Sitting in on Joel's Silver's ISF (Imaging Science Foundation) certification training this past February was an enlightening experience.  Not only did I and BPBS Editor at Large Chris Chiarella learn the ins and outs of color theory and the specifics of display calibration, but we also learned that there are relatively few pieces of equipment in the signal chain that allow calibration experts to really tweak an image to perfection. 

Sure, a trained ISF expert can calibrate any TV and make it better for any connected source, but what happens when a customer hooks up multiple sources to an A/V Receiver, via component video, composite video and HDMI, with just one cable hooked up between the receiver and the display?  How can a calibrator optimize the TV for multiple sources if all of the sources are coming in via the same HDMI input?  Well, here's where Integra comes to the rescue offering the first A/V receivers and home theater surround preamp which offer ISF calibration settings for each connected input.

In cooperation with the ISF, Integra has built ISFccc (ISF Certified Calibration Controls) into one preamp processor and two receivers.  These components also include Silicon Optix Reon HQV processing for extremely effective upconversion of standard definition sources to high definition resolutions (720p, 1080i or 1080p).   

The Integra DHC-9.9 ($2000) three-zone AV Preamplifier/Processor is THX Ultra2 Plus certified, has ISFccc video calibration, HQV-Reon VX video processing, 4 HDMI 1.3a repeaters, HD Radio, and the new THX Loudness Plus, and Audyssey's new Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume features.

The unpowered DHC 9.9 can be paired with multiple amplifiers for 5.1 or 7.1 channel surround configurations with both balanced and unbalanced outputs in the main zone, as well as two additional independent stereo zone outputs.

Two THX Ultra2 Plus certified receivers - the 140 Watt/Channel DTR-8.9 ($1900) and 145 Watt/Channel DTR-9.9 ($2600) also feature ISFccc, HQV-Reon VX video processing, THX Loudness Plus, HDMI 1.3a repeaters, HD Radio, and Audyssey Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume. The receivers are both three-zone capable, featuring a comprehensive set of custom installation capabilities and features designed specifically for custom installers and systems integration professionals. The top of the line "Certified for Windows Vista" DTR-9.9 also incorporates an advanced suite of networked and streaming digital audio capabilities.

The DTR 9.9 offers extensive networking capabilities in addition to ISFccc controls and Silicon Optix video processing.

These models will be available this month (September, 2008) at authorized Integra dealers. 

More information: www.IntegraHomeTheater.com