Sony Electronics Introduces New Line of ES AV Receivers Designed For Custom Installation

New ES Z Series Makes Installation Process Simple and Intuitive

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Sep 10, 2014, 07:30 ET

DENVER, Sept. 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Sony Electronics further evolves the ES AV receiver line by introducing the new ES Z Series, designed from the ground up for the custom installation market with the installer top of mind.

The ES Z Series is the perfect hub to the modern automated home entertainment universe. At the top of the series is the STR-ZA3000ES 7.2 Channel 4K AV Receiver, with additional models STR-ZA2000ES and STR-ZA1000ES available, all providing powerful simplicity. By focusing this new line on the installer, the new ES Z Series receivers have been completely redesigned to deliver the best integration experience possible. Streamlined and enhanced install features have taken priority, minimizing time and steps needed for system design and installation. Built with a no compromise system design, the new models now include an install friendly user interface and read panel, a button rich front panel for integration hidden by a magnetic faceplate, HDMI® with HDCP 2.2, HDMI Matrix Switching, 3rd party certification and In-Ceiling speaker adjustment, all allowing for incredible flexibility for any install need.

"Sony continues to invest in the custom install channel, with the new ES Z Series as a testament to this" said Jeffrey Hiatt, Director of Product Marketing for Sony Home Audio. "By listening directly to feedback from our dealers and their installers, we have redesigned AVRs from the bottom-up, resulting in faster and easier installations to ultimately create a better customer experience."

Optimized for custom in-home integration

Sony ES engineers have taken the existing on-screen user interface and tailored it for a faster, more fluid integration, whether using the on-screen menu, the front panel display or available web browser functionality. From the removable magnetic faceplate, to electronic component selection, special second generation ES solder, structural/chassis elements, and even screw placement, all of the new ES Z Series models are optimized for the most seamless install possible. The newly designed front panel includes install-friendly cursor keys, providing full operability without a remote, a two line-display that shows the information of Field and Value at the same time, and a numbered menu structure that helps the user not lose where they are in the process. While creating this appealing front panel, Sony's designers also created an elegant way to conceal the added buttons from wandering fingers with a magnetic faceplate.

The back panel layout of all three models has also been redesigned to make wiring in a rack easier. A single-lined speaker terminal row allows for easy cable installation and management along with isolated Digital / Analog inputs provides for better audio/video quality. Whether it's providing a PDF of an install manual with a product manual or discrete IR codes in the new remote, the new ES line is designed for the installer to exceed customers' expectations.

STR-ZA3000ES 7.2 Channel 4K AV Receiver

The STR-ZA3000ES delivers cinema-like surround sound and crystal clear music reproduction (110W @ 8 ohms, 1 kHz, 0.9% THD). Designed for a three room multi zone installation, every detail has been scrutinized and tuned in the higher interest of reliable, consistent sound performance. An 8-port Giga Ethernet Hub with Power over Ethernet* support helps various network installation cases, allowing for system flexibility and simple connectivity. The HDCP 2.2 Repeater (2 input/2 output) delivers full-performance playback of 4K Premium Content with maximum visual and multi-channel sound quality, all with a simple HDMI connection.

*This receiver supports PoE Class 3.

STR-ZA2000ES and STR-ZA1000ES 7.2 Channel 4K AV Receivers

The STR-ZA2000ES offers 100W @ 8 ohms, 1 kHz, 0.9% THD, while the STR-ZA1000ES offers 90W @ 8 ohms, 1 kHz, 0.9% THD). With just the right amount of flexible, multi-zone High Definition connectivity, easy IP integration with leading control systems, powerful browser-based configurability and well-renowned ES build quality, these models* provide an incredible Audio/Video experience the consumer won't easily forget. In-Ceiling Speaker mode is available for the customer using ceiling speakers, and the Sound Optimizer delivers real surround effects even at low sound.

*Applies to all three models in the ES Z Series – the STR-ZA3000ES, STR-ZA2000ES and STR-ZA1000ES.

Pricing and Availability

The STR-ZA3000ES and STR-ZA2000ES 7.2 Channel 4K AV Receivers will be available starting mid-September for $1,699 and $1,399 respectively at Sony stores and other authorized dealers nationwide.

The STR-ZA1000ES 7.2 Channel 4K AV Receiver will be available starting January 2015 for $899 at Sony stores and other authorized dealers nationwide.

The WS-RE1 rack ears are available for all three models in September for $99.99 at authorized dealers nationwide.

STR-ZA3000ES 7.2 Channel 4K AV Receiver

110W @ 8 ohms, 1 kHz, THD 0.9%
Optimized chassis and internal circuitry for incredible audio performance
HDMI® 6 in/2 out (4K) with HDCP 2.2 support (1-main theater 4K, 1-2^nd Zone 4K)
Flexible HD connectivity with 8 assignable inputs (6 HDMI®, 2 component)
8-port Giga Ethernet Hub with PoE (x2) support for flexible connectivity
Convenient front USB for system updating and setup
Seamless IP Control Integration
Supports 4K upscaling and pass-through with 3D and full TRILUMINOS™ color support
3, 12-Volt triggers for triggering external peripherals, amplifiers, etc.
3, IR repeaters (1-in, 2-out) for external device control
Supports Digital Cinema Sound, Dolby®, and dts® Digital Surround Audio Codecs
In Ceiling Speaker mode for the customer which uses ceiling speakers
HDMI®, Digital (Optical, Coaxial), Analog 2^nd Zone Out
Aluminum front panel, faceplate
Powered Zone 2Zone 2,3 variable line out
Multi-channel Preout
Front HDMI® in

STR-ZA2000ES 7.2 Channel 4K AV Receiver

100W @ 8 ohms, 1 kHz, THD 0.9%
Optimized chassis and internal circuitry for incredible audio performance
HDMI® 6 in/2 out (4K) with HDCP 2.2 support (1-main theater 4K, 1-2^nd Zone 4K)
Flexible HD connectivity with 8 assignable inputs (6 HDMI®, 2 component)
Convenient front USB for system updating and setup
Seamless IP Control Integration (1-port)
Supports 4K upscaling and pass-through with 3D and full TRILUMINOS™ color support
1, 12-Volt triggers for triggering external peripherals, amplifiers, etc.
3, IR repeaters (1-in, 2-out) for external device control
Supports Digital Cinema Sound, Dolby®, and dts® Digital Surround Audio Codecs
In Ceiling Speaker mode for the customer which uses ceiling speakers
HDMI®, Digital (Optical, Coaxial), Analog 2^nd Zone Out
Aluminum front panel, faceplate
Powered Zone 2
Zone 2,3 variable line out
Front HDMI® in

STR-ZA1000ES 7.2 Channel 4K AV Receiver

90W @ 8 ohms, 1 kHz, THD 0.9%
Optimized chassis and internal circuitry for incredible audio performance
HDMI® 6 in/2 out (4K) with HDCP 2.2 support (1-main theater 4K, 1-2^nd Zone 4K)
Flexible HD connectivity with 7 assignable inputs (5 HDMI®, 2 component)
Convenient front USB for system updating and setup
Seamless IP Control Integration (1-port)
Supports 4K upscaling and pass-through with 3D and full TRILUMINOS™ color support
1, 12-Volt triggers for triggering external peripherals, amplifiers, etc.
3, IR repeaters (1-in, 2-out) for external device control
Supports Digital Cinema Sound, Dolby®, and dts® Digital Surround Audio Codecs
In Ceiling Speaker mode for the customer which uses ceiling speakers
HDMI®, Digital (Optical, Coaxial), Analog 2^nd Zone Out
Powered Zone 2
Zone 2,3 variable line out