The new flagship of Rotel‘s line-up of home theater electronics, the RSP-1098 surround audio A/V preamp/processor, sports a stylish look and outward simplicity that hides a powerful feature set and rigorous engineering that lies behind the front panel.

The RSP-1098 is a multizone/multisource controller with 8 analog inputs, 8 assignable digital inputs, 5 analog A-V inputs, 4 HD component video monitor inputs, plus 7.1 channel analog audio in. It provides a full array of surround audio capabilities, with decoders for Dolby Digital, Dolby EX, Dolby Pro-logic II, dts, dtsES, dts ES Discrete, dts Neo 6 and HDCD audio formats.

Rotel's flagship RSP-1098 home theater A/V processor will be available in March 2003, suggested retail price of $2,999 (US).

The new processor features a full-color LCD display integrated into its front panel for system-control and on-screen menu navigation. The display can also be used for monitoring a video source, or even a remote entryway or security camera.

“The RSP-1098 is Rotel’s most sophisticated product to date,” says Mike Bartlett, Rotel of America’s vice president and general manager. “So we worked harder than ever to ‘keep it simple’ on the outside. But beyond the elegant look and unique ergonomic achievements, the 1098 is pure Rotel, with the fully-integrated performance and full-system excellence our ‘Balanced Design’ concept delivers.”

The RSP-1098 faceplate is elegant and simple, showing only the inset full-color LCD screen flanked by two knobs and key pushbutton controls. Inside, the circuitry is characaterized by Rotel’s obsessively “over-engineered” approach.

The power supply features Rotel-manufactured dual-toroidal power transformers. It provides generous current reserves thanks to a bank of specially-made low-ESR capacitors with pure, rock-steady voltage and current supplies, segregated for each circuit family. The power supply provides the underpinnings Rotel considers critical to superb sonics.

The audio and video circuitry of the RSP-1098 is also rigorously engineered, with function-oriented individual circuit boards carefully spaced and isolated to eliminate signal contamination.

Crystal Semiconductor 24-bit/192 kHz digital-to-analog converters on all channels, and the latest-generation, ultra-high-speed Cirrus Logic 32-bit DSP engine combine to deliver the complete range of current-day surround modes. Support is included for Dolby Digital EX and Pro Logic II, DTS ES-Matrix/Discrete, and DTS Neo:6 processing. There’s also Rotel’s proprietary, 7.1-channel Extra Surround mode, able to conjure up advanced multichannel sound from virtually any source.

The RSP-1098 is fully software-upgradeable, providing for the possibility of additional audio processing features in the future.

8-channel analog outputs and uniquely flexible, individual-channel crossover setup control make the RSP-1098 adaptable to virtually any home-theater system layout. 8 assignable digital inputs and five analog A-V inputs handle any combination of source components.

The new preamp/processor features four selectable, wideband component-video inputs (enough to accommodate the most elaborate setup). It maintains studio-quality video bandwidth on all video signal paths and switches, ensuring that image quality will match its exceptional audio capabilities.

Rotel’s independent multi-source/multi-zone design lets the RSP-1098 serve up audio and video to a remote room even while the home-theater room is in full, multichannel swing. Independent main and remote-zone IR inputs, a fully-functional RS-232 computer-style interface, discrete on/off command structure, and four individually assignable 12-volt triggers provide enough control interconnectivity to make the Rotel preamp/processor a highly competent full-system media controller as well.

Rotel has put a lot of effort into the RR-1050 remote control handset supplied with the RSP-1098. This powerfully ergonomic controller, with its backlit LCD screen for instant user-feedback in any room lighting, replaces up to 10 different remotes with a single simple, smoothly integrated commander. Extensive macro capability and a sliding cover to conceal programming-only buttons keep the sleek handset simple and unintimidating for all users.

The RSP-1098 is available in two finishes: matte black, or a 2-tone matte-silver and black.

Rotel Web Site

MartinLogan has announced the introduction of new, advanced Generation 2 ESL transducers and MicroPerf stator technology, the first major improvements to the company’s core technology in more than 15 years.

Generation 2 ESL transducers and MircoPerf stators will first appear with the imminent introduction of the new Clarity™ loudspeaker. MartinLogan’s current product line will be modified to include the new technology, where appropriate, beginning in the 1st half of 2003.

MartinLogan’s speaker systems, which incorporate patented CLS (curvilinear line source) high-resolution electrostatic technology, range in price from $1,395 to $90,000 (US). The new Clarity hybrid electrostatic speaker is available this month with a suggested retail price of $2,695 per pair (US), aimed at the upscale family home theater buyer.

More on the MartinLogan Clarity Loudspeaker System

The New Generation 2 ESL Transducer

Generation 2 ESL transducers feature an extremely low-mass Polyethylene Terathylate (PET) diaphragm ideally suited for bonding with MartinLogan’s recently reformulated conductive alloy coating. Manufactured using a unique process involving a twenty million-dollar, oxygen-free, argon environment chamber these plasma-bonded diaphragms achieve upwards of 500% increased uniformity of the conductive coating, offering unparalleled impedance tolerance and maximum adhesion and abrasion resistance.

All Generation 2 ESL transducers will also feature MartinLogan’s proprietary ClearSpar™ technology. Originally developed for the cost-no-object Statement e2 loudspeaker, ClearSpars were previously available only on MartinLogan’s most prestigious products. The rigidity of ClearSpars allows Generation 2 ESL transducers to maintain an extremely uniform tension of the diaphragm during the hand building process and permit critical stator spacing within an exact tolerance. This increases both efficiency and dynamic range. ClearSpars, as the name suggests, also enhance a Generation 2 ESL transducers exclusive transparent look.

The New MicroPerf Stator

To further enhance the unparalleled performance of small ESL transducers, MartinLogan went back to the drawing board and redesigned the stator (the black grill on the front and back of an ESL transducer). MartinLogan’s new MicroPerf design reduces the size of individual holes in the stator, allowing more openings per square inch when compared to a traditional stator. This maximizes efficiency and dispersion of sound and also increases the optical clarity of a small ESL transducer. In addition, the tighter grid of holes allows a high level of control over the moving diaphragm, which increases the sonic accuracy of small ESL transducers.

Large ESL transducers (Aeon i size and up) will continue to feature the MartinLogan’s traditional stator perforation pattern. The new MicroPerf design was engineered for small ESL transducers – no benefits are achieved by using the MicroPerf design on large panels.

MartinLogan Web Site

More on the MartinLogan Clarity

Studer Vista 7 digital audio consoles will play key roles in two major TV production facilities in France. A Vista 7 has recently been installed by TDF Video Services in Studio 102 in the Paris Maison de la Radio. And VCF, one of the largest TV facilities companies in France, will equip its newest and most sophisticated OB vehicle, Truck 21, with the first Vista 7 of its type ever installed in a mobile.

The Vista 7 at Studio 102 is fitted with 50 faders and 5.1 multichannel monitoring. It can control up to 300 audio sources, and has 44 mic inputs, 84 line inputs, 48 analogue outputs and 34 AES/EBU ins and outs, the configuration of which may be changed as required. Each mic input has a splitter output from the integral Studer mic pre-amp to feed the hall PA console, and the 5 mic/line stage boxes, all with stage talkback, are fed via fibre optic MADI links.

Studio 102’s Vista uses Studer’s unique Vistonics control system, which incorporates knobs and switches within a colour LCD panel, providing a highly-ergonomic and totally-intuitive control surface – a major factor in TDF’s choice of console.

Studio 102 is France’s most legendary television studio. With its large stage and audience areas, it is famous for having been the home of the broadcasts of Guy Lux in the 80s. Today, the studio hosts many of France’s most popular shows, including Reservoir Prod and “Ca se discute.”

The Vista 7 commissioned for VCF’s new outside broadcast vehicle also features the Vistonics control surface. This one is fitted with 50 faders and can control up to 300 audio sources. There are 64 mic preamps, 48 of which are fitted in 2 remote stageboxes connected to the console via dual redundant fibre optic cables. The monitoring system is 5.1 multichannel, enhanced by the truck’s extremely sophisticated acoustics.

Jean-Louis Nathan, VCF’s director of audio, explains the choice of the Vista 7: “We chose Studer because it satisfies our three main criteria – reliability, flexibility and good ergonomics. Reliability is vital because we have many live broadcasts and nowadays TV stations do not accept any failures whatsoever. We know that the Vista 7, although it’s a new concept, is based on D950 technology which has largely proved its reliability.”

“We work with a key group of audio engineers and the intuitive Vistonics control surface enables them to become fully operational very quickly,” continues M. Nathan. “Also, the very open architecture of the Vista 7 allows easy transitions between very different types of programmes such as sports broadcasts, live concerts and multitrack recordings.”

Truck 21, one of the largest TV mobiles in Europe, will accommodate 30 cameras, 11 VTRs and 11 video servers. It is digital throughout. With sides fully extended, it provides 78 sq.m. of working area, with seating for 34 operators, and is expected to provide facilities for much of Canal Plus’s sports broadcasting and other major broadcast events such as the NRJ Music Awards.

Studer Web Site

The specially-commissioned tour truck that Euphonix has been driving around the U.S.A. since last September, demonstating its MaxAir digital console and other digital broadcast equipment, is heading west for the next leg of its current 77-city circuit.

The Max Air Broadcast Tour is currently in Phoenix, Arizona, and it arrives in California on Feb. 10th to start an 8-week tour of the west coast. The western swing culminates in a stay at the NAB convention in Las Vegas in April. The tour then heads back east for another 40 cities, finishing in Florida in September of 2003.

The tour vehicle is outfitted with a 96-channel Euphonix MaxAir mixing system. MaxAir is the recently-introduced all-digital broadcast audio mixing console from Euphonix. In the tour truck, the MaxAir is set-up to simulate a local TV station digital audio control room, with playback of 48 channels of digital audio and 8 video streams, which includes program, preview and 6 camera/ob sources.

The truck also demonstrates supporting digital audio and video equipment from a list of sponsors that includes Accom, Miranda, Pioneer, 360 Systems, Clear-Com, DK-Audio America, Dolby Laboratories, Genelec, NVISION, TC Electronic, TerraSonde and Wohler Technologies.

In each city, the vehicle will be visiting up to 5 TV stations to allow operators, management and technicians to see the possibilities and powerful features that digital audio and video can bring to local TV operations. The truck will also be available at local Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) chapter meetings taking place at each location, for hands-on demos of the installed audio and video systems.

MaxAir Tour – Western U.S.A. Schedule

If you would like the Max Air Broadcast Tour to stop by your facility, contact Euphonix Sales Coordinator, Jonathan McDonell, at 650-846-1114 (email: jmcdonell@euphonix.com).

Euphonix Web Site

Oscar Ciornei, CEO of Atlantic Technology, has announced the appointment of Joshua Cooper as Creative Director. Mr. Cooper, who recently had the same title at Russound, will be responsible for industrial design, brand identity, and the creation of advertising and literature.

“While some may consider Creative Director an unusual title for someone in a loudspeaker company,” said Mr. Ciornei, “Joshua’s role will be to create speakers that look as good as they sound, and to create a unified design presentation for advertising, promotional literature and new electronics. I’ve worked with Joshua for over ten years, and he is an exceptionally creative individual with an instinctive sense of design. He brings to Atlantic extensive experience in the consumer electronics industry and in other fields ranging from record companies to telecommunications. Mr. Cooper is responsible for over 17 industrial design patents he and his team successfully developed.”

“I have a great deal of admiration for the outstanding designs Joshua has created for other companies,” said Peter Tribeman, Chairman. “I am delighted that we can now put these talents to work for Atlantic Technology.”

“Working with a creative person such as Oscar Ciornei has been a pleasure and a motivating experience,” said Mr. Cooper. “Our mutual creative thinking is much like that of a song writing team. The music and the lyrics must complement. I am once again looking forward to being a part of Oscar’s grand plan.”

From the start, Atlantic Technology has been one of the most highly regarded companies in the home theater industry. Specializing in complete high performance multi-channel speaker systems and home theater electronics components, all Atlantic Technology speaker systems are designed and engineered as integrated multi-channel ensembles, and hand assembled at the company’s Norwood, MA facility. These systems are tailored and tuned to provide a seamless and startlingly realistic soundstage for multi-channel music and home theater.

Atlantic Technology Web Site