Advertisement

Onkyo mid-range networking home theatres flaunt 4K image, multi-source PIP

We've seen the high and low ends, and now Onkyo has thrown its alphabet soup of networking and A/V tech into its mid-range HT-S6500 5.1 surround ($799) and HT-S7500 7.1 ($899) home theater systems. For starters, the systems will support 4K displays, and use a Marvell Qdeo to automatically upscale HD to the higher resolution. Audio-wise, they'll pump out 80 watts of WRAT sound with 192Khz 24-bit TI DACs and a 32-bit DSP processing chip, and 120 watts of thump through the subs. There's a plethora of connectivity options with up to seven HDMI inputs -- and PIP to see them all at once -- along with direct iDevice connections, optional WiFi adapter and other digital and analog I/O. On top of full DNLA support and most internet radio options, Onkyo will also allow iPhone or Android handsets to control either receiver with its remote control app. So if you've been jonesing on TrueHD 5.1 Audio or those new 4K displays, now you'll have two more options to play them through.

Show full PR text

Onkyo Delivers Mid-price Networking Home Theater Systems

UPPER SADDLE RIVER, NJ (6/14/12) --- Onkyo has introduced two new home theater system packages, each combining a sophisticated network receiver with lots of 3D-Ready HDMI inputs, high definition audio and video, and a set of five or seven surround-sound loudspeakers with a powerful subwoofer. These are Onkyo's first packaged home theater systems to include InstaPrevue, a new source selection technology that provides a picture-in-picture display of programs available on connected HDMI devices.

The Onkyo HT-S6500 and HT-S7500 are designed to deliver state-of-the-art high definition video with a Marvel Qdeo video processor that can upscale low-resolution video to 1080p for conventional high-definition displays, and to 4K for the new higher resolution displays. For HDMI sources, there is automatic decoding of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio high-resolution audio sound tracks to provide fully immersive home theater surround sound. Both systems have built-in networking and USB digital access to a vast array of on-line and digital media resources.

The Onkyo HT-S7500 is 7.1-channel system with two floor-standing front speakers for exceptional music and theater sound, a dedicated center channel for crystal clear dialog, four compact surround speakers for hair-tingling ambience, and a 120-watt powered subwoofer for deep bass effects. It also includes Dolby ProLogic IIz for the option of a front-height channel. The HT-S6500 is a 5.1-channel system with more compact speakers and the same subwoofer. Both systems are powered by an 80-watts -per-channel receiver with WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology), a proven amplification concept that reduces noise and provides large amounts of controlled power instantaneously. Top -quality TI Burr-Brown 192 kHz/24-bit DACs on all channels, a powerful 32-bit DSP processing chip and discrete amplifier design all contribute to exceptionally good audio performance.

The HT-S7500 and HT-S6500 receivers both have HDMI inputs for seven and six source components, respectively, plus ARC (audio return channel ). They also have a direct digital connection for an iPod/iPhone via a front-panel USB Port. This port can also be used with Onkyo's optional UWF-1 Wireless LAN Adapter as well as the forthcoming UBT-1 USB Bluetooth adapter. Both receivers have connections for analog audio, optical/coaxial digital audio, and component and composite video for legacy source devices.

These receivers offer exceptional Internet Radio connectivity with built-in modules for Pandora, Rhapsody, Slacker, SIRIUS XM Internet Radio, Last fm, vTuner, Spotify, and AUPEO! . They are DLNA certified, Windows 7 compatible, and support playback of MP3, WMA, WMA Lossless, FLAC, WAV, Ogg Vorbis, AAC, and LPCM audio files through a local network. Both receivers support Onkyo's remote control Apps for most iPod touch/iPhone, Android phones and Kindle Fire.

Audyssey 2EQ is included to correct room acoustics, Audyssey Dynamic EQ provides for loudness correction, and Audyssey Dynamic Volume to maintain optimal listening levels and dynamic range. Audyssey configuration is incorporated in the new Initial Set-up program. This program employs a graphical user interface that helps the user to set up the system easily and intuitively.

The Onkyo HT-S7500 has powered Zone 2 and the HT-S6500 has Zone 2 pre-outs. Both receivers have 4 DSP Modes for gaming: rock, sports, action, and RPG. Onkyo's Advanced Music Optimizer expands the dynamic range of comp ressed digital music files.

The Onkyo HT-S7500 and HT-S6500 home theater systems will be available in this month with suggested retail prices of $899 and $799, respectively. In Canada, the prices are C$999 and C$799 respectively.

About Onkyo
Since 1946 Onkyo has been passionately committed to developing audio products that deliver uncommon performance, quality and value. Bundling proprietary technologies and innovations with other sound-enhancing exclusives, Onkyo continues to created award winning products that are lauded by many of the industry leading audio publications. The company's philosophy is to deliver products that are superbly designed and built to a consistently outstanding standard of excellence. The results can be seen in the obviously high quality of any Onkyo-manufactured product, even before it is turned on. Visit Onkyo's website at www.onkyousa.com. Follow Onkyo USA at www.facebook.com/OnkyoUSA.