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Onkyo's new Sotec DC204A3 netbook has 32GB SSD, no love for VGA or wired Ethernet
We like a good netbook that's so small it doesn't have room for any pesky, legacy inputs keeping you tethered to the wall (and thus The Man) -- but we're not sure we'd consign VGA and Ethernet to the Closet of Obsoletion just yet. Onkyo seems to be opening the door, moving the two ports to a USB break-out box on its latest Sotec, the DC204A3. That wouldn't really be a problem if the adapter didn't look to be about a third as big as the netbook itself (see for yourself after the break). Otherwise we have a slender but standard Atom N270 netbook, with 945GSE graphics, 1GB of ram, and a 10.1-inch 1024 x 600 display. Notable is the 32GB SSD, which sounds quite nice, but with a ¥49,800 ($529) asking price, you're certainly paying for it. Available to forward-looking Japanese starting at the end of the month.[Via Akihabara News]
CNET shoots down the Dolby ProLogic IIz in Onkyo's TX-SR607 receiver
Onkyo's $599 TX-SR607 receiver made its way through CNET's auditioning room, and it sounds to us like it holds up Onkyo's tradition of delivering solid performance at entry-level prices. Even though the receiver got dinged for its big, boxy design (which we like, by the way), additional complaints about the unit running hot strikes us as a bit unfair. Given some breathing room, the Onkyo's audio performance stacked up favorably against a Denon 3808CI. At $599, we wouldn't come down too hard on the video upscaling performance; your display might do a fine job on that task anyways. Ah, but what about that new Dolby ProLogic IIz that's supposed to raise your roof? Well, it didn't seem to work for CNET at all -- on a variety of source material and even with boosted levels fed to the height speakers, the effect fell, well, flat. We'd suggest trying out DPL IIz before jumping into the multi-channel arms race.
AVReview pits four high-end receivers against each other
Despite the trickle down of advanced features on many manufacturers' lower-end receivers, there's still plenty of room for their upper-echelon offerings as well, and the UK's AVReview put four £1,200 - £1,500 ($1,750 - $2,200) receivers in a matchup. Entering the ring were the Onkyo TX-NR906, Pioneer SC-LX71 (SC-07 in the US), Sony STR-DA5400ES and Yamaha RX-V3900; we only wish models from Denon and Marantz would have made it to the contest as well. That said, matching up four receivers is not to be taken lightly, and it sounds like each of the contestants would serve you well in both features and absolute performance. We won't spoil the ending for you, but even though only one receiver snagged the overall crown, at this price point you should know that things are more nuanced than a single "winner;" your personal priorities are going to be the biggest variable in choosing the best model for you.[Boxing glove image courtesy germes-online]
Onkyo debuts Universal Port-loving iPod dock, HD radio tuner
Onkyo only kept early adopters of its recently introduced TX-SR507 and TX-SR607 receivers waiting for a month to put the Universal Port (U-Port) 'round back to good use. The company has introduced an iPod/iPhone dock (is there anything that doesn't have one?) and a HD Radio module as U-Port accessories. The $109 UP-A1 iPod dock will allow remote control of the connected device and will output component video to the connected receiver when it ships in May. The UP-HT1 HD Radio tuner will show up in July and for $159 will unlock HD radio reception to your Onkyo U-Port receiver. Neither peripheral is exactly earth-shaking, but it's a safe bet that one of them will enjoy a lot more uptake than the other.
Onkyo intros 'entry-level' HT-S5200 and HT-S3200 HTIB systems
Hope you won't be confused by two more HTIB systems from Onkyo, 'cause they're coming at you fast and furious. Starting things off is the 7.1-channel HT-S5200, which packs 1,200 total watts of power and includes a 10-inch, 290 watt subwoofer. Said setup is Sirius-ready and features an HDMI-equipped audio-video receiver, four DSP gaming modes, Audyssey 2EQ room correction technology and Audyssey Dynamic Volume to keep levels, um level. The lower-end HT-S3200 consists of a 5.1-channel, 660 watt system that bundles in the HT-R370 receiver and includes a trio of HDMI pass-through inputs, DTS and Dolby Digital surround processing and an 8-inch subwoofer. Both rigs are available now in black or silver for $599 and $379 in order of mention.
Onkyo's TX-SR607 receiver stakes out the high ground with Dolby ProLogic IIz
Sure, your 7.1-channel setup does a great job of swarming Maverick, Iceman and Jester's jets all around you, but imagine how much better it would be to get vertical surround effects as well. Pick up an Onkyo TX-SR607 receiver (available next month for $599) and you can find out, thanks to its Dolby ProLogic IIz (DPL IIz) processing. Just put a couple more speakers high and tight above your front channels, hook them up and enjoy. Onkyo is kicking off the DPL IIz craze with the midrange TX-SR607, and will be rolling the feature out across its higher-spec models over the summer. If you're not so interested in more channels, even the more modest TX-SR507 ($399) and TX-SR307 ($299) models have been refreshed with a sprinkling of more HDMI inputs and support for HD audio codecs. Hit that link for the full details.
Onkyo rolls out Sotec-branded E702A9 media PC
Looking for something a bit more all-in-one than Onkyo's HDC-1L nettop / HTPC? Then you may want to consider the company's new Sotec-branded E702A9 media PC, which keeps things relatively inconspicuous while packing some decent specs all around. That includes a 1080p 21.5-inch display, a Core 2 Duo E7400 processor, 2GB of RAM, a 500GB hard drive, a 4x Blu-ray drive, a built-in TV tuner, an included iPod dock, and some seemingly slightly better than usual 8W speakers. No word on a release 'round here just yet, but folks in Japan can apparently pick one up now for ¥179,000, or just over $1,800.[Via Newlaunches.com]
Onkyo intros high-end 7.1-channel PR-SC886 preamplifier-processor
Only the affluent or those willing to blow some serious pounds on their home theater setup need apply here, as Onkyo's top-notch PR-SC886 isn't for the average amateur. The new flagship device is a THX Ultra2 Plus-certified AV preamplifier-processor which decodes every single HD audio format and includes an ISF video calibration function, HDMI upscaling to 1080p via the HQV Reon-VX processor and Burr-Brown 192kHz / 24-bit audio DACs for all channels. Furthermore, you'll find a trio of TI Aureus 32-bit DSP chips, iPod compatibility, 2-channel balanced XLR inputs, 7.1-channel line-level XLR pre-outs, network support and a pre-programmed learning remote. After digesting all of that, surely you won't be shocked and appalled by the £1,500 ($2,246) price tag. Surely.[Via iGizmo]
Onkyo's HDC-1L straddles the fence between nettop and HTPC
Now this -- this is an interesting character. Part nettop, part HTPC, the Sotec-branded HDC-1L series is a unique mixture of components that are traditionally found in either a diminutive desktop or a media center PC (but rarely both). First and foremost, this little bugger relies on a 1.6GHz Intel Atom 230 CPU, and it only packs 1GB of RAM, a 160GB hard drive, Windows XP, Ethernet, audio in / out, VGA, slot-loading DVD drive, a few USB ports and a remote input. Sadly, there's no integrated TV tuner to speak of, but with a starting price of just ¥59,800 ($640), we suppose you could add one and still come in well under the cost of most pre-fab HTPCs. The box should be available in Japan as early as tomorrow, and it'll purportedly be sold with a number of upgrades and extras for those fond of the bundled approach.[Via Impress]%Gallery-38359%
Onkyo's DV-BD606 Blu-ray player goes to Europe, drops to amateur status
Onkyo has turned the DV-BD606P "professional" Blu-ray player loose on the European shores, but with a subtle difference. Our friends overseas will get the DV-BD606, sans "P" (professional) and rack-mount ears. Sounds like an athlete who just didn't quite pan out, doesn't it? Other than that, your £400 ($615) nets you the same uninspiring Profile 1.1, DTS-HD MA, Dolby TrueHD, HDMI 1.3a, DVD upconverting player we got over here in the US. That's right -- pay a little more, get a little less. Somehow, we think that even this is going to be a tough sell no matter where it shows up, and the SD card slot up front and me-too DivX support won't change that.
Onkyo Japan regains its senses, offers TX-SA706X receiver in basic black
The summer heat will make you do crazy things, as we saw when Onkyo issued its TX-SA706X 7.1-channel receiver in champagne (a kinder word for "gold") in June. We know the Japanese market (and certain segments of the high end audiophile crowd) have had gold-toned gear since before the transistor, but just because something is tradition doesn't mean we have to go along with it. Cooler temperatures and heads have come around, and the Japanese market will get a black version of the receiver on November 21st, aptly named the TX-SA706X (B). We assume that one little "B" will make all the difference when it comes to matching your other components; unless, of course, you've fallen in for the whole spiel about something else becoming the "new black."
Onkyo finally launches $599 DV-BD606P "pro" Blu-ray player
Onkyo's had a long journey from HD DVD to Blu-ray, first giving an indication that it would produce a BD deck of its own this past February. This summer, we'd heard that the player would set buyers back a few bills, but that was back when players were all selling for a few bills. Now, the DV-BD606P has been introduced as a "professional" player, which essentially means that it's rack-mountable and needlessly expensive. It boasts all the usual suspects -- 1080p output, Dolby TrueHD / DTS-HD Master Audio decoding, DVD upconversion, Profile 1.1 support and an HDMI 1.3a port -- but we don't see anything in particular that justifies the $599 MSRP. Good luck marketing this one, Onkyo.[Via EMediaLive]
Onkyo updates HT-S9100THX HTIB system
Onkyo's HT-S9100THX has been around the block a time or two already, but for those who've yet to pick up the crowd-pleasing set, you're in luck. Said outfit has just released a revamped version of the kit which includes a 7.1-channel AV receiver "designed to conform to THX's demanding Integrated System Plus certification protocols." Additionally, the system now supports THX Loudness Plus technology and includes four HDMI 1.3a inputs for Deep Color compatibility. You'll also find a Faroudja DCDi video upscaling chip, Audyssey 2EQ / Dynamic EQ and support for Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio. As for drivers, you'll get seven two-way speakers (one center, four surrounds, two fronts) along with a self-powered (290-watt) 12-inch subwoofer. The HTIB should be filtering out to shops now for $1,099 (MSRP).[Via Marketnews]
Onkyo introduces wireless MHP-UW2 headphones, iPod adapter
Onkyo's latest aren't the most stylish headphones we've ever seen -- far from it, actually -- but those more concerned with audio fidelity and iPod compatibility may be able to overlook the pedestrian design. The wireless MHP-UW2 headphones transmit tunes over the 2.4GHz frequency and come bundled with a handy-dandy iPod adapter that should work with practically any dock-connecting unit out there. We're told it can last around 8 hours before needing a recharge via USB (or AC adapter, should you choose), though it's hard to say when it'll ever ship to any market outside of Japan. Nevertheless, those in and around Tokyo can find the kit next month for ?20,000 ($201).[Via UberGizmo]
Onkyo brings TX-SR876 / TX-NR906 THX Ultra2 Plus receivers to the States
Onkyo has already introduced the top-end TX-SR876 and TX-NR906 receivers over in the UK, but for USers awaiting word of their stateside release, let us do the honors. Both of the 7.1-channel THX Ultra2 Plus AVRs are now shipping in America, and as for specifications, you're looking at 140- / 145-watts per channel (respectively), audio decoding courtesy of three Texas Instruments Aureus 32-bit DSP chips, internal decoding for "every major sound format in use today," and HQV Reon-VX video upscaling to 1080p. The pain? $1,799 and $2,299 in order of mention.
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!]
WirelessHD group grew over break, totally ready to make Varsity
If a Panasonic prototype plasma and new copy protection spec weren't convincing enough, we'll let the Wireless HD group argue why it's ready to compete with WHDI and all the rest. This summer's big get is Broadcom, ready to promote Wireless HD as a necessary feature in the army of HDTVs and set-top boxes it already powers. The next step to exiting vaporware status? How about the addition of Denon, Onkyo, Pioneer, Sharp and others ready to adopt the technology. Punch the read link for more reasons to believe, but we'll wait for shipping hardware to decide who makes it past first cut.
Integra's DTR-6.9 AV receiver carries THX Select2 Plus badge, $1k price
Besting its DTR-5.9 sibling, the new DTR-6.9 AV receiver from Integra has earned itself the THX Select2 Plus certification. In fact, it's the first Integra model to meet that spec, which among other things means that the DTR-6.9 packs THX Loudness Plus wizardry for those of us who value our hearing and don't listen at reference levels all the time. As you'd expect from the Onkyo roots, the feature set is solid: 7x100-Watts, four HDMI 1.3a inputs, Faroudja scaling, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD MA and Audyssey MultiEQ. And because it's an Integra, you also know that custom installers get some niceties as well: multizone audio that can tap into a pair of the 7-channel amplifier section, 12-volt triggers and remote control via ethernet, RS-232 and HDMI. All in all, a nice tidy package for $1,000.%Gallery-30023%
Onkyo launches floorstanding D-108E speaker, SL-A250 sub in Japan
No doubt, Onkyo saves some of its choicest goodies for its home market. We can look past the HTIB systems, but we sure would like to see these full-size speakers cross the pond. Besides, they're a better fit for super-sized U.S. domiciles, right? From the Japanese promo material, we piece together that the D-108E floorstanders come in a wood grain or lacquer finish, pack a pair of 8-cm bass/mid drivers alongside a 2-cm tweeter and reach from 55-Hz to 80-kHz (the last 60-kHz are for the dog, perhaps). Okay, so the speakers won't exactly shake your floorboards with bass, but at least the 901-mm (35-inches) height will place the tweeters close to ear level. And besides, you'll be counting on the SL-A250 subwoofer to fill in the bass. The sub's 20-cm (8-inch) cone and 50-Watt amp span 27- to 200-Hz, which should make for an easy crossover to the mains. Pricing is ¥45,150 ($413) and ¥31,500 ($288) for the D-108E and SL-A250, respectively.[Via AkihabaraNews]Read - Onkyo D108E [warning: PDF link]Read - Onkyo SL-A250
Onkyo insists gold is the new black, releases TX-NA906X, TX-SA806X receivers from its vault
Whether to call it a "champagne" or "gold" finish, we're not sure, but Onkyo is definitely making some kind of fashion statement with these receivers. The TX-SA806X is the natural follow-up to last month's TX-SA706X announcement, but then Onkyo went and broke the naming convention with the TX-NA906X receiver. That's some kind of marketing. But the specs on these new 7.1-channel models look good -- typical beefy Onkyo construction is good for 200- and 180-Watts (into a 6-Ohm load) from the NA906X and SA806X models, respectively. Some notables include the Reon HQV video processing, 4-in / 2-out HDMI 1.3a ports and DTS-HD MA and Dolby TrueHD decoding. We'll let you read on through for all the spec details, but with these shipping later this month, we hope that TX-SR906 and TX-SR806 models for export can't be far away. Pricing for these two is ¥367,500 ($3,300) and ¥262,500 ($2,400). [Warning: PDF read link] [Via CyberTheater]
