Sony today introduced four component home theater systems designed to complement high-definition televisions and Blu-ray Disc players.
Optimized with 1080p-capable HDMI inputs, the HT-SS2300 and HT-CT100 models support full HD video and eight channels of uncompressed audio. The HT-7200DH and HT- DDWG700 models round out the line, offering 5.1 channel home theater surround sound.
HD Companion
The HT-SS2300 and HT-CT100 component systems are designed for Blu-ray Disc players and other high-definition components using three 1080p-capable HDMI inputs, in addition to optical and coaxial digital inputs.
The 5.1 channel HT-SS2300 system, with 1,000 watts (RMS) of power, features a slim AV receiver designed to match Sony?s line of 2008 Blu-ray Disc players. It will be available this summer for about $400.
At 250 watts (RMS), the 3.1 channel HT-CT100 unit includes a sound bar and separate subwoofer, which delivers surround sound using Sony?s S-Force PRO Front Surround Sound technology eliminating the need for rear speakers. The system will be available in March for about $300.
Both systems feature Sony?s Digital Media Port, which adds controlling, networking and connectivity features for music playback with various optional accessories sold separately. Additional accessories include a Network Walkman player audio cradle, a PC client device and a Bluetooth adapter.
The units offer a simple set-up feature with Sony?s Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (DCAC) that uses an included microphone to measure speaker distance, level and frequency, automatically calibrating the listening environment to accurately optimize the sound field.
Additionally, the new home theater systems offer an updated Portable Audio Enhancer. This improves the clarity and depth of a connected music player by adding information to the audio signal that had been removed during compression.
High-Resolution Audio
The 5.1 channel HT-7200DH and HT- DDWG700 systems deliver surround sound with 900 and 800 watts (RMS) of power, respectively.
The HT-7200DH system integrates a single disc DVD/CD player with upscaling to 1080p via HDMI when connected to a 1080p-capable HDTV set. There is an HDMI repeater that automatically switches the television to the correct input needed for operation. The integrated AV receiver has three 1080p-capable HDMI inputs for support of high-definition home theater components. An on-screen display simplifies content navigation and device operation. The model will be available in May for about $500.
The HT- DDWG700 unit includes a cradle for iPod players (TDM-iP10) so you can enjoy music through the home theater via a connection to its Digital Media Port. The surround sound system will be available in March for about $200.
All of the models offer Digital Cinema Auto Calibration, Portable Audio Enhancer and a Digital Media Port interface.
New 1080P Audio/Video Receivers
Sony today also unveiled a line of four A/V receivers.
Each of the new models simplify home theater operation by serving as a central hub for audio and HD video home theater components, converging all sources to one HDMI output from the receiver to the display.
The models include such features as 1080/24p True Cinema video pass-through, advanced audio codec support, and upscaling of all standard definition video sources to 1080p via HDMI when connected to a 1080p-capable HDTV set.
The new STR-DG920 and STR-DG820 7.1 channel A/V receivers offer 110 watts of power per channel and are equipped to support the latest in high-definition formats with 1080/60p and 24p True Cinema video signal pass-through.
Featuring four HDMI inputs, the models support the latest audio formats ? Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, dts High Resolution Audio and dts HD Master Audio. The models also support x.v.Color? technology (xvYCC) which offers a wider spectrum of colors from source to receiver to an x.v.Color-compliant HDTV.
Additionally, the STR-DG920 model supports Deep Color for greater color depth on compatible televisions and upscales standard-definition video content to 1080p via HDMI with a 1080p-capable HDTV set. The model features an icon-driven menu system for simple device and content navigation.
Also included is Sony?s Digital Media Port. This adds networking and connectivity to the AV receivers for music playback from various sources with optional accessories, including audio cradles compatible with select Walkman players and iPod products, a PC client device and a Bluetooth adapter.
Additionally, the units are XM Connect-and-Play ready with 5.1 Neural Surround Sound.
The models incorporate Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (DCAC) for simplified multi-channel surround sound setup. In about 20 to 30 seconds, the system automatically adjusts frequency, distance and level for optimal performance.
The STR-DG920 model will be available in June for about $600, while the STR-DG820 system will be available in May for about $400.
Full HD 1080p and HDMI Connectivity
The new STR-DG720 7.1 channel A/V receiver, with 105 watts of power per channel, features three HDMI inputs that support 1080/60p and 24p video signal pass-through, plus up to eight channels of uncompressed LPCM audio. It work with XM Radio and will be available in March for about $300.
At 100 watts, the STR-DG520 5.1 channel A/V receiver offers two HDMI inputs with 1080/60p and 24p video signal pass-through. It will be available in March for about $200.
Both models include Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (DCAC) technology, Digital Media Port, Digital Cinema Sound processing for studio quality reproduction, and Portable Audio Enhancer.
The new line of A/V receivers will be available through sonystyle.com, at Sony Style retail stores, at military base exchanges and at authorized dealers in the U.S.