The Pearl SXRD projector was not Sony’s only significant product introduction yesterday. Also shown to reporters and reviewers for the first time was the STR-DA5200ES AV receiver. This product shows that when Sony is big on something it shows up in all its products. That something here is 1080p.

I’ll get to the audio in a minute, When I say this handsomely outfitted AVR is about 1080p, I mean it not only has HDMI switching, it uses the new Faroudja Cortez video processing suite to upconvert any incoming source- 480i/p, 720p, and 1080i- to full 1080p.

Like all AVRs worth their salt these days the STR-DA5200ES has an advanced auto setup/calibration, and it supports XM Connect and Play. Funny, no mention of iPod connectivity, It’s almost as if the iPod doesn’t exist as far as Sony’s concerned. Its seven channels of onboard amplification are rated at a robust 120-Watts per. And all this can be yours in October for just $1,500.