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Sony Gets Tiny with Micro Theater System

Sony Gets Tiny with Micro Theater System

Sony has announced its new DAV-IS10 micro home theater system, aiming to bring powerful 5.1 surround sound capabilities to folks who don’t have a lot of space to devote to an audio system…or who just can’t stand an unsightly mass of speakers ruining their decor. The DAV-IS10 features five tiny speakers for distribution around a room, each of which pushes 50 watts through a very small enclosure. Sony says that when paired with its specially-designed 100 watt two way subwoofer enclosure, the small satellites to take focus off the subwoofer and deliver clear, natural sound.

"Today, consumers want home theater products that are unobtrusive and easily integrate into the home’s decor," said Jeff Goldstein, VP of Sony’s consumer audio group, in a release. "The IS10 delivers superb surround sound in a form factor that is so small that it is basically a non-factor for people who are conscious of space."

The system also features Sony’s Bravia Theatre Sync technology—enabling users to connect and manage Bravia displays via HDMI. The system also offers a DVD/CD combo player, which can upscale standard DVDs to 720p or 1080i resolutions via HDMI; the disc player also has illuminated controls which disappear on tough when navigating CDs or DVDs without the remote control.

For folks already ensconced in the Sony universe, the system features Sony’s Digital Cinema Auto Calibration system so owners can use an included microphone to configure and balance their home theater system, along with a Digital Media Port, so the DAV-S10 can be used with accessories like Sony’s streaming audio via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth receivers, and audio docking stations for iPod and Walkman players.

The DAV-IS10 micro home theater system should be available in July for $800.

Geoff Duncan
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…
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