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Onkyo Brings Modular Upgradability to Home Cinema (12/1/2005)

It's an all too familiar reality in the PC world... buy a desktop computer and you just know it's going to be out of date by the time you get it home. Luckily, the modular nature of such computers means that it's relatively easy to upgrade things later.

Unlike PCs, however, until now most AV receivers have been relatively dead-end prospects when it comes to upgrading. If you wanted better features 12 months after you bought receiver X you were probably best off selling it and buying a new model. Even the handful of models that could be upgraded usually required the receiver to be returned to the manufacturer, with waits of several weeks not uncommon.

All that changes as of today with Onkyo's launch of the TX-NR5000E THX Ultra2 certified Network AV receiver, a flagship when it comes to features and today's unquestioned pace-setter when it comes to upgradability.

Onkyo has successfully adapted the computer industry's traditional architecture of replaceable modules plus upgradeable software ... and applied it to home cinema. The result is that all of the TX-NR5000E's key audio and video processing and interface features have been placed onto plug-in circuit modules.

This architecture will make it possible for dealers to upgrade and even customize hardware and software for customers to avoid short-term obsolescence. As new modules become available, customers will now have choices, just as they do when purchasing a computer. With the launch of the TX-NR5000E, Onkyo has added the ability to upgrade hardware, as well as well as add new capabilities, many of which don't yet even exist!

The first new modules are scheduled to arrive in 2005 and will likely to include new DAB and video interface upgrades. Of course Onkyo will also continue to provide software upgrades, as and when necessary.

The TX-NR5000E will also include two features that are currently rare on home cinema receivers. The first are a pair of iLink digital inputs that allow bit-for-bit digital transfer of DVD-Audio and SACD audio without violating copy-protection controls.

The second is a high quality audio and video HDMI high definition multimedia interface with two inputs and one output for compatibility with the DVI digital video interface found on the newest high-end AV components.

As would be expected of a top of the line receiver, the Onkyo TX-NR5000E is THX Ultra2 certified, with a conservative 200 watts of power for each of the seven channels (at 6 ohms). It has all the current THX, Dolby, and DTS processing modes, including Dolby Pro Logic IIx. The receiver has excellent build-quality and uses premium parts throughout, including state-of-the-art Wolfson 192 kHz/24-bit D/A converters for all channels.

The receiver can also be connected to a personal computer network (using TCP/IP) via a rear-panel Ethernet port, and uses an included Onkyo Net-Tune client processor to allow access MP3, WMA and WAV digital music files stored on a networked PC or to play Internet radio through a networked broadband connection.

Up to 11 other Onkyo Net-Tune client receivers (available separately in 2005) will be able to be connected simultaneously on the same network, offering unparalleled multi-room audio potential.

The Onkyo TX-NR5000E offers a remarkable level of compatibility and connectivity with more audio/video and audio-only inputs and outputs than almost any home system could ever need. In addition to the iLink and HDMI connections, there are optical and coaxial digital audio inputs/outputs, analogue stereo inputs and outputs, a phono input (for a turntable) and component, S-video, and composite video connections.

The TX-NR5000E also boasts composite/S-Video up-sampling to component video, which greatly simplifies switching and connections when mixing video signals from different source components.

All seven amplifier channels use Onkyo's exclusive WRAT Wide Range Amplifier Technology to provide the 5Hz to 100-kHz bandwidth demanded by today's wide-band audio modes. It also has two complete seven-speaker sets of banana plug speaker terminals for two complete systems or for bi-wiring.

The receiver also has a three-zone multi-room capability, five 12-volt triggers (for activating projection screens, blinds, curtains etc), three IR outputs, and a bi-directional RS-232 port for software upgrades and interfacing with home automation systems. Topping it all off is an LCD-equipped pre-programmed/learning remote control.

The TX-NR5000E will be available from the beginning of January and can be ordered in silver or black.

Price: £3999.95

www.onkyo.co.uk