Onkyo outs 7.1-channel HT-S5400 home-theater-in-a-box

Onkyo has a spanking newhome-theater-in-a-box (HTiB) receiver-and-speaker model that intends to bring the audio pedigree of Onkyo in a convenient packaged home theater system, where it comes in the form of the 7.1-channel Onkyo HT-S5400. Offering the latest implementation of the HDMIconnectivity standard alongside support for 3D video, lossless audio from Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, it will also come with an Audio Return Channel that sends an audio signal “upstream” from a connected HDTV’s tuner, doing away with the need for a separate audio cable. Connectivity options include a quartet of HDMI inputs and one output, where the receiver will also be acocmpanied by a generous selection of digital and analog A/V inputs to handle a wide range of playback devices. The HT-S5400 has one extensive feature set with a couple of extra audio channels to help it support Dolby Pro Logic IIz, where this audio processing technology enables users to reconfigure the two surround-back channels as “front height” channels, increasing the ambience of movies and games. Expect the HT-S5400 to arrive this April for $599 a pop if you’re interested – at least it gives you a couple more months to save up.