SCIENCE

Sherwood America has announced the RD-705i network receiver which streams Internet audio, including Internet Radio, with 802.11n Wi-Fi ability and compliance with UPnP for home networking. The 7.1 channel dual-zone receiver has HDMI 1.4 capability, making it 3D ready, and the full complement of Dolby and DTS high-resolution audio formats. It provides 100 watts for each of its seven channels of amplification and also offers optional Bluetooth connectivity.

The RD-705i makes streaming Internet audio capability with UPnP in a high-performance audio-video receiver more affordable than ever before. Users can now use their main A/V system to enjoy Internet radio from Pandora, Aupeo, Reciva, Shoutcast and other streaming music services that make available thousands of radio stations from around the world.

Using the RD-705i's included 802.11n Wi-Fi adaptor connection to the Internet is easy allowing users to enjoy music not only online, but streamed wirelessly from digital devices anywhere in their home. The receiver is Windows 7 compatible, and supports 'Play To' control. Setup and integration into existing networks is both easily and quickly accomplished with one-touch setup and UPnP.

Maximizing the playback quality of streaming sources to take advantage of its 192 kHz/24 bit D to A converters, the receiver provides full bit-rate capability for MP3, AAC, WMA and WAV formats.

Bluetooth-enabled audio devices can also be used to stream audio with the addition of an optional plug-in Sherwood Bluetooth adaptor and a USB port. For users with iPod music libraries, Sherwood's optional DS-10 iPod dock provides yet another audio source, adding control of the iPod through its Sherwood DigiLink-I capability.

The RD-705i also features advanced audio-video performance and is fully 3DTV ready, with HDMI 1.4 inputs and repeater circuitry that enables it to process the high-resolution Blu-ray Dolby and DTS format signals received from source components. Its range of Dolby and DTS format capabilities includes DTS 96/24, DTS ES, DTS Neo6, Dolby Digital, and Dolby Pro Logic IIz.

Totally discrete power amplifiers deliver 100 watts RMS at 8 ohms for each of the receiver's seven channels, at less than 0.2% THD. High-resolution audio quality is assured by 192kHz/24 bit D to A converters for all channels.

Connectivity starts with three HDMI inputs and one HDMI output, and includes four composite inputs, two composite outputs, three A/V inputs and two A/V outputs. Audio inputs include one digital coaxial, two digital optical and seven stereo analog, with one analog output available.

Sherwood's automated SNAP™ system performs all system setup and calibration, including room equalization, using its provided test microphone. Bright-sounding sources can be compensated for through a separate Cinema EQ control.

Each input has an adjustable A/V sync control delay for sources where picture and sound are not synchronized. A multi-stage Dynamic Range control can be used for nighttime listening or when neighbors cannot be disturbed.

Second room playback is available with Dual Zone capability, which uses two amplifier channels for stereo playback (leaving the main room in a 5.1 channel configuration). Sirius ready, the receiver also has a 4 Gang Quartz PLL Synthesized FM Tuner and AM receiver, with 30 presets available. Up to 8 components can be controlled by its preprogrammed IR remote control.