Sony Introduces Its First 3D Compatible Audio/Video Receiver

[Shane]

Sony today announced its first A/V receiver capable of supporting 3D audio and video.

Featuring HDMI(TM) 1.4 3D pass-through technology, ample high definition connectivity and compatibility with all of the latest Blu-ray Disc(TM) audio formats, the new STR-DN1010 A/V receiver is designed to create a simple solution for controlling any high definition or 3D capable home theater.

The 7.1 channel STR-DN1010 A/V receiver (110 watts power per channel @8-Ohms, 1kHz, 1% THD) features...

[url=http://www.hdtvmagazine.com/news/2010/02/sony_introduces_its_first_3d_compatible_audiovideo_receiver.php]Read Bulletin[/url]

[hharris4earthlink]

Why do I need an entirely new 3D sound system with a 3D TV set? I already have a 3D sound system. It's called surround sound. I have six speakers that already do an excellent job. Is there some reason, or is this just a reason to purchase more stuff? Note that since my present system can produced sound BEHIND me, it's more capable than a 3D TV which can only create a 3D picture in front of the observer. I hope you're not going to tell me that 3D TV REQUIRES a new sound system. That's a good way to kill the whole idea.

[Rodolfo]

[email protected],

In theory you do not need it for the sound, but do not forget that an A/V receiver has a video part and for that HDMI plays a role. HDMI transports 3D video (with the audio) using specific protocols that tell the devices what kind of 3D format/structure is used in the transported signal.

If a receiver manipulates the HDMI signal for switching, the sole action of removing the audio from the HDMI signal would force the receiver to unpack and repack the HDMI signal to be directed to its outputs (TV for example).

If the receiver is not 3D compliant it would not be able to repack the 3D protocols as they were received, and the TV most probably would receive a 2D image instead, if any.

The only way legacy equipment that is the middle of the 3D signal path of a system (receiver, switcher, splitter, etc) could be reused for 3D, is by been capable to perform a clean pass through of the 3D protocols with no signal manipulation.

It would help you further if you consult this series of 3D articles:

http://www.hdtvmagazine.com/articles/20 ... part_1.php


Best Regards,

Rodolfo La Maestra

[hharris4earthlink]

But, correct me if I'm wrong, it sounds like there is no technical advantage in routing audio through a 3D receiver other than that mandated by the design of the receiver itself. Furthermore, the term "3D sound" only refers to cabling requirements and, other than that, has nothing to do with the physics of optical 3D. In fact, the term "3D sound" does not really make any intrinsic sense since "3D" is a term that specifically refers to vision.

[Rodolfo]

I see your point.

I think the PR company got carried away with the inclusion of “audio” after “3D” on the first line.

They are actually referring to a system that supports 3D, not to mean 3D sound. An audio/video system usually involves an A/V receiver as the brain of it, and that unit is receiving audio and video mainly thru HDMI connections, using the audio for its amplification, and passing the video to the TV, which many times is upconverted or transcoded to raise its resolution to HD.

In the case of 3D video, as I said, there are protocols/languages in the signal, and many legacy receivers could disrupt that signal and not pass it to the TV as is.

The technical advantage of routing audio and video to a receiver thru HDMI started over 7 years ago with the idea of uncompressed and protected HD video using a single cable that included the audio as well. It later evolved to be capable to carry lossless audio of 7.1 channels of Dolby True HD and DTS Master audio, which cannot be transported uncompressed thru regular digital coax or Toslink cables to the receiver (but they do support legacy Dolby Digital and DTS).

Best Regards,

Rodolfo La Maestra

[hharris4earthlink]

I understand audiovisual companies want to portray their products in the best possible light, but they should be careful. Some people have a very negative reaction to announcements that imply absent or fictitious capabilities, and may even feel insulted if they think a company thinks they're not smart enough to recognize they're being played.