USA: Sony launches first 3D-compatible AV receiver
Sony USA has taken the wraps off its first 3D-compatible AV receiver, the STR-DN1010.
Selling for about $500 (£325) when it hits US shops in June, the new model has HDMI 1.4 capability, supporting 3D video from connected devices and passing them through to a 3D compatible high-definition television, and decodes all the current high-resolution audio codecs.
Delivering 7x110W, the new model also has a couple of features new to Sony receivers: that HDMI 1.4 capability gives it Audio Return Channel, allowing sound from an HDMI-connected TV to be sent back to the receiver without the need for an extra digital or analogue connection.
Meanwhile standby HDMI pass-through allows signal to flow through the receiver even when it's not in use. That means, for example, that you could watch your satellite TV box or Blu-ray player, with sound coming from the TV speakers, on those occasions when you don't want to switch on the full surround system.
The receiver also has DLNA-certified WiFi client capability, allowing it to stream music from a networked computer.
Other facilities include four HDMI inputs, Sony's Digital Media Port for portable devices and wireless/Blutooth connection, and wireless Zone 2 capability using an optional S-AIR transmitter and powered speakers. Using this, up to ten additional rooms can be fed with music.
Three other new Sony receivers are due in US shops next month, and feature HDMI 1.3 inputs, but an HDMI 1.4 output, thus allowing them to offer the Audio Return capability, but not 3D passthrough.
The STR-DH810 will sell for $400 (£260), and is otherwise broadly similar to the STR-DN1010 but minus the network audio capability, while the STR-DH710 ($300/£195) lowers the power to 7x105W and loses one HDMI input.
The entry-level model is the $230 (£150) STR-DH510, which will accept Blu-ray audio as linear PCM, rather than in native form, and delivers 5x100W.
No details have yet been announced regarding UK availability or pricing.
For the latest hi-fi and home cinema news, follow whathifi.com on Twitter
Comments
thanks andy
sounds good i take they do both output at the same time ?
The forthcoming Panasonic DMP-BDT300 has dual HDMI outputs, as you can read in our blog:
http://community.whathifi.com/blogs/shows_and_launches/archive/2010/02/17/panasonic-s-2010-viera-tv-range-in-detail.aspx
Are there any dual hdmi output player's
I was under the impression that this was a no no ...happy to be proved wrong ??
Why on Earth do you need to junk your current AV amp when upgrading to 3D?
You can simply buy a new 3D BD player with dual HDMI outputs, one to go directly to the monitor for video while the other goes to your existing amp to deliver the HD audio.
With VAT, I can see this being priced at about £400. I'll wait for the full review.
Finally DNLA coming in cheaper models. Buying a new receiver this year and was rueing the cost of having ethernet. My choices were big bucks on top of midrange or spending �250 on a squeezebox or Denon dock.
Anyone else think the design is very reminiscent of he Harmon Kardon AV recievers?
obviously this means not only do you need a 3d TV and a 3d blue ray player but you will have to replace your current av amp if you wish to get hd audio ,
Having just brought a new Sony av receiver this year I have suddenly gone cold on the idea of 3d ,