Krell Foundation 4k 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.

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 3840×2160. 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.