New Sony ES Receivers Hit Stores Early Fall

Sony has released a slew of new and updated audio video receivers in its ES (elevated standard) line.  It’s been a while since Sony updated its receivers since we saw introduction of STR-DA6400ES and ES5500ES models. Since I own the 6400ES I was interested to learn what new features are added except the obvious 3D pass-through capability. And indeed Sony came up with a few improvements that make the top of the line receiver STR-DA5600ES stand out (even more a better price of $2000 compared to DA6400ES ringing for $2500 last year). So let’s jump into what’s new:

One noticeable feature is the custom control among the well-known IR and RS232 featured in earlier models, Sony added IP (which is sort of a late comer as many other competitor’s receivers had that tech available last year). Control over IP  allows installers to easily integrate the receivers into the leading home automation systems including Control4®, Crestron, AMX®, Savant, Ultimate Remote Control, RTI, and others.  Sony has worked closely with leading control companies and is a Control4 Certified Partner, an AMX Device Discovery Partner, Crestron Integration Partner, and a Savant Excellence in Audio and Video Partner.

Another feature that I really liked was 2 HDMI out ports that will allow you to simultaneously or switched way of delivering your content. Current higher end receivers have offered only switched option.

One thing I was hoping would be added to these receivers is a Wi-Fi capability, instead you get a 4 port Ethernet hub offering easy access to digital photos, music and videos from Digital Life Network Alliance (DLNA®) sources and other network devices. Wireless 802.11n or even wireless streaming (WHDMi) would have been a welcome option. Sony also threw in an improved DLNA (no mentioning if it is 1.5 version though) and Audio Server, which most likely a lot of your already at home gadgets do anyways (PS3, Bravia TVs, etc).

DCAC EX is something new too which pretty much will do your speaker relocation, not only adjusting for the distance but also the angle of the listening position to create an optimal listening environment.

iPhone app is something that will help you replace your ES remote control very similar to the app people with newer Bluray players have been using. Android app is forthcoming too.

Check out more info and details in the official press release from Sony.

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06
Jul 2010
POSTED BY Stan M
POSTED IN

Audio, Hardware

DISCUSSION 5 Comments
  • realSONYguru

    late

  • http://www.sonyinsider.com/ Sony Insider

    I like your input sometimes, but posting this “late” nonsense three times over separate posts isn't very kind. Please do not do it again – I rather not have to ban you from commenting.

  • realSONYguru

    wooo, im so scared!!! r u kidding me? u calling me pointing out ur NEWS on SONY is late “nonsense??? that alone tells me how pathetic you are and how lame you are, if u wanna be a SONY news slacker, do all you want, but just do not call urself some SONYINSIDER, or into SONY of any sort, after all, u r supposed to be SONY INSIDER, not SONY late reporter. I will stop doing it when you stop reporting OLD “news”, can u do that? this is the exact problem I have with SONY USA and SONY Canada, they are so horrible, I mean it shows, after all this site belongs to SONY USA, no? If any of these slackers had any tradition and value like SONY Japan, SONY would be doing so much better than right now, certainly wouldn't be getting ashamed by the shitty rotten Apple, that's for sure.

    you, SONY INSIDER, clean up ur act, start being responsible for your poor actions. it's not being kind, it's about competition, u looking for sympathy? u'll find it somewhere between shit and syphilis in the dictionary, but certainly not in the real world.

    u like my input sometimes? dude u have no idea the kinda relationship i have with SONY, the amount of money I spend at SONY, and the ppl i know from SONY. I'm very harsh on anything related to SONY, because it's very important to me, personally and financially. I invest so much and my account at Ginza gets me free Vaio and Bravia every year, do you? now there you have it.

  • http://twitter.com/vaiofreak Stan Medvedenko

    Mr. realSonyguru, you sound like a very angry person and may want to work on those issues of yours; spitting hate and bad language will not do you any good. It's OK to be proud of what Sony used to be, but the world moves on and progress does not get stalled by the old traditions and value you seem to cling to.

  • M4hkn0

    Still no HD radio. : (