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January 10, 2007 1:30 PM PST

Sherwood receiver delivers HDMI 1.3, next-generation lossless audio

by John P. Falcone

(Credit: CNET Networks)

The Sherwood Newcastle R-972 will deliver HDMI 1.3 connectivity, six HDMI inputs, lossless audio decoding (Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio), and a graphic onscreen user interface when it's released in August for $1,500. (Note that the back panel image shows four HDMI inputs, but Sherwood has pledged that the shipping model will include six.) The product becomes the first officially announced receiver we've seen that incorporates all of those bleeding-edge features. Its step-down model, the R-872, offers similar HDMI and lossless decoding capabilities with "only" four HDMI inputs and a text-only onscreen interface, for $500 less.

The logos say it all.

(Credit: CNET Networks)

If our Best of CES nominations weren't long closed, the R-972 would've been an easy pick for a home audio nod. That said, it's a fair bet that--by the August release date--we'll see similarly equipped models from the likes of Denon, Yamaha, and Onkyo (to name a few) being announced as well. In the meantime--if it lives up to its daunting spec sheet--the R-972 certainly looks to stand head and shoulders above any current model on the market.

John P. Falcone covers home theater and network entertainment products. He's been writing for CNET since 2002.
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Add a Comment (Log in or register) (6 Comments)
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too bad...
by woodygg February 16, 2007 12:17 PM PST
it's a sherwood.
Reply to this comment
Not just Sherwood...
by zhimbo February 24, 2007 7:24 PM PST
Sherwood *Newcastle* = high end. Different beasts from the ordinary Sherwood line.
Reply to this comment
A 'high end' Sherwood?
by woodygg February 25, 2007 9:13 AM PST
That's like JC Penny's opening a store on Rodeo Drive...

High end?

Ya, I'll sell you the new 'high end' Yugo... or you can buy a Lexus.... for around the same cost. Your choice!
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NEWCASTLE = Best Bang for the Buck
by mpartney April 14, 2007 2:34 PM PDT
Spoke with an independent representative for several different "high end" manufacturers. I was told that Sherwood 'NewCastle' was a definite high end product. They are made from the same interior parts as Onkyo receivers are. I just wish that they were pushing more than 100 watts per channel. 120 would have been nice! I would still consider purchasing the lesser unit with only 4 hdmi inputs (still a heck of a lot of inputs). My JVC RX-D702B only has 2 inputs. (But pushes 150 watts per channel) I still would love to hear this receiver. I'm sure that it would be worth purchasing. Wattage is not the most important factor! These only have .05% THD!!! WOW!!!
Reply to this comment
by ketamlcs July 2, 2009 1:56 PM PDT
I just ordered mine at projectorbundles.com - can't wait to hear it. The Trivinov Processor gets me so excited.
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