Onkyo, a consumer electronics manufacturer known for their affordable yet high performance home theater products, unveiled three receivers for the mid- and high-end market. The Onkyo TX-NR708 ($899, out in early July); TX-NR808 ($1,099, early July); and the TX-NR1008 ($1,300, shipping late July) are THX Certified, 3D- ready, and network capable for audio streaming and multi-room functionality.
While numerous televisions on the market address 3D, receivers are just now beginning to follow suit. All three models in the TX line have seven HDMI 1.4a connections, the current standard, specifying compatibility with new 3D video formats. Onkyo made the line compatible with the mandatory formats for 3D broadcast content for viewing of both side-by-side and top-and-bottom dual viewing modes for 3D video formats. Of course, Blu-ray 3D is also supported. Additionally, all three receivers are THX Select2 Plus certified.
The HDMI output serves as a conduit for 1080p video upscaling of all video inputs through its Faroudja DCDi Cinema feature, which works to remove jaggies during the video signal deinterlacing process. The Faroudja DCDi is said to produce a smooth progressive-scan video image.
A rear-panel Ethernet port on all three models links directly to the Internet or to a home network. The Onkyo line supports file types including MP3, WMA, WMA Lossless, FLAC, WAV, Ogg Vorbis, AAC, and LPCM and easily plays through Internet radio services from Pandora, Rhapbody, vTuner, Sirius Internet Radio, Napster, Mediafly, and Slacker Internet radio sites. Owners can expect firmware upgrades via the Ethernet connection to update standards and protocols.
Audio processing on all three models includes the studio-master quality of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio codecs as well as the enhanced channel options of Dolby Pro Logic IIz and Audyssey DSX. The TX-NR808 and TX-NR708 support 7.2-channel sound; the TX-NR1008 supports 9.2-channel sound with different speaker configuration options. For example, you can do a full 7.1 channel system, add on a second powered subwoofer for additional bass support and add front channel height speakers for a more immersive surround soundstage.
The three receivers also support multi-room, multi-zone set-ups. The TX-NR708 supports Zone 2 and Zone 2 line out. The TX-NR808 can handle a powered Zone 2 as well as offering pre-outs for Zones 2 and 3. The higher end model, the TX-NR1008 can deliver 5.1-channel surround sound in the main room, plus powered stereo audio of two different sources in Zone 2 and Zone 3.
The TX-NR708 and TX-NR808 are expected to hit stores later this month or in early July. The TX-NR1008 will follow in late July.
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