Sony just announced a $1000 premium sound bar with wireless subwoofer (model HT-ST5). The 380-watt system features immersive 7.1 channel surround sound plus full HDMI connectivity and Bluetooth streaming with NFC. Building on the success of the HT-ST7, the new HT-ST5 was designed in collaboration with Academy Award-winning Sony Pictures sound engineers to bring movies and music alive with incredible acoustic detail and thundering bass.
The Sony HT-ST5 sound bar speaker incorporates 9 independent speakers and 7 discrete amplifiers. Each component is meticulously designed to deliver the best audio reproduction. The HT-ST5 also supports Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio formats, for up to 7.1 channel high-definition surround sound—perfect for maximizing the audio-visual experience of Blu-ray Disc. In addition, with S-Force Pro Front Surround technology activated, the HT-ST5 sound bar delivers a broader sound stage to create a fully immersive virtual surround experience, without the need to connect multiple speakers throughout the room.
Easily connect and stream music wirelessly from a smartphone, tablet or other compatible device to the HT-ST5 with Bluetooth and NFC One-touch connectivity. Thanks to convenient Bluetooth standby mode, when connecting a Bluetooth enabled mobile device to the HT-ST5 the Sound Bar will automatically turn on and begin streaming music from the device. Built-in aptX and AAC codecs are also supported for better quality Bluetooth streaming.
In addition to easy Bluetooth pairing and streaming, the HT-ST5 can also be controlled seamlessly over a Bluetooth connection with the SongPal mobile app from Sony. SongPal is a free, downloadable app for Android and iOS devices that provides an easy way to navigate and listen to content. SongPal conveniently integrates streaming services like Pandora and Spotify within a single user interface. Plus, it also allows users to completely control the sound bar, providing easy access to input source, volume and all other settings.
For those who prefer using a traditional remote, the HT-ST5 includes a compact, user-friendly remote that delivers total audio control while minimizing unnecessary buttons. In addition to easy access to frequently used functions like power, input source, and volume, there are also hidden buttons for important secondary functions that allow for fine tuning, such as subwoofer level volume.
With three HDMI 2.0 inputs, one HDMI 2.0 output with audio return channel (ARC), plus additional digital and analog inputs, the HT-ST5 makes connecting multiple HD devices seamless. The HDMI output provides a simple HD connection to TVs and with ARC built in, it supports audio playback directly from the TV.
Via the key-hole wall mounting system, the HT-ST5 can be easily mounted on any wall without the need for separate brackets or hardware. It can also sit conveniently on top of a TV stand or tabletop and the included “feet” position the bar at a 30 degree angle so that sound is directed slightly upward, compensating for lower placement below the TV.
Price and Availability
The Sony HT-ST5 Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer will be available September 23, 2014 for $999.99.
