Halcro Logic will release the SSP200 surround sound processor during the beginning of August. This new unit will come with significant improvements over previous models. It features 4 switchable HDMI inputs with support for LPCM (Lossless) digital audio, DVI, RS232, USB, balanced 7.1 channel inputs/outputs as well as programmable output channels for managing additional channels such as stereo subwoofers, ceiling speakers, etc. The processor also incorporates an integrated video scaler to 1080p and an auto calibration function.

The aluminum chassis of the SSP200 can be rack mounted and includes a 7" display along with a programmable touch screen remote control for simple setup.

The SSP200 sound processor has been priced at $11,990 and carries a 4-year warranty.

Onkyo is introducing the GXW-2.1HD 2.1-channel home theater system, expandable to a full 5.1-channels with the addition of center and rear speakers. The system consists of a receiver with 5.1-channel support outputing 30 W per channel and 60 W from the subwoofer, and a couple of side speakers. The GXM-2.1HD decodes Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio lossless formats as well as DTS Surround Sensation to provide surround sound effects from the front channels. There is also HDMI 1.3 connectivity with DeepColor and x.v.Color support.

The GXW-2.1HD will be released in Japan on June 21th for $500.

Pioneer has introduced in Japan two new A/V receivers, the VSX-518V & VSX-918V. Slightly different to the US models (VSX-518-K & VSX-918V-K), both Japanese receivers feature a built-in AM/FM tuner, iPod support, DTS/Dolby Digital/Dolby Pro Logic II decoders, WMA/MP3/AAC through USB, MCACC Speaker Calibration, and the Pioneer Hybrid Amplifier Technology (PHAT) to reduce the distortion caused by the dynamic change of heat in the system.

VSX-518V - 5.1 channel, 130 Watts per channel, 2x HDMI (video switching), WMA9 Pro Decoder.

VSX-918V - 5.1 channel, 130 Watts per channel, 2x HDMI A/V, WMA9 Pro Decoder, PCM via HDMI.

Sony Japan is rolling out a new home theater-in-a-box system with cube-shaped speakers. As tiny as golf balls, each satellite measures just 1.7 inches on each side and providesno less than 45W, in addition to a 200W subwoofer. The HT-IS100 supports Dolby Digital/Dolby Pro Logic II/DTS and includes 3x HDMI ports, AM/FM tuner, S-Master audio system as well as the Sony's Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (DCAC).

The system goes on sale in Japan on June 25th for 90,000 yen ($890), but no word yet on availability nor pricing for U.S. and European markets.

In complement of the new Scarlet LCD TV series, LG is launching the Scarlet HT953TVP home theater system. Designed in the same way as the TV, with an elegant black high-gloss finish, this 5.1-channel system includes the V.S.M technology (Virtual Sound Matrix) first employed on the HT762TZ system, which simulates a 10.1-channel configuration. The system does 1080p upconversion, read MP3 files and an "USB Recording" feature lets the user copy his MP3 CDs on a USB storage device.

There is no word on pricing or availability at the moment.

Pioneer has recently launched a new home theater system with a 5.1-channel receiver incorporating a DVD player. The HTZ-373DV features 1080p HDMI connectivity, Dolby Digital/Dolby Pro Logic II/DTS decoding, Pioneer’s MCACC Speaker Calibration system, and it has MP3 along with WMA files supports.

The 5.1 surround system provides 60W per channel plus 30W for the central channel and 60W for the subwoofer. It's available in Japan for about $350.

It's hard to find any info about the new Panasonic SC-PTX50, but this basic 2.1-channel home theater system comes with a 140 Watts DVD receiver compatible with MP3/JPEG/MPEG4/DivX files. It features 1080p HDMI connectivity, USB host function, VIERA link and Dolby Virtual Speaker technology that provides 5.1-channel effect from the front speakers. This models seems to be available in Europe only, at a price of €450.

The Panasonic SC-BT100 was previously unveiled during the CES back in January, this Blu-ray disc home theater system is now available for pre-order at a price just below the $1,000 mark.

The SC-BT100 is a 5.1ch system only, but additional wireless satellite speakers are available for separate purchase. With Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby True HD, DTS-HD, DTS-HD High Resolution and DTS-HD Master Audio the SC-BT100 is ready to handle all HD content. The Blu-ray disc receiver features P4HD (Pixel Precision Progressive Processing for HD) technology to upconvert 480i/p, 720p or 1080i format to 1080p, Deep Color support and 1080/24p playback. There is also a built-in universal dock to enjoy your music and video from your iPod and a SD card slot to play back AVCHD or JPEG image files.

Samsung Russia, today announced two new 5.1ch HTiB systems, the HT-TKX715 and HT-KX715. The HT-KX715 is similar to the HT-X715T on sale in US, but the HT-TKX715 system is not released elsewhere and has four tallboy speakers instead of the standard satellites. Both systems include a 800W DVD receiver compatible DivX/MP3 with USB and iPod host function, HDMI output with 1080p up-conversion, auto sound calibration, Dolby Digital/Dolby Pro Logic-II/DTS decoders and BlueTooth capability to eliminate the clutter of wires and connect any mobile devices.

No word on price nor availability at the moment.

Pioneer has unveiled four new A/V receivers delivering high-definition (HD) audio and video experiences for emerging home theaters, the Elite SC-07, SC-05, VSX-03TXH and VSX-01TXH. All models handle Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS HD and DTS HD Master Audio, incorporate HDMI 1.3a connectivity with full support of 12-Bit Deep Color, 1080p Faroudja video scaler chip, multi-zone capability, iPod and USB connectivity as well as DRM file support. The SC-07 and SC-05 also include a class-D amplifier "Direct Energy HD Amplifier" and Neural-THX support.

The VSX-01TXH and VSX-03TXH will be available in June for $750 and $1,000 while the SC-05 and SC-07 will be available in August for $1,800 and $2,200, respectively.