Onkyo really stuffed it all into its new home-theater-in-a-box (HTIB) offerings, and that includes the latest version of HDMI.

While your usual HTIBs grant you 5.1 surround capabilities, Onkyo’s HT-SP908 system dives head-first into the 7.1-channel realm, with the help of two included HDMI v1.3a inputs and one output. That way you can get the latest 1080p HD video and latest lossless audio codecs of Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio.

The system features an upconverting DVD player (model DV-SP405) that scales to 1080p (if you want Blu-ray or HD DVD, you’ll have to get ‘em yourself), and TX-SR605 A/V receiver.

The speaker system has seven identical satellites plus a 230-watt powered subwoofer. Onkyo’s DS-A1X Remote Interactive control dock also comes with the HT-SP908, allowing you to dock your iPod and remotely control it.

Available in black finish, the HT-SP908 is going for $1,099. The company has also rolled out a 5.1 counterpart, the HT-SP904, featuring the same speakers, DVD player and iPod dock, with the 5.1-channel HT-R557 receiver. It sells for $899.

Arlen Schweiger - Managing editor of Electronic House Magazine

Arlen contributes product news items to electronichouse.com along with his role on the print publication. Got a tip? Send it along!