Sony’s new budget AV receivers packed with features

When Onkyo released the budget TX-SR605 AV receiver last year, it rocked the industry with its low price and high-end features such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-Master Audio decoding. Other manufacturers pretty much had to stay on the sidelines as TX-SR605s flew off the shelf, but it looks as if Sony is ready to fight back with its new line of budget AV receivers. The company’s 2008 line of AV receivers includes four new affordably priced models–the STR-DG520, STR-DG720, STR-DG820 and STR-DG920–and they look pretty good from the spec sheet. Here are the details:
The STR-DG520

(Credit: Sony)

Key features of the Sony STR-DG520:

• 5.1 channels, 100 watts of power
• Two HDMI inputs
• Supports 1080p pass-through at 60 and 24 frames per second
• Available in March for about $200

The STR-DG720

(Credit: Sony)

Step-up features on the STR-DG720:

• 7.1 channels, 105 watts of power
• Three HDMI inputs
• Can handle eight channels of LPCM audio
• XM-ready
• Available in March for about $300

The STR-DG820

(Credit: Sony)

Step-up features on the STR-DG820:

• 7.1 channels, 110 watts of power
• Four HDMI inputs
• Onboard decoding for Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-High Resolution Audio and DTS-HD Master Audio
• Supports x.v.Color
• XM-ready with Neural Surround Sound
• Includes a Sony Digital Media Port
• Available in May for about $400

Sony refreshes Bravia home theater line for 2008

 

In 2007, Sony extended the previously TV-only Bravia moniker to cover its flagship all-in-one home theater systems for the first time. The branding extension must’ve been a success, because a new round of Bravia home-theater-in-a-box systems (HTIBs) is on deck for 2008. All four 2008 Bravia models will include the following baseline features. (Where applicable, we’ve taken the liberty of translating many of the terms from Sony-ese into English.)

• Single chassis DVD receiver: The amplifier/receiver includes a built-in five-disc CD/DVD changer, with built-in support for standard Dolby and DTS surround modes.
• HDMI output: DVDs can be upscaled to 1080p resolution when connected to compatible HDTVs.
• 5.1 surround sound: Each system includes five satellite speakers and a subwoofer.
• Bravia Theatre Sync: Sony’s implementation of HDMI-CEC lets the system interact with compatible Sony TVs when they’re connected via HDMI, automating some processes such as input switching.
• Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (DCAC): This is simply the company’s name for the built-in system that customizes the speaker levels to the particular sonics of your room.
• Dialogue Audio Enhancer: Otherwise known as “midnight mode,” this feature normalizes volume levels for late-night viewing.
• DM Port compatibility: All Bravia systems include support for Sony’s proprietary DM Port accessories: the TDM-NC1 Wi-Fi music streamer, the TDM-NW1 Sony Walkman MP3 player dock, and the TDM-BT1 Bluetooth adapter, all of which must be purchased separately.
• Outboard iPod dock: The fourth DM Port accessory, the TDM-IP1 iPod dock, is included.
• Wireless rear speakers: Each Bravia model includes an option to set up the two rear speakers wirelessly. (Whether the wireless speaker accessory is included or needs to be purchased separately varies from model to model.)
• S-AIR compatibility: New for 2008, the Bravia systems are compatible with Sony’s proprietary S-AIR wireless technology, meaning they can stream music to a small speaker system (the AIR-SA10) located elsewhere in the home. (Whether the AIR-SA10 and its companion transmitter is included or needs to be purchased separately varies from model to model.)

Specific details for each system are as follows:

Sony Introduces Home Theater Media Stand with Surround Sound System

Delivering a custom home theater installation look without damaging walls, Sony Electronics today unveiled the Sound Wall RHT-S10 home theater stand with an included surround sound system.

The Sound Wall includes Sony’s first 5.1 channel surround sound system to offer built-in speakers, an amplifier and a subwoofer in one slim speaker package. The sound system is attached to a free-standing wall facade that also serves as a mount for a television. Wires are hidden behind the wall and connected to an integrated A/V rack anchored at the base of the media stand.

“Today, consumers want TVs and home theater systems mounted flat against a wall, blending in with the home’s décor,” said Brennan Mullin, vice president for audio products for Sony Electronics’ Digital Imaging and Audio Division. “The RHT-S10 is a great solution for those who want the custom installation look without damaging walls to hide the wires.”
At 350 total watts of power, the system delivers high resolution surround sound with five speakers, an S-Master® digital amplifier and a subwoofer built into the unit. Sony’s S-Force® Pro front surround sound technology generates realistic surround sound from the system without the need for rear speakers, providing flexible placement options regardless of a room’s existing elements or shape.