So you all heard of 3D like a dozen times by now (OK, maybe more than that), and you are pretty much aware that one has to have a 3D TV and 3D Blu-ray player in order to be able to engulf yourself into this new three dimensional viewing experience. However, if you would like to enjoy some 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound you gotta have an AV receiver, right? Well, for that matter I learned that my current high end receiver (STR-DA6400ES) will not pass through 3D because its HDMI spec is not at 1.4 version. Yup, that simple! So Sony today would like to put a smiley face on you and let you know that its new AV receivers coming out in summer will be happy to serve 3D to your home theater set up. One of its four receivers STR-DN1010 will do just that and will be around 5 Benjamins. Read on the press release below for more details and meanwhile can anyone answer this question for me: how come my mighty and ever updatable PS3 can get a sweet 3D firmware upgrade and be able to play and pass 3D content while my other Sony equipment cannot get such royal treatment?
SONY INTRODUCES ITS FIRST 3D COMPATIBLE AUDIO/VIDEO RECEIVER
Three Powerful Models with Expanded Connectivity Also Join Line-up
SAN DIEGO, Feb. 18, 2010 – Sony today announced its first A/V receiver capable of supporting 3D audio and video.
Featuring HDMI™ 1.4 3D pass-through technology, ample high definition connectivity and compatibility with all of the latest Blu-ray Disc™ audio formats, the new STR-DN1010 A/V receiver is designed to create a simple solution for controlling any high definition or 3D capable home theater.
“It’s important for consumers to understand the role that audio plays in the in-home 3D experience,” said Neal Manowitz, director of Sony’s Home Audio and Video division. “By streamlining connectivity and supporting 3D hardware and software, the STR-DN1010 receiver will provide a simplified approach to 3D home theater control and performance, ensuring the best possible user experience.”
The 7.1 channel STR-DN1010 A/V receiver (110 watts power per channel @8-Ohms, 1kHz, 1% THD) features full high definition 1080/24p support and seven HD inputs in total (four HDMI and three component) allowing for connection to a wide variety of HD devices. The receiver’s HDMI 3D pass-through technology supports 3D video from connected devices and passes them through to a 3D compatible high definition television, while decoding high-resolution audio codecs.
The receiver also features an icon-driven menu system for simple device and content navigation and has the ability to upscale analog video sources to 1080p resolution via HDMI. The model also boasts a sleek piano black gloss design that matches Sony’s line of Blu-ray Disc players and televisions.
The STR-DN1010 is compatible with all advanced audio codecs, including Dolby® TrueHD, dts®-HD Master Audio and features wireless 2nd zone capabilities through Sony’s S-AIR® wireless technology. With the addition of an S-AIR transmitter (model EZW-T100) and separate S-AIR speakers (sold separately), the receiver can also drive wireless audio in up to 10 additional rooms.
The STR-DN1010 A/V receiver also features a Digital Media Port (DMP) input for simple connection to external sources including an iPod® and iPhone® (compatible DMP accessories required and sold separately) and is compatible with both Deep Color™ and x.v.Color™.
The STR-DN1010 A/V receiver will be available this June for about $500.
Sony also introduced the new STR-DH810, STR-DH710 and STR-DH510 A/V receiver models to its core line-up. Specifications are as follows:
STR-DH810 A/V Receiver
Available in March for about $400
· 7.1 channel (110 watts power per channel @8-Ohms, 1 kHz, 1% THD)
· Seven HD connections (4 HDMI / 3 component)
· Upscales incoming analog video signals to 1080p
· 2nd Zone wireless audio (S-AIR ready)
· Compatible with Dolby TrueHD, dts-HD Master Audio
· Fully assignable audio and video inputs
· Audio Return Channel using just one cable for TV audio
· Stand by pass-through of Audio & Video via HDMI connected devices
· Universal Remote
STR-DH710 A/V Receiver
Available in March for about $300
· 7.1 channel (105 watts power per channel @8-Ohms, 1 kHz, 1% THD)
· Six HD connections (3 HDMI / 3 component)
· 2nd Zone wireless audio (S-AIR ready)
· Compatible with Dolby TrueHD, dts-HD Master Audio
· Fully assignable inputs allows for use of all connections
· Audio Return Channel using just one cable for TV audio
· Stand by pass-through of Audio & Video via HDMI connected devices
STR-DH510 A/V Receiver
Available in March for about $230
· 5.1 channel (100 watts power per channel @8-Ohms, 1 kHz, 1% THD)
· Five HD connections (3 HDMI / 2 component)
· HDMI Repeater for simplified audio and video signal management
· Blu-ray Disc Audio Decoding (Linear PCM Only)
· Audio Return Channel using just one cable for TV audio
· Stand by pass-through of Audio & Video via HDMI connected devices
