Sony Elevated Standard : Sony Unveils Its High-end Receiver Line-up

Yesterday Sony introduced three new 7.1 AV receivers for its Elevated Standard (ES), the STR-DA4400ES, STR-DA3400ES, STR-DA2400ES.

All feature sophisticated A/V technology supporting 1080/24p video signals and the latest audio codecs like Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, dts high resolution audio and dts HD master audio.

The STR-DA4400ES is a 7.1 channel receiver with a 120W amplifier providing an impedance of 8Ω, a frequency response of 20Hz-20,000Hz, and features six HDMI ports. It should be available in August for about 950€ ($1500).

The STR-DA3400ES and STR-DA2400EST feature 100W amplifiers providing a frequency response of 20-20,000Hz, an impedance of 8Ω, and four HDMI inputs. They should be available next month.



SAN DIEGO, June 26, 2008 – Sony today introduced three new audio/video receivers in its “Elevated Standard” (ES) product line that deliver high-quality sound and video performance.

Engineered for high-end home theaters, the new STR-DA4400ES, STR-DA3400ES and STR-DA2400ES receivers feature sophisticated A/V technology supporting 1080/24p video signals, the latest audio codecs (Dolby® Digital Plus, Dolby® TrueHD, dts® High Resolution Audio and dts® HD Master Audio) and Faroudja DCDi Cinema® technology for upscaling all video sources to 1080p when connected via HDMI™ to a compatible high-definition television.

The ES receivers are all designed around a unique construction platform, digital board and a wide band power amplifier to maintain the purity of the audio and video signals by minimizing external vibrations and internal jitter.

“The rapid evolution of audio and video has generated increased demand for connectivity and high-performance components,” said Tyler Ishida, director of marketing for Sony Electronics' Digital Imaging and Audio Division. “This new line of ES receivers delivers the fidelity, build quality and connectivity expected for an outstanding cinematic experience in the home.”

The new models utilize a xross media bar™-inspired graphical user interface for easy content navigation, Sony’s Digital Cinema Auto Calibration for simple surround sound setup, and BRAVIA® Sync™ for Theatre for easy synchronization of compatible home theater components.

Sony’s DIGITAL MEDIA PORT adds control, networking and connectivity options for music playback through various accessories, including a Cradle for iPod (TDM-iP10), a Network Walkman™ cradle, a PC client device and a Bluetooth® adapter (each is sold separately). The models are also Sirius® and XM Connect-and-Play™ Ready.

The STR-DA4400ES 7.1 channel receiver has a 120-watt amplifier (8 ohms, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 0.09 percent THD), six HDMI inputs and DSD decoding through HDMI. It offers high-definition video distribution to a second zone, audio distribution to three zones and picture-in-picture for monitoring of multi-zone output or an external video source. The model will be available in August for about $1,500.

The STR-DA3400ES 7.1 channel receiver has a 100-watt power amplifier (8 ohms, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 0.09 percent THD), four HDMI inputs, a 12-volt trigger, IR repeater and high-definition video distribution to a second zone (composite). It will be available in August for around $1,000.

The STR-DA2400ES 7.1 channel receiver has a 100-watt power amplifier (8 ohms, 20 Hz – 20 kHz, 0.09 percent THD), a basic icon-driven graphic user interface and four HDMI inputs. The model will be available next month for about $800.

All ES receivers are supported by a five-year limited manufacturer warranty and will be available online through www.sonystyle.com, at Sony Style stores nationwide and at authorized Sony dealers across the country.