Arcam brings the Auro-3D audio format to the HDA range of home cinema receivers/processors-- specifically the AVR10, AVR20 and AVR30 AVRs and the AV40 processor-- via free firmware update.
The format, developed by the Galaxy Studios Group, adds a height layer to an existing speaker flatbed, including 9.1 and 13.1 configurations. However it does not require in-ceiling or reflective upfiring speakers. Instead, it uses height models directly above traditional speaker positions, and as such installers simply need to mount speakers above the existing surround layer to enable the required vertical stereo field.