S-Air posts
Also checking in at Sony's Las Vegas showcase are these DVD upscaling-based HTIB systems. If those Blu-ray packing all-in-ones are a bit too much for you, the top of the line DAV-HDX589W and DAV-HDX589WC systems, featuring either S-AIR wireless speakers or S-AIR multiroom listening station, respectively, with 1000 watts maximum power to their 5.1 speakers for $430 later this month. The next models down drop features like auto calibration and audio enhancement on their way to a $300 price tag leaving a few lonely new portable DVD players, but really, like the rest of this line, it may be time to look upmarket.
Sony rolls out new AV receivers for 2009
Along with new Blu-ray players and HTIB systems, Sony's bumped up the specs on its latest receivers, including S-AIR wireless audio support on its 7.1 channel STR-DN1000 and STR-DH800 models. The $500 STR-DN1000 has similar features to last year's line, with 110 watts per channel, Digital Media Port, 1080p/24 x.v. Color support, four HDMI inputs and Sirius radio service support, while S-AIR can be added through the $50 EZW-T100 transmitter and $120 AIR-SA10 speaker systems. The STR-DH800 drops the piano black finish, icon driven menu system and $100 from the price of the higher end model, both expected on shelves in June. The STR-DH700, STR-DH500 and STR-DH100 also offer slightly less power, features and HDMI inputs for $200 and $150, respectively, when they go on sale later this month. Hit the read link to get more details on each, there should be something for everyone to like (unless you prefer an ES model.)
Sony outs BDP-S360 and BDP-S560 Blu-ray players, new BD HTIBs

Moving on, we've got a new pair of 5.1-channel Blu-ray HTIB systems: the BDV-E300 and BDV-E500W. Both bundles include a BD-Live-capable (Profile 2.0) Blu-ray player, while the BDV-E500W sports integrated S-AIR wireless audio capabilities. In other words, your rear speakers will get their signal sans cabling, and those who opt for the BDV-E300 are getting a kit that's S-AIR-ready, meaning that you can add modules in the future to get the same wireless support. Both sets also include Sony's Digital Media Port for controlling peripherals like Apple's iPod and Sony's own Walkman line, and the BRAVIA Sync technology ensures that HDMI-CEC lovers are taken care of. The models also bring along the firm's Xross Media Bar (XMB) interface, a USB port for loading up media and an easy-to-follow setup DVD. As for pricing and availability, we've broken all that down below.
- BDP-S360 Blu-ray player: shipping this summer for around $300
- BDP-S560 Blu-ray player: shipping this summer for around $350
- HT-SS360 component home theater system : shipping in May for around $350
- BDV-E300 Blu-ray HTIB: shipping in June for around $600
- BDV-E500W Blu-ray HTIB: shipping in June for around $800
Sony's iPod-lovin' AIR-SA20PK S-AIRPLAY music system reviewed
We'll just cut to the chase: if you've been cautiously eying Sony's S-AIRPLAY system in hopes of it solving your multi-zone audio desires, you'll be sorely disappointed at how it performs in real world use. The AIR-SA20PK showcased just decent audio quality, odd design choices, unintuitive controls and a wireless range that was less-than-stellar. 'Course, the unit was being held to some pretty high standards, but given the $400 sticker, we can understand that. In the end, critics determined that the unit wasn't an outright failure, but for four bills, they'd prefer it to be much easier to use and sound quite a bit better. Good thing you didn't pull the trigger already, huh?
Sony's BDV-IT1000ES and BDV-IS1000 HTIB systems hands-on

Sony's BDV-IT1000ES and BDV-IS1000 HTIB systems do Blu-ray

Sony's BDV-IT1000 HTIB was outed late last month, but that's not stopping the powerhouse from making it official alongside the BDV-IS1000 today at CEDIA. As you likely know, these two are Sony's first offerings in the burgeoning Blu-ray HTIB market, as both packages come bundled with an elusive BD-Live-capable deck (the BDP-S350, we presume?) along with integrated support for the firm's S-AIR technology. Each set packs a pair of HDMI inputs, XMB menu navigation, 5.1-channel surround sound, Digital Media Port (for hooking up your PMP), BRAVIA Sync and even an IR repeater on the IT1000ES. The aforesaid BDV-IT1000ES ($1,999) includes oh-so-slim drivers (pictured after the jump), while the $1,000 BDV-IS1000 includes the same "golf ball-sized" speaks as the HT-IS100. Both sets are shipping next month, or so says the release waiting after the break.
Sony intros iPod-friendly S-AIRPLAY multi-room audio system

Sony S-AIR hands-on


























