New Sony Receiver Assures Better Sound for HDTV and 3D HDTV

At CES 2010, the big promotion was the release of 3D TV. While HDTV is jumping to 3D HDTV by the end of 2010, customers appear to be lagging behind the complementary sound systems. HDTV carries 5.1 channels of surround sound while Blu-ray is capable of delivering up to 7.1 channels. Sony, one of the few remaining TV manufacturers that still offers an audio component line, plans to introduce a new audio receiver with 3D pass-through technology during the middle of 2010, as 3D TV models are being introduced. All models plan to be available at J&R Music World www.jr.com.

Featuring HDMI 1.4 3D pass-through technology, ample high definition connectivity and compatibility with all of the latest Blu-ray Disc audio formats, the new STR-DN1010 A/V receiver is designed to create a simple solution for controlling any high definition or 3D capable home theater.

“It’s important for consumers to understand the role that audio plays in the in-home 3D experience,” said Neal Manowitz, director of Sony’s Home Audio and Video division. “By streamlining connectivity and supporting 3D hardware and software, the STR-DN1010 receiver will provide a simplified approach to 3D home theater control and performance, ensuring the best possible user experience.”

The 7.1 channel STR-DN1010 A/V receiver (110 watts power per channel @8-Ohms, 1kHz, 1% THD) features full high definition 1080/24p support and seven HD inputs in total (four HDMI and three component) allowing for connection to a wide variety of HD devices. The receiver’s HDMI 3D pass-through technology supports 3D video from connected devices and passes them through to a 3D compatible high definition television, while decoding high-resolution audio codecs.

The receiver also features an icon-driven menu system for simple device and content navigation and has the ability to upscale analog video sources to 1080p resolution via HDMI. The model also boasts a sleek piano black gloss design that matches Sony’s line of Blu-ray Disc players and televisions.

The STR-DN1010 is compatible with all advanced audio codecs, including Dolby TrueHD, dts-HD Master Audio and features wireless 2nd zone capabilities through Sony’s S-AIR wireless technology. With the addition of an S-AIR transmitter (model EZW-T100) and separate S-AIR speakers (sold separately), the receiver can also drive wireless audio in up to 10 additional rooms.

The STR-DN1010 A/V receiver also features a Digital Media Port (DMP) input for simple connection to external sources including an iPod and iPhone (compatible DMP accessories required and sold separately) and is compatible with both Deep Color and x.v.Color The STR-DN1010 A/V receiver will be available this June. Sony also introduced the new STR-DH810, STR-DH710 and STR-DH510 A/V receiver models to its core line-up with expected releases in March 2010. Basic specifications are as follows:

STR-DH810 A/V Receiver 7.1 channel (110 watts power per channel @8-Ohms, 1 kHz, 1% THD) Seven HD connections (4 HDMI / 3 component) Upscales incoming analog video signals to 1080p 2nd Zone wireless audio (S-AIR ready) Compatible with Dolby TrueHD, dts-HD Master Audio Fully assignable audio and video inputs Audio Return Channel using just one cable for TV audio Stand by pass-through of Audio & Video via HDMI connected devices Universal Remote

STR-DH710 A/V Receiver 7.1 channel (105 watts power per channel @8-Ohms, 1 kHz, 1% THD) Six HD connections (3 HDMI / 3 component) 2nd Zone wireless audio (S-AIR ready) Compatible with Dolby TrueHD, dts-HD Master Audio Fully assignable inputs allows for use of all connections Audio Return Channel using just one cable for TV audio Stand by pass-through of Audio & Video via HDMI connected devices

STR-DH510 A/V Receiver 5.1 channel (100 watts power per channel @8-Ohms, 1 kHz, 1% THD) Five HD connections (3 HDMI / 2 component) HDMI Repeater for simplified audio and video signal management Blu-ray Disc Audio Decoding (Linear PCM Only) Audio Return Channel using just one cable for TV audio Stand by pass-through of Audio & Video via HDMI connected devices

The absence of surround sound diminishes the true home-theater experience, as it is integral to the design of high-definition protocols. While some people protest at the number of speakers required in a surround system, audio adds yet another dimension of reality to the TV and Video experience. While consumers clamor through the specifications lists for the best possible TV, they often overlook the sound that completes the home-theater transformation.

With 3D movies expected for release this summer, along with the expected release of Sony’s 3D Blu-ray player, the 3D pass-through feature expected on the STR-DN1010 A/V receiver from Sony helps assure that consumers will benefit from the special sounds that these movies deliver. In addition, several TV channels plan to begin introducing 3D TV programs by summer and autumn.

Essentially, Sony seems to be doing all it can to help you enjoy a 3D Christmas by Winter’s Night 2010.

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