Onkyo Announces New HQV-Reon Receivers
by Clint DeBoer — last modified April 24, 2007 15:13
 
Onkyo TX-SR875 receiver
Silicon Optix announced today that Onkyo has significantly raised the bar for video performance in A/V receivers with the addition of the Reon-VX HQV video processor in two of their models. Onkyo’s TX-SR875 has a MRSP of $1,699 and will ship in June, while Onkyo’s TX-NR905 has a MRSP of $2,099 and will ship in August.

At a press conference held here today in advance of its Spring 2007 Rep Show, Onkyo USA has introduced a broad line-up of market-leading audio-video products, including several with advanced audio, video, and control technologies not previously available to consumers. Many other advanced features previously found only on high-end models are now available at much lower price points.

The core of the line consists of seven new A/V receivers and three packaged HTiB (home theater in a box) systems including one with HDMI switching. These will provide consumers at all price points with home theater capabilities and performance that is superior to the products of Onkyo's marketplace competitors.

Onkyo's new line includes the world's first AV receivers to employ Silicon Optix's Reon-VX HQV 1080p video-processing chip as well as the first with Neural-THX Surround processing. Other new features include HDMI version 1.3a, XM and Sirius Satellite radio capability, HD Digital Radio capability, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD Master Audio, and Microsoft PlaysForSure compatibility. This line also includes models with improved amplifier technology, bi-wire capability, Ethernet and USB connectivity, Audyssey automatic room calibration, and RIHD (Remote Interactive over HDMI) capabilities.

"This is the strongest line from Onkyo in years," said Paul Wasek, Marketing Manger. "Our strong relationship with partners like THX, Silicon Optix, XM, Sirius and HD Radio has allowed us to create a feature rich line-up from the entry level TX-SR505 all the way through the TX-NR905. We’re proud to introduce the first AVR’s incorporating the Reon-VX HQV chip and THX Neural Surround processing. We’ve given our dealers what we feel is the strongest receiver line-up available that will not only drive sales and but also invigorate consumer excitement about these new AV technologies."

HQV Reon-VX
HQV’s true 1080i-to-1080p HD deinterlacing delivers the sharpest, most detailed HD images possible by employing per-pixel motion-adaptive algorithms and a sophisticated multidirectional diagonal filter that ensures video free from jagged edges. The powerful HQV processing engine also provides per-pixel motion-adaptive noise reduction, detail enhancement, and advanced scaling, delivering premium-quality upconversion of SD material.

The company has recently begun shipping two of the entry-level AV receivers and all three new HTiB systems. In May it will deliver the mid-price TX-SR605, a standout model both in terms of features and value. The first of the higher-end THX models will also arrive in May with the final three arriving in June, July, and August respectively.

About Silicon Optix
Silicon Optix is a leader in programmable, high performance video processing and unique and proprietary geometry processing IC solutions delivering Hollywood Quality Video (HQV). Silicon Optix ICs can be found in top-tier consumer electronics products such as high resolution displays, premium DVD players, ultra-thin RPTVs and front projectors. Teranex, a division of Silicon Optix, is a leader in programmable video processing systems-level solutions for the professional broadcast and post production markets. Silicon Optix is headquartered in San Jose, California with offices around the world. For more information visit www.siliconoptix.com

About Onkyo
Onkyo, which means “‘audio’ or ‘sound’ in Japanese, has been producing precision audio components for over a half-century. The company’s philosophy is to deliver products that are superbly designed and built to a consistently outstanding standard of excellence. Today, Onkyo is at the forefront of the home theater and digital revolutions. For more information about this and other fine Onkyo products, visit www.onkyousa.com .

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TX-SR605 is Onkyo's first AV receiver with HDMI v1.3a processing, HDMI-based system control, and HD lossless audio decoding



For additional photos and high resolution JPEG files, please visit http://www.gspr.com/onkyo/txsr605.html

UPPER SADDLE RIVER, NJ (4/24/07) -- Onkyo has introduced the TX-SR605 A/V receiver, adding processing for the latest lossless multichannel audio formats, comprehensive video upconversion to HDMI, and compatibility with both XM and Sirius satellite radio programming to the impressive features of the TX-SR604 it replaces. The new model also features Onkyo's new HDMI-based system control capability, 7 x 90 watts of power, enhanced compatibility with the company's optional iPod control docks, and a flexible suite of multi-source/multi-zone capabilities.

The TX-SR605’s two HDMI v1.3a inputs provide the most advanced interface for transporting both uncompressed high definition (HD) video and uncompressed multi-channel audio in all HD formats including 720p, 1080i and 1080p. It is among the first receivers available to include decoding for Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD Master multichannel audio formats from Blu-Ray and HD-DVD players.

The TX-SR605 is Onkyo's first A/V receiver to include the company's RIHD (Remote Interactive over HDMI) communication protocol. This feature allows for automatic integration of many system control functions between compatible components via the HDMI connection. Common functions include one-button system on/standby control, volume control punch-through from display remote control to the A/V receiver, and a 'direct change' function to automatically select the correct receiver input and begin playback for RIHD source components.

In addition to its two HDMI inputs, the Onkyo TX-SR605 includes three component video, five S-Video, and five composite video inputs to accommodate other sources. There is upconversion of all composite and S-video inputs to both HDMI and HD-quality component video to eliminate the need for multiple redundant video connections to modern video displays. For displays that are not compatible with 480i video, the receiver also provides Faroudja DCDi de-interlacing circuitry to convert 480i signals to progressive scan. There are a total of five digital audio inputs, as well as five A/V and two audio-only analog inputs. Front panel A/V inputs, including optical digital jack, allow easy connection of A/V or audio devices such as a camcorder or portable mp3 player.

The TX-SR605 includes the Audyssey 2EQ automatic speaker calibration feature that provides remarkable improvements in performance by calibrating the home theater system to its acoustical environment. With this system, the included calibration microphone is used to analyze the system's acoustical output at two unique positions in the listening area. By taking readings in two different positions in the theater room, with the included microphone in the listening position, the receiver sends test signals to each speaker in turn, then uses the input from the microphone to adjust channel level and time delay settings for each speaker.

The Onkyo TX-SR605 makes it easier than ever to bring Satellite radio into the living room, featuring compatibility with both XM and Sirius satellite radio programming. The addition of an optional tuner system for either network enables consumers to subscribe to and receive hundreds of channels of commercial-free music, news, talk, and entertainment programming. The receiver even includes onboard Neural Surround processing for reception of multichannel XM HD surround programming. Finally, there is also a high quality terrestrial radio tuner, and the TX-SR605 features 40 presets for AM, FM, XM, or Sirius stations.

Onkyo has also designed the receiver to take complete advantage of the company's optional Remote Interactive iPod dock/charger units. With the iPod placed in the dock, it becomes a source component for not only audio playback, but also for photography stored in iPod photo units. Basic iPod controls such as play, pause, stop, skip, and random / repeat functions can all be operated via the TX-SR605's preprogrammed learning remote control.

The TX-SR605 amplification modules benefit from Onkyo's exclusive WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology) and Optimum Gain Volume Circuitry, delivering 90 watts per channels into 8 ohm loads. There are sturdy five-way binding posts for all seven full-range channels, and the rear surround channels can also be employed to provide a second set of Front L/R channels for speaker bi-amplification.

The TX-SR605 also features Onkyo's Powered Zone 2 capability, which can be used to power stereo speakers in a second room while listening to 5.1-channel sound in the main zone thanks to a dedicated set of zone 2 L/R speaker terminals. The receiver is capable of processing separate multichannel and stereo sources simultaneously for the main and second zone, or processing a single source for both. There is also a zone 2 pre-out that can be used in conjunction with a dedicated zone amplifier or receiver.

The Onkyo TX-SR605 will ship in May in both black and silver finishes, at a suggested retail price of $599.

Onkyo, which takes its name from the Japanese "On" meaning 'sound' and "Kyo" meaning 'harmony,' has been producing precision audio components for over a half-century. The company's philosophy is to deliver products that are superbly designed and built to a consistently outstanding standard of excellence. Today, Onkyo is at the forefront of the home theater and digital revolutions. For more information about this and other fine Onkyo products, visit www.onkyousa.com or call 800-229-1687.

Bayern legt Gesetzesentwurf vor  
Nachdem es bislang nur Ankündigungen gab, wurde gestern vom Freistaat Bayern der »Entwurf eines Gesetzes zur Verbesserung des Jugendschutzes« eingereicht. In einer der nächsten Bundesratssitzungen wird der Entwurf dann ausführlich behandelt werden.


Geändert wird unter anderem §131a des Strafgesetzbuchs, der in der neuen Form folgendes beeinhaltet:


[i]»Virtuelle Killerspiele
Mit Freiheitsstrafe bis zu einem Jahr oder mit Geldstrafe wird bestraft, wer Spielprogramme, die grausame oder sonst unmenschliche Gewalttätigkeiten gegen Menschen oder menschenähnliche Wesen darstellen und dem Spieler die Beteiligung an dargestellten Gewalttätigkeiten solcher Art ermöglichen,
1. verbreitet,
2. öffentlich zugänglich macht,
3. einer Person unter achtzehn Jahren anbietet, überlässt oder zugänglich macht oder
4. herstellt, bezieht, liefert, vorrätig hält, anbietet, ankündigt, anpreist, einzuführen oder
auszuführen unternimmt, um sie im Sinne der Nummern 1 bis 3 zu verwenden oder
einem anderen eine solche Verwendung zu ermöglichen.«[/i]

Neben Computer- und Videospielen bezieht sich der Gesetzesentwurf auch auf Sportarten wie Paintball. In §118 heißt es:


»Menschenverachtende Spiele
(1) Ordnungswidrig handelt, wer
1. Spiele veranstaltet, die geeignet sind, die Mitspieler in ihrer Menschenwürde herabzusetzen, indem ihre Tötung oder Verletzung unter Einsatz von Schusswaffen oder diesen nachgebildeten Gegenständen als Haupt- oder Nebeninhalt simuliert wird,
2. hierfür Grundstücke, Anlagen oder Einrichtungen bereitstellt oder
3. an solchen Spielen teilnimmt.
(2) Die Ordnungswidrigkeit kann in den Fällen des Abs. 1 Nr. 1 und 2 mit einer Geldbuße
bis zu 5.000 Euro, in den Fällen des Abs. 1 Nr. 3 mit einer Geldbuße geahndet werden.«

Außerdem gibt es auch Änderungswünsche beim Verfahren mit Erziehungsberechtigten. War es früher der eigenen Entscheidung überlassen, welche Inhalte Eltern ihren Kindern zeigen dürfen, sieht der Entwurf folgendes vor:


»Es besteht kein legitimes Bedürfnis für Erziehungsberechtigte, exzessive Gewaltdarstellungen Jugendlichen oder gar Kindern zugänglich zu machen. Das Erzieherprivileg wird daher ersatzlos aufgehoben.«

Es gibt zudem umfassende Änderungsforderungen zur Arbeit der USK.