Onkyo loads its £400 Home Cinema Receiver with Advanced Features for HD-DVD and
Blu-ray, and HDMI Video Upconversion
The TX-SR605 is Onkyo’s first AV receiver with HDMI v1.3a processing,
HDMI-based system control, and HD lossless audio decoding
Onkyo has introduced the TX-SR605 A/V receiver, adding processing for the latest lossless multi-channel audio formats, comprehensive video upconversion to HDMI to the impressive features of the TX-SR604E it replaces. The new model also features Onkyo’s new HDMI-based system control capability, 7 × 140 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 the first receiver available in the UK to include decoding for DolbyDigital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD Master multi-channel audio formats from Blu-ray and HD-DVD players.
The TX-SR605 is also Onkyo’s first home cinema 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 (eg flatscreen TVs, Blu-ray players etc) 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.
The receiver also provides Faroudja DCDi de-interlacing circuitry to convert interlaced signals to progressive scan. There are a total of five digital audio inputs, as well as five A/V and two audio-only analogue inputs. Front panel A/V inputs, including an 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 theatre 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 home cinema 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.
There is also a high quality terrestrial radio tuner, and the TX-SR605 features 40 presets for FM and AM 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 multi-channel 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 first home cinema receiver in the UK to boast decoding for high-definition lossless audio formats was always going to make headlines. How pleasing to discover then that at, just £400, you won’t to take out a second mortgage to sample its amazing talents…
PRICE
TX-SR605 – £400 – Available end of June, in silver or black.