Audiophiles of the world, rejoice! Canadian high-end electronics manufacturer, Bryston, LTD has unveiled a prototype version of their upcoming SP3 surround processor with HDMI audio and video processing at the 2008 CEDIA Expo in Denver. "We wanted an opportunity to show dealers where we were headed with this product and hopefully garner some valuable feedback," reported sales V.P. James Tanner.

Bryston reps told us that there will be at least two versions of the SP3 available: one with full audio processing and switching but with video switching only, and one fully loaded model with audio processing and advanced video processing with upconversion and deinterlacing courtesy of an on-board Gennum video processor. Plans are to allow those who buy the audio-only version to upgrade later to the audio/video version via a factory modification.

Existing Bryston owners will not be left in the cold, either, as Bryston will be offering a generous upgrade program for owners of older processors (including the SP2) as trade-in toward the SP3. That should take the edge off the price of the SP3, which is expected to come in at around $10,000 fully loaded.

Existing Bryston customers will be eligible to trade in their current preamps toward the new top of the line SP3 next year when it becomes available in production.

The SP3 will include a whopping eight HDMI audio/video inputs with two independent HDMI outputs (each supporting different output resolutions). Of course, the SP3 will decode all of the advanced codecs including PCM, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio and DTS-HD Master Audio. In keeping with its audiophile heritage, the SP3 will include balanced audio inputs and outputs as well as traditional RCA inputs and outputs.

I think that I shall never see a jack-pack as lovely as the Bryston SP3.

In addition to the HDMI inputs, the unit will include two each of component video, composite video and S-video inputs, as well as six stereo analog audio inputs, four each of fiber and coax S/PDIF digital inputs, a pair of AES/EBU digital inputs and a 7.1-channel analog audio input which bypasses all of the audio processing circuitry. Rounding out the jackpack are two RS232 inputs, various triggers to work with home automation products, an Ethernet jack and a USB port.

The SP3 will come with a five-year warranty and is expected to be available in the first quarter of 2009, priced from $8,000-$10,000, depending on configuration.

More Information: www.bryston.ca