Then, each channel is powered by a reasonable 140W of amplification, which pleasantly enough, can be easily coupled with advanced set ups so that the audio performance can be enhanced by bi-amping the front two speakers. You should also love the fact that setting up the Onkyo TX-SR605 is hassle free and is assisted by advanced features like the advanced automatic calibration system, with further assistance coming in the form of the basic Audyssey 2EQ and clearly presented menu screens.

Meanwhile, the latest HDMI 1.3a connections give you the leverage to switch between compatible high-definition sources, consequently making it convenient for you to operate the unit while at the same time removing unwanted cable clutter. The HDMI feature included with the unit is not the ordinary type, as it made with the latest technologies and with the intention to last a long enough time without becoming outdated. It is compatible with a variety of contemporary formats like Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio, and also accepts Deep Colour picture enhancements.

On the downside, the automatic calibration system tends to be a bit time consuming, and the Audyssey 2EQ system also has the same problem. The good thing with the latter feature is however that it is pretty accurate.

The device doesn’t have any integrated decoding for high-definition audio formats; instead the same is done by carefully arranged compatible players. The design of the Sony STR-DA1200ES, on the other hand, is an epitome of aesthetic beauty, and has a minimalist approach. Build quality is also pretty robust making you almost drool over it.

The feature list of the unit is quite solid and consists of seven channels of 100W amplification, while you can also avail yourself of the luxury of indulging in some HDMI video switching options supported by 1080p signals. Then video up-conversion from composite and S-Video to component facility is there as well and plays an important role in improving the picture quality from your analogue sources to that of high definition levels. Meanwhile, the automatic calibration system plays its part in giving the device a definite edge over its contemporaries as it sets up the receiver much quickly and accurately than you can ever imagine.

When it comes to sound quality, it simply outshines many a famous names and compares favorably with Sony’s sensational sound quality. You can really get into some sensuous groove as the receiver creates an almost three-dimensional sound stage assisted by an innovative range of far-reaching dynamics.

]]> http://www.home-entertainment-news.co.uk/receiver/741/sony-str-da1200es-a-rare-breed.html/feed http://www.home-entertainment-news.co.uk/receiver/740/the-cambridge-audio-azur540r-version-3-giving-that-extra-edge.html http://www.home-entertainment-news.co.uk/receiver/740/the-cambridge-audio-azur540r-version-3-giving-that-extra-edge.html#comments Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:26:39 +0000 daniel http://www.home-entertainment-news.co.uk/?p=740 The Cambridge Audio Azur540R (Version 3) is one the most fascinating receivers to have been released by the company, and, at an affordable price, it is also the perfect low-cost alternative that average consumers are really looking for. Actually the device is the third incarnation of the company’s Azur 540R receiver and consequently has undergone a lot of innovations and improvements from its earlier prototypes. The best part of all these is that there is no big difference in its price, despite the fact it offers you a more extensive and explosive range of possibilities.

The unit surprises you with its superior build quality, and comes with a highly responsive set of control options, though the overall design is a bit on the conservative side.

Coming back to recent up-grades, this modern-day gadget comes equipped with a redesigned amplifier stag which is rumoured to eliminate interferences. Digital connectivity is another new addition and comes with two HDMI inputs, which does unfortunately pale in comparison to many other receivers, such as the Onkyo TX-SR 806 with 5 HDMI inputs. Moreover, a single output located on the Azur540R will allow you to reap the benefits of basic video switching between compatible sources like a high-definition player and HDTV receiver.

Another positive of the device is that it has a very simple setup, with an attractive and protruding on-screen menu system ably supported by a rather tame looking but versatile remote unit. The menu apparently unimaginative but it does have a number of advanced adjustment features such as a comprehensive Bass Management system that gives you the discretion to customize the crossovers for a number of the customary surround decoding formats.

Moreover, each channel is provided with a claimed 80W of amplification that provides for a stimulating and resounding sound. The sound quality is further strengthened by the carefully controlled low frequencies, and also ensures that you get to have an undistorted and high-fidelity sound even at high volumes.

LG has recently come out with a massive looking television set, the 52 inch LG5000 LCD. The nice thing about the unit is that it is packaged quite smartly and is also reasonably cheap for the wide array of high-end features it offers. The price factor clearly hovers above all others as it is a common phenomenon to find the price of TV sets going through the roof once you cross the 46- and 47-inch LCD TVs barrier.

An adorable aspect about the unit is that going by its appearance you can hardly conceive its actual price. Instead with swift bodywork, it is a picture of elegance. Moreover the deck has no unnecessary excesses to trouble you, apparently believing in a minimalist stance.

Then, as a customer it comes as a welcome relief that the aggressive pricing has not dented the overall performance and utility of the LG 52LG5000. You should especially love the connectivity of the unit as it provides you an extensive range of features starting from three v1.3 HDMIs, a digital audio output, a PC port to an RS-232C port which gives you the option to integrate the TV into a wider AV system.

The screen resolution capability of the unit stands at a contemporary ‘full HD’ 1920×1080 pixels, which is well complemented by a very high contrast ratio of 50,000:1, which can be effectively achieved by dimming the backlight output during dark scenes.

Moreover, despite having only 100Hz processing system, there was very little motion blur that was observed, especially when all the TV’s OTT noise reduction routines are deactivated. The audio part is also a major plus of the unit as the sound reproduction is pretty true to the source, while at the same time delivering that scintillating experience.

People have become so accustomed to associating LCD TVs, which for the record are selling like mad, to Samsung that it sometimes comes as a surprise to know that the company deals with plasma TVs as well! Not that plasma TVs have nothing to offer, but the recent success of the LCD has really overshadowed anything from the plasma format. The time of redemption, however, is upon us, as Samsung is ready with an ultra-new plasma, the Samsung PS50A556.

The design of the deck is rather sleek and is typical of Samsung glossy image. The deck comes with a ‘Full HD‘ 1,920×1,080-pixel resolution, which is real bonus considering its relatively low price, and also have an abundance of connectivity options including three v1.3 HDMIs, a PC port, as well as a USB 2.0 jack that gives you the leverage to playback JPEG photos.

The picture quality of the device is meanwhile optimised by the company’s proprietary DNIE+ processing, so that you can have a high quality image that is replete with fantastic colour combinations, sharpness, contrast and motion. The result is that you experience a commercial cinema like feel with the Samsung PS50A556, as frames are replete with natural hues. The feature is aided in its objective by a Movie Plus mode, which plays is part in improving motion handling.

Moreover, the Filterbright screen adorning the unit is specially crafted to drastically eliminate the majority of onscreen reflections. There are nevertheless issues concerning the operation of the deck, and the image is also a bit of a letdown considering that it is a 1080p screen.

The latest offer from Panasonic, the Viera TX-32LXD80, seeks to drive home the point that sometimes medium sized TVs, like the aforementioned one, are preferable over those large screen giants. Just think of a smaller front room where a gargantuan TV would look out of place, while the Viera TX-32LXD80 would seamlessly blend in with the size and arrangement of the room.

The Viera TX-32LXD80 you will be surprised to know has an upscaling capability of only 720p, but that is not a problem as it is more than cancelled out by the much acclaimed IPS-Alpha panel technology that gives you the tempting option of a much wider viewing angle. The main selling point of the Panasonic TX-32LXD80 is that despite being a budget player there is no hint of compromises at all. Moreover, skeptics of the set’s 1,366×768-pixel resolution should do well to realize that 1080p resolutions are more or less lost on smaller screens, as unlike in larger screens.

Then the lower resolution notwithstanding, the picture quality looks remarkably sharp, and crisp with a lovely bit of detail. The picture quality is further enhanced by the company’s brilliant home build V-Real 3 picture processing technology that facilitates the smooth flow of images apart from bestowing them with a great deal of vivid looking colours. Movie buffs should particularly love the fact that the deck is provided with the discretion to play 24p movies form your Blu-ray player.

The Samsung HT-X710T is an excellent home theatre-in-a-box that comes integrated with DVD playback, while delivering a stimulating audio output. The device importantly enough has a 2.1-channel system, which means you have two speakers at your disposal; one subwoofer and the other a ‘head unit’ amplifier and disc player.

The device have an avant-garde design and gives the impression of a space-age look as each component of the device is complemented by a similar “Touch of Colour” shading which is normally found on high-end Samsung TVs. Almost the entire of the exterior is covered in a shiny plastic, which has its own downside as it makes the deck prone to fingerprints. Thankfully though, you are provided with a cloth shammy to remove any prints.

The feature list of the device is pretty solid as well and has a built-in slot-loading DVD player capable of upscaling video to 720p, 1080i and 1080p resolutions via the HDMI output. The feature is rather helpful when it comes to upscaling video contents to 720p, but what is rather disappointing is that it becomes pretty irrelevant for anything above 720p. In clear terms the image quality is nowhere near as comprehensive and vivid as those delivered by Blu-ray players.

Connectivity of the unit is elementary, and consists of the bare minimum features that you will frequently need. Apart from the standard composite feature, you can get the services of component and HDMI video outputs; however there is no provision of an S-video. The real panel includes two audio-only inputs that effectively make up for the unit’s stereo connection and optical audio input connectivity. Users should also take delight by the fact that the Samsung HT-X710T comes adorned with a USB port and headphone jacks as well which adds to the flexibility and ease with which they can manipulate the device.

The design of the device is a real trend blazer as it takes the unconventional path and is a great choice to partner your existing AV partner in case the equipment is black.

Another versatile aspect of the device is its ability to competently play DivX and Xvid. You should also love the Panasonic DMR-EX88’s ability to play MP3s, JPGs as well as video files sourced from a USB device. The cross-product integration compatibility is also a pleasant addition, which nevertheless will go a begging unless you have all Panasonic hardware.

The picture quality of the EX88 is another plus, which however depends to an extent on the incoming broadcast signal. Moreover, what speaks volumes about the manufactures is that they have integrated the features and components in such a manner that allows you to get the maximum out of the device with the minimum fuss.

Most of the Oppo players have a different design than the other, and the Oppo DV-980H is also no different. Customers would be especially impressed by the build quality and compactness of the device as they are made of the highest quality metal that have a nice feel to it.

The presence of DVD region coding has, however, failed to get the nod of the users, as it more often than not is restricted to Hollywood movie studios. In this manner the Panasonic DVD-S54 and other big name players prove themselves more capable. Moreover, the lacking feature in the Oppo player looks archaic and out of sync with the other specifications. On the other hand, the inclusion of analogue 7.1 audio outputs is a welcome move. In case you are looking for something that will give you more options to play audio tracks the unit is a must as it has on board Dolby Digital EX and DTS-ES logos, which supports multiple channels.

Then again like many others, the Oppo supports MPEG-4 playback in the form of DivX and XviD encoded video. You are also provided with the discretion to watch a slideshow of images or listen to MP3s from a USB stick.

The design of the deck is also typical of the company, but boasts of a distinctive ‘window’ that runs across the screen. Connectivity of the Sony KDL-52W4500 is impressive as it comes equipped with a number of unconventional multimedia jacks. These include an Ethernet port that gives you the liberty to connect the deck to your computer so that you can enjoy JPEG and MP3 files. Then, there is a USB jack as well so that you can play similar sort of files from the USB storage devices. Further, the Digital Media Port incorporated in the device gives you the discretion to play to play AV files from a portable media player assisted by a compatible adaptor.

You don’t get the radical 200Hz feature of the Z4500 models, but do get more than you can handle in the form of Sony’s MotionFlow 100Hz engine. It comprehensively elevates the usual refresh rate so that you can enjoy pictures that are more smooth and lively than is normally the case with LCD technology.

The images are also delightfully bright, and you will really love the vibrant and wonderfully blending colours. The colours in addition are replete with natural hues and are for major part is in sync with the ongoing action.