The SA-HE100 has been designed for ultimate audio performance, delivering cutting-edge surround sound from CDs, DVDs, and high-resolution formats like SACD and DVD-Audio with high power and great features. The receiver is equipped with six discrete RCA analog inputs to deliver the enhanced sound quality of multi-channel SACD (Super Audio CD) and DVD-Audio music.

It also decodes DTS and Dolby Digital 5.1-channel sources and Dolby Pro Logic II, which converts sound from regular two-channel stereo sources into 5.1 channel for spacious surround effect. And, you'll also enjoy DTS-ES and Dolby Digital EX extended surround formats, which add a rear center channel for a full 6.1-channels of surround--great for large rooms and home theaters with above-average resolution.

The SA-HE100 incorporates Panasonic's "Times Six" power amplifiers, which use Class H+ circuitry for a smooth, consistent sound from all six main channels. It delivers a full 100 watts per channel output (at 1 kHz into 6 ohms with 0.9 percent THD) so you'll feel the powerful bass of favorite music or the stomp of the Tyrannosaurus Rex breathing down your neck. You'll get slightly higher power--or lower distortion across the audio spectrum, depending on how you look at it--with stereo playback: 100 wpc from 40 to 20,000 Hz into 6 ohms with 0.9 percent THD).

The receiver uses Metal-Oxide Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor (MOS-FET) circuitry to enhance performance. By improving power bandwidth and contributing to highly linear sound quality, MOS-FET allows the receiver to reproduce a broader spectrum of frequencies than do standard amplifiers. Among other advantages, MOS-FET is what makes this model completely SACD and DVD-Audio compatible, with the ability to reproduce the rich, lifelike sound the formats are quickly becoming known for.

The SA-HE100 includes three optical and one coaxial digital-audio inputs, three S-video inputs, and one S-video output, as well as two high-resolution component-video inputs.