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Sony's New Lineup! (DG520, DG720, DG820, DG920) W/Pics!

post #1 of 2224
2/26/08 at 6:27am
Thread Starter 
*Update - 3/5/09
Link - Sony's New 2009 Lineup! w/Video & Pics! (DH100, DH500, DH700, DH800, DN1000)

Sony just announced there new lineup!

The STR-DG520



Key features of the Sony STR-DG520:

5.1 channels, 100 watts of power
Two HDMI inputs
Supports 1080p pass-through at 60 and 24 frames per second
Available in March for about $200


The STR-DG720



Step-up features on the STR-DG720:

7.1 channels, 105 watts of power
Three HDMI inputs
Can handle eight channels of LPCM audio
XM-ready
Available in March for about $300


The STR-DG820



Step-up features on the STR-DG820:

7.1 channels, 110 watts of power
Four HDMI inputs
Onboard decoding for Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-High Resolution Audio and DTS-HD Master Audio
Supports x.v.Color
XM-ready with Neural Surround Sound
Includes a Sony Digital Media Port
Available in May for about $400


The STR-DG920



Step-up features on the STR-DG920:

Upscales analog signals up to 1080p over its HDMI output
Features icon-driven menu system, possibly similar to what we've seen on the STR-DA5300ES
Supports x.v.Color and Deep Color
Available in June for about $600


Link: http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9878133-1.html

Link: http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/02/26...k-rack-system/


Guess who is returning there DG910 tonight.
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post #2 of 2224
2/26/08 at 6:42am
The 820 and 920 sound good. 4 HDMI is a nice feature.
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post #3 of 2224
2/26/08 at 7:55am
Thread Starter 
Found the press release more info.

NEW SONY 1080P AUDIO/VIDEO RECEIVERS MANAGE HIGH-DEFINITION HOME THEATER DEMANDS

Models Optimized for Latest HD Sources and Simple Connectivity


LAS VEGAS, Feb. 26, 2008 - Providing a simplified approach to high-definition home theater management, Sony today unveiled a line of four A/V receivers offering high-definition performance, easy set-up and control through a unique icon-driven menu system.

Each of the new models simplify home theater operation by serving as a central hub for audio and HD video home theater components, converging all sources to one HDMI output from the receiver to the display.

Designed for optimal high-definition home theater performance, the models include such features as 1080/24p True Cinema video pass-through, advanced audio codec support, and upscaling of all standard definition video sources to 1080p via HDMI when connected to a 1080p-capable HDTV set.

Our new line of A/V receivers serve as the heart of any high-definition home theater system by synchronizing all audio and HD video sources to deliver a smooth, high quality home theater experience, said Brennan Mullin, vice president for audio products for Sony Electronics' Digital Imaging and Audio Division. The new receivers offer an easy and affordable solution to complete the important second half of the high-definition equation - cinematic surround sound that complements the picture.

Optimized High-Definition Support


The new STR-DG920 and STR-DG820 7.1 channel A/V receivers offer 110 watts of power per channel and are equipped to support the latest in high-definition formats with 1080/60p and 24p True Cinema video signal pass-through.

Featuring four HDMI inputs, the models support the latest audio formats - Dolby® Digital Plus, Dolby® TrueHD, dts® High Resolution Audio and dts® HD Master Audio. The models also support x.v.Color technology (xvYCC) which offers a wider spectrum of colors from source to receiver to an x.v.Color-compliant HDTV.

Additionally, the STR-DG920 model supports Deep Color for greater color depth on compatible televisions and upscales standard-definition video content to 1080p via HDMI with a 1080p-capable HDTV set. The model features an icon-driven menu system for simple device and content navigation.

Also included is Sony's Digital Media Port. This adds networking and connectivity to the AV receivers for music playback from various sources with optional accessories, including audio cradles compatible with select Walkman® players and iPod® products, a PC client device and a Bluetooth® adapter. Once the accessory is connected, the device can be powered and controlled by the receiver for enhanced home theater experience.

An upgraded Portable Audio Enhancer improves the clarity and depth of any connected digital music player by adding information to the audio signal that had been removed during compression for an improved audio experience. Additionally, the units are XM Connect-and-Play ready with 5.1 Neural Surround Sound.

The models incorporate Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (DCAC) for simplified multi-channel surround sound setup. In about 20 to 30 seconds, the system automatically adjusts frequency, distance and level for optimal performance.

The STR-DG920 model will be available in June for about $600, while the STR-DG820 system will be available in May for about $400.


Full HD 1080p and HDMI Connectivity


The new STR-DG720 7.1 channel A/V receiver, with 105 watts of power per channel, features three HDMI inputs that support 1080/60p and 24p video signal pass-through, plus up to eight channels of uncompressed LPCM audio. It work with XM Radio and will be available in March for about $300.

At 100 watts, the STR-DG520 5.1 channel A/V receiver offers two HDMI inputs with 1080/60p and 24p video signal pass-through. It will be available in March for about $200.

Both models include Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (DCAC) technology, Digital Media Port, Digital Cinema Sound processing for studio quality reproduction, and Portable Audio Enhancer.

The new line of A/V receivers will be available through sonystyle.com, at Sony Style retail stores, at military base exchanges and at authorized dealers nationwide.
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post #4 of 2224
2/26/08 at 8:05am
Wow glad I didn't pull the trigger on the Yamaha pre-order, FYI I asked JR.com about these and they said they should have some info in April.
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post #5 of 2224
2/26/08 at 8:35am
Does the 820 have pre-outs? If so then that one is definitely a close competitor to the Yammie RX-V663 pre-order I just placed. I am partial to Yamaha though. If they are equivalent(same price also) then I will go for the Yamaha.
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post #6 of 2224
2/26/08 at 8:41am
Will pre-outs allow me to hook up my Bose 901's and equalizer?
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post #7 of 2224
2/26/08 at 8:49am
Thread Starter 
may sound like a dumb question but what is a pre-out?
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post #8 of 2224
2/26/08 at 9:10am
Does it appear that the STR-DG820 is comparable to the Yamaha RX-V663 and the STR-DG920 is comparable to the Yamaha RX-V863? With the Sony being 100-300 cheaper?
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post #9 of 2224
2/26/08 at 9:17am
Quote:
Originally Posted by gamegod2x View Post

may sound like a dumb question but what is a pre-out?

They are outputs(RCA'a) that allow you to hook up to an external amp.
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post #10 of 2224
2/26/08 at 9:24am
These look very tempting in terms of price/feature set, but how's the sound quality been on Sony receivers in the past couple years? From what I've read...not so hot. But those opinions might be colored by the general anti-Sony bias on AV boards.
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post #11 of 2224
2/26/08 at 10:27am
Would the fact that the 820 & 920 decode TrueHD and DTS-HD have any benefit if you are using a PS3 for your blu-ray player?
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post #12 of 2224
2/26/08 at 10:41am
Quote:
Originally Posted by LRZNole View Post

Would the fact that the 820 & 920 decode TrueHD and DTS-HD have any benefit if you are using a PS3 for your blu-ray player?

None at all since the PS3 cannot bitstream the HD codecs to the receiver for decoding. Not to worry though, it's much more likely that the PS3
will get DTS-MA decoding in the future now that the Sony 550 BD player will have it in the Fall @ $500. It already decodes TrueHD already.
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post #13 of 2224
2/26/08 at 10:55am
The STR-DG920 looks very nice to me, especially if the upscaling is as good as it's being made out to be.
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post #14 of 2224
2/26/08 at 11:03am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mpgxsvcd View Post

Does the 820 have pre-outs? If so then that one is definitely a close competitor to the Yammie RX-V663 pre-order I just placed. I am partial to Yamaha though. If they are equivalent(same price also) then I will go for the Yamaha.

I doubt it.
The 810 and 910 didn't, so unless Sony realized it would be worthwhile, my guess is probably not.

The 820 seems to be the real game-changer, offering 4 HDMI inputs and decoding of the new hi-def audio formats for $400.

Dammit, just when I had gotten off the 910 train and onto the Onkyo 605, Sony comes out with these and Pioneer came out with their 1018.
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post #15 of 2224
2/26/08 at 11:04am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mpgxsvcd View Post

Does the 820 have pre-outs? If so then that one is definitely a close competitor to the Yammie RX-V663 pre-order I just placed. I am partial to Yamaha though. If they are equivalent(same price also) then I will go for the Yamaha.

Ya know I didn't think about that on the Yamaha, I looked on Sony's site for the 810/910 and it doesn't look like they have pre-outs, haven't found any more info on the 820/920 though.
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post #16 of 2224
2/26/08 at 11:16am
Quote:
Originally Posted by BD006 View Post

I doubt it.
The 810 and 910 didn't, so unless Sony realized it would be worthwhile, my guess is probably not.

The 820 seems to be the real game-changer, offering 4 HDMI inputs and decoding of the new hi-def audio formats for $400.

Dammit, just when I had gotten off the 910 train and onto the Onkyo 605, Sony comes out with these and Pioneer came out with their 1018.

4 HDMI inputs is a nice feature. However, it is not essential to me. Pre-outs are essential though! That is why the Yamaha RX-V663 still seems like a better deal to me. By the way the V663 is actually the same price as the Sony 820 on pre-order!
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post #17 of 2224
2/26/08 at 11:18am
Thread Starter 
Just got back from circuit city, got my refund for the DG910

Now i just sit and wait
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post #18 of 2224
2/26/08 at 11:31am
Quote:
Originally Posted by DasRaven View Post

None at all since the PS3 cannot bitstream the HD codecs to the receiver for decoding. Not to worry though, it's much more likely that the PS3
will get DTS-MA decoding in the future now that the Sony 550 BD player will have it in the Fall @ $500. It already decodes TrueHD already.

In my case then it would be okay to get a "lesser" model that can just passthrough the advanced audio codecs? I only have enough room for a 5.1 setup and I am trying to consider what would be best for me.

Thanks.
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post #19 of 2224
2/26/08 at 11:57am
Quote:
Originally Posted by LRZNole View Post

In my case then it would be okay to get a "lesser" model that can just passthrough the advanced audio codecs? I only have enough room for a 5.1 setup and I am trying to consider what would be best for me.

Thanks.

It would be OK to get the 720 instead of the 820/920 since the PS3 outputs LPCM from its HDMI port. The 520's HDMI probably couldn't handle that.
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post #20 of 2224
2/26/08 at 12:07pm
Thanks for the help.
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post #21 of 2224
2/26/08 at 12:17pm
Thread Starter 
If anyone finds pics of the back of the reciever or biger pictures let me know. I want to see these up close.
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post #22 of 2224
2/26/08 at 12:46pm
I am new to all this and am debating whether to buy the 910 now or wait 4 months (and pay about $200 more) for the 920. My immediate need is HDMI switching capaibioity for my new TV. Here is my system:

Panasonic 58 inch 1080p plasma (via HDMI)
Directv HD-DVR (over HDMI)
Sony DVD player (over component to receiver)
Blu-Ray (over HDMI) (Future--once the new generation comes out this Spring)
VCR

I have a three year old son so a game console will be in my future in a few years.

So my thinking is as follows:

Reasons to get the 910:
-3 HDMI inputs are probably sufficient
-I won't need new audio codec decoders since any Blu Ray I get will do this already
-I won't really need upscaling capability if I get a Blu Ray with this upconversion capability
-immediate gratification
-save money

Reasons to wait:
-GUI interface
-upscaling to 1080p would be nice
-XM ready

So, here are my questions: what am I missing? Are there reason to wait that I am missing?
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post #23 of 2224
2/26/08 at 12:47pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by azblanchards View Post

I am new to all this and am debating whether to buy the 910 now or wait 4 months (and pay about $200 more) for the 920. My immediate need is HDMI switching capability for my new TV. Here is my system:

Reasons to get the 910:
-3 HDMI inputs are probably sufficient
-I won't need new audio codec decoders since any Blu Ray I get will do this already
-I won't really need upscaling capability if I get a Blu Ray with this upconversion capability
-immediate gratification
-save money

Reasons to wait:
-GUI interface
-upscaling to 1080p would be nice
-XM ready

So, here are my questions: what am I missing? Are there reason to wait that I am missing?

Well, I think you're missing that if you like the 910, the 820 is a no-brainer. The 820 has an additional HDMI, and adds HD Decoding for $100 less than the 910.

The only question I have is if the 820 will do analog -> HDMI passthrough (could care less about upscaling). If you can route component signals through HDMI on that, I think I'm set for life!
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post #24 of 2224
2/26/08 at 1:01pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by jvarisco View Post

Well, I think you're missing that if you like the 910, the 820 is a no-brainer. The 820 has an additional HDMI, and adds HD Decoding for $100 less than the 910.

The only question I have is if the 820 will do analog -> HDMI passthrough (could care less about upscaling). If you can route component signals through HDMI on that, I think I'm set for life!

I wonder about the componet through HDMI as well, it was great having all my video going to my tv with just one HDMI cable.
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post #25 of 2224
2/26/08 at 1:14pm
I have to admit that I think Sony has one of the nicest looking receivers in the "affordable" market. No opinion on quality, but they sure look good.

In the good old days the mid level (400+) Sony receivers seemed to have amplification that was comparable to Denon and Onkyo, but fell far short of the under-rated output from brands like NAD and HK. I wonder if that's still the same.
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post #26 of 2224
2/26/08 at 1:15pm
820 sounds great, especially since with 4 HDMIs, I wont need the upscaling feature.

My question is whether the Deep Color is worth waiting or getting a more expensive receiver. My TV supports it, but does this mean that only the 920 will pass it thru? Also, does the 820 have HDMI 1.3? And what about CEC, thats a pretty cool feature (At least coupled with my TV).

I know deep color is not yet used, but having a PS3 and a TV that supports it (Samsung LCD), I imagine that I would like to take full advantage of it if it became a used feature.
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post #27 of 2224
2/26/08 at 1:21pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by andydumi View Post

820 sounds great, especially since with 4 HDMIs, I wont need the upscaling feature.

My question is whether the Deep Color is worth waiting or getting a more expensive receiver. Also, do these have HDMI 1.3? And what about CEC, thats a pretty cool feature (At least coupled with my TV).

Here is a quote from Crave.cnet about the Deep Color:

"First things first--don't put too much stock in the x.v.Color and Deep Color features. To take advantage of x.v.Color and Deep Color, everything in the signal chain needs to be compliant, including your video player and HDTV, and many components aren't compliant. Then, you also need the program material to be authored using x.v.Color and Deep Color. Considering that no Blu-ray discs are currently out or scheduled to be released with x.v.Color or Deep color, it's just not a very practical feature.

What about the rest of it? While it's nice to see a dual HDMI receiver fall into the $200 range, it looks like the sweet spot is STR-DG810, with its four HDMI inputs, high resolution audio support, and $400 price tag. That's competitive with the aforementioned budget receiver champ, the TX-SR605--that identically priced Onkyo model offers only two HDMI inputs, but it also includes the key convenience of converting its analog video inputs to 480p HDMI digital output.

The STR-GD920 offers more advanced upconversion features and a graphical user interface, but with a higher price tag of $600. These receivers certainly look like contenders compared with last year's Onkyo AV receiver line, but buyers might want to wait and see if Onkyo offers even more for less with its 2008 line of receivers."
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post #28 of 2224
2/26/08 at 1:23pm
I just bought the 910 3 days ago! D'oh! Now I'm torn between returning the unit now and doing without for a while or selling it to upgrade to the 820 or 920 when they're released. Unfortunately I'm already spoiled by my new setup, so it'll probably be the latter.
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post #29 of 2224
2/26/08 at 2:07pm
Like the title says, the first of the STR-DGx20 AVRs that will be released is now posted on the Sony site. Says it will be available 4/4/2008. No manual posted yet. BTW, as one might expect at the price (MSRP $199.99), this one, like the 510, is HDMI pass through (needs separate audio connections).
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post #30 of 2224
2/26/08 at 4:54pm
No S-video, huh.
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AVS › AVS Forum › Audio › Receivers, Amps, and Processors › Sony's New Lineup! (DG520, DG720, DG820, DG920) W/Pics!