Sony magically adds third dimension to new soundbars, 5.1 sound system
By Darren Murph 
posted April 22nd 2010 8:16AM
posted April 22nd 2010 8:16AM
SONY BOLSTERS AUDIO LINE WITH ITS FIRST 3D CAPABLE SOUND BARS AND A NEW 5.1 CHANNEL HOME THEATER SYSTEM
SAN DIEGO, April 21, 2010 Strengthening the company s breadth of innovative devices supporting the 3D home theater, Sony today introduced three new home audio solutions offering 3D capability.
The HT-CT350 and HT-CT150 3.1 channel sound bars and the HT-SF470 5.1 channel home theater system offers consumers flexible solutions to round out the Sony 3D experience and meet the demands of 3D home entertainment.
Sony is the only company innovating in every stage of 3D from creation to playback, said Brian Siegel, vice president of Sony s home audio and video business. Leveraging this depth of expertise and experience allows the company to deliver the best 3D devices for an unequaled entertainment experience.
Simplifying audio and video signal transfer, the new models feature 3D pass-through with HDMI"! repeater (three inputs/ one output), and standby pass-through for audio and video devices connected via HDMI. The 400 watt total system power (100 watts x 3 channels + 100 watts subwoofer) HT-CT350 is designed to match Sony s 2010 BRAVIA televisions and includes a bracket that attaches it directly to a number of 40 and above sets either via a wall mount or the table top stand.
HT-CT150 offers 340 watts of total system power (85 watts x 3 channels + 85 watts sub) and features a design that matches Sony s 2010 32-inch BRAVIA HDTVs.
Both models support lossless linear pulse code modulation (LPCM) Blu-ray Disc"! audio via the HDMI input. The also feature BRAVIA Sync"! for control of compatible devices from a single remote, Sony s Digital Media Port for iPod (iPod cradle sold separately), and two digital audio inputs (one coax and one optical).
Sony also introduced the new 5.1 channel HT-SF470 home theater system. The system is 3D capable when paired with a Blu-ray 3D"! player.
The 1000 watt (157W x 5 +167W sub) model features 3D pass-through via the three HDMI inputs, HDMI repeater, and audio return channel. With floor standing front and rear speakers, the model s S-Air"! wireless technology and wireless multi-room capabilities help trim the number of wires connecting the system with optional accessories (not included). Designed to match Sony s 2010 Blu-ray Disc players and BRAVIA HDTVs, the model features BRAVIA Sync, Digital Media Port for iPod (iPod cradle sold separately), two digital audio inputs (one coax and one optical), and digital cinema auto calibration for easy set up.
The HT-CT350 40-inch sound bar system is available this May for about $400. The HT-CT150 32-inch sound bar system, also available this May, retails for about $300. The HT-SF470 surround sound system is available this June for about $550.
All models will be available at Sony Style stores, online at
www.sonystyle.com, at military base exchanges, and at authorized retailers nationwide.
Isn't the hole point of 5.1 and 7.1 to make the sound, "3D"??
@n0ne One would think...and the whole point, too, I assume.
@n0ne
People just as "HD", "3D" and every other misplaced moniker on just about everything. I saw High-Definition sunglasses the other day, I asked the salesman if they were 720p or 1080p - He wasn't amused.
@MadMike
You do realize that the term 'high definition' was around before HDTV, right? It's not like they just made up some words. Hell, the term was being used for glass long before HDTV existed.
@urza9814
Yes I know that the words "High" and "Definition" were in the Oxford English Dictionary long before television sets were even an idea jotted on a stone tablet. In fact, they may have been even used together in a sentence.
However, when it comes to electronics a different set of nomenclature kicks in. Used correctly its supposed to identify a feature or capability of the system. Used incorrectly as 99.999% of the time it is, it becomes the crap ware honor badge.
3D and HD are buzzwords that moronic marketing agents will add to just about any of their Chinese-born junk. I especially like when they use High Definition on Audio Products! Considering they already have High Fidelity.
I'm more complaining about asstastic AD Agencies.
@n0ne
I think they mean just like having headphones on and listening to the "Virtual Barber Shop"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUDTlvagjJA
Bro before hos, I first need to upgrade my gigantor 27" tube tv then this.
Sony speakers and suck are inseparable thus is the nature of the universe.
I had a HT-CT100 3.1 Soundbar in the past as well as a HT-IS100 5.1 Surround System. It looks like they just took the HT-IS100 subwoofer and added it to the HT-CT100 Soundbar System, added $100 to the price, called it 3D and that looks to be about it. The thing that sucks about that Subwoofer is that the display is on the top and can't be seen from in front of it. But it does interface nicly with Sony TV's and turns on and adjusts the volume with the standard TV remote. I'm through with Sony after the shit they put me through trying to return a defective TV and ended up selling both of them.
Why can't we have laws protecting us from craptastic marketing?
I think Engadget should KIRF all the crap marketing products from overpriced vendors like Sony.
"3D pass-through" possibly means it recognizes and can pass 3D video from Blu-ray player to TV. Has nothing to do with audio, as the author suggests.
@StasD
I was just about to say that. RTFA people!
Dammit they stole my idea well scratch that off my ideas list
This looks like a cheap upgrade from Sonys old home theatres