Sonyís New Hi-Fi Components Hit High Notes In Optimizing Home Theatre Experience
CD Megachangers Team With Receivers, Speaker Systems
Whether itís providing the utility of one of the industryís highest capacity CD megachangers or high-performance digital audio products that capture the power and precision of the movie theatre experience and bring it home, Sony delivers with its new lineup of hi-fi components. Sonyís new hi-fi line is highlighted by two MegastorageÆ 400-CD changers, six powerful receivers (four with DolbyÆ Digital decoding), and three six-piece speaker systems that deliver the impact of the multi-channel surround to consumersí homes. The high-performance components were developed for consumers starting home theatre systems or for those enhancing existing systems. ""We anticipate that components for home theatre will continue to be a very strong growth area this year,"" said Mike Fidler, Senior Vice President of Home Audio Video Marketing at Sony Electronics. ""Sony is helping more and more people get involved by providing products with clear, demonstrable benefits."" CD Megachangers Growing In Capacity, Popularity For most consumers, the only thing growing faster than their CD collections is the capacity of their changers. Megachangers, with the ability to store 50 or more discs, continue to be the hottest sector in the category. In order to help consumers manage their growing CD collections while simplifying disc access, Sony is expanding its line of CD megachangers with the addition of two new 400-disc changers. Both the CDP-CX400 and CDP-CX450 utilize Advanced Mega Control, which enables users to control and crossfade up to 800 discs (by daisy-chaining to another 400-disc changer) without any interruption of music. Thereís also the artist name search function of each player, which allows for the ability to search or have continuous playback of CDs in the changer of the same selected artist. Users can program - with a PC keyboard via the dedicated front panel input - up to 200 different artist names and access discs via panel controls or by using the Remote CommanderÆ remote control. Standard features on both models include Twin Jog Dialsô for easy access, and CD Text Display/Custom Fileô, which holds up to 800 discs in memory and organizes discs into eight categories. The CDP-CX450 adds a new Graphic User Interface (GUI) with a dedicated monitor output. The GUI permits up to 10 disc titles per screen and displays play mode and status. Another added feature is the two-way LCD remote control, which helps simplify disc management and access by allowing users to see disc titles on the remote. The CDP-CX400 and CDP-CX450 will be available in June 2000 and are expected to sell for approximately $299 and $399, respectively. Receivers Deliver Processing Power, Performance Sony is adding high-performance A/V receivers with built in Dolby Digital, DTSÆ Digital Surroundô and Dolby ProLogicÆ decoding for home theatre enthusiasts seeking to maximize the performance of their components (such as DVD players/changers and digital satellite systems). The group includes four receivers that utilize a dedicated 24-bit chip for Dolby Digital and DTS decoding as well as 5.1-channel inputs. Three models have S-Video switching. The top two models (STR-DE945 and STR-DE845) use a 24-bit chip plus a 32-bit chip for Digital Signal Processing. With this feature, Dolby Digital and DTS decoding is handled by the 24-bit engine, while all of the Digital Cinema Soundô modes originate in the separate 32-bit processor. The receivers also feature Sonyís exclusive Digital Cinema Sound processing, which digitally replicates the acoustic environments from some of Hollywoodís top dubbing stages by adding new levels of depth and clarity. Sonyís exclusive DCS system also includes digital signal processing providing enhanced soundfield capacity including, virtual 3D technology, giving consumers ""virtual"" multiple rear speakers, creating a more cinema-type environment in the home with or without actual rear speakers. The STR-DE945, which features second room audio output with independent source selection, is powered at 110 watts in all five channels and includes a pre-programmed, two-way LCD remote, which simplifies the operation of most consumer A/V equipment including Digital Satellite Systems and DVD menu control. It also features preamp outputs, three optical digital and one coaxial digital input, a front A/V input, and multiple audio inputs (including S-Video switching). The receiver, which will sell for approximately $500, will be available in June. The STR-DE845 features 100 watts of power (x5), 24-bit Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, an LCD remote, phono input, three optical and one coaxial digital input. It also includes 32-bit Digital Cinema Sound with three Cinema Studio CX modes and Virtual 3D modes. Available in May 2000, the receiver will sell for approximately $400. The STR-DE545 features 100 watts of power in all five channels, 24-bit Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, DSP with 11 acoustic environments and an eight-function input selector including S-video input, two optical and one coaxial digital input. It will be available in May for approximately $300. The STR-DE445 has 80 watts (x5), a 24-bit Dolby Digital and DTS decoder, Dolby Pro Logic, Virtual 3D modes and one optical digital and one coaxial digital input. Available in May, it will have an estimated selling price of $250. Speaker Systems Add Punch To Multi-Channel Surround Sound For those seeking high-fidelity, multi-channel surround sound from DVD systems, digital satellite systems and other sources, Sony is unveiling three six-piece speaker packages, complete with five satellite speakers for front, center and surround sound, along with active subwoofers. All the speaker systems are designed to create a complete solution for consumers seeking the full benefits of their DVD, digital satellite systems and A/V receivers. Topping the line this year is the SA-VE815ED, which includes a 150-watt active subwoofer with auto power on/off and five micro satellite speakers that feature new extended definition neodymium tweeters with a range up to 70kHz. The systemís components are all housed in stylish aluminum diecast. Next is the SA-VE505, which features a 100-watt active subwoofer with auto power on/off, along with five matching micro satellite speakers using neodymium magnets to provide high-impact sound without utilizing a lot of space. The SA-VE315 features four micro sized satellite speakers, a low-profile center channel speaker, and a 75-watt active subwoofer. The SA-VE315 will be available in April for approximately $299. The SA-VE505 is available now at an estimated selling price of $499, while the SA-VE815ED will be available in May for approximately $1000. Source: Sony Electronics