Sony HT-SF470 5.1 Surround System & CT350/CT150 Soundbars Debut

Sony have announced three new home audio systems, with two soundbars for the cable-phobic and a 5.1 surround setup for those slightly more ambitious.  The Sony HT-SF470 is a 3D-capable 1000 watt (157W x 5 +167W sub) system with three HDMI inputs and an HDMI pass-through port, together with BRAVIA Sync, a Digital Media Port for use with an optional iPod cradle, two digital audio inputs (coax and optical) and digital cinema auto calibration for straightforward setup.

As for the HT-CT350, that has 400W (100 watts x 3 channels + 100 watts subwoofer) while the HT-CT150 has 340W (85 watts x 3 channels + 85 watts sub).  Both have three HDMI inputs and one HDMI output, and support LPCM Blu-ray Disc audio together with 3D pass-through.  They too have dual digital audio inputs, as well as BRAVIA Sync and iPod cradle compatibility.

The CT350 comes with a bracket for attaching it to Sony's 40-inch and larger HDTVs, while the CT150 has the same for 32-inch sets.  Both sound bars will go on sale in May, priced at $400 for the CT350 and $300 for the C150.  Meanwhile the HT-SF470 will arrive in June, priced at $550.

Press Release:

SONY BOLSTERS AUDIO LINE WITH ITS FIRST 3D CAPABLE SOUND BARS AND A NEW 5.1 CHANNEL HOME THEATER SYSTEM

SAN DIEGO, April 21, 2010 – Strengthening the company's breadth of innovative devices supporting the 3D home theater, Sony today introduced three new home audio solutions offering 3D capability.

The HT-CT350 and HT-CT150 3.1 channel sound bars and the HT-SF470 5.1 channel home theater system offers consumers flexible solutions to round out the Sony 3D experience and meet the demands of 3D home entertainment.

"Sony is the only company innovating in every stage of 3D from creation to playback," said Brian Siegel, vice president of Sony's home audio and video business. "Leveraging this depth of expertise and experience allows the company to deliver the best 3D devices for an unequaled entertainment experience."

Simplifying audio and video signal transfer, the new models feature 3D pass-through with HDMI™ repeater (three inputs/one output), and standby pass-through for audio and video devices connected via HDMI. The 400 watt total system power (100 watts x 3 channels + 100 watts subwoofer) HT-CT350 is designed to match Sony's 2010 BRAVIA® televisions and includes a bracket that attaches it directly to a number of 40 and above sets either via a wall mount or the table top stand.

The HT-CT150 offers 340 watts of total system power (85 watts x 3 channels + 85 watts sub) and features a design that matches Sony's 2010 32-inch BRAVIA HDTVs.

Both models support lossless linear pulse code modulation (LPCM) Blu-ray Disc™ audio via the HDMI input. They also feature BRAVIA Sync™ for control of compatible devices from a single remote, Sony's Digital Media Port for iPod® (iPod cradle sold separately) and two digital audio inputs (one coax and one optical).

Sony also introduced the new 5.1 channel HT-SF470 home theater system. The system is 3D capable when paired with a Blu-ray 3D™ player.

The 1000 watt (157W x 5 +167W sub) model features 3D pass-through via the three HDMI inputs, HDMI repeater and audio return channel. With floor standing front and rear speakers, the model's S-Air™ wireless technology and wireless multi-room capabilities help trim the number of wires connecting the system with optional accessories (not included). Designed to match Sony's 2010 Blu-ray Disc players and BRAVIA HDTVs, the model features BRAVIA Sync, Digital Media Port for iPod (iPod cradle sold separately), two digital audio inputs (one coax and one optical) and digital cinema auto calibration for easy set up.

The HT-CT350 40-inch sound bar system is available this May for about $400. The HT-CT150 32-inch sound bar system, also available this May, retails for about $300. The HT-SF470 surround sound system is available this June for about $550.

All models will be available at Sony Style stores, online at www.sonystyle.com, at military base exchanges and at authorized retailers nationwide.