Sony's new gear for the A/V home integration market

Sony's got a whole slew of high-end home integration audio / video equipment at the International Builders Show this week, with hopes to grab some of those new construction dollars. Three new systems Sony is unveiling, the NHS-1030, 2030 and 3030 all include music storage and servers, while the 2030 and 3030 add in DVD management with 400-disc changers. The NHS systems also pack 7.1 surround sound and multi-room media distribution. At the top of the line, Sony's NHS-3030 can manage audio and video entertainment for up to 13 rooms, with a rack featuring an ES A/V receiver and six media sources, included that 400-disc changer, music storage and room for XM Radio, secondary DVD players and other HD or SD components. The 2030 and 1030 cater to six rooms each, and all of the systems can be browsed via TV, LCD touch panel remotes or wall controls. Sony also has its new NHS-330 with audio and video for three rooms and inputs. All of the systems include room for expansion, and Sony's packing along its new Standard and Platinum Sposato in-wall/in-ceiling speakers, a 1080p displays or projectors of your choice3, pre-programmed LCD remotes, in-wall remotes and all the wiring and setup comes with the estimated $10k-$50k installed price. With solutions such as Media Center Extender and Apple TV gaining acceptance, the days of extravagant home entertainment networks like this might be on the way out, but they clearly aren't dead yet.

[Mat @ Feb 8th 2007 6:33PM]

well that looks shit

[Russell @ Feb 8th 2007 7:26PM]

Home automation from 1994, coming at a sony style store near you!!!

[D @ Feb 8th 2007 8:23PM]

no sony, no! bad sony!

[Johan S @ Feb 8th 2007 9:34PM]

What's the point of a keypad so hideously ugly?

Are they so cheap they couldnt put a decent touchscreen LCD on it with a decent menu system?
I am not going to ask if it's remotely controllable via phone. Because it's sony I already know the answer is no.

[Clinton @ Feb 8th 2007 9:39PM]

Yeah that '80s display doesn't inspire me to spend $10K on this system. Of course, given that I don't have $10K, Sony probably isn't too worried about losing my sale.

[Jeff @ Feb 8th 2007 10:18PM]

Well, I came in here to say pretty much what the first half dozen comments have already said. It looks like something I'd find in my grandparents' house, if they were alive. Now I'm sad DAMN YOU SONY.

[What?! @ Feb 8th 2007 10:39PM]

And the funny thing, Sony's been at it since 1994 (or earlier)! I remember them pushing two sets, and back in the day - signature white.

When will Sony give up? Home automation isn't their game.