For many years, the Sony ES (Elevated Standard) range of audio video components has set the standard in home cinema and stereo reproduction. Now ES moves to the next level with the arrival of a complete high-end AV system designed to meet the demands of all of today’s High-Definition stereo and multi-channel audio formats.

Designed to appeal to audiophiles, home cinema enthusiasts and those buyers who demand the best, the new ES range comprises of the STR-DA5400ES AV receiver,  designed to set new standards in its class and to work seamlessly to deliver the ultimate all-round home entertainment experience.

As well as having built-in decoders for Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD Master Audio, the STR-DA5400ES can also accept eight-channel Linear PCM over HDMI, and even the native Super Audio CD format- DSD, giving excellent results for both video and music discs alike.

The STR-DA5400ES has the power to entertain too, with a 7 x 120W output, while Sony’s Digital Cinema Auto-Calibration ensures perfect set-up at the push of a button. At the same time, BRAVIA Sync allows total control of a complete set of Sony components from a single handset. It can also form the heart of a whole-house entertainment system, able to deliver audio and video into a second zone, and audio into a third.

The STR-DA5400ES also supports the latest high-definition video formats – 1080/24p, Deep Colour and x.v.Colour – and can up-convert and up-scale video from standard definition sources up to 1080p.

A new Graphical User Interface design makes the AV receiver simple to use, with a Picture in Picture option that makes it possible to fine-tune adjustments while still watching a programme.

What’s more, the STR-DA5400ES is designed to work with portable and computer-stored music: it has two Digital Media Ports , into which modules can be plugged to interface with iPods, Walkman players, Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth music devices.

For use in custom installations, the STR-DA5400ES also features infrared and RS232C remote control connections, and three 12V trigger sockets.

Says Nelmari Claassens, Sony Pictures Marketing Manager at SterKinekor Entertainment: “The addition of these products will further enhance the HD viewing experience, especially for Sony’s latest Blu-ray titles. Owning a Blu-ray player or Sony PlayStation3 does not necessarily guarantee that you will experience the full potential of HD and the addition of enhanced sound certainly improves a viewing. In addition, music lovers or audiophiles can enjoy a quality music experience that surpasses any other.”

Key Features of STR-DA5400ES at a glance

• Flagship AV receiver, designed to form the heart of a top-quality home entertainment system
• 6 HDMI inputs and two outputs, enabling simultaneous use of TV and projector
• 7 x 120W power output (8 ohms, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 0.09 percent THD)
• Decoding for all current HD Audio formats, legacy surround formats, multi-channel Linear PCM and DSD from Super Audio CD
• Video up-conversion and 1080p up-scaling
• Digital Cinema Auto-Calibration for fast, perfect ‘one-touch’ set-up
• BRAVIA Sync for simple operation with BRAVIA LCD TVs and other components from Sony
• Picture in picture facility for Graphical User Interface
• Three-zone multi-room operation – Zone 2 audio and video, Zone 3 audio only – with additional remote handset
• Two Digital Media Ports, for connection to iPod, WALKMAN players, Bluetooth music devices and Wi-Fi networks
• RS-232C and infrared remote control inputs and three 12V trigger connections, for use in integrated installations

The STR-DA5400ES will be available in February for about R24999