Onkyo recently unveiled several new products, highlighted by an A/V receiver, the TX-SR605, beefed up with capabilities and features to complement high-definition viewing.

The TX-SR605 A/V receiver adds processing for the latest lossless multichannel audio formats, comprehensive video upconversion to HDMI, and compatibility with both XM and Sirius satellite radio programming to the features of the TX-SR604 it replaces. The new model includes Onkyo’s new HDMI-based system control capability, 7 x 90 watts of power, enhanced compatibility with the company’s optional iPod control docks, and a flexible suite of multisource/multizone capabilities.

The TX-SR605’s two HDMI v1.3a inputs can transport both uncompressed high definition (HD) video and uncompressed multichannel audio in all HD formats including 720p, 1080i and 1080p. It is among the first receivers available to include decoding for Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD Master multichannel audio formats from Blu-Ray and HD-DVD players, the company says.

The TX-SR605 is Onkyo’s first A/V receiver to include the company’s RIHD (Remote Interactive over HDMI) communication protocol, which allows for automatic integration of many system control functions between compatible components via the HDMI connection. Common functions include one-button system on/standby control, volume control punch-through from display remote control to the A/V receiver, and a ‘direct change’ function to automatically select the correct receiver input and begin playback for RIHD source components.

Upconversion of all composite and S-video inputs to both HDMI and HD-quality component video is available to eliminate the need for multiple redundant video connections to modern video displays. For audio, there are five digital audio inputs, as well as five A/V and two audio-only analog inputs. Front panel A/V inputs, including optical digital jack, allow convenient connection of A/V or audio devices such as a camcorder or portable mp3 player.

Onkyo has also designed the receiver to incorporate the company’s optional Remote Interactive iPod dock/charger units. With the iPod placed in the dock, it becomes a source component for not only audio playback, but for photography stored in iPod photo units. Basic iPod controls such as play, pause, stop, skip, and random/repeat functions can all be operated via the TX-SR605’s preprogrammed learning remote control, the company says.

The Onkyo TX-SR605 will ship in May in black and silver finishes, at a suggested retail price of $599. Visit www.onkyousa.com for more.

Arlen Schweiger - Editor of Electronic House Magazine

Arlen writes about home technology installations and product news and reviews for electronichouse.com and Electronic House magazine.