Bored of your 7.1 channel A/V receiver? You’ll want to check out Denon’s latest 9.3 channel multi-zone A/V receiver – the AVR-4810CI. Here are the major specs to the AVR-4810CI:

• 140 watts per channel x 9 channels
• Support for Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital Surround EX, Dolby Pro Logic IIz, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS-HD High Resolution, DTS ES 6.1 Discrete, DTS ES 6.1 Matrix, DTS Neo:6 decoding
• Multi-mono Block amp configuration with Free Assign amp configuration flexibility
• Anchor Bay ABT-2010 advanced analog and digital video 1080p/24fps/60fps upconversion and deinterlacing with multi-cadence detection
• Audyssey Dynamic Sound Expansion with front height and/or expanded width channels, with maximum 11.3 channel capability
• Audyssey MultEQ XT, Dynamic Volume, Dynamic EQ; Audyssey Pro Installer ready
• HD Radio AM/FM tuner; XM and Sirius satellite radio ready
• Six HDMI inputs, dual HDMI video outputs
• Second zone video output is available via component with onscreen display for meta-data from iPod/XM/HD Radio/Streaming Audio
• Two discrete AM/FM tuners
• Rhapsody and Napster streaming audio support
• Built-in Wi-Fi and Ethernet

The AVR-4810CI will be available for $2999.00

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Denon AVR-4810CI

In any event, here’s what you need to know about the three models (thanks to Crave for this info).

Onkyo TX-NR1007:

• 9.2 channel receiver – rated at 135 watts per channel
• 6 HDMI inputs
• Dual HDMI outputs
• Support for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
• Dolby Pro Logic IIz and Audyssey DSX surround processing modes
• Support for Internet streaming audio including Pandora, Rhapsody, vTuner, and Sirius Internet Radio
• DLNA 1.5 support
• Analog video upconversion to 1080p using Faroudja DCDi Cinema processing
• THX Loudness Plus
• Audyssey sound processing modes (MultEQ XT, Dynamic EQ, and Dynamic Volume)
• THX Ultra2 Plus Certified
• Available in Sept. for $1600

Onkyo TX-NR3007 comes with all the above features AND:

• 9.2 channel A/V receiver rated at 140 watts per channel
• 7 HDMI inputs and one front panel HDMI input
• Analog video upconversion using HQV Reon-VX processing
• Front panel USB port
• Dolby volume processing
• Available in Sept. for $2100

Onkyo TX-NR5007 comes with all the above features AND:

• 9.2 A/V receiver rated at 145 watts per channel
• 8 HDMI inputs including one front panel HDMI input
• Two USB ports (one in the front and one in the back)
• Available in Sept for $2700

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Onkyo, TX-NR1007, TX-NR3007, TX-NR5007, A/V receiver

Elite SC-25:

• Compatible with iPhone
• 7 Channel A/V receiver
• ICEpower Class D Amplification
• AIR Studios Monitor Sound Tuning Certification
• 140 Watts x 7 Direct Energy ICEpower Amplification
• Stereo Power: 140W x 2 (20Hz – 20kHz, .09% THD @ 8 ohms)
• (13+1) Modes Advanced Surround Modes
• 192 kHz / 24-bit Analog to Digital conversion
• 192 kHz / 24-bit Wolfson WM8740 DAC
• Networking Entertainment featuring streaming Internet Radio, Rhapsody*, SIRIUS* and more.
• 3-D Space Frame Construction with an ultra rigid trans-stabilizer
• 48-Bit Deep Color and x.v. Color capabilities
• PureCinema I/P conversion
• 5 HDMI inputs with one in the front
• Dual parallel HDMI outputs
• 3 Component video inputs
• Audio and photo streaming from your PC through an existing home network
• 3-Zone Multi-Zone and Source (A/V)
• Measures 16.56″ x 7.92″ x 18.12″ and weighs 40 lbs

Elite SC-27:

• Compatible with iPhone
• 7 Channel Receiver
• Direct Energy HD amplifier with ICEpower Class-D technology
• THX Ultra2 PLUS
• Burr-Brown Sampling Rate Converter
• 48-Bit Deep Color and x.v. Color capabilities
• AIR Studios Monitor Sound Tuning Certification
• HDMI Ver. 1.3a (5 Inputs / 1 Output Including Front HDMI Input)
• Standard definition upscaling to1080p
• Surround power – 140W x 7 (20Hz – 20kHz, .09% THD @ 8 ohms, All Channels Driven)
• Stereo power – 140W x 2 (20Hz – 20kHz, .09% THD @ 8 ohms)
• (13+1) advanced surround modes
• 192 kHz / 24-bit analog to digital conversion
• 192 kHz / 24-bit Wolfson WM8740 DAC
• Multi-Channel PQLS for Near Jitter-free Audio Transmission
• Measures 16.56″ x 7.92″ x 18.12″ and weighs 40 lbs

Elite VSX-21TXH:

• Compatible with iPhone
• 7 Channel Receiver
• Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio and THX Select2 PLUS
• Direct Energy Class A/B amplifier
• Advanced Sound Retriever-Multi (ASR) technology
• 2-Channel PQLS (Precision Quartz Lock System
• Surround power – 110W x 7 (20Hz – 20kHz, .09% THD @ 8 ohms, All Channels Driven)
• Stereo power – 110W x 2 (20Hz – 20kHz, .09% THD @ 8 ohms)
• (13+1) Surround modes
• HDMI (4 Inputs / 1 Output) with 48-bit Deep Color and x.v.Color
• 192 kHz / 24-bit analog to digital conversion
• Wolfson DAC
• Front Panel USB Memory Audio and Photo Playback (MP3, WMA, JPEG)
• Measures 16.56″ x 6.84″ x 17.04″ and weighs 36 lbs

Elite VSX-23TXH:

• Compatible with iPhone
• 7 channel receiver
• 3 zone A/V distribution
• PQLS Multi-channel Surround (Precision Quartz Lock System
• HDMI (5 Inputs / 2 Outputs Including Front HDMI Input)
• Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio Decoding
• Surround power – 110W x 7 (20Hz – 20kHz, .09% THD @ 8 ohms, All Channels Driven)
• Stereo power – 110W x 2 (20Hz – 20kHz, .09% THD @ 8 ohms)
• (13+1) advanced surround modes
• 192 kHz / 24-bit analog to digital conversion
• Wolfson DAC
• Measures 16.56″ x 6.84″ x 17.04″ and weighs 37 lbs

The Pioneer Elite VSX-21TXH and VSX-23TXH will begin shipping in July 2009 for the suggested retail prices of $700 and $900, respectively. Pioneer’s Elite SC-25TXH and SC-27 are shipping in August 2009 with the suggested retail prices of $1700 and $2000, respectively.

Technorati Tags: Pioneer Electronic, Elite SC-25, Elite SC-27, Elite VSX-21TXH, Elite VSX-23TXH.

Pioneer Electronics announced that they are now shipping three new A/V receivers which seamlessly integrate the Apple iPhone and iPod into the home theater environment. The three receivers (the VSX-819AH,VSX-919AH, and VSX-1019AH) also feature proprietary technologies which attempt to “restore compressed audio data and recreate the dynamic listening experiences intended by the original musician.”

Common features on the new Pioneer A/V receivers include:

• Easily plug your iPhone/iPod into the receiver
• Full-color graphical user interface complete with album art
• Auto Music Mute function when an incoming call is received on iPhone
• Advanced Sound Retriever (ASR) – designed for use with highly-compressed music files to ensure a more “dynamic audio experience when played through home audio speakers”
• Auto Level Control (ALC) – equalizes the fluctuating volume levels that can occur with digital audio tracks and other inputs

Here’s a quick breakdown of the three new models:

Pioneer VSX-819H-K:

• 5-channel A/V receiver
• Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD decoders (as well as Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, DTS-ES, DTS-Express, DTS 96/24, DTS NEO:6, DTS5.1)
• 3 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output
• Front USB port and included cable
• 5 EQ bands
• TI Aureus Digital Engine
• HDMI Deep Color and xvYCC support
• Aspect Ratio Adjust
• 2 Component in/1 Monitor out
• 3 AV in and 1 Rec out
• 4 audio in and 1 rec out
• 1 digital coaxial input
• 2 digital optical input/output
• 2-zone audio
• 30 AM/FM station presets
• MSRP of $299

Pioneer VSX-919AH:

• 7-channel A/V receiver
• HDMI Precision Quartz Lock System (PQLS) for Jitterless Transmission from Music CDs
• HDMI video conversion
• Pioneer PureCinema video processing
• Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD decoders (as well as Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, DTS-ES, DTS-Express, DTS 96/24, DTS NEO:6, DTS5.1)
• 3 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output
• Front USB port and included cable
• 9 EQ bands
• Freescale Digital Engine
• HDMI Deep Color and xvYCC support
• HDMI 1080p video repeater
• Digital video converter to HDMI
• Aspect Ratio Adjust
• 3 HDMI in/1 out
• 2 Component in/1 Monitor out
• 3 AV in and 1 Rec out
• 4 audio in and 1 rec out
• 1 digital coaxial input
• 2 digital optical input/output
• 2-zone audio
• 30 AM/FM station presets
• MSRP of $399

Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K:

• 7-channel A/V receiver
• 2nd Zone A/V distribution with Color On-screen Display
• HDMI with 1080p video scaler
• Pioneer PureCinema video processing
• Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD decoders (as well as Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, DTS-ES, DTS-Express, DTS 96/24, DTS NEO:6, DTS5.1)
• 3 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output
• Front USB port and included cable
• 9 EQ bands
• Freescale Digital Engine
• HDMI Deep Color and xvYCC support
• HDMI 1080p video repeater
• Digital video converter to HDMI
• Aspect Ratio Adjust
• Sirius Satellite Radio
• 4 HDMI in/1 out
• 2 Component in/1 Monitor out
• 3 AV in and 1 Rec out
• 4 audio in and 1 rec out
• 1 digital coaxial input
• 2 digital optical input/output
• 2-zone audio
• 30 AM/FM station presets
• MSRP of $499

Technorati Tags: Pioneer Electronic, VSX-819AH, VSX-919AH, VSX-1019AH, A/V Receiver, Apple iPod, Apple iPhone

The top four models feature four 1080p compatible HDMI inputs (perfect for anyone with multiple HDMI enabled devices such as an Xbox 360, PS3, cable set-top box, Blu-ray player, etc.) as well as four pre-set SCENE buttons (for BD/DVD, TV, CD, and Radio) that configure the entire home theater system for the desired input.  The top three models upscale analog video to 1080p full HD resolutions. All the new models feature a full complement of audio decoders (Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD).

RX-V665:

• 7.2 channel digital home theater receiver
• Four 1080p HDMI inputs and one HDMI output
• 90W x 7 RMS output power
• Support for Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital EX/Dolby Pro Logic IIx, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, DTS 96/24/DTS Neo:6
• iPod support with optional YDS-11
• Bluetooth compatibility with optional YBA-10
• Compressed Music Enhancer
• XD HD Surround and Neural Surround
• Sirius and XM Satellite Radio Ready
• Two component inputs and one output
• Fur composite A/V inputs
• Two optical and two coaxial digital input/outputs
• Front mini input for portables
• Burr-Brown 192 kHz/24 bit D/A conversion
• 17 surround programs
• HDMI pass-through support
• HDMI up-conversion to 1080p
• 8 channel ext input
• YPAO Automatic System Calibration
• SCENE buttons for BD/DVD, TV, CD, and Radio
• HDMI CEC functionality
• Supports Deep Color, x.v.Color, 120Hz/24Hz Refresh Rates, and Auto Lip-Sync compensation
• Zone 2 on/off and control on front panel
• MSRP of $549.95

RX-V765:

• 7.2 channel digital home theater receiver
• New SCENE buttons (BD/DVD, TV, CD and Radio) – quick and simple to use
• YPAO sound optimization for automatic speaker setup
• XM ready with XM HD Surround powered by Neural Surround
• SIRIUS Satellite Radio ready
• iPod compatibility via optional YDS-11 Universal Dock
• Bluetooth (A2DP) compatibility with optional Yamaha Bluetooth® Wireless Audio Receiver YBA-10
• On-screen display
• Front panel mini jack for connecting portable audio player
• Dialogue Lift
• iPod song titles displayed in English and Western European languages on the front panel and on-screen display
• HDMI CEC functionality
• Initial Volume Setting and Maximum Volume Setting
• Preset remote unit
• Analog video upscaling to full HD 1080p
• 1080p-compatible HDMI (4 in/1 out)
• Supports Deep Color (30/36 bit), x.v.Color, 120Hz/24Hz Refresh Rates and Auto Lip-Sync compensation
• 7-channel 665W powerful surround sound (95W x 7)
• Decoders for HD audio formats: Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio; Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
• Discrete amp configuration
• Digital ToP-ART and High Current Amplification
• Pure Direct
• Burr-Brown 192 kHz/24-bit DACs for all channels
• Intelligent Assignable amplifiers for bi-amp or Surround Back <-> Front Presence or Zone 2 connection
• CINEMA DSP 3D (17 DSP programs) with Adaptive DSP Level
• Adaptive DRC (Dynamic Range Control)
• Compressed Music Enhancer
• SILENT CINEMA and Virtual CINEMA DSP
• Audio Delay for adjusting Lip-Sync (0-240 ms)
• Zone 2 on/off and control on front panel
• Remote input/output
• Programmable +12V trigger output
• MSRP of $649.95

RX-V565:

• 7.1 channel home theater receiver
• New SCENE buttons (BD/DVD, TV, CD and Radio) – quick and simple to use
• YPAO sound optimization for automatic speaker setup
• iPod compatibility via optional YDS-11 Universal Dock
• Bluetooth (A2DP) compatibility with optional Yamaha Bluetooth® Wireless Audio Receiver YBA-10
• On-screen display
• Front panel mini jack for connecting portable audio player
• iPod song titles displayed in English and Western European languages on the front panel and on-screen display
• HDMI CEC functionality
• Initial Volume Setting and Maximum Volume Setting
• New preset remote unit
• Analog video upscaling to full HD 1080p
• 1080p-compatible HDMI (4 in/1 out)
• Supports Deep Color (30/36 bit), x.v.Color, 120Hz/24Hz Refresh Rates and Auto Lip-Sync compensation
• 7-channel 630W powerful surround sound (90W x 7)
• Decoders for HD audio formats: Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio; Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
• Burr-Brown 192 kHz/24-bit DACs for all channels
• Direct Mode for high quality sound reproduction
• CINEMA DSP (17 DSP programs) with Adaptive DSP Level
• Adaptive DRC (Dynamic Range Control)
• Compressed Music Enhancer
• SILENT CINEMA and Virtual CINEMA DSP
• Audio Delay for adjusting Lip-Sync (0-240ms)
• MSRP of $479.95

RX-V465:

• 5.1 channel digital home theater receiver
• New SCENE buttons (BD/DVD, TV, CD and Radio) – quick and simple to use
• YPAO sound optimization for automatic speaker setup
• iPod compatibility via optional YDS-11 Universal Dock
• Bluetooth (A2DP) compatibility with optional Yamaha Bluetooth® Wireless Audio Receiver YBA-10
• Front panel mini jack for connecting portable audio player
• iPod song titles displayed in English and Western European languages on the front panel
• HDMI CEC functionality
• Initial Volume Setting and Maximum Volume Setting
• New preset remote unit
• 5-channel 525W powerful surround sound (105W x 5)
• Decoders for HD audio formats: Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio; Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
• Burr-Brown 192 kHz/24-bit DACs for all channels
• Direct Mode for high quality sound reproduction
• CINEMA DSP (17 DSP programs) with Adaptive DSP Level
• Adaptive DRC (Dynamic Range Control)
• Compressed Music Enhancer
• SILENT CINEMA and Virtual CINEMA DSP
• Audio Delay for adjusting Lip-Sync (0-240ms)
• 1080p-compatible HDMI (4 in/1 out)
• Supports Deep Color (30/36 bit), x.v.Color, 120Hz/24Hz Refresh Rates and Auto Lip-Sync compensation
• MSRP of $379.95

RX-V365:

• 5.1 channel digital home theater receiver
• Four SCENE buttons offering easy operation (with 13 preset SCENE template)
• iPod compatibility via optional YDS-11 Universal Dock
• Bluetooth (A2DP) compatibility with optional Yamaha Bluetooth® Wireless Audio Receiver YBA-10
• Front panel mini jack input for connecting portable audio player
• 9 selectable subwoofer crossover frequencies
• Subwoofer phase select / Subwoofer out
• Initial Volume Setting and Maximum Volume Setting
• 40-station preset tuning / Auto preset tuning
• Speaker A or B selection
• Preset remote unit
• 5-channel 500W powerful surround sound (100W x 5)
• 192 kHz/24-bit DACs for all channels
• High dynamic power, low-impedance drive capability
• 1080p-compatible HDMI switching (2 in/1 out) including 1080p/24Hz repeat
• Supports Deep Color (30/36 bit) pass through and x.v.Color pass through
• CINEMA DSP with 8 DSP programs
• Compressed Music Enhancer
• Night Listening Enhancer (Cinema/Music) and SILENT CINEMA
• Audio Delay for adjusting Lip-Sync (0-160ms)
• MSRP of $249.95

[Check it out via CNET]

Technorati Tags: Yamaha A/V receivers, RX-V765, RX-V665, RX-V565, RX-V465, RX-V365

The T 747 A/V Receiver features the following:

• Up to 60 watts per channel (7 channels)
• Includes the newest lossless audio CODECs from Dolby and DTS including TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio
• Auto Calibration function for easy speaker set-up
• AM/FM tuners with 50 station presets
• XM or DAB Ready sockets
• Supports NAD optional IPD 1 and IPD 2 Docks for iPods
• Supports 1080p
• 4 HDMI inputs with repeater function
• Video upscaler thanks to Faroudja DCDi technology
• Second independent A/V zone
• Two remote controls included
• Available this month for $1299.

The T 737 A/V receiver features the following:

• Virtual inputs allows each user to customize setup
• Speaker setups, levels, tone controls and surround modes can be customized
• 40 watts per channel (seven channels)
• Three surround modes cater to multi-channel DVDs with support for Dolby Digital EX and DTS ES
• Auto Calibration function for easy speaker setup
• AM/FM tuner with 50 station presets
• XM or DAB Ready sockets
• Supports NAD optional IPD 1 and IPD 2 Docks for iPods
• Composite, S-Video, Component, HDMI inputs
• Uses less than one watt for standby power consumpton
• Available in February for $799

Technorati Tags: NAD Electronics, T 747 A/V Receiver, T 737 A/V receiver

Above is the Rotel RSX-1560 Home Theater Receiver which was named a CES Innovations 2009 Design and Engineering Awards Honoree. Features of the RSX-1560 Home Theater Receiver include:

• 7.1 channel receiver
• 7 x 100 watts of class D power (with assignable channels for bi-amp or second zone use)
• Four HDMI 1.3 inputs
• 1080p/24Hz Faroudja video processing
• Assignable 12V triggers
• RS-232C serial connectivity
• 4U rack mountable package

The Rotel RSX-1560 has an MSRP of $2599 and will be on display at CES 2009 – I hope to get live pictures of it while there.

Technorati Tags: Rotel RSX-1560 Home Theater Receiver

If you’re like me then you probably spent a good deal of time putting together your home theater system and then finding it a good home in a rack of some sort. However, there are many of you who want something like this but don’t want to deal with the aspect of putting everything together – let alone finding a piece of furniture that’s ideal for the entire setup. Enter the GenevaSound Home Theater system – an all-in-one system combining audio components with a beautiful piece of furniture made out of one streamlined sideboard of thick, distortion free, hand-lacquered wood.

The GenevaSound Home Theater consists of the following:

• All-digital 700 watt amplifier
• Seven speakers and 12 inch subwoofer
• CD player
• Radio receiver
• iPod/iPhone dock
• Space for cable box, game console, DVD deck

Your TV set (which is NOT included of course) can be placed either on top of the GenevaSound Home Theater or wall mounted. All this integration comes at a pretty penny – $3999 worth.

[Check it out via BornRich]

Technorati Tags: GenevaSound Home Theater

• HDMI 1.3a with Deep Color support
• Pass-through up to 1080p video
• Faroudja DCDi Cinema digital video processing utilizing Torino chipset for 1080p video upscaling from all video sources
• One of the first to include Dolby Volume technology – a new approach to delivering consistent volume levels across a wide variety of content, channel programming, and input sources
• Includes Texas Instruments Aureus DA710 audio digital signal processor in a dual DSP implementation
• New HD full color on-screen menu system
• Supports Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio decoding
• Built-in USB port for USB memory stick or streaming audio from a PC
• Internet Radio Tuner
• Automated room equalization and system calibration
• Multi-room audio and video capability with A-BUS connectivity
• XM-Ready capability
• Comes with Harman Kardon Bridge II docking station for iPod

Again, this pricey receiver ($2799) will be coming out during the winter of 2009.

Technorati Tags: Harman Kardon, AVR 7550HD, A/V receiver

Enter Silicon Image and their InstaPort Technology. With InstaPort Technology in devices such as HDTV sets, A/V receivers, and HDMI switches, HDMI input switching delays will be a thing of the past. A typical HDTV set will initialize the HDCP authorization process only when the input is selected – resulting in that perceivable delay. An HDTV set with InstaPort Technology will perform the HDCP authorization process when the HDTV connects to the device – not when the input is selected. InstaPort allows a digital television set to “perform simultaneous background HDCP authentication with all connected source devices as soon as they are connected to the DTV”.

Folks .. I WANT this technology in my next HDMI switching component – whether it’s in my HDTV set or in my A/V receiver or in a standalone HDMI switch.

To that end, Silicon Image announced that InstaPort technology will be featured in Samsung’s next generation HDTV sets and is also under evaluation at nine of the top ten HDTV manufacturers for next year’s models. Throw this into a next generation A/V receiver and I’m so there!

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Silicon Image, InstaPort Technology

The Sony BDV-IT1000ES home theater system features the following:

• Thin speaker design
• 700 watt (100W per channel x 7) and 200w subwoofer
• Sony S-Air wireless technology
• Infrared repeater (2 in and 1 out)
• Available in October for a price of $1999

The Sony BDV-IS1000 home theater system features the following:

• Five tiny speakers
• Available in October for around $1000

Both systems feature the following:

• S-Air technology for multi-room wireless setups
• BD-Live capable
• Ethernet connection
• External flash memory port
• Sony’s new Precision Drive HD – helps detect and correct wobbling discs from three directions
• Supports decoding of Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD Master Audio, and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
• Two 1080p HDMI inputs
• Video upscale to 1080p via HDMI
• xross media bar UI
• Digital Cinema Auto Calibration for simple surround sound setup
• BRAVIA Sync for Theatre support
• Digital Media Port

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Sony, BDV-IT1000ES, BDV-IS1000

Sony added two new ES A/V receivers last week – the STR-DA6400ES and the STR-DA5400ES – both of which come with a CAT5e output which allows for second-room high definition video and audio distribution via CAT5e wiring. The STR-DA6400ES also comes with an extra CAT5e input and is also DLNA (Digital Life Network Alliance) compliant allowing the receiver to connect and stream content from networked PCs. The new receivers feature the following:

• Supports 1080/24p video signals
• Supports latest audio formats including Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS High Resolution Audio, DTS HD Master Audio
• Dual Faroudja DCDi Cinema chips – the main Faroudja DCDi upscales video sources to 1080p in the main room when connected via HDMI. The second Faroudja DCDi chip upscales video sources to 1080i in a second room
• Supports x.v.Color, and Deep Color enabled sources
• Sony’s xross media bar GUI can be shared in both rooms
• Supports decoding of Direct Stream Digital audio sources
• Features Sony’s Digital Legato Linear audio scaler – upscales audio to 192KHz
• Dual Digital Media ports
• Sirius and XM Connect-and-Play ready
• Sony Digital Cinema Auto Calibration for easy setup
• Support for BRAVIA Sync for Theatre

The STR-DA6400ES is a 7.1 channel receiver with:

• 120 watt amplifier x 7
• Six HDMI inputs (five rear, one front)
• Two HDMI outputs
• Available in October for $2500

The STR-DA5400ES is a 7.1 channel receiver with:

• 120 watt amplifier x 7
• Six HDMI inputs
• Two HDMI outputs
• Available in September for $2000

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Sony, STR-DA6400ES, STR-DA5400ES

Sharp has launched the ANPR1500H Home Cinema Rack System which combines DVD system, 2.1 channel speaker system, and television stand into a single unit. The ANPR1500H comes with an HDMI connector and supports 1080i output. Features include:

• USB host capabilities
• DVD player with support for DVD-Video, DVD-RW/R(VR MODE), CD, CD-R/RW, MP3 and WMA
• 300 Watt RMS output power
• 2.1 channel speaker system
• Gloss black piano finish
• Supports up to 46 inch LCD TV
• Supports decoding of DTS, Dolby Digital and Dolby Pro Logic
• Dolby Virtual speaker and Audistry support
• Remote control
• FM tuner
• Clock/timer/sleep function
• Supports DivX

The ANPR1500H is currently available in the UK for £599.00.

[Check it out via Pocket-Lint]

Technorati Tags: Sharp ANPR1500H Home Cinema Rack System

Epson America announced today that the new Ensemble HD Home Cinema System was now shipping to dealers and installers nationwide. The Ensemble HD is a complete home theater solution that comes with all the component necessary to transform any room in your home into a full fledged home theater setup. Features of the Ensemble HD Home Cinema System include the following:

• Choice of Epson PowerLite 3LCD (three-chip) high definition multimedia projector with either true 1080p native resolution (1,920 x 1,080 pixels) or a more affordably priced 720p option
• Unique 100-inch motorized screen that quietly lowers and retracts within the unique front channel ceiling mounted speaker system
• Audio/video controller with integrated upconverting DVD player
• Newly engineered Atlantic Technology speaker system and a proprietary 150-watt subwoofer containing all 5.1 channels of amplification
• Universal remote that controls the entire system including the motorized screen
• Every audio, video and power cable needed to complete the installation while maximizing performance (including HDMI)
• Unique wire management track system that hides all of the included cables from the site of users
• All necessary mounting brackets

There are two packages available for the Ensemble HD Home Cinema System – a 1080p system priced at $6999 and a 720p system priced at $4999.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Epson America, Ensemble HD Home Cinema System

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.

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Technorati Tags: Sony HT-IS100 BRAVIA Theatre Micro System

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.

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

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

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

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.

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