Onkyo Product Launch - The Sound of Speed

**Phil Hinton** · 12-03-2009, 8:17 PM

On Wednesday the 11th and Thursday the 12th of March 2009, AVForums attended the Onkyo spring product launch. The event was organised to show off the new entry to mid priced AV Receivers as well as some new Hi-Fi equipment from the company.

Shown first was the new 2 channel amplifier and CD player. The A-5VL, integrated 2 channel amplifier and C-S5VL CD/SACD Player, are expected to arrive in June with each costing ‘under’ £500. (It was hinted that they might be well under, we will know more when they are launched.)

The company was keen to stress that these products had been developed especially for the UK market with each sporting silver fascias and a sleek, almost slim line look.

On the Thursday morning we were treated to some presentations on market data from GFK and the popularity of gaming. Onkyo are certainly looking at adding surround sound value to the current gaming market with their new products sporting new 'Games' DSP modes.

Finally, came the unveiling of 2009’s entry level to mid level AV Receivers with various demonstrations on the flexibility and power on offer at this end of the market. Most notable is the release for the first time of Dolby Pro logic IIz decoding which introduces a new height channel. We first reported on this technology in our CES Coverage. This tech joins the receiver models from the TX-SR577 upwards, and from our first listening experience it certainly adds something to the overall sound field.

We took the time to cover the event for AVForums.tv and the video is available to watch below. You will see why the event was called 'The Sound of Speed' - as there was a full on AV Press Grand Prix!

Here are the press releases for the new Onkyo Receiver range 2009.

**Phil Hinton** · 12-03-2009, 9:15 PM

TX-SR307 5.1-Channel A/V Surround Home Theatre Receiver

Expanding the Scope of Entry-Level Home Entertainment in budget-conscious times such as these, Onkyo’s track record of value for money is more relevant than ever. Now, with the TX-SR307 home theatre receiver, we bring unprecedented levels of performance and connectivity to the entry level. On the video side, the TX-SR307 can receive up to three 1080p resolution video sources via HDMI™—think Blu-ray Disc, PlayStation®, and HD broadcasts—
and send pristine video to your compatible high-definition display. When it comes to audio, a suite of Audyssey technologies work to match the sound output to your listening space. The TX-SR307 even makes friendly with your iPod or other MP3 player, via a frontpanel input. All those compressed audio files will sound far better thanks to onboard Music Optimizer technology. Rounding out this versatile system are four new gaming modes that allow you to customize the audio to your chosen game type.

The TX-SR307 takes up to three HDMI video inputs from sources such as Blu-ray Disc players, DVD players, gaming consoles, and set-top boxes, and delivers the output to a compatible high-definition display.
Video is passed in its native resolution—right up to 1080p—from Blu-ray Disc, PlayStation games, or HD broadcasts.
A separate audio connection is necessary to process multichannel audio.

A Suite of Audyssey Technologies for the Ideal Listening Environment.

The TX-SR307 has three Audyssey technologies to help create the most
suitable listening environment for your home.
(1) Audyssey 2EQ™ for Room Acoustic Correction The TX-SR307 uses Audyssey 2EQ to counter distortion created by walls, furniture, and other objects. This technology detects speaker distance, and then sets levels, delays, and crossovers, while also measuring room acoustics. Compared to one-position room correction systems, Audyssey 2EQ covers a much wider listening area. Moreover, it corrects problems in both frequency response and time domain (where most of the problems lie) across the entire listening area. The results are immediately obvious—a clear, well-balanced, and natural sound.

(2) Audyssey Dynamic Volume™
This technology allows you to set the volume level that you want and keep it there, without having to constantly adjust it. By anticipating sudden spikes and dips in the audio soundtrack and compensating for them in real time, Audyssey Dynamic Volume ensures consistent volume levels, regardless of the content you’re enjoying. Thanks to Audyssey Dynamic Volume, quiet dialogue is easier to pick up, loud passages retain their impact, and commercials are less intrusive.

(3) Audyssey Dynamic EQ™ for Loudness Correction In professional sound studios, music and movies are recorded at reference levels far louder than what is typical for home listening. As a result, when you play audio content at a low volume on a standard home theatre receiver, the bass disappears, voices change in timbre, and the surround soundstage loses definition. To counteract this audio deterioration, Audyssey Dynamic EQ continuously adjusts frequency response and surround levels to produce the ideal balance for a given volume level.

Four Game Modes for More Thrilling Action
A new addition to Onkyo home theatre, these four gaming modes create an experience with more realism and impact. You can select from Rock, Sports, Action, or Role Playing Game (RPG) to match your gaming content.

Front-Panel Audio Input for Portable Devices

You can connect an iPod or other MP3 player to the A/V receiver’s front panel for playback. Your player’s compressed digital music files receive a quality boost thanks to the TX-SR307’s Music Optimizer technology.

Music Optimizer to Support Compressed Digital Music Files

While MP3 or AAC files may sound fine on a portable digital player, the limitations of these compressed files can be exposed when played back through a home entertainment system. Onkyo has designed onboard Music Optimizer technology to improve the quality of the compressed audio signals. Compressed music loses a substantial amount of bit information at higher frequencies, so the Music Optimizer technology works to overcome this limitation and enhance audio quality.

**Phil Hinton** · 12-03-2009, 9:35 PM

TX-SR507 5.1-Channel A/V Surround Home Theatre Receiver

HDMI™ Version 1.3a* Brings HD Audio to Entry-Level Home Entertainment.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly A/V receiver that offers versatile connectivity and compatibility with the latest processing technology, Onkyo’s TX-SR507 has you covered. With four HDMI 1.3a inputs, it can accept up to four high-definition sources—from Blu-ray Disc to HD broadcasting to high-def games—and output them to your compatible HDTV. HDMI 1.3a also enables you to enjoy the pristine “lossless” audio of Dolby® TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio™, as well as secondary audio on Blu-ray Disc via DTS-HD Express. The TX-SR507 comes with a suite of Audyssey surround-sound technologies to help tailor audio output to the unique dimensions of your entertainment space. Meanwhile, a new universal port makes it easy to incorporate an optional Onkyo Dock for the iPod or Onkyo DAB+ radio tuner into your system. With all this, plus four high-impact Game Modes and the ability to send different audio to two rooms simultaneously, the TX-SR507 puts a huge amount of entertainment potential at your fingertips.

1080p Video and High-Def Surround Sound via HDMI 1.3a

Incorporating HDMI version 1.3a, along with advanced processing capabilities, the TX-SR507 makes for a powerful A/V control center. Up to four components can be connected via HDMI, including Blu-ray Disc players, gaming consoles, and set-top boxes. The TX-SR507 can receive and switch high-def media, such as HD broadcasts and Blu-ray Discs, and send a pure digital output to your HDTV. What’s more, all multichannel audio—from bit-for-bit streams to standard Dolby® Digital—can be input via HDMI for processing on the TX-SR507. HDMI version 1.3a enables CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) and offers greater bandwidth to deal with higher resolutions, 36-bit Deep Color™, and high frame rates.

A Full Range of the Latest High-Definition Surround-Sound Codecs

The TX-SR507 handles Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio —two lossless decoding formats that enable delivery of a bit-for-bit soundtrack identical to the studio master track. Both codecs take advantage of the high data capacity of the Blu-ray Disc (BD) format.
Another BD-related technology is DTS-HD Express, which provides access to secondary audio features. The TX-SR507 also handles two “lossy” audio formats: Dolby® Digital Plus and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio™. Dolby Digital Plus is designed to accompany high-definition video delivered via disc media, broadcasts, and online content. DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, meanwhile, offers a greater bit rate, a higher sampling rate, and more channels than the core DTS technology.

A Suite of Audyssey Technologies for the Ideal Listening Environment

The TX-SR507 has three Audyssey technologies to help create the most
suitable listening environment for your home.

(1) Audyssey 2EQ™ for Room Acoustic Correction
The TX-SR507 uses Audyssey 2EQ to counter distortion created by walls, furniture, and other objects. This technology detects speaker distance, and then sets levels, delays, and crossovers, while also measuring room acoustics. Compared to one-position room correction systems, Audyssey 2EQ covers a much wider listening area. Moreover, it corrects problems in both frequency response and time domain (where most of the problems lie) across the entire listening area. The results are immediately obvious—a clear, well-balanced, and natural sound.

(2) Audyssey Dynamic Volume™
This technology allows you to set the volume level that you want and keep it there, without having to constantly adjust it. By anticipating sudden spikes and dips in the audio soundtrack and compensating for them in real time, Audyssey Dynamic Volume ensures consistent volume levels, regardless of the content you’re enjoying. Thanks to Audyssey Dynamic Volume, quiet dialogue is easier to pick up, loud passages retain their impact, and commercials are less intrusive.

(3) Audyssey Dynamic EQ™ for Loudness Correction
In professional sound studios, music and movies are recorded at reference levels far louder than what is typical for home listening. As a result, when you play audio content at a low volume on a standard home theatre receiver, the bass disappears, voices change in timbre, and the surround soundstage loses definition. To counteract this audio deterioration, Audyssey Dynamic EQ continuously adjusts frequency response and surround levels to produce the ideal balance for a given volume level.

*HDMI version 1.3a supports Deep Color™, x.v.Color™, LipSync, DolbyTrueHD,
DTS-HD Master Audio, DVD-Audio, Super Audio CD, and CEC.

**Phil Hinton** · 12-03-2009, 9:47 PM

TX-SR577 7.1-Channel A/V Surround Home Theatre Receiver

7.1 Channels of Surround Sound and HDMI™ Version 1.3a for High-Definition Audio and Video Formats

The TX-SR577 rewrites the rules of affordable home theatre by combining superb video processing, convenient connectivity, and 7.1 channels of spectacular high-definition audio. With its four HDMI 1.3a inputs, the TX-SR577 lets you hook up, say, a Blu-ray Disc player, an HD set-top box, an upscaling DVD player, and a PlayStation® 3 gaming system. HDMI is also the conduit for the superb, master-quality audio of Dolby® TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio™. The very latest Dolby technology, Dolby® Pro Logic® IIz, gives you the option of incorporating front height channels to enhance the spatial sensation of music, movies, and video games. When it
comes to balancing volume levels and customizing the multichannel soundstage to the dimensions of your room, the TX-SR577 employs a suite of intelligent Audyssey surround-sound listening modes. Rounding out this versatile A/V receiver is a rear-side universal port that lets you connect an optional Onkyo Dock for the iPod or Onkyo DAB+ Radio Tuner.

1080p Video and High-Def Surround Sound via HDMI 1.3a*

Incorporating HDMI version 1.3a, along with advanced processing capabilities, the TX-SR577 makes for a powerful A/V control center. Up to four components can be connected via HDMI, including Blu-ray Disc players, gaming consoles, and set-top boxes. The TX-SR577 can receive and switch high-def media, such as HD broadcasts and Blu-ray Discs, and send a pure digital output to your HDTV. What’s more, all multichannel audio—from bit-for-bit streams to standard Dolby Digital—can be input via HDMI for processing on the TX-SR577. HDMI version 1.3a enables CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) and offers greater bandwidth to deal with higher resolutions, 36-bit Deep Color™, and high frame rates.
*HDMI version 1.3a supports Deep Color™, x.v.Color™, LipSync, DolbyTrueHD,
DTS-HD Master Audio, DVD-Audio, Super Audio CD, and CEC.

Dolby Pro Logic IIz for a 3-Dimensional Sound Field

Dolby Pro Logic IIz offers the proven quality of Dolby Pro Logic IIx and adds a new vertical dimension to your home theatre soundstage. As with previous versions of Dolby Pro Logic, this latest version delivers a convincing surround-sound experience from any movie or music source—even a stereo one. On the TX-SR577, Dolby Pro Logic IIz enables you to incorporate two “front height” speakers into your surround-sound set-up as an alternative to the two surround back speakers. The front height channels carry ambient, non-directional audio that helps immerse you even more deeply into your movies and games. With Dolby Pro Logic IIz, rain seems to burst from clouds right above you, and helicopters fly realistically overhead.

A Full Range of the Latest High-Definition Surround-Sound Codecs

The TX-SR577 handles Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio —two lossless decoding formats that enable delivery of a bit-for-bit soundtrack identical to the studio master track. Both codecs take advantage of the high data capacity of the Blu-ray Disc (BD) format.
Another BD-related technology is DTS-HD Express, which provides access to secondary audio features. The TX-SR577 also handles two “lossy” audio formats: Dolby® Digital Plus and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio™. Dolby Digital Plus is designed to accompany high-definition video delivered via disc media, broadcasts, and online content. DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, meanwhile, offers a greater bit rate, a higher sampling rate, and more channels than the core DTS technology.

A Suite of Audyssey Technologies for the Ideal Listening Environment

The TX-SR577 has three Audyssey technologies to help create the most suitable listening environment for your home.

(1) Audyssey 2EQ™ for Room Acoustic Correction
Tailors multichannel audio for your home theatre by correcting problems both in frequency response and in the time domain (where most of the problems lie) for a clear, precise, and natural sound.

(2) Audyssey Dynamic Volume™
Maintains the desired listening level for all content while optimizing the dynamic range.

(3) Audyssey Dynamic EQ™ for Loudness Correction Solves the problem of deteriorating sound quality at lower volumes.

Universal Port for Single-Cable Connection of Optional Onkyo Dock for the iPod or DAB+ Radio Tuner

The TX-SR577 features a proprietary universal port, located on the rear side of the unit, to which you can connect Onkyo’s DAB+ Radio Tuner or Dock for the iPod. The dock sends both video and audio signals through a single cable. Earlier versions of Onkyo’s Dock for the iPod can be connected via our Remote Interactive (RI) system.

Music Optimizer™ and Convenient

Front-Panel Audio Input for Portable Devices. An audio input on the front panel of the TX-SR577 enables you to connect your iPod or other MP3
player directly to the system. The TX-SR577’s onboard Music Optimizer technology then works to enhance the quality of your compressed digital music files by compensating for bit information lost at higher frequencies.

Four Game Modes for More Thrilling Action

A new addition to Onkyo home theatre, these four gaming modes create an experience with more realism and impact. You can select from Rock, Sports, Action, or Role Playing Game (RPG) modes to match your gaming content.

Playback of Different Audio Sources in Two Different Zones

With Powered Zone 2 and a Zone 2 line-out, you can enjoy surround-sound entertainment in the main room while you play back a completely different
stereo source in a second zone equipped with an amplifier or a pair of speakers.

Bi-Amping Capability for High-Impact Movies and Music

The TX-SR577’s surround back speaker channels provide the ambience and effects for movies. They can also be used with the front left and right channels to provide two separate amplification channels for compatible bi-amping speakers (i.e., those with two sets of input terminals). In effect,
bi-amping gives a more powerful, dynamic soundfield for two-channel music and movie sound effects.

**Phil Hinton** · 12-03-2009, 10:00 PM

TX-SR607 7.2-Channel A/V Surround Home Theatre Receiver

A Stunning Balance of High-Definition Formats, Upscaling Video, and All-Round Versatility

The TX-SR607 raises the bar once again in the competitive world of mid-range home theatre. With HDMI 1.3a inputs for up to six components, it’s ready to handle all your high-definition video and audio needs. Whether it’s a Blu-ray Disc player, a cable or satellite box, or a gaming console, your video signals will be traveling first class. Lower-resolution analog video signals, meanwhile, can be upscaled to 1080i and fine-tuned by Faroudja DCDi Edge™. HDMI version 1.3a also transports the master-quality HD audio formats, DTS-HD Master Audio™ and Dolby® TrueHD. The very latest Dolby technology, Dolby® Pro Logic® IIz, enhances the spatial sensation of music, movies, and video games by letting you incorporate front height channels. The TX-SR607 packs an array of convenient connectivity options, allowing you to incorporate DAB+ Radio, iPod, MP3 players, and more. Four specialized gaming modes, Audyssey room-correction technologies, and Zone 2 capability add the gloss to what is a phenomenal all-round package.

1080p Video and High-Def Surround Sound via HDMI 1.3a*

Incorporating HDMI version 1.3a, along with advanced processing capabilities, the TX-SR607 makes for a powerful A/V control center. Five rear-side HDMI inputs, along with a convenient front-side one, enable connection of up to six components, including Blu-ray Disc players, gaming consoles, and set-top boxes. The TX-SR607 can receive and switch high-def media, such as HD broadcasts and Blu-ray Discs, and send a pure digital output to your HDTV. What’s more, all multichannel audio—from bit-for-bit streams to standard Dolby Digital—can be input via HDMI for processing on the TX-SR607. HDMI version 1.3a enables CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) and offers greater bandwidth to deal with higher resolutions, 36-bit Deep Color™, and high frame rates.
* HDMI version 1.3a supports Deep Color™, x.v.Color™, LipSync, DolbyTrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, DVD-Audio, Super Audio CD, and CEC.

Dolby Pro Logic IIz for a 3-Dimensional Sound Field

Dolby Pro Logic IIz offers the proven quality of Dolby Pro Logic IIx and adds a new vertical dimension to your home theatre soundstage. As with previous versions of Dolby Pro Logic, this latest version delivers a convincing surround-sound experience from any movie or music source—even a stereo one. On the TX-SR607, Dolby Pro Logic IIz enables you to incorporate two “front height” speakers into your surround-sound set-up as an alternative to the two surround back speakers. The front height channels carry ambient, non-directional audio that helps immerse you even more deeply into your movies and games. With Dolby Pro Logic IIz, rain seems to burst from clouds right above you, and helicopters fly realistically overhead.

A Full Range of the Latest High-Definition Surround-Sound Codecs

The TX-SR607 handles Dolby® TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio™ —two lossless decoding formats that enable delivery of a bit-for-bit soundtrack identical to the studio master track. Both codecs take advantage of the high data capacity of the Blu-ray Disc (BD) format.
Another BD-related technology is DTS-HD Express, which provides access to secondary audio features. The TX-SR607 also handles two “lossy” audio formats: Dolby® Digital Plus and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio™. Dolby Digital Plus is designed to accompany high-definition video delivered via disc media, broadcasts, and online content. DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, meanwhile, offers a greater bit rate, a higher sampling rate, and more channels than the core DTS technology.

A Suite of Audyssey Technologies for the Ideal Listening Environment

The TX-SR607 has three Audyssey technologies to help create the most suitable listening environment for your home.

(1) Audyssey 2EQ™ for Room Acoustic Correction
Tailors multichannel audio for your home theatre by correcting problems both in frequency response and in the time domain (where most of the problems lie) for a clear, precise, and natural sound.

(2) Audyssey Dynamic Volume™
Maintains the desired listening level for all content while optimizing the dynamic range.

(3) Audyssey Dynamic EQ™ for Loudness Correction
Solves the problem of deteriorating sound quality at lower volumes.

HDMI™ Video Upscaling (to 1080i) and Faroudja DCDi Edge™ (Directional Correlational Deinterlacing) Technology

The TX-SR607’s HDMI inputs can receive pristine digital video from HDMI-enabled components for a single-cable output to a display device with an HDMI or DVI connection. Native 1080p video is processed as it is, but lower-resolution signals from component video and composite video are upscaled to 1080i via HDMI. Upscaling takes the video resolution to HD
quality, so it better matches the resolution of today’s high-definition displays. To further improve performance on high-definition displays, the
TX-SR607 features a deinterlacing chip with Faroudja DCDi Edge technology, which effectively eliminates video artifacts.

Universal Port for Single-Cable Connection of Optional Onkyo Dock for the iPod or DAB+ Radio Tuner

The TX-SR607 features a proprietary universal port, located on the rear side of the unit, to which you can connect Onkyo’s DAB+ Radio Tuner or Dock for the iPod. The dock sends both video and audio signals through a single cable. Earlier versions of Onkyo’s Dock for the iPod can be connected via
our Remote Interactive (RI) system.

Music Optimizer™ and Convenient Front-Panel Audio Input for Portable Devices

An audio input on the front panel of the TX-SR607 enables you to connect your iPod or other MP3 player directly to the system. The TX-SR607’s onboard Music Optimizer technology then works to enhance the quality of your compressed digital music files by compensating for bit information lost at
higher frequencies.

Playback of Different Audio Sources in Two Different Zones

With Powered Zone 2 and a Zone 2 line-out, you can enjoy surround-sound entertainment in the main room while you play back a completely different
stereo source in a second zone equipped with an amplifier or a pair of speakers.

Bi-Amping Capability for High-Impact Movies and Music

The TX-SR607’s surround back speaker channels provide the ambience and effects for movies. They can also be used with the front left and right channels to provide two separate amplification channels for compatible bi-amping speakers (i.e., those with two sets of input terminals). In effect,
bi-amping gives a more powerful, dynamic soundfield for two-channel music and movie sound effects.