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Onkyo partners up with UEI for remotes
Ask three HD-die hards about their favorite remote, and you're likely to get five different answers. We're a tough bunch, and there's no single remote that Onkyo could throw in the box with its receivers that would make everyone happy (just check reader comments for evidence). But partnering up with well-known remote control manufacturer Universal Electronics, Inc. (UEI) certainly can't hurt, right? If things go according to plan, UEI's library of over 350,000 functions across the manufacturer spectrum should make system integration possible. Best of all, the new universal remotes are slated to ship with a range of Onkyo's receivers -- from entry level to high end -- so you don't have to buy into the pricey part of Onkyo's lineup. As always, we applaud anything that makes the couch-potato lifestyle a little more accessible.
Onkyo launches TX-SR806 / TX-SR706 receivers, HT-S7100 / HT-S6100 HTIB systems
Check it, Onkyo fans -- your main outfit has just revealed two new AV receivers and a pair of HTIB systems, so we're going to get right down to it. Both the $1,099 TX-SR806 (pictured) and $899 TX-SR706 receivers are THX certified and include Faroudja DCDi video processing capabilities, Audyssey room acoustics correction and Dynamic EQ, and Onkyo's Music Optimizer. You'll also find at least four HDMI 1.3a ports and 1080p upscaling. Moving on, we've got the $899 HT-S7100 and $799 HT-S6100 HTIB systems, each of which include a receiver, seven-channel loudspeaker system, a powered subbie and an obligatory iPod dock. Check the read link for more details and ship dates.
Onkyo reveals Integra DHC-9.9 AV receiver
It has been quite awhile since Onkyo's Integra branch delivered any new wares, but with IFA and CEDIA both just around the bend, it follows logic to see some fresh faces begin to emerge. What you're peering at above is the DHC-9.9, a potent AV receiver with 7.1-channel Dolby TrueHD / DTS-HD Master Audio support, HDMI 1.3a ports, an HQV processor, Ethernet jack, IR extender port and an RS-232 control socket. No telling when it'll head stateside, but those in Japan can add one to their home theater for ¥231,000 ($2,164).[Via ElectronicsInfoOnline, thanks Mike]
Onkyo not quite ready for Blu-ray, offers DV-SP406 upscaling DVD deck
Oh yeah, Onkyo's definitely going to dish out a Blu-ray player of its own later this year, but it can't just sit idly until that one has spent adequate time in the oven, now can it? Say hello to the DV-SP406, a 1080p upscaling DVD player that delivers upconverted content over HDMI. You won't find SACD / DVD-Audio compatibility here, but you will find coaxial / optical digital audio ports, a USB socket for loading up multimedia files and a 180MHz / 14-bit video DAC. Not too much else to gloat about beyond that, but considering the $125 street price (available now in black or silver), we suppose that's just alright.[Via RandomlyAccessed, thanks littlefarny]
Onkyo to ship first Blu-ray player in late 2008
In case you needed something stamped from Onkyo itself in order to believe that a Blu-ray player was on the way, here's your sign. Said outfit has just announced that a currently unnamed BD player (its first, in fact) will hit the "international" market in late 2008. Unfortunately, details beyond that are scant, as all we're told is that it'll play nice with Onkyo's AV receivers, pack an HDMI port and decode Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio formats. Additionally, we aren't notified of whether Onkyo has any plans of bringing the elusive deck stateside, and we haven't a clue about pricing. But hey, you can go ahead and circle all of Q4 to be on the lookout.[Via Electronic House]
Onkyo's TX-SA706X 7.1 receiver is beastly, Mr. T approved
It's too early to tell if gold-colored components really are making a comeback, but you better believe Onkyo's at the forefront of the gilded parade. Shortly after pumping out the TX-SA606X in Japan (and the TX-SA606 in America), the TX-SA706X has arrived to take things one step further. This 7.1-channel receiver delivers a potent 200-watts of juice to each channel and includes five HDMI 1.3 inputs (alongside one output), a frequency response of 5Hz to 100,000Hz, Audyssey Dynamic EQ processing and built-in decoding for Dolby TrueHD / DTS-HD Master Audio formats. Granted, such a monster of an AVR won't become your very own with putting a nice size dent in your wallet, but those in Japan can treat themselves on July 19th when it lands for ¥189,000 ($1,781).[Via HDTV Space] %Gallery-26352%
Onkyo intros WAVIO GXW-2.1HD expandable HTIB in Japan
Once again, Onkyo is teasing us with a Japanese-market HTIB designed with an upgrade path in mind. This really looks like a multichannel version of the company's 2.1-channel HTX-22D, and that's not a bad start. The WAVIO GXW-2.1HD features 5 x 30-Watts for the speakers, with 60-Watts set aside for the integral subwoofer. The pair of included bookshelf speakers feature 8-cm and 2-cm drivers, and the subwoofer is a 16-cm affair. There's a pair of HDMI 1.3a inputs and a single output, and onboard processing includes Audyssey's 2EQ and Dynamic EQ tweaks, DTS-HD MA and Dolby TrueHD; Onkyo has even kindly included DTS Surround Sensation to keep you virtually, um, surrounded until you add in more speakers. All in all, a pretty good way to start your system. Again, it's only for Japan right now, with a price of ¥54,800 ($506 US). [Warning: PDF Link][Via TVSnob]
Onkyo readies 500 DV-BD606 Blu-ray player for October release
We're not exactly savvy on what's so special about October 2008, but Onkyo has just become the second manufacturer in the last week to announce a Blu-ray player that will ship in that month. Granted, the firm hasn't made this official or anything just yet, but according to an on-the-scene report from WhatHiFi, the outfit is indeed moving forward with plans for a £500 ($990) Profile 1.1 Blu-ray player -- just as was rumored earlier this year. Regrettably, that's all that we know outside of its model number (DV-BD606), but it is apt to be a part of a "three-strong" video-player lineup when it surfaces this Fall. For those interested, you can hit the read link for a few juicier tidbits about the company's forthcoming receiver lineup, but you'll go hungry searching for more details on this here unit.[Thanks, Jimmie]
Onkyo shows off build-as-you-go BASE-V20HD HTIB in Japan
Seriously, Onkyo's recent flurry of HT-related releases should be able to satisfy most anyone's requirements. But greedy gadget-hounds that we are, we'd like to see the BASE-V20HD system announced for Japan arrive here in the US. It's a HTIB starter system with an upgrade path already planned out. Start yourself out with the core of the system: your entry fee of ¥92,400 ($880) nets a compact 5-channel, 30-Watt receiver with Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA support, DTS Surround Sensation and Audyssey DynamicEQ; a 60-Watt sub unit; and two small bookshelf speakers. Then, when you get the yen (ahem) for true surround, add in a D-108C center channel (¥12,600 / $120) and two additional D-108M speakers (¥9,450 / $90) for rear channel duty. Sounds interesting to us, but we'll just have to keep hoping Onkyo brings this setup stateside.
Onkyo 2.1 HTX-22D sound system taps DTS' Surround Sensation
Not content with dropping a few new HTIB systems and an all new receiver, Onkyo is apparently delivering a 2.1-channel home audio system, too. The HTX-22D, while not adequate for surround sound purists, may be just the thing for apartment dwellers and movie lovers on a budget. It's said to be the first system to feature DTS' CES-announced Surround Sensation feature, and it also boasts a built-in display on the powered subwoofer. You'll also find a trio of HDMI ports (two in, one out) and support for a smattering of audio codecs. Head on down to the read link for the full list of specs, and keep an eye for these to land across the pond in May for £300 ($590).[Thanks, Steve]
Onkyo continues its receiver refreshes with TX-SR606
Onkyo has continued to roll "X06" updates across its receiver lineup. Last month we heard about the TX-SR576 and TX-SR506 models, and now we get the TX-SR606 (not to be confused with the TX-SA606X). Apparently Onkyo wasn't too eager to mess with the success of last year's TX-SR605 receiver, the new model adds 1080i upscaling, two more HDMI inputs (making a total of four), and trades off Neural Surround in favor of Audyssey Dynamic EQ and Onkyo's Music Optimizer processing. The amplifier section and pricing look to be the same, which isn't a bad thing on either count: $579 (MSRP) nets you 90-Watts across 7 channels, all backed by the heavy transformer cores Onkyo is known for. Available any day now, this might look good with your stimulus check; or consider picking up a TX-SR605 on the cheap.[Via WidescreenReview]
Onkyo intros HT-S5100, HT-S4100 and HT-S3100 HTIB systems
If the HT-SP908 and HT-SP904 systems that Onkyo brought you last fall were just slightly too rich for your blood, the firm is banging out a new trio of HTIBs that just might slide right into your budget. Starting things off is the top-end HT-S5100, which includes a 7.1-channel HT-R560 receiver with three HDMI inputs (and one output), Audyssey 2EQ room correction technology and 130-watts per channel to go along with the seven loudspeakers and single 290-watt powered subwoofer. With this one, you'll also find a dedicated iPod dock and charging station. As for the HT-S4100 and HT-S3100, both sets include five speakers and a subbie, but the latter system's earth-shaker gets powered by the receiver while the former has 200-watts of built-in oomph (and an iPod dock, too). The whole lot comes with a bundled remote and can be had in black or silver motifs, and as for pricing, you'll be looking at $579, $479, and $379, respectively.
Onkyo's TX-SA606X receiver handles AQUOS, Viera and REGZA HDMI control schemes
Here at Engadget HD, we have a special place in our hearts for HDMI-CEC, but things can get sticky when buying components from different manufacturers. Fret not, as Onkyo's latest AV receiver manages to play nice with Panasonic's Viera Link, Toshiba's REGZA Link and Sharp's AQUOS Link all the same. The TX-SA606X, which is available in silver or a Mr. T-approved gold finish, also boasts HDMI 1.3 connectors, Dolby TrueHD / DTS-MA decoders, a 185-watt x 7 internal amplifier, optical / coaxial audio inputs and a smorgasbord of other video ports. Unsurprisingly, such a multifaceted unit won't run you cheap, as interested consumers will be asked to hand over ¥84,000 ($839) when it lands on April 29th.[Via AkihabaraNews] %Gallery-19153%
Microsoft, Onkyo collabo includes Windows Rally network technology, cross-licensing
We haven't heard much about Windows Rally since the first device was unveiled earlier this year, but it looks like Onkyo wants to join Microsoft's network connectivity movement. Microsoft demo'd streaming HD between different devices at the WinHEC 2007 (check the video after the break), and Rally should allow many different devices to communicate and configure each other (in theory, its like USB). We haven't seen any home theater hardware using this tech yet, but combined with a cross-licensing agreement just inked by both companies, Onkyo should likely have some Vista-ready receivers, players etc. on the way soon.
Onkyo unveils TX-SR576 and TX-SR506 receivers
Let's face it, not everyone has a cool grand to drop on a new AV receiver, but Onkyo's looking out for the low- to mid-rangers out there with a nicely equipped duo each sporting a price tag under five bills. Both the $379 TX-SR506 and $479 TX-SR576 feature 32-bit DSP processing, 192 kHz / 24-bit digital-to-analog converters on all channels, 7.1-channel processing for Dolby Digital EX, Dolby ProLogic IIx, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, and DTS Neo:6, support for the firm's Remote Interactive iPod dock / charger models, the Audyssey 2EQ automatic calibration system and Onkyo's dual-source Powered Zone 2 capability, which allows the receiver's rear surround amplifier channels to power stereo speakers in a second room while still listening to 5.1-channel sound in the main zone. Each unit also touts a trio of HDMI inputs, optical / coaxial digital audio ports and at least 75-watts per channel. For more details on the pair, hit up the read link below.[Via AVGuide] %Gallery-18559%
Onkyo already looking to produce a Blu-ray player?
Though we already knew that Onkyo was officially pulling its support for HD DVD, we previously had no idea if the firm would divert those efforts to the format left standing. Now, however, we're hearing that the outfit's R&D teams already have a "development program in place" for BD, but unfortunately, little is known beyond that. We're also curious to see if Onkyo's first BD player will be one that it actually creates -- you know, considering that its DV-HD805 HD DVD deck was little more than a rebranded HD-XA2.
Onkyo pulling the plug on future HD DVD development
The writing was already on the wall, but it looks as if Onkyo actually won't be pursuing the long lost HD DVD format any longer. According to a Japanese report at Yomiuri Online, the firm will be discontinuing production of HD DVD players following Toshiba's own decision to abandon the format, but it will continue to provide service for customers that already snapped up the DV-HD805. Interestingly, there was no mention of Onkyo's plans in regard to Blu-ray, but nevertheless, yet another red supporter has definitely waved its white flag. [Via Widescreen Review, image courtesy of Bret Philpot]
Onkyo unveils another audiophile PC, the APX-2 HD
Onyko's cranked out a couple slick little audio-oriented desktops and media PCs, and its latest carries the tradition on in fine form -- the new APX-2 HD audiophile PC actually looks more like a high-end shelf system than a PC, if you ask us. The compact unit houses a 1.66GHz T5500 Core 2 Duo, 1GB of RAM, a vibration-isolated 500GB disk and the same digital amplifier found in the PCI-200 sound card, which bypasses Vista's sound mixer and channels audio directly through to avoid HD Audio signal loss. Sadly, this one looks to be Japan-only, but if you're headed out that way, you'll want an extra couple grand in your pocket to snag one of these bad boys.
Onkyo giving pause to continued HD DVD support?
Sure, we're filing this squarely in the rumor folder for now, but we still felt it prudent to bring to light a number of interesting comments made recently by an Onkyo representative. Reportedly, said rep was quoted by Home Cinema Choice as saying that "given the current, multiple uncertainties surrounding the Blu-ray versus HD DVD issue, Onkyo has decided against bringing any further DV-HD805s to the UK." Additionally, he / she continued on by saying that "if a category becomes commoditized -- as this sector shows signs of becoming -- there's less reason to commit huge resources to it when they may be better employed elsewhere." Granted, we've no idea if a decision made on the other side of the pond will have anything to do with the US, but regardless, another HD DVD supporter falling by the wayside isn't good for the red camp no matter how you slice it.[Via TiVo Lovers]
Onkyo DV-HD805 dissected, Toshiba HD-XA2 found inside
The crew at AreaDVD.de took the screwdriver to the Onkyo DV-HD805 and were none too surprised to find a Toshiba HD-XA2 laying inside the Onkyo-badged packaging. There has been quite a bit of speculation around the "heritage" of this player, so the results of the teardown aren't too surprising. Still, we would like to know what specific tweaks were made to the HD-XA2 to justify the $899 MSRP. At least Onkyo didn't do anything harmful to the player design; our rusty German leads us to believe the AreaDVD gang liked what they saw and heard from the unit despite the finish of the cabinet being "not quite as opulent as" as the HD-XA2. All this makes the HD-XA2 look like a relative bargain among the high-spec HD DVD players.[Via FormatWarCentral]
