Dirac ART is now running on beta FW for Denon Xx800H AVRs!

[pogo]

When you buy an ART license, you will be "forced" to buy DLBC license as well, otherwise, ART will not work.

If no sub outputs are used, no BC license is required!

 

[dlaloum]

If no sub outputs are used, no BC license is required!

Interesting... so you could use 5 or 7 full range speakers, and configure things accordingly.... (constraints would most likely be max SPL's available...)

 

[AnonymousAudio]

DIRAC ART Timeline recap

*Storm’s exclusivity ended Q4 2023

* Q1 2024 The ART beta testing phase is completed. ART is fully compatible with AVRs starting from X3800H and up and It's now up to Masimo to decide when to release the FW.

* ART to start targeting 150hz and below...later will update to 300hz
does not support EQ below 20hz

* Dirac ART certification currently not possible. Denon & Marantz
will resume implementation once certification is possible again. Most
likely this will be the case in Q2 of 2025.

* Denon 3800, 4800, and 6800 are confirmed to be able to run Dirac ART.
The best guess for Dirac ART availability on Denon & Marantz: fall Q3 of 2025.

* Denon & Marantz cannot have their processors certified by Dirac for ART... from the sound of things, this is because Dirac has gone back to the drawing board with substantial parts of the ART product... not its core capabilities, but most likely the user interface, automation & ease of use aspects.

So until Dirac comes back with their "final" production ready version, there will be no certification possible.

* Complementing the hardware advancements, StormAudio says it plans to release a significant software update in early Q2 2025. Key features include improved equalization functionality for more precise audio calibration, new upmixing settings for greater adaptability across content types, and multi-way subwoofer management integrated into the StormEasy wizard for streamlined setup procedures. Enhanced output mapping and improved latency management are also planned, ultimately simplifying configurations and ensuring tighter synchronization, making system setup and calibration more intuitive while providing professionals with the tools needed to handle advanced use cases.

* As of right now (Fall Q3 of 2025) is the projected timeframe for ART, to come to Denon & Marantz....we will have to wait and see.

 

[mikematrix]

Yeah... it's a good time (around September) to announce the new models with the new HDMI standards, the new HEOS that supports who knows what else, and Dirac Art...
Just speculation.

 

[tjcinnamon]

Ouais... c'est le bon moment pour annoncer les nouveaux modèles avec les nouvelles normes HDMI, le nouveau HEOS qui supporte je ne sais quoi d'autre, et Dirac Art...
Simple spéculation.

I won’t be upgrading until it’s out. I bought a 4700 and then upgraded to the 6800 for wides, better hdmi support, and the hope of ART.

I really wish I could afford a Storm. I’ll see how the Core ISP with upgrades turns out

 

[tjcinnamon]

DIRAC ART Timeline recap

*Storm’s exclusivity ended Q4 2023

* Q1 2024 The ART beta testing phase is completed. ART is fully compatible with AVRs starting from X3800H and up and It's now up to Masimo to decide when to release the FW.

* ART to start targeting 150hz and below...later will update to 300hz
does not support EQ below 20hz

* Dirac ART certification currently not possible. Denon & Marantz
will resume implementation once certification is possible again. Most
likely this will be the case in Q2 of 2025.

* Denon 3800, 4800, and 6800 are confirmed to be able to run Dirac ART.
The best guess for Dirac ART availability on Denon & Marantz: fall Q3 of 2025.

* Denon & Marantz cannot have their processors certified by Dirac for ART... from the sound of things, this is because Dirac has gone back to the drawing board with substantial parts of the ART product... not its core capabilities, but most likely the user interface, automation & ease of use aspects.

So until Dirac comes back with their "final" production ready version, there will be no certification possible.

* Complementing the hardware advancements, StormAudio says it plans to release a significant software update in early Q2 2025. Key features include improved equalization functionality for more precise audio calibration, new upmixing settings for greater adaptability across content types, and multi-way subwoofer management integrated into the StormEasy wizard for streamlined setup procedures. Enhanced output mapping and improved latency management are also planned, ultimately simplifying configurations and ensuring tighter synchronization, making system setup and calibration more intuitive while providing professionals with the tools needed to handle advanced use cases.

* As of right now (Fall Q3 of 2025) is the projected timeframe for ART, to come to Denon & Marantz....we will have to wait and see.
View attachment 440439

Wish either Dirac or Denon/Marantz would confirm any of this. They’ve both been tight lipped on everything and it’s very frustrating.

I understand they don’t like to publicly move dates but it would be nice if they gave any info.

 

[Vacceo]

Primare has stated that their future processors will feature ART. I honestly think Primare should step up their features quite a lot, because considering the price, Marantz is a quite better option.

 

[tjcinnamon]

Primare has stated that their future processors will feature ART. I honestly think Primare should step up their features quite a lot, because considering the price, Marantz is a quite better option.

Wow! I’m deep in this hobby and I’ve never heard of that. What an opportunity to give Storm-like features but at a high end D&M price!?!

If they could get ART implemented before D&M that would be rocket fuel for them.

Would love it if they had 13 channels 7.2.6 or 9.2.4

Edit: also, HDMI 2.1 is a must. Good news is that it’s a mature technology.

 

[Frank207be]

Yeah... it's a good time (around September) to announce the new models with the new HDMI standards, the new HEOS that supports who knows what else, and Dirac Art...
Just speculation.

Agreed to the above except Dirac ART MUST be added to the actual line-up. We have waited long enough.

 

[Vacceo]

Wow! I’m deep in this hobby and I’ve never heard of that. What an opportunity to give Storm-like features but at a high end D&M price!?!

If they could get ART implemented before D&M that would be rocket fuel for them.

Would love it if they had 13 channels 7.2.6 or 9.2.4

Edit: also, HDMI 2.1 is a must. Good news is that it’s a mature technology.

To confirm I´m not pulling it out of my ass: https://helpdesk.primare.net/hc/en-...n-place-for-new-Primare-home-theatre-products

Their processors need XLR and 4 independent subwoofer outs. The current one cannot take DLBC for that reason. A better HDMI boards wouldn´t hurt either.

Yeah... it's a good time (around September) to announce the new models with the new HDMI standards, the new HEOS that supports who knows what else, and Dirac Art...
Just speculation.

I'd say that for HEOS, it could be multichannel support. Users have been asking for it for quite some time. Personally, I think HEOS should evolve into an Android TV-based app. That could add some interesting and aditional value, turning the AV receiver/processor into a TV box.

To be fair, there is not much more they could do to their processors, video section aside.

The other manufacturers that are seriously lacking in features, not just on the EQ upgrade, are NAD and MacIntosh.

 

[HKdude]

I can't say much, but I've talked to a Denon/MASIMO insider who told me that the recent Dirac beta v3.6.7 was released to add support for a new Denon beta/development FW which now runs Dirac ART. It's very likely that ART support will be available before Christmas this year. When you buy an ART license, you will be "forced" to buy DLBC license as well, otherwise, ART will not work. This info was from the same guy who leaked the info about the Dirac-Denon-Onkyo collaboration back in 2021 (was also posted here).

Have you heard any updates on this. I’ve been waiting two years to upgrade and am still only seeing it on $26k StormAudio and Focal systems

I can't say much, but I've talked to a Denon/MASIMO insider who told me that the recent Dirac beta v3.6.7 was released to add support for a new Denon beta/development FW which now runs Dirac ART. It's very likely that ART support will be available before Christmas this year. When you buy an ART license, you will be "forced" to buy DLBC license as well, otherwise, ART will not work. This info was from the same guy who leaked the info about the Dirac-Denon-Onkyo collaboration back in 2021 (was also posted here).

 

[AnonymousAudio]

Have you heard any updates on this. I’ve been waiting two years to upgrade and am still only seeing it on $26k StormAudio and Focal systems

* As of right now (Fall Q3 of 2025) is the projected timeframe for ART, to come to Denon & Marantz....we will have to wait and see.

 

[Fidji]

Agreed to the above except Dirac ART MUST be added to the actual line-up. We have waited long enough.

Actually from business perspective it is wrong thing to do - you can make much more money by releasing X900 generation with ART, and maybe consider to upgrade FW for AV10 and top of the line Denon receivers. X800 is out there long enough to be replaced with new series.

And I would limit ART availability to more expensive units, creatign clear distinction and having ability to charge premium for extra feature.

 

[gorman]

Actually from business perspective it is wrong thing to do - you can make much more money by releasing X900 generation with ART, and maybe consider to upgrade FW for AV10 and top of the line Denon receivers. X800 is out there long enough to be replaced with new series.

And I would limit ART availability to more expensive units, creatign clear distinction and having ability to charge premium for extra feature.

Dirac is in the business of selling licenses, though.

And we are not privy to the details of the agreement between them and Denon/Marantz.
That could absolutely include wording like "firmware updates not to be unreasonably withold" or similar.

Also, until proof to the contrary emerges, I remain convinced that Dirac/Marantz get a share of the licenses sold.

 

[pogo]

Actually from business perspective it is wrong thing to do - you can make much more money by releasing X900 generation with ART, and maybe consider to upgrade FW for AV10 and top of the line Denon receivers. X800 is out there long enough to be replaced with new series.

Bluesound has also delivered Dirac Live for their old Node and not just limited to the new Node. It wouldn't be a good move if that were to happen, but that is not to be expected.

 

[dlaloum]

Actually from business perspective it is wrong thing to do - you can make much more money by releasing X900 generation with ART, and maybe consider to upgrade FW for AV10 and top of the line Denon receivers. X800 is out there long enough to be replaced with new series.

And I would limit ART availability to more expensive units, creatign clear distinction and having ability to charge premium for extra feature.

D&M promised ART support when launching the X800 series....

Onkyo/Integra didn't make that promise - so they may choose to use that as an excuse to launch their next generation...

 

[gorman]

D&M promised ART support when launching the X800 series....

I don't think it's wise to trust the words of companies. Plus I don't think they actually promised it.

I simply think that they stand to make more money by releasing it than by not releasing it.

 

[Oddball]

Unless I am mistaken, not a word or even a rumour about x900H series. AV20 is what appears to be the latest release to come from the house of D&M.

From various pieces of rumours and half-facts, I gathered (and might be wrong) that ART is more of Dirac issue than D&M. It seems reasonable that D&M would spend scarce resources (remember, their sale is pending and financials are in red) only on something that represents a finished product. So once Dirac is done, D&M can start working on integration.

I can see why Dirac might be reluctant to finish the product though. Storm is heavily supporting any issues with their products, including ART. Given different price range, volume and business model, that is something D&M or Onkyo&Gang will likely not be able/wiling to offer. So Dirac should increase the storage space on their servers to accommodate for the flurry of support requests upon wider roll out. But I wonder who will actually read and follow up on all those emails?

 

[Mort]

Unless I am mistaken, not a word or even a rumour about x900H series.

Aren't they in the process of being sold off? I'm guessing design and long term strategy are not tops on the list. I would expect long delays in new models.

 

[Oddball]

Aren't they in the process of being sold off? I'm guessing design and long term strategy are not tops on the list. I would expect long delays in new models.

I would hope that there was certain level of effort put in x900H series development, otherwise it might be a very long cycle for current x800H - which is still a mighty product line though in absence of competition. I did note a sale concern as well, and there was also consolidation of the operations but did not catch any reference to how was R&D impacted with all that.

My best bet is that between D&M products, 40% or so will go to next cycle. Think Apple and simplicity, as well as profitability. Margins like these don't exist in AVR/AVP market, but certainly one can save money with rationalising product lines. Who really needs 3800H/4800H overlap and than a double whammy overlap with C50/40? One product will do to replace these and I would make it Marantz design with Denon display.