NEW PIONEER ELITE A/V RECEIVERS DELIVER UNPRECEDENTED SOUND EXPERIENCES TO THE HOME THEATER Designed Specifically to Complement 2008 KURO Displays and Blu-ray Disc Players, Pioneer Elite Receivers Boast Revolutionary Amplifier Technology

NEW YORK (May 7, 2008) - Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. today introduces four new A/V receivers delivering high-definition (HD) audio and video experiences for emerging home theaters - the Elite® SC-07, SC-05, VSX-03TXH and VSX-01TXH. Acting as the HD control center, Pioneer®'s full line of A/V receivers work seamlessly with Pioneer's 2008 KURO displays and Blu-ray Disc® players to deliver the ultimate HD picture and sound performance for a truly emotional response in the living room.

Pioneer's flagship A/V receiver, code named "Susano," has set the industry standard for home theater performance and its 2008 top-of-the-line receivers, the SC-07 and SC-05, continue to incorporate the Direct Energy HD Amplifier with ICEpower™ analog class D amplification technology to produce a level of multi-channel power output, fidelity, and efficiency never before seen or heard in a home A/V receiver. Supported by the Company's legacy sound-tuning technology, the SC-07 and SC-05 were designed from the ground up to produce a 3-dimensional aural experience that will take listeners to the next level of high resolution multichannel surround sound in the entertainment room.

The Elite VSX-03TXH and VSX-01TXH join Pioneer's leading receiver from 2007 - the VSX-94TXH - to round out the entire 2008 offering. All three models flawlessly pass a 1080p picture with full reproduction capabilities of all new high resolution audio formats.

"Our flagship A/V receiver, the Susano, represents the pinnacle of high-end design and engineering in home theater equipment. We are now delivering that premium experience into our core line of Elite A/V receivers," said David Bales, audio marketing manager for the home entertainment division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. "The new Direct Energy HD amplifier with ICEpower technology was integral for us to provide the full impact of new uncompressed audio soundtracks now available on Blu-ray Discs. Just as HDTV and Blu-ray have brought new levels of high definition video performance to consumers, the new high resolution surround sound formats coupled with our expertise in multi-channel amplifier design truly deliver a high-definition, multi-channel A/V experience far beyond anything we have produced before."

Built for High Definition Surround Sound
The SC-07 and SC-05 in Pioneer's line of Elite receivers deliver robust, realistic sound quality as a result of the exclusive Direct Energy HD Amplifier. Pioneer combines its industry-leading amplifier design and sound tuning technologies with the most advanced digital signal processing (DSP) to produce high resolution surround sound at unprecedented efficiency levels. Now the receiver can operate at extraordinary output levels with extremely low distortion and virtually no wasted energy; all in an effort to develop the most advanced home theater amplifier to date.

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Pioneer Introduces Four New Elite A/V Receivers / pg. 2

Entertainment enthusiasts can take advantage of internal decoding of new advanced lossless surround sound formats - DTS-HD™ Master Audio, DTS-HD High Resolution, Dolby® TrueHD and Dolby® Digital Plus - to finally experience the full impact these high resolution audio codecs deliver to the viewing experience with ultra-rich surround sound that complements, and completes, on-screen imagery.

For accurate, natural surround sound reproduction of all connected HD and SD devices, Pioneer employs its exclusive room tuning feature in all four new Elite receivers. Advanced MCACC ensures studio quality surround sound regardless of the room configuration. This feature makes subtle adjustments to optimize the audio experience for even the most discerning ear. In addition, Pioneer's Elite SC-07, SC-05 and VSX-94TXH incorporate the exclusive Full Band Phase Control, which eliminates "phase lag" or group delay between all speakers in a home theater system. This innovative DSP maintains soundtrack synchronization, ensuring the most accurate multi-channel sound reproduction is achieved and heard. All models include new symmetric equalization (EQ) for the most precise speaker calibration.

Pioneer's new Elite receivers (SC-07, SC-05 and VSX-94TXH) include Neural-THX™ allowing for encoded content to be delivered in a two-channel stereo format and decoded for dispersion among up to 7.1 channel surround sound. In addition, the full line of Elite receivers includes dialogue enhancements, a wide range of listening modes, Mid-night Listening and Lip-Sync A/V synchronization. For the ultimate digital signal processing, all Elite receivers utilize anti-jitter technologies. The SC-07 is equipped with a professional level Burr Brown Sampling Rate Converter (SRC) to scale all digital audio signals up to 192 kHz 24-bit resolution.

HD Digital Connectivity
Pioneer brings HDMI 1.3a with full support of 12-Bit Deep Color to deliver a stellar picture from connected sources with a range of hues and shades not previously possible. In addition, for analog video sources, Pioneer's Elite receivers are engineered for 1080p video processing with a Pioneer digital video converter and Faroudja video scaler chip that ensures up to full 1080p resolutions to best match the incoming video signal to the native resolution of a connected display.

Pioneer Audio Synergy
Pioneer's engineers developed unique settings in its A/V receivers to harmonize audio performance like never before. Pioneer created jitter-free playback and dynamic sound quality for music CDs. When connected to a new Blu-ray Disc player via HDMI, Pioneer's SC-07 and SC-05 receivers utilize a proprietary Precision Quartz Locking System (PQLS) that synchronizes data between the Blu-ray Disc player and the receiver, providing listeners with the ultimate precision in CD playback.

Networking and Consumer Convenience Features
Home Media Gallery
The SC-07 and SC-05 enhance the home theater experience with the exclusive Home Media Gallery. Pioneer's home networking feature enables users to select and playback personal digital music and JPEG photo files direct from a PC hard drive or USB for playback in the living room through the main HD home theater system.
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Pioneer Introduces Four New Elite A/V Receivers / pg. 3

Through the receiver, users can easily access and stream digital media files directly from a connected home PC or laptop computer with IP networking capability. Home Media Gallery is compliant with Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA), Windows Vista or Windows Media Connect as well as Microsoft playsforsure™ DRM technology.

Additional Connectivity Options
Pioneer continues to provide full-feature entertainment connectivity with Advanced Digital iPod® USB for pure digital audio fidelity. It allows users to navigate and select personalized music playlists from their iPods. Users can control these digital components player with the receiver's remote control and on-screen display.

The proliferation of portable music devices has resulted in reduced audio file sizes that have negatively affected the reproduction quality of audio entertainment. Recognizing this, Pioneer employs its proprietary Sound Retriever DSP technology, which works by "filling in" and compensating for the audio data removed from the compressed files (WMA, MP3, MPEG-4 AAC) for music playback that is near CD quality.

Full Custom-Installation Ready
Pioneer's full of Elite A/V Receivers are ready for custom installation with the following features:
Multi-zone, multi-source capabilities allow Pioneer's Elite receivers to serve as the entertainment centerpiece of up to 3 A/V zones in the home
The SC-07 has dual HDMI video output and second zone component video output for zone 2 HD video capabilities
RS232 Port for PC and 3rd party custom control and connectivity
Advanced Direct Construction ensures enhanced reliability and performance
New product cosmetics synchronizes with design of the KURO displays and Blu-ray Disc players

The VSX-01TXH and VSX-03TXH will be available in June for a suggested price of $750 and $1,000, respectively. The SC-05 and SC-07 will be available in August for a suggested price of $1,800 and $2,200, respectively. The VSX-94TXH is currently available for $1,600.

• The HT-S4100 is a 5.1 systems that seems to lack HDMI, has a 200 watt sub and that same iPod dock. $479
• The HT-S3100 sub is powered by the receiver and lacks a dock. $379.

UPPER SADDLE RIVER, NJ (04/17/08) — Onkyo has introduced three new packaged home theater systems, each consisting of a flexible HDTV-capable audio-video receiver, five or seven surround-sound loudspeakers, powerful subwoofer, and an included iPod docking station on two of the systems. These systems, popularly called HTiB for "Home Theater in a Box," can be combined with a video display, Blu-Ray or DVD player, and cable/satellite TV box to provide a complete home theater surround sound experience.

The 7.1 channel home theater receiver included with top of the line HT-S5100 offers an amazing range of capabilities at such a modest price point. The HT-R560 receiver has three 1080p compatible HDMI inputs and one output. The HDMI Pass-Thru provides optimal video quality with separate connections for the audio channels. For optimum sound quality, the highly regarded Audyssey 2EQ room correction technology automatically adjusts the sound character and time delay of each speaker relative to the listening positions. Additionally, Audyssey's Dynamic EQ adjusts sound on the fly to optimize sound quality for any volume, particularly at low listening levels.

The HT-S5100 includes advanced Dolby and DTS surround sound processing capabilities, a powerful 130-watts per channel using Onkyo's Wide Range Amplifier Technology (WRAT), seven loudspeakers with outstanding sound quality, and a powerful 290-watt subwoofer and is Sirius Satellite Radio ready. The HT-S5100 system also includes a new dedicated Onkyo iPod dock and charging station, plus the company's new Music Optimizer technology to enhance the dynamic range of MP3 and AAC files which are normally compressed for headphone playback.

The more affordable Onkyo HT-S4100 and HT-S3100 are 5.1-channel systems with HDTV-capable component video switching, DTS and Dolby Digital surround processing, and five loudspeakers. The HT-S4100 has a 200-watt subwoofer and included iPod dock. The HT-S3100's subwoofer is powered by the receiver, and there is no iPod dock with this system.

All three systems include full-function remote controls, and are available in either black or silver finishes.

The Onkyo HT-S5100, HT-S4100 and HT-S3100 will be available in April with suggested retail prices of $579, $479, and $379 each, respectively.

The flagship Denon includes Wi-Fi (and is $300 cheaper), but that's not such a big deal. I really wonder about the Anchorbay 1010 upscaler. Never heard of em before. (Could be me, but all I know is that all the big boys are rolling with HQV Silicon Optics right now.)

In addition to the RX-Z11, Yamaha released two cheaper 7.1 receivers. The VX-3800 ($1700) and the VX-1800 ($1200), feature many of the same video features as the RX-Z11, but lack the number of speakers, USB ports, and in the case of the VX-1800, an ethernet port. The flagship RX-Z11 hits stores in November.
[Yamaha]

The new models are the VSX-90TXV, VSX-91TXH, VSX-92TXH and VSX-94TXH.

It has HDMI 1.3a, 1080p upscaling by Farouja chips, of any video source. The $1600 VSX-94TXH is the first Elite to stream music from the Internet, as well as from a PC. And all four new receivers are XM and Sirius Ready. The press material pushes that the receivers will be able to decode all HD DVD and Blu-ray audio formats internally, which is still a surprisingly rare thing. That puts it on par with many of the many of the Onkyo's main points, although lots of press has favored the Onkyo's Reon HQV video processor over the Elite's Farouja.

These two receivers sound nice, but the flashy new UI on the Denon receivers could give Pioneer's usually lackluster interfaces a spanking.

I'm also glad to see that people aren't quoting power ratings much anymore. Stuff these days is loud enough. I can't believe I said that, but then again, I'll be 30 on Wednesday.

Anyhow, this stuff will be out during the summer, according to Electronic House:

The VSX-90TXV and VSX-91TXH will be available June for the suggested prices of $650 and $1,000, respectively. The VSX-92TXH and VSX-94TXH will begin shipping August for the suggested prices of $1,300 and $1,600, respectively.

Product Release Pioneer's Elite AVRs Connecting With New [Broadcast Newsroom]

Well, for one it's a lot more attractive than the blocky white-on-blue text, which is what most GUIs look like. It includes graphics along with text, which makes setup less scary and easier on the eyes. No word on how soon we'll see these receivers, but they've definitely earned our attention. – Louis Ramirez

Denon 3808ci & 4308ci Thread [AVS Forum via Crave]

For today's Frankenfight, two 7.1 HDMI receivers compete for that special place in our heart home theater. Onkyo's TX-SR674 is a worthy contender, but how will it fare against Denon's AVR-2307CI? Hit the jump to find out what the experts at CNET, Sound & Vision, AV Guide, Home Theater HiFi, and the Gadget Guide have to say about these two just-over-$500 systems.

Setup
The Onkyo features an automated setup system, which uses a supplied microphone to measure speaker distances, speaker levels, and to perform the Audyssey room correction. As soon as you plug the microphone in, the Onkyo goes straight into its setup menu. From there it is only a matter of following a simple set of prompts to complete the setup. (4)

One thing that I could not change was an input's name, and thus I was stuck with the generic Video 2 for my TiVo. (4)
[Denon] has the supplied mini-mike and auto-setup routine that most receivers north of about $500 feature today...after running it...I checked the results with a sound-pressure level meter against my own test sources as well as the receiver's own internal test noise. Result: very good. Channel levels were all within ±1 dB of what I'd have set manually, and crossover choices and distances were spot-on. (1)

Unlike Denon's implementation of the Audyssey system that requires the user to run the setup program six times from six different positions in the room, Onkyo's analyzes the room's acoustics from just three positions. (5)

Why HDMI?
...a digital audio cable is still required to transmit Dolby and DTS multichannel audio from the player to the receiver. But Onkyo's TX-SR674 receiver delivers all of the HDMI features one can readily expect...(Dolby Digital, DTS, CD and DVD-Audio, and uncompressed PCM soundtracks) and all HD video formats (including 720p, 1080i, and 1080p). Additionally, the TX-SR674 is capable of converting analog component, composite, and S-Video source signals to HDMI, which means you'll need to run only one cable from your video source to the receiver and another from the receiver to your TV. (5)

Through HDMI, the Onkyo takes full advantage of the new high-resolution audio formats available on Blu-ray and HD DVD.(4)
The [Denon] TX-SR674 does pass Dolby Digital, DTS, and linear PCM (LPCM) soundtracks via HDMI. LPCM compatibility means you can get the uncompressed HD-DVD or Blu-ray soundtracks. (5)

My Comcast cable box still refuses to pass signal to any component identifying itself as an HDMI repeater (will they ever deliver the promised firmware update?), and since the 2307CI does so, like nearly all A/V receivers, I was restricted to the set-top's component output... (1)

Sound
Super Speedway is an IMAX film about open-wheel racing in the U.S., and it features lots of very impressive in-car camera and sound work. This creates very loud passages where you have the engine blaring over a myriad of bumps and rattles from the road noise and the car itself. The Onkyo excelled at these scenes, giving me the dynamics one would expect from being in a race car, while resolving the subtle details of the soundfield. Overall, I was very impressed as to how well the Onkyo reproduced this movie. (4)

[The Onkyo] could in many ways hold its own relative to an expensive 200Wpc reference receiver. And in some respects actually sounded better...only at the extreme volume levels did the bigger receiver's power advantage become apparent. (6)

[The Denon] receiver sounded first-rate on every music or movie program I tried: clean, dynamic, transparent. Top-quality recordings (1)

In regard to the sound, I enjoyed the [Denon's] "Night" feature that pumps up the center channel, letting you hear characters speak to each other while keeping music and sound effects down a bit (which is great for apartments or when you have a baby sleeping elsewhere in the house). (2)

A lot of 100-watt-per-channel receivers don't feel all that powerful, but the AVR-2307CI surely did. We even subjected it to the ultimate test by running our Dynaudio speaker set to Large, because that setting generally sounds best, but makes far greater power demands. The Denon didn't mind one bit. (3)

Video
[With the Onkyo] the incoming analog signals are automatically deinterlaced—converted from 480i to 480p—if the HDMI input on the connected TV can't handle 480i resolution, something very common in HDTVs sold before 2006... (5)

[The Denon] doesn't offer de-interlacing (480i to 480p conversion), so all of the analog video remains in its native resolution...including such common devices such as VCRs, camcorders, video iPods, and older game consoles—it's 480i. Furthermore, the AVR-2307CI's onscreen display shows only at 480i resolution over the HDMI connection as well...other 480i limitations—the lack of de-interlacing and the dearth of onscreen display at HD resolutions over HDMI—mean the AVR-2307CI's HDMI compatibility is questionable with the many older and some current HDTVs that can't receive 480i video via their HDMI inputs (3)

Result: [Denon had] no onscreens via HDMI in my system (1)

Direct comparisons of my best video sources on their component outputs direct-to-screen versus the Denon's converted-to-HDMI version showed the converted image to be slightly—very slightly—softer and, I felt, a hair less saturated (1)

Denon cut one too many corners for those looking for robust HDMI and high-def support (3)

Extras: Neural Sound (both have)
Neural surround's primary selling point is that it is the codec being used by XM for the XMHD channels, which offer full 5.1 surround... My experience using Neural surround on the XMHD channels was generally positive...adding a nice sense of spaciousness that is often lacking in XM broadcasts.... When I used Neural [unsupported channels], everything ended up in the center channel, and it was a significant downgrade from listening in stereo or using DPL-II Music. (4)
Extras: iPod Docks (both have)
[The Onkyo] supports [their] second-generation DS-A2 iPod dock, which can handle video iPods and provides its own remote and onscreen display. (6)

[Denon's] iPod dock works fairly well. The audio integration is great. You just plop your iPod into it, change source to VCR2, and navigate all your iPod menus on your TV. The playlist titles and artists do get cut off as only so many characters fit on a TV screen, but I could easily find my playlist of favorites and hit play.... The iPod video integration isn't nearly as smooth...as the Denon unit can't navigate iPod Video menus on your TV...(2)

Extras: Zone 2 Speaker Outputs [both have]
Instead of the usual B speaker outputs, the [Onkyo] features stereo Zone 2 speaker outputs, which can be fed a different source—say, XM radio—while the main 5.1 system is playing a DVD. (5)

[With the Denon] there's not only a set of B speaker outputs, you can also reassign the two Surround Back channels for use as Zone 2 speakers. (3)

Winner: Onkyo TX-SR674
The Onkyo and Denon models here are very close in features and performance, but Denon's lack of 480i support over HDMI will be nothing but trouble for anyone with an HDTV that is just a few years old. The only distinct feature that could make the Onkyo better would be to support the HDMI 1.3 standard (as opposed to the 1.1 that both models here use)...and we'd take a few more HDMI inputs, too. – Mark Wilson

Onkyo TX-SR674
Denon AVR-2307CI

Image 1
Image 2

You can plug in your portable music player, too, as well as calibrate the speakers automatically using an included microphone that lets you tune the system to your listening room. Just plug in an HDMI TV and you're good to go with 5.1 sound. There were many more choices in home theater, and some of them Sony placed under its Bravia banner:

If you can follow along with these alphabet-soup model numbers, Sony's DAV-HDX500, DAV-HDX267W and DAV-HDX265 are even lower-end home theater systems with receivers and speakers in a matched set. Sony calls them Bravia because they're designed to resemble the styling of the company's TV sets. Pretty much the equivalent of what used to be called a "chick stereo," they include a receiver, speakers and a DVD changer with HDMI out that upscales video to 720p and 1080i.

The systems also make it easy to turn everything on, with Sony's Bravia Theatre Sync, where all you need to do is push one button and the system controls Bravia TVs over HDMI. Obviously, it's a ploy to get you to buy all of your home theater equipment from Sony. The upside is, now anybody in the house can turn on the TV set. This will be a welcome feature in many households.

Another user-friendly feature is a wireless rear speaker option that will be available for all three systems in March for about $130. The DAV-HDX500, with its floor-standing speakers that match Sony TVs and its XM Satellite capability is the priciest of this bunch coming in at $500, while the DAV-HDX265 will be $300, and both will ship in March. The DAV-HDX267W will be available in April for around $300. – Charlie White

Press release [Sony]

Harman Kardon makes it easier to incorporate your iPod into the system with its included "The Bridge" dock that works with all these receivers, a device that isn't exactly new but welcome nonetheless. The Bridge is highly capable, moving audio and video into the receiver, giving you acess to the player with the receiver's remote, and letting you see the iPod's menus on your TV screen.

Expect to see the four receivers shipping in April. – Charlie White

Harman Kardon Bridges the iPod Gap [Gearlog]

Denon's HDMI 1.3 Receivers Scheduled for Mid-year Intro [Home Theater Blog]

Product Page [Via Slickdeals]

The higher-end member of this pair is the RX-V2700 (pictured above), bringing Ethernet connectivity to the feature list, where it's able to hook up with PCs on your network and stream their music files, or it can let you listen to Internet radio stations right in your home theater. Both expected to be available next month, the 130-watt-per-channel RX-V1700 will retail for $1,300 while the 140-watt-per-channel RX-V2700 will be $1,700. – Charlie White

Press release after the jump.

Yamaha Site

Yamaha Introduces New Full-featured Mid-class Receivers, Including One With Extensive Networking Capabilities
-New Models Feature HDMI 1080p Switching and Upconversion, iPod Compatibility via YDS-10, XM Satellite Radio Compatibility and Multiple Configuration Options-

DENVER, Colo. Yamaha Electronics Corporation, the innovator in home theater and digital audio and video reproduction, today introduced two mid-class 7.1 channel A/V digital home theater receivers, the RX-V2700 and RX-V1700, which provide consumers with an unprecedented number of entertainment options. The RX-V2700 features an Ethernet connection, enabling consumers to access Internet radio stations, music files stored on a PC, and the company's premier MusicCAST audio system server (MCX-2000). Both models are compatible with the Apple iPod, via an optional docking station (YDS-10), and allow playback of XM Satellite Radio's standard and XM HD Surround content. Members of the press can see both models at Yamaha's CEDIA 2006 booth (#342).

With its network connection, the RX-V2700 enables users to enjoy the extensive number of Internet radio stations available, as well as music files stored on a PC, via a superior sounding home entertainment system. The RX-V2700 can also act as a client to Yamaha's premier MusicCAST system, making it possible to access as many as 40,000 songs (in MP3 format) stored on that system's MCX-2000 server. Streamed content information from PCs and the MusicCAST system can be displayed on an entertainment system's monitor, and system operation navigated with a consumer-friendly graphical user interface (GUI).

RX-V2700 employs the Digital ToP-ART concept and High Current Amplification to maximize sound quality. Custom-made 18000uF block capacitors, low-jitter PLL circuitry, Burr-Brown 192kHz/24bit DACs and Schottky barrier diodes are examples of the top quality parts used in RX-V2700. Pure Direct mode on both models can be activated to prevent unnecessary noise interference from internal components, including display circuitry, when pure sound listening is required.

The RX-2700 and RX-V1700 are capable of HDMI 1080p signal pass through and up-converting analog composite, S-video and component signals to HDMI output, with a time base corrector (TBC) that stabilizes the video signal. Both models employ the latest Oplus(TM) de-interlacer to convert 480i to 480p. The RX-V2700 can also upscale to HD resolution of 720p/1080i by utilizing Anchor Bay Technology's ABT1010 video scaling chip.

The RX-V2700 and RX-V1700 offer flexible system configuration options, as the 7.1 channels can be used to create an immersive surround sound environment in a single room, or the seven internal power amplifiers can be allocated for main room, zone2 and zone3 in various applications. Thanks to this Intelligent AMP feature, users are able to enjoy the full 7.1 channel system in the main room when zone 2 and 3 are powered off. When zone 2 and 3 are on, the main system automatically adjusts to a 5.1 or 3.1 channel system. Front panel Zone control buttons, Zone2/3 tone control, a dedicated Zone remote and RS-232C interface allow both receivers to be easily integrated into custom installations. The RX-V2700 also offers Zone2/3 balance adjustment.

Both models connect easily to most Apple iPods via an optional iPod docking station (Yamaha YDS-10; SRP $99.95). Once docked, the iPod can be operated (song selection, play, etc.) via the receivers' remote controls. A one cable connection allows users to view the iPod's video, pictures and operating status (song title, artist, etc.) on a television monitor. In addition, docked iPods are automatically charged so they are ready to be taken on the go at all times. The RX-V2700 also provides a front panel USB port to for quick and easy connections of other portable audio devices.

Yamaha's proprietary Compressed Music Enhancer technology compensates for the lost detail of compressed audio, such as MP3 audio files, providing these files with a more natural recreation of the original music performance when experienced through home speakers.

Playback of XM HD Surround from XM Satellite Radio, which delivers audio programming in full 5.1 channel surround sound (XM Ch. 76 and 113), as well as content from the company's 160-plus standard service channels, is achieved via an optional service subscription and XM Passport antenna. Neural Surround(TM) technology enhances the experience of XM HD Surround, delivering a detailed sound stage with superior 5.1 channel separation.

The Yamaha Parametric Room Acoustic Optimizer (YPAO) has been improved to perform down to 31.5Hz from the previous 63Hz, allowing it to work with a system's subwoofer to create a sharper bass image. This proprietary technology simplifies the home theater setup process by automatically analyzing room acoustics and setting parameters for optimum sound quality at the touch of a button. Yamaha has upgraded the Cinema DSP programs for both the RX-V2700 and RX-V1700. New 'Action' and 'Roleplaying' game programs deliver dynamic sound when used with the latest video game consoles.

The RX-V2700 (140Wx7; SRP $1,699.95) and RX-V1700 (130Wx7; SRP $1,299.95) will be available in September and can be experienced during the CEDIA 2006 show at Yamaha's booth (#342).

For more information, write Yamaha Electronics Corporation, P.O. Box 6660, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9105; e-mail infostation@yamaha.com; or visit www.yamaha.com/home.

About Yamaha
Yamaha Electronics Corporation (YEC), USA, based in Buena Park, California, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Yamaha. YEC offers Home Theater components and systems, featuring A/V Receivers, Amplifiers, DVD/CD, Speakers, Mini-Systems, Video Projection, as well as A/V & IT Convergence Products.

The Streamer 3 seems to be a rebranded Sirius Sportster 4. It has a large dial knob, amber backlighting, song alerts, 30 presets and a full-frequency wireless FM transmitter. Both of these units will support the universal docking connector, so it should be an easy upgrade, if you decide to do so. Travis Hudson

New rix Streamer GT3 & Streamer 3 (PHOTOS) [Orbicast]

AV, HDMI and iPOD inside amplifiers by Pioneer [AkihabaraNews]