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Onkyo's new receivers feature both XM and Sirius satellite radio
Onkyo has the loot for you if you want to hear Oprah and Howard back-to-back, with announcements of five receivers featuring both XM and Sirius satellite radio compatibility. The TX-SR575, TX-SR705, TX-SR805, and TX-SR875 models all support both formats for your radio jones, while the high-end TX-NR905 model also adds support for HD Radio digital broadcasts and an Ethernet jack for Internet radio and multimedia streaming. The receivers all have the usual collection of video ins and outs, and sport 1.3a HDMI connectors with Deep Color capability for switching between sources up to 1080p resolution. No pricing or dates were announced for the TX-SR575, but the TX-SR805 will ship in May for $1099, the TX-SR875 in June for $1699, the TX-SR705 in July for $899, and the TX-NR905 in August for $2099.Read - Onkyo THX Certified ReceiversRead - Onkyo TX-SR575
Yamaha's new RX-V861 1080p upconverting receiver for a grand
Yamaha has announced an upscaling 1080p receiver for just shy of $1000, with many of the features normally reserved for more expensive models, like microphone-based speaker optimization, HDMI output, and XM and iPod compatibility. The RX-V861 will upconvert HDMI, S-Video, or component, and output via HDMI to your display, while accepting audio formats such as DTS-HD or Dolby TrueHD digitally for output over its 7.1 channels. Four preset buttons on the front of the unit allow for quick switching between audio modes, including the seventeen flavors of DSP processing. The optional iPod dock allows for playback of audio and video through the receiver's remote, which also controls XM satellite radio subscriptions. The RX-V861 will be available in May for a suggested retail of $999.95.
GR-10 GPS receiver plays the "world's smallest" card
At this point, we hardly need to offer up a skeptical disclosure about the oft played "world's smallest" claim, but the 12-channel GR-10 GPS chip actually might be the most diminutive at the moment. Coming in at just ten- x ten- by two-millimeters in size, this wee device rocks a pair of serial ports, -152dBm sensitivity, 35mA operating current, and can open up "new doors" in the dodgy realm of voyeurism precautionary tracking. It was noted that an external antenna will be required, theoretically adding quite a bit of mass to the finished product, but let's not argue over semantics. The uber-tiny GR-10 is available now for $58.46 if ordering more than ten units at a time, but since you aren't likely to cough up $584.60 real quick like, just click on through for an impressive size comparison shot.[Via MAKE]
Sony announces four new HD-ready receivers
Sony looks to be bringing its HD-ready A/V receivers into slightly more affordable territory, today introducing four new models that all come in under the $500 mark. The top-end of the lot is the 7.1 channel STR-DG910 receiver, which will give you 110 watts of power per channel and HDMI pass-through with full 1080p resolution. Moving down the line, the $400 STR-DG810 and $300 STR-DG710 (pictured here) also support full 1080p HDMI pass-through, but take things back to 6.1 channels and 110 watts and 105 watts per channel, respectively. Otherwise, the three receivers pack many of the same features, including Sony's new Digital Media Port, support for XM Connect-and-Play, and Sony's BRAVIA Theater Sync, which'll ensure that they play nice with compatible Sony TVs and Blu-ray players. Rounding out the lineup, the low-end STR-DG510 offers 6.1 channels with 100 watts apiece and will only pass-through HDMI signals at 1080i resolution, although it'll also only set you back $200. Look for all four receivers to roll out in March and April.
(Wired) Xbox 360 Wireless Receiver hits retail
It might not be the daintiest of dongles, but Microsoft's Xbox 360 Wireless Receiver gets the job done. It's been spotted out in the wild for months now, but today it's officially here -- on retail shelves. $20 will score your PC some quality time with Microsoft's wireless Xbox 360 peripherals; for $60, you'll get the receiver, plus a wireless controller.All 'Games for Window' branded games natively support 360 accessories. The controller can also be used to navigate Windows Media Center; the headset for VoIPin'.
Mainnav MG-920 Bluetooth GPS receiver touts FM transmitter
Cramming superfluous (or useful) extras into GPS receivers definitely isn't new, but Mainnav's trying to go out a bit further on that limb by adding an interesting feature that could actually be put to good use in the right situation. While most of you probably carry an all-in-one NAV with a built-in GPS receiver, the MG-920 is designed to connect to Bluetooth navigation systems that need a little help syncing with satellites, and although the SiRF Star III LP chip and rechargeable Li-ion cell are entirely average, the bottom-mounted FM transmitter allows a turn-by-turn instructor to be channeled to one's FM radio. Once the device syncs with a navigation unit, the audio is then piped to the Mainnav via a 3.5-millimeter audio cable, and if you're actually in one of those remote areas where an FM transmitter can broadcast something other than fuzz, you're good to go. Per usual, there's no word on pricing or availability just yet, but judging by the surface, it seems like this thing requires a few too many connections to make the consolidation freaks happy anyway.[Via NaviGadget]
Wonde Proud's Bluetooth GPS receiver touts unreal battery life
Alright, so maybe "unrealistic" is more like it, but regardless, we highly doubt the latest Bluetooth GPS device from Taiwan's own Wonde Proud can actually live up to its lofty claims. Of course, the GPS-BT760 could indeed be using some early prototype form of EEStor's sensational battery, but considering the company itself proclaims the built-in battery is of the 2400mA/h Li-ion variety, we're a bit miffed. Aside from claiming up to "55 hours of continuous use" on a single charge, the unit is fairly ho hum, and sports a SiRF Star III receiver, -159dBm sensitivity, four hour recharge rate, four LEDs to indicate status, and a "non-slip back pad" for chilling on your dash. Nah, there's no pricing -- or more importantly, actual availability -- information just yet on this one, but if someone manages to scoop one and has just over two full days to prove or disprove a claim, let us in on the results.
Haicom's HI-505SD Bluetooth-enabled GPS SDIO receiver
If you're looking for a quick and easy way to get GPS (and Bluetooth) onto your PDA, handset, or other SD-slotted handheld, there's not exactly a smorgasbord of offerings out there to choose from if you're not willing to sacrifice your flash-based storage, but Haicom's latest takes care of all those dilemmas in one fell swoop. The HI-505SD plugs directly into your device's SD slot and utilizes its battery in order to power up the SiRF Star III GPS receiver and Bluetooth antenna, but rather than whining about your sudden loss of storage, this SDIO adapter offers up a miniSD slot to cram a few extra gigabytes back into your machine. Interestingly, Haicom also sells a bevy of attachment cables in order to use this device directly from a power source, but we envision this slightly unsightly device spending most of its time docked in your Treo. Unfortunately, there's an absence of details regarding price and future availability, but we're sure these will be available for import sooner rather than later.[Via NaviGadget]
Gibson goes wild, unveils new consumer electronics lineup
While a company not typically associated with consumer electronics can make the leap at any point, it's usually a relatively modest entrance, but Gibson has apparently had a bit too much fun at NAMM, and has thrown its logo on just about every device it could think of in the process. You won't find much of anything new in Gibson's lineup of consumer electronics, but if you're a Gibson purist and live life one riff at a time, these goods are for you. The company announced its own line of USB 2.0 Gibson Signature Series Les Paul flash drives, which currently come in a 1GB flavor and mimics a 1959 Les Paul Standard, and the firm plans to roll out more collectible drives shaped like other classic instruments in the future. Additionally, a 500GB external HDD was released, boasting USB 2.0 and a glowing Gibson logo on the side, and it seems that the firm is looking to snag a bit of that high-end interconnect market by offering up "premium gold" versions of optical audio, USB, and HDMI cables. Also on tap was a 7.1 AV receiver with a built-in guitar input, XM capability, and HDMI 1.3 video switching, various forms of recordable media, a dual-layer DVD recorder, surge protectors, and a few home theater speakers to boot. Although pricing is still up in the air at this point, it looks like you'll have the opportunity to get your external storage, surround sound gear, and a few spare E-strings all at the same place here soon.[Via Macworld]
Pioneer's 2007 A/V receivers range: big on XM / Sirius satellite radio
Pioneer today announced four new A/V receivers -- lovingly designated as the VSX-517, VSX-817, VSX-917V, and VSX-1017TXV (pictured) -- three of which feature compatibility with Sirius' SiriusConnect SC-H1 and XM's Connect & Play Satellite Radio solutions. The VSX-1017TXV top-of-the-range THX Select 2 certified model also features iPod connectivity -- seriously, what doesn't in this day and age? -- via a separate and optional iPod docking station. All four receivers feature Pioneer's proprietary digital sound processing technologies which are designed to adapt the audio output to different room spaces, as well as Pioneer's Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration for optimizing sound across several channels. Now for the raw specs: the first three models are all capable of pumping 110 Watts over each of their 7 channels -- 5 in the case of the VSX-517 -- with the top end 1017TXV upping that another 10 to 120 Watts/channel output. Only the top two models (VSX-917V and VSX-1017TXV) feature HDMI video switching, so if you opt for either the VSX-517 or VSX-817 you'll have to settle for their audio-only coaxial and optical inputs. Pioneer is asking $199 for the VSX-517, $299 for the VSX-517, $399 for the VSX-917V, and has yet to make its mind up on a tag for the VSX-1017TXV. Bar the top end model which will be available in July this year, all other models will be up for sale in April.
Qstarz intros the DOUBLE 32 BT-Q818 Bluetooth GPS receiver
While not quite as unique as Gold Kiwi's most recent device, Qstarz BT-Q818 is handy nonetheless. The DOUBLE 32 Bluetooth GPS receiver purportedly tracks 32 satellites and boasts 32 hours of battery life, theoretically "doubling" your chances of survival when roughing it in the cold, dark wilderness. It also packs a tracking sensitivity of -158dBm, typically acquires a signal in around 39 seconds after booting up, and is Bluetooth v1.2 compliant. This little geo-locator can withstand some pretty serious temperatures too, and while we certainly wouldn't want to be meandering around for 32 hours, you can pick this up for €89 ($117) if you're the uber-adventurous type.
Alpine's iDA-X001 iPod / media receiver forthcoming
iPod car integration has long since gone from being mythic desire to nearly stock feature, but plugging an iPod in via USB and it just running, that's still a pretty fresh experience. Alpine's forthcoming aftermarket iDA-X001 iPod / media-ready receiver promises just that having been "designed and developed with input from Apple." (Perhaps this is what Steve's gonna put in his Mercedes SL55 -- don't ask us how we know that.) Expect this too in the CES timeframe, all you iPod modding car audio mavens.
Gold Kiwi's toy car GPS receiver with Bluetooth
Sure, a GPS receiver designed for in-car use is far from unique, but an actual geo-locator disguised as a car is an entirely different animal. AVing was able to sneak a peek at a new SiRF Star III GPS receiver that throws a unique twist on your more vanilla alternatives. Apparently manufactured under a "Gold Kiwi" moniker, the tiny vehicle also sports Bluetooth capability, but a built-in sound system and handsfree support couldn't be verified. While we have our doubts about these undercover receivers wheeling their way to American shores, you might want to double-check the undercarriage of the next Hot Wheels toy you buy -- unless, of course, you don't mind the far-fetched possibility of bringing an unsolicited tracking device into your home.[Via NaviGadget]
Delphi's SkyFi3 receives FCC blessing
Even though CNET was able to get its grubby hands on a test unit to review, the SkyFi3 was apparently not yet really, really approved by the FCC for sale en masse. Nevertheless, Delphi had a right to feel confident, as the oh-so-powerful agency has officially given its blessing to the on-the-go XM device, and assured us all that it doesn't boast excessive transmission power which could prove harmful to our health radio firms' wealth. Dodging the ever-popular bullet of broadcasting signals too intense for humanity's well being, the SkyFi3 is free and clear to hit shelves "this holiday season" for $229, while "some retailers" will reportedly bundle in the $49 Live Wearable Kit (SA10252) for free during those mad end-of-year promotions. [Thanks, Dustin]
Sony STR-DA5200ES receiver adopts PSP/PS3-style interface
Sony's upcoming high end home theater receiver, the STR-DA5200ES features HDMI connections, 7.1 audio, video upconversion and everything else you would expect, will share something borrowed from the PSP. No, it's not a UMD-slot, it's the crossbar-style menu that will also be in use on the Playstation 3. You'll be able to access the menu as an overlay while still playing HD video playing behind it, picture-in-picture, and possibly be able to set up your A/V system without an engineering degree. This might be a bigger revolution in home theater than the Nintendo Wii controller is to gaming, a truly user-friendly UI would be a rare boon for users with complex systems. They'll be showing off this and many other components at CEDIA next week, if they really do have an interface that anyone can use the next challenge will be keeping your family away from it so they don't mess it up.
Pioneer's VSA-AX1AV 7.1ch receiver with 2 x HDMI and iPod support
Pioneer just dropped a couple of 7.1 channel receivers sportin' twin HDMI inputs. The mid-class VSA-AX1AV flaunts Pioneer's not-so-gimmicky Advanced MCACC technology which evaluates the acoustic characteristics of your room (including reverb) and then optimizes your home cinema speakers to approach "studio quality" sound. They also throw in an iPod input on top of generic USB DAP support which allows you to control your beloved iPod via Pioneer's remote while slapping your iPod's information up on the ol' TeeVee. And as we've seen in previous Pioneer receivers, this pup supports lossless WMA9 Pro audio playback in addition to the usual smattering of compressed formats like MP3, WMA, and AAC when you simply have no other choice. Also available is the trimmed-down VSA-1016V receiver which lacks MCACC and iPod support among other notables. Shipping in Japan mid-September with the VSA-AX1AV said to pull ¥118,000 (about $1,025) while the VSA-1016V should garner about ¥92,000 (about $800).[Via Impress]
Sony announces TA-DA3200ES 7.1 channel HDMI-compatible A/V receiver
Sony has announced its new TA-DA3200ES A/V receiver today, able to handle a full 7.1 channels of linear PCM audio and 1080p video through its HDMI interface, in other words, just enough to make the most of your brand-new Blu-ray player. The receiver's also got plenty of power, blasting 120W through all seven channels at 8Ω, and includes a auto-calibration mic that'll let you easily set up your speakers properly. And, since most of us will still be hanging onto our DVD collections for a while yet, you'll be pleased to know that the receiver can upconvert video through its array of inputs, including four S-video and three component. Look for it to drop this November for 99,750 Yen, or about $865 US.[Via HD Beat]
Sony's newest A/V receiver with 1080p HDMI input -- TA-DA3200ES
It will be nice when every A/V receiver has an HDMI input so we don't feel the necessity to mention it but Sony's newest ES receiver has just that along with loads of power. The TA-DA3200ES employs HDMI 1.2 in both inputs to transport the 1080p video along with the linear PCM 7.1 audio of Blu-ray. We got to warn you that this guy has loads of power as it can pump 120W per all seven of its channels at 8Ω. Now if you think you need that much power it is a good thing that Sony has included an auto calibration mic to detect and setup your speakers to work best with your room via test tones for you. The receiver has the standard array of legacy inputs that you would find on most high-end receivers but here's hoping that not many people are using the four S-Video ports.
Panasonic DMP-BD10 player gets price and accessories
In lieu of somebody actually releasing one of these Blu-ray players, Panasonic is getting "official" on their DMP-BD10 and have a price and some accessories to hopefully keep us entertained until it all drops in September. It looks like they're hoping to hit the premium end of the already pricey Blu-ray spectrum, and are going to be shipping this unit for $1300. Other than Blu-ray playback and 1080p upconverting, the main notable feature is some proprietary P4HD tech to improve 1080i/720p output over analog, which apparently excuses a $300 premium over other players. The $1000 7.1 channel SA-XR700 receiver nicely allows control over HDMI via Panasonic's Viera Link tech, and has an extra HDMI in and a single HDMI out for 1080p pass through. If you team all this up with Panny's $3000 SB-TP1000 speaker system, which includes "Twin Center Speaker" tech to double your center channel fun, and maybe toss in an 80-inch plasma, we're sure you'll have one of the hottest spots on your block for viewing "Benchwarmers" and "Fifth Element" when this all gets released -- in September.[Via HD Beat]
Denon's AVC-A1XVA receiver, or a small car?
It really isn't too often we find ourselves covering home theater receivers, but then again it isn't really often a company like Denon launches such a grandiose receiver that it might sets you back £4,800 (about $8,850 US). It might please you to know that for that somewhat sizable chunk of change, Denon's new AVC-A1XVA will supply you with streaming internet radio, network accessible MP3 and WMA audio, a five port 1080p HDMI upscaler and splitter with HDCP, dual-room 5.1, what appears to be a rather nice display driven remote, and a whole host of other features we're probably not even beginning to scratch the surface of. Should be available later this month from Denon UK, though we've yet to receive word on domestic release -- though if you're even considering this, the possibility of importing it is probably not outside your means.
