October 31, 2008 The new Onkyo HT-S9100THX combines a home theater receiver with a 7.1-channel home theater speaker system, all of which were designed to conform to THX's Integrated System Plus certification protocols. It also boasts1080p capable HDMI v.1.3 connectivity, Faroudja DCDi video upscaling, Audyssey 2EQ and Dynamic EQ, and complete decoding for the latest high resolution audio formats. The system also includes the new THX Loudness Plus technology which compensates for the tonal and spatial shifts that occur when the volume level is reduced below the reference levels.
The HT-S9100THX A/V receiver features four HDMI v. 1.3a inputs, and is fully compatible with 1080p video and Deep Color. Additionally, thanks to onboard Faroudja DCDi Edge technology, all component, composite, and S-Video sources are upscaled to 1080i HD resolution for output over HDMI. Audio processing includes decoding of the full range of current formats, including the Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio lossless audio codecs as well as Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio formats.
The receiver also includes Audyssey 2EQ automatic calibration, which analyzes the system's acoustical output at three unique positions in the listening area, then automatically tailors the system output for optimal performance throughout the room. Additionally, Audyssey's Dynamic EQ algorithm adds moment-by-moment refinement of the receiver's frequency response and surround levels in order to compensate for volume-dependent deterioration in the listening experience, particularly at low volume levels.
Legacy connectivity options include HD-capable component video switching for two high definition A/V source components and ther are also three composite/S-Video inputs and two outputs, as well as four assignable digital audio inputs. Additionally, the HT-S9100THX features Onkyo's Music Optimizer circuitry, for improved audio performance from digital audio files such as MP3 or AAC. The system is also compatible with Onkyo's iPod RI (Remote Interactive) iPod dock/charger.
Boasting 130 Watts per channel the receiver is accompanied by a speaker package that has been designed for simple setup and installation. It features seven two-way speakers with the magnetically shielded front and center channel speakers each including a 1-inch soft-dome tweeter and dual 5-inch woofers constructed from Onkyo's A-OMF (Onkyo Micro Fiber) cones. Side and rear surround speakers all feature 5-1/8 inch a-OMF woofers and the same tweeter found in the front channels to deliver a 360-degree soundstage. Deep bass reproduction is handled by a 12-inch subwoofer with an integrated 290-Watt amplifier.
The Onkyo HT-S9100THX home theater system is currently available with a suggested retail price of US$1,099.