UPDATE: Spotify search comes to Onkyo's new network receivers

Thanks Andrew and Onkyo for the prompt and comprehensive reply.

Limitations understood now.

I'll just have to update (after some convincing with my ggod lady)

At least Onkyo are also doing 4K2K support also, which I believe will be a much better TV seller than 3D.

Roll on the rollout of that specification on the TV's and I'll be updating receiver, TV & projector

Thanks again Onkyo & Andrew.

bcolgan,

Response just in from Onkyo:

"At the time bcolgan purchased the Onkyo TX-NR905 it was indeed the finest home cinema receiver in its class, as I'm sure the he/she is aware. However it was launched in early 2007, with the best technology platform available at the time. Spotify was launched in October 2008. Running Spotify requires a receiver to be equipped with exceedingly powerful processing as well extensive new programming, EPGs etc. These solutions simply were not commercially available in 2007... to any manufacturer.

"Spotify itself is, quite rightly, very specific about the sort of user experience its subscribers deserve and will not endorse second-rate solutions. This year's range of Onkyo receivers are the first net-connected receivers - from any manufacturer - that have been capable of running Spotify to its exacting standards. Our engineers have worked hand in hand with the Spotify team for many months to ensure that consumers get a truly excellent 'lean-back' experience with the music streaming service. You can be assured that the technology required to do this is cutting edge, even now. There is, quite simply, no way that a TX-NR905 could run Spotify without major, fundamental (and wholly uneconomic) re-engineering... the exact same observation applies to any of its peers of the time from competing manufacturers. Despite what the forum member might believe, Spotify is categorically not a 'simple item to implement' on older receivers. If it was, we would do it in a heartbeat...

"Bear in mind, too, that, despite there being many net-connected products out there, at the time of writing no other manufacturer has yet managed to incorporate Spotify into their 2011 series home cinema receivers. This is despite our models having been available for some months now. That is a measure of how difficult the challenge of incorporating Spotify is, one that Onkyo was nevertheless proud to rise to. Doubtless other brands will support the streaming service in the fullness of time but that will not diminish Onkyo's pioneering achievement this year. We strive  to bring consumers the best combination of features, performance and value for money possible at any given moment in time.

"As for the notion that Onkyo does not maintain support for older products that is simply untrue... we pride ourselves on the level of support we offer and engagement we have with those who purchase our products. We're only human so mistakes can and do get made but the forum member should never doubt our intent or our determination to resolve them when things go awry.

"What is undeniably true is that technology can and does impose limitations on what can be achieved several years down the line. That's simply a fact of life.

"For instance, Onkyo recently launched its first Android App, designed primarily for the 2011 range. However, we are hard at work trying to upgrade the NR***8 series receivers so that they too can be controlled by the App. Because we know they can be. Equally, however, we know already, that the NR***7 series cannot be upgraded for control via our Android App.

"Whenever there is an opportunity to add value or functionality to legacy products Onkyo always strives to do so. It's just that in the real world there are limitations that place a bar on what can be achieved. This is a universal truth that all manufacturers (and consumers) have to live with."

Have to say, this annoys me slightly.

Not so many years ago, I spent over £1000 on an Onkyo TX-NR905. This was claimed to be in the home theatre super league.

It's a networkable device and so I do not see any reason why it also cannot receive updates which would allow the Spotify addition, along with Android control. If it was a sub-£500 device, then I could understand but not at this level of expenditure.

Why are Onkyo not maintaining support for their older products? Particularly where it would appear to be a relatively simple item to implement, as the receiver will have an IP address, so can be instructed through same.

I will be spending a similar amount on a receiver in the coming year and it is not likely I will be returning with another Onkyo.

I do love Onkyo receivers tempted to buy a new one but can't bring myself to part with my 875. Are the new models a huge improvement in terms of audio and video?

sirlukas,

Onkyo has asked me to point out that 'Onkyo is quite content to have been the No1 selling [AV receiver] brand for the last 3 years... selling 50% more receivers than it currently does would likely kill off the rest of the industry which, Onkyo being nice folk, would rather not do '

Onkyo, if you only made an AVR that would look half decent you would sell 50% more than you do at the moment!

That's pretty cool.