Sony USA have unveiled its first 3D-compatible AV receiver, the STR-DN1010.
Selling for about $500 (£325) when it hits US shops in June, the new model has HDMI 1.4 capability, supporting 3D video from connected devices and passing them through to a 3D compatible high-definition television, and decodes all the current high-resolution audio codecs.
Delivering 7x110W, the new model also has a couple of features new to Sony receivers: that HDMI 1.4 capability gives it Audio Return Channel, allowing sound from an HDMI-connected TV to be sent back to the receiver without the need for an extra digital or analogue connection.
Meanwhile standby HDMI pass-through allows signal to flow through the receiver even when it’s not in use. HDMI pass through means that audio can’t be read off the HDMI so you have to run a TOSLINK or coax audio digital signal to the receiver, which means you can’t get high-resolution audio. However with Audio Return Channel from HDMI 1.4 that doesn’t appear to be a problem anymore. That means, for example, that you could watch your satellite TV box or Blu-ray player, with sound coming from the TV speakers, on those occasions when you don’t want to switch on the full surround system.
The receiver is also DLNA-certified with WiFi client capability, allowing it to stream music or video from a networked computer or another DLNA certified device.
Other facilities include four HDMI inputs, Sony’s Digital Media Port for portable devices and wireless/Blutooth connection, and wireless Zone 2 capability using an optional S-AIR transmitter and powered speakers. Using this, up to ten additional rooms can be fed with music.
However no details have yet been announced regarding UK availability or pricing.
i own an AV Receiver that is made by Pioneer and it is really great and inexpensive**’