SAN DIEGO, CA, July 24, 2007 – Sony today launched new audio/video receivers in its “Elevated Standard” (ES) line featuring compatibility with the latest audio formats including Dolby Labs’ Dolby® Digital +/Dolby® TrueHD and dts® High Resolution Audio and dts® HD Master Audio.

The STR-DA5300ES, STR-DA4300ES and STR-DA3300ES 7.1 channel models offer iPod® intergration through the receiver’s Digital Media Port feature and optional iPod audio dock (TDM-iP1), sold separately.  Users can then access digital music from most iPod players as well as the device’s playlists, artist, album and track information through the receiver’s Xross Media Bar™ (XMB) inspired icon-based, on-screen menu system.

Additionally, the Digital Media Port feature allows users to add other optional accessories such as a PC WiFi client for streaming digital music (TDM-NC1), a Bluetooth® receiver that allows users to connect to various compatible Bluetooth-enabled devices to the receivers (TDM-BT1), as well an additional audio docking station (TDM-NW1) that is compatible with select Network Walkman™ products. All Digital Media Port accessories are sold separately.

 “The new ES line is optimized for high-definition sources such as Blu-ray Disc™ media elevating the audio and video performace of the home theater by supporting the latest audio codecs,” said Earl Martin, product marketing manager for Sony’s Digital Imaging and Audio Division.  “While our ES products traditionally focus on enthusiasts, the new receivers also deliver access to popular digital music through an easy to navigate user interface delivering the complete package.”

Like last year’s award-winning STR-DA5200ES model, all three new receivers offer the Cortez Advanced controller featuring Faroudja® DCDi Cinema™ technology that upscales all video sources to 1080p via HDMI™.

The new models also support both 1080/60p and 24p video formats and upscale video via HDMI up to 1080p (composite, S-video, component and HDMI).  Other features include BRAVIA® Theatre Sync™ technology, Digital Cinema™ auto calibration with stereo microphone, and Portable Audio Enhancer.  The models are also Sirius® and XM Connect-and-Play™ ready.

The STR-DA5300ES features a 120-watt amplifier (8 ohms, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 0.09 percent THD) and accepts eight-channel linear PCM.  It is also capable of reproducing the latest audio formats from Dolby Labs (Dolby Digital +/Dolby TrueHD) and dts (dts High Resolution Audio and dts HD Master Audio).

The model is the first Sony receiver that can distribute high definition content to a second room (or zone).  It also offers picture-in-picture for monitoring multi-zone output or an external video source and six “Active Intelligence” HDMI inputs (one output) that support Deep Color, and x.v.Color™ technology (xvYCC).

The STR-DA4300ES model offers a 100-watt power amplifier (8 ohms, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 0.09 percent THD) and accepts eight-channel linear PCM.  It is also capable of reproducing the latest audio formats from Dolby Labs (Dolby Digital +/Dolby TrueHD) and dts (dts High Resolution Audio and dts HD Master Audio).

The model features three “Active Intelligence” HDMI inputs (one output) that support Deep Color, and x.v.Color .

STR-DA3300ES model also features a 100-watt power amplifier (8 ohms, 20 Hz – 20 kHz, 0.09 percent THD) and accepts eight-channel linear PCM.  The model features three “Active Intelligence” HDMI inputs (one output) that support x.v.Color technology (xvYCC).

The STR-DA5300ES will be available in September for about $1,700, while the STR-DA4300ES ships in October for about $1,300.  The STR-DA3300ES will be available in August for about $1,000.

All models will be offered direct at sonystyle.com and Sony Style® retail stores nationwide, as well as at authorized dealers around the country.