Sony A/V receiver embraces full-HD

Philip Wong | Oct 20, 2006

Announced today are three new Sony A/V receivers under its famed ES-series popular with enthusiasts and audiophiles. The STR-DA5200ES, DA3200ES and 1200ES feature HDMI 1080p video-handling capability and its proprietary Digital Cinema Auto Calibration system. That’s besides next-gen surround sound compatibility implemented through 7.1-channel uncompressed audio-ready (LPCM) HDMI (5200/3200ES only), as well as discreet analog input.

Video connectivity-wise, there are up to three HDMI and three component-video sockets for external component hookups, while there are six to eight digital audio inputs depending on the model. The flagship 5200ES also comes loaded with a high-performance Faroudja Directional Correlation Deinterlacing engine designed for jaggie-free pictures and quality video upscaling.

While no specific pricing and launch date is available, expect the receivers to retail somewhere between S$1,550 (US$1,139.71) and S$3,000 (US$2,205.88).

Model	HDMI inputs	Component-video inputs	Digital audio inputs	USB audio inputs
STR-DA5200ES 120W x 7	3	3	5 optical / 3 coaxial	1
STR-DA3200ES 110W x 7	2	2	5 optical / 3 coaxial	N/A
STR-DA1200ES 100W x 7	2	2	4 optical / 2 coaxial	N/A