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Sony rolls out four more 3D-ready receivers
Sony just refreshed its lineup of non-ES AV receivers, adding four models available for less than $500 that all include 3D HDMI pass-through this time around and have at least six HD inputs each. All feature the BRAVIA Widget on-screen interface, while some include iPod docks, Faroudja DCDi Edge video upscaling, Sony Media Remote iOS / Android app control and other features. The top model is the DLNA-certified STR-DN1020 pictured above, it has all the checkboxes ticked, an MSRP of $500, and is due to arrive in May. Check out the details on the rest after the break.
Mitsubishi updates 2010 3D-ready HDTVs for full 3D video support
While its older 3DTVs will still absolutely require an adapter, Mitsubishi is rolling out a software update for its 2010 line of 3D-ready HDTVs that will allow them to process additional forms of 3D video supported by HDMI 1.4 devices. The TVs shipped with only support for checkerboard or side-by-side format 3D, while the new update adds top-bottom (ESPN 3D) and frame packing (Blu-ray 3D) support without requiring an adapter passthrough. Owners of 738 and 838 TVs that are hooked to the internet should start seeing the update soon automatically, or it will be available for download from the website. You'll probably still want to grab a starter kit with IR sync and glasses if you want the Samsung-compatible specs, but DLP-link active shutter 3D glasses should work without any additional hardware at all. Update: Mitsubishi informed us the automatic update and the website should go live tomorrow, 11/16.
Marantz adds Blu-ray 3D, internet streaming features across 2010 Blu-ray player, audio line
Marantz has unveiled its 2010 line of high end receivers, amplifiers, pre amplifiers and Blu-ray players, and naturally the headlining upgrades have to do with streaming internet video access, Blu-ray 3D and HDMI 1.4 compatibility. You can check out the press releases for all the details, but we'll highlight the UD7005 ($899, due in September) and UD5005 ($499, August) "Universal Media Players," which earn the tag by including everything SACD, DVD-Audio, DivX and even Blu-ray 3D playback, plus improving on their predecessors by featuring DLNA v1.5 streaming access and built in Netflix and YouTube compatibility. One disappointment however, while some are still waiting for an updated version of the flagship SR8002 receiver, with only new editions in the form of the SR5005, SR6005 and SR7005 receivers. The SR7005 features six HDMI 1.4a inputs, with Windows 7-compatible DLNA, iPod, IP control, Pandora and the other usual feature boxes checked when it ships next month for $1,599.
Onkyo's first 3D-ready receivers are slowly trickling into retail channels
Whether you're shopping with an eye peeled for that HDMI 1.4a 3D-ready sticker or not, Onkyo's rolled the features out across its entire line of HDMI-equipped receivers for 2010, and the first of those have begun showing up at a few online retailers. So far the TX-SR308, a 5.1-channel receiver and the HT-S3300, a 5.1 HTIB system, are the first to arrive proudly sporting $299 and $379 MSRPs, respectively. Now that spring has officially sprung around these parts, more powerful systems with extra features like front mounted HDMI ports, more speakers, more powerful amplifiers and video scalers including the TX-22HDX 2.1 HTIB (pictured after the break) and TX-SR608 7.1 receiver (above) should start arriving shortly. Check the press release after the break for full details of what is available and what is yet to come, or click the read links if you just have to buy one today -- we won't think any less of you.
Poll: Will you still buy home theater equipment that isn't 3D-ready?
3D isn't just for TVs, among 2010's Blu-ray players and receivers the tag of "3D ready" has crept in ahead of the coming storm. So, are you looking for those two characters on the bullet point list of features before you even have a 3D home theater setup (if you plan on ever getting one)? Make a choice, then let us know why in the comments. %Poll-42912%
Pioneer brings Bluetooth streaming, 3D-readiness to VSX-520-K and VSX-820-K receivers
It's not like your two ears really need 7.1 channels of audio, but what your home theater does need is simplicity and an eagerness to support the third dimension. In truth, we can only safely say that those beliefs are shared by Pioneer, who has today introduced a new pair of 5.1 AV receivers that offer Bluetooth streaming, HDMI 1.4 and an unmistakable "3D ready" label. There's also the obligatory Works with iPhone certification on the VSX-820-K, which enables it to transfer iPod navigation control and on-screen graphics from the remote back to the Apple device. Outside of that, most everything else is identical between the two, as they each offer five channels of 110 watts, at least 3 HDMI sockets and rather reasonable price tags. Speaking of, you'll be asked to pay $229 for the 520 and $299 for the 820 when they splash down later this month.
Sony's 3D-ready Blu-ray players released into the retail wilderness
Sony's latest Blu-ray players have been shipping online for a while but now they've invaded retail, spotted by our friends at FormatWarCentral on the shelf at a local Best Buy. A quick check on the website shows the BDP-S470 and BDP-S570 available at most, if not all, area stores so they shouldn't be hard to find. We know they're ready to give a Full HD 3D experience, and have speed to burn, but a few readers have already complained that the DLNA access mentioned in the specs isn't available yet, pending a future firmware update. If you just can't wait to get 3D ready (or just get a PlayStation 3) then this would be your chance.
3D TV channel coming to UK next year, 3D-ready set and glasses required
We can still remember the days, not too long ago, that HD channels were but a sparse luxury. Now of course they're a dime a dozen, but you can still look onward to the next big thing, which BSkyB is wagering will be 3D. The satellite broadcast is gearing up to launch a 3D television station next year to showcase movies, and sports -- the latter of which we're thinking will be the biggest draw. Any customer with a Sky+ HD box can receive the transmission, but you're also gonna need to look past that ragged old flat-panel HDTV and instead use a 3D-ready set and glasses. We can't imagine a huge demand for this anytime in the near future, but if the technology does take off, they'll be more than ready to capitalize.
Samsung announces two gamer plasmas for Korea
Although Samsung's billing these plasmas as being "3D ready", what they mean to say is that they apparently did some tweaking with game mega-developer EA to ensure their two latest 1080p plasmas -- in 42 and 50-inch sizes -- play games well. The HDMI 1.3, USB, and supposed 1m:1 contrast ratio don't exactly hurt, either.[Via Akihabara News]
TI aims to prove RPTVs still have a place in the market
At the same time as some manufacturers are getting out of the RPTV market, Texas Instruments is continuing to find ways to add legs to their RPTV light engine technology. We don't think anyone would try to argue that front projector setups are going anywhere anytime soon, but RPTVs need some extra features to give them an edge over its thinner competitors. The most intriguing new feature is "3D Ready" and with the correct equipment this feature can enable you to enjoy 3D entertainment at home. DualView also sounds pretty cool, the way it would work is that two gamers could play against each other on the same TV without seeing the same video, but unfortunately they'd have to wear some customized DualView eye-wear. Although these features sound interesting, who knows when they will be a reality, but we have already seen a few new sets featuring at least one of them.
