Sony Announces New ES-Series AVRs, 3D Blu-ray Player

(Editorial note: Earlier this month, the AVguide news desk received word that Sony was announcing a family of four new ES-series—that is “Elevated Standard”—A/V receivers, plus an affordable new 3D Blu-ray player. We present the text of the Sony press release, below, along with images of some of the new models.).

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SONY ELEVATES THE STANDARD FOR 3D HOME THEATER WITH NEW ES AV RECEIVERS AND BLU-RAY 3D PLAYER

Company Supports Specialty AV Channel With Focused Distribution Strategy

SAN DIEGO, July, 2010 – Driving the innovation of 3D, Sony today took another step to strengthen its industry leading 3D home product line with new Elevated Standard (ES) AV receivers including the STR-DA5600ES, STRA-DA4600ES, and STR-DA 3600ES and a Blu-ray 3D™  player, the BDP-S1700ES.

In addition to Sony’s latest 3D capable BRAVIA^® HDTVs, the new ES components represent the best audio and video quality Sony has to offer. Designed with custom installers in mind, ES models integrate seamlessly with multi-room, third-party control systems.

“By focusing on seamless integration with custom home theater control partners, Sony is working to deliver products that support the custom and specialty retail business like no other manufacturer,” said Brian Siegel, vice president of Sony’s home audio and video business. “Because Sony is involved in every stage of the 3D ecosystem, specialty dealers and installers can rest assured that our AV components leverage that deep expertise to deliver the most technically advanced experience possible.”

Focusing on the needs of custom home theater installers, Sony’s ES line represents an enthusiast-level AV experience featuring some of the company’s most advanced technology.  The value of the products is best demonstrated by dealers and integrators qualified to engage an advanced consumer audience. To that end, the company is focusing its distribution strategy to include only specialty AV retailers and custom installers.  ES products will no longer be offered for sale online or through telesales.

AV Receivers with Custom Control

Sony’s 2010 ES AV receivers feature IR input jacks and two-way serial control. They also offer control over IP which allows installers to easily integrate the receivers into the leading home automation systems including Control4^®, Crestron, AMX^®, Savant, Ultimate Remote Control, RTI, and others. Sony has worked closely with leading control companies and is a Control4 Certified Partner, an AMX Device Discovery Partner, Crestron Integration Partner, and a Savant Excellence in Audio and Video Partner.

The new models offer 3D pass-through and flexible multi-room features. They can connect to a home broadband network through an Ethernet port offering easy access to digital photos, music and videos from Digital Life Network Alliance (DLNA^®) sources. They also function as an Ethernet hub featuring four ports that connect other network devices.

Additionally, the Ethernet connection provides access to both Shoutcast^® Internet Radio and Rhapsody^® Music Service, and offers easy access to firmware upgrades via the Internet. The STR-DA5600ES model also functions as a DLNA Live Audio Server that can stream music to other DLNA clients.

Users with an iPhone^® or iPod^® touch device can control the models using a free app that transforms your mobile device into a full ES receiver remote. The app features zone control, full GUI menu, and Sony’s Quick Click remote function which allows users to control source components (such as Blu-Ray player, set-top box) in the main home theater room to be controlled from a second zone.

The STR-DA5600ES and the STR-DA4600ES offer the ability to distribute audio and video to multiple rooms via the second HDMI output and video to a second zone via CAT5 output. They can both also up-scale all sources to 1080p in the main zone and 1080i in a second zone via the Faroudja chip^® ensuring a consistent, sharp picture.  The connected video zones feature a high-grade, icon-driven menu system that allows for simple device and content navigation.