Sony Shows Off New 3D Capable Home Theater Audio Systems

Sony Japan recently revealed some updates to their all-in-one home theater systems. Some of you may remember the popular HT-CT100, which is Sony’s “home theater in a box” (HTIB), decorated with rich connectivity and overall respectable sound for the price. It has been a while since that model was released and Sony is refreshing the line with the HDMI 1.4 capable HT-CT150 and HT-CT350 (CT350 pictured above). These will both be released in Japan on April 30th, but they are coming to the USA probably in the Summer or Fall. The HT-CT350 will cost Y50,000 ($550USD), while the CT150 will be about ten thousand less.

What new features do they bring? One of the biggest additions is 3D support, which allows 3D displays and source devices to communicate through an HDMI link. It’s a major milestone on the path to bringing true 3D gaming and 3D home theater to the mass market, supporting resolutions up to 1080p in 3D.

There’s also the addition of ARC, which stands for Audio Return Channel. This basically enables a TV, via a single HDMI cable, to send audio data “upstream” to an A/V receiver or surround audio controller, increasing user flexibility and eliminating the need for any separate S/PDIF audio connection. Format support includes Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby Pro Logic Ⅱ, MPEG-2 AAC, Linear PCM (2ch/5.1ch/7.1ch). The usual S-Force PRO front surround sound technology is back again, as well as a S-Master digital amplifier, Deep Color and x.v. Color modes.

Both models are the usual beautiful black, minimalistic monolithic design we have seen elsewhere with Sony’s 2010 home theater lineup. And like last year, both HTIB’s have a soundbar and subwoofer – the HT-CT150 has a fairly average 280W maximum output, while the CT350 hits in at 320W. Last year’s HT-CT100 came in at 250W.

There are three HDMI inputs, one HDMI output, two SPDIF’s, and digital coax input. There is also two analog audio inputs, a DMPORT (for Walkman, iPod connectors), and the CT350 has a FM tuner.

There is also a new widget you can use on your BRAVIA TV in conjunction with these new home theater systems that allows you to control certain characteristics such as audio output and sound mode.