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PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Neilson/Clyne
Tel: (615) 662-1616
Fax: (615) 662-1636
FOR 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.
...ends 834 words
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