Panasonic Introduces the SA-BX500: HDMI Home Theater Receiver
A properly wired home just isn't complete without a super-duper home theater system. Pansonsonic has just announced the SA-BX500 HDMI Home Theater Receiver which is the starting point for that super-duper system. The system sounds pretty sweet and according to BigPictureBigSound.com:
For multi-channel sources, the BX500 offers HDMI 1.3a-compatible HDMI audio decoding, with support for PCM, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby True HD, DTS, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio and DTS-HD Master Audio. If you're limited by your listening environment to only five speakers, but you still want to reap the benefits of 7.1-channel surround, the BX500 can create virtual rear channel or virtual side channel speakers using proprietary 7.1ch Virtual Surround technology. Of course, the receiver also features support for true 7.1-channel mode, with all seven channels driven at 130 Watts/Channel An optional wireless kit (SH-FX67) allows you to add wireless speakers, either to the surround speakers or to a separate room
We're really jazzed about the fact that the SA-BX500 comes with 3 HDMI connections. Sounds like a pretty capable system that has a sweet price-point that comes in under $800.
It's been a few years since we here at NetworkingAudioVideo built our Home Theater PC. At the time it cost us around $1000 for our setup. Here's a decent video on building a Home Theater PC that shows you how to build a pretty nice setup for around $500 and it's a lot nicer than the one we built.
So if you're interested in building a home theater pc, be sure to check this video out.
ITC One Home Theater Container - Definitely not for The Broke Man
If you're in the market fo a home theater system that costs more than your car (well, at least more than my car), then you might want to check out the ITC One Home Theater Container from SE2 labs. We'll start by telling this sucker will set you back $25,000 smackers (not a typo!). So what do you get for that price? Well according to The Tech Blog at the Dallas Morning News, you actually get quite a bit:
This mini-fridge-size device can hold:
Blu-ray Disc drive, Apple TV, DIRECTV high-definition DVR, Dish Network DVR or national cable providers' DVR (including Comcast, Time Warner, Cox Cable and more), AMX NetLinx Control System, Bryston pre-amp processor with full digital outputs, IcePower high-end D-class amplifiers, Vidikron high-end video processor, Apple Video iPod dock, proprietary remote control, Microsoft Xbox 360, Windows Media Center, Nintendo Wii, Transparent Cable power conditioning, Transparent cabling and cable harness, and an anti-noise/vibration system.
We'll probably skip the ITC One for now. Maybe we'll try to get a unit to review to check out. I can't even type that with a straight face. Even the Dallas Morning News guy had to go the see the device coming to him.
Anyway, if we find any reviews of the ITC One we'll let you know.
Sony Announces New Elevated Standard A/V Receivers
Here at the NetworkingAudioVideo headquarters, it's just about time to invest in a new home theater system. With all of the devices we have connected into our existing theater system, we're just waiting for the old gal to disenegrate.
That's why we're pretty interested in the new high-end home theater systems just announced by Sony:
SAN DIEGO, June 26, 2008 - Sony today introduced three new audio/video receivers in its "Elevated Standard" (ES) product line that deliver high-quality sound and video performance.
Engineered for high-end home theaters, the new STR-DA4400ES, STR-DA3400ES and STR-DA2400ES receivers feature sophisticated A/V technology supporting 1080/24p video signals, the latest audio codecs (Dolby® Digital Plus, Dolby® TrueHD, dts® High Resolution Audio and dts® HD Master Audio) and Faroudja DCDi Cinema® technology for upscaling all video sources to 1080p when connected via HDMI™ to a compatible high-definition television.
The ES receivers are all designed around a unique construction platform, digital board and a wide band power amplifier to maintain the purity of the audio and video signals by minimizing external vibrations and internal jitter.
"The rapid evolution of audio and video has generated increased demand for connectivity and high-performance components," said Tyler Ishida, director of marketing for Sony Electronics' Digital Imaging and Audio Division. "This new line of ES receivers delivers the fidelity, build quality and connectivity expected for an outstanding cinematic experience in the home."
The new models utilize a xross media bar™-inspired graphical user interface for easy content navigation, Sony's Digital Cinema Auto Calibration for simple surround sound setup, and BRAVIA® Sync™ for Theatre for easy synchronization of compatible home theater components.
Sony's DIGITAL MEDIA PORT adds control, networking and connectivity options for music playback through various accessories, including a Cradle for iPod (TDM-iP10), a Network Walkman™ cradle, a PC client device and a Bluetooth® adapter (each is sold separately). The models are also Sirius® and XM Connect-and-Play™ Ready.
The models are:
The STR-DA4400ES 7.1 channel receiver has a 120-watt amplifier (8 ohms, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 0.09 percent THD), six HDMI inputs and DSD decoding through HDMI. It offers high-definition video distribution to a second zone, audio distribution to three zones and picture-in-picture for monitoring of multi-zone output or an external video source. The model will be available in August for about $1,500.
The STR-DA3400ES 7.1 channel receiver has a 100-watt power amplifier (8 ohms, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 0.09 percent THD), four HDMI inputs, a 12-volt trigger, IR repeater and high-definition video distribution to a second zone (composite). It will be available in August for around $1,000.
The STR-DA2400ES 7.1 channel receiver has a 100-watt power amplifier (8 ohms, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 0.09 percent THD), a basic icon-driven graphic user interface and four HDMI inputs. The model will be available next month for about $800.
For a high-end system, the $1500 doesn't scare us too much so we may have to make the jump.
Panasonic Introduces the SA-BX500: HDMI Home Theater Receiver 
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