Onkyo adds built-in Bluetooth/WiFi to its 2013 Network A/V Receivers

Persbericht

14 March 2013: Continuing its reign as the world’s foremost creator of user-focused home entertainment products, Onkyo has unveiled three exciting network A/V receivers for the 2013 model year, pushing standards for performance and value to unprecedented heights in the home cinema arena.

This year, as is its tradition, the respected electronics company continues to forge ahead of its competitors on both feature count and functionality, with the following upgrades announced for its 2013 network A/V receivers:

Built-in Wi-Fi supported by a remote app that enables lossless audio streaming from iPhone and Android-based devices, as well as app-controllable FLAC, Apple Lossless, Dolby TrueHD, LPCM, and DSD hi-res streaming from NAS and personal computer via network and DLNA*
Onboard Bluetooth technology to enable fast and reliable audio streaming from smartphones, tablets, and computers*
An expanded selection of music streaming services and internet radio providers (including Spotify, TuneIn Radio, and Last.fm) selectable via remote app
4K Ultra HD passthrough via HDMI from media players and projectors (all three models) and Qdeo 4K video upscaling technology (TX-NR626 and TX-NR727)
Upgraded Audyssey MultEQ room acoustic correction to equalise and calibrate subwoofers as well as satellite speakers *TX-NR525 requires adapters to enable wireless LAN and Bluetooth technology

As the most powerful model on release, the THX Select2 Plus-certified TX-NR727 Network A/V Receiver drives 7.2 channels and is equipped with Three-Stage Inverted Darlington Circuitry, making it an ideal choice for filling larger rooms with studio quality surround sound. The receiver offers Dolby Pro Logic IIz and Audyssey DSX upmixing, as well as a Whole House Mode for delivering distributed multi-room audio in up to three zones.

Eight HDMI inputs include MHL support for 1080p video (from connected smartphones and tablets), while two HDMI outputs are provided to both a projector and TV display to be connected at the same time. 4K Ultra HD video passthrough and upscaling - plus built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology - reflect the exceptional blend of performance and value of this fully featured A/V receiver.

Harnessing technology and making it easier for consumers to use is always a major priority and to this end InstaPrevue video switching technology and an elegantly simple HDMI-powered user interface are included. Remote smartphone app control, meanwhile, extends across all three zones, supporting audio streaming from the local network and making it easy to search for the albums, playlists, and internet radio channels available through the receiver.

Users searching for exemplary audio-video performance on a tighter budget will find much to admire in the formidable 7.2-channel TX-NR626 Network A/V Receiver. Three-Stage Inverted Darlington Circuitry - a sophisticated amp topology designed for high-energy output with minimal distortion - is present on the front and centre channels. The TX-NR626 is suited to playing both multi-channel movie soundtracks and two-channel music with a high degree of transparency. Equipped with 4K Ultra HD video passthrough/upscaling, built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth the TX-NR626 ticks every box at an affordable price.

With a useful amount of power, network connectivity, and streaming service implementation - along with provision for Bluetooth technology and wireless LAN via optional adapters - the 5.2-channel TX-NR525 Network A/V Receiver is a strong contender at the entry level. Six HDMI inputs, Audyssey MultEQ, InstaPrevue technology, and Hybrid Standby (which maintains HDMI and network connectivity) are practical inclusions to streamline, simplify, and optimize the home theater system for everyday use.

All three models presented here are endowed with class-leading audio pre-processing and proprietary WRAT (Wide Range Amp Technology). This key to this acclaimed technology lies in Onkyo’s low-negative-feedback amplifier topology, which extracts the full dynamic potential in the recording. High instantaneous current capability, meanwhile, provides a deep reservoir of power to handle the sudden dynamic swings commonly found in movie soundtracks, while noise-cancelling closed ground-loop circuits assist with the clean and clear sonic delivery for which the Onkyo brand is celebrated.

From its roots in two-channel hi-fi, and pioneering contribution to multi-channel home theatre, Onkyo is now leading the way toward house-wide entertainment systems driven by powerful A/V processing hubs. Rapid innovation is leading to better-equipped products at all levels of the market, allowing consumers to better enjoy the life-enhancing benefits of the digital revolution.

PRICES
TX-NR727 7.2-channel Network A/V Receiver with built-in Wi-Fi/Bluetooth - £800 (available in May)
TX-NR626 7.2-channel Network A/V Receiver with built-in Wi-Fi/Bluetooth - £500 (available in April)
TX-NR525 5.2-channel Network AVR receiver - £400 (available in April)