receiver
Latest
Onkyo shows off a few mini audio systems, one amp and Roku-ready receivers
Onkyo's CEDIA booth served as a way for it to show off all manner of new audio technology including this funky iLunar dock (above), which uses tech developed by Swiss audio company Sonic Emotion to create a "3D sound field" from stereo sources. We couldn't get much of a feel for it on the show floor with the wide open spaces and noise, but according to Onkyo, its six full-range drivers and downward-firing subwoofer combine to send sound in all directions, resulting in a stereo experience no matter where the listener is seated in smaller rooms. There's more details on that, as well as a few other mini audio systems and a new amp in the gallery and press releases after the break. One other development we noted was the Roku Streaming Stick-ready branding popping up on Onkyo receivers since its partnership was officially revealed, and there was even a dongle conspicuously front mounted right there in the booth. We're still for a release date and pricing, but it looks like hardware partners are ready to go.%Gallery-164751%
Sony unveils two new ES receivers that are the first with Control4 built-in, plus one without
Wondering where Sony would go next with its high-end line of ES receivers? The answer is apparently home automation. As we've seen the segment heat up with competition from companies like your cable TV provider and even Google (does anyone remember Android@Home?), Control4 and Sony have announced at CEDIA 2012 that they are partnering up to create a simpler option for the custom install market. While it doesn't address our main gripe with Control4 -- that it needs an authorized dealer to install it or tweak the setup, with all the associated costs -- it does make the STR-DA5800ES (announced last week at IFA) and STR-DA2800ES receivers an easy choice for custom builds by integrating the company's software directly into them. That means less wiring and complication for setup, and not only do the receivers themselves tie in with the system, Sony's ES control apps for iOS and Android can also control the home's automated features. The necessary license to activate the software costs $300 if you buy it along with the receiver, which will cost $2,099 for the STR-DA5800ES and $999 for the STR-DA2800ES. Still want the ES-level build quality, built-in WiFi, Bluetooth and AirPlay support but aren't keen on home automation? Opt for the STR-DA1800ES, priced at $699 -- more details are in the press releases after the break.%Gallery-164473%
AT&T U-verse delivers a Facebook app for TVs
While AT&T's U-verse TV service announced increased support for second screen apps earlier this year and enhanced its own app for iPad with sharing features recently, it's just delivered a new app that brings Facebook to the TV screen. The customized interface brings in user's status feed, friends list and photos, where they can comment or leave standard messages to the service. There's also naturally a tie-in allowing them to share information and updates about the shows they're watching on the IPTV service directly through the app. According to the press release (included after the break) it can handle up to ten different accounts on a single receiver, so they don't all have to post updates to one unlucky members account. Despite seeing many made-for-TV-screens social networking apps we haven't found one that was definitely easier to use than keeping that kind of info on a second screen phone, tablet or PC, but we'll wait to hear from U-Verse subscribers about how well this effort is working.
Sony unveils in-car receivers with App Remote, taps into your smartphone music from October
Sony has been big on smartphone integration for car audio lately, having already launched its MirrorLink receivers earlier in the year for the more well-heeled drivers among us. The company is bringing that mobile tie-in down to Earth through a new quartet of in-car CD receivers. The MEX-GS600BT, MEX-BT4100P, MEX-BT3100P and CDX-GS500R all bring in App Remote, which lets the faceplate buttons steer local music or Pandora streaming radio coming from Android, BlackBerry, iOS and Walkman devices paired through a Bluetooth wireless link. The old-fashioned USB connection is still on offer for these and the HD Radio-toting CDX-GT710HD, while the whole collection can graft on the optional SXV200V1 tuner to carry the full Sirius XM satellite radio lineup. Differences across the line aren't completely clear from Sony's wording, although both the MEX-GS600BT and CDX-GS500R carry two USB ports as well as 5-volt RCA preamp outputs. You'll be waiting awhile to slip any of these receivers into a DIN slot, regardless of which one you pick: the GS500R ships in October for $199, and the rest hit the shops in November for between $149 to $249. %Gallery-162517%
Onkyo upgrades remote apps for latest-gen receivers, intros music streaming Bluetooth adapter
It's been a little less than a year since Onkyo first entered the software-based remote space, and now the company's ready to give those controls a major boost with the help of a much needed refresh to its iOS, Android applications. To kick things off, Onkyo's Remote 2 app is finally making music streaming capabilities friendly with this year's TX-NR receivers, while other under-the-hood enhancements were made to the various remote zone functions. In addition to these improvements, Onkyo also introduced its $60 UBT-1 Bluetooth adapter, essentially offering the same tune streaming features but "through a hardware gateway" and, best of all, at a much higher quality. Unlike the USB dongle (which is available now), however, the free apps won't be available until sometime "at the end of the month" from Cupertino's App Store, Google Play and Amazon's custom shop. In the meantime, you can keep yourself occupied by checking out the official pressers and UBT-1 picture right after the break.
Garmin GLO Portable GPS and GLONASS receiver hit the FCC, get torn down for good measure
Hasty, no? Merely hours after being announced to the world, Garmin's GLO Portable GPS and GLONASS receiver have touched down in the FCC's database. Per usual, that's a fairly solid indicator that the devices will be available for sale on US shores within a few weeks, and if you're curious, there's even a draft user guide tucked in the source link below. Truth be told, there's not a ton here that wasn't already made public -- it's obviously "Made for iPod / iPhone / iPad," and Garmin asserts that the included battery will take three hours to charge but 12 hours to deplete. The manual also asserts that Android users "may need to use an application to allow the sensor to properly communication over Bluetooth," and just in case you're thinking of getting wet and wild, the outer casing is said to be "rugged, but not water-resistant." For shame -- we were totally looking forward to geotagging our next romp down the Gauley. %Gallery-160289%
Garmin GLO Portable GPS and GLONASS receiver: location refresh rate 10 times faster than typical GPS
Maps. Everyone loves 'em. But while plenty of companies are showing off some very fancy map updates, we're still being left somewhere, staring at tall buildings, waiting for our location to update and lead the way. Garmin reckons it's solved the problem with its first GPS and GLONASS-compatible receiver, which can connect to both iOS and Android devices. Initial lock-on times are apparently 20 percent faster than typical GPS, while GLONASS' additional 24 satellites will make faring through canyons and urban sprawls less of a struggle for signal pick-up. Garmin has also upped its position refresh rate to 10 times per second: typical GPS receivers will update just once every second. It connects to devices through Bluetooth and will offer a 12-hour navigation boost on a single charge. If you're a pilot, there's even a GLO for Aviation package, which throws in a mount, power cable and six-month trial for its Pilot navi app. The standard receiver will launch in August, priced at $99, while those with wings can skip the queue and nab their version now for $139.
Sony STR-DN1030 AV receiver with AirPlay, WiFi and Bluetooth starts shipping
Right on schedule, the AirPlay sporting, built-in WiFi and Bluetooth AV receiver we told you all about last month is officially available. The 7.2 channel, 145-watt per channel STR-DN1030 retails for $499 and is the first AV receiver to not require some sort of dongle or other accessory, to connect wirelessly to your other gadgets. That means it is all that much easier to stream music to it from your Apple AirPlay, DLNA, or Sony Entertainment Network source. All seven of the inputs on the back support HD and of course the usual assortment of audio codecs and video up conversion features you'd expect are included. Still not sure it's right for your home theater? Maybe the additional details in the press release after the break will push you over the edge.
Onkyo to deliver 11.4 DTS Neo:X surround sound on latest receivers
While still a far cry from 64 speakers, Onkyo and DTS teamed up to bring the first 11.4 channel surround sound to your home theater. At the top of the trio of new receivers is the TX-NR5010. It is the only one that's THX certified, but like the TX-NR3010, it can drive 9 speakers and has pre-outs for four subs as well as two more channels. $2999 is the price you'll pay for the best, with a $700 price break when you move one model down the line to the TX-NR3010. Last up, but still shipping in July with 11.4 support, is the TX-NR1010 with its seven channel amp at $1799. DTS Neo:X is the name of the up-mix technology that uses a single algorithm to take anything from a 2.0 signal to 11.1 and converts it to 11.4. The other first here is Cisco Linksys SimpleTap -- also coming to the entire 2012 Onkyo lineup of network receivers via a firmware update -- which promises to deliver a simpler network setup. For more of the juicy details, have a quick look over the press release below.
HTC Connect certifies AV gear for your One series phone, Pioneer lines up
HTC is going on something of a certification tangent: it's following its PlayStation Suite approval with its own program, HTC Connect. Home AV equipment with the label promises to lift the standards for streaming media to or from one of HTC's devices. The rubber stamp will be limited at first to DLNA audio and video, but it should eventually include just about anything that doesn't involve a wire, such as Bluetooth, in-car media, NFC and wireless speakers. There isn't an immediate deluge of partners. HTC has scored a rather big ally, however: Pioneer's DLNA-ready receivers and wireless speakers this year, and beyond, will flaunt the HTC Connect badge. Don't brag about the media credentials of your One X just yet. Although the Connect seal of approval won't be needed for media streaming anytime soon, it will only be coming to the One series through an upgrade in the months ahead.
Indie shooter Receiver built in seven days, available now
Receiver is a gorgeous, intense new first-person shooter that explores the mechanics of handling a Colt 1911 A1. Developed during a seven-day FPS challenge, Receiver has you unraveling a conspiracy while exploring a building infested with deadly turrets and drones.But there's more to it than that – once you die in Receiver, it's game over. A new game is immediately loaded with a new set of randomly placed rooms, enemies, and weapons.Receiver from Wolfire Games is available for $5 on PC and Mac, or free for those who have pre-ordered Wolfire's Overgrowth.
Sony STR-DN1030 7.2-channel home theater receiver with Airplay and Bluetooth hands-on
Truth be told, we spend a lot of time listening to music, movies and hands-on video clips through our headphones and laptop speakers, but when it comes time to sink into the plush leather seats in a proper home theater, you better believe high-quality audio is a top priority. Sony's STR-DN1030 serves as an update to last year's STR-DN1020, and promises to deliver on that quality promise, with a bounty of connectivity options to boot. WiFi and built-in Ethernet enable the 7.2-channel digital receiver to stream from AirPlay, along with Sony Entertainment Network (SEN) music services including Music Unlimited, Pandora, Slacker and vTuner. The device is also DLNA compatible, IP controllable and it can power on (from standby mode) whenever you begin to stream a song over AirPlay or Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR connections. We dropped by Sony's NYC headquarters for a quick peek at the DN1030, which we're told very quietly made the rounds at CES but has yet make its official debut. The receiver, which boasts 145 watts per channel (not including those dual powered-sub connections), was paired with seven high-end Bowers & Wilkins speakers and a powered Sony subwoofer. It's nearly impossible to pass complete judgement on any high-end audio product after a brief demo in a room that isn't optimized for sound, so audiophiles should certainly hear this thing for themselves before coming to any conclusions of their own. Still, we were quite pleased with performance from what we saw today -- Bluetooth and AirPlay connections appeared to be seamless, Slacker loaded quickly and audio quality was quite solid from all of the wireless sources, along with Avatar and a recorded Cream concert on Blu-ray. Best yet is the receiver's price -- the STR-DN1030 will set you back just $499 when it hits stores in mid-July. %Gallery-158292% Edgar Alvarez contributed to this report.
Yamaha outs RX-V773WA, RX-V673 receivers: AirPlay and 4K / 3D passthrough on board
In case those RX receivers we saw last month weren't powerful enough for you, Yamaha's unleashing a couple of new beasts that may just meet all of your home entertainment demands. Similar to its V573 and V473 siblings, the RX-V773WA and RX-V673 are AirPlay-friendly and pack a 4K passthrough feature -- though, these also carry some PT action in 3D. Save for the YWA-10 WiFi adapter and an aluminum front panel on the V773WA, both newcomers are sporting identical traits. Among these are 7.2 channel audio, an enhanced YPAO calibration system, seven "intelligent" assignable amplifiers, six HDMI ports on each unit and an ECO mode to help reduce power usage. As far as pricing, you'll have to shell out $849.95 for the higher-end RX-V773WA and $649.95 for the RX-V673 when they hit shelves in June and later this month, respectively.
Pioneer adds two new Elite receivers to its 2012 lineup
Pioneer's 2012 AV receiver lineup is growing by two with the new VSX-42, priced at $450, and the $650 VSX-60. Both feature six HDMI inputs on the back, Ethernet, video scaling, optional Bluetooth ($99) with A2DP, AirPlay, DLNA, Pandora and iOS or Android apps. The VSX-60 sets itself apart with 10 more watts per channel, 7.2 instead of 7.1, optional WiFi and a superior video processor. As if that wasn't enough, the VSX-60 also has an HDMI input up front, is SiriusXM ready and adds a number of video and audio enhancement like Stream Smoother, Advanced Video Adjust and a few others worth reading about in the press release after the jump. With a trend placing the AV receiver at the center of your home theater universe, these Pioneer units have just enough useful features to make us ponder upgrading (still-functional) existing gear.
Yamaha RX-V573 and RX-V473 receivers include AirPlay integration, 4K passthrough
We don't spend a whole lot of time focusing on home theater receivers 'round these parts, but we do like AirPlay, and we're especially fond of audio devices that boast compatibility with the iOS wireless streaming tool out of the box. Yamaha's RX-V573 and RX-V473 are two of the latest mid-range audio mixers to ship with AirPlay integration -- a feature lacking from the company's past offerings -- along with compatibility with the AV Controller app, available for iOS, Android and the Kindle Fire. There's also a nifty 4K video pass-through feature, which won't do you much good at present, but may go a long way to future-proofing both devices. There's not much differentiating the models, save for a $100 gap in price ($450 for the V473, $550 for the V573), and 7.1 channel audio in the pricier model (you'll find 5.1 channels in the bargain offering). Both flavors include front-panel USB ports (also with iOS compatibility), four HDMI inputs and digital audio inputs, and 115 watts per channel. You can pick up either model now, and there's a more detailed list of specifications awaiting your gander in the PR after the break.
Onkyo intros a new pair of TX-NR AV receivers, prices start at $999
Shortly after introducing its entry-level TX-NR515 and TX-NR616 receivers, Onkyo is taking the wraps off of a fresh pair of souped-up, pricier AV boxes. Both part of the TX-NR family, the TX-NR717 ($999) and TX-NR818 ($1,119) are carrying on the 7.2-channel audio tradition seen on their lower-priced siblings, while a Qdeo processor handles all video upscaling duties -- yes, 4K included. The 3D-ready couple is also packing THX Select 2 Plus certification, a whopping eight HDMI ports on each box, DTS-HD Master Audio / Dolby TrueHD decoding and a revamped 1080p GUI. Onkyo's also said iOS and Kindle Fire variants of its Android Remote App are in the works, though mum's the word on when they'll be up for grabs. Either of these good enough for your home setup? They won't hit shelves until May, which may (baller status) or may not (Average Joe) be enough time to save up.
Pioneer launches its 2012 VSX AV receivers lineup, available now starting at $249
We've seen Pioneer stuff its VSX line with 3D and Bluetooth goodness in the past; now, the Japanese outfit is unveiling its 2012 AV receivers portfolio in an attempt to widen its offerings. Starting with the lower-end models, the VSX-522 and VSX-822 are both packing 5.1 surround audio, while the main difference between the two is the lack of AirPlay and Bluetooth on the former. If you are, however, looking to go the premium route, you can snag the VSX-1022 or the top of the line Pioneer VSX-1122 , which will get you 7.1 sound, DLNA, as well as 1080p upscaling. All good for your ears? Ready up your wallet, as you'll have to drop anywhere from $249 to $599 if you want to add one of these to your setup. %Gallery-150872%
Onkyo debuts new entry level receivers, HTIBs for 2012
For 2012, Onkyo is expanding its lineup with four new entry level receivers and two HTIB all-in-one packages. The receivers all pack the brand new InstaPrevue (PiP preview of each HDMI source with fast switching) and MHL, while the three networked models are the first with access to MP3tunes cloud stored songs, as well as a number of other services including Spotify. The top of the line TX-NR616 ($699, April, pictured above) packs the most power and rocks a THX Select2 Plus stamp of quality and, along with the step down TX-NR515 ($599, March) has Qdeo video processing that scale video up to 4K res and output audio on 7.2 channels. On the HTIBs, the 7.1 HT-S5500 ($649, March) and 5.1 HT-S3500 bring all the usual features wrapped around a new "Wide Range Amplifier Technology" that it claims reduces signal noise while still pumping up the power through discrete output-stage components. The full list of specs, prices and shipping windows are in the press releases after the break, hit the source links for a few more pictures.
RCA-branded hardware at CES includes mobile TVs with Android, soundbar / media streamer
While it may not have the most high profile entries at CES, RCA always manages to lend its brand to some interesting hardware, and this year that includes the Wi-Fi Home Theater Sound Bar seen above. It brings multichannel audio and wireless surround speakers as well as access to services like Netflix and Hulu, by building in the Roku-like streamer RCA is currently peddling. Its other products include a slew of TVs due for various regions in the Americas, like a 55-incher it's claiming is the first connected LED LCD available in Latin America. We haven't hit a Best Buy in Uruguay to confirm that yet, so we'll just have to take RCA's word on that one for now. Also spied at its CES Unveiled booth were mobile TVs compatible with the Dyle service, and licensee Digital Stream has an Android-powered TV receiver planned for later this year. The device has a 7-inch touchscreen and a few simple apps included, and should be priced around $200 when it ships in the second half of the year. Check the press release after the break for a few more details, check below for hands-on pics.
Sirius XM Lynx strips down for the FCC, flaunts new screws
If you were wondering when you could pick up Sirius XM's latest touchscreen touting receiver, you can scoot just a little closer to the edge of your seat -- the Lynx just made its way through the FCC. An accidental Best Buy listing in October outed the satellite radio as a possible Android device. The FCC teardown didn't betray what version of the dessert themed OS the receiver might be running, but a tidy Immersion logo suggests that the radio's touchscreen might support some of the outfit's haptic feedback tricks. Rumors and scuttlebutt aside, the Lynx passed through its federal inspection with flying colors. We'll let you know if we ever get a bead on its release date.
