Sony Electronics announced its new STR-DA5800ES ($2,099) and STR-DA2800ES ($999) audio/video receivers at CEDIA Expo 2012.
For more information visit: www.sony.com
Unedited press release follows:
SONY’S NEW ES LINE REDEFINES THE AUDIO/VIDEO RECEIVER
Receivers integrated with Control4® automation technology add home control to traditional AV functions
INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 5, 2012 (CEDIA Booth #4025) – Today, in advance of the 2012 CEDIA Expo, Sony Electronics unveiled the world’s first consumer Audio/Video Receiver fully integrated with home automation technology. In partnership with home-automation innovator Control4, the STR-DA5800ES and STR-DA2800ES receivers were developed to transform the home entertainment experience by integrating automation, support and streamline custom installation projects, and provide the A/V performance standards dealers and consumers expect from Sony.
“Sony ES receivers have set the standard for innovation in music reproduction, surround sound, video processing and multi-room entertainment,” said Neal Manowitz, Director of Sony Electronics’ Home Audio Group. “Our nearly 30-years of innovation in ES A/V products have delivered many firsts including high resolution DSD and PCM decoding, HD video processing, and streaming video content built-in. Now Sony is elevating the standard again by integrating Control4 home automation. Sharing a common vision with Control4, Sony’s new products represent a commitment to expand automation to a broader consumer base and further support the growing Custom Install channel.”
Redefining Integration and Automation
Sony’s new ES line of AVRs with Control4 technology has powerful automation built-in. The STR-DA5800ES and STR-DA2800ES receivers include automation right out of the box with an easy set-up wizard to create and control a home entertainment system. These receivers come with customizable scenes which can be configured to perform selected tasks, all with a simple push of a button, including powering on your TV and components, changing to the correct inputs, and dimming lights for the perfect theater environment. Moreover, all that functionality can be controlled from Sony’s free Apple iOS and Android ES apps. Additionally, the ES receivers include Control4 Simple Device Discovery Protocol (SDDP), Crestron Connected, and AMX Device Discovery to simplify integration regardless of the home control system.
Additionally, when the new ES receivers are purchased and installed by authorized dealers, fully programmable Control4 automation functionality can be enabled. With these fully Control4-enabled ES receivers, homeowners and their custom integrators can transform a media experience into a personalized home automation experience – including audio, video, lighting, thermostats, energy management, security and mobile access. The ES receivers with full Control4 automation free up rack space, simplify the wiring and installation process, and deliver more value to consumers.
Redefining Content and Performance
Sony’s Elevated Standard (ES) receivers provide the most technologically advanced performance available, incorporating the latest in industrial design and audio/video engineering, including a pure audio grade block capacitor, custom made by Sony exclusively for the ES line. The ES’ power transformer has the largest core size for this class of AV receiver, and has been separated from the AC line to eliminate residual operational noise. Coupled with the use of lead-free, nearly pure tin solder for connections, the ES line of receivers maintains signal quality, producing strong bass, distinctive high notes and rich indirect sound.
True sound reproduction is further enhanced by Sony’s proprietary “Fish-bone” circuit board grounding system, where traditional multiple grounds are replaced with a single, thick copper wire of low impedance, thereby eliminating distortion and delivering robust bass levels and deeper, more textured sound overall. In addition to engineering and build quality, the new receivers continue to leverage Sony’s industry leading digital sound processing, including Sony’s Sound Optimizer correction technology, delivering rich playback at any volume.
Both the STR-DA5800ES and STR-DA2800ES A/V receivers incorporate Faroujda 4K upscaling and a variety of networking features, including the ability to be controlled by the Sony ES app for both iOS and AndroidTM devices. In addition to ear-pleasing sound, with the Sony Entertainment Network built-in, both ES receivers offer a full range of internet streaming services, including streaming both music and video content. Consumers can choose from over 30 streaming services including Netflix®, YouTubeTM, Pandora® and other content providers, making it the market’s only receiver to incorporate the broadest range of streaming services.
Full Lineup
In addition to the STR-DA5800ES and the STR-DA2800ES A/V receivers, Sony will also bring to market a new entry-level ES model without automation features. The STR-DA1800ES features the same elevated standard of build quality and engineering, as well as has built-in WiFi, Bluetooth and AirPlay, with 6 HDMI in, 2HDMI out, and full Zone 2 support via HDMI.
Available to order immediately in the US and Canada, the STR-DA5800ES ($2,099 US MSRP) and the STR-DA2800ES ($999 US MSRP), as well as the STR-DA1800 ($699 US MSRP), will be available in October through authorized specialty and installation dealers.
For full specifications and a list of dealers, please visit www.sony.com/es.