Sony introduces Z Series of ES AV receivers for custom install market

By Andy Clough
published

Not surprisingly, the main attraction on Sony's stand at CEDIA Expo 2014 is 4K, with the company showing off its 2014 range of 4K TVs and projectors, and its 4K media player.

But also on display is the new Z Series of ES home cinema receivers, being pitched in the US at the custom installation market. There are three models: the Sony STR-ZA3000ES (pictured), the STR-ZA2000ES and STR-ZA1000ES.

The flagship 'ZA3000ES model is a 7.2-channel receiver delivering a claimed 110W into 8ohms. It supports all the usual high-res Dolby and DTS surround sound formats, but there's no mention of Dolby Atmos.

The front has a removable panel that clips on or off, behind which you can see all the controls. The unit is designed to fit in a custom install rack as part of a home installation.

Sony STR-ZA3000ES has multiple inputs and outputs

Sony STR-ZA3000ES has multiple inputs and outputs

There are eight assignable inputs (six HDMI inputs and two component), and a front USB port for system updates and set-up. All HDMI connections are HDCP 2.2 compliant. 4K upscaling and passthrough, 3D support, Bravia Sync Control, Audio Return Channel (ARC) and auto calibration are also part of the package.

Sony VPL-VW1100ES 4K projector

Sony VPL-VW1100ES 4K projector

Sony VPL-VW1100ES 4K projector

Elsewhere on the Sony stand was a selection of the 4K TV range we'd already seen at CES in January and now on sale, plus a pair of 4K projectors, the Sony VPL-VW600ES and VPL-VW1100ES. The former has 1700 ANSI Lumens brightness, a claimed 200,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, support for HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 and a native resolution of 4096 x 2160.

The bigger 'VW1100ES gets 2000 ANSI Lumens brightness, 1,000,000:1 claimed dynamic contrast ratio and the same 4K resolution.

MORE: Sony's 2014 4K TV range in full

Sony FMP-X10 4K media player with 1TB hard drive

Sony FMP-X10 4K media player with 1TB hard drive

Last, but by no means least, Sony showed off its FMP-X10 Ultra HD 4K media player with built-in 1TB hard drive, Netflix and access to a library of 200 4K films.

Andy Clough
Andy Clough

Andy is Global Brand Director of What Hi-Fi? and has been a technology journalist for 30 years. During that time he has covered everything from VHS and Betamax, MiniDisc and DCC to CDi, Laserdisc and 3D TV, and any number of other formats that have come and gone. He loves nothing better than a good old format war. Andy edited several hi-fi and home cinema magazines before relaunching whathifi.com in 2008 and helping turn it into the global success it is today. When not listening to music or watching TV, he spends far too much of his time reading about cars he can't afford to buy.