Wednesday, July 2, 2008

New ES receivers coming from Sony

Sony has announced three new audio/video receivers in its “Elevated Standard” (ES) product line.

Aimed at high-end home theaters, the new STR-DA4400ES, STR-DA3400ES and STR-DA2400ES receivers support 1080/24p video signals, the latest audio codecs (Dolby® Digital Plus, Dolby® TrueHD, dts® High Resolution Audio and dts® HD Master Audio) and Faroudja DCDi Cinema® technology for upscaling all video sources to 1080p when connected via HDMI™ to a compatible high-definition television.

The ES receivers are designed around a unique construction platform, digital board and a wide band power amplifier to maintain the purity of the audio and video signals by minimizing external vibrations and internal jitter.

The new models utilize a xross media bar™-inspired graphical user interface for easy content navigation, Sony’s Digital Cinema Auto Calibration for simple surround sound setup, and BRAVIA® Sync™ for Theatre for easy synchronization of compatible home theater components.

Sony’s "Digital Media Port" adds control, networking and connectivity options for music playback through various accessories, including a Cradle for iPod (TDM-iP10), a Network Walkman™ cradle, a PC client device and a Bluetooth® adapter (each is sold separately). The models are also Sirius® and XM Connect-and-Play™ Ready.

The STR-DA4400ES 7.1 channel receiver has a 120-watt amplifier (8 ohms, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 0.09 percent THD), six HDMI inputs and DSD decoding through HDMI. It offers high-definition video distribution to a second zone, audio distribution to three zones and picture-in-picture for monitoring of multi-zone output or an external video source. The model will be available in August for about $1,500.

The STR-DA3400ES 7.1 channel receiver has a 100-watt power amplifier (8 ohms, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 0.09 percent THD), four HDMI inputs, a 12-volt trigger, IR repeater and high-definition video distribution to a second zone (composite). It will be available in August for around $1,000.

The STR-DA2400ES 7.1 channel receiver has a 100-watt power amplifier (8 ohms, 20 Hz – 20 kHz, 0.09 percent THD), a basic icon-driven graphic user interface and four HDMI inputs. It will be available this month for about $800.

All ES receivers are supported by a five-year limited manufacturer warranty and will be available online through www.sonystyle.com, at Sony Style stores nationwide and at authorized Sony dealers across the country.
I have the STR-DA4300ES from the previous generation. It's fantastic, and I assume the new models will be even better.

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