After much research, this is one of the only economically priced surround-sound amps that decodes the surround-sound information in the amp itself before passing video on up to the TV. Many of the HDMI switching amps out there only switch the video, and do NOT decode surround (due to the DRM encryption on some HDMI signals) only 2ch PCM.
Look over Sony's site, they have alot of good info for this unit. For the price it would be really hard to beat.
Nice Stuff:
-Surround decode from the HDMI sources
-The remote also controls my Sony Blu-ray player
-The Main L-R speaker outs are selectable to use either full range speakers, or small surround speakers
-You can Name all the inputs whatever you want
-For a small home theater, sound quality is good
-auto shut off after 30mins of inactivity
Not so nice stuff
-Only three (3) HDMI inputs, i could have used more for later, but for now all I needed was my DishNetwork box, Xbox and blu-ray
-Only one of the three digital audio inputs (2 optical, 1 coax) is programmable to any input. This would have been nice to be able to assign any of them to the remaining analog video inputs
-Analog video inputs (Wii in my case) do not go out the HDMI output. While I didn't expect this, it would have been a nice touch. As it is I have to change my TV's input to play Wii. This is no biggie, but it would have been nice!
In summary, this is a great replacement amp if you already had an older surround unit, or if you want to pick and chose your speakers. Like I said, it's nice that it has a built in selectable crossover for the main L-R speakers.
My last Sony amplifier has lasted nearly 8 years. The only reason for me to replace it was to make switching video sources easier.
There, this is my 2¢ on the matter Sony STR-DH510 5.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver
Overall this is a great deal for someone looking for a straight-to-the-point, entry level 5.1 system. It doesn't have an onscreen menu, or tons of HDMI ports, but for less than $200, it provides plenty of power and enough options to create an economical yet strong performance package. If you want to make your first jump to intro home theater but don't want to sweat the details, this does the job well. I would consider my setup to be a simple, economical, and practical system for someone looking for a good overall sound without getting too technical or overinvested.
I paired this receiver with an Energy RC Micro 5.1 speaker system and a 40" Sony Bravia LCD in a 14x20 room. (You could always go with cheaper speakers, but if you're going to spend extra anywhere, spend it on the speakers.) I hooked up a BluRay player, HD cable box, Wii, and an iPod dock. The receiver doesn't have lots of inputs - 1 HDMI out and 3 in (most people always want one more than what they have anyway). Extra HDMI's always help with avoiding early obsolescence, but I'm not planning on adding any other devices. If you have multiple game systems and other audio devices you're planning on adding down the road, I would move on to something more advanced. Even if you have an older DVD player, you can hook it up just fine, however HDMI will make your life much easier with this unit. (I originally started with an old compnonent DVD player and then ended up getting a BluRay player - The receiver WILL NOT send the audio through the HDMI OUT to the tv unless you hook up through the HDMI IN. You will have to send an additional audio signal such as optical if you use analog inputs).
Installation was tedious but not terribly difficult. It does not come with a microphone to help calibrate the surround sound balance, but it provides a test tone that you can activate to help you adjust them manually as you listen from your "sweet spot". Again, if you want the bells and whistles, you gotta pay more than $200. The menu on the receiver takes a bit of getting used to, but after playing around, you'll get the hang of it. There are some pretty advanced features as well, such as setting speaker distance and indicating speaker size. I would have liked an EQ with more than just treble and bass. Night mode is a nice feature as well - kind of like a "loudness" button that helps when using at lower volumes, boosting the treble and bass appropriately.
The preset 5.1 surround setting are okay, but who really uses "arena"? Just go out and buy the "live" version and stop annoying your guests. For music, I prefer to listen with a flat EQ anyway and I've kept mine on the recommended setting for daily TV watching and rarely have to touch the thing. However, spend the time to tweak your settings with DVDs and BluRay - You DO get better performance - worth fiddling with the menu before getting the popcorn.
The radio is well, just that - it works just fine, although again, who really puts in 40 presets? I don't know if it saves the settings if the power goes out - I think it does but I'm not really willing to chance it at this point. Reception strength is pretty good.
The iPod dock I hooked up (not included) was a pretty simple connection and integrates nicely. I also hooked up a wireless speaker device (also not included) to a pair of audio outs on the back and now I can fill my first and second floors plus my backyard with whatever my neighbors find most annoying.The remote is very good overall. I also have a Sony TV so the Sync function works very well. This way I rarely have to touch the receiver - the volume adjusts with my cable remote and if I change inputs, it changes the settings accordingly based on what I'm doing. When I don't want all the speakers on, I simply shut off the receiver and the tv automatically reverts to its normal speakers and vice versa. When I turn off the tv, the receiver goes off as well - seamlessly (HUGE PLUS FOR ME HERE). Some of these features might work with non-Sony TVs, but I'm not sure - you'll have to do some research there.
Are their better equipped receivers for more money? Yes. But for someone like me who doesn't need everything they have to offer, I can take that extra money and spend it elsewhere. This model is budget friendly, has solid sound and power, and is fairly straightforward once you learn the menu. I wanted something that would enhance my daily tv viewing, movie watching, and had the versatility for entertaining as well. Plus I wanted something that was simple to use and can become a relatively seamless addtion to my daily routine. I'd actually give it 4 1/2 stars if I could.
PS - Please be aware that hooking up a Wii via HDMI does nothing to enhance the quality of the image or sound, but it did make things much easier to hook up and use on a daily basis.'
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