Onkyo intros AV receivers with HDMI 1.3, Viera link
updated 01:25 pm EDT, Fri June 22, 2007
Onkyo NA905
Home theater equipment maker Onkyo finished its week today by releasing two new flagships in its TX-series AV units. Both the NA905 and SA705 include multiple HDMI 1.3 inputs and outputs that ensure any source, including Blu-Ray and HD DVD movies, can pipe deep-color video through the system. Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD audio are also supported for 7.1-channel surround with newer movie formats. Smaller changes also help the overall sound quality, says Onkyo: a symmetric layout for the amplifier cuts down on the traces to the left and right channels while also allowing for more power across the entire system. A special connector dubbed the Viera Link integrates control of the receiver with Panasonic's TV line.
Systems are separated by choice of connections and power. The SA705 can put out 190W per channel with 6 ohms impedance and includes three HDMI inputs with one HDMI output for the typical home theater with a single TV. Upgrading to the NA905 boosts power to 280W per channel at the same impedance level and adds an extra HDMI port each for input and output; it also brings Ethernet for network streaming and a USB port for attaching hard drives and other storage with MP3 or WMA tracks.
The receivers ship to Japan on August 1st at prices equal to $2,717 (NA905) and $1,019 (SA905). US versions were not included in the announcement but are likely to follow in the near future. [via Akihabara]
NA905 back
SA705
