News

Sony enhances its 'invisible home cinema' range with RHT-G900 and G1500 models (30/4/2008)

Sony has added two new models to its BRAVIA Theatre 'hidden speaker' range. The RHT-G900 and RHT-G1500 sound racks build on the success of previous models with enhanced system automation, upgrades to the HDMI connection capability and the addition of an FM tuner.

The RHT-G900 and RHT-G1500 will prove popular with those who have bought a flatscreen TV but wouldn't usually consider a surround sound system, due to the large amount of equipment required, the complexity of installation and operation, or even simply the need to run wires around the room to feed five loudspeakers and a subwoofer. The new models get over all these obstacles by building the processing, amplification and all the speakers into a single unit, disguised as a stylish stand able to hold a TV and up to 4 other components. Put simply, these are the 'CLEANEST' surround sound systems available.

The new models have a three-in, one-out HDMI interface designed to handle 1080p, 24fps True Cinema and x.v.Colour, along with both analogue and digital audio connections, so they can handle even complex systems of DVD or Blu-ray Disc(tm) players, recorders, games consoles and cable/satellite set-top boxes. They're even compatible with the high-resolution Linear PCM 7.1 channel audio output from Blu-ray Disc? players, as well as the Dolby Digital and DTS soundtracks found on DVDs.

Used with compatible products from Sony, its BRAVIA Sync capability will offer not just one-remote operation of a complete system, but also one-button selection to synchronise the operation of an entire set-up. For example, pressing the 'play' button would turn on your entire system, select the right inputs on the TV, change audio from TV to surround sound, while the whole system could also be shut down with just one touch.

Clean, simple and clutter-free

The sound racks are both high-quality TV stands, taking up no more space than conventional entertainment units, but concealed within them is a complete home cinema system. But it's not a stripped-out configuration making use of simulated surround effects: its solid, sleek lines hide six channels of amplification and no fewer than eight speakers.

Completing the style is a high-quality finish and glass top-plate, while a cable management system keeps the wires completely out of sight - adding to the overall cleanliness.

Real 5.1 surround, real speakers and amplifiers

Whereas some front surround systems use two speakers for the front channels, and leave the rest of the surround effect to digital processing, that's not the case here. Each of the 5.1 channels (front left/right/centre, left/right surround and subwoofer) has its own speaker and amplification - in fact, both models even have twin subwoofers to give their sound maximum weight and impact.

Each channel is driven by Sony's 32bit S-Master Digital Amplifier, with 70W for each of the five speakers, and 120W for the subwoofers - for a total power output of 470W.

S-Force PRO Front Surround: rear effects without the wires

Sony's long-term involvement in surround sound technology (and the vast amounts of acoustic data accumulated as a result) has led to the development of all-new processing methods and advanced digital signal processing to handle this task effectively. The result is S-Force PRO Front Surround.

Using DSP custom-designed for these products, the RHT-G900 and RHT-G1500 control the sound from the advanced surround speakers, which place sound around the room to give the impression of rear effects channels mounted behind the listener. The unique technology of S-Force PRO Front Surround doesn't rely on wall reflections, so it will always work regardless of the size and shape of the room.

Bass for you, not the neighbours

Engineers at Sony have designed the RHT-G900 and RHT-G1500 with special vibration-cancelling enclosures, ensuring that while the user hears rich, powerful bass from the twin subwoofers, much less of it escapes through the structure of the unit and into walls and floors. That means the user can enjoy it without worrying about the neighbours. There's also a night mode which enhances dialogue and reduces bass for great sound at low volumes - perfect for that late movie.

Simple control

When used with products from Sony compatible with the BRAVIA Sync system, commands are passed through the HDMI connection to make one-button operation possible: for example pressing the 'play' button on the remote will power on all devices, select the correct inputs on the audio system and TV, and engage the theatre sound mode. Meanwhile the 'off' button will shut down the whole system if required.

BRAVIA Sync now also offers simple 'HDMI ON' set-up and system control and camcorder operation via the BRAVIA TV remote. Connect components using BRAVIA Sync and they instantly recognise each other and synchronise, giving you complete control without any fuss.

DIGITAL MEDIA PORT and Portable Audio Enhancer

With more of us carrying our music around with us on mobile devices, or storing it on our computers, the two new systems feature Sony's DIGITAL MEDIA PORT connection, to which a number of modular adapters can be attached to interface with WALKMAN(r) and other MP3 players, mobile phones, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi devices.

The systems also have a Portable Audio Enhancer, to improve the sound of compressed music formats.

Style to match the sound

The RHT-G800 predecessor won an IF Design award for product design, and the new models retain its clean lines. The top-plate is elegant glass, into which is built an illuminated display. And the shelf* is both height-adjustable and removable, enabling the sound racks to accommodate components of a variety of sizes. By hiding the surround electronics and speakers within, Sony's engineers have created the perfect home cinema system for people who don't like the boxes and wires that make up ordinary systems. And that's what makes it extraordinary - this is truly 'invisible' home theatre.

The BRAVIA Theatre RHT-G900 and RHT-G1500 will be available in May from Sony Centres, retailers and online at the Sony Style shop.

www.sony-europe.com