Panasonic has announced the introduction of its new cutting-edge receiver, model SA-BX500, a 7.1-channel AV control receiver that delivers a level of audio quality worthy of today's beautiful Full-HD images. As an AV selector, the SA-BX500 can send 1080p Full-HD video signals (as well as Deep Color or x.v.Color video signals) from a Blu-ray Disc(TM) player to a TV without degradation when connected to both units via HDMI cables.

Dolby Laboratories, Inc. will showcase two new audio/video receivers that feature Dolby® Volume: the Harman Kardon AVR 7550HD and the Arcam FMJ AVR600.  Dolby Volume is a unique and innovative approach to delivering consistent volume levels across a wide variety of content, channel programming, or input sources. Using a psychoacoustic model of human hearing, Dolby Volume analyzes, measures, and controls perceived volume levels, providing an outstanding listening experience at any volume setting.

Yamaha has announced the introduction of the high-end RX-Z7, a powerful AV home theater receiver (140W x 7: $2699.95 MSRP) that smashes category boundaries by combining limitless source playback, the latest network receiver/digital media hub capabilities and superior HD audio and video performance. The RX-Z7 offers five HDMI inputs and advanced multi-zone capabilities and controller compatibility, making it the perfect centerpiece for sophisticated custom installations.

Onkyo USA has introduced two mid-price home theater receivers and two packaged home theater systems, as part of its mid-year new product announcements. Both receivers are THX certified and include the new THX Loudness Plus audio processing technology for improved low-volume-level listening. All of the new models include expanded HDMI connectivity, Faroudja DCDi video processing capabilities, Audyssey room acoustics correction and Dynamic EQ, and Onkyo's Music Optimizer for improved sound from heavily compressed digital sources.

From the entry level STR-DG520 and the midrange STR-DG720, all the new receivers support 1080p 24fps True Cinema, while the range-topping STR-DG820 brings Full HD audio capability to even more users thanks to its onboard Dolby True HD/dts Master Audio decoders, now available at an unprecedented price.