Onkyo’s Sotec is an all-in-one media PC featuring a Intel Core 2 Duo 2.8GHz processor, 2GB/4GB of RAM, 500GB hard drive, 21.5-inch screen, TV Tuner, 4X Blu-ray player, webcam and iPod dock—plus a remote control to run things from the couch.

In Japan only for the time being, the Sotec actually (starts at?) $US1900, which actually makes it less of a value proposition than the bigger $US1500 iMac…that is, if you just view the system as a computer and not a complete home theatre PC. [Impress via Newlaunches]

TX-XR876:

UPPER SADDLE RIVER, NJ (9/15/08) — Onkyo USA has introduced two new top-of-the-line THX Ultra2 Plus certified 7.1-channel A/V receivers, the TX-SR876 and TX-NR906, which deliver superior performance and comprehensive features to easily surpass more expensive models from other brands. Both provide state-of-the-art HDMI repeaters for four high definition video sources, the new THX Loudness Plus processing, Audyssey’s new Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume technologies, HQV Reon-VX video upscaling to 1080p, plus powerful amplifiers, multi-room features, HD Radio, and, on the TX-NR906, advanced networked audio capabilities.

Besides assuring the highest level of performance in even very large rooms (over 3,000 cubic feet), the THX Ultra2 Plus standard incorporates THX Loudness Plus technology. This new processing algorithm compensates for the tonal and spatial shifts that occur when the volume level is reduced below the reference levels that the original soundtrack was mastered for. For instance, by slightly increasing the relative volume of the ambient sound at lower volumes, the impact of movies, music and games is much closer to what the sound engineer originally intended.

Carried over from the earlier TX-SR875 and TX-NR905 is Audyssey MultiEQ XT which uses measurements from as many as eight locations develop a custom-tailored EQ algorithm to ensure ideal performance throughout the listening room. New to the receivers is Audyssey’s newly developed Dynamic EQ technology, which makes adjustments to the output on -the-fly to compensate for reduced audibility and balance between front and surround channels, particularly at lower volume levels. Finally, these are among the first products available to include Audyssey’s Dynamic Volume technology, which continually monitors input signals and adjusts gain to maintain a consistent output volume regardless of changes in the source signal strength.

The TX-SR876 and TX-NR906 also incorporate one of the most advanced video upconversion processors available — Silicon Image HQV Reon-VX — for clean, highly detailed deinterlacing and scaling to resolutions as high as 1080p via HDMI (1080i via component-video). Its pixel-by-pixel processing and sophisticated noise-reduction algorithms yield sharp, artifact-free images from SD as well as HD sources.

Audio decoding and processing in the TX-NR906 and TX-SR876 is courtesy of three Texas Instruments Aureus 32-bit DSP chips. Internal decoding is provided for every major sound format in use today, including the HD and lossless audio codecs included on the latest Blu-Ray discs. All channels have Burr-Brown PCM1796 192-kHz/24-bit DACs, with a TI-developed architecture that enhances jitter tolerance and dynamic performance for the purest possible digital-to-analogue conversion of all signals. Onkyo’s own VLSC (Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry) at the outputs removes all traces of digital pulse contamination from the final analogue signals.

Conservatively rated at 145 and 140 watts per channel respectively, the TX-NR906 and TX-SR876 A/V receivers have all the muscle necessary to drive any home-theatre system to its limits. Onkyo’s low-feedback WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology) and parallel push-pull topology employs a three-stage inverted Darlington circuit to dramatically reduce distortion at all output levels. The HCPS (high-current power supply) design ensures ample current for any combination of signal and speakers — often twice as much as from competing products, while the video and audio preamplifier circuits each have separate power supplies and transformers for improved noise isolation.

Both receivers offer IR and bidirectional RS-232 ports for system control, 12-volt triggers, and an improved graphical user interface for system setup. Additionally, these are among the first models to include Imaging Science Foundation Certified Calibration Controls (ISFccc), which enable ISF Certified technicians to access and independently adjust the video parameters for each source connected to the receiver, ensuring the highest quality video performance for all material.

The TX-SR876 and, especially, the TX-NR906 are built to work with all the latest A/V sources and formats. Besides being XM and Sirius satellite-radio-ready (including Neural-THX surround for XM HD), both have built-in HD Radio tuners and are fully compatible with Onkyo RI (Remote Interactive) iPod docks. The Windows Vista Certified TX-NR906 also supports portable digital audio devices thanks to a front panel USB connection, as well as streaming audio via rear panel Ethernet port. Ethernet streaming includes files stored on networked PCs and hard drives in a wide range of formats (MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC, and Ogg Vorbis), as well as web-based audio programs via Internet radio, including SIRIUS iRadio and vTuner support. The inclusion of Onkyo’s Music Optimizer function ensures the highest fidelity audio performance from all these digital sources.

The TX-SR876 and TX-NR906 are currently available at suggested retail prices of $1,799 and $2,299, respectively.

ONKYO to Ship Blu-ray Disc Player In Late 2008

New player will work with ONKYO’s high-definition A/V receivers to realise full potential of high-definition media

OSAKA (7/1/08) – ONKYO Corporation has announced that it will release its first Blu-ray Disc Player for the international market in late 2008. This player is designed to partner with Onkyo’s high-definition A/V receivers equipped with full HDMI processing of 1080p video and decoding of Dolby® TrueHD and DTS-HD™ Master Audio surround sound formats.

Onkyo was among the first home theatre manufacturers to offer full audio and video processing capabilities for HD formats such as Blu-ray Disc. The company’s A/V receivers deliver a complete high-definition experience with onboard decoding of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio codecs. The release of this Blu-ray Disc player will be timely given that the second-generation of high-definition-capable Onkyo A/V receivers is now available. Product details and pricing will be announced prior to delivery.

Due to a policy of continuous product improvement, Onkyo reserves the right to change specifications and appearance without notice.

• The HT-S4100 is a 5.1 systems that seems to lack HDMI, has a 200 watt sub and that same iPod dock. US$479
• The HT-S3100 sub is powered by the receiver and lacks a dock. US$379.

UPPER SADDLE RIVER, NJ (04/17/08) — Onkyo has introduced three new packaged home theatre systems, each consisting of a flexible HDTV-capable audio-video receiver, five or seven surround-sound loudspeakers, powerful subwoofer, and an included iPod docking station on two of the systems. These systems, popularly called HTiB for “Home Theatre in a Box,” can be combined with a video display, Blu-Ray or DVD player, and cable/satellite TV box to provide a complete home theatre surround sound experience.

The 7.1 channel home theatre receiver included with top of the line HT-S5100 offers an amazing range of capabilities at such a modest price point. The HT-R560 receiver has three 1080p compatible HDMI inputs and one output. The HDMI Pass-Thru provides optimal video quality with separate connections for the audio channels. For optimum sound quality, the highly regarded Audyssey 2EQ room correction technology automatically adjusts the sound character and time delay of each speaker relative to the listening positions. Additionally, Audyssey’s Dynamic EQ adjusts sound on the fly to optimise sound quality for any volume, particularly at low listening levels.

The HT-S5100 includes advanced Dolby and DTS surround sound processing capabilities, a powerful 130-watts per channel using Onkyo’s Wide Range Amplifier Technology (WRAT), seven loudspeakers with outstanding sound quality, and a powerful 290-watt subwoofer and is Sirius Satellite Radio ready. The HT-S5100 system also includes a new dedicated Onkyo iPod dock and charging station, plus the company’s new Music Optimizer technology to enhance the dynamic range of MP3 and AAC files which are normally compressed for headphone playback.

The more affordable Onkyo HT-S4100 and HT-S3100 are 5.1-channel systems with HDTV-capable component video switching, DTS and Dolby Digital surround processing, and five loudspeakers. The HT-S4100 has a 200-watt subwoofer and included iPod dock. The HT-S3100’s subwoofer is powered by the receiver, and there is no iPod dock with this system.

All three systems include full-function remote controls, and are available in either black or silver finishes.

The Onkyo HT-S5100, HT-S4100 and HT-S3100 will be available in April with suggested retail prices of $579, $479, and $379 each, respectively.

UPPER SADDLE RIVER, NJ (03/17/08) — Onkyo has introduced two affordably-priced A/V receivers that deliver a remarkable array of high end features for home theatre and multichannel music reproduction. The 80 watt-per-channel TX-SR576 and 75 watt-per-channel TX-SR506 are the lowest priced receivers ever to include the company’s Powered Zone 2 capability and front channel bi-amplification features, and are among the first receivers available anywhere to include Audyssey’s new Dynamic EQ loudness correction technology. These receivers each include three HDMI inputs, Audyssey 2EQ automatic room correction, and also mark the company’s first implementation of its new Music Optimizer software, which improves fidelity for MP3 and AAC encoded digital music sources.

The Onkyo TX-SR576 and TX-SR506 are the first receivers at these price points to include the company’s dual-source Powered Zone 2 capability, which allows the receiver’s rear surround amplifier channels to power stereo speakers in a second room while still listening to 5.1-channel sound in the main zone. The receiver is capable of processing separate multichannel and stereo sources simultaneously for the main and second zone, or processing a single source for both. There is also a Zone 2 pre-out that can be used in conjunction with a dedicated zone amplifier or receiver. Finally, for those with premium “biampable” loudspeakers, where the bass and midrange/treble drivers are each driven by separate amplifiers, the rear surround channels can be reconfigured for this more powerful operating mode.

Both receivers are well suited for use with high-definition displays and source components, including 1080p Blu-ray players, HD set-top boxes, and the latest generation of gaming consoles. The TX-SR576 features HDMI 1.2a with single-cable connectivity for audio and video functions, and additional decoding for Dolby Digital Plus high-resolution audio. The TX-SR506 includes HDMI pass-through, which has the ability to transmit 1080p video and Deep-Color™ data, but requires a separate connection for audio signals.

The Audyssey 2EQ automatic calibration system featured on the Onkyo TX-SR576 and TX-SR506 receivers employs an included calibration microphone to analyse the system’s acoustical output at three positions in the listening area. The receiver sends test signals to each speaker in turn, then uses the inputs from the microphone to adjust channel level and time delay settings for each speaker. By taking readings in three different positions in the theatre room, the receiver can be calibrated to the speakers and environment, delivering optimal response throughout the room rather than just at the ’sweet spot’ directly in front of the screen.

Additionally, these receivers are among the first products ever to employ Audyssey’s Dynamic EQ algorithm, which adds moment-by-moment refinement to the receiver’s frequency response and surround levels in order to compensate for volume-dependent deteriorations in the listening experience, particularly at low volume levels. When used in combination with the Audyssey 2EQ system, this feature tailors the receiver’s output to correct for room acoustics, listening position, and playback-level distortions, delivering an overall experience that is a much closer match to what the audio production engineers originally intended.

These are the first receivers to implement Onkyo’s Music Optimizer technology, which improves the quality of compressed audio such as MP3 and AAC encoded digital music files. While these compressed audio formats sound quite acceptable over small headphones or PC speaker systems, when reproduced on a full-scale home theatre system the loss of high-frequency information becomes much more apparent. The Music Optimizer employs sophisticated equalization and optimization algorithms to overcome these faults, and enhances the reproduction quality of digitally compressed music.

For sharp and accurate audio reproduction, both receivers employ 32-bit DSP processing and 192 kHz/24-bit digital-to-analogue converters on all channels. Each includes 7.1-channel surround processing for Dolby Digital EX, Dolby ProLogic IIx, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, and DTS Neo:6. The receivers also include a user-selectable eight-setting subwoofer crossover adjustment for ideal integration of any subwoofer/satellite speaker system.

Both receivers are designed to take complete advantage of the company’s RI (Remote Interactive) iPod dock/charger models. The receivers include preprogrammed RI-compatible remote controls, and are available in either black or silver finishes.

The Onkyo TX-SR576 and TX-SR506 will be available in April at suggested retail prices of $479 and $379 each, respectively.

[Onkyo]