[Rod_S]

Hello;

When I heard the news a few months ago that the new JBL Synthesis surround processor, the SDP-45 would use the Bryston SP3 platform it didn't come as a surprise as Bryston and Harman had a previous relationship years ago in the form of Bryston supplying their amps to Lexicon which Lexicon, like JBL today badge them as their own. This relationship has been and still appears to be one way at least from the general public perspective so I was wondering if Bryston ever approached Harman to use some of their technology in Bryston products and in particular I'm thinking of the wonderful surround technology we know as Logic 7. I'm not talking about the stripped down version found in the Harman/Kardon receivers but the full offering with all available paramaters to adjust like in the Lexicon MC-12 platform. I have always found the L7 matrix surround processing of stereo and 5 channel sources superior to the offerings of Dolby, THX and dts in the forms of Pro Logic IIx, THX Ultra2 and dts:Neo.

So I guess this is a question more for James but has Bryston ever considered licensing Logic 7 like it does Pro Logic IIx and dts:Neo? With the relationship between compaines I can't imagine Harman saying no because that would show a level of disrespect in the working relationship I would think.

Thanks

[James Tanner]

Hi Rod

No we have never approached them - it has always been the reverse.

The Logic 7 is designed as you know to synthize a 7.1 signal  from a 2 channel source and since fully discrete 5.1 and 7.1 sources (DTS/Doldy) have become the norm it has not been a priority.

James

[Rod_S]

Thanks James.

True about discrete channels being very prominent nowadays but with Logic 7 also able to expand 5.1 to 7.1 and with 5.1 being the overwhelming majority of audio tracks on DVD's, Blu-ray, tv, SACD and DVD-Audio, etc. having another alternative to extract rear channels would be a nice alternative to see in a Bryston product along with more flexibility in the center channel but I can understand not wanting to devote the time/expense in integrating the L7 modes.

For 3.0/3.1 L7 can extract surround data (2 or 4 surround channels) when I'm pretty sure PLIIx can't and with 4.0/4.1 L7 can extract a center whereas again I don't think PLIIx can. PLIIx like L7 could extract rear surrounds from a 4.0/4.1 mix though. L7 can also extract a center from a 5.1/7.1 source in which there is no content in the center channel due to the intent of creating a phantom image by taking info from the main L/R speakers, again I don't believe PLIIx can do this either.
For stereo sources L7 provides a level of surround steering not offered by Dolby or dts and even with discrete 5.1/7.1 sources, with L7's adjustments if you are watching a movie with very little surround information you can steer out surround info from the main channels into the surrounds (again 2 or 4 surround channels depending on the users setup) to give a more immersive experience.