Sony today introduced three new audio/video receivers in its "Elevated Standard" (ES) product line.
Engineered for 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 all designed around a new 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 easier 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. The model will be available next 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 on the U.s. and at authorized Sony dealers.