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Sony Elevates "ES" Audio Video Line for a Definitive Home Entertainment Experience (18/3/2005)

Delivering a definitive multi-room home theater experience, Sony Electronics (NYSE:SNE) today announced its updated ES (Elevated Standard) audio/video receiver lineup.

For more than 20 years, Sony's ES line has been reserved for products that deliver the ultimate in audio/video technology. The 2005 lineup includes three new audio video receivers, two DVD/Super-Audio CD (SA-CD) players, and sleek flat panel-matching speakers.

"The ES line completes the high definition home theater," said Philip Abram, vice president of marketing for Sony Electronics' Home Audio and Home Video Division. "Without high-definition surround audio, the home entertainment experience is lacking a vital element. Our new ES components not only complete the home theater package, they elevate the consumer multi-channel surround sound standard to superior levels."

Completing the HDMI System

The STR-DA7100ES 7.1 channel home theater receiver features High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) with analog source up conversion and switching capabilities. The technology allows you to connect two analog sources to the receiver, which, in turn, up-converts the signals to the digital domain and delivers it seamlessly to the display device.

Additionally, the unit's new 32 bit S-Master Pro digital amplifier delivers 170 watts of power to seven channels, providing superlative multi-channel performance.

A robust multi-zone solution, the unit features second zone audio/video and third zone audio-only outputs, independent amplifier swapping for 5.1 channels in the main room plus two channels for another, RS-232 control/upgrade, three 12 volt triggers, an infrared input, and two infrared outputs.

The new receiver also provides numerous connectivity options including multi-channel input, five optical digital inputs, one optical output and three coaxial inputs all featuring AV Sync. Additionally, the unit features dual assignable high-definition component video inputs and a single output, as well as five S-Video inputs, two S-Video outputs, five composite video inputs, and two composite outputs. Rounding out the package is Sony's powerful LCD remote commander and a multi-zone remote.

The STR-DA7100ES receiver will be available this summer for about $2,000.

Sony's 2005 ES receiver lineup also includes:

STR-DA3100ES A/V Receiver - The unit features a new 120 watt, severan channel analog amplifier with two assignable high-definition component video inputs and single output, component up conversion from composite and/or S-Video sources, second zone audio/video output and third zone audio output. It also provides on-screen display for easy set up, A/V Sync adjustment, RS-232 control and upgrade, three 12 volt triggers, an infrared input and two infrared outputs. The STR-DA3100ES will be available in this spring for about $1,000.

STR-DA2100ES A/V Receiver - The unit offers new 110 watt, 7.0 channel analog amplifier with two assignable high definition component video inputs and a single output, component up conversion from composite and/or S-Video sources and second zone audio/video output. Also featuring A/V Sync adjustment, RS-232 control and upgrade, three 12 volt triggers, an infrared input and two infrared outputs, the STR-DA2100ES will be available in this spring for about $800.

DVD Players Deliver Outstanding Video and SA-CD Audio

With dual i.LINK IEEE-1394 and single HDMI outputs, Sony's flagship DVP-NS9100ES delivers exceptional video and SA-CD multi-channel sound. The unit features 720p/1080i up scaling, 14bit/216MHz DAC with NSV providing exceptional picture quality and Super Audio D/A converter (4 x 2 channel) for 5.1 plus 2 channel analog outputs for crystal clear audio. The single-disc DVD/Super Audio-CD player provides powerful connectivity options and image/audio adjustments with RS-232C interface, infrared input, Sony's Precision Cinema Progressive and A/V Sync. The unit can play back multiple disc formats, including DVD-R/-RW/+R/+RW, MP3, JPEG, CD-R/-RW, VCD and SVCD.

Sony will also offer the single-disc DVP-NS3100ES DVD/SA-CD player with HDMI 720p/1080i up scaling, 12bit/216MHz DAC with NSV, Precision Cinema Progressive(TM) circuitry and A/V Sync. The unit can play back multiple disc formats including DVD-R/-RW/+R/+RW, MP3, JPEG, CD-R/-RW, VCD and SVCD.

The DVP-NS9100ES and DVP-NS3100ES will be available this summer for about $1,300 and about $500, respectively.

Speakers Complete the Package

Filling the final element of the high definition home theater is Sony's new 5.1 channel flat panel-matching speaker system. Designed to complement the aesthetics of today's flat panel displays, the SA-FT7ED package includes five flat satellite speakers, wall mounting brackets and a flexible layout 150 watt powered subwoofer.

Measuring only 1.25-inches thick, the speaker's drivers were completely re-engineered to conform to the rigorous requirements of high resolution SA-CD and cinema surround sound. The result is a speaker set that retains an extremely thin profile but performs like bulkier speakers with conventional drivers. When matched with an ES receiver and DVD/SA-CD player, the beautifully crafted SA-FT7ED speaker package delivers striking audio that clearly positions it in a class of its own.

The SA-FT7ED speaker package will be available this summer for about $2,000.

www.sony.com