Superb versatility and performance from an affordable A/V centerpiece

Incorporating HDMI version 1.3a, along with advanced processing capabilities, the HT-RC160 makes for a powerful A/V control center. Up to five components can be connected via HDMI, including Blu-ray Disc players, gaming consoles, and set-top boxes. The HT-RC160 can receive and switch high-def media, such as HD broadcasts and Blu-ray Discs, and send a pure digital output to your HDTV. What's more, all multichannel audio — from bit-for-bit streams to standard Dolby Digital — can be input via HDMI for processing on the HT-RC160. HDMI version 1.3a enables CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) and offers greater bandwidth to deal with higher resolutions, 36-bit Deep Color™, and high frame rates.

Dolby Pro Logic IIz for a spacious new audio dimension

Dolby Pro Logic IIz offers the proven quality of Dolby Pro Logic IIx and adds a new vertical dimension to your home theater sound stage. As with previous versions of Dolby Pro Logic, this latest version delivers a convincing surround-sound experience from any movie or music source — even a stereo one. On the HT-RC160, Dolby Pro Logic IIz enables you to incorporate two "front height" speakers into your surround-sound set-up as an alternative to the two surround back speakers. The front height channels carry ambient, non-directional audio that helps immerse you even more deeply into your movies and games. With Dolby Pro Logic IIz, rain seems to burst from clouds right above you, and helicopters fly realistically overhead.

A full-range of the latest high-definition surround sound codes

The HT-RC160 handles Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio — two lossless decoding formats that enable delivery of a bit-for-bit soundtrack identical to the studio master track. Both codecs take advantage of the high data capacity of the Blu-ray Disc (BD) format. Another BD-related technology is DTS-HD Express, which provides access to secondary audio features. The HT-RC160 also handles two "lossy" audio formats: Dolby® Digital Plus and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio™. Dolby Digital Plus is designed to accompany high-definition video delivered via disc media, broadcasts, and online content. DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, meanwhile, offers a greater bit rate, a higher sampling rate, and more channels than the core DTS technology.

A suite of Audyssey technologies for the ideal listening environment

The HT-RC160 has three Audyssey technologies to help create the most suitable listening environment for your home. 1) Tailors multichannel audio for your home theater by correcting problems both in frequency response and in the time domain (where most of the problems lie) for a clear, precise, and natural sound. 2) Maintains the desired listening level for all content while optimizing the dynamic range. 3) Solves the problem of deteriorating sound quality at lower volumes.

HDMI upscaling and Faroudja DCDi Edge technology

The HT-RC160's HDMI inputs can receive pristine digital video from HDMI-enabled components for a single-cable output to a display device with an HDMI or DVI connection. Native 1080p video is processed as it is, but lower-resolution signals from component video and composite video are upscaled to 1080i via HDMI. Upscaling takes the video resolution to HD quality, so it better matches the resolution of today's high-definition displays. To further improve performance on high-definition displays, the HT-RC160 features a deinterlacing chip with Faroudja DCDi Edge technology, which effectively eliminates video artifacts.

Universal port for single-cable connection

The HT-RC160 features a proprietary universal port, located on the rear side of the unit, to which you can connect Onkyo's HD Radio Tuner or Dock for the iPod. The dock sends both video and audio signals through a single cable. Earlier versions of Onkyo's Dock for the iPod can be connected via our Remote Interactive (RI) system.

Music optimizer and front-panel audio input

An audio input on the front panel of the HT-RC160 enables you to connect your iPod or other MP3 player directly to the system. The HT-RC160's onboard Music Optimizer technology then works to enhance the quality of your compressed digital music files by compensating for bit information lost at higher frequencies.

Playback of different audio sources in two different zones

With Powered Zone 2 and a Zone 2 line-out, you can enjoy surround-sound entertainment in the main room while you play back a completely different stereo source in a second zone equipped with an amplifier or a pair of speakers.

Comparison Specifications

• Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Pro Logic IIz, DTS-ES discrete/matrix, DTS Neo:6, DTS 96/24, Dolby Digital EX decoding
• 80W/channel at 8 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz, 0.08%, 2 channels drive, FTC; 90W/channel at 8 ohms, 1 kHz, 0.7%, 2 channels driven
• 5 HDMi v1.3a inputs / 1 output
• 4 digital inputs (2 optical / 2 coaxial), 5 A/V inputs/1 output, 2 audio inputs/1 output
• Powered zone 2 and zone 2 line-out for playback in another room
• 192 kHz/24-bit processing DSP chip, 4 DSP modes for gaming: rock, sports, action, role playing game (RPG)
• Theater-Dimensional Virtual Surround function
• RIHD (Remote Interactive over HDMI) for system control, preprogrammed w/ onscreen setup / compatible with RI dock for the iPod

Additional Specifications

• H.C.P.S. (high current power supply) high power transformer
• Front-panel audio input for portable devices, front-panel auxiliary A/V input (for camcorders, game consoles, etc.)
• HDTV-capable (720p/1080i) component video switching (2 inputs/1 output)
• Bi-amping capability, WRAT (wide range amplifier technology)
• Audio and 1080p video processing via HDMI
• Deinterlacer with Faroudja DCDi Edge technology
• Audyssey Dynamic Volume™, Audyssey Dynamic EQ™, Audyssey 2EQ™
• CinemaFILTER™, Optimum gain volume control circuitry
• Music optimizer for compressed digital music files

Manufacturer Specifications

• A-form listening mode memory, double bass function, direct mode, independent crossover adjustment for F/C/S/SB
• HD Radio ready, 40 FM/AM random presets: tuning frequency range: 87.5MHz-107.9MHz FM / 530kHz-1710kHz AM
• Dual subwoofer pre outs
• Tone control (bass/treble) for front L/R channels, non-scaling configuration, video output (monitor)
• Banana plug-compatible speaker posts (except zone 2), color-coded speaker terminals
• Onscreen display (OSD) for HDMI output
• Display dimmer (normal/dim/dimmer)
• Headphone jack, sleep timer (via remote), battery-free memory backup
• Aluminum front panel, glossy black volume knob

Dimensional Specifications

• Dimensions: 22.56" W x 11.44" H x 16.25" D
• Weight: 23.8 lbs

Onkyo HT-RC160 Warranty Details

Limited warranty