Info leaks on Sony's HT-FS1 2.1 sound system
updated 04:25 pm EDT, Mon September 15, 2008
Sony to intro 2.1 system?
A Sony Insider report published over the weekend suggests Sony will soon release a simple 2.1-channel home theater sound system that has its 200W amplifier and receiver built into the subwoofer enclosure. The specs of the new system should be very close to those of the company‘s current HT-CT100 3.1-channel system that uses a sound bar instead of the HT-FS1’s pair of speakers.
The audio and video connections are believed to be the same in either system, with three HDMI inputs and one output along with three optical audio inputs and analog audio connections. Sony’s proprietary Digital Media Port (DMPort) lets Sony’s accessories and other devices to integrate with the HT-FS1. Supported surround sound audio formats are even more complete, and include Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Prologic II and IIx and Dolby Dual Mono, as well as DTS and 96K/24-bit PCM. An AAC logo in the photos implies the digital audio format is likewise supported.
The report says the FS1 will get an RDS AM/FM tuner, further differentiating it from the HTC-CT100 and indicating it may be offered in Europe exclusively.
The report suggests European markets will be the first to see the HT-FS1 as early as mid-September before the product is possibly launched elsewhere, although no specific dates are known. The HT-CT100 retails for about $300, and pricing for the HT-FS1 should be marginally lower than that.
