Onkyo's Envision Theater Combines A DVD/CD Receiver And 5.1 Speaker System To Deliver Maximum Home Theatre With Minimum Clutter

12-Dec-00

Onkyo has introduced Envision Theater, a packaged home theatre system combining a high-performance DVD/CD receiver with a 5.1-channel speaker system. When connected to any TV or video display, this stylish yet simple package is all many people will ever need to enjoy high quality home theatre and music sound. The elegant-looking Envision DVD receiver replaces as many as four separate components with this single, sensible, and easy-to-use device. The Onkyo Envision Theater DR-S2.0 DVD receiver can play DVDs, CDs, CD-Rs and Video CDs. It has DolbyÆ Digital, DTSÆ Digital Surroundô and Dolby Pro LogicÆ decoders for state-of-the-art 5.1-channel movie soundtracks. It also has a high-sensitivity AM/FM tuner and a five-channel, 30 watt-per-channel power amplifier section. The six-piece speaker system is comprised of a 50-watt powered subwoofer, and five low profile wall-mountable satellite speakers that provide a solid three-dimensional sound field, while remaining visually unobtrusive. The DR-S2.0 is designed to be as easy to use as a TV set. The system turns on with a touch of the disc open/close button. It automatically detects whether the disc is a CD or a DVD, whether it is DTS, Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic or PCM encoded, and then chooses the optimum playback mode. The speaker setup is very easy, thanks to the receiverís Smart Configuration feature. Just enter the distance from your listening spot to each of the various speakers; and it will automatically set the proper levels and time delays for each speaker. The systemís DSP processor has five listening modes for different types of music and theatre. For those with limited space, the Theater-Dimensional mode provides simulated surround sound using as few as two speakers. While the Envision Theater is a complete package, it is also equipped to support a full spectrum of other audio and audio/video source components. Video 1 can provide record and playback support for a VCR, DVD recorder or hard disk video recorder through component, S-Video and optical digital inputs. Video 2 is for cable and satellite receivers, and has a digital coaxial input. An audio tape loop serves an audio cassette deck, MD or CD recorder. An additional audio connection allows input from a TV set or other line-level source. There is also a component video output for full compatibility and optimum image quality with any video display. The speaker system consists of four D-30 full-range bass-reflex satellite speakers with 3 3/5-inch OMF (Onkyo Micro Fiber) diaphragms, and a D-30C center channel speaker with dual 3 3/5-inch drivers. The D-30 and D-30C feature heavy-duty solid extruded aluminum cabinets that are magnetically shielded. The SKW-30 bass-reflex subwoofer has a 6 1/2-inch poly cone woofer designed to operate over a range of 40 to 120Hz. It has variable front-panel level and frequency controls. The Envision Theater features a multi-function remote control that has a logical and ergonomically designed button layout, with the most commonly used buttons located for one-hand use. It can also ""learn"" the codes of the userís TV, VCR and other components, allowing the entire system to operate from this single remote control. Onkyo's Envision Theater is currently available with a suggested retail price of $1,195.