News

Onkyo debuts TX-NR5008 and TX-NR3008 High-End, THX Ultra2 Plus-certified home cinema receivers (5/7/2010)

Onkyo, the UK's No.1 home cinema receiver maker, announces the release of two new landmark, high-end products: the TX-NR5008 and TX-NR3008 network-enabled home cinema receivers. Both models offer a dazzling array of state of the art technologies, user-friendly home cinema features, and THX Ultra2 Plus certification. They also support network audio streaming, versatile multi-room set-up capabilities, iPhone/iPod playback over USB (with cover art display), and fully immersive, 3D-compatible home cinema.

Both of these models feature eight HDMI v1.4a inputs, with compatibility specified for an Audio Return Channel and 3D video. Both mandatory video formats for 3D broadcasting are supported and, with the quantity of 3D content soon set to rise dramatically, users will be able to take advantage of the unique visual experience made possible by this dynamic new format.

Dual HDMI outputs are also provided on both models, allowing users to connect two high-definition displays simultaneously. In conjunction with HDMI, HQV-Reon VX processing enables 1080p upscaling of all video inputs, regardless of source resolution. Staying with video, these flagship integrateds feature advanced ISF video calibration. This allows users to make fine-tuned, independent adjustments for each video source, delivering the best video quality possible.

Audio networking is a particular strength too. A rear-side Ethernet port enables easy firmware upgrades and links the receivers directly to the internet or to a home PC. Users can access streaming internet radio through vTuner, or play back a wide variety of PC-based audio files, including FLAC, MP3, WAV, Ogg Vorbis, WMA, WMA Lossless, AAC, and LPCM. The two models are Windows 7 compatible and DLNA 1.5 certified to ensure optimal compatibility with other network-enabled equipment in the home.

With 9.2 audio channels available on both models, users have a great deal of flexibility in how they set up their home cinema system. The 9-channel configuration allows users to take advantage of the expanded surround dimensions of Audyssey DSX or Dolby® Pro Logic IIz. The former adds extra height or width channels for greater spatial ambience, while the latter provides the option of extra height channels. Both width and height channels can be used simultaneously when Audyssey DSX mode is selected.

Naturally, support is also provided for Dolby® TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio™, the popular lossless codecs found on Blu-ray Disc. Furthermore, compatibility with DSD Direct means that users will be able to enjoy their SACD (Super Audio CD) collections in all their pristine clarity. High-quality Burr-Brown DACs allow these Onkyo models to handle the heavy demands of multi-channel audio processing.

In a modern home cinema, matching audio output to the dimensions of the room is all-important which is why a full suite of Audyssey room-correction and equalization technologies are included. These work to optimise audio performance, regardless of room shape and volume level. Audyssey MultEQ XT32, for example, uses information gathered from up to 8 positions throughout the room to calibrate speakers for optimal audio balance.

Flexibility is the word when it comes to multi-room audio set-ups. The TX-NR5008 and TX-NR3008 let users play a 5.1-channel source in the main room, along with fully-powered stereo audio from two different sources in Zone 2 and Zone 3. On top of that, users also have the option of Zone 2/3 pre outs and Zone 2 video output.

The TX-NR3008 features a front-side USB port, while the TX-NR5008 features USB ports front and rear. As well as handling audio content from flash memory devices, the USB ports let users play music - and display album art - from a connected iPhone/iPod.

Build quality is as you'd expect of flagship products, with gold-plated audio inputs and sophisticated PLL jitter-cleaning circuit technology provided as standard. The receivers feature separate transformers for audio and video processing, with the TX-NR5008 also adding a massive toroidal transformer and specially selected 22,000uF power capacitors.

Other useful features include an analogue RGB input for displaying video content from a connected PC (output via HDMI); a backlit and customisable remote controller; and Onkyo’s new overlaid graphical OSD (onscreen display) for seamless 'on the fly' adjustment of settings while viewing.

These new releases reinforce Onkyo's well-deserved reputation for being at the forefront of high-end integrated home entertainment, and demonstrate the company’s ongoing commitment to providing state of the art performance for home cinema fans across the world.

Prices

TX-NR5008 - £2400 (available August)

TX-NR3008 - £1700 (available August)

Options

UP-DT1 DAB+ radio tuner module - £130 (available now)

UP-A1 iPhone/iPod dock - £60 (available now)

www.onkyo.co.uk