Sony’s new line of “Elevated Standard” (ES) home audio/video receivers feature iPod ports among other amenities. They’re coming in August, September and October for prices ranging from $1,000 to $1,700.
The STR-DA5300ES, STR-DA4300ES and STR-DA3300ES all feature 7.1 surround sound and a Digital Media Port that connects the iPod using the optional TDP-iP1 audio dock. The audio dock enables users to access music from the iPod and retrieve playlists, artists, track, and album information that you can display on the receivers’ icon-based on-screen menu system. The menu system is similar to the Cross Media Bar (XMB) interface that appears on the PlayStation Portable and PlayStation 3 gaming systems.
The receivers, aimed at AV enthusiasts, feature capabilities like Dolby Digital + and Dolby TrueHD and DTS High Resolution Audio and DTS HD Master Audio decoding. All three receivers also sport Faroudja-made upscaling technology that upscales all video sources to 1080p via High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI). They support 1080/60p and 24p video formats, Bravia Theater Sync, auto calibration and other features — they’re also read to work with Sirius and XM satellite radio.
The $1,700 STR-DA5300ES includes a 120-watt amplifier, and can distribute HD content to a second room or zone. It’ll be released in September. The STR-DA4300ES will cost $1,300 when it debuts in October, and contains a 100-watt amplifier and features three “Active Intelligence” HDMI inputs (versus six on the upscale model). The STR-DA3300ES is coming next month for $1,000; it sports a 100-watt amplifier and three “Active Intelligence” inputs as well.
Sony’s Web site had not been updated with information about the STR-DA4300ES as Playlist posted this article.