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PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Neilson/Clyne
Tel: (615) 662-1616
Fax: (615) 662-1636FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LEXICON DISPLAYS MC-8 AND
MC-8 BALANCED DIGITAL CONTROLLERS
CEDIA EXPO, INDIANAPOLIS, IN, September 5, 2003 — Lexicon, the leader in digital audio processors for home entertainment, is showing the new MC-8 Digital Controller. Based on the acclaimed MC-12, the MC-8 is a reference-quality, 8-channel digital control center providing eight fully-configurable inputs, two zones, and powerful built-in digital audio processing. In addition, a balanced version offers balanced analog audio output connectors for the Main Zone and Zone 2.Expandable Design
The MC-8 is designed to be flexible, with a host of possibilities for upgrades so as to meet the needs of new technologies and formats. A rear-panel RS-232 connector can be used to perform flash-ROM software upgrades while a second serial port is intended for possible future options. The rear panel also includes two removable access panels to accommodate connectors for new technologies should Lexicon decide to offer an upgrade.Inside, two internal expansion slots make it possible to more than quadruple the MC-8’s tremendous DSP capability for even more processing power.
Surround Performance
In addition to conventional stereo and surround features, the MC-8 offers the latest version of Lexicon’s critically acclaimed LOGIC7® decoding, which creates a full 7.1-channel output signal from 2, 5.1, and 6.1-channel input sources. Unlike other decoders, LOGIC7 decoding accepts any input source and requires no special encoding. Because the improvement it provides is clearly audible, LOGIC7 surround decoding is widely regarded as the finest available.In addition to LOGIC7 decoding, the MC-8 offers Dolby® Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic® II, Dolby Pro Logic, dts 96/24, dts NEO:6, dts-ES (discrete and matrix), dts, and THX® Surround EX decoding. THX Ultra2 Certification guarantees that specifications meet the highest standards defined by Home THX.
Processing Power
With four Analog Devices SHARC digital signal processing (DSP) engines, the MC-8 boasts enormous processing power. These DSP’s perform custom Lexicon processing, including LOGIC7 decoding, bass enhancement, dialog enhancement, auto-azimuth correction,
5-speaker enhancement, digital crossovers, and tone controls. These features are processed at 96kHz with full 24-bit resolution in all modes to retain top performance from all input sources. In addition, a fifth processor decodes multi-channel compressed audio sources.Digital and Analog
The MC-8 is one of the most sophisticated audio/video control centers available. Stereo analog input sources can be converted to digital signals using high-precision 24-bit/96kHz A/D converters, providing the benefits of precise digital signal processing without sacrificing accuracy. Alternatively, analog input sources can bypass A/D conversion and internal processing altogether and be connected directly to the output connectors providing a pure audio path.Digital input sources use a two-stage phase-locked loop for extremely low jitter, maximizing stereo and surround image definition and high frequency transparency. Processing is carried out at the native sample rates, eliminating performance penalties inherent in sample rate conversion. Lexicon’s proprietary auto-azimuth technology corrects timing and level imbalances, allowing for exceptionally accurate playback of surround-encoded input sources.
Video Switching
Complementing its audio performance, the MC-8 features two broadcast-quality video switchers. An ultra-wide bandwidth component video switcher accepts analog component or RGB video input sources, while a composite and S-video switcher accepts high-quality NTSC, PAL, or SECAM video input sources. Both switchers are designed to pass video signals without alteration or degradation.An intuitive user-interface with color onscreen display provides convenient access to an extensive menu structure for a wide range of possibilities. Any of the MC-8’s eight digital audio, eight analog audio, five composite video, five S-video, or three component video input connectors can be assigned to any input, providing ultimate control over input sources.
Built to professional standards, the MC-8 is designed to serve as the control center in any high-quality home theater system. Even the most demanding enthusiast will be impressed with its unique combination of power, performance, flexibility, and technological sophistication. With extensive expansion capabilities, the MC-8 represents a solid investment that should retain its value in the face of emerging technologies.
Features:
8 channels
8 configurable inputs
2 zones
8 digital audio input connectors
24-bit/192kHz D/A converters for all Main Zone audio output connectors
2 5.1-channel analog audio input connectors
Analog bypass option for stereo analog audio input connectors
Auto switching between digital and analog audio input connectors
3 component video input connectors with full HDTV compatibility
5 S-video input connectors
5 composite video input connectors
4 32-bit DSP engines
Broadcast-quality video switching
LOGIC7 decoding
Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II, and Dolby Pro Logic decoding
dts 24/96, dts NEO:6, dts-ES (discrete and matrix), and dts decoding
THX Surround EX decoding
THX Ultra2 Certification
RS-232 connector to perform flash-ROM software upgrades
2 internal expansion slots for possible future hardware
2 removable access panels for possible future connectors
S/PDIF audio output connector
RS-232 control
Rear panel IR IN connector
2 trigger output connectors
19-inch rack-mount kit option
Balanced audio output connectors for all channels (MC-8 Balanced)The Lexicon MC-8 and MC-8 Balanced Digital Controllers are currently available with US MSRPs of $5995 and $6995, respectively.
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Lexicon, founded in 1971, is one of the world’s premier manufacturers of home theater electronics. Innovative technologies, such as LOGIC7®, have helped Lexicon to push the boundaries of home entertainment. Lexicon audio systems are also available in the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Phantom, and LOGIC7 is utilized in select models from BMW and Mercedes.
Lexicon is a division of Harman International, Inc. Harman International (www.harman.com) is a leading manufacturer of high quality electronics and speakers for the consumer, professional, and OEM markets. The company’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol HAR.
“Lexicon” is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries. U.S. patents and other worldwide patents issued and pending. Other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.
—For more information on the complete range of Mark Levinson, Revel, and Lexicon products, contact Harman Specialty Group, 3 Oak Park Drive, Bedford, MA 01730-1413.
Tel: (781) 280-0300; Fax: (781) 280-0490; Web: www.harmanspecialtygroup.com
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