CNET has the inside scoop on Denon’s new 2007 lineup of A/V receivers. It’s an extensive new lineup - covering low end models all the way up to the a new high end flagship receiver. Let’s start with the new low end receivers with the AVR-1508, AVR-1708 and the AVR-1908.

The AVR-1508 features:

• Two HDMI 1.3a ports (video only)
• Price: $350 and due in September

The AVR-1708 features:

• Two HDMI 1.3a ports (video only)
• Feature Audyssey auto setup
• Upconversion to the component video output
• Price: $500 and due in September

The AVR-1908 features:

• True HDMI switching with video and audio support
• Feature Audyssey auto setup
• Upconversion to the component video output
• Price: $600 and due in September

Denon AVR-2308CI

• Supports HDMI upconversion (to 1080p via Faroudja scaling)
• Dual zone, dual source support - send separate audio sources to separate sources
• Basic second zone remote
• Price: $840 and due in August

Denon AVR-2808CI

• Similar to the AVR-2080CI but adds three zone, three source support
• Decodes Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
• Preamp outputs
• Two component video outputs
• Add one additional video input, optical digital audio input, and optical digital audio output
• Price: $1250 and due in late July/early August

Denon AVR-3808CI

• Features Denon’s new graphical user interface
• Integrated digital media playback into the GUI showing album art and track information
• Ethernet port - allows users to log into the receiver and make adjustments remotely
• USB port
• Works with iTunes (requires TwonkyMedia which costs $40 dollars to download)
• 4 HDMI inputs
• Price: $1600 and due in July

Denon AVR-4308CI

• 140 watts x 7 channels
• HD Radio and XM ready tuning
• Dolby TrueHD and dts-HD Master Audio
• DDSC-HD digital Dynamic Discrete Surround Circuitry
• HDMI 1.3a ports with Deep Color and xvYCC support
• Pure Direct mode and Advanced AL24 processing multi channel
• Denon LINK III enabling high speed, high-grade digital signal transmission
• Adds 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi support
• Adds second zone component video output
• Four HDMI inputs and two HDMI outputs
• Dedicated iPod port for optional ASD-1R D-dock
• Comes with dual remotes
• Price: $2500 and is now available

Denon AVR-5308CI

• Flagship model for Denon
• HQV Realta processor
• HDMI to HDMI scaling
• Six HDMI inputs and two HDMI outputs
• Price: $5200 and due in December

Technorati Tags: Denon, 2007 receivers, A/V receivers

(republished from Krunker.com)

Fans of the high end Sony ES line of receivers will be happy to hear that they have introduced three new models to the ES line. The new receivers are the STR-DRA5300ES, the STR-DA4300ES, and the STR-DA3300ES. These new models are fully compatible with the latest audio formats such as Dolby Digital +, Dolby TrueHD, dts High Resolution Audio, and dts HD Master Audio. The high end 5300ES comes with a whopping six HDMI inputs!

Common features found on all three new ES models include:

• Digital Media Port which allows integration of other accessories
• Support for iPod integration via iPod audio dock (TDM-iP1) and the digital media port
• Support for PC WiFi client for streaming digital music (TDM-NC1) to the receiver via the digital media port
• Support for the new Sony Bluetooth receiver to connect to various Bluetooth enabled devices
• Support for the Sony audio docking station (TDM-NW1) which is compatible with select Sony Network Walkman products
• Comes with the Cortez Advanced controller featuring Faroudja DCDi Cinema technology - upscales all video sources to 1080p via HDMI
• Supports 1080/60p and 24p video formats
• Supports BRAVIA Theatre Sync technology
• Digital Cinema auto calibration with stereo microphone
• Portable Audio Enhancer
• Sirius and XM Connect-and-Play ready

The STR-DA5300ES features:

• 120 watt amp (8 ohms, 20Hz - 20kHz frequency response,, 0.09 percent THD)
• Accepts eight channel linear PCM
• First receiver to distribute high definition content to a second room (zone)
• Picture in picture for monitoring multi-zone output or an external video source
• Six “Active Intelligence” HDMI inputs (one output) that support Deep Color and x.v.Color technology
• Available in Sept for $1700

The STR-DA4300ES features:

• 100 watt amp (8 ohms, 20 Hz - 20kHz frequency response, 0.09 percent THD)
• Accepts eight channel linear PCM
• Three “Active Intelligence” HDMI inputs and one output - supports Deep Color and x.v.Color
• Available in October for $1300

The STR-DA3300ES features:

• 100 watt amp (8 ohms, 20 Hz - 20kHz frequency response, 0.09 percent THD)
• Accepts eight channel linear PC
• Three “Active Intelligence” HDMI inputs (one output) that support x.v.Color technology
• Available in August for $1000

If I had the money, I’d consider the high end STR-DA5300ES model - if only because I could use those six HDMI inputs.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Sony, Receivers, STR-DRA5300ES, STR-DA4300ES, STR-DA3300ES

Steve Tobak has published an interesting blog posting over at News.com entitled “HD Radio - what’s the holdup?”. He briefly talks about the background of HD Radio, how it came about, where it’s gone over the years, and what’s holding it up today. Definitely an interesting read if you’re curious to know more about HD Radio and how it all came about.

[Check it out]

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There’s a funny article over at ExtremeTech written by Loyd Case detailing his latest home theater endeavors. Loyd decided to try out a new HDTV set - the Sony KDS-55A2020 - and in doing so, fell into the upgrade nightmare that I ran into earlier this year. You get a 1080p capable display and you end up wanting to go 1080p throughout the system. So Case went from just upgrading his television set to getting a new HD DVD player.. and then a new Blu-ray player.. and then finally, a whole new receiver in the form of the Onkyo TX-SR875.

Earlier this year, I went through nearly the same type of upgrade nightmare. I decided to get a new 1080p Samsung LCD HDTV monitor.. but in doing so, I realized I really should upgrade my receiver to support HDMI connections. Of course, now that I have a 1080p display, I’m looking into getting a new Blu-ray player (since I already have am HD DVD player in the form of the Xbox 360 HD DVD player). One upgrade begets another doesn’t it? Well enjoy the read!

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Home Theater Madness, Home Theater Systems, ExtremeTech

Ever wish you had a real home theater setup at home? Is your home theater simply a 15 inch black and white TV coupled with some rabbit ears? Then you need to enter “the MakeShifters Ultimate Home Theater Makeover” contest sponsored by Denon, Boston Acoustic, La-Z-Boy, and Circuit City. To enter, simply take a picture or make a video of your home theater city and submit it to the website here. You need to convince the world why you ‘re the best candidate for a home theater makeover. Make sure your entry is “creative, funny, and original to increase your chances of winning.” You can submit up to five videos and five photo essays.  The contest actually began on May 25th but will continue until July 20th so get your pictures and videos together. Voting began on June 8th so you can view the entries thus far here.

So you might be wondering what kind of “Ultimate Home Theater Makeover” you will be getting if you win? Well here’s the component breakdown:

• Boston Acoustics P430 Left, Center, Right Channel speakers
• Boston Acoustics XB6 Subwoofer
• Two Boston Acoustics Bravo II Rear Surround Speakers
• Denon DVD757 Disc Player
• Denon AVR987 Receiver
• Denon D-Dock for iPod
• Denon AH-D2000 Headphones
• La-Z-Boy Matinee seating for 4-6 people (subject to winner’s home space limitation)
• Rug
• Tables
• Circuit City firedog service, Circuit City Content (DVDs, CDs) - up to $500 dollar value
• Video display and remote control (up to 3000 dollars)

The second place winner gets the following:

• La-Z-Boy recliner (est. value: 1,000.00)
• Circuit City CD and DVD shopping spree ($500 gift card)
• Boston Acoustics/Denon DHT687 Home Theater System

The third place winner gets:

• Boston Acoustics MicroSystem CD
• Boston Acoustics Recepter Radio
• Denon AH-D2000 Headphones
• Denon AH-C700 In-ear headphones

[Check it out via Home Theater Blog]

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