Sony Reveals New 3D-Compatible Line Of A/V Receivers

It seems that the high-end home theater trend has started to fizzle somewhat, but those that have already invested in a home cinema of their own are obviously interested in keeping it up. Sony has been a big player in this particular market for some time now, and with this very company being a huge proponent of 3D from the start, it's no surprise to see 3D as one of the standout features on their new line of A/V receivers.

The 3D compatible models, which are now available for pre-sale at www.sonystyle.com, include the STR-DN1020, STR-DH820, STR-DH720, and STR-DH520 AV receivers.  Starting under $500, all models will be available this spring The flagship STR-DN1020 receiver is a gateway to streaming music with access to Internet audio services including Slacker and vTuner when connected to an existing broadband home network through the model’s Ethernet port. There's also a 7.2 channel amplifier and support for Sony's Remote Remote app, which turns an iPod, iPhone or Android device into a remote.

The line also has HDMI 3D pass-through, an audio return channel, six HD inputs, Dolby TrueHD, BRAVIA Sync and plenty of other amenities. The full spread is listed below.

SONY UPGRADES THE DIGITAL HOME EXPERIENCE WITH NEW AV RECEIVERS
    
Available for Pre-sale, 3D Compatible Line Offers Outstanding Audio and Video Performance

SAN DIEGO, Mar 2, 2011 – Sony today announced the company’s new AV receiver line including a model that offers a high quality digital home experience with easy access and control of streaming digital music.

The 3D compatible models, which are now available for pre-sale at www.sonystyle.com, include the STR-DN1020, STR-DH820, STR-DH720, and STR-DH520 AV receivers.  Starting under $500, all models will be available this spring

The flagship STR-DN1020 receiver is a gateway to streaming music with access to Internet audio services including Slacker® and vTuner when connected to an existing broadband home network through the model’s Ethernet port.

The device is Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA®) certified allowing it to play digital music from your home PC or other connected DLNA device.  It can also stream audio to Sony’s HomeShare® wireless network speakers (sold separately) and features Sony’s PartyStreaming mode with synchronized playback on multiple speakers.

The 7.2 channel, 110 watt (8ohms 1kHz 1% THD) receiver is compatible with the Sony “Media Remote” app that turns an iPhone®, iPod touch® or Android™ mobile device into a remote control.  The app, which can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or the Android Marketplace, functions as a full remote with a keyboard controlling the receiver.

The STR-DN1020 lives up to Sony’s high-quality video and audio standards as well.  The model features a Faroudja DCDi Edge video processing chip that up converts and upscales analog signals to near 1080p HD quality via HDMI, while its Digital Legato Linear (D.L.L.) advanced sound processing technology also improves audio fidelity.  D.L.L. analyzes standard definition (compressed) audio signals such as Dolby® Digital and dts™ format sound and upscales them to 192 KHz resulting in higher quality audio.

Audio from the receiver is also fine tuned with the help of Sony’s advanced Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (D.C.A.C.) with Automatic Phase Matching and Sound Optimizer technologies.

Utilizing the included microphone, D.C.A.C. measures and analyzes room acoustics, adjusting the receiver’s output to deliver the best possible audio, while allowing all of the speakers to use the same phase as the front channels.  At the same time, Sound Optimizer automatically improves audio for a consistent surround image at any volume level.

The model will be available this May for about $500. A full list of features includes:

    * 110 watt x7 (8ohms 1kHz 1% THD)
    * Access to streaming Internet audio services
    * Synchronized playback on Sony HomeShare wireless network speakers
    * iPhone/iPod touch remote control app
    * iPhone /iPod video and music playback via included dock
    * Upconvert/upscale from analog to 1080p video via HDMI (Faroudja DCDi Edge)
    * HDMI 3D pass-through
    * Seven HD inputs (four HDMI, three component)
    * D.L.L. advanced sound processing
    * Sony’s Advanced D.C.A.C. with Automatic Phase Matching
    * Sound Optimizer
    * Advanced on-screen graphic user interface
    * Second zone audio and video
    * Dual subwoofer pre-outs
    * IR in and out
    * Audio return channel
    * Standby pass-through of audio and video via HDMI connected devices
    * BRAVIA Sync

Also new to the Sony AV receiver line are:

STR-DH820 7.2 Channel AV Receiver

Available in March for about $400

    * 110 watt x7 (8ohms 1kHz 1% THD)
    * iPhone /iPod  video and music playback via included dock
    * Upconvert/upscale from analog to 1080p video via HDMI (Faroudja DCDi Edge)
    * HDMI 3D pass-through
    * Seven HD inputs (four HDMI, three component)
    * Digital Legato Linear (D.L.L.) advanced sound processing
    * Sony’s Advanced D.C.A.C. with Automatic Phase Matching

    * BRAVIA Widget unified TV on-screen interface
    * Advanced on-screen graphic user interface
    * Second zone audio and video
    * Dual subwoofer pre-outs
    * IR in and out
    * Audio return channel
    * Standby pass-through of audio and video via HDMI connected devices
    * BRAVIA Sync

STR-DH720 7.1 Channel AV Receiver

Available in March for about $300

    * 105 watt x7 (8ohms 1kHz 1% THD)

    * HDMI 3D pass-through
    * Audio return channel
    * HD Digital Cinema Sound (HD D.C.S.)
    * Standby pass-through of audio and video via HDMI connected devices
    * Upconvert/upscale from analog to 1080i video via HDMI (Faroudja DCDi Edge)
    * Six HD inputs (four HDMI, two component)
    * iPhone/iPod video and music playback via USB
    * Advanced Auto Volume

    * On-screen graphic user interface

    * BRAVIA Widget unified TV on-screen interface
    * Sony’s Digital Cinema Auto Calibration
    * BRAVIA Sync

STR-DH520 7.1 Channel AV Receiver

Available in March for about $230

    * 100 watt x7 (8ohms 1kHz 1% THD)
    * HDMI 3D pass-through
    * Audio return channel
    * Standby pass-through of audio and video via HDMI connected devices
    * Six HD inputs (four HDMI, two component)
    * Dolby TrueHD, Pro logic IIz and dts HD Master Audio Enhanced Audio Codecs

    * Advanced Auto Volume
    * BRAVIA Widget unified TV on-screen interface
    * HD Digital Cinema Sound (HD D.C.S.)
    * BRAVIA Sync

All of the new Sony AV Receivers will be available at Sony Style stores, online at www.sonystyle.com, and through Sony authorized dealers across the country.