Onkyo, a provider of home entertainment, has announced the release of two new high-end network A/V receivers, the TX-NR5008 and TX-NR3008, that offer a range of home theater features, and have achieved THX Ultra2 Plus certification. Both receivers support network audio streaming, various multi-room set-ups, iPhone/iPod playback over USB, and 3D-compatible home theater.
Each of these models features eight HDMI 1.4a inputs, with compatibility specified for an Audio Return Channel and 3D video. Both mandatory video formats for 3D broadcasting--"Side-By-Side (Half)" and "Top-and-Bottom"--are supported. With 3D content on the rise, users will be able to take advantage of the visual dimensions made possible by this new format.
Dual HDMI outputs are also provided on these models, allowing users to connect two high-definition displays simultaneously. In conjunction with HDMI, HQV-Reon VX enables 1080p upscaling of all video inputs, regardless of source resolution. Both also feature ISF video calibration, which allows users to make fine-grained, independent adjustments for each video source.
Audio networking and internet radio are common to both models. A rear-side Ethernet port enables easy firmware upgrades and links the receiver/controller directly to the internet or to a home PC. Users can access streaming internet radio through Pandora, Rhapsody, Napster, Slacker, Mediafly, Sirius Internet Radio, and vTuner, or play back a wide variety of PC-based audio files, including FLAC, MP3, WAV, Ogg Vorbis, WMA, WMA Lossless, AAC, and LPCM. The receivers are also Windows 7 compatible and DLNA 1.5 certified to ensure optimal compatibility with other network-enabled equipment in the home.
With 9.2 audio channels, users have a great deal of flexibility in how they set up their home theater. The 9-channel configuration allows users to take advantage of the surround dimensions of Audyssey DSX or Dolby Pro Logic IIz. The former adds extra height or width channels for greater spatial ambience, while the latter provides the option of extra height channels.
Support is also provided for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, the lossless codecs found on Blu-ray Disc. Furthermore, compatibility with DSD Direct means that users will be able to enjoy their SA-CD collections. Burr-Brown DACs allow these Onkyo models to handle multi-channel audio processing.
Both receivers include Audyssey room-correction and equalization technologies. These work to optimize audio performance, regardless of room shape and volume level. Audyssey MultEQ XT, for example, uses information from up to 8 positions throughout the room to calibrate speakers for optimal audio balance.
The TX-NR5008 and TX-NR3008 let users play a 5.1-channel source in the main room, along with fully powered stereo audio of two different sources in Zone 2 and Zone 3. On top of that, users also have the option of Zone 2/3 pre outs and Zone 2 video output.
The TX-NR3008 features a front-side USB port, while the TX-NR5008 has USB ports front and rear. As well as handling audio content from flash memory devices, the USB ports let users play music--and display album art--from a connected iPhone/iPod.
Build quality is highlighted by gold-plated audio inputs and PLL jitter-cleaning circuit technology on all models. These A/V receivers feature separate transformers for audio and video processing, with the TX-NR5008 also adding a toroidal transformer and 22,000 uF capacitors.
Other features shared by both models include an analog RGB input for video content from a connected PC; a backlit and customizable remote controller; HDMI Thru allows children to still watch programs when the receiver is not turned on; and Onkyo's new overlaid graphical OSD for adjustment of settings during a viewing session.
The Onkyo TX-NR3008 and TX-NR5008 will be available in August with suggested retail prices of $2,099 and $2,699 respectively.
For more information about this and other Onkyo products, visit www.onkyousa.com or call 800-229-1687.
