Onkyo has started from scratch, creating an entirely new A/V receiver line, known as the Onkyo HT Series (for "home theater" apparently).

Based on the AVRs that Onkyo is using in some of its packaged HTiB (home theater ina box) systems, the new HT stand-alone receiver line includes two models, the HT-RC160 and the HT-RC180.

Available now, the HT-RC160 is a 7.2-channel receiver with a hearty five HDMI inputs. One or more of those could come in handy if you want to upconvert your standard def video signals via Faroujda's DCDi video processing engine. Other features include Dolby Pro Logic IIz support for height channel applications, on-board Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD decoding, and an optional iPod Dock/HD Radio module via proprietary U.Port. The MSRP for the HT-RC160 is $549.

If you can wait, the HT-RC180 is being billed as a step up -- in features and price. At almost twice the price, the HT-RC180 adds THX Select2Plus certification, as well as networking features. That means Pandora, Rhapsody and other features could be coming to your A/V setup. Expect the HT-RC180 to hit outlets sometime this month for $1,049.



"By capitalizing on our core technologies and refining the capabilities of these receivers we are able to bring to market desirable, high-value product people have come to expect from Onkyo," said Paul Wasek, Onkyo's marketing manager.

Where to Buy:

• Onkyo HT-RC160 7.2-Channel A/V Receiver (Amazon.com)

For More Information:

• Onkyo HT-RC160 7.2-Channel A/V Receiver (Product Page)