Sony have unveiled their latest Elevated Standard (ES) AV receivers designed to complete the HD home cinema setup. There are three models: STR-DA5200ES, STR-DA3200ES and STR-DA1200ES and all handle full 1080p resolution and 8 channels of uncompressed digital sound.
Key features include support of all full HD sources, HDMI 'active intelligence' which detects the best incoming audio and video signals, Digital Cinema Auto Calibration system which sets up the sound depending on speaker positions, restoration of compressed audio sources such as MP3.
The STR-DA1200ES will decode many audio formats including Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, DTS, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, and DTS neo: 6.
The STR-DA3200ES is as 7.1 channel receiver with 2 assignable HDMI inputs, and able to upconvert composite, S-video and component video to HDMI.
The STR-DA5200ES supports 1080p HD with Faroudja's DCDi Cinema technology which Sony say make it the most powerful video perfomring AV receiver on the market. The technology will upscale SD analogue video to HD quality in any resolution via HDMI. It has 3 component and 3 HDMI inputs.
It's capable of delivering 120 watts into 7 channels. It also offers multi-room capability, ensuring 5.1 channel sound can be enjoyed in the primary room(Main Zone) while the remaining 2 channels can be routed into a second room (Zone 2) with the ability to watch or listen to two different sources (e.g. HD TV in the lounge room & DVD in the study) simultaneously. It also has Picture in Picture.
Prices and availability to be confirmed.
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