NEWS: Sony turns on the style with DAV-F200 2.1 home cinema system

Home cinema without the clutter – that's the promise from Sony with its new DAV-F200 2.1 Bravia system.

The main control centre can be wall mounted, or placed on a shelf or desk. Virtual surround sound is provided courtesy of two compact speakers and a subwoofer.

According to the blurb, the DAV-F200 uses Sony's S-Force Front Surround technology, and delivers a claimed 135w per channel from its 32-bit S-Master digital amplifier.

The HDMI output upscales video to 1080p for optimum picture quality, and Bravia Sync provides single-remote control for the system and a Bravia TV.

There's a USB socket on the main unit, allowing users to play from connected devices and record to them.

The system is also compatible with Sony's DMPORT modular digital media adapters, which include docks for a range of portable MP3 players, iPods, Sony Ericsson mobile phones as well as Bluetooth and wi-fi-enabled laptops or PCs.

The DAV-F200 will play DVDs, CDs and file formats such as MP3, WMA, DiVX and JPEG. There's also a built-in radio.

Key features of the DAV-F200 include:

• HDMI connection with 1080p upscaling and BRAVIA Sync system control
• USB play and record
• DMPORT connection for portable devices
• Portable Audio Enhancer
• 405W 32bit S-Master Digital Amplifier
• S-Force Front Surround
• Plays DVD, DVD+/-R/RW, CD, CD-R/RW, MP3, WMA, JPEG, DivX (plus WMA and AAC on USB)
• Optical/coaxial digital and analogue inputs for external sources
• Supplied with remote handset
• Wall-mount bracket is an optional extra