Absolute Gadget

Sony cuts the cost of home cinema

Written by Matt Chapman Wednesday, 25 June 2008 01:00

The elves at Sony have been busy working on a new range of AV receivers and the company claims it can offer “advanced home cinema at newly affordable prices”. The three-strong line-up includes the entry level STR-DG520, the midrange STR-DG720 and the range-topping STR-DG820.

All three receivers support 1080p 24fps True Cinema, while the STR-DG820 also brings Full HD audio capability to even more users thanks to its onboard Dolby True HD/DTS Master Audio decoders.

Four HDMI v1.3 inputs and one output support Deep Colour and x.v. Colour, while Digital Cinema Auto Calibration offers “fast, simple and accurate automatic set-up”.

All three receivers also offer Digital Cinema EX processing for more immersive surround effects and Sony’s DM Port for fast hook-up of portable and personal music players, wi-fi networks and Bluetooth.

STR-DG820
Sitting at the top of the range, this incorporates many features previously only available on much more expensive products, including HD Audio decoding and full 1080/24P video support with Deep Colour and x.v.Colour compatibility.

It can decode both Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio, as well as all the legacy Dolby and DTS audio formats. And for players outputting these soundtracks as Linear PCM, such as the PlayStation 3, the STR-DG820 can handle eight-channel Linear PCM audio, too.

STR-DG720
Sitting below the STR-DG820 in the new range, the STR-DG720 has a three-in/one-out HDMI repeater with support for 1080/24P video and x.v.Colour, and can accept HD multichannel HD audio as eight-channel Linear PCM.

This value for money 7 x 100W receiver also has Digital Cinema Auto Calibration and Bravia Sync to simplify set-up and operation, Cinema Studio EX processing, and can decode Dolby Digital EX and DTS-ES soundtracks.

Completing the specification is Sony’s Digital Media Port for the connection of external music players.

STR-DG520
The simplest receiver in the new range is also designed to sell at a price enabling it to bring an exciting home cinema experience to entry-level buyers.

The STR-DG520 has a two-in/one out HDMI switcher with 1080/24P pass-through, Digital Cinema Auto Calibration, Cinema Studio EX processing and Sony’s Digital Media Port. It delivers 5 x 100W.

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