Onkyo is pleased to announce the release of two new home-theater-in-a-box (HTiB) receiver-and-speaker systems that combine the convenience of packaged home theater with the audio pedigree of Onkyo. The 7.1-channel Onkyo HT-S5400 and 5.1-channel HT-S3400 offer an exceptional array of features for these price points, and they are built to exacting standards designed to bring the best out of music, movies, and gaming content.
The company is also introducing the Onkyo DS-A4 Remote Interactive Dock for iPod/iPhone that is designed to connect to most AV receivers.

The home theater receivers at the heart of these two systems all feature the latest implementation of the HDMI® connectivity standard with support for 3D video, lossless audio from Dolby® TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio™, and an Audio Return Channel. The latter feature sends an audio signal “upstream” from a connected HDTV’s tuner, eliminating the need for a separate audio cable. Along with four HDMI inputs and one output, each receiver includes a generous selection of digital and analog A/V inputs to handle a wide range of playback devices.

The amplifier sections for each of these receivers incorporates a massive transformer, optimum gain volume circuitry, and PLL jitter-cleaning circuitry to preserve signal accuracy. Other features include high-quality TI Burr-Brown audio DACs, a new Advanced Music Optimizer to enhance the fidelity of compressed audio files, and a convenient overlaid on-screen display for adjusting the settings. Both receivers also include Audyssey Dynamic EQ® and Audyssey Dynamic Volume®, two volume and equalization technologies that enable users to enjoy audio content in greater comfort.

The HT-S5400 offers the most extensive feature set. Its two extra audio channels enable it to support Dolby® Pro Logic® IIz, an audio processing technology that allows users to reconfigure the two surround-back channels as “front height” channels and increase the ambience of movies and games. The HT-S5400 boasts slightly superior audio DACs compared to the HT-S3400.

Located on the front panel of the HT-S5400’s receiver is a USB port that offers a direct digital connection for iPod/iPhone. Other highlights of the HT-S5400 include a powered subwoofer and a subwoofer pre-out for greater low-end impact, and Audyssey 2EQ®, which works to adjust the soundstage to the unique dimensions of the user’s listening space. The receiver is complemented by a seven-channel speaker set consisting of mid-size, two-way front LCR speakers and four compact full-range satellites.

The Onkyo HT-S3400 provides a more affordable 5.1-channel HTiB solution that omits the USB port, subwoofer pre-out, and Audyssey 2EQ, but it does include Onkyo’s proprietary Universal Port to enable single-cable connection of Onkyo peripheral devices. A powerful, down-firing subwoofer and five full-range surround speakers are included with the HT-S3400.

The Onkyo DS-A4 Remote Interactive Dock for iPod/iPhone provides audio, video outputs, charging, and full function remote control when used with most AV receivers, and advanced functionality and integration when connected to an Onkyo receiver’s proprietary RI interface jack. The dock is compatible with all current iPod/ iPhone models up to the latest iPhone 4. It has outputs for stereo audio as well as composite and component video. Menu navigation is aided by an On-Screen Display and supplied remote control; RI-enabled systems allow the use of the AV system remote control.

The Onkyo HT-S5400, HT-S3400, and DS-A4 will be available at retail in April, with suggested retail prices of $599, $379, and $139 respectively