Sony STRDG820 7.1 Audio Video Receiver - Black

got my STRDG820 yesterday on the mail.
hooked it up and started to watch my blu rays to listen to Dolby True HD and DTS MA

WOW,what an improvement over regular DD5.1
i used my old JVC receiver to power 2 bass shakers i got from parts express

all in all, i gotta say that i am completely happy with this receiver and i recommend it to anyone

I purchased this item at an amazingly low price of $250, free delivery. However, as I will use this item in the Far East, I paid an extra $100 for shipping. This, however, is still of great value as the same item is selling in Hong Kong for around $500 (list price $600). Its 4 HDMI input and HD decoding are what attracted me. Xbox360, Bluray, Cable Box are all attached with ease. Sound quality is good (not amazing). Moreover, there are something that I do not like about it. 1st, ipod dock is not included. 2nd, no upscaling to 1080p. 3rd, I find it unable to receive HDMI signal from my computer. When I attach my computer directly to my Samsung LCD, it works. But when attached to the receiver then LCD, no picture. Do not know why, maybe compatibility problem. Overall speaking, good receiver at its price.

I've read the previous reviews with interest. Most of the reviewers rave about the virtues of this so-called audio equipment by naming the many features it has. If one stopped looking at all the buttons and sat down to listen intently on the sound quality of the receiver, I can't imagine that there would be as many positive reviews. I played several pieces of music, soundtracks, test tracks through this receiver and can positively say that it does not deliver. Yes it produces loud, undistorted sound but no it does not play anything resembling hi fidelity sound. The sound is flat and dull. Save your money and buy something that you can call a stereo equipment. For an extra $400, you can go to the Sony ES series. I did. FYI, I had them hooked up to $1200 speakers and a $600 sub.

I just hooked this system up, and for the money it is a great system. Using the HDMI ports are awesome being that you do not have massive amounts of cables running everywhere. The speakers sound very clear, and I was actually listening to NFL games in surround sound. Also, I do not have to change the input on my tv anymore since it is changed through the receiver. The remote is also programmable , which is a selling point of the STR-DG920, but on this system, I am running my DVD player and TV off of the stock remote. I do agree with other users that the manual could be a little more clear, but I could not be more happier with this receiver. I watchd Transformers with it, and my wife kept complaining about it being too loud. That alone makes it worth it.

I wont even try to replicate Dan's review of this unit....but I will give you my 2cents worth.

If you are looking for a receiver with a myriad of input options and a low price point...this is the unit you need to purchase. 4 - yes 4 HDMI inputs and a variety of other inputs.

The autocalibration feature is amazing, something I have only seen on higher end units. I own a Denon 4308 receiver for my media room and it has Audessey....which is a detailed auto calibration feature. Sony has taken a more simplistic approach and it is VERY effective.

I am using it with 2 x Front Axiom speakers 1 x Center Axiom Speaker, and a self powered Axiom SUB. It took a bit of tweaking but it works great in our family room.

Why go with a low price receiver - simple...it is going to be used 4-8 hours a day and I didnt want to lose an arm and a leg if something went wrong after the warranty period. This price point convinced me that this receiver would be perfect.....and now I must say I am impressed that for $220 you can get all of the features of this.

I also agree with DAN in that you should get a Harmony remote (whatever fits your budget) so that you can give up the Factory Remote that comes with this thing for daily use.

I have one negative - which could be due to setup - but TV sound from my Dish DVR (vip 622 hd receiver) sounds horrible. No bass what so ever...but I fear it is my setup and crossover settings. I will get them right eventually. The blu-ray BASS is perfect - we are watching Get Smart on BD rignt now.

You wont be disappointed with this item.

ps. The HDMI does process audio and video. It does NOT up convert analog signals to hdmi...ie...the WII plugged in analog does not send out video over hdmi....therefore you must plug an analog rca wire from monitor out jack on the receiver to your TV.