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The STR-DG820 7.1 Ch. A/V Receiver delivers the Full HD 1080 experience to a home theater system. This new 1080p A/V Receiver features HDMI with "Active Intelligence", plus x.v.Color and 1080/24p signal capability. In addition to decoding uncompressed audio (LPCM via HDMI), the STR-DG820 decodes the latest audio formats from Dolby Labs and DTS making this model fully compatible with Blu-ray Disc. Now, you can hear the original mix of your favorite BD titles regardless of audio format. Need more HDMI inputs? The STR-DG820 features four HDMI inputs that allows for more HD content to be connected. Looking for simplicity? BRAVIA Sync provides a one button operation (via HDMI) of your entire A/V experience with a select number of BRAVIA televisions. Because no room is perfect, Sony's Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (and its supplied microphone) simplifies speaker set up and optimizes speaker performance with the push of one button in just 30 seconds. This full featured A/V Receiver expands its ability to playback music from various audio sources (i.e. iPod, Walkman, PC, etc…) with the DIGITAL MEDIA PORT and one of the various accessories (sold separately). Would you like to listen to satellite radio? The XM Connect-and-Play Ready feature provides the ability to access XM satellite radio programming in surround sound.
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Technical Details
- 7.1 Channel Audio/Video Receiver- 100 Watts X 7 Amplifier Power (8 ohms, 1Khz, 1.0% THD)
- Accepts 1080/60p and 24p video signal via HDMI
- HDMI Active Intelligence: 4 in/1 out(Video and Audio)
- Optimized for Blu-ray Disc and other HD Sources
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By Teamplay69
Love the receiver. Sound is perfect for what I like. The max volume is a pinch weak, is the only flaw. I have a PS3 I use and the sound is great, works well with a Blue Ray DVD.
By Frank W. Montesano
Product came on time as advertised. Features are great. Compared to my last receiver this one is a little more complicated to set up and adjust but the sound is very good.
By Mick (Doylestown, PA)
I absolutely love this receiver. The supplied microphone and automatic sound calibration is fantastic. The only thing I wish it had was an on-screen menu and on-screen adjustments and selections. For the money, it is a great buy!
By A. Dent (Minas Anor, GD)
I would not call myself a super-sophisticated audiophile but we do listen to music, play games, watch HD TV and Blu-ray movies and, occasionally, we listen to the radio. Our new acquisition - this Sony STRDG820 - we credit with enhancing all of the above and it does it (with some help - see below) for a VERY low price, considering the features, half of which I will probably never use.
QUICK EVALUATION
This is my quick evaluation, on Amazon's 1-5 stars scale. I will enter the 'star value' first for the sake of a better alignment:
- 5.0 - Packaging. Nothing to complain, really. All was there (batteries included), well cushioned and protected and easy to get at.
- 3.0 - Physical design and ergonomics. It's boxy and the buttons aren't that intuitive either on the receiver's face or on the remote. This in contrast to the nicely done I/O ports layout on the back.
- 5.0 - Physical setup. Easy. All inputs and outputs, and there are many, are logically grouped and easy to locate.
- 4.0 - Logical setup. Relatively easy. Auto calibration is available for the speakers, for example, but coming back later and customizing everything manually is HIGHLY recommended. The receiver doesn't know whether speakers are attached and it must be 'told' and, as I am currently waiting for a new set of speakers, it doesn't know that I don't have a woofer (the one that I have is not compatible with this receiver).
- 3.0 - Operation. This is where 'help' came from a Logitech Harmony Universal Remote. The supplied remote control does the job but, with so many functions and jammed onto that little magic wand, almost everything requires several button pushes, and they had to be the 'right' buttons in the right sequences - see the manual.
- 4.5 - Versatility. This is based on my limited experience. I am trying to be 'all-HDMI' but my satellite receiver had a port problem and, until it was replaced, I had to output it to the receiver through component video and a Toslink cable for sound. Easier done than said, literally. When the Satellite box was replaced, changing the configuration was as easy as unplugging the component/Toslink cables and plugging in the HDMI. Certain options such as XM radio or iPod interfacing may require additional hardware. Speakers can be configured in many different ways.
- 5.0 - Video output. It's simply superb - 1080p without breaking a sweat. I only tested input through component and HDMI and it's perfect, including the lip sync part.
- 5.0 - Audio output. Meets and exceeds expectations. There are many bells and whistles (read the specs) and careful, manual calibration and setup can produce one's dream sound system, for less.
- 4.5 - Power. It's adequate for our large room.
- 4.0 - Value. Competition is tough in the field and there are alternatives priced within Sony's ballpark.
Overall rating: 4 stars.
WHAT YOU GET
- The STRDG820 AV receiver body itself
- Remote control (with batteries)
- AM and FM antennas
- Manual in English (100+ pages)
- Manual in Spanish (100+ pages)
- Warranty papers, disclaimers, warnings, etc.
PRACTICAL CONCERNS
As I mentioned above, the remote is not exactly the best layout, most intuitive control device once can think of. Pre-setting a radio station, for example, can't be done unless one studies the manual and this is true for many operations and functions. I understand that the initial setup, calibration and fine-tuning should be done with a manual nearby but most of us don't expect to need it when we want to listen to the radio or to switch from TV to DVD. In my case, all it was made VERY easy because we already had a Logitech Harmony 900 Remote Control (Black) (and most other Harmony models should do the job) but, considering that the Harmony costs more than the receiver itself, this may not be a good option for everybody.
Another issue was the woofer. The one we had attached to our pre-existing Bravia system was the kind that was powered by the receiver and was connecting through 'normal' speaker wires. It is not supported by the 820. We were ordering new speakers anyway - an Onkyo set, actually :) - so this is not a big concern to us but it's worth mentioning.
There's not much to say at this time other than READ THE MANUAL. As inexpensive as it is, relatively speaking, this is a very complex piece of entertainment hardware and it just can't be 'winged'. It is possible to have it output some decent sound just by connecting speaker, running the auto-calibration and plugging in a couple of wires but that would only give you a 'good' system and it would be a shame since this can be fine-tuned into a GREAT system.
By James Beard (Greeley, CO USA)
[...] The so-called "universal" remote and the component managing system are great pluses, IF you buy only Sony products. The optional iPod media connector is insanely priced at $[...]! Other electronics manufacturers either build it into the component, or sell you one for 50-60 bucks. An electronics hacker could kludge one up with parts from Radio Shack for under $20.
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