Sony Europe will add 5 new systems to its WEGA all-in-one home theater range, all scheduled to arrive in stores between May and August of 2003.
The new models cover the full range of consumer options, from entry level to the high end of the “in-a-box” market. There are 2 new single-component Digital Audio Video (DAV) packages – the entry-level DAV-SA30 and high-end DAV-S888 – and 3 twin component (HTP) DVD player/AV receiver packages – the HTP-1100, HTP-1500 and HTP-3100.
Sony's new DAV-SA30 Home-Theater-in-a-Box system will be available in Europe in May 2003
DAV Single-Component Systems Include Multichannel SACD
The entry-level DAV-SA30 offers DVD-Video, CD and multi-channel Super Audio CD (SACD) playback, including support for CD-R/RW and MP3 format discs, as well as JPEG still-image slideshows. The player component integrates an S-master digital amplifier with 5 X 44W RMS power, and an RDS radio tuner. The unit can decode standard surround formats, including Dolby Digital, DTS and Dolby ProLogic II. The speaker package consists of five satellite speakers and an 8-cm subwoofer.
The higher-spec DAV-S888 incorporates a 90W active subwoofer to offer richer bottom end reproduction, along with four stylish, slim pillar surround speakers, and a high-quality center-channel speaker. The DAV-S888 A/V component features the S-Master digital amplifier with 5 x 100W RMS power, playback of DVD-Video, multi-channel Super Audio CD, Video CD, DVD-R/RW and DVD+R/RW, and an RDS tuner.
Both new DAV systems will be available throughout Europe in May 2003.
The Sony HTP-3100 In-a-Box package is aimed at users who prefer the look and feel of full-sized components
HTP Twin-Component Systems Offer Quality, Expansion Possibilities
The latest additions to the Sony HTP family expand user options in terms of functionality thanks to their separate DVD player, A/V processor/receiver and 5.1 multi-channel speaker system with active subwoofer. However, the players in the HTP series do not include SACD capability, presumably leaving that option open for future expansion via a dedicated SACD player.
The HTP-1100 provides playback facilities for standard audio and video disc formats in a new slim-profile aluminium finish style. The A/V processor offers 5 x 35W of power.
A step up the performance scale, the HTP-1500 is Sony’s first home-theater-in-a-box model to include wooden-finish satellite surround and subwoofer speakers. The processor includes a full complement of surround decoders, including Dolby Digital, Dolby Prologic II, DTS, and Sony’s proprietary Digital Cinema Sound EX system.
While the lower-end HTP systems offer slimline components that blend neatly into a living room environment, Sony is offering another option for the user who prefers the look and feel of full-sized components. The HTP-3100 features a generously-proportioned AV receiver with 5 x 80W of amp power, supported by a 100W active subwoofer.
The HTP-3100 DVD player features up-scale Sony technologies such as Precision Drive2, which compensates for disc warp and imperfections to ensure reliable and high quality playback facilities. The player handles a full range of disc formats, including DVD-Video, Video CD, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, CD, CD-R/RW and MP3.
The HTP-3100 also offers a wide range of output and interface options, including coaxial digital, composite video and SCART. Surround decoders include Dolby Digital, Dolby ProLogic II and DTS.
The HTP 3100 will be available throughout Europe in May 2003, while the HTP-1500 will arrive in July, and the HTP-1100 is due in August.
