Description
The STR-DH500 is a standard looking piece of kit, though it does feature Sonys newest design language among their receivers, which is quite sleek. The STR-DH500 has three HDMI inputs and one HDMI output; however it will only switch between the HDMI inputs, no upscaling or conversion is performed inside the STR-DH500, which is fine with me. Another thing to point out, the STR-DH500s HDMI inputs are video-only, meaning youll have to run a separate optical or coaxial cable to the back of the receiver to pull audio from your DVDs or Blu-ray discs. No HDMI audio most likely means no uncompressed audio formats, right? Correct, the STR-DH500 can decode and playback Dolby Digital, DTS and other legacy surround sound formats, but it cannot playback Dolby TrueHD or DTS Master Audio. However, with 90 Watts per its five channels the STR-DH500 can deliver quite an impact, even if the soundtrack is only Dolby Digital or DTS.Sticking with the audio theme for a moment the STR-DH500 features no auto EQ software, nor does is have the ability to be used as a processor in the future by providing you with preamp outputs. It has no multi-channel analog audio inputs either; hell - half of its binding posts are pushpin receptacles versus the more common five-way style found on costlier receivers. Just keep in mind the STR-DH500 is only $200.00.On the plus side the STR-DH500 has a digital media port which can be used with Sonys own iPod dock ($99.00) or wireless PC music player ($199.00). While there are cheaper ways to connect you iPod to the STR-DH500, both the Sony iPod dock and PC music player integrate seamlessly with the STR-DH500 and allow for full control via the receivers remote with onscreen menus being shown on your home display.Competition and ComparisonIf you are interested in comparing the Sony STR-DH500 against its competition, be sure to read our reviews for Onkyos TX-SR575 receiver and the Yamaha HTR-6250 receiver. There is also more information available on many different products in our AV Receivers section. For more information about Sony, check out our Sony brand page.Read The High Points, The Low Points and the Conclusion on Page 2High Points• The Sony STR-DH500 is quite possibly the cheapest way to enjoy the latest 1080p formats be they HDTV or Blu-ray. • Sure the STR-DH500 is a bit limited on flashy features; however it does provide and deliver the core essentials for a true 5.1 home theater. • For such a cheap receiver with modest power under the hood it has a fair amount of bravado and would work just fine in a small to medium sized living room or den.Low Points• The STR-DH500 doesnt upconvert or transcode analog video sources to digital via its HDMI output, though I would argue that keeps the signal pure and truer to the source. • The lack of audio support through the HDMI inputs is a bit of a bummer here and to only provide three digital audio inputs doesnt fully right this wrong. Theoretically you could hook up to five HD sources to the STR-DH500 (three via HDMI and two via component video) but only be able to enjoy multi-channel audio on three of them. • Truthfully, the biggest problem with the STR-DH500 is its slightly larger brother the STR-DH800 (feature review coming soon) that has seemingly every bell and whistle as well as full-uncompressed multi-channel audio capability and room EQ for $100 more.ConclusionWhile it may seem easy to fault the Sony STR-DH500 for its lack of features, one cant lose sight of its asking price. For under $200 the STR-DH500 will connect to and playback 1080p HD signals, which includes Blu-ray discs, HD Broadcasts and more and while it cannot decode or play back Blu-rays uncompressed audio formats it will do a fine job with Dolby Digital and DTS encoded material. It simply isnt fair to compare the STR-DH500 to anything but itself for no manufacturer has really offered a home theater solution that will handle all the basics including 1080p video for so little money. If youre in the market for a simple, no-fuss no-muss home theater receiver and can do without and/or know youre not a die hard enthusiast the Sony STR-DH500 seems tailor made for you. Tuning range: FM, MWPower output: 90 watts per channel into 8? (stereo)Surround output: 130W (front), 130W (center), 130W (rear)Frequency response: 10Hz to 70kHzTotal harmonic distortion: 0.09%Input sensitivity: 500mV (line)Signal to noise ratio: 96dB (line)Output: 500mV (line)Speaker load impedance: 8? to 16?Digital inputs: coaxial, opticalVideo Connections: HDMI, component, compositeDimensions: 430 x 157.5 x 322mmWeight: 7.4kg
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