Now hear this: Boston Acoustics debuts its first A/V receiver
Boston Acoustics AVR7120
The product: Long known for its quality audio components, Boston Acoustics takes another step toward competing in the growing home-theater market with the introduction of its first A/V receiver. The AVR7120 can deliver 7.1 channels of surround sound and pump out 120 watts per channel across all channels. It also offers Boston Acoustics' UniView technology, which the company claims will correctly adjust any video input to 480i component video, regardless of which connector type is used. Other features include:

• Five optical and two coaxial digital inputs
• Eight pre-amp outputs and one digital output
• Three component-video outputs
• Six audio inputs with phono capability
• Second zone capability

The price: The AVR7120 will carry a suggested retail price of $2,999 when it becomes available this month. (The slightly less feature-packed AVR7100 will be priced at $2,199 for its February 2005 release.)

The prospects: Boston Acoustics has read the writing on the wall concerning the growth of the A/V receiver market as home theaters boom, so expanding its product line from audio-only receivers seems like a no-brainer. Given Boston Acoustics' reputation among audiophiles and the AVR7120's extensive connectivity, this receiver should garner consideration from enthusiasts willing to drop close to three grand on a component.

By Sean Portnoy, senior associate editor, CNET Reviews