The magic elves always save their best for the company's ES line, and while we're sure the STR-DA3500ES ($1,000) and STR-DA5500ES ($2,000) receivers are no exception, we're hard-pressed to find any big changes from the outgoing 3400ES and 5400ES models. That said, the older models stressed connectivity, clean design and easy operation, and sticking to those values is sure to appeal to many users. The STR-DA3500 is a 7x100-Watt AVR with 4 HDMI ins (2 outs) that can serve up audio to three zones and HD video to two; you might want to take advantage of the Control4 compatibility to manage the signals hither and yon. The STR-DA5500ES steps things up with 7x120-Watt amplification, 6 HDMI ins / 2 outs, control via IP, DLNA support, internet streaming (Shoutcast and Rhapsody) and that nifty streaming to your network over CAT5e seen in the 5400ES. The 5500ES also gets a couple new bits of tech -- HD Digital Cinema Sound that recreates studio sound in your home (seems like an EQ mode) and Automatic Phase Matching which "corrects for phase differentiation" among speakers (sounds like a variation on the automatic phase and frequency room EQ theme). Interested? Go past the break for the full PR.



Sept. 9, 2009 (CEDIA Booth #1409) – Sony today introduced two new "Elevated Standard" (ES) audio/video receivers, including their first to offer control over an IP network, the STR-DA5500ES.

Both the STR-DA5500ES and new STR-DA3500ES are designed as easy-to-use solutions for expanding high-definition entertainment to multiple rooms of the home.

"For over 25 years, ES has represented the most technologically advanced products Sony has to offer," said Neal Manowitz, director of Sony's home audio and video business. "By adding features like Control4 certification and enhanced multi-room HD support, Sony continues to raise the bar in the high-definition digital home business."

The new STR-DA5500ES model features IP network control, allowing installers to easily integrate into Control4® home automation systems. It will also support special Control4 developed and certified IP network applications, such as advanced configuration and diagnostic tools for dealers, email and text alerts, and more.

Additionally, the receiver is the company's first to feature Automatic Phase Matching (APM), which corrects for phase differentiation between front, center, and surround speakers, ensuring an ideal sound stage regardless of speaker type.

Also new, the STR-DA5500ES A/V receiver features Sony's innovative new HD Digital Cinema Sound®. Developed together with Sony Pictures Entertainment, the new technology was designed to transform and replicate both the sound quality and acoustics of a movie theater in the home environment, creating an unmatched viewing experience for both Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD™.

The network capabilities of the STR-DA5500ES model also allow users to easily view photos and access digital music and videos from a Digital Life Network Alliance™ (DLNA) compliant source within a home broadband network when connected via an Ethernet cable. Additionally, the connection provides access to both Shoutcast® Internet Radio and Rhapsody Music Service and functions as the source for easy firmware upgrades.

The STR-DA5500ES model offers a 120-watt power amplifier x 7 (8 ohms, 20 Hz – 20 kHz, .09 percent THD) and a variety of high definition connections, including six HDMI inputs (five rear, one front) and two HDMI outputs.

The model supports 1080/24p video signals and x.v.Color™ and Deep Color™ video codecs, as well as all the latest audio formats (Dolby® Digital Plus, Dolby® TrueHD, DTS® HD, DTS® ES, Dolby® Digital EX, Dolby® Pro Logic IIx and 8 channel Linear PCM).

The STR-DA5500ES also offers Faroudja chip® up-scaling of all sources to 1080p in the main zone and 1080i in a second zone, ensuring a consistent, sharp picture. Further, each connected video zone has a high-grade, icon-driven menu system that allows for simple device and content navigation. Audio can also be expanded into a third zone.

The model features Sony's Digital Media Port™ for simple connection to iPod® and other digital music players, and is both XM® and Sirius® ready.

The STR-DA5500ES will be available next month for about $2,000.

Sony also announced the new STR-DA3500ES 7.1 channel A/V receiver featuring a 100-watt amplifier x 7 (8 ohms, 20Hz – 20 kHz, .09 percent THD) and four HDMI inputs. The model is compatible with the latest audio codecs (Dolby® Digital Plus, Dolby® TrueHD, DTS® HD, DTS® ES, Dolby® Digital EX, Dolby® Pro Logic IIx and 8 channel Linear PCM) and supports HD Digital Cinema Sound, 1080/24p video output as well as Deep Color and x.v.Color™.

The STR-DA3500ES receiver also features 1080p up-scaling with Faroudja processing in the main room, and in total can support two zones of high-definition video and a third zone of audio. It is fully compatible with Control 4 applications, and utilizes an icon-driven menu system for content navigation and a Digital Media Port connection for easy connection to iPod. This new receiver is also both XM and Sirius radio ready.

The STR-DA3500ES will be available next month for about $1,000.

Both ES receivers are supported by a five-year limited manufacturer warranty and will be available online through www.sonystyle.com, at Sony Style stores nationwide and at authorized Sony ES dealers across the country.