Audio Junkies: Marantz’s new NA7004 network music player is the latest product in a growing new category of “front-end” components that are able to play back digital formats from a variety of sources while containing no actual storage. The NA7004 is DLNA certified for connection to a home network, and also offers coaxial, optical, and USB digital inputs. A front panel USB input allows for easy connection of a thumb drive or iPod, and Bluetooth streaming is also supported via an optional dock.

The NA7004 can also access thousands of internet radio stations, and supports a full complement of lossy (MP3, MPEG-4, AAC, WMA) and lossless (FLAC, 96/24FLAC, WAV, WMA-L) formats. The price is $799.

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Engadget: Marantz has unveiled its 2010 line of high end receivers, amplifiers, pre amplifiers and Blu-ray players, and naturally the headlining upgrades have to do with streaming internet video access, Blu-ray 3D and HDMI 1.4 compatibility. Read more »

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iPodnn: Onkyo has introduced three new receivers, each featuring support for 3D video and iPhone/iPod connection. The TX-NR1008, TX-NR808, and TX-NR708 offer an Ethernet port for integration with home networks, enabling DLNA streaming and access to additional content such as Pandora. Read more »

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EngadgetHD: Sony’s STR-DA6400ES, which casually streams high-def content over CAT5e, has finally nailed down a date to mingle with crowds in Europe.

Just yesterday, Sony had announced that the aforementioned model will be available this May along with three other new STR-DH receivers: the STR-DH500, STR-DH700 and the STR-DH800.

The flagship model boasts 7.1-channel audio, DLNA compatibility, six HDMI inputs (alongside two outputs) and Digital Cinema Auto-Calibration.

The rest of the crew ranges from 5.1- to 7.1-channel and are generally stripped down versions of the big papa.

av receiver dlna Sony STR DA6400ES

Connected Home News: The Digital Living Network Alliance is adding new features to its upcoming 2009 interoperability guidelines, such as additional connectivity options, protected setup support, content synchronisation and menu sharing.

The DLNA’s interoperability guidelines are designed to unite various consumer electronics, personal computer and mobile device technologies into a cohesive home networking environment, enabling network operators and consumers to add new services and products into the home network seamlessly.

“DLNA is the solution for the connected home,” said Scott Smyers, Chairman of the DLNA Board of Directors and Senior Vice President of Sony. “Service providers and manufacturers who adopt the guidelines are meeting the needs of consumers to share and enjoy content anytime, anywhere.”

The DLNA also recently approved the Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) technology standard for incorporation into the next version of its guidelines.

Digital Living Network Alliance dlna

At last, Pioneer announced the European arrival of it’s “high-end” Blu-ray disc player, the BDP-LX70.

It’s a beauty, with Pioneer’s trademark piano-gloss finish.  Specs are impressive, with DLNA home network-compatibility via Ethernet, Dolby TrueHD support, and what the company calls ‘master quality’: audio and video exactly as the film-makers intended: played back at 1080p and 24Hz.

Here are some more images and the full player specifications.

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