New Sony Receivers

[McBain]

Press release:

NEW SONY 1080P AUDIO/VIDEO RECEIVERS MANAGE HIGH-DEFINITION HOME THEATER DEMANDS

Models Optimized for Latest HD Sources and Simple Connectivity

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 26, 2008 – Providing a simplified approach to high-definition home theater management, Sony today unveiled a line of four A/V receivers offering high-definition performance, easy set-up and control through a unique icon-driven menu system.

Each of the new models simplify home theater operation by serving as a central hub for audio and HD video home theater components, converging all sources to one HDMI™ output from the receiver to the display.

Designed for optimal high-definition home theater performance, the models include such features as 1080/24p True Cinema video pass-through, advanced audio codec support, and upscaling of all standard definition video sources to 1080p via HDMI when connected to a 1080p-capable HDTV set.

“Our new line of A/V receivers serve as the heart of any high-definition home theater system by synchronizing all audio and HD video sources to deliver a smooth, high quality home theater experience,” said Brennan Mullin, vice president for audio products for Sony Electronics’ Digital Imaging and Audio Division. “The new receivers offer an easy and affordable solution to complete the important second half of the high-definition equation – cinematic surround sound that complements the picture.”

Optimized High-Definition Support

The new STR-DG920 and STR-DG820 7.1 channel A/V receivers offer 110 watts of power per channel and are equipped to support the latest in high-definition formats with 1080/60p and 24p True Cinema video signal pass-through.

Featuring four HDMI™ inputs, the models support the latest audio formats – Dolby® Digital Plus, Dolby® TrueHD, dts® High Resolution Audio and dts® HD Master Audio. The models also support x.v.Color™ technology (xvYCC) which offers a wider spectrum of colors from source to receiver to an x.v.Color-compliant HDTV.

Additionally, the STR-DG920 model supports Deep Color™ for greater color depth on compatible televisions and upscales standard-definition video content to 1080p via HDMI with a 1080p-capable HDTV set. The model features an icon-driven menu system for simple device and content navigation.

Also included is Sony’s Digital Media Port. This adds networking and connectivity to the AV receivers for music playback from various sources with optional accessories, including audio cradles compatible with select Walkman® players and iPod® products, a PC client device and a Bluetooth® adapter. Once the accessory is connected, the device can be powered and controlled by the receiver for enhanced home theater experience.

An upgraded Portable Audio Enhancer improves the clarity and depth of any connected digital music player by adding information to the audio signal that had been removed during compression for an improved audio experience. Additionally, the units are XM Connect-and-Play™ ready with 5.1 Neural Surround Sound.

The models incorporate Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (DCAC) for simplified multi-channel surround sound setup. In about 20 to 30 seconds, the system automatically adjusts frequency, distance and level for optimal performance.

The STR-DG920 model will be available in June for about $600, while the STR-DG820 system will be available in May for about $400.

Full HD 1080p and HDMI Connectivity

The new STR-DG720 7.1 channel A/V receiver, with 105 watts of power per channel, features three HDMI inputs that support 1080/60p and 24p video signal pass-through, plus up to eight channels of uncompressed LPCM audio. It work with XM Radio and will be available in March for about $300.

At 100 watts, the STR-DG520 5.1 channel A/V receiver offers two HDMI inputs with 1080/60p and 24p video signal pass-through. It will be available in March for about $200.

Both models include Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (DCAC) technology, Digital Media Port, Digital Cinema Sound processing for studio quality reproduction, and Portable Audio Enhancer.

The new line of A/V receivers will be available through sonystyle.com, at Sony Style retail stores, at military base exchanges and at authorized dealers nationwide.

[Mr. Cinema]

The only Sony receiver I have ever tested was the 910 model and I was impressed with it. The new 820 model sounds great. 4 HDMI + lossless audio decoding for $400? I'm sold.

[miked924]

Yeah they look good, haven't heard too many great things about Sony receivers but I think I'll pick up the 920 when it comes out. Those are great prices for all of them though

[cawgijoe]

If these receivers follow the current ES series which have received good reviews, they should be awesome for the price.

The question is......what corners did they cut versus ES to come down so far in price?

[big angry]

Those sure do look nice........I have been reluctant to replace my older Pioneer receiver but that $400 model seems like a really good deal.

[Fozcycle]

I'm holding an STRD-777ES.......with the dual room capability.....when will these new HDMI capable units offer dual room?

[BruceWayne]

Originally Posted by Fozcycle

I'm holding an STRD-777ES.......with the dual room capability.....when will these new HDMI capable units offer dual room?

I have the 4300 ES, it has dual room.

The 5300 ES has three-room capability.

[The Big Blue]

3300 is 2-room.

[welwynnick]

How ever do they fit in all that functionality at such low prices?

Nick

[Chevypower]

Originally Posted by cawgijoe

The question is......what corners did they cut versus ES to come down so far in price?

Probably compromised on the higher quality components inside it. Could be produced at a lower-end factory to cut costs. It is marketed to people who shop on feature specs. The ES is for audio/videophiles.

[Rabidhunter]

When are these recievers supposed to come out. I see that I can order the 720 on Amazon, but it says that it usually ships within 1-2 months, and the price on the 720 is $399.

[RedSnoddyBLU]

Originally Posted by Rabidhunter

When are these recievers supposed to come out. I see that I can order the 720 on Amazon, but it says that it usually ships within 1-2 months, and the price on the 720 is $399.

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/...tegoryId=27925

The 720 is listed at 299

[bdrex28]

Originally Posted by Rabidhunter

When are these recievers supposed to come out. I see that I can order the 720 on Amazon, but it says that it usually ships within 1-2 months, and the price on the 720 is $399.

I believe the lower priced models come out in the next 1-2 months, where the 820 and 920 come out closer to June/July.

I've been looking at the 920 Sony, the Yahama 663 and the Pioneer 1018

[ILLSQUAD2G]

Hello Mcbain ,

Sony is one of the most overrated receivers in the world. Yes they include all these features but they compromise quality to keep a lower price. You would be better off buying a ONKYO,Yamaha,Denon or Pioneer.

But this is just my 2 cents and if you want to buy a Sony then by all means go and buy a Sony. Just thought you should no what they (Sony) doesnt tell you

I have read "TEST BENCH" results from many magazines and online reviewers including the well known "sound and vision"

The Sony 910 has the worst test results I have ever seen. I dont know how Sony gets away with it and they should by all means be sued by all current owners.

As for its rating of 100 Watts RMS per channel it will only do 100 watts if driving 1 channel. Even the Sony ES series fall short of there specs but at least they have quality components

http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/rec...-receiver.html

Output at clipping (1 kHz into 8/4 ohms)
1 channel driven: 84/138 watts (19.2/21.4 dBW)
5 channels driven (8 ohms): 30 watts (14.8 dBW)*
Distortion at 1 watt (THD+N, 1 kHz, 8 or 4 ohms): 0.02%
Noise level (A-weighted): -75.1 dB
Excess noise (with sine tone)
16-bit (EN16): 1.2 dB
Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz +0, -0.1 dB

*Multichannel tests, regardless of source signal (digital or analog, stereo or multichannel) or decoding modes, caused the STR-DG910 to limit output to about 30 watts or less per channel; see accompanying lab notes. Since the receiver lacks analog multichannel or preamp inputs, direct testing of power-amp channels was not possible

[BigBluu]

What do you guys think the street price will be for the STR-DG820 when it hits the market? Sony's listed price on their website is $399, and available for preorder at that price. Shipping is expected to be around 4/30/08. I'm tempted to sign up for their credit card to get the $100 credit, and preorder the unit, bringing it down to $299. Plus they'll ship free if ordered by 3/31/08. I can't wait much longer to upgrade my receiver to hdmi-compatible.