Integra DRX-7.3

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    Highlights

    • 9.2 Channels
    • 11.2 Channel Processing
    • 135 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)
    • THX™Select™ Certified
    • Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
    • HDR10, Dolby Vision
    • 4K/60Hz Passthrough, 4K/30Hz Upscaling
    • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet
    • Phono Input
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    Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

    Overview

    Integra DRX-7.3 was introduced in 2019 and represented a flagship model of a manufacturer. It is equipped with 9 channel amplifier with 135 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 11.2 maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, passes 4K/60Hz and upscales 1080p to 4K video signal.

    We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 92 overall score out of 100. Our ranking system is based on the amplifier specifications, audio and video features, connectivity, multizone capabilities, radio and many other details.

    Pros and Cons

    In this section we present pros and cons of Integra DRX-7.3.

    PROs

    •   High Power Output - 135 W
    •   THX™ Certification
    •   11.2 Channel Processing
    •   Dolby Atmos
    •   Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
    •   DTS:X
    •   IMAX Enhanced
    •   DSD via HDMI
    •   Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
    •   HDR10
    •   Dolby Vision
    •   eARC
    •   New HDCP Version
    •   Analog To HDMI Upconversion
    •   Wi-Fi
    •   Bluetooth
    •   Works with Amazon Alexa
    •   Google Assistant
    •   Chromecast Built-In
    •   7 HDMI Inputs
    •   4 HDMI Outputs
    •   USB Input
    •   Many RCA Line Inputs
    •   Phono Input
    •   RCA Pre-Outs
    •   Composite Video Inputs
    •   Component Video Inputs
    •   Ethernet
    •   3 Zones
    •   Analog Tuner
    •   Pandora
    •   Spotify
    •   Tidal
    •   Independent Power Supply

    CONs

    •   No Front Wide Channel Support
    •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
    •   No HDR10+
    •   No 8K Passthrough
    •   0 8K Input
    •   No Digital Radio

    And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

    AVERAGE

    •   9.2 Channels
    •   Bluetooth 4․2

    Integra 2019 Lineup

    In 2019 Integra released 5 new receivers. Here is the lineup:

    Integra 2019 Lineup
    ModelChannelsPowerMax. Ch. Proc.Pre OutsRoom Corr.Zones Price
    DRX-7.3 Image cannot be found 9.2135 W11.211.2 AccuEQ Advance Plus 9-point calibration with subwoofer EQ and AccuReflex™3
    DRX-5.3 Image cannot be found 9.2120 W11.211.2 AccuEQ Advance 9-point calibration with subwoofer EQ and AccuReflex™3
    DRX-4.3 Image cannot be found 9.2100 W11.211.2 AccuEQ Advance 9-point calibration with subwoofer EQ and AccuReflex™3
    DRX-3.3 Image cannot be found 9.290 W9.1 AccuEQ Advance 9-point calibration with subwoofer EQ and AccuReflex™2
    DRX-2.3 Image cannot be found 7.280 W7.1 AccuEQ Room calibration with subwoofer EQ and AccuReflex™2

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Integra DRX-7.3 vs DRX-5.3 vs DRX-4.3 vs DRX-3.3 vs DRX-2.3.

    Predecessor

    Here we are comparing Integra DRX-7.3 to its predecessor DRX-7.1 and displaying the major changes.

    UPGRADES Integra DRX-7.3 vs DRX-7.1
    Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization vs
    IMAX Enhanced vs
    More Advanced Auto Speaker Calibration System AccuEQ Advance Plus 9-point calibration with subwoofer EQ and AccuReflex™ vs AccuEQ Advance with AccuReflex™
    Wi-Fi vs
    Bluetooth SBC, AAC vs
    Works with Amazon Alexa vs
    Apple Siri vs
    More HDMI Outputs 3 (1 Main, 1 Sub, 1 Zone2) vs 2 (1 Main, 1 Sub/Zone2)
    Remote (IR) Input/Output 3 / 2 vs 2 / 1
    DOWNGRADES Integra DRX-7.3 vs DRX-7.1
    Lower Power Output 135 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven) vs 140 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)
    Less Component Video Outputs vs 1
    +12V Trigger Output 2 (A:100 mA, B:25 mA) vs 3 (A:100 mA, B:25 mA, C:25 mA)
    Smaller Power Supply 310 W vs 330 W
    Lower Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven, FTC) 135 W (0.08% THD) vs 140 W (0.08% THD)
    Lower Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA) 255 W (10% THD) vs 260 W (10% THD)
    Higher THD 0.05% (1 kHz, 100 W, 8 Ω) vs 0.04% (1 kHz, 100 W, 8 Ω)
    Lower S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A) 107 dB vs 108 dB

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Integra DRX-7.3 vs DRX-7.1.

    Successor

    In 2023 Integra DRX-7.3 was replaced by DRX-8.4. Let us now have a look at some important differences between Integra DRX-7.3 and its successor.

    UPGRADES DRX-8.4 vs Integra DRX-7.3
    More Channels 11.4 vs 9.2
    Higher Power Output 150 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) vs 135 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)
    Bi-amp capability Front L/R and Center Channels vs
    Higher DAC Specs 768 kHz/32 Bit vs 384 kHz/32 Bit for Front L/R
    768 kHz/32 Bit for Other Channels
    192kHz/24 Bit for Zone 2 and Zone 3
    Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer vs
    Music Playback via USB FLAC, WAV, Apple Lossless, WMA, MP3, DSD, AIFF, AAC, LPCM vs FLAC, WAV, Apple Lossless, WMA, MP3, DSD, AIFF, MPEG-4 AAC
    Dialog Enhancement vs
    More Advanced Auto Speaker Calibration System Dirac Live™ Premium Licence vs AccuEQ Advance Plus 9-point calibration with subwoofer EQ and AccuReflex™
    HDR10+ vs
    QMS vs
    Auto Low Latency Mode Pass-through vs
    VRR vs
    QFT vs
    DSC vs
    Video Signal Passthrough up to 8K 48/50/60Hz RGB/YCbCr 4:4:4 12-bit and 4K 100/120Hz RGB/YCbCr 4:4:4 12-bit vs up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4
    Video Signal Upscaling from 1080p and 4K up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 50/60Hz vs 1080p to 4K
    AirPlay AirPlay 2 vs AirPlay 2
    More 8K Inputs 6 vs
    XLR Line Inputs 1 vs
    XLR Pre-outs Front L/R, Center and 2 subwoofers vs
    +12V Trigger Output 3 (A:100 mA, B:25 mA, C:25 mA) vs 2 (A:100 mA, B:25 mA)
    More Speaker Terminals 15 vs 11
    More Large Speaker Terminals 15 vs 11
    Bigger Power Supply 1095 W vs 310 W
    Higher Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA) 260 W (10% THD) vs 255 W (10% THD)
    Higher Rated Headphone Power Output 75 mW (32 Ω, 1 kHz, 10% THD) vs 57 mW (32 Ω, 1 kHz, 10% THD)
    DOWNGRADES DRX-8.4 vs Integra DRX-7.3
    HDBaseT Compatible vs
    In: 1
    Out: 1
    RS-232: 1 (Pasth through)
    IR In: 1 (Path through)
    IR Out: 1 (Path through)
    Maximum Video Resolution: 4K 60 Hz (YCbCr 4:4:4)
    Less RCA Line Inputs 4 vs 6
    Less Component Video Inputs 1 vs 2
    Remote (IR) Input/Output 2 / 1 vs 3 / 2
    Higher THD 0.08% (20 Hz - 20 kHz, half power) vs 0.05% (1 kHz, 100 W, 8 Ω)
    Lower S/N Ratio (Phono MM, IHF-A) 78 dB vs 90 dB

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Integra DRX-7.3 vs DRX-8.4.

    Audio Section

    9 channel Hybrid Digital High-Current Amplifier

    Integra DRX-7.3 features 9 channel power amplifier. It is rated at 135 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven) and is able to drive 4 ohm speakers.

      THX Select™ (previously known as Select2) certified

      Integra DRX-7.3 is THX Select™ (previously known as Select2) certified. This means that it is ideally suited for a room where the screen-to-seat viewing distance is approximately 3 to 4 meters, and the room size is approximately 56 cubic meters.

      • THX™ Certification: THX™ Certification offers optimal performance, superior quality and seamless integration. THX works with partners from the ground up, so that certified products deliver professional quality audio-visual experiences right out of the box. They only certify the very best products with uncompromised quality, performance and consistency. They ensure that THX certified devices play well with lower performing devices and components. THX listening modes make the receiver to have one speaker set up for movies, music and games. They are tested for power output, bass management, signal-to-noise ratio and feature THX Loudness Plus, Boundary Gain Compensation, Timbre Matching and RE-EQ.
      • Power Output: Power output is tested to ensure the receiver accurately plays source material at THX Reference Level in every input and mode and at every sampling rate for all possible playback combinations selected by the listener.
      • Frequency Response: THX has strict requirements for frequency response to ensure that you hear all the details in high-resolution tracks, ensures dialog in movies, and vocals in music are clear while maintaining deep, impactful bass output that doesn’t overpower the listening experience.
      • Signal-to-Noise Ratio: THX tests the signal-to-noise ratio to ensure the unit is designed to have low noise performance with very little to no audible hiss from the speakers.
      • Bass Management: THX requires an 80Hz crossover point in the setup menu to ensure proper bass management in every THX Certified AVR. This setting confirms that the subwoofer handles low frequencies, freeing up the loudspeakers to handle mids and highs.
      • THX Loudness Plus™: THX Loudness Plus™ is a volume control technology featured in THX Certified Dominus, THX Certified Ultra and THX Certified Select AV Receivers, and preamplifiers that automatically adjusts the front-to-back speaker level relationship as you turn the volume down. With THX Loudness Plus, home theater audiences can now experience the rich details of surround sound at any volume level.
      • Boundary Gain Compensation: Sitting near a wall may result in increased acoustic levels at the lower frequencies. BGC corrects the way low frequency sound is perceived when seated near a wall. This results in a more accurate bass response.
      • Timbre Matching: Your ears hear different tonal qualities in sounds coming from different directions. Timbre Matching restores the frequency balance between your front and surround speakers ensuring seamless and smooth panning between the front to back of the room.
      • RE-EQ: Many movie soundtracks are mixed in studios for playback in large cinema auditoriums with an array of speakers. When played on home systems, they may appear abrasive and edgy. Re-EQ establishes a more accurate tonal balance when enjoying movies in your home.
      AMPLIFIER
      Channels9.2
      Power Output135 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      Front Wide Channel Support
      Amplifier DesignHybrid Digital Low-Impedance, High-Current Amplifier
      Non-Phase Shift Amplifier
      VLSC (Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry) All Channels
      Optimum Gain Volume Circuitry
      THX™ Certification Select™ (previously known as Select2)
      Continuous 6 Ω Rated
      Certified 4 Ω Performance
      Discrete Output Stage Circuitry
      Bi-amp Capability

      Speaker Configurations

      Integra DRX-7.3's 9 channel amplifier can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

      • Dolby Atmos Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for Dolby Atmos:
      • 5.2.2, 5.2.4, 7.2.2 with internal amplifier.
      • 7.2.4 with addition of external 2 channel amplifier.
      • DTS:X Configurations: The speaker configurations for DTS:X are the same as for Dolby Atmos:
      • 5.2.2, 5.2.4, 7.2.2 with internal amplifier.
      • 7.2.4 with addition of external 2 channel amplifier.
      • Configurations without height channels: There are also other speaker configurations available which do not include height channels:
      • 5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier.
      • 2-ch Bi-Amp: Integra DRX-7.3 allows you to bi-amp up to 2 main channels simultaneously. During bi-amplification two amplifiers are used for one speaker. One amplifier powers the midrange and tweeter section of the speaker and another amplifier powers the low frequency woofers. Each amplifier is less loaded and performs better. In order to use this feature speakers must have 2 pairs of connectors.
      Integra DRX-7.3

      Dolby Atmos

      Integra DRX-7.3 supports Dolby Atmos. It is a cinematic audio format in which sounds exist as individual entities, called audio objects. In Dolby Atmos, any sound can exist as an independent audio object, free of channel restrictions. They can be precisely placed and moved anywhere in your room, including overhead, to flow above and around you in three-dimensional space. Through the use of audio objects, overhead sound, and all the richness, clarity, and power of Dolby sound, Dolby Atmos turns your room into an amazing place for entertainment. The format supports up to 128 simultaneous independent audio objects in a mix for rich, realistic, and breathtaking sound. It recreates the director's original concept through descriptive metadata to provide customized playback for home theater and delivers sounds above you through overhead speakers, special upward-firing Dolby Atmos speakers, or a Dolby Atmos enabled sound bar.

      • Dolby Surround Upmixer: If the content is not mixed in Dolby Atmos then the Dolby surround upmixer will expand the audio to all channels including ceiling speakers. The upmixer has replaced the Dolby Pro Logic II family with improved upmixing algorithms.
      • Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization: Dolby Atmos height virtualization is a digital signal processing solution that leverages Dolby's deep understanding of human audio perception to create the sensation of overhead sound from the listener-level speakers.

      DTS:X

      Integra DRX-7.3 supports DTS:X. A technique used in DTS:X is similar to the one used in Dolby Atmos. Instead of a fixed number of channels, DTS:X defines object locations from the listener in polar coordinates. An a/v receiver then dynamically renders sound according to the current speaker configuration. The speaker layout employed by DTS:X is the sum of Dolby Atmos and Auro-3D. It has standard 7.1 channel base layer, a 5 channel height layer above the base layer on the front and side walls, and 3 rows of speakers on the ceiling.

      • DTS Neural:X: DTS Neural:X is an advanced upmixer that can take non DTS:X content and upmix it to the DTS:X speaker layout. It has replaced the DTS Neo family with improved flexibility.
      • DTS Dialog Control: This function adjusts the dialog levels during playback of the DTS:X stream. It allows you to separately increase the dialog levels in contrast with the background sound and hear dialog easily even under noisy circumstances.
      DECODING
      Dolby Atmos
      Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
      Dolby Atmos Music
      Dolby TrueHD
      Dolby Digital Plus
      Dolby Surround Upmixer
      Dolby Pro Logic
      Dolby Digital EX
      THX Listening Modes
      DTS:X
      DTS Neural:X
      DTS Virtual:X
      DTS Neo
      DTS-HD Master Audio
      DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
      DTS 96/24
      DTS Express
      DTS-ES
      IMAX Enhanced
      Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer

      Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)

      Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature allows the compatible TV to send audio signal to the a/v receiver through the same HDMI cable which is used to send audio and video signals to the TV. So one HDMI cable is used to transfer audio signal in both directions. New Enhanced ARC will support uncompressed audio formats such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio whereas the previous ARC could support only Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS, DTS HD, and PCM.


      Sound Processing

      • Advanced Music Optimizer: Compressed music enhancement in Integra DRX-7.3 is done by Onkyo’s Advanced Music Optimizer. While MP3 or AAC files may sound fine through the headphones of your portable digital player, the limitations of these files can be exposed when played back through a quality home entertainment system. This is because a significant amount of high-frequency bit information is lost during the file-compression process. To counter this, Onkyo has designed the Advanced Music Optimizer to compensate for lost bit information and improve the quality of compressed audio signals. This results in a clearer and more expansive sound. Also included in this technology is a loudness correction feature that further improves the audio character of compressed files.

      Room Calibration

      Integra DRX-7.3 comes with AccuEQ Advance Plus 9-point calibration with subwoofer EQ and AccuReflex™ room correction system and includes the calibration microphone.

      • AccuEQ: First, AccuEQ detects the presence of speakers and evaluates the impedance of each. Next, it pinpoints their distance relative to the main listening position using the mic and sets suitable sound-pressure levels. Then it selects the optimal crossover frequency so that deeper bass rolls smoothly off to the subwoofer. Finally, AccuEQ performs frequency response equalization based on room-acoustic and speaker data collected via microphone. The sound-field is now tailored around the listening position, resulting in a more immersive and realistic in-film experience.

      Video Section

      HDMI

      Integra DRX-7.3 features 7 HDMI inputs. It has 3 outputs: 1 Main and 1 Sub and 1 Zone2.

      • 4K/60Hz Passthrough: All inputs pass up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4 video signal.
      • 4K Upscaling: Integra DRX-7.3 can upscale 1080p to 4K from HDMI and analog sources.
      • Analog To HDMI Upconversion: The a/v receiver supports video upconversion, so you can connect your analog Component and Composite video sources and Integra DRX-7.3 will output them via HDMI. This means that you will need only one HDMI cable to connect to your TV.
      • BT.2020 Color Space: BT.2020 or Rec. 2020 is a color standard which delivers a wider color gamut compared to Rec. 709. It covers approximately 75% of the total visual spectrum while the Rec. 709 covers only 35%.
      • HDCP 2.3 Copy Protection: All inputs and outputs are HDCP 2.3 compliant which is a requirement for 4K/HDR copy-protected content transmission.
      • 3D Ready: Integra DRX-7.3 is able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

      HDR (High Dynamic Range)

      Integra DRX-7.3 supports HDR (high dynamic range) video formats such as HDR10, Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log-Gamma. High dynamic range video has greater dynamic range than standard dynamic range (SDR) video with brighter whites and deeper blacks. The result is greater contrast and more details in dark and bright areas, better color and depth.

      • HDR10: HDR10 uses the wide-gamut Rec. 2020 color space. It sends static metadata via video stream to the TV which calibrates its screen brightness and color according to that. HDR10 supports 10-bit color which corresponds to 1024 shades of the primary RGB colors. It is technically limited to a maximum of 10,000 nits peak brightness, however common HDR10 contents are mastered with peak brightness from 1,000 to 4,000 nits.
      • Dolby Vision: Dolby Vision is a set of technologies developed by Dolby Laboratories for high dynamic range (HDR) video. It covers content creation, distribution, and playback. Like HDR10+, it includes dynamic metadata that are used to adjust and optimize each frame of the HDR video to the consumer display's capabilities in a way specified by the content creator. Dolby Vision allows for a maximum resolution of 8K up to 12-bit color depth, maximum peak brightness of 10,000 nits and a color gamut up to Rec. 2020. It uses Dolby's proprietary dynamic metadata defined in SMPTE ST 2094-10.
      • Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG): The Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) is a transfer function developed mainly for HDR live video feed and over-the-air broadcasts. It is an HDR format that uses BT.2020 color primaries and a bitdepth of 10-bit. It is backward compatible with the transfer function of SDR and is designed to be better-suited for television broadcasting, where the metadata required for other HDR formats is not backward compatible with non-HDR displays. HLG defines a non-linear optical-electro transfer function, in which the lower half of the signal values use a gamma curve and the upper half of the signal values use a logarithmic curve.
      Integra DRX-7.3

      IMAX Enhanced

      Integra DRX-7.3 is IMAX Enhanced certified. To qualify for IMAX Enhanced certification, 4K HDR televisions, projectors, sound bars, a/v receivers, loudspeakers, powered subwoofers and other premium home entertainment devices must meet carefully prescribed performance requirements established by IMAX, DTS and Hollywood's leading experts.

      • What makes an IMAX Enhanced A/V receiver different from an A/V receiver with DTS:X technology? DTS:X technology is commonly found in most multi-channel A/V receivers on the market today. All IMAX Enhanced A/V receivers include DTS:X technology and deliver additional features, such as auto-sensing of IMAX Enhanced content, via IMAX Mode. IMAX Mode indicates that your A/V receiver supports fully immersive IMAX signature sound.
      • IMAX Enhanced Content: IMAX Enhanced studio partners have announced IMAX Enhanced versions of movies that exclusively feature IMAX's signature picture, sound and scale.
      • Picture: Stunning, ultra-vivid 4K HDR picture that utilizes the newest, proprietary Digital Media Remastering technology (DMR) developed by IMAX. DMR accurately reduces noise and grain under the filmmaker’s guidance to best optimize the content for a much higher-quality, higher-brightness display. Without this technology, high-dynamic range content can actually look worse than what was originally seen and intended by the filmmaker.
      • Sound: IMAX and DTS have partnered with award-winning Hollywood sound mixers leveraging DTS:X codec technology integrated in home audio equipment and select televisions to deliver an IMAX signature sound experience with deeper bass and more dynamic range.
      • Scale: Select IMAX Enhanced titles that were shot with IMAX-certified cameras or specially formatted for IMAX theatres feature its exclusive expanded aspect ratio, enabling viewers to see the full scale and scope of the picture on 4K HDR TVs.
      • Streaming Services: IMAX Enhanced is now available on the world’s biggest streaming services, including Disney+, BRAVIA CORE, Tencent, iQiyi and more.
      VIDEO FEATURES
      HDR10
      HDR10+
      Dynamic HDR
      BT.2020 color space
      Dolby Vision
      HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
      HDBaseT Compatible
      In: 1
      Out: 1
      RS-232: 1 (Pasth through)
      IR In: 1 (Path through)
      IR Out: 1 (Path through)
      Maximum Video Resolution: 4K 60 Hz (YCbCr 4:4:4)
      Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
      HDCP Version2.3
      QMS (Quick Media Switching)
      ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
      VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
      QFT (Quick Frame transport)
      DSC (Display Stream Compression)
      3-D Ready
      Video Signal Passthroughup to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4
      Video Signal Upscaling 1080p to 4K

      Multi-zone Playback

      Integra DRX-7.3 offers multi-zone playback which allows you to play different input sources in 3 different rooms.


      Zone 2

      • Powered Zone 2: You can use the unit's 2 amplifier channels by connecting Zone 2 speakers directly to the speaker terminals. The remaining 7 channels will be left for main zone amplification.
      • HDMI Output: Integra DRX-7.3 offers HDMI output for Zone 2. This means that it can send two different HDMI signals to two displays.
      • Audio Pre/Line Output: If you have a dedicated amplifier for Zone 2 you can connect it to the a/v receiver via pre/line outs and use "pre out" option to control volume from the a/v receiver or use "line out" option - send fixed signal and then control volume on the Zone 2 amplifier.

      Zone 3

      • Powered Zone 3: You can use the unit's 2 amplifier channels by connecting Zone 3 speakers directly to the speaker terminals. The remaining 7 channels will be left for main zone amplification.
      • Audio Pre/Line Output: If you have a dedicated amplifier for Zone 2 you can connect it to the a/v receiver via pre/line outs and use "pre out" option to control volume from the a/v receiver or use "line out" option - send fixed signal and then control volume on the Zone 3 amplifier.
      ZONES
      Number of Zones3
      Powered Zones 2 and 3
      Zone 2 OutsHDMI, RCA Pre/Line Out
      Zone 3 OutsRCA Pre/Line Out
      Whole House Mode
      RS-232C Interface
      +12V Trigger Output2 (A:100 mA, B:25 mA)
      Remote (IR) Input/Output3 / 2