UPPER SADDLE RIVER, NJ, January 6, 2017 – Power and simplicity combine for massive sound with a minimalist profile as Onkyo USA today announced the SBT-A500 Network Surround Sound Bar System. On display in the Venetian Bassano Room #2601 during CES 2017, the SBT-A500 features Dolby Atmos immersive audio as well as DTS:X™ playback, along with user-friendly wireless audio features such as Chromecast built-in*1, DTS Play-Fi® technology*1, AirPlay®, and FireConnect™*2 multi-room distribution. The SBT-A500 ships this month with an MSRP of $999 (US) and $1,399 (CAD).

Onkyo’s New SBT-A500

In addition to providing immersive object-based audio to the latest in video and gaming entertainment, the three-piece system offers key advantages over similar products, starting with its low 2.1” profile for an unimpeded view of the TV screen. The wall-mountable sound bar connects to a separate, slim Network A/V Receiver via multichannel audio cable, with authentic full-scale power delivered to precision drivers (comprising two speakers each for the left, right, and center channels, plus single height speakers) by a discrete digital amplification system. Together with wireless subwoofer, this single-cable sound bar design results in neat and clean installation under the TV display.

Onkyo’s New SBT-A500 - Remote

The receiver includes four HDMI® inputs to connect media players and game consoles, with all components and cabling easily concealed in an entertainment unit. TV connection comes via single 4K/60p HDMI cable with Audio Return Channel, allowing the SBT-A500 to enhance broadcast TV audio.

The SBT-A500 also achieves a deeply satisfying stereo performance with a choice of network audio options, and includes a pair of upward firing speakers that conform to the Dolby Atmos standard for overhead sound reproduction of object and channel based content.

The sound bar will support DTS Play-Fi technology that collects music (streaming services, local files, or network-attached audio) into a simple interface for casting to Wi-Fi®-enabled speakers, and supports multiple streams to different speakers simultaneously without interruption.

Chromecast built-in, AirPlay®, and dual-band 5 GHz/2.4 GHz Wi-Fi® provide for seamless app-based music casting, while Spotify® Connect lets subscribers stream direct from the Spotify® application. Bluetooth® connectivity completes a universal suite for wireless music streaming.

Onkyo Controller app brings together wireless casting technologies, simplifies access to included TuneIn, TIDAL, and Pandora® services, and centralizes house-wide audio distribution to optional FireConnect™-ready wireless speakers. The easy-to-use app compliments on-screen GUI with system remote controls for each zone.

With discrete dialog volume adjustment for DTS:X™ soundtracks, DTS Neural:X™ is also included to up-mix standard multichannel audio to 3D sound. The SBT-A500 also supports a Dolby Surround up-mixer, which decodes and directs sounds to all of the speakers in the sound bar including up-firing capabilities to provide a higher sense of immersion from all channel-based content.

Dolby Audio adds a new Surround Enhancer technology that wraps sound around the audience by creating virtual rear speakers. The addition of Dolby Atmos delivers captivating sound that places and moves audio anywhere in the room, including overhead, to bring entertainment to life all around the audience. Whether you are listening to music, movies, television shows or playing your favorite video games, Dolby Atmos delivers the full impact of the entertainment experience.

Rounded out with a 40-preset FM tuner, AV sync function and L/R tone controls, the SBT-A500’s feature set approaches that of a full-sized home theater in a decor-friendly package.

About Onkyo U.S.A
Since 1946, Onkyo has been passionately committed to developing audio products that deliver uncommon performance, quality, and value. Bundling proprietary technologies and innovations with other sound-enhancing exclusives, Onkyo continues to create award-winning products that are lauded by many industry-leading publications. The company’s philosophy is to deliver products that are superbly designed and built to a consistently outstanding standard of excellence. The results can be seen in the obvious quality of any Onkyo-manufactured product, even before it is turned on. Visit Onkyo’s website at www.onkyousa.com. Follow Onkyo USA on www.facebook.com/OnkyoUSA.