Onkyo today introduced a line of audio-video accessories, including the first to take advantage of the company's new proprietary Universal Port (U-Port) connection. The U-Port enabled models consist of a dock for iPhones and iPods, and an HD Radio module; the company is also introducing a second dock for iPod designed for non-U-Port receivers.

Onkyo's Universal Port, which was introduced on the company's TX-SR507 and TX-SR607 AV receivers earlier this year, provides a single-cable connection for these new accessories, as well as a wide range of possible future expansions. All necessary connections, including power, audio, video, and control signals, are incorporated into the Universal Port, making it simple for consumers to expand the capabilities of their system in just minutes.

The Onkyo UP-A1 dock and charger for iPod lets users enjoy programming stored on their iPhone or iPod directly through their home theater entertainment system. The dock recharges the portable player, and allows the user to control the device using their Onkyo AV receiver remote control. It is the first Onkyo product to carry the "Works with iPhone" certification, is capable of carrying component video as well as audio signals, and is compatible with nearly every iPod based player, including iPhone, iPhone 3G, iPod Touch (1G, 2G), iPod Classic, iPod (4G, 5G), iPod Nano (1G - 4G) and iPod mini. The UP-A1 dock and charger will be available in May at a suggested retail price of $109.

The Onkyo UP-HT1 HD Radio tuner module will provide the simplest and most convenient way to add HD Radio reception to a UP-equipped receiver. All control and display functions for the tuner are integrated directly into the receiver's front panel and remote control, making this a seamless and all-but-invisible enhancement. The enclosure includes a Universal Port expansion allowing users to daisy chain more than one UP enabled device, and a front-panel switch allows the user to select between the tuner and second UP accessory. The UP-HT1 will be available in July at a suggested retail price of $159.

In addition to the two devices listed above, Onkyo has begun shipping its third generation dock for iPod, made for systems without Universal Port functionality. The Onkyo DS-A3 includes iPod charging capability, component video and analog audio outputs, and a dedicated handheld remote control. Convenient onscreen display capability enables users to browse their iPod content on connected video display. The dock is also compatible with Onkyo's RI (Remote Interactive) protocol, allowing users to use the remote control that came with their RI-compatible Onkyo receiver, and providing enhanced features like automatic power-on, automatic source selection, and both sleep timer and alarm functions. The DS-A3 carries a suggested retail price of $139.
Onkyo, which takes its name from the Japanese "On" meaning 'sound' and "Kyo" meaning 'harmony,'