SONY STR DH820 Black AV Receiver - £199.95 @ amazon/ sold by Richer Sounds
As before, the STRDH820 offers a comprehensive range of Dolby and DTS processors to cover all sources from analogue to HD. Dolby Pro-Logic IIz makes the most of the Sony's 7.2 channels with a spacious, enveloping sound when watching sources such as TV. In addition to the Dolby and DTS processors, Sony has fitted the STR-DH820 with multiple sound field settings. These let you tailor the sound to your exact movie and music requirements.
When it comes to power, the STR-DH820 is 10 watts up on the previous version and all the stronger for it. The 105 watt amplifier is also able to be used in bi-amp configuration for the choice of improved sound quality when listening in stereo or 5.1. For better sound with iPod and MP3 players and Internet radio, the STRDH820 features Digital Legato Linear. This adds warmth and clarity to previously thin-sounding recordings. For added wallop, the STR-DH820 also now comes with twin subwoofer outputs. This allows you to add two subwoofers for greater bass weight and a more even spread of sound around the room.
In terms of picture quality, the Sony STRDH820 benefits greatly from a high quality video up-converter/upscaler - the Faroudja DCDi Edge. This means that any input signal is up-converted to 1080p resolution and outputted via HDMI. Being fully compatible with x.v. Colour, Deep Colour and 24p True Cinema you can be assured that the STRDH820 gets the full potential from any HD source.
As before, the STRDH820 benefits from the latest HDMI sockets. These not only allow for 3D TV pass through but also Audio Return. Audio Return means that just a single HDMI socket from receiver to TV carries both the picture to the TV and the sound back from it - really useful in cutting down the cable clutter! Other improvements include an audio/video zone 2 output - perfect for sound and vision in a second room. There's also a USB connection on the front for hooking up an iPod or iPhone and getting top quality digital sound.
Although technically advanced, setting up requires only a minimum of time. BRAVIA Sync, links to other Sony BRAVIA products via the HDMI to give exceptional ease of use. Advanced Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (DCAC) optimises the settings, including Automatic Phase Matching, to your room's requirements - at the touch of a button.
Designed to match the latest Sony Blu-ray players but equally at home with a wide range of other components the STRDH820 looks smoother and more cleanly styled than before. It's also very easy to navigate your way around both the front panel and the remote control.
With its comprehensive range of enhancements, the Sony STR-DH820 is stronger than ever and looks set to be another AV favourite.
All Comments (10)
Jump to unread Post a Commenta) free delivery
b) dealing directly with Amazon and not a third party - possibly easier to return in case something goes wrong, although looking at the way things are with Amazon lately this is not necessarily certain.
You can do a comparison on the richer sounds website, depends on your budget. If i had £200 i would go for the sony
For the price, you can't go wrong. The smartest purchase I've made in a while.