Audio Video News

Sony is taking "home theater in a box" to the next level. Upscale all-in-one home theater systems may be the next big trend; with a few notable exceptions, the electronics industry follows Sony's lead.

Two new models in the company's 2001 Dream System line---providing playback for DVD-Video, standard CD, and multi-channel Super Audio CD---are now on their way to dealers. Two models of the sleek product line, the DAV-S500 and the DAV-C7500 are shipping now; a third model, the DAV-C900, will go out in September.

Intended for music and movie fans with space and/or design constraints, the Dream Systems combine multi-channel receivers and multi-format disc players in one unit, with a powered subwoofer and five matching speakers. "The systems are designed for those looking to incorporate the attributes of home theater simply and easily, according to a July 31 announcement. "All new Sony DVD Dream systems center around a single, integrated DVD/CD/SACD unit that features a 5.1 channel digital amplifier and AM/FM receiver with 30 AM/FM station presets. Each of these new systems also come with Sony's Digital Cinema Sound (TM) processing, an exclusive feature that recreates the acoustics of Hollywood dubbing stages."

Sony goal with the new products is to reach music and movie fans who may be put off by the typical array of equipment in a home theater installation---or home theater veterans who want to set up a secondary system in a smaller room or vacation home. "This year's Dream line-up embodies our DVD Dream System principle: to make home entertainment simple to set-up and great to experience," said Tim Baxter, senior v.p. of Sony Electronics' Home Entertainment Products Division. "It's a double play -- people can now easily setup a home entertainment system and enjoy DVD and CDs -- in just about any room. And, they can also play SACDs to experience the latest high resolution surround sound music."

Dream Systems' 5.1-channel digital amplifiers run cool and require little space, thereby allowing their inclusion in the same housing with the disc player. In addition to playing DVD-Video with Dolby Digital or DTS decoding, the systems play standard CDs, high-resolution SACDs, CD-R and C-RW discs. Each Dream System includes an inboard AM/FM receiver with 30 AM/FM station presets, and a proprietary Sony feature called Digital Cinema Sound processing, said to "recreate the acoustics of Hollywood dubbing stages." Speakers for front left-center-right and left-right rear all match; a self-powered subwoofer is standard equipment, and a full set of color-coded speaker cables make set-up simple and foolproof.

The entry-level DAV-S500 has a single-disc multi-format player. It puts out 280 watts total system power, including its 80-watt subwoofer, and retails for about $600. Its larger sibling, the DAV-C700 has a five-disc DVD/CD/SACD changer and puts out 350 watts of total system power, including its 100-watt subwoofer. The C700 has component video outputs for direct connection to a display, and retails for $700. Optional speaker stands are available for both models.

Available in September, the DAV-C900 will put out 450 watts of total system power, including its 100-watt subwoofer with 8-inch driver. The C900 also has component video outputs, and comes with integrated speaker stands that position the speakers at the proper height for optimum imaging. The retail price on the DAV-C900 will be around $1000.