receivers
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Audioholics breaks out Marantz SR4003 receiver
The Audioholics store has lifted the lid on the new Marantz SR4003 receiver. Right up front, you'll notice the design borrows from Marantz's Reference series of components, so now you can satisfy your champagne-like tastes without breaking your beer-like budget. Joe Six Pack won't feel robbed by the feature set either -- the SR4003 is a seven-channel, 80-Watt number with a triplet of HDMI 1.3a inputs and a single output. With some 16,000-microfarads in the amplifier section's capacitor banks, those are pretty generous 80-Watts, too. Of course, there's an array of video upconversion and autocalibration niceties for you, too. For Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA, you'll have to use LPCM, but something had to be cut out to fit the budget. In all, the generous package of specs behind the nice-looking face and a $550 price sound like a good formula to us.%Gallery-30434%
RTI busts out V6 / A8 matrix switchers and CP-1680 audio amp
These are primarily for the pros, so we'll keep it short and sheet. RTI is getting set to unveil a trio of new products at CEDIA, the first of which routes eight analog audio and eight composite video sources to eight individual zones. Needless to say, that's the A8 Audio Distribution Matrix Switcher we're referring to. The V6 Video Distribution Matrix Switcher can switch six component and composite video sources between six varying zones, while the CP-1680 Multi-Channel Audio Amplifier provides audio through 16 channels at 80-watts each. Pricing has yet to be divulged, but feel free to venture on past the break for the whole release. %Gallery-30206%
Integra rolls ISF calibration into top-end AV receivers, preamp-processor
Here's an idea that makes sense -- since AV receivers do the video switching and format conversion, why not put the image calibration in there, too? Integra is doing exactly that with its DTR-8.9 ($1,900) and DTR-9.9 ($2,600) receivers, as well as the DHC-9.9 ($2,000) preamp-processor. Better yet, this functionality will conform to ISF (Imaging Science Foundation) protocols so all you pixel-peepers can sleep easy. This makes it possible to calibrate your video sources independently, so you're not limited by the number of inputs you have on your display device. The only problem we see with this is that your ISF tech has to shoulder the extra work of setting up more calibrations.
AMD selling its TV-chip unit to Broadcom for a cool $192.8 million in cash
AMD wasn't kidding around about trimming and down and driving hard after profitability. The company just struck up a deal with Broadcom to swap its TV-chip unit for $192.8 million in cash to help fight debt and seek out profitability. Broadcom is getting 530 AMD employees out of the deal and AMD's considerable experience in the digital TV chipset game, which will become the "core" of Broadcom's line in that market. The deal should close by the end of the year, and is unrelated to AMD's efforts to spin off its foundry biz.[Thanks, Keith L]
Cash in on old McIntosh gear with the Trade-UP program
Okay, it's not like we expect the typical McIntosh customer to exactly be clipping coupons, but the company is offering up some incentive to get owners to upgrade their gear. The new Trade-UP program credits owners 75-percent of the original MSRP as a trade-in on any working McIntosh amp, preamp, integrated amp or receiver, good towards the purchase of some of the company's newfangled gear. This is a limited time offer, so get to it. And if you're worried that any new McIntosh gear will look out of place, don't -- the same chrome, blue backlighting, analog meters and Olde English logos are still in use today. So yeah, this moves McIntosh ahead of our college textbooks, cars, most of our stocks and even our homes in terms of maintained value. Don't let anyone tell you you're wasting money on gear again. [Image courtesy The High Fidelity Museum]
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%
Trio of Yamaha AV receivers leaked alongside BD-S2900 Blu-ray player
Well, what have we here? Thanks to a few mighty believable screen captures, it looks as if Yamaha is getting ready to unveil at least three new AV receivers on the world alongside a stupidly priced Blu-ray player. The 7.1-channel RX-V1900 ($1,399.95) looks to boast four HDMI sockets, USB, a slew of digital audio ports and an undisclosed amount of power; the RX-V3900 ($1,899.95) and the RX-Z7 ($2,699.95) will deliver even more potency, though these are clearly aimed for the more affluent HT enthusiasts among us. Our real love interest here, however, is the mythical BD-S2900 -- an $1,199.95 Blu-ray player with BonusView, support for 1080p24 / 12-bit Deep Color, 192kHz / 24-bit DACs and a bunch of other ho hum specs that make us wonder just how inaccurate that MSRP must be. Here's hoping CEDIA clears things up on the whole gang.[Via AVBuzz, thanks Yuval]
Denon's AVR-5308CI receiver reviewed, price and value high
For most folks, it's hard to think of any $5,500 receiver as a "value purchase," but as we've seen before, "value" can get pretty slippery at the high end. Audioholics has put up a very detailed review of Denon's flagship AVR-5308CI receiver, just to test the value of the unit. If you want need a reference-quality centerpiece to your HT setup, we'd be hard-pressed to disagree with the analysis. First, think of the unit as a top-of-the-line Denon AVP-A1HDCI preamp/processor and a seven-channel amplifier that share a power cord, all in one tidy (and massive) chassis. Now consider the $7,500 price tag on that AVP-A1HDCI -- that's $2,000 more than the receiver, and you still have to shell out for an amplifier (or seven). Of course, maybe after the first $5,500, you won't feel the additional $2,000. Somehow we don't think that's true -- check your bank balance and hit the link for the review, not necessarily in that order.
Panasonic looking to grow its HD collective
Panasonic has big plans to grow the current roster of 30 families in its "Living in HD" program to 60 by 2009, with plans to ultimately hit 100 (or convert everyone on the planet). The program loads up entire families with all manner of Panasonic gear, HD-Santa style and has them document the results after the initial smash-and-grab (pictured above) with Panasonic HD camcorders. Our pitchman tells us it's like a tech-laden reality show, but without that entertaining ugly competitive element; because -- you know -- when it's about HD, everyone's a winner. There's some seriously sweet gear involved in the program, including a 50-inch plasma TV, Blu-ray player, HT setup, HD camcorder and a Wii, so head on over to the program website and apply. C'mon -- we can't think of any more qualified candidates, and you know you're going to buy that gear anyways!
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]
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]
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.
Silicon Image Si9251 debuts InstaPort fast HDMI switching tech
Silicon Image is back and its latest chips aim to offer improved video quality and innovations in connectivity. The SiI9251 and SiI9261 processors are destined for TVs and receivers, respectively, supporting up to 4 HDMI 1.3 inputs with x.v. color, as well as "InstaPort" technology that claims to enable high speed switching between HDMI jacks. Silicon Image's own Mobile High Definition Link (MHL) tech is in there too, as well as ChromaViv to ensure accurate color calibration. These chips may find themselves buried deep within your next consumer electronics purchase, and will quietly go about their business of HDMI input switching and color correcting (hopefully) without a peep.
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%
Sony unveils 2008 ES receiver lineup
Say hello to this year's warmed-over line of Sony's ES 7.1 channel audio/video receivers. Now-standard features in the line include a PS3/PSP-style xross media bar interface, 1080p Faroudja DCDi upconversion, a slew of audio codec support (Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, dts High Resolution Audio and dts HD Master Audio) plus Digital Media Port connectivity to hook up iPod or Bluetooth adapters or satellite radio. The higher end STR-DA4400ES (above) packs a 120-watt amplifier, six HDMI inputs, HD video output to two zones and audio to three zones for $1,500 when it debuts this August. The STR-DA3400ES and STR-DA2400ES both include a 100-watt amp, four HDMI jacks, the 3400 includes an IR repeater and support for a second video zone with its $1,000 price tag, while the 2400 drops those features and includes a basic interface for $800 next month. Take a peek at both after the break, then check your wallet to see where you fit in.
Sony intros STR-DG520, STR-DG720 and STR-DG820 AV receivers
Sony's got a new trio of AV receivers to get your work week started, and we'll hit 'em up in order of least fancy to most. The entry-level STR-DG520 (5 x 100-watts) packs a two-in / one out HDMI switcher with 1080p24 pass-through, Digital Cinema Auto Calibration, Cinema Studio EX processing and the company's Digital Media Port. Moving on up, the STR-DG720 (7 x 100-watts) includes a three-in / one-out HDMI repeater, 1080p24 / x.v.Color support, the ability to accept multi-channel HD audio as well as eight-channel Linear PCM and BRAVIA Sync to boot. The flagship STR-DG820 steps things up even further with four HDMI 1.3 inputs and one output, Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding, Cinema Studio EX and Neural-THX Surround processing and a 7 x 100-watt amplifier. Check the read link for more details on each, but you'll be forced to take a stab of your own at pricing.Update: These were a European announcement. USers already had 'em. %Gallery-25901%
Cisco set-top-boxes to solve U-verse audio dropouts?
Looks like one of those "souped-up" set-top-boxes could be just what the doctor ordered for ailing U-verse users. It's no secret (not even to AT&T) that many customers have been experiencing intermittent audio dropouts using optical audio connections on the current Motorola STBs. Typically, the glitches occur every 30 seconds to a minute, and the problem seems to reside within the box itself. Reportedly, Tier 2 technical support has advised some subscribers that Cisco boxes are now being dispatched for those dealing with the issue, and of course, AT&T asserts that these units will solve the problem. The latest word on end-user availability is "within [a few] weeks," so hopefully a bona fide fix isn't too far out.[Thanks, Ryan]
Ask Engadget HD: Using a HDTV to distribute audio
Home theaters have almost always been a balance between usability and experience. On one had having surround sound while watching TV is much more enjoyable, but at the same time trying to explain to the significant other how to turn it all on can be a nightmare. And in the spirit of a solution, William writes in:"I've been thinking that the next TV I bought would be the center of my system, with all of the HD inputs connected directly to my TV and the TV feeding digital sound to my multichannel Dolby Digital decoding amplifier. Then I noticed that the TVs SPDIF output doesn't work with HDMI inputs. This seems to me that it's negating the entire purpose of HDMI, using one simple cable. If I connect my DVD player to the TV using HDMI then I don't want to have to string a separate digital cable from my DVD player to my amplifier. I want to connect my TV to my amplifier once, and just use the power button and volume controls on the amp. Is this sort of thing common among TVs with digital sound outputs? Is it some copy restriction issue with the HDMI stuff that the digital sound can't then be shipped to a separate output?"Unfortunately this is very common and we've heard the DRM excuse on this one a few times -- but who knows if it's true. The fact is that the receiver has been the junction point of the HT system for years, and even with HDMI it continues to be. The good news is that if you play your cards right you can still have one remote (non universal) that easily controls everything. The trick is buying equipment -- which might mean replacing what you already have -- that supports HDMI-CEC, and works well together. Using HDMI-CEC, the receiver's remote can send signals to the HDTV via HDMI to let it know when to turn off and on. Furthermore, you Blu-ray player can tell the receiver to change inputs when it is turned on, etc. The bad news is that although HDMI-CEC is a standard, most manufacturers only guarantee compatibility with their products.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.
