AST does mean that, I have just had my 7-40 upgraded with the latest software by the Derby dealer. There is a new graphic layout that sits on the left hand side and is black background with white lettering, same style as Beosound5.
There was also a cool addition of AST in the menu, at the moment this is greyed out but from about june time should be fully active! This is will be getting as my room has never been the best for a cinema.
I would recommend speaking to Andy there as he has also got my TVIX and MINI MAC working through my 7-40 with the addition of my ITOUCH for the link rooms and its even better than before.
Regards Beolad