Mighty Gadget Blog: The latest technology news & reviews in the UK

Onkyo have recently released some of their new AV Amps including the TX-SR506E and the TX-SR576E. Both these units include 7.1 Surround Sound,1080P video switching with 3 HDMI inputs, Dolby Digital Plus encoded audio and a long list of other features to keep any Home Cinema fan happy.

However they are also releasing the new TX-SR606 shortly with some online retailers already taking pre-orders. The 606 is a revamp of the award winning TX-SR605 but rather than just a little tweak here and there they seem to of made it the best AV amp ever when looking at the price and functionality.

The TX-SR606 specs include:

• 7.1 receiver
• 1.3a HDMI Switching (4 IN, 1 OUT)
• Up-conversion of all video inputs to HDMI
• Up-scaling of all video inputs to 1080i
• 3 component inputs, 1 component output
• Bi-Amping Capability for Enhanced Musicality and Power
• 140 watts at 6 ohms
• Powered Zone 2 audio output
• Audyssey 2EQ room calibration
• Auto Setup, via plug- in mic
• 5 digital inputs (3 optical, 2 coaxial)
• Music optimizer for compressed music
• DTS-HD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby digital plus and Dolby TrueHD decoders
• Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby Digital and DTS decoders
• Dolby Digital EX and complete DTS-ES
• 24-bit/192 kHz DACs for all channels

Onkyo have managed to pack in all the above functionality at a price of £399! Previously if you wanted upscaling on an Onkyo you had to go with their TX-SR875 model or higher with the 875 costing £999. Granted the 875 upscaled to 1080p however at a price difference of £600 I will live without it. Another big improvement over the 605 is that they have increased the HDMI inputs from 2 to 4 which should handle all your HDs sources and some.

If you need any other inputs/outputs the unit also has:

• 4 S-Video Inputs and 2 Outputs
• 5 A/V Inputs and 1 Output
• 2 Audio Inputs and 1 Output

Overall it seems almost too good to be true. From what I have read on Onkyo I have heard they run very hot and they are also very large (the 606 is WHD: 435 x 174.3 x 374.7 mm and 11.6 kg) but if you are looking for a midrange AV system I doubt this will be beaten easily.

Some pictures after the jump.

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Ah well more Zune new for you. Engadget has put up a comparison of the Zune' and Apples. This should help show you which player is the best in terms of spec.

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As a follow up to our previous post about the Zune there is a Youtube video with Bill Gates and users showing off its new Interface.

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The next generation of the Microsoft Zune has been officially announced. This time there are 3 versions, the first a $249 80GB Hard Drive model, Second a 8Bb flash based model, and lastly a 4Gb flash model.

The new features include, wireless syncing with your computer automatically when within Wi-Fi range, a new touch sensitive pad (ipod esque) and videos in Zune Market place.

There are also reports that the Zunes sharing feature will be expanded to allow the sharing of other media, media will be viewable in the h.264 and MPEG4 file formates.

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In a rare case of ultimate convergence, the electronics-maker Parrot is bringing you a head-unit for your vehicle which boasts a USB port, SD card reader, line-in jack, iPod connector, and A2DP Bluetooth support. Let's be honest -- that's a lot of options for your system. In addition to the Swiss-Army-like connectivity choices, the stereo has 2GB of onboard storage, and the faceplate drops down to reveal an area where you can store a device (or anything else). The RK8200 can also be coupled with a mobile phone for hands-free talking / dialing, can hold up to 8000 of your precious contacts, and touts voice recognition and intelligent microphone switching. Here's the kicker: you don't even have to rob a bank to get one of these puppies -- the stereo will be out by the end of the year for the very affordable price of £149.99 (or around $302).

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I bought a modded Xbox a few years ago and primarily used it as a media server. In fact I only replaced it when i built a dedicated media PC and I still miss it. Lifehacker has recently written a guide to modding your xbox into a Media Centre. This technique uses a soft mod so there is no need to even open the Xbox.
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Now this sounds like a pretty decent buy for anyone that has limited room to set up a home cinema. Logitech have managed to create 5.1 sound from a single strip of speakers that can sit at the bottom of your LCD. It manages it using 15 speakers built in the strip with 13 of the mid-high speakers and 2 subs.

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