In the range are three 7.1-channel ES series receivers however it is not known which models will be launched later this week. The new receivers use HDMI 1.3 inputs to accept all surround streams in native form from similarly equipped high-defnition disc players. The AVRs' decoders include Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, dts High Resolution Audio and dts HD Master Audio. They also handle Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby and DTS 5.1 and 6.1 and multichannel PCM.
The three models are also the first Sony-brand AV receivers that come with digital media ports for connection to an optional iPod charging/docking station, PC-networking Wi-Fi client and Bluetooth stereo receiver to stream music from cellphones equipped with stereo Bluetooth.
The devices also expand the ES selection of AVRs with 1080p up-scaling to three from one. They will not be available till later this year.
