Sony STR-DH500 5.1-Channel A/V Receiver (Black) (Discontinued by Manufacturer)

I had an older Sony receiver/amplifier and had some doubts that a new unit would make a significant difference in sound quality but the price was right and I ordered this unit. I am very glad that I did. The sound is superb. I gave the unit one less star because we had to purchse optical cables for each HDMI connection. They are expensive and we did not understand that they would be needed. A buyer of this unit needs to factor in the cost of these cables ($40) into the decision to purchase.

Got the unit, was so disappointed I sent it back after I found out it did not do what the manual said it would.The manual tells you how to connect the TV. It tells your how to connect the video sources. What it does not tell you what will actually receive signals from what. In the part on connecting the TV, it shows connecting HDMI, component, and composite and says that not all these cables are required. This is misleading, because any or all of them can be required if you actually want to watch video, depending upon your sources.If you have a VHS tape player that has only composite output, then you will HAVE to connect the composite video cable. You will not be able to see the video on either component or HDMI.If you have a DVD player with component output, but no HDMI, then you will have to connect the component cables to the TV. You will not be able to watch the video on composite or HDMI.And it is obvious that if you have a source with HDMI, you will have to connect the HDMI cable. What is curious is that manual explicitly mentions this restriction, but utterly fails to mention anything about the others.In fact, the unit is not able to convert any format to any other format. I wish they simply stated that someplace in the manual, but they never do. Instead, there is a confusing statement that says in order to see the component input, you will have to connect the HDMI-out OR the component-out. This strong suggests that you can connect either and see the video, but this is not the truth. It is standard "Jinglish" manual that is so unclear as to be confusing.The whole point was that I wanted an audio/video switching center, where I could switch one box, and see and hear a different device. But the fact is that I have to switch the receiver, and then switch the TV according to the video format attached. For me, this was no benefit over my old setup, which always involved switching the TV and the receiver separately, so I sent the unit back.No problem returning it, so I am happy I got it at Amazon. Maybe once I "decode" what the other receiver really do, I will get a replacement.

I'm very pleased with this receiver. I'm no audiophile, I just would like good sound for my 5.1 speaker setup in my family room. I have my XBox360 and my Satellite box using the 2 optical inputs, I have my Blu-Ray player using the Coax digital input. Since this receiver does not produce sound from the HDMI inputs, i didn't use them.Pros:- Price- DTS, Dolby Digital, 5.1 sound- easy-to-navigate menu structure- Name your inputs. Cool!- Sounds fine- Did i mention the price?Cons:- HDMI inputs are useless. Won't produce sound from them- limited # of inputsIf you have need for only 3 digital inputs ( 2 optical, 1 coax ). This receiver is a fine option for a good price.

This worked for about a month or two before the power supply started to hum. I had replaced another Sony with this one and was happy for the most part... or I thought I was. When the second Sony broke after such a short period of time I started looking into other brands. I spent a little more on an ONKYO and it was well worth the money. The sound is tremendously better, the features are way better and the ease of use is out of this world. I had Sony because they were cheaper. I didn't realize until I heard another system with the same exact set up that Sony ( or at least this one) kinda sucks. If you aren't peculiar about your sound and you don't want to spend a lot, go with Sony. If you want a great experience just remember it costs less for a reason. You may do yourself a favor by putting a little more into your system up front.

READ THIS FOR ACCURATE DESCRIPTION!!!Details: * 90 watts x 5 into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) at 0.09% THD * Dolby® Digital, DTS®, and Dolby Pro Logic® II decoding * Digital Cinema Sound modes * A/V Sync helps align out-of-sync audio and video with digital sources * Digital Media Port for adding an optional Sony iPod® dock or wireless PC music player * built-in AM/FM tuner * A/V remote control * 16-15/16"W x 6-3/16"H x 12-13/16"D * warranty: 2 years * Want more peace of mind? Extended Service Plans AvailableConnections: * HDMI digital video switching (3 in, 1 out) -- pass-through only (a separate cable connection is required for audio) * component video switching: 2 in, 1 out * 2 audio/video inputs with composite video connections * 2 audio-only inputs * no phono input * digital inputs: 2 optical, 1 coaxial * iPod® integration (requires optional dock)I got this receiver because it was cheap with HDMI switching. The sound was pronominal. I've been a sound nut for 20 years now and I know a bad design when I see one. I cose the same brand and higher quality unit. I bought the STR-DH800 from Sony which is far better than this "ill" unit. Same great sound without the hassle of a separate cable connection for audio. If you don't mind this hassle, great <click> buy. This unit has great sound!

This is still going strong, no problems what so ever. It's getting near to replace simply due to technology changing but I'll simply use it in another room in the house.