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.

You know, we never thought that it was that big of a deal to change CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs by hand. Seriously, if you're too lazy to walk two feet to your entertainment center you probably didn't want to see Air Bud: Seventh Inning Fetch that badly in the first place. On the other hand, we are gadget fiends and part of us can see the logic in something like Sony's 400-disc Mega Charger. Hell, if a Blu-ray player is good, one that holds 400 discs must be 400 times as good, right? Well, maybe. As far as players go, this guy does pretty well, according to the reviewer at Electronic House. In fact, video quality was deemed "excellent" and on-screen navigation was a snap. And you can't find fault with any player that supports Gracenote (especially if you're going to store hundreds of discs in the thing). On the other hand, the lack of Netflix and DLNA integration, WiFi, or even memory for BD-Live functionality (you'll have to supply your own USB thumb drive, it seems) just might cramp your style. So what do you think? Do you have 400 Blu-ray discs? Think you ever will have 400 Blu-ray discs? Then hit the read link and check out the sordid tale for yourself.

There's no doubt that Sony has a 400-disc Blu-ray Mega Changer on the cooker -- heck, we saw the thing last year at CEDIA -- but up until now, there's been no indication of its nearness to market. According to a vague Swiss product page and a report from Sony Insider, however, the launch date is indeed drawing near. If hunches prove legitimate, the BDP-CX7000ES will allow 400 of your favorite BD flicks to sit within a single console, and we've every reason to believe that this one will support BD-Live and actually load films with some amount of haste. You know, very much unlike the 200-disc HES-V1000 that's already out there. As of now, it's looking like the unit will run right around $2,300, placing it squarely in rarefied air and ostensibly out of reach for the vast majority of home theater junkies.

[Via Sony Insider]

We thought we had seen all of Sony's 2008 ES lineup, but boy were we distinctly incorrect. Sony Japan has today revealed a trio of newcomers, two of which we've never seen before. The TA-DA5400ES packs a 120-watt x 7 channel internal amplifier, six HDMI inputs (and 2 outputs), six optical audio jacks and three sets of component inputs (among others). As for the STR-DA3400ES, the wattage steps down to 100-watts per channel and the port selection isn't nearly as robust; the STR-DG820 is already available in the States, making us believe this one's just an overseas re-release. Anywho, feel free to check out the full specifications in the read link below, and you can look for these to land (at least in Japan) this November.

[Via SonyInsider]

Say hello to this year's warmed-over line of Sony's ES 7.1 channel audio/video receivers. Now-standard features in the line include a PS3/PSP-style xross media bar interface, 1080p Faroudja DCDi upconversion, a slew of audio codec support (Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, dts High Resolution Audio and dts HD Master Audio) plus Digital Media Port connectivity to hook up iPod or Bluetooth adapters or satellite radio. The higher end STR-DA4400ES (above) packs a 120-watt amplifier, six HDMI inputs, HD video output to two zones and audio to three zones for $1,500 when it debuts this August. The STR-DA3400ES and STR-DA2400ES both include a 100-watt amp, four HDMI jacks, the 3400 includes an IR repeater and support for a second video zone with its $1,000 price tag, while the 2400 drops those features and includes a basic interface for $800 next month. Take a peek at both after the break, then check your wallet to see where you fit in.

We saw Sony's new BDP-S500 Blu-ray player at IFA last week, but just in case you felt like dropping more than $700 to get into the high-def media game, Sir Howie's got you covered with the ES model, the BDP-S2000ES. You'll be getting everything in the S500, including HDMI 1.3, 1080p/60 and 24p output , x.v.Color, 7.1-channel Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby True HD and DTS-HD1, as well as separate audio / video boards to minimize interference, and a "rigid drive bracket" to minimize vibrations. The S2000ES should be hitting stores soon for $1300 -- that must be quite the drive bracket.

Those in the market for a receiver that can handle the latest and greatest ought to look Sony's way, as the firm's revamped ES lineup not only plays nice with your iPod, but it's the first from Sony that can distribute high definition content to a second room. The STR-DA5300ES, STR-DA4300ES, and STR-DA3300ES 7.1-channel devices all offer seamless (albeit optional) iPod integration, and the onboard Digital Media Port allows users to add other accessories such as a WiFi client for streaming digital music, a Bluetooth receiver, or a Network Walkman docking station. You'll also find 1080/60p and 24p support, 1080p upconverting, Sirius / XM compatibility, and a variety of internal amplifier ratings depending on model. All three of Sony's latest AV components will be available before October, and while the low(er)-end DA3300ES will check in at a cool grand, the DA4300ES will demand $1,300 while the DA5300ES runs $1,700.

[Via Electronista]

It will be nice when every A/V receiver has an HDMI input so we don't feel the necessity to mention it but Sony's newest ES receiver has just that along with loads of power. The TA-DA3200ES employs HDMI 1.2 in both inputs to transport the 1080p video along with the linear PCM 7.1 audio of Blu-ray. We got to warn you that this guy has loads of power as it can pump 120W per all seven of its channels at 8Ω. Now if you think you need that much power it is a good thing that Sony has included an auto calibration mic to detect and setup your speakers to work best with your room via test tones for you. The receiver has the standard array of legacy inputs that you would find on most high-end receivers but here's hoping that not many people are using the four S-Video ports.