Sony STR-DG720

Manufacturer: Sony Part number: STR-DG720

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CNET editors' blog post

By Matthew Moskovciak, 02/26/08

When Onkyo released the budget TX-SR605 AV receiver last year, it rocked the industry with its low price and high-end features such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-Master Audio decoding. Other manufacturers pretty much had to stay on the sidelines as TX-SR605s flew off the shelf, but it looks as if Sony is ready to fight back with its new line of budget AV receivers. The company's 2008 line of AV receivers includes four new affordably priced models--the STR-DG520, STR-DG720, STR-DG820 and STR-DG920--and they look pretty good from the spec sheet. Here are the details:

The STR-DG520

(Credit: Sony)

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

(Credit: Sony)

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

The Sony STR-DG820 looks like the sweet spot in the line, with four HDMI inputs and high resolution audio decoding.

(Credit: Sony)

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

The Sony STR-DG920 offers the most functionality, including HDMI upconversion, but costs $600.

(Credit: Sony)

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

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-DG820, 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.

If you're looking to spend a little more, Sony's ES line of AV receivers remains current, including the Sony STR-DA5300ES, which is currently our highest rated AV receiver.

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User reviews

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Average user rating: 2.5 stars out of 2 reviews
My rating: 0 stars

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9 stars

Perfect for PS3

by raygendreau on April 13, 2008

Pros: Good Value 3 HDMI inputs

Cons: No cons for me

Summary: This unit replaces a STR-DG800 7.1 HDMI passthrough receiver. The 720 doesn't have on board Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD-MA decoders. With the PS3 this is not an issue ...

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Summary: This unit replaces a STR-DG800 7.1 HDMI passthrough receiver. The 720 doesn't have on board Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD-MA decoders. With the PS3 this is not an issue since Dolby TRueHD is decoded by it now, and DTS-HD MA decoding will be included with a PS3 firmware update on or about 15 April. Easy set up. Be sure to use autocal to set up speakers first. Also on the PS3 remember to check LPCM 5.1 and 7.1 in the HDMI audio menu. I just watched I Am Legend (Dolby TrueHD) SPECTACULAR!!! I am using a Sharp 32" 1080P TV

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2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
1 stars

Waste of Money

by costonc on August 29, 2008

Pros: Nothing at all

Cons: IT DOESN'T WORK!!

Summary: I bought this system on 6/17/2008. I took it home and set it up. It powers on, but I have no audio from any output. I pack it ...

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Summary: I bought this system on 6/17/2008. I took it home and set it up. It powers on, but I have no audio from any output. I pack it all back up and take it back to Best Buy where I bought it. They replace it. I take it home and setup the next unit - same model. We have audio this time. Everything works fine for a couple of months. All of a sudden I have audio, but no video from the HDMI output.

What a frustrating experience. I have a Sony Bravia HDTV, but I think that Sony has really done a poor job with this model. I don't know, maybe it's all models for their receivers. I tried calling their support, but all you get is that you have to return it to their repair shop where who knows how long that will take and all you get is a repair of something that's poor workmanship anyway. As bad as this is, they should really just take this unit back and refund my money. I do not imagine that I will buy another Sony receiver ever again!!

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1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.

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Specifications

Manufacturer: Sony
Part number: STR-DG720
Description: Marketing description is not available.

General
Product Type AV receiver
Width 16.9 in
Depth 12.2 in
Height 6.2 in
Weight 17.6 lbs
Audio System
Sound Output Mode Surround Sound
Built-in Decoders Dolby Pro Logic, DTS Neo:6, Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Digital, DTS-ES decoder, DTS decoder, DTS 96/24, Dolby Digital Surround EX, Dolby Pro Logic IIx
Surround Sound Effects Digital Cinema Sound EX
Digital Sound Processor (DSP) Yes
DSP Presets Music, Cinema
Surround System Class 7.1 channel
Output Power / Total 735 Watt
Total Harmonic Distortion 1.0 %
Amplifier Output Details 105 Watt - 8 Ohm - THD 1.0 % - 7 channel(s) ( Surround )
Built-in Display Fluorescent
Additional Features XM satellite radio ready, Auto sound calibration, A-B speaker switch
Connections / Cables / Slots
HD connectors HDMI connection(s) on this receiver make it a great choice for your High-Def home theater. One cable carries digital audio and video data directly to your display.
Signal Switching Features
HDMI Pass-Through Up to 1080p
Connectors
Headphone Jack Yes
Coaxial Digital Input Yes
Optical Digital Input Yes
Radio
Type Radio tuner - AM/FM - Digital
Tuning Display Fluorescent display
AM Preset Station Qty 30
FM Preset Station Qty 30
Antenna Form Factor Loop AM / wire FM
Additional Features Station naming
Headphones
Headphones Type None

Microphone
Type None
Remote Control
Remote Control Remote control - Infrared
Remote Control (2nd)
Type None
Miscellaneous
Included Accessories Optimizer microphone, FM antenna, AM antenna
Connections
Connector Type 1 x Digital audio input (coaxial) ( RCA phono ) - Rear, 3 x Component video input ( RCA phono x 3 ) - Rear, 1 x FM antenna - Rear, 2 x Speakers output (multi zone) ( Banana x 2 ) - Rear, 1 x Component video output ( RCA phono x 3 ) - Rear, 1 x Audio line-out ( RCA phono x 2 ) - Rear, 2 x Digital audio input (optical) - Rear, 1 x HDMI output ( 19 pin HDMI Type A ) - Rear, 1 x AM antenna - Rear, 3 x Composite video input ( RCA phono ) - Rear, 1 x Monitor output ( RCA phono ) - Rear, 7 x Speakers output ( Click-fit x 2 ) - Rear, 1 x Headphones ( Phone stereo 6.25 mm ) - Front, 4 x Audio line-in ( RCA phono x 2 ) - Rear, 1 x Composite video/audio input ( RCA phono x 3 ) - Front, 1 x Microphone ( Mini-phone 3.5 mm ) - Front, 3 x HDMI input ( 19 pin HDMI Type A ) - Rear, 1 x Subwoofer output ( RCA phono ) - Rear, 1 x Composite video output ( RCA phono ) - Rear
Power
Power Device Power supply - Internal
Power AC 120 V ( 60 Hz )

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Manufacturer info

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Sony STR-DG720

Where to buy

CNET editors' blog post

User reviews

Submit your review

Specifications

General

Audio System

Connections / Cables / Slots

Signal Switching Features

Connectors

Radio

Headphones

Microphone

Remote Control

Remote Control (2nd)

Miscellaneous

Connections

Power

Manufacturer info

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