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<LI>Price: $3,495</LI>
<LI>Output channels: 7.1-channels, single-ended and balanced</LI>
<LI>Decoding: DD, DD EX, ProLogic IIx, DTS, DTS-ES Discrete/Matrix/Neo:6</LI>
<LI>Ins and outs: Six coax and four toslink digital audio, two HDMI, three component, one MM phono input, RS-232, 12V triggers, Ethernet </LI>
<LI>Highlights: HDMI and component switching with transcoding of composite and S-Video to component video, 24/96 A-D and 24/192 D-A conversion, Sonic Holography DSP for enhanced surround sound, backlit programmable remote with LCD screen</LI>
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<LI>Price: $6,500</LI>
<LI>Output channels: 7.1-channels, single-ended and balanced</LI>
<LI>Decoding: DD, DD EX, ProLogic II, DTS, DTS-ES Discrete/Matrix/Neo:6/DTS 24/96</LI>
<LI>Ins and outs: Four coax and two toslink digital audio, one AES/EBU, one 7.1-channel analog, three component video, RS-232, two 12V triggers</LI>
<LI>Highlights: THX Ultra2, LCD touchscreen display, auto setup with included microphone, transcoding of composite and S-Video to component video, 24/96 A-D and D-A conversion.</LI>
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The other day Federal Express summoned me to the front of my building. What delight awaited? It was Onkyo's HT-S990THX. Some would call it the first THX-certified home theater in a box though the Onkyo and THX people prefer the term "integrated THX HT system." HTIB or not, all 143 pounds of it were literally in a box, one box, only 14 inches shorter (and five inches wider) than my refrigerator. My building has elevators, but there are five steps between the ground floor and the sidewalk. The FedEx guy and I stood on the curb staring at one another in dawning horror.