Onkyo has some massively expensive home theater receivers in the high-end of its range, and even its lower-end receivers for home theater are outside of the budget of some home theater fans. However, Onkyo has announced the addition of a pair of new home theater receivers to its line of offerings in the mid-range of its segment, making high-quality audio and video experiences more accessible to a broader audience.
The new receivers include the HT-RC270 and the HT-RC260. The two receivers share the same basic features. Those features include 7.2-channel surround sound, HDMI 1.4a connectivity making them 3D ready, and support for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio codecs. The two receivers also have Audyssey DSX and a Faroudja DCDI for upscaling video.
Advanced Audio and Video Features
The HT-RC270 and HT-RC260 are designed to deliver an immersive home theater experience. The 7.2-channel surround sound system ensures that users can enjoy a rich and enveloping audio environment, perfect for movies, music, and gaming. The HDMI 1.4a connectivity not only makes these receivers 3D ready but also ensures compatibility with the latest high-definition video formats, providing a future-proof solution for home entertainment.
Support for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio codecs means that users can experience high-definition audio that is as close to the original studio master as possible. This is particularly important for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts who demand the highest quality sound.
The inclusion of Audyssey DSX technology allows for the addition of extra front height or width channels, creating a more expansive and immersive soundstage. Meanwhile, the Faroudja DCDI technology ensures that standard-definition video is upscaled to near high-definition quality, making all content look its best on modern HDTVs.
Key Differences and Additional Features
While the HT-RC270 and HT-RC260 share many features, there are some key differences that set them apart. The HT-RC270 boasts THX-Select 2Plus certification, which guarantees a high level of audio performance and quality. This certification is a mark of excellence and ensures that the receiver meets rigorous standards for sound quality and performance.
The HT-RC270 also includes an Audyssey MultiEQ room equalization system. This advanced technology analyzes the acoustics of the room and automatically adjusts the audio settings to provide the best possible sound quality. This feature is particularly useful in rooms with challenging acoustics, as it helps to eliminate echoes and other audio issues.
Another significant advantage of the HT-RC270 is its support for Windows 7 and DLNA 1.5 compliance. This means that users can easily stream music and other media from their Windows 7 PCs or other DLNA-compatible devices. The receiver is also capable of streaming music from popular online services such as Pandora and Rhapsody, providing users with a wide range of listening options.
In contrast, the HT-RC260, while lacking some of the advanced features of the HT-RC270, still offers an impressive array of capabilities. It provides the same 7.2-channel surround sound, HDMI 1.4a connectivity, and support for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio codecs. This makes it an excellent choice for users who want high-quality audio and video performance without the additional features and higher price tag of the HT-RC270.
In conclusion, Onkyo’s new mid-range home theater receivers, the HT-RC270 and HT-RC260, offer a compelling combination of advanced features and affordability. Whether you are a home theater enthusiast looking for the highest quality audio and video performance or a casual user seeking a reliable and feature-rich receiver, these new models from Onkyo are worth considering. With their 7.2-channel surround sound, 3D readiness, and support for the latest audio codecs, the HT-RC270 and HT-RC260 are poised to deliver an exceptional home entertainment experience.
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