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Sony STR-DG920 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver - Front View
Sony STR-DG920 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver - Front View
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Sony STR-DG920 Home Theater Receiver with HDMI - Product Profile

From Robert Silva,
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Introduction to the Sony STR-DG920 Home Theater Receiver:

The Sony STR-DG920 Home Theater Receiver offers 7.1 channel audio processing with Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding, four HDMI audio/video inputs with video switching and upscaling, XM Satellite Radio connectivity via optional tuner/antenna, and is iPOD compatible via Digital Media Port. The Sony STR-DG920 has an MSRP of $599. For further details on the features of this receiver, keep reading this product profile.

Video Inputs and Outputs:

The Sony STR-DG920 offers Four HDMI inputs and one output, as well as Three HD Component inputs and one output. There are four Composite Video and two additional analog audio-only inputs, plus a front panel A/V input for connection of an additional source, such as a camcorder. The Sony STR-DG920 also features a VCR/DVR/DVD Recorder connection loop.

The Sony STR-DG920 can also upconvert all standard definition analog video input signals to HDMI video outputs to simplify Receiver connections to an HDTV.

Audio Inputs and Outputs :

The receiver has four digital audio inputs ( Two Coaxial and Two Optical), Analog stereo audio connections for a CD player, a CD or Cassette audio recorder, and a subwoofer preamp output. The STR-DG920 also has a set of 5.1/7.1 channel audio inputs for 5.1 channel DVD-Audio, SACD, Blu-ray, or HD-DVD 5.1/7.1 channel analog audio connection options. The Sony STR-DG920 can also access multi-channel audio via its HDMI 1.3a connections.

NOTE: For vinyl fans, the STR-DG920 is one of the rare home theater receivers in its class to offer a dedicated phono-turntable input.

Audio Features - Sound Processing:

The Sony STR-DG920 features extensive surround sound processing options, including: Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24. Also, DTS Neo:6 and Dolby ProLogic IIx processing enables the Sony STR-DG920 to extract 7.1-channel audio from absolutely any stereo or multichannel source. In addition, the Sony STR-DG920 is also has the ability to decode DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby TrueHD soundtracks on Blu-ray Discs and HD-DVDs via its HDMI 1.3a compatible inputs.

Amplifier Characteristics and Speaker Connections:

The Sony STR-DG920 delivers 110 Watts-per-channel into 8-Ohms (at 1% THD) via its seven internal power amplifiers. The Sony STR-DG920 is up to challege from any source, including SACD and DVD-Audio, Blu-ray Disc, or HD-DVD.

Speaker connections consist of dual banana-plug-compatible multi-way speaker binding posts for all channels.

Video Processing

The Sony STR-DG920 features HDMI pass through of high definition signals up to 1080p. Also, all standard definition video input signals are deinterlaced using and upscaled up to 1080p via the HDMI monitor outputs.

Additional Features - Front Panel Display, OSD, and LFE :

The fluorescent front panel display and Onscreen menu system make setup and operation of the receiver easy and fast. Also featured is an adjustable crossover on the Subwoofer LFE (Low Frequency Effects) pre-out channel.

Additional Features - AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio - Remote Control:

The Sony STR-DG920 not only has the standard AM/FM tuner, but also has built-in XM reception capability. Subscription and optional antenna are required for receiving Sirius or XM Satellite Radio Service. There are also 30 station presets provided that can be used for setting any combination of favorite AM/FM stations. Neural Surround Decoding provided for XH-HD surround signals.

A Wireless Pre-Programmed/learning infrared Remote Control is provided.

Additional Features - iPOD Connectivity, Lip Synch Adjustment:

With the digital media port, and optional accessory dock, you can plug an iPOD into the DG920. Using the wireless remote, you can navigate and access the files stored on your iPod.

In addition, the incorporation of a Lip-Synch/AV Synch adjustment on the Sony STR-DG920 allows the user to compensate for audio/video time discrepancies that may be encountered from various sources.

Additional Features - Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (DCAC):

The Sony STR-DG920 also features an automated speaker setup function called Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (DCAC). By connecting the provided microphone to the Sony STR-DG920 and following the instructions outlined in the user manual, DCAC uses a series of test tones to determine the proper speaker levels, based on how it reads the speaker placement in relation to the acoustical properties of your room. However, keep in mind that you may still have to some minor adjustments manually after the automatic set up is completed in order to conform to you own listening tastes.

Final Take:

Home Theater receivers have definitely evolved, with even mid-priced units incorporating features and performance, in some cases, that did not even exist as recently as a couple of years ago.

With the STR-DG920, Sony has incorporated such features as four HDMI video inputs, HDMI video and audio switching with analog-to-HDMI video conversion and upscaling, advanced HDMI audio capabilities, iPOD compatibility, and XM satellite radio. Also, as link to the past, the STR-DG920 still offers a dedicated phono-turntable input.

However, one feature that is not included on the DG920, that is becoming common in home theater receivers of this class, is either a powered or pre-amp output for Zone 2 operation. This type of feature allows a second source to be controlled by the receiver, for listening in another location, such as second room.

If you are planning to purchase a mid-range home theater receiver, and don't need second zone capability, but want other practical features for the price, then Sony STR-DG920 may deserve your attention.

The Sony STR-DG920 will be available in late May 2008 at a suggested retail price of $599. Compare Prices
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