded the first version of StereoNET in 1999.
Posted in: Home Theatre
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