The design is basically one sealed sound chamber filled with enough speakers for an authentic surround sound experience: four 2.6-inch flat speakers and two 4.5-inch passive radiator speakers. You’ll find a 2×10W Class D amplifier squeezed in that shell as well.

Plugging in or operating off a built-in lithium polymer battery, the i24R3 has no inputs, instead receiving signals over 2.4GHz wireless USB or A2DP Bluetooth — yes, from software like iTunes and devices like iPhones.

And while we have no idea how it actually sounds or how much it actually costs, we have too many regularly intoxicated friends with too good access to aerodynamic implements to ever invest in one of our own. [Michael Young via The Design Blog]

Yamaha clumsily calls neoHD a “media connector,” which makes it sound like just part of the home-theater equation, rather than a solution to that equation. What neoHD really is is a streamlined AV receiver with more emphasis on “V” than “A.”

It’s a smallish box with a zillion inputs—3 HDMI, 2 component, 1 composite, both optical and coax digital audio, and a USB port—and a few choice outputs. Straightaway there’s support for an iPod dock or a Bluetooth stereo receiver. There’s an amp to drive your own 5.1 surround-sound speaker set, or a 2.1 system that you can buy bundled with it that uses a virtual surround sound. It has IR blasters for TiVo, cable boxes and I suppose even Xbox (though not PS3, right?), so that everything can be run and managed through the system. And to do that, it’s got a super-simplified remote, signaling the days of the 14″ long AV receiver remote are finally, possibly, at an end.

As you probably guessed from the picture, it ditches for good this notion that a receiver can be programmed with a tiny LED display and a bunch of abbreviated terms like “PrLgcII,” instead throwing everything to an on-screen display that is sadly not pictured here. The core is a natural-language command hierarchy much like the one that made Logitech’s Harmony remotes famous, where you select “Watch” “Listen” or “Play” and a series of commands are set into motion.

The basic YMC-500 unit costs $US600, a little steep, perhaps, but if it replaces a Harmony as well as an AV receiver, it could well earn its price—we’ll find out for sure when we have a look at a review unit. There’s a $US200 step-up YMC-700 model that comes with Ethernet and Wi-Fi, which is good for Rhapsody as well as local content (using Twonky Media Server), but something tells me Yamaha may not be able to go as far as Samsung, LG, Sony or Panasonic to secure really good on-demand video. $US800 is also the price of the YMC-500 with 2.1 speakers thrown in.

YAMAHA neoHD MEDIA CONTROLLERS WITH SIMPLIFIED REMOTES OFFER INTUITIVE CONTROL OVER ENTIRE HD ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS

- Breakthrough Components Deliver HD Audio, HDMI, AIR SURROUND XTREME and Dynamic Full-Color On-Screen Menus for Quick Access to Desired Entertainment -

BUENA PARK, Calif.––Yamaha Electronics Corporation, the innovator in home theatre and digital audio and video reproduction, today ushers in the future of home entertainment with the introduction of neoHD. These sophisticated Media Controllers provide the HD audio and video performance essential to true HD entertainment experiences and total control of all home and Internet components and sources connected to a home AV system. Using a simple remote to drive an intuitive menu-driven on-screen display, neoHD makes it easier than ever before to navigate and access all audio and video content in the home, regardless of where it is stored.

Upon touching the power button of the neoHD remote, the Media Controller and connected TV automatically power up and give the user three onscreen entertainment choices: “Watch,” “Listen,” or “Play.” Next, the user is prompted to choose among more specific activities (such as Watch Movie, Watch LiveTV, Listen CD, etc) at which time icons for the appropriate video, audio or video game components (such as Blu-ray players, CD players, cable boxes, iPods, game consoles, etc.) will appear. Once the component is selected, it automatically powers on and is fully operational via the neoHD remote and on-screen interface. All individual component remotes that normally clutter the room can be kept out of sight in a drawer.

neoHD can control up to six other AV components, such as TVs, Blu-ray disc players and set-top boxes, through its remote control and three IR outputs on the Media Controller’s back panel. Remote control codes for the AV components (including TVs, DVD and Blu-ray players, VCRs, set-top boxes, etc.) from most manufacturers are embedded into the neoHD Media Controller for immediate compatibility and control. The codes for components that are not embedded can be quickly learned by the Media Controller.
neoHD is available in a variety of configurations, including neoHD (YMC-500), neoHD WiFi (YMC-700) with WiFi/Ethernet compatibility, and the neoHD System 2.1 (YMC-S21), a complete surround sound and system control solution that matches the YMC-500 Media Controller with two high-quality speakers and a subwoofer.

Both neoHD models feature HD quality audio playback (Dolby TrueHD) and three HDMI inputs for connecting HD AV sources, such as a Blu-ray player, digital set-top box or Apple TV. Also provided are two component video inputs for game consoles and DVRs, such as Tivo, and single composite video inputs for a VCR. The YMC-700’s WiFi compatibility allow it to wirelessly play back content from PCs, laptops and audio files stored on hard drives. Even without the computer powered on, the Rhapsody online music service and Internet radio can be accessed directly from the Internet. YMC-700 can also playback iTunes AAC files via TwonkyMedia Server Software that purchasers have access to via a bundled licence key.
Both models also allow connectivity to portable devices, such as USB memory sticks, as well as iPods and Bluetooth-enabled devices (including cell phones, PCs or Macs) via optional accessories (Yamaha YDS-11, MSRP $US99.95, and Yamaha YBA-10, MSRP $US129.95, respectively).

neoHD employs several proprietary audio technologies. Users can take advantage of Yamaha’s popular Cinema DSP programs, such as Movie, Music, Entertainment and All Channel Stereo, to optimise movie, TV and sports viewing experiences in systems with 5.1 speaker configurations. Yamaha’s AIR SURROUND XTREME technology adds extra system setup flexibility for a two-speaker stereo configuration, delivering surround sound that clearly separates the audio from in front, behind and either side of the viewer. Yamaha’s YPAO Automatic System Calibration quickly optimizes audio performance in any room, regardless of where the speakers are placed.

Adaptive DRC maintains the maximum dynamic range at all volume levels by continuously monitoring audio content and making low-volume sounds easier to hear as music or movies are playing. Yamaha’s Compressed Music Enhancer restores the highs and lows that are lost when audio files are digitally compressed, such as with MP3 files, to make them sound fuller and more engaging.

Both neoHD Media Controllers, YMC-700 and YMC-500, are currently available for MRP $US799.95 and $US599.95, respectively. The neoHD System 2.1, YMC-S21 is also available for MRP $US799.95.

So the bottom line is this—you guys are into the real deal. In fact you are so hardcore that you prefer to put together a system yourself as opposed to buying everything in a ready-made package. Bravo. On the other hand, 3% of respondents have a full system, but never hooked up the rear speakers. That handily beats the 35-50% average that experts have tossed around—but still…what the hell? There are ways to hook up a surround system yourself on the cheap that won’t require a lot of cash or even tearing up walls. Using flat speaker cable is one soluton—and you can probably get the job done for under $US60.

Do You Have a Surround Sound Setup?(poll)

The response about not hooking up the rear speakers is particularly interesting because studies conducted last year by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) concluded that as many as 35% of people failed to hook up their rear speakers properly because they either lacked the skills or were concerned about aesthetics. Other research has put the figure as high as 50%. [Image via Dave's Home Theater]

There’s 1080p upscaling for your DVDs, an included iPod dock, and DivX playback via USB. Perhaps one disappointing spec is that there’s only two HDMI inputs, and in todays world of HD games consoles and media streamers, that’s just not going to cut it.

But as far as specs and design goes, this looks like a tasty little package, given the $1,599 RRP. They’ll hit stores in April, if you’re after an all in one HD home theatre solution.

[LG]

The vertical sound field is created by two speakers which sit above the television, and will provide a noticeable effect in situations where something like an aeroplane flyover is on screen. The 7.2 system features 90 watts of power per channel, Dolby True HD and DTS-HD support, plus HDMI switching with 1080p support for Deep Colour and x.v.Color.

Onkyo also launched the TX-SR307 and TX-SR507, which are only 5.1 and lack the Dolby Pro Logic IIz. They have 65 and 80 watts per channel, respectively, but feature the same HDMI support as its more sophisticated sibling. The 307, 507 and 607 will all be out in the US in April for $US300, $US400 and $US600, respectively.

Onkyo targets value-conscious consumers with a Spring 2009 AV Receiver line-up offering new technologies, features, and performance not previously available at these prices.

UPPER SADDLE RIVER, NJ (3/12/09) – As the first installment of its 2009 product line-up, Onkyo has introduced three new home theatre receivers, including the world’s first to offer Dolby’s new ProLogic IIz processing, which can produce sound effects above the listener’s head. Theses models, which range in price from $299 to $599, also include an array of advanced HD audio and video technologies from Onkyo, Dolby, DTS, Audyssey, Faroudja, and others that were previously only available at higher price points. The TX-SR607 features six HDMI inputs, and is the first AV receiver with a front-panel HDMI input.

With the debut of the new TX-SR607 receiver, Onkyo has the distinction of becoming the world’s first manufacturer to launch a 7.2-channel home cinema receiver featuring the all-new Dolby Pro-Logic IIz mode. Designed to take home cinema sound to new heights (literally!) DPL IIz introduces a vertical aspect to the sound field through the addition of left and right-channel front height speakers mounted above the main speakers. Based on the initial positive reactions to demonstrations of this technology to dealers, Onkyo anticipates good demand for expanded height channel capabilities in future models.

“We are very excited to be the first audio manufacturer to utilise this exciting new surround format from Dolby,” comments Onkyo USA marketing manager Paul Wasek. “It adds a new realm of audience involvement in three dimensions, with surprise aircraft flyovers triggering the ‘duck’ reflex. Onkyo has launched this technology on our most popular AV receiver, rather than our most expensive, in order to reach out to a much larger customer base. The company’s premium receiver lineup, which will roll out over the Summer, will include expanded height-channel capabilities, internet radio and network audio technologies at lower price points.”

These new models are well equipped for Blu-ray and other HD audio and video source components, with HDMI repeaters plus Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio processing in the TX-SR607 and TX-SR507. The entry-level TX-SR307 has HDMI pass-through switching on three inputs, while all three models support 1080p, Deep Colour, and x.v.Color.

All of these receivers use Audyssey 2EQ, an automatic calibration system which corrects each channel’s output in both frequency and time domains based on measurements at three unique listening positions, Audyssey Dynamic Volume technology, which optimizes the dynamic range of listening material at any listening level, and Audyssey Dynamic EQ, which corrects problems associated with reduced sound quality at low listening levels.

Onkyo has also developed four new exclusive gaming modes designed to enhance the listener’s experience when using video game systems. Players can select from Rock, Sports, Action, or Role Playing game modes to match the gaming content. These new modes will immerse all the players in the action like never before.

The Onkyo TX-SR607 and TX-SR507 are the first to use the company’s new proprietary rear-panel universal port, which simplifies the connection for Onkyo’s forthcoming HD Radio Tuner and iPod Dock that will be available in late spring. The 5.1-channel TX-SR307 and TX-SR507 have 65- and 80-watts per channel amplifiers respectively, while the 7.2-channel TX-SR607 is rated at 90 watts per channel, has dual subwoofer line-outputs, upconverts all analogue sources to HDMI via Faroujda DCDi technology, and is Sirius Satellite Radio ready.

The Onkyo TX-SR307 and TX-SR507 will be available in March, and the TX-SR607 in April with suggested retail prices of $299, $399, and $599 respectively.

Onkyo, which takes its name from the Japanese “On” meaning ’sound’ and “Kyo” meaning ‘harmony,’ has been producing precision audio components for over a half-century. The company’s philosophy is to deliver products that are superbly designed and built to a consistently outstanding standard of excellence. Today, Onkyo is at the forefront of the home theatre and digital revolutions. For more information about this and other fine Onkyo products, visit www.onkyousa.com or call 800-229-1687.

By Onei Solutions, this 6.1 home theatre stand fits a whole surround system’s worth of components into a piece of piano black furniture, minus the subwoofer. With its built-in amp, six 15W speakers and bright, VFD display, all the Onei Home Theatre Stand is missing is the scratched wood veneer of your current rig.

But it’s OK, the system is light on wattage and it’s only got two HDMI inputs. So you can pretend that holding off is a lifestyle decision, not an economic one. $US535 [S&C Group and Dabs via ChipChick]

The setup sort of reminds me of the overpriced Bose 3-2-1 system, which mimics surround sound using just two speakers and a sub, but unfortunately there’s little else to go on. The press release is sparse, as hyped-up marketing materials are wont to be, and not even a release date or pricing escapes its hazy grip. Maybe April. In Japan. Maybe.

What we do know is that this little box will make use of DTS Surround Sensation tech. Nothing more. [Press Release via CrunchGear]

[Samsung]