HT-CT150, CT350 Soundbars

Sony HT-C150 Soundbar

The HT-C150 and HT-C350 sound bars offer 3.1 sound. The C150 is a 340W system (85W x3 channels and 85W subwoofer) while the C350 is 400W (100W x3 channels and 100W subwoofer). The C150 is designed to complement Sony’s 2010 BRAVIA 32-inch HDTVs.

Sony HT-C350 Soundbar

The C350 includes a bracket that allows it to attach directly to several 40-inch plus sets (wall mounted or table top).

The HT-C150 and HT-C350 will be available this may for $300 and $400, respectively.

HT-SF470 5.1 Surround Sound System

Sony HT-SF740 5.1 Surround Sound System

The HT-SF740 is a 1000W 5.1 surround sound system (157W x5 channels and 167W subwoofer). It has floor-standing front and rear speakers; S-Air wireless technology is optional.

The HT-SF740 will be available this June for $550.

Sony BDV-E570 3D Blu-ray Home Theater System

Sony’s latest Blu-ray home theater system is now available, the BDV-E570. This 5.1 system offers a 3D Blu-ray disc player, 1080p video playback, WiFi, and DLNA compatibility.

The big news with the BDV-E570 is 3D Blu-ray disc support. 3D Blu-ray discs will be available this summer, and the BDV-E570 will require a firmware update to add support (offered free of charge). Sony will be launching a full line of 3D TVs to complement its 3D Blu-ray home theater lineup.

Additional features of the BDV-E570 include BRAVIA Internet Video, which allows users to stream a variety of content including TV shows, videos, and music from providers such as Netflix, YouTube, Slacker, and others. DLNA compatibility means the BDV-E570 can share content from other DLNA-enabled devices on a home network (it will be supported this summer via a firmware update).

The Sony BDV-E570 3D Blu-ray home theater system is available now for $549.99.

Sony Product Page

Sony BDV-HZ970W Home Theater System

Sony has launched three new home theater in-a-box systems with Blu-ray players. All three systems feature 1000 watt 5.1 surround sound audio systems with wireless rear speakers and wireless 802.11 connectivity for BRAVIA streaming Internet video. Additional features include DVD upscaling and codec support for Dolby TrueHD and dts-HD Master Audio.

The BDV-HZ970W, pictured above, is the top-shelf system featuring a Blu-ray player that supports 3D Blu-ray discs and full 1080p video support. It is compabible with DLNA devices and has a front USB port for photo, music, and video playback.

The BDV-E770W and BDV-E570W have a similar feature set but lack 3D Blu-ray disc support. Of the two, only the E770W supports DLNA so if you have other DLNA devices, skip the E570W. The E570W also does not come standard with wireless rear speaker support though it can be added through an optional transmitter.

Pricing and availability information were unavailable at press time.

The details and qualifying sets can be seen here.

Our detailed Sony BDV-E300 Review.

Sony BDV-E300 Specifications

• 5.1 channel – 1000 watts system power
• 143 watts to five satellites
• 285 watt subwoofer
• 2 analog audio inputs, 1 coaxial audio inputs, 1 optical audio input
• 1 component video output, 1 composite video output, 1 HDMI upscaling output,
• Auto speaker calibration
• S-Air compatible (wireless speakers not included)
• iPod cradle
• Bravia Sync enabled
• xross media bar menu navigation
• Blu-Ray Player
• Ethernet port
• Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby TrueHD, DTS 96/24, DTS, DTS-ES, DTS HD, Dolby Digital Plus

Sony BDV-E300 Specifications

• 5.1 channel – 1000 watts system power
• 143 watts to five satellites
• 285 watt subwoofer
• 2 analog audio inputs, 1 coaxial audio inputs, 1 optical audio input
• 1 component video output, 1 composite video output, 1 HDMI upscaling output,
• Auto speaker calibration
• S-Air compatible (wireless speakers not included)
• iPod cradle
• Bravia Sync enabled
• xross media bar menu navigation
• Blu-Ray Player
• Ethernet port
• Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby TrueHD, DTS 96/24, DTS, DTS-ES, DTS HD, Dolby Digital Plus

Setup

The unboxing process was painless with the Sony BDV-E300, needing only a pair of scissors to slice the tape on the box. The main box houses all components, with each item having its own separate foam protection. Once everything was out of the box you notice the speakers are alone for each channel, without any stands. The front and rear speakers look nearly identical, with only stickers on the backs of the front speakers to identify them as such. The rest of the components were straight forward, with the center channel easy to locate, being the super short but wide speaker, and subwoofer…well being the subwoofer. One slightly annoying feature lacking from this kit was stands, which help to present the front speakers. Sony did include multiple mount connections, but even a simple plastic stand would have been appreciated.

When all the components are in their desired spots, the next step is locating the correct wire for each speaker. Sony includes pre-cut sections of wire, all color coded for individual speakers. This mean no need to wire cutters or the hassle associated with it. The length of wire was long enough for even a large room; with plenty to spare in most cases. The only wire that may present a problem is the center channel, which is shorter and designed for home theater setups where the stereo is very close to the TV.

Once the speakers are connected and the system is turned on for the first time, you will be directed through a setup guide. The process first starts with you choosing a language for the menu system, then your primary video output method, preferred resolution, and aspect ratio. Once those are set, it gives you the option to have the system controlled by a supported television, sets up the network connection, and which startup mode you would prefer (normal or quick). I went with normal, since I don’t like running devices in standby, drawing power while I am not using them.

The next step is probably the most important where you let the system auto-calibrate the speakers. The method Sony uses is one of the coolest ones I have seen, where it actually tells you the distance of each speaker from the setup microphone after the test completes. In my case it even detected that my chair was ¾ foot off center from the TV, which is correct.

Usability

As someone who has a Sony LCD HDTV and PlayStation 3, I found the BDV-E300 very easy to control and navigate. The xross media bar gives you quick access to each primary group of features, be it settings, pictures, or inputs, and then gives you a dropdown of each item in that category. This makes it easy to jump from adjusting the speaker settings all the way to the analog input control with a few direction arrow presses. Even if you are new to the system it is easy, but if you are already used to it, the similarities are nice since you know where everything is. The only negative comment I can say about the navigation system on this stereo is the remote control, which is very jumpy when moving between categories. Every time you move from one side to the other, there is a good chance it will skip 3-4 items, instead of going one at a time. This is especially annoying since it happens even when you are meticulous about pressing the direction pad once to move one position over, and it flies past your desired choice.

Performance

The speakers included with this system are made with thin walled plastic, and don’t really have weight of a really solid speaker. I might be more used to heavy wood-based speakers, where you know which is a better speaker by how much pain you back is in after setting up the system. Even with the lightweight construction the audio quality was still very nice, right at the level you would expect from a starter home theater system.

Speaker performance was good, with clear high notes and a good balance of midrange and bass. The included subwoofer might not have been as powerful as external powered subwoofers, but a properly balanced system doesn’t have bass set high enough to shake pictures off the wall either. Music and movies alike sounded very good, with good channel separation and mixing with the rear speakers. While playing music the rear speakers would activate in auto mode, helping to fill the room with more sound. In movies the rear speakers would stay dedicated to their own specific audio track. One of my favorite tests for new surround systems is to play Call of Duty, since listening to directional sound is key to not being killed by an attacking enemy. The Sony BDV-E300 was quick to pick up on subtle footsteps, which helped me easily pick off other players before they could get to me.

Blu-ray movie playback was perfect, with quick movie loading after the disc was inserted, and snappy menu response. Noise from the stereo itself was minimal at worst, with no perceptible noise from the drive after a disc was loaded. Once playing a Blu-ray video, dropping back to the home screen had about a 2-3 second delay. Compared to my PS3, the performance from this system was actually better in terms how long you had to wait before you could start watching a movie.

iPod Support

I can’t say I was as impressed by Sony’s iPod integration when I think back to how Panasonic handled it on the SC-PT770. On the Panasonic you were given full song titles, song timers, video support… basically it duplicated the controls of the iPod itself. On the Sony BDV-E300 you select the iPod input through a selection called “DMPORT”, which acts as line in for the audio. The screen you are presented with gives no indication of the iPod being connected, only a nice background image that is shared with other audio inputs. You have limited song control by using the remote, where play, pause, skip all work, but you are left hunting for songs. I ended up browsing to desired album by hand, connecting the iPod to the dock, and pressing play. Besides charging, the iPod integration was about as useful as a 3.5mm jack plugged into the top of the iPod.

Conclusion

Overall the Sony BDV-E300 is a fairly good home theater in a box system with the addition of Blu-ray support. If you are looking to add surround sound to a small to mid-size room and want the capability to play HD movies this system will work well, and its sale price works with most budgets. The setup utilities are make the initial calibration process painless, and the color coded wires make sure even non-techie can get this system playing music or movies in no time. The only real downside to this model is the lack-luster iPod support, which falls flat compared to other alternatives and the omission of HDMI inputs.

Pros

• Cool setup utility
• Color coded wires and speakers
• Responsive Blu-ray player
• Good audio quality

Cons

• Overactive remote
• No speaker stands
• No HDMI input
• Poor iPod integration

Rating – 3.5 out of 5 stars

The good news is that 3D is the first game-changing technology to come to home theater since the advent of the flat panel TV. The bad news is that you’ll have to replace your TV and DVD player and you’ll need to stock up on 3D glasses. Oh, and there’s the other little issue that content creators haven’t exactly figured out how to deliver 3D content yet. But don’t let that discourage you or slow the full court press that is coming to promote 3D.

Sony – 3D in 2010 or Bust

Today at the IFA show in Berlin, Sony formally committed to “lead the way in delivering new 3D viewing experiences by bringing 3D to the home in 2010.” Sony pumped their 3D compatible Bravia LCD TVs which “incorporate frame sequential display and active-shutter glass systems together with Sony’s proprietary high frame rate technology to enable the reproduction of full High Definition high-quality 3D images.”

3D requires more than just a compatible TV though – Sony also announced that it will develop 3D compatibility into other devices like it’s computers, Blu-ray players and of course the PlayStation 3. Their vision then is to not only get into 3D movies, but games as well, which potentially revolutionizes that industry as well.

Sony has even created a video to help consumers get excited about the prospect of 3D in their home theater setups.

Panasonic Launches 3D Road Show

Not to be outdone by Sony, Panasonic today launched a 3D road show. They’ll be taking three custom-built, expandable tractor trailers around the country to give the public their first demo of Panasonic’s 3D systems. Each rig will be outfitted with a complete 3D system and room for 25-35 people per demonstration. Look for the trucks at special events, sporting events, electronics retailers and the like. The tour will run through March 2010 and Panasonic hopes to demo the technology for at least 500,000 people.

“Panasonic’s Full HD 3D represents the next stage of audio-visual technologies for the home beyond High Definition,” said Eisuke Tsuyuzaki, Panasonic Corporation of North America’s Chief Technology Officer. “Full HD 3D enables virtually the same quality and immersive experience as in 3D theaters. We also hope through our 3D TV truck tour to assure consumers that Panasonic is working diligently with fellow consumer electronics leaders and Hollywood to create a single open Full HD 3D TV standard.”

Not to be outdone by Sony, Panasonic also has a video extolling the virtues of 3D home theater.

The Reality of 3D Home Theater

There’s little doubt 3D is going to happen. It’s not just a Sony and Panasonic thing, dozens of companies are trying to figure out the standards for content delivery and creative ways to make this technology interesting for consumers. At the end of the day though, adoption will come down to economics. Will these companies be able to produce the technology cost effectively enough to get consumers to upgrade right away or will consumers wait a for a few iterations before they commit? And there are serious questions about the content as well. As in, who will release 3D content and how will it be distributed.

The one thing that’s not in doubt is that consumers love the idea of 3D home theater and the immersive experience it delivers. If Sony gets this into the PlayStation, there’s a shot 3D revolutionizes gaming too. The next year will certainly be interesting as these home theater companies one-up each other with 3D theater announcements.

Sony BDV-E500W

In addition to featuring BD-Live capable Blu-ray players, the systems support the latest advanced audio codecs including 7.1 channel Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding as well as bit-stream. Both systems also include Sony’s Digital Media Port, which adds support for accessories like a cradle for iPod players, which is included with both systems. Optional accessories like the Network Walkman cradle, a PC client device, and a Bluetooth adapter are all available separately.

While Sony didn’t disclose much about the speakers, we do knot the BDV-E500W features integrated S-AIR wireless audio capabilities that allows for wireless rear surrounds. The BDV-E300 model comes with wired rear surrounds but is S-AIR ready so users can add optional wireless gear at a later time.

Sony BDV-E300

Sony has spent some time on easy of setup and ease of use with these systems as well. Both models include an easy set-up DVD, eliminating any confusion during the set up process. The models also feature Sony’s Xross Media Bar (XMB) graphic user interface for easy menu navigation, Precision Drive technology, Precision Cinema Upscaling technology, and a USB port allowing users to add their external flash memory for BD-Live features.

The Sony BDV-E300 and BDV-E500W ship in June for about $600 and $800, respectively.

Sony also released new stand alone Blu-ray players (BDP-S360 and BDP-S560) and one component home theater system designed around these new units. The aptly named HT-SS360 component home theater system is an integrated A/V receiver supporting full HD 1080p video and high resolution audio. Added to either of the new players, the theater system completes the package with 5.1 surround sound for a true cinematic experience.

The Sony HT-SS360 will be available this May for about $350.

Update 9/21/09 – Sony BDV-E300 Review posted

Sony BDV-IT1000ES

Sony BDV-IT1000ES

The BDV-IT1000ES features a new incredibly thin speaker design. The combination of a flat voice coil, light weight and highly rigid composite diaphragm, neodymium magnet and rolled type straight damper allow the full range speaker to measure approximately ¾-inch wide by 22 inches long. The thin, lightweight and solid stainless punch grill gives the speaker a wide aperture and high transmission to avoid sound distortion. The system features a 700W (100W per channel x 7), and a 200W subwoofer.

Sony BDV-IS1000

Sony BDV-IS1000

Taking unobtrusive speaker design to a new level, the new BDV-IS1000 is a micro home-theater-in-a-box system featuring five tiny speakers that are approximately the size of a golf ball. The 5.1 channel Blu-ray Disc surround system still has no problem delivering the full power of traditional home theater products.
Both systems feature Sony’s S-AIR technology, delivering a practical wireless speaker solution. Wireless audio can be transmitted from the main system in the living room to wireless rear speakers for simple surround sound as well as separate audio devices throughout the home, up to 164 feet, by connecting a separate S-AIR AirStation receiver/speaker into a power outlet.

The models are BD-Live capable (firmware update will be available later this fall), featuring an Ethernet connection allowing users to connect to the Internet via their existing service provider to access BD-Live features and easy firmware updates. They are also equipped with an external flash memory port for optional flash memory.

The models offer two 1080p HDMI inputs for adding additional components and can upscale DVDs to 1080p output when connected via HDMI to a compatible high-definition television. The BDV-IT1000ES also includes an infrared repeater (2 in/1 out).

These systems also include Sony’s Digital Media Port, which adds control and connectivity options for music playback through various accessories, including a cradle for iPod® which is included in the system, and a Network Walkman™ cradle, a PC client device and a Bluetooth® adapter (each sold separately, unless noted otherwise).

Pricing and Availability

The BDV-IT1000ES will ship in October for $1,999 while the BDV-IS1000 also ships in October for about $1,000.

Sony has introduced the HT-IS100, which they’re calling a micro home theater in a box system. The system features five tiny speakers, three HMI inputs and optional wireless speakers via Sony’s S-Air technology.

The 5.1 channel system, offers 450 watts of power, includes a subwoofer with integrated 32-bit S-Master digital amplifier for superb audio performance.

The system features Sony’s Digital Media Port, which adds control, networking and connectivity options for music playback through various accessories, including a Cradle for iPod (TDM-iP10), a Network Walkman cradle, a PC client device and a Bluetooth adapter (each is sold separately). Optionally, you can add wireless multi-room listening throughout the home using Sony S-AIR Air Station speakers.

Sony’s Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (DCAC) simplifies surround sound setup with the push of a button by automatically adjusting speaker frequency, distance and level.

The system also features BRAVIA Sync for Theater, which integrates its operation with select BRAVIA televisions and home theater products for one-touch play. With the touch of a button, you can automatically turn on and switch inputs, synchronizing connected devices to make operation easier.

Equipped with a Dialogue Audio Enhancer with night mode, the system can adjust audio levels for dialogue when the receiver volume is turned low. Additionally, the updated Portable Audio Enhancer feature improves the clarity and depth of digital audio devices connected to the system by adding information to the audio signal that had been removed during compression.

The HT-IS100 system will be available in July for about $700.