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Onkyo's top of the line receivers get a HDMI 1.4a makeover this fall
Say hello to the high end of Onkyo's receiver line, now refreshed with the newest tech already featured in its lower end and midrange receivers earlier this year. Beyond the eight 3D-capable HDMI 1.4a inputs, DLNA 1.5 (Windows 7 Compatible) and streaming support that we've come to expect from any 2010 home theater equipment, the TX-NR3008 and TX-NR5008 receivers include THX Certification, 9.2 channel audio, two HDMI outputs, HQV Reon VX video processing and powered audio output for up to three different rooms. Still, the best information from the press release (after the break) is that the upgraded components haven't increased prices from last year -- the TX-NR3008 has an MSRP of $2,099 while the TX-NR5008 will add on upgraded transformers, capacitors and extra USB for $2,699 when both ship this August. %Gallery-96614%
Mitsubishi's new 1080p midrange PJ contender is the HC6800
Mitsubishi is back with a spec bump to last year's well-received midrange HC6500 1080p projector with the HC6800. This model slots in below the king GT-styled HC7000 but increases its contrast ratio specs to 20,000:1 and does its big brother one better with a higher 1,300 lumens, apparently aimed at living rooms rather than the darker, more controlled home theater environment. Video processing is once again handled by the capable HQV Reon-VX chipset, this one is due in Japan September 15 for ¥250,000 ($2,647,) we don't expect to wait long for a U.S. date & MSRP.[Via AV Watch]
Onkyo adds the TX-SR876 and TX-NR906 receivers to its UK lineup
Onkyo has added the TX-SR876 and TX-NR906 to its list of UK-approved AV receivers, and wisely chose to send them to England clad in black, just like we got here in the US. As we'd expect from the upper end of Onkyo's lineup, the spec list is piled high and includes: 7x200/220-Watts (TX-SR876/TX-NR906), 4xHDMI 1.3a inputs, 2x HDMI 1.3a outputs, ISF video calibration, THX Ultra2 Plus worthiness, HQV Reon-VX video processing and a slew of convenience features we've come to expect in a modern AV receiver. Unique to the TX-NR906 are networking features, a toroidal transformer, and separate transformers for audio and video paths. The Brits get pricing pretty close to the US -- £1,000 ($1,773) and £1,400 ($2,482) for the TX-SR876 and TX-NR906, respectively.[Thanks, Anthony!]
Ask Engadget HD: Which AV receiver has the best upscaling chip?
It's that time of week again, and considering that AVRs have remained strangely absent from our Ask Engadget HD series, Vinesy's question couldn't have arrived at a more opportune time: "I'm considering the Sony STR-DA5300ES, Denon AVR-3808CI, and the Onkyo TX-NR905, and while I'd bet the Onkyo wins in sound quality, I do favor Sony's user interface. I'm open to suggestions outside of those three, but I'm particularly interested in the quality of the upconverting chip. Is the Reon-HQV or the Faroudja DCDi better? Will they both take the 1080i HDMI signal from my FiOS set-top-box and give me 1080p? Help me legion of nerds. Fanboys: attack me with knowledge and then make fun of me like you do best." Well, you heard the man! For you receiver freaks out there, here's your shot at bestowing knowledge upon the newbies in the field. But be gentle, will ya?Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Mitsubishi's HC6000 HD projector gets reviewed
Mitsu's 1080p HC6000 floated over to this side of the world a good while back, but for those who lost track of this ultra-quiet HD beamer, we figured it prudent to pass along a respectable review over at Sound & Vision. After popping in an HD DVD (we know, right?), reviewers found that the unit delivered "almost window-like clarity," and the color was deemed "consistently vibrant." Those looking for deep blacks will also be impressed here, and it even managed to handle upconverted DVDs like a champ. Just as advertised, the HC6000 was found to be "dead quiet," and seemed to be a real winner overall -- particularly for the price. Check out the full review in the read link below.
