In the world of entertainment it is all about networking and connections. And while this certainly holds true in terms of who you know, making networking very important, it also holds true with the entertainment devices for an entirely different type of networking. In this case Onkyo has got you covered with two newly received high-end network home theater receivers.
The TX-NR5008 (MSRP: $2,699) and TX-NR3008 (MSRP: $2,099) aren't short on connections. These each feature eight HDMI 1.4a inputs, which are compatible with Audio Return Channel and 3D video passthrough. And both support the mandatory video formats for 3D broadcasting, including "side-by-side (half)" and "top-and-bottom" as well as that ever-popular frame-packing Full HD 3D signal being sent out by the new Blu-ray 3D players. The receivers further offer THX Ultra2 Plus certification, and support network audio streaming, various multi-room setups and iPhone/iPod playback via USB.
On the connection end, both models feature dual HDMI outputs, for playback to two high-definition displays simultaneously. For video processing, you'll find HQV-Reon VX on board, which enables 1080p upscaling of all video inputs, regardless of source resolution, and both units also offer advanced ISF video calibration so users can make fine-grained, and independent adjustments for each video source. The units feature gold-plated audio inputs and PLL jitter-cleaning circuit technology, as well as separate transformers for audio and video processing. The step up TX-NR5008 offers a toroidal transformer and 22,000 uF capacitors.
Both models also include RGB input for video content from a connected PC, plus HDMI Thru, which allows users to view content from a connected video source when the receiver is not turned on.
In addition to the video, the audio also is connected. Audio networking and Internet radio are included with both models, via the rear Ethernet port which also enables firmware upgrades, and provides an online gateway directly to the Internet or to connected, networked PCs.
Music can be streamed via Internet radio through services including Pandora, Rhapsody, Napster, Slacker, Sirius Internet Radio and vTuner. Playback of PC-based audio files is also supported, including FLAC, MP3, WAV, Ogg Vorbis, WMA, WMA Lossless, AAC and LPCM. Both the TX-NR5008 and TX-NR3008 are Windows 7 compatible, as well as DLNA 1.5 certified.
Each model is also compatible with 9-channel configuration, including the expanded surround dimensions of Audyssey DSX for height and width channels for greater spatial ambience, and Dolby Pro Logic IIz, which provides the option of extra height channels. The receivers each include a full suite of Audyssey room-correction and equalization technologies, while the Audyssey MultEQ XT offers integration of up to eight positions throughout the room for calibration of speakers within your specific listening environment. The TX-NR5008 and TX-NR3008 also support Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio for playback of lossless codecs on Blu-ray Disc. The models are compatible with DSD Direct for playback of SACD discs as well.
For networking options in multi-room set-ups the units also allow for users to play a 5.1-channel source in the main room, and provide fully powered stereo audio of two different sources in Zone 2 and Zone 3. Users can also use the option of Zone 2/3 pre outs and even a Zone 2 video output.
Both models feature USB ports for the playback of music, and even display album art, from a connected iPhone or iPod, or from a flash memory device. The TX-NR3008 features a front-side USB port, while the TX-NR5008 offers USB ports to the front and rear.
The Onkyo TX-NR3008 and TX-NR5008 will be available in August with suggested retail prices of $2,099 and $2,699 respectively.
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