Sony has three new receiver models for their ES (Elevated Series) lineup of A/V receivers which are typically targeted for high end home theater environments. The new models are the STR-DA4400ES, STR-DA3400ES, and STR-DA2400ES. These new receivers feature 1080/24p support, support for the latest audio codecs, and Faroudja DCDi Cinema technology for video upscaling up to 1080p when connected via HDMI. Other features include the xross media bar inspired user interface, Sony’s Digital Cinema Auto Calibration system for easy surround sound setup, Sony’s DIGITAL MEDIA PORT, and BRAVIA Sync support.

The STR-DA4400ES features the following:

• 7.1 channel receiver
• 120 watt amp (8 ohms, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 0.09 percent THD)
• Six HDMI inputs (gotta love that!)
• DSD decoding through HDMI
• HD video distribution to a second zone
• Audio distribution to three zones
• Picture-in-picture for monitoring of multi-zone output or an external video source
• Available in August for $1500

The STR-DA3400ES features the following:

• 7.1 channel receiver
• 100 watt power amp (8 ohms, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 0.09 percent THD)
• Four HDMI inputs (not too bad)
• 12 volt trigger
• IR repeater
• HD video distribution to a second zone (composite)
• Available in August for $1000

The STR-DA2400ES features the following:

• 7.1 channel receiver
• 100 watt power amp (8 ohms, 20 Hz – 20 kHz, 0.09 percent THD)
• Basic icon-driven GUI
• Four HDMI inputs
• Available in July for $800

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Sony, STR-DA4400ES, STR-DA3400ES, STR-DA2400ES

Remember that Sony home theater system with those tiny speakers? Well Sony continues to develop that line with the introduction of the new HT-IS100 BRAVIA Theatre Micro System. The setup has five super small speakers each measuring about the size of a golf ball. Features of the HT-IS100 include:

• Three 1080p HDMI inputs with repeater functionality
• Support for eight channels of uncompressed audio
• Optional wireless rear surround speakers and multi-room wireless speakers that configure automatically (via Sony S-AIR Air Station speakers)
• 450 watts (RMS) of power
• 5.1 system
• Integrated 32 bit S-Master digital amplifier
• Digital Media Port
• Sony Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (DCAC) simplifies surround sound setup with the push of a button
• BRAVIA Sync for Theater
• Dialogue Audio Enhancer with night mode
• Updated Portable Audio Enhancer

The Sony HT-IS100 BRAVIA Theatre Micro System will be available in July for around $700 dollars.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Sony HT-IS100 BRAVIA Theatre Micro System

Harman Kardon announced five new receivers today - the 7.1 channel AVR 354 and AVR 254 A/V receiver, the 5.1 channel AVR 154 A/V receiver, the HK 3490 stereo receiver, and the HK 3390 stereo receiver.  The new 7.1 channel A/V receivers come with features such as HDMI 1.3a capability, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding, a new graphical on-screen menu, and improved iPod interface via The Bridge II docking station. All the multi-channel receivers offer HDMI 1.3a support and pass video signals at 1080p resolutions. The AVR 354 and 254 has a cool high definition full-color on-screen menu system that guides the entire home theater setup.

Here are some of the specs for the systems (from the Harman Kardon website).

The AVR 354 features:

• HDMI 1.3a support
• Upscaling to 1080p
• Full complement of Dolby and DTS decoding technologies
• HDMI repeater capability
• Faroudja DCDi Cinema processing
• EzSet/EQ equalization and multi-room capability
• Full-color graphical user interface
• Eight device programmable remote
• Suggested retail price of $899

The AVR 254 features

• Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding
• Faroudja DCDi Cinema video processing to 1080p
• Three HDMI inputs
• EzSet/EQ technology
• RS-232 port
• Suggested retail price of $649

No word on the actual specs of the AVR 154 but it has a suggested retail price of $399 and will be available in late spring of this year (which means it’s soon!)

The HK 3490 features:

• High performance phono preamp
• preout/main-in jacks
• high-current amplification
• Digital audio inputs
• Dual subwoofer outputs
• Dolby Virtual Speaker technology
• Suggested retail price of $499

The HK 3390 features:

• High current, ultrawide bandwidth amplification
• Four high quality composite video inputs
• Front panel inputs
• Suggested retail price of $399

Technorati Tags: Harman Kardon, AVR 354, AVR 254, AVR 154, HK 3490, HK 3390

Panasonic announced the SC-BT100 wireless home theater system earlier this week - what it calls a “Home Theater in a Box (HTiB)” system. The SC-BT100 features a 5.1 channel speaker system, an integrated Blu-ray disc player, and an iPod dock.  You can upgrade it into a wireless 7.1 system by getting the optional two side speakers and a transceiver.

The Blu-ray player supports the Final Standard Profile which provides functionality such as Bonus View and audio mixing. The integrated receiver is capable of decoding Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD, DTS-HD High Resolution, DTS-HD Master Audio, and Linear PCM.

The SC-BT100 comes with and integrated iPod dock that allows you to recharge the iPod as well as play content directly onto your system from the media player. Audio tracks and menus can be displayed on your television screen via the SC-BT100. There’s also a built in SD Memory Card slot for playback of still images or video footage in either standard or high definition AVCHD format.

The SC-BT100 will be available in late Spring for an estimated price of $999.95.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Panasonic, SC-BT100, Blu-ray, Wireless Home Theater System,

Sony continued their new product onslaught with the introduction of four home theater component systems designed for HDTVs and Blu-ray players. The new models consist of the HT-SS2300, HT-CT100, HT-7200DH, and the HT-DDWG700.

The HT-SS2300 features:

• Three 1080p capable HDMI inputs
• Optical and coaxial digital inputs
• 5.1 channel system with 1000 watts RMS of power
• Slim A/V receiver designed to match 2008 Blu-ray player models
• Sony Digital Media Port
• Sony Digital Cinema Auto Calibration
• Updated Portable Audio Enhancer
• Available this summer for $400 dollars

HT-CT100

• Three 1080p capable HDMI inputs
• Optical and coaxial digital inputs
• 3.1 channel system with sound bar and separate subwoofer
• Delivers realistic surround sound using Sony’s S-Force PRO Front Surround Sound technology
• Sony Digital Media Port
• Sony Digital Cinema Auto Calibration
• Updated Portable Audio Enhancer
• Available in March for $300 dollars

HT-7200DH

• 5.1 channel system delivering 900 watts RMS power
• Single disc DVD/CD player
• Video upscaling to 1080p via HDMI
• HDMI repeater automatically switches the television to the correct input
• Three 1080p capable HDMI inputs
• On-screen display
• Sony Digital Media Port
• Sony Digital Cinema Auto Calibration
• Updated Portable Audio Enhancer
• Available in May for $500 dollars

HT-DDWG700

• 5.1 channel system delivering 800 watts RMS power
• Includes cradle for iPod players
• Sony Digital Media Port
• Sony Digital Cinema Auto Calibration
• Updated Portable Audio Enhancer
• Available in March for $200 dollars

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Sony, HT-SS2300, HT-CT100, HT-7200DH

Sony is looking to make wireless multi-room listening a breeze with the introduction of four new home theater systems featuring support for their new S-AIR technology. S-AIR technology allows Sony to deliver on a simple wireless multi-room audio transmission solution as well as provide wireless audio to rear surround sound speakers. Audio can be transmitted up to 164 feet away with receivers coming in the form of Sony S-AIR Air Station receiver/speaker units which can be plugged directly into a power outlet.

The four new systems featuring S-AIR technology include the DAV-HDX576WF, DAV-HDX277WC, DAV-HDX279W and the DAV-HDX275. Common features of these four home theater solutions include:

• Five disc DVD/CD player
• Video upscaling to 1080p via HDMI
• Sony Digital Media Port
• Included cradle for iPod players (model TDM-iP10)
• Supports the Network Walkman player audio cradle, PC client device, and a Bluetooth adapter
• Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (DCAC)
• Dialogue Audio Enhancer with night mode
• Updated Portable Audio Enhancer

DAV-HDX576WF

• Includes one S-AIR Air Station receiver/speaker
• Includes wireless rear speaker kit
• Height adjustable floor standing speakers designed to match BRAVIA television sets
• Available in March for $500 dollars

DAV-HDX277WC

• Includes one S-AIR Air Station receiver/speaker
• Option to add a rear wireless speaker kit
• Available in March for $400 dollars

DAV-HDX279W

• Includes the rear wireless speaker kit
• Option to add S-AIR AIr Station receiver/speaker
• Available in March for $400 dollars

DAV-HDX275

• S-AIR Ready
• Option to add rear wireless speaker kit
• Option to add S-AIR transmitter with S-AIR Air Stations
• Available in March for $300 dollars

The WAHT-SA10 wireless speaker kit will be available in March for around $149 dollars. The AIR-SA10 Air Station receiver/speaker featuring eight watts of power, and an alarm clock function will be available in March for around $120 dollars.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: DAV-HDX576WF, DAV-HDX277WC, DAV-HDX279W, DAV-HDX275

Looking to service the growing high definition audio/video market, Sony has introduced four new A/V receivers with features such as HDMI output, 1080/24p True Cinema video pass-through support, advanced audio codec support, and video upscaling to 1080p via HDMI when connected to a 1080p capable display. The new receivers include the STR-DG920, STR-DG820, STR-DG720, and STR-DG520.

The STR-DG920 features:

• 110 watts of power per channel
• Support for 1080/60p and 1080/24p True Cinema video signal pass-through
• 4 HDMI inputs
• Support for Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, dts High Resolution Audio and dts HD Master Audio
• Supports x.v.Color™ technology (xvYCC)
• Supports Deep Color
• Video upscales to 1080p via HDMI
• Icon driven menu system
• Sony Digital Media Port
• Upgraded Portable Audio Enhancer technology
• XM Connect-and-Play ready with 5.1 Neural Surround Sound
• Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (DCAC)
• Available in June for $600 dollars

The STR-DG820 features:

• 110 watts of power per channel
• Support for 1080/60p and 1080/24p True Cinema video signal pass-through
• 4 HDMI inputs
• Support for Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, dts High Resolution Audio and dts HD Master Audio
• Supports x.v.Color™ technology (xvYCC)
• Video upscales to 1080p via HDMI
• Icon driven menu system
• Sony Digital Media Port
• Upgraded Portable Audio Enhancer technology
• XM Connect-and-Play ready with 5.1 Neural Surround Sound
• Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (DCAC)
• Available in May for $400 dollars

The STR-DG720 features:

• 7.1 channel a/v receiver
• 105 watts of power per channel
• Three HDMI inputs
• Support 1080/60p and 1080/24p video signal pass-through
• Eight channels of uncompressed LPCM audio
• Compatible with XM Radio
• Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (DCAC)
• Digital Media Port
• Digital Cinema Sound processing
• Portable Audio Enhancer
• Available in March for $300 dollars

The STR-DG520 features:

• 5.1 channel A/V receiver
• Two HDMI inputs
• 1080/60p and 1080/24p video signal pass-through
• Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (DCAC)
• Digital Media Port
• Digital Cinema Sound processing
• Portable Audio Enhancer
• Available in March for $200 dollars

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Sony, A/V Receiver, HDMI, STR-DG920, STR-DG820, STR-DG720, STR-DG520

Onkyo Japan released two new products today - a small form factor CD player/FM tuner/amplifier called the CR-D1LTD and a two way speaker system called the D-112ELTD. Here’s what you need to know about both products.

For the CR-D1LTD:

• 40 watts per channel
• 0.08% distortion
• 100dB signal to noise ratio
• Measures 205 x 117 x 338mm and weighs 5.5 kg
• Half the size of a full audio component
• Features Onkyo’s VL Digital support
• Aluminum construction
• 192kHz/24 bit DAC
• CD-R/RW playback support

For the D-112ELTD:

• Frequency response of 50Hz to 100kHz
• 120W power output
• Measures 162 x 263 x 243 mm and weighs 5 kg

[Check it out via Akihabara News]

Technorati Tags: Onkyo, CR-D1LTD, D-112ELTD

Meanwhile in Japan, Sony announced their latest high end receiver called the TA-DA5300ES. This silver colored A/V receiver features:

• Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio support
• 8 Channel Linear PCM support
• HDMI 1.3a support with 6 inputs and 1 output
• Support for x.v.Color, Deep Color
• Upscale video to 1080p via HDMI
• New graphical user interface
• Rated output - 120W x 7 channels
• 3 Component inputs, 5 S-video inputs, 5 Composite video inputs
• 1 Component output, 2 S-video outputs, 2 Composite video outputs
• Measures 430 x 175 x 430 mm and weighs 17 kg

The Sony TA-DA5300ES will come out in Japan on October 20th for a retail price of 231,00 Yen

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Sony TA-DA5300ES

Remember those newly announced Sony ES receivers? Well they’re finally up on the SonyStyle website and they’re also available for pre-order. To recap, the new ES receivers as the STR-DA3300ES, the STR-DA4300ES, and the STR-DA5300ES.

If you’re too lazy to look at the product pages, here’s the important features for each model.

For the Sony STR-DA3300ES:

• Xross Media Bar inspired graphical user interface
• Faroudja DCDi Cinema Up Scaling technology - upscale all video sources to 1080p via HDMI
• BRAVIA Theater Sync technology
• Digital Media Port for optional accessories
• 100 watts x 7 power amplifier (8 ohms, 20Hz - 20kHz, 0.09% THD)
• Optimized for Blu-ray and other HD sources
• Supports x.v.Color technology
• Accepts 1080/60p and 24p video signals via HDMI
• Accepts 8 channel linear PCM via HDMI
• HDMI Active Intelligence (3 inputs/1 output)
• Digital Cinema Auto Calibration with mono mic
• Sirius and XM Connect-and-Play Ready with Neural 5.1 Surround
• Portable Audio Enhancer
• Powered Multi-Room Audio
• Supports Down Conversion where Component and S-Video sources can be down-converted to lower resolution outputs

You can pre-order the STR-DA3300ES for $999.99 and the first pre-ordered units should be shipping on August 10th.

For the Sony STR-DA4300ES:

• Xross Media Bar inspired graphic user interface
• Faroudja DCDi Cinema Up Scaling Technology
• BRAVIA Theatre Sync
• Digital Media Port
• 100 Watts X 7 Power Amplifier (8 ohms, 20Hz - 20kHz, 0.09% THD)
• Optimized for Blu-ray Disc and other HD source
• Accepts x.v.Color (xvYCC) and Deep Color
• Accepts 1080/60p and 24p video signal via HDMI
• Accepts 8ch linear PCM, Dolby Digital +, Dolby TruHD and DTS HD via HDMI2
• Accepts 8ch linear PCM, Dolby Digital +, Dolby TruHD and DTS HD via HDMI2-2
• Video up-scaling to HDMI (up to 1080p)
• HDMI “Active Intelligence” (3 inputs/1 output)
• Digital Cinema™ Auto Calibration with stereo mic
• Sirius and XM Connect-and-Play Ready with Neural 5.1 Surround
• Portable Audio Enhancer

You can pre-order the STR-DA4300ES for $1299.99 with units expected to ship at or around September 27th.

For the Sony STR-DA5300ES:

• XMB inspired graphic user interface
• Faroudja DCDi Cinema Up Scaling Technology
• BRAVIA Theatre Sync
• Digital Media Port
• 120 Watts X 7 Power Amplifier (8 ohms, 20Hz - 20kHz, 0.09% THD)
• HDMI “Active Intelligence” (6 inputs/1 output)
• 2nd Room HD video distribution via component video
• Picture-in-Picture for Monitoring Multi-Zone Output or External Video Source
• Optimized for Blu-ray Disc and other HD sources
• Accepts x.v.Color (xvYCC) and Deep Color
• Accepts 1080/60p and 24p video signal via HDMI
• Accepts 8ch linear PCM, Dolby Digital +, Dolby TruHD and DTS HD via HDMI3
• Video up-scaling to HDMI (up to 1080p)
• Digital Cinema™ Auto Calibration with stereo mic
• Sirius® and XM Connect-and- Play™ Ready4 with Neural 5.1 Surround
• Portable Audio Enhancer

The Sony STR-DA5300ES can be pre-ordered now for $1699.99 and you can expect units to ship at or around September 7th.

Technorati Tags: Sony, STR-DA3300ES, STR-DA4300ES, STR-DA5300ES