Sony announce new sound bars and AV receivers compatible with Google Cast
This week, Sony has announced HT-ST9, HT-NT3 sound bars and STR-DN860 and STR-DN1060 A/V Receivers and all these four new products have built-in support for Google Cast™. Using Google Cast™, users can stream music from personal device to the speakers. Sony has also announced HT-CT780, HT-CT380 soundbars and these will not have support for Google Cast. Available in July 2015, the HT-ST9 will cost $1,499.99 while HT-NT3 will cost $699.99. All thes products except the HT-CT380 are compatible with HDCP 2.2 standard and so will support playback of 4K content. Do note that to use Google Cast, you need to have Android phone or Android tablet or iPhone or iPad or Chromebook or Mac or Windows laptop.
HT-ST9 sound bar has nine speakers, seven amplifiers that generate 800W audio in 7.1 channel surround sound and it comes with a wireless subwoofer. HT-ST9 has three HDMI input ports and also supports Spotify Connect music streaming. You can also connect your devices to ST9 using Bluetooth and you can also pair Bluetooth headphones to ST9 to listen to content using headphones instead (if you do not want to disturb others in the house).
| Model | Price | Availability |
| HT-ST9 | $1,499.99 | July 2015 |
| HT-NT3 | $699.99 | July 2015 |
| HT-CT780 | $449.99 | May 2015 |
| HT-CT380 | $349.99 | May 2015 |
| STR-DN1060 | $599.99 | May 2015 |
| STR-DN860 | $499.99 | May 2015 |
HT-NT3 sound bar can generate 450W audio in 2.1 channel configuration and it comes with a wireless subwoofer. HT-NT3 has three HDMI input ports. You can also connect your devices to ST9 using Bluetooth and you can also pair Bluetooth headphones to ST9 to listen to content using headphones instead (if you do not want to disturb others in the house). NT3 comes with built in NFC that offers easy tap to connect feature.
HT-CT780 is a 330 watt 2.1 Sound Bar and this one too comes with a wireless subwoofer. There are three HDMI inputs with one supporting 4K with HDCP 2.2. The HT-CT380 is a 300 watt 2.1 Sound Bar with wireless subwoofer. User can stream content wirelessly via Bluetooth and NFC.
Coming to A/V Receivers, The STR-DN1060 Hi-Res Wi-Fi® Network A/V Receiver supports streaming music via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Google Cast for audio, has AirPlay support and also supports Spotify Connect. This receiver supports 7.2 channels and 165 watts of power per channel. STR-DN1060 can upscale normal content to 4K resolution, allows pass-through of content and has 10 HDMI inputs, supports two separate powered zones.
The STR-DN860 is also a 7.2 channel Hi-Res Wi-Fi® Network A/V Receiver that offers 150W of peak power per channel and can stream music via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, supports Google Cast for audio and AirPlay is also supported.
