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Foundation 4K UHD Processor
Introduction to the KRELL Foundation 4K UHD Processor
The Foundation 4K UHD adds HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 technology to the award winning Foundation processor. Designed
to be upgradeable, existing Foundation processors can be upgraded to the Foundation 4K UHD platform at the Krell facility.
The Foundation 4K UHD updates 4 of the 10 HDMI 1.4a inputs to HDMI 2.0/HDCP 2.2 capability. New on screen display
functionality adds status messages including volume, active source, video resolution and audio format. System setup is
accomplished from the front panel or a network tablet/computer.
Additional functionality has been added to the second HDMI output. The two HDMI video outputs are now independent
and can be configured to send different video signals to two individual displays. Both outputs support 4K signals being
simultaneously displayed.
Both HMDI outputs feature Audio Return Channel (ARC). With ARC, a display device is able to send audio back down the
HDMI cable to the Foundation 4K UHD. Televisions with built-in web streaming capability like Netflix or Pandora, can send the
audio signal back to the Foundation 4K UHD use the full home theater system instead of just the TV’s speakers.
Featuring the latest digital connectivity, the Foundation 4K UHD maintains Krell’s exacting standards for analog audio
reproduction.
From decoding the latest lossless audio formats, extensive digital switching, 3DTV pass-through, and more, the Foundation 4K
UHD is fully compliant with the digital age. The 7.1-channel processor also features balanced audio outputs, automatic setup
and room EQ, and Krell’s legendary robust hardware. A slim form factor exudes the Krell aesthetic, while allowing placement in
smaller equipment racks.
The Foundation 4K UHD features Krell’s Automatic Room Equalization System (ARES), to ensure the best possible performance
from every theater. ARES analyzes all the speakers in the system, their location, phase, and distance from each other, to
determine the best crossover frequency, delay, and more. In addition, ARES incorporates the acoustics of the room to determine
unique EQ curves for each of the 7.1 output channels. Unlike other room EQs, ARES can be programmed to only adjust the
troublesome low frequencies, leaving high frequencies unaltered.
The Foundation 4K UHD includes a new Krell development - Intelligent HDMI switching. Intelligent HDMI switching is a
combination of circuitry and innovative software that optimizes HDMI operation. Various parameters including the monitor’s
electronic ID and source video resolution are stored in non-volatile memory. All 10 source inputs are always active so source,
channel, video resolution, and audio format changes are instantaneous. The Intelligent HDMI design provides the fastest signal
recognition possible.
The Foundation 4K UHD passes video signals directly without any video processing, ensuring bit-for-bit accuracy of the signal,
up to 3840x2160. However, to simplify cabling, setup, and use, there is full transcoding of the 2 composite and 3 component
analog video inputs to the HDMI outputs.
Krell designed the Foundation 4K UHD with flexibility and ease-of-use in mind, with extensive routing capability of the audio
inputs to the various outputs. During setup, the specific paths will be chosen based on how the user intends to use each source,
displays, and audio output channels.
The Foundation 4K UHD supports stereo and multichannel DSD decoding via any of the 10 HDMI inputs. Playback options
include DSD 2-ch Direct, DSD Stereo, and DSD Multi modes. DSD 2-ch Direct converts a stereo DSD signal to analog and
directly passes it to the left and right analog outputs. DSD Stereo first applies any left and right channel crossover configured in
the Foundation 4K UHD menu, converts the signal to analog, and then sends it to the left and right outputs. DSD Multi supports
multichannel DSD recordings and utilizes all crossovers configured in the Foundation 4K UHD menu. There is no configuration
required as the Foundation 4K UHD automatically recognizes a DSD signal and defaults to the last used DSD mode for
playback. Pressing the mode button on the remote control or web server interface will cycle through all three DSD modes.
The Foundation 4K UHD will allow owners to take full advantage of the best audio soundtracks available, with decoding of
Dolby Digital, Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, DTS-ES Discrete, Matrix, and DTS-HD Master Audio. In addition, a full suite
of post-processing modes are included, including Dolby Pro Logic IIx and DTS Neo 6. Krell’s proprietary surround modes, Party,
General Admission, Front Row, and On Stage, offer a different way to listen to favorite tracks.
The Foundation 4K UHD also offers features that make it perfect for custom installation, such as 3.5mm jacks for IR input
and 12-volt trigger input and output, as well as RC-5 and optional rack-mount ears. Additionally, the unit can be controlled
with home automation systems via RS-232 or the Krell web server through its Ethernet connection.
