Onkyo TX-DS696 Home Theatre Receiver Is High Definition-Capable, Has DolbyÆ Pro Logic II And Allows Mixing Composite And S-Video Components

23-Apr-01

Onkyo today introduced the TX-DS696, a 5 x 100-watt home theatre receiver with professional-quality component video switching, the ability to mix and match composite and S-Video components, and the new DolbyÆ Pro Logic II surround decoding in addition to Dolby Digital and DTSÆ Digital Surroundô. The Onkyo TX-DS696 is the only sub-$1000 A/V receiver with a component video switching capable of handing HDTV and progressive-scan video signals. With a video bandwidth surpassing of the 50 MHz professional standard, the TX-DS696 can deliver a video image quality unmatched at this price point.The TX-DS696 also has a unique YC Separator/Mixer that reconciles the incompatibility of composite and S-Video signals. Without this circuit, the video source, receiver, and video monitor must all use the same type of video connection. Onkyo's YC Separator/Mixer allows, for example, the use of a single S-Video connection to a monitor or TV - even if some video sources have only composite outputs.The Onkyo TX-DS696 also offers an extensive array of sound quality features. The new Dolby Pro Logic II extracts 5.1-channel surround sound from VHS videotapes, CDs and LPs. Pro Logic II enhances the spatial experience and better differentiates sound sources by changing the surround channels from mono to stereo, making images more stable, and increasing channel separation. While Pro Logic II and the presence of a phono input help the TX-DS696 make the most of consumersí existing audio and video media, the new receiver is prepared for new audio formats as well. Its 5.1-channel input can handle DVD-Audio and SACD recordings, and its amplifier circuitry has frequency response out to 100 kHz. In addition to the phono and 5.1-channel inputs, the TX-DS696 boasts four digital inputs (two fiber optic, two coaxial) that can be assigned to the DVD, CD, or other source selector buttons. On the video side, two component video inputs and one output stand ready to deal with advanced video sources and monitors, while all five video inputs have S-Video as well as composite connections. To simplify operation despite the wide choice of potential signal sources, the TX-DS696 has Onkyoís exclusive A-Form circuitry, which remembers and automatically recalls all user settings for each signal source - surround mode, subwoofer setting, signal type, and so on. The 5 x 100-watt amplifier uses Onkyoís Wide Range Amplifier Technology (WRAT) with extended frequency response to 100 kHz. WRAT employs an uncommonly small amount of negative feedback to virtually eliminate the influence of back EMF from speakers or of noise picked up by speaker leads, eliminates ground potential fluctuations, and responds instantaneously to high current transients. Each channelís output uses discrete output devices fitted with extruded aluminum heat sinks, and is delivered via five-way binding posts that can be used with banana plugs and heavy duty audiophile speaker cables. Dual-zone circuitry allows listening to two different stereo sources at once in different parts of the house.The high definition digital audio circuitry includes 96 kHz/24-bit D/A converters on all channels and a DSP section whose nine soundfields, generated by advanced algorithms, can be customized by the user to manipulate room size, equalization, and ambience for various types of music. Two selectable late night modes keep dialogue clearly audible without letting explosions and other sound effects wake nearby family members. And the speed-sensitive digital volume control employs Optimum Gain Volume Circuitry to keep soft signals well above the noise floor.The tuner section has 40 presets, usable for FM or AM, and automatic tuning. The elegant, black, brushed-aluminum front panel is made from thick, aircraft-grade stock. It features a large, bright fluorescent display that is easy to read both day and night. The display's system status indicators give the operator a clear indication of which operating modes are in use at any time. The universal learning remote is preprogrammed for other components from Onkyo and many other brands, and it has back lighting for easy use in darkened rooms.The Onkyo TX-DS696 is currently available with a suggested retail price of $830.For more information and dealer locations, visit www.onkyousa.com.

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