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Integra's new DTR-7.8 home theater A/V receiver is THX Ultra2 Certified, handles HDMI 1.3a, 7.1 surround, and offers oodles of options for custom installers.

Home theater electronics maker Integra has announced its latest high-end A/V receiver, the DTR-7.8, aimed at custom installers creating dream home theater setups…or, you know, those do-it-yourselfers with a lot of time and expertise. The DTR-7.8 is THX Ultra2 Certified, offers three HDMI 1.3a inputs (and one output), onboard decoding for lossless and HD audio formats, 7.1 channel audio, and an extensive selection of multizone, multisource, and system integration options, including Ethernet control.

The DTR-7.8 supports 1080p and Deep Color 36-bit video signals, and Burr Brown ausio DACs for all audio channels, along with three 32-bit DSP processors. The DTR-7.8 is also compatible with XM and Sirius satellite radio (and sports a terrestrial tuner), and sports seven 130 watt amplifier channels, and let's he rear surround channels be configured to reproduce the front left and right channels, enabling speaker-based bi-amplification if an installation requires it—or sending a stereo pair off to Zone 2 in a multizone installation, leaving the main room with 5.1 surround.

And speaking of installation options: home theater builders can have a field day with the DTR-7.8, which supports fixed and variable 2.1-channel line-outs for two additional zones, with HD-quality composite and component video outputs for Zone 2 along with independent balance and tone control. The system also boasts an Ethernet port for connection with systems like E-Control and AMX Device Discovery, along with a bi-directional RS-232 port, RIHD system control via HDMI, three programmable 12-volt triggers, dual IR inputs, and three sets of unique IR codes. Once everything is wired, Audyessy's MultiEQ XT room acoustics correction helps balance out room aberrations and distortion to configure surround levels, delay, and crossover settings.

The DTR-7.8 is available now from Integra dealers with a suggested price of $1,300—but that doesn't count charges from professional installers.