Sony goes full Google announcing a range of Google Cast ready Sound bars and A/V receivers

Sony recently announced their 2015 line of flagship TVs would run on Android TV, letting Google control the software experience for users. Sony has also apparently ‘gone Google’ for their line of audio products as well, announcing a full range of premium audio products, including Soundbars and A/V receivers with most of the products announced supporting Google Cast.

The A/V receiver range includes the STR-DN860 and STR-DN1060 which both offer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity and 7.2 channel audio playback. The receivers offer a fair bit of power, with the DN1060 supporting 165 watts of power, while the DN860 offers 150 watts. The DN1060 will also support 4K resolution video upscaling and pass-through.

In Soundbars, there’s a number available with the lower end CT380 and CT780 both not supporting Google Cast – so we won’t worry about them. But if you can afford the HT-NT3 or HT-ST9 you’re in for a treat with full Google Cast support on soundbars worth your time.

Both the NT3 and ST9 come with wireless subwoofer, but the almost $1000 price tag difference is evident in specs, with the ST9 supporting 7.1 channel audio playback at 800 watts of power, while the NT3 offers only 2.1 at 450 watts.

While the dates and pricing are for the US market, we have approached Sony Australia for some more local information and hope to update soon. Until we get that information though, here’s the US info:

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SAN DIEGO, April 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Electronics announced today pricing and retail availability for four new Sound Bars – the HT-ST9, HT-NT3, HT-CT780, and HT-CT380, as well as the STR-DN860 and STR-DN1060 A/V Receivers, allowing consumers to elevate the home audio experience with simplicity and powerful performance. Taking the home entertainment experience to the next level, these new home audio products are HDCP 2.2 compliant (except for the HT-CT380), supporting playback of copyright-protected 4K content, including hit blockbuster movies.

The HT-ST9, HT-NT3, and both new A/V Receivers have Google Cast™ built in so you can cast your favorite music apps from your personal device to your speakers. You can cast from your Android phone or tablet, iPhone, iPad, Chromebook, and Mac or Windows laptop. By simply pressing the cast icon, you can search, browse, play, skip, and turn up the volume on your favorite tracks directly. Google Cast gives you a wider breadth of audio streaming options vs. standard built-in streaming. Additionally, you can expand the fully integrated home music experience through multi-room functionality by joining speakers together using the intuitive SongPal™ app. Stay tuned for more information on the future of Google Cast and multi-room functionality.

Sound Bars

The HT-ST9 Sound Bar with wireless subwoofer, sound-tuned by Academy Award-winning Sony Pictures engineers for world-class cinematic sound, features immersive 800 watts and 7.1 channel surround sound from seven discrete amplifiers and nine speakers. The HT-ST9 is Hi-Res capable and also supports Spotify Connect. Complete with a wireless, front-firing subwoofer with passive radiator, the HT-ST9 delivers an enveloping listening experience that will enhance any home theater environment. The HT-ST9 has three HDMI inputs for easy set-up, and brings full-room cinematic simulated surround sound to life with four digital sound fields – allowing consumers to enjoy movies as if in the theater, listen to music as if at a concert or watch sports as if at the stadium. For easy music connectivity, the HT-ST9 offers Bluetooth® reception and transmission for a simplified, high-quality music experience. With integrated Bluetooth transmission, enjoy music or movies with Bluetooth enabled headphones while not disturbing the rest of the house. With three times the data transmission capability, Sony’s LDAC™ technology provides an enhanced wireless listening experience for all music with compatible products.

The HT-NT3 Hi-Res Sound Bar with wireless subwoofer provides flexible connectivity, smart functionality and 450 watts of premium power for rich, high-fidelity sound. The sleek, slim and versatile HT-NT3 delivers a quality 2.1 channel listening experience that allows for effortless, wireless audio streaming with Bluetooth and NFC connections. The HT-NT3 also incorporates Sony LDAC technology. Boasting single HDMI® TV connection with inputs for three HDMI devices, the HT-NT3 also offers easy connectivity for superb sound in unrivaled hi-resolution.

The HT-CT780 330 watt 2.1 Sound Bar with wireless subwoofer elevates the home theater experience with elegant simplicity and powerful performance. This sound bar delivers impressive sound with wall-mount versatility. Enjoy superior high-definition quality, including three HDMI inputs with one supporting 4K with HDCP 2.2, and seamlessly connect to 4K or HD devices such as a cable box, Blu-ray® player or gaming console. HDMI TV connectivity with Audio Return Channel support ensures simple, one cable connectivity and maximum Audio/Video performance.

The HT-CT380 300 watt 2.1 Sound Bar with wireless subwoofer allows users to simply connect a TV and other HD devices or stream content wirelessly via Bluetooth and NFC. Similar to the HT-CT780, the sleek HT-CT380 is inspired by a flat panel design, complementing virtually any TV or household room, and can easily be mounted on the wall or placed on top of a TV stand or table.

A/V Receivers

The STR-DN1060 Hi-Res Wi-Fi® Network A/V Receiver provides the ultimate sound stage for music, movies and more. Enjoy superior sound while easily streaming music with built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth reception and transmission, Google Cast for audio, AirPlay® and Spotify Connect. With 7.2 channels and 165 watts of power per channel, supported by the largest capacitors and transformer in its class, its legendary Sony sound really connects the listener to the sound experience. The STR-DN1060 also features 4K resolution upscaling and pass-through, flexible connectivity with ten high-definition inputs, support for two separate powered zones and hi-res audio compatibility.

The STR-DN860 7.2 channel Hi-Res Wi-Fi® Network A/V Receiver is a powerhouse that envelopes listeners in a new level of sound performance. The STR-DN860 offers 7.2 channels and 150 watts of power, as well as the ability to stream music via built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth reception and transmission, Google Cast for Audio and AirPlay. Quickly and easily maximize the home theater experience via the newly improved Advanced Digital Cinema Auto Calibration feature and supplied microphone. Using the intuitive, graphical user interface, refined remote control or SongPal App, users can easily adjust settings, change inputs, and confirm volume levels on-screen.

The sound bars and A/V receivers will be available at store.sony.com and authorized dealers nationwide. Please visit http://blog.sony.com for more information.

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