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Pioneer has announced that owners of its higher-end 9.2-channel AV receivers can expect Dolby Atmos functionality to be added by a firmware update at the end of September.

Three models in Pioneer's AVR stable are primed for object-based audio antics - the SC-LX88 (pictured), SC-LX78 and SC-LX58. All employ Class D amplification and ESS SABRE32 Ultra DACs, while roomEQ/speaker optimizaton is handled by the brand's MCACC Pro system. HDMI connectivity hits the 2.0 spec with 4:4:4 colour sampling and 4K/60p passthrough. The receivers also offer Spotify Connect for music-on-demand fans.

The end of September looks like being a key time for Dolby Atmos - the first Blu-ray offering the next-gen sound format (Transformers: Age of Extinction) is launched in the US on September 30. Hopefully more titles from format supporters Paramount and Warner Bros will follow.

The Dolby Atmos firmware update will be available to download from Pioneer's website, www.pioneer.co.uk.