Sony has been a strong supporter of the 3D TV revolution with one of the more comprehensive line-ups in the marketplace. At last year's CEA Line Show in New York, the company broadcast the World Cup in 3D on their new BRAVIA flagship model, and were the first sponsor of ESPN's 24/7 3D sports channel. Sony has also experienced tremendous success with the PlayStation 3 (which is 3D-enabled with a firmware update), the best-selling Blu-ray player/gaming console/media streamer. Sony recently teamed up with Sports Illustrated to offer a 3D video version of SI's 2011 Swimsuit issue, so it is safe to say that the company is firmly committed to the long-term success of 3D technology.
Sony is also committed on the audio front and announced today the release of their new 3D-compatible AV receiver line-up, which includes the flagship STR-DN1020 (available this May for around $500). All of these models are available for pre-sale. The STR-DN1020 is a 7.2 channel AV receiver offering access to Internet music services such as Slacker and vTuner, as well as DLNA compatibility which will allow you to access digital music from your home PC or other DLNA-connected devices.
The STR-DN1020 can also stream audio to Sony's HomeShare wireless network speakers (which I have noticed in a number of retail locations across NYC) and features Sony's PartyStreaming mode which allows you to playback music through multiple pairs of speakers all over your home.
The 7.2 channel, 110 watts per channel receiver is compatible with the Sony "Media Remote" app that turns an iPhone, iPod Touch or Droid mobile device into a remote control. The app, which can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or the Android Marketplace, functions as a full remote with a keyboard controlling the receiver.
The receiver also features 3D HDMI pass-through of audio and a plethora of inputs/outputs. There are 7 HD inputs (4 HDMI, 3 component), dual subwoofer outputs, and second zone audio and video outputs. The STR-DN1020 supports Sony's BRAVIA Sync mode (which requires a BRAVIA set and Blu-ray player),
The STR-DN1020 is followed by the STR-DH820 7.2 receiver (available in March for around $400), which offers everything but the audio streaming services and the Media Remote app.
The baby of the family is the brand new STR-DH520 7.1 AV receiver (available in March for $230), which offers 100 watts per channel, HDMI 3D pass-through, 6 HD inputs, support for DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital TrueHD, and Dolby Pro Logic IIz.
Needless to say, Sony has packed a lot into this series of AV receivers and for some incredibly low prices. We plan on getting the flagship STR-DN1020 for review in the near future.
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