The Sony STR-DA5300ES thread

[ryarber]

Elevate your home entertainment experience to amazing new levels with the STR-DA5300ES ES 7.1 A/V receiver. No matter what the source, this receiver integrates the latest audio and video technologies while making operations simple and easy to follow. Utilizing Sony's Xross Media Bar™ inspired Graphic User Interface with Faroudja® DCDi™ Cinema Technology, the STR-DA5300ES can upscale all video sources to 1080p in an intuitive environment for even the most novice user. It features BRAVIA® Theatre Sync™ for one-touch play of select Sony HDMI™ components and can easily connect to optional Digital Media Port accessories to expand your listening choices. Video support meets the needs of today?s high-definition content, with both 1080/60p and 24p video formats, Deep Color, x.v.Color (xvYCC), and 6 HDMI™ inputs. The STR-DA5300ES also brings you the best of high-definition audio with support of the latest high-fidelity audio formats, including Dolby® TrueHD and DTS® HD Master Audio.

XMB™ inspired graphic user interface
Yes

Faroudja® DCDi™ Cinema Up Scaling Technology
Yes

BRAVIA® Theatre Sync
Yes

DIGITAL MEDIA PORT
Yes

120 Watts X 7 Power Amplifier (8 ohms, 20Hz - 20kHz, 0.09% THD)
Yes

HDMI "Active Intelligence1" (6 inputs/1 output)
Yes

2nd Room HD video distribution via component video
Yes

Picture-in-Picture for Monitoring Multi-Zone Output or External Video Source
Yes

Optimized for Blu-ray Disc™ and other HD sources3
Yes

Accepts x.v.Color (xvYCC) and Deep Color4
Yes

Accepts 1080/60p and 24p video signal via HDMI
Yes

Accepts 8ch linear PCM, Dolby Digital +, Dolby TruHD and DTS HD via HDMI3
Yes

Video up-scaling to HDMI (up to 1080p) 1
Yes

Digital Cinema™ Auto Calibration with stereo mic
Yes

Sirius® and XM Connect-and- Play™ Ready4 with Neural 5.1 Surround3
Yes

Portable Audio Enhancer
Yes

Optimized for Blu-ray DiscTM and Other HD Sources1
The STR-DA5300ES is engineered to be the ideal Blu-ray Disc® A/V receiver, fully compatible with Sony® family of Blu-ray Disc Players. Superior video switching and audio performance ensure seamless compatibility with today's demanding HD sources. The STR-DA5300ES features up to six High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI™) inputs which are capable of accepting resolutions up to 1080p, offering the full video quality that Blu-ray Disc® format can deliver.

Up to 8 channels of Linear PCM audio plus Dolby Labs® (Dolby Digital +/Dolby TruHD) and dts® (DTS HD
The STR-DA5300ES offers full compatibility with Blu-ray Disc® format's linear PCM (uncompressed) output, producing up to eight channels of "high quality" audio reproduction. The STR-DA5300ES also has the ability to support the latest audio formats from Dolby Labs® (Dolby Digital Plus/Dolby TruHD) and dts®(DTS HD).

HDMI "Active Intelligence"
The receiver can detect and receive the best possible video and audio signals from all connected devices-making connection and performance as simple as plugging in a single wire. Sony's HDMI "Active Intelligence," produces both audio and video through one HDMI cable.

Faroudja® DCDi CINEMA Chipset for Up Scaling to 1080p
IC processor developed by Faroudja®, and first used by Sony, which will up scale and up convert all video signals (less than 1080p) to 1080p via HDMI2. This chipset corrects image jaggedness; reduces block noise and reproduces true to original colors. The end result is a beautiful and smooth high definition image.

Cross Media Bar Inspired Graphic User Interface
An on-screen menu system that simplifies the most complex operations of an A/V receiver for home theater applications. This advanced menu system incorporates icons, an easy to follow "tree" system and a blending technique so users know exactly where they are amongst the various settings while still watching their main video source (up to 1080i). Enhancements made to this year's menu include access to DIGITAL MEDIA PORT accessories, the ability to assign HDMI inputs and independent A/V sync control for each input. It's simple. Just pick up the remote and whole new experience will be revealed.

HDMI Up Scaling2
Video sources connected via composite, S-video and component cables can not only be up converted to a HDMI™ video output but can also be up scaled from its native signal to 1080p (i.e. 480i to 1080p) thus minimizing the number of connections needed from the receiver to the television display. HDMI supports resolutions up to 1080p and enables both HD video and uncompressed streaming audio to be transmitted through a single cable.

Down Conversion
Component and S-video sources can be down converted to lower resolution outputs, thus customizing video connectivity to home theater requirements from a single source. Also, both receivers can take HD sources from component video and down convert the signal for use with composite or S-Video ouputs. This is ideal for distributing video through multiple rooms with less wires.

Picture-in-Picture for Monitoring Multi-Zone Output or External Video Source-2
Enjoy the convenience of picture-in-picture capabilities in the ES 7.1 Channel A/V Receiver; another benefit of the Faroudja® DCDi CINEMA chipset. With an additional video input, a customer can connect a baby monitor or security camera and monitor room activity or view a 2nd video source while still watching their main video source.

2nd Room HD via Component Video
Enjoy the convenience and flexibility of distributing high definition content to another room in your home. Ideal for rooms where full size components can not be accommodated. In addition, enjoy your favorite HD programs and movies in another room of your home.

Digital Cinema Auto Calibration-2
An ideal listening experience is only a button away. Simply place the included microphone in your listening position, push a single button and speaker position, distance and delays are automatically calibrated. Sony's Digital Signal Processing uses feedback between the microphone and receiver to optimize sound settings.

Sirius and XM Connect-and-Play™ Ready3 with Neural Surround
A world of digital radio at your fingertips. Connect the optional antenna for either Sirius and/or XM subscription service and enjoy the variety and quality of digital radio with the superior sound quality of an A/V receiver. In addition to stereo, you can enjoy 5.1 surround broadcasting. XM radio is a satellite radio service that provides pay-for-service radio, analogous to cable television.

Portable Audio Enhancer-2
The ES 7.1 A/V Receivers are ideal for today's portables. A powerful Digital Signal Processor expands the quality of sound from any connected device. Simplified front-side audio and video connections make it easy to play portables through the receiver.

HDMI™ Output with 720P/1080i and 1080p upscaling of DVD Media4
Reads the data on a standard DVD at 480P and maximizes the video resolution to best fit your HDMI compatible TV. The DVP-NS77H takes it a step further and allows for DVD Media to be upscaled to 1080p. Overall, this allows for you to enjoy the best in video performance while delivering digital video and audio over one simple cable.

Precision Cinema Progressive™ Technology
Many other DVD players detect image changes at the Scan line level-Sony's Precision Cinema Progressive (PCP) system detects them at the Pixel level. The picture is more faithful to the source-whether film or video-because separate, optimized algorithms are used to handle the differing Pixel behavior. Separate algorithms are also used to process the moving and still parts of an image, resulting in sharp backgrounds with moving objects that are virtually free from motion artifacts.

SA-CD Playback5
Musicians, recording engineers, magazine reviewers and audiophiles agree. Super Audio CD brings you closer to music in its most natural form, compared to conventional digital sources.

MP3 Playback5
Playing MP3 Music on a Sony DVD Player or DVD Recorder is easy. Just insert an MP3 encoded disc and press MENU. A blue screen pops up to display your folders. Scroll down the list using the remote or front panel cursor control to select the folder you want. The green files screen pops up to show the files in the selected folder. Select the file you want to hear and you're done. Finding music couldn't be easier.

Link to Sony Style website with product info

Link to cnet review

STR DA5300ES manual

[NickFoley]

It's looking really good. I hope that it comes out in August instead of September. We'll have to wait and see though.

[bommai]

cnet gave it a favorable review too.

[phipp01]

You should have put "Official" in the thread title

[adyc]

anybody has a link to the manual?

[ryarber]

I haven't seen a manual yet.

[TheMoose]

Originally Posted by ryarber

DIGITAL MEDIA PORT
Yes

Memory card reader?
USB port for thumb drive?

Anyone have a good blow up of the rear panel?

From CNET
Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding cannot be used with current crop of high-definition video players.

Does that include the PS3 since it's HDMI 1.3?

[ryarber]

Originally Posted by TheMoose

Memory card reader?
USB port for thumb drive?

I think that is the place where the iPod dock plugs in.

Originally Posted by TheMoose

Anyone have a good blow up of the rear panel?

there is a low res picture on the cnet review page (linked above).

[TheMoose]

Originally Posted by ryarber

I think that is the place where the iPod dock plugs in.



there is a low res picture on the cnet review page (linked above).

Ipod!!
Not interested in compressed to an inch of it's life music!!

The CNET pic isn't really big enough for my eyes!!

[grubavs]

No REON!

[Zzz..oltan!]

6 HDMI ins. Finally somebody got it right.

[Zzz..oltan!]

Originally Posted by grubavs

No REON!

Not dealbreaker if that Faroudja is a later generation chip and is implemented correctly. (Both of my displays are 720p, so don't care of the lack of quality 1080 upconversion either...)

It would be interesting to know the exact score of the Silicon Optics test. Hope is is above a hundred... (the CNET review is kinda vague.)

[TheMoose]

Originally Posted by Zzz..oltan!

6 HDMI ins. Finally somebody got it right.

I've been looking closely at the HDMI 1.3 receivers & this is now on the top of my list!!


On the Digital media port if I'd have read the entire CNET review I'd have found this,

The STR-DA5300ES is also equipped with Sony's Digital Media (DM) Port, a proprietary connection that allows you to connect one of (currently) four Sony accessories, which range in price from $80 to $200: the TDM-NC1 (a Wi-Fi music streamer), the TDM-BT1 (a Bluetooth adapter), the TDM-NW1 (a dock for certain Sony Walkman MP3 models), and the TDM-IP1 (an iPod dock).

[TheMoose]

Originally Posted by phipp01

You should have put "Official" in the thread title

That should wait for someone to actually buy one!

[Maxx_75]

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Please use the thread already open on this topic. It has all the info you require.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...4#post11123674

[phipp01]

Originally Posted by TheMoose

That should wait for someone to actually buy one!

Like that has ever stopped anyone on this forum from doing that
Plus it was a joke you dont like it skip over it or put me on your ignore list

[phipp01]

Originally Posted by Maxx_75

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Please use the thread already open on this topic. It has all the info you require.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...4#post11123674

He started this thread for the 5300 specifically. Not to request specs. I see no problem with that unlike the 15 "pick a receiver for me" threads that get started daily

[bwclark]

Originally Posted by TheMoose

The CNET pic isn't really big enough for my eyes!!

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...&#post11113156

[Zzz..oltan!]

Yeah I think the "requested specs" thread should be renamed otherwise people won't know that it is dedicated to the 5300ES. OR, people could just migrate to this, properly named thread...

I looked at the pics and still couldn't answer the following: how many subwoofer outs are there on the back of 5300??

[rizzxx7]

is anyone seeing this on pre-orders yet? I just got the 5200 and will probably return it for this.

[NickFoley]

SonyStyle is the only one so far.

It should be on Crutchfield soon because the 5200 was removed.

[rizzxx7]

just pre-ordered mine from *******, the 5200 is going back!!!!

[phipp01]

Originally Posted by Maxx_75

.
.
.
.
Please use the thread already open on this topic. It has all the info you require.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...4#post11123674

AHHHHH I get it now old Maxx started that thread and someone stole his thunder by putting 5300es in the thread title The green eyed monster rears its ugly head

[Ken Ross]

Originally Posted by grubavs

No REON!

Welcome to the new breed of receivers...with the exception of 2 Onkyos and 1 Denon, you won't find the Reon in any receiver at any price that I'm aware of. On the other hand CNET specifically mentioned how good all of the video processing was in the new Sony, so I'm wondering how important the Reon is afterall.

[ryarber]

I don't know of any Denons that have a Reon. The 5308 is supposed to have a Realta, not a Reon.

[stevesns69]

Anybody have any information on which Faroudja® DCDi™ chip is used in this? I think the XMB menu on this is going to be the best for any receiver out there, but I'm waiting on an Onkyo 875 that has already been ordered. It's a shame that Sony is so slow at getting out their HDMI 1.3 AVRs.

Funny story, I had an electronics salesman at some B&M try and sell me a Sony 5200 and said it was an HDMI 1.3 compliant receiver. I laughed at him and told him he better do some homework before telling that to customers. I think is made him mad, but he knew he wasn't getting a commission anyway.

This receiver looks pretty tempting, but I've never had THX and I like the Reon in my Toshiba XA2 HD DVD and what it does for SD DVDs, so it has to be good for satellite SD channels. I guess I'll put the Onkyo through it's paces and if it doesn't make me happy then I'm getting the 5300ES. I'm retiring the Sony 9000ES. It gave me years of good service, but 5.1 is old news. I can't wait to see the XMB on this thing. I will envy you folks that are getting this for that.

[G-force]

I know looks are not what should be important in an AV receiver, and I do really like Sony, but DAMN that thing is ugly to look at.

[rizzxx7]

they all pretty much look the same to me....

[Ken Ross]

Originally Posted by ryarber

I don't know of any Denons that have a Reon. The 5308 is supposed to have a Realta, not a Reon.

You are correct, it's the same manufacturer but a higher quality level.

[rizzxx7]

[quote=ryarber]

Cross Media Bar Inspired Graphic User Interface
An on-screen menu system that simplifies the most complex operations of an A/V receiver for home theater applications. This advanced menu system incorporates icons, an easy to follow "tree" system and a blending technique so users know exactly where they are amongst the various settings while still watching their main video source (up to 1080i). Enhancements made to this year's menu include access to DIGITAL MEDIA PORT accessories, the ability to assign HDMI inputs and independent A/V sync control for each input. It's simple. Just pick up the remote and whole new experience will be revealed.

HDMI Up Scaling2
Video sources connected via composite, S-video and component cables can not only be up converted to a HDMI™ video output but can also be up scaled from its native signal to 1080p (i.e. 480i to 1080p) thus minimizing the number of connections needed from the receiver to the television display. HDMI supports resolutions up to 1080p and enables both HD video and uncompressed streaming audio to be transmitted through a single cable.

Does this mean the 5300 can upscale and upconvert even hdmi sources? this reciever better be able to get the OSD over HD sources unlike the 5200