Sherwood's RD-7505 receiver and iNet-2.0 tabletop pull entertainment from the cloud

Consolidation of the boxes littered around our TVs is one trend we're happy to see, and for its part, Sherwood is getting onboard with network connectivity. Following the lead of the company's R-904 NetBoxx, the RD-7505 also got a dose of Verismo's VuNow tech for accessing content from DLNA, Hulu, YouTube, CinemaNow and internet radio. The RD-7505 also gets a trio of HDMI 1.4 inputs in addition to its seven channels of 110-Watt amplification; but you'll have to wait until summer to grab one for $500. Next up from Sherwood is the iNet-2.0 tabletop which pairs up its 8-inch display with an alarm clock, internet audio playback and an iPod dock; all of which just might make it a digital photo frame (yeah, it does that too) we'd consider putting in the house. Full details in the PR after the break.

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LAS VEGAS, NV (CES) and CERRITOS, CA – January 4, 2010 -- Sherwood America Inc., one of the world's leading manufacturers of high performance audio and video equipment, announced today two components that bring streaming Internet content into the home – one for the tabletop or bedside, and the other for the primary audio/video system. The RD-7505N A/V receiver is one of the first to accommodate the new HDMI 1.4 3D standard, providing three inputs with repeater and a single HDMI output. With 110 watts per channel, this 7.1 channel receiver decodes both the Dolby TruHD and DTS HD lossless audio formats. Without a PC, it makes access to streaming Internet audio and video as easy as selecting another input. Scheduled to ship in May 2010, MSRP for the 7505N is $499.95. At first glance, the iNet-2.0 appears to be just a digital photo frame or clock, but it houses a powerful Internet music player and iPod dock. Expected to be available in May 2010, MSRP for the iNet-2.0 is $299.95. Both products will be on display in booth 21232, South 1 Hall, at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

"The RD-7505N brings the world of streaming music and video into not just the HDTV, but through a high-performance audio component with superb sound quality," said Jeffrey Hipps, Sherwood's Sr. VP for Marketing and Product Development. "Our customers do not want to have to settle for the audio quality of PC and TV speakers, and the RD-7505N enables them to watch and listen through their primary audio/video system, using a seamless interface."

"The RD-7505N brings the world of streaming music and video into not just the HDTV, but through a high-performance audio component with superb sound quality," said Jeffrey Hipps, Sherwood's Sr. VP for Marketing and Product Development. "Our customers do not want to have to settle for the audio quality of PC and TV speakers, and the RD-7505N enables them to watch and listen through their primary audio/video system, using a seamless interface."

Among the first receivers with HDMI 1.4 capability, the 7.1 channel RD-7505 provides support for the new connectivity standard's 3-D picture, higher resolution video, Ethernet and audio return capabilities. HDMI Repeater circuitry allows the receiver to process the audio signal from the source component, enabling the RD-7505 to internally process the highest-resolution audio formats such as Dolby TruHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. In addition, the receiver also handles DTS 96/24, Dolby Digital and Dolby Pro Logic II surround decoding, as well as five additional synthesized surround modes. Totally discrete amplifiers deliver 110 watts RMS for each of its seven channels, at less than 0.7% THD. High-resolution audio quality is assured by 192 kHz/24 bit D to A converters for all channels and TI 32-bit DSP audio chips.

Fully UPNP and DLNA compliant, the RD-7505N provides direct access to a wide variety of online sites, using either a wired or wireless connection. In partnership with Verismo Networks, Sherwood enables users with broadband access to easily surf the Internet by using the receiver's remote control. A TV-friendly and intuitive user interface makes navigation easy, assisted by a powerful built-in search engine.

Through Verismo's VuNow™ Internet access module, the RD-7505N provides direct access to Hulu, YouTube, Internet radio including SHOUTcast, movie downloads from CinemaNow, streaming Internet video and live television broadcasts and news, and a wide array of web sites. The RD-7505N can also access video and audio files on a home network and play media from USB storage devices. Internet Video is supported up to 720p/60 resolution.

Network setup for the RD-7505N is also easy and automated, thanks to the VuNow module, which locates and sets up access to the user's network. An Ethernet jack is provided, and for wireless networks, a plug-in 802.11g wireless USB adaptor is provided.

In addition to the three HDMI inputs and single output, two component inputs and two composite inputs are provided, with one output for each video format. Audio inputs include two digital coaxial and two digital optical.

System setup is easy and automated, thanks to Sherwood's SNAP system, which performs all system calibration and setup, including room equalization, using a provided test microphone. The receiver also incorporates Sherwood's new SNAP Volume, which eliminates volume fluctuations when switching sources or when programs go into or out of commercials.

The RD-7505N also provides an option for playback in a second room through its independent Dual Zone Room 2 stereo audio capabilities. Conventional radio reception is well supported, with both AM and a 4 Gang Quartz PLL Synthesized FM Tuner, with 30 station presets. It provides connection to Sherwood's DS-10 iPod dock and the receiver is DigiLink-i.

The receiver's preprogrammed IR remote controls up to 8 components, and the unit has an IR input and output to facilitate control of other gear. In addition, a 12V trigger can be used for to operate other components.

iNet-2.0
Equally at home on a table, desk, or even bedside, the iNet-2.0 digital media player is a highly versatile and useful entertainment delivery device, combining an Internet radio, iPod/iPhone dock and a 8-inch digital photo frame in a sleek, attractive package.

"The iNet-2.0 is a very cool high-tech device. With its large display and alarm function, it's the ultimate connected alarm clock," said Jeffrey Hipps, Sherwood's Sr. VP for Marketing and Product Development. "Whether you're listening to streaming music or playback from your iPod or phone, it's the perfect desktop companion, and it's great for starting and ending your day with music."

Connecting easily through a wired or wireless connection to the Internet, the iNet-2.0 receives streaming stations worldwide. On demand Audio playback is also available through Rhapsody and Napster services. Its built-in stereo speakers are driven by an internal 10 watts per channel amplifier.

With Apple's "Made for iPhone" and "Made for iPod" certification, the iNet-2.0 provides playback from both Apple devices through its built-in dock. The iNet-2.0 can play back MP3, Windows Media, AAC+ and RealAUDIO audio files.

When not being used to access media, the iNet-2.0's 8-inch panel can be used to display photos, turning the device into a sleek digital photo frame. 1 Gigabyte of internal storage can be used for photos and media storage, and inputs include a USB Host version 1.1 and a SD/SDHC/MC card slot.