Dolby Dts

Bad picture quality.

I own the Sony SATA55. The first receiver I had only lasted 3 weeks. The optical output stop working for some reason. The receiver I have now is on it's way back to Circuit City. The picture quality went south. The background of the picture doesn't blend the colors. With a signal strength of 95 I would expect a crystal clear picture. I also own a RCA model that I've owned for 3 years with out a problem. I'm very pleased with my Sony receicer STDE-845 and my sony TV. The Sony DSS receiver has a lot of room for improvement. I am quite disappointed that Sony would put out such a substandard piece of equipment. The receiver gets pretty hot and I don't know if that has something to do with it. My unit was placed in a well ventilated area too. I would recommend a Sony DSS Receiver to anyone.

Similar Products Used:

RCA

Sound - Dolby Digital
Menu
Picture is Fantastic

Receiver Hangs

I haven't had any of the problems that are described in earlier posts, but I do have my own problem - the receiver hangs. I don't know if this is a normal occurrence seeing that my signal strength is only at 71, but it is frustrating none the less.

Tivo is great. It changes the way you watch tv. The program guide is second to none in speed, and features. It blows the A55 away.

Digital out does not work (defect in design). Sony customer service requires product to be shipped in for repair. Unit freezes occasionally

This unit would be great if it lived up to its expectations. Sony advertises that it has digital out, but my unit does not work with my receiver (Yamaha). Sony knew about this but failed to disclose or stop shipping. Sony can fix but you have to send it in which s**** because then no satellite for 7-10 days. Additionally, the unit has a second tuner but its not functional. Jeez!

The unit also locks up occasionally which requires you to unplug the cord and let it cold boot. Outside of the problems, the Tivo portion is great, and the program guides can't be beat. I will never buy another Sony product again after this mistreatment.

Similar Products Used:

Sat A55, B55

Many outputs, including optical. Preview picture in menu guide, slim design.

Searching for satelite too often, sometimes.

I own the SAT-A55. I was really suprised to read the many negative reviews. I have seen the picture and sound quality of similiar products such as RCA, and I think the Sony is superior. I have had few problems with this satelite receiver, if any. I think the picture quality is outstanding, and the colors are superb. I have had no audio problems at all. The sound from the optical cable is very clear with both movies and music channels. My signal strength ranges from 85-92. I barely ever loose picture, even during storms. I also do not have the problem the other users to when changing channels; I think the unit is responsive, and not slow. The only thing I can relate to that some of the other reviewers are disappointed with is the frequent searching for satelite when using the guide menu. This does get bothersome at times, mainly because it does it a lot from time to time. It seems like certain days it does it all the time, and other days it never does it. I don't know why. All in all I have been very pleased with this purchase and feel bad that so many others have been disappointed with it. All of my products are sony, and I like all of them.

Similar Products Used:

RCA

None that i've found

See below

Well i've had the SAT-A55 for about 2 months. On Sunday, the unit began intermittently losing the signal from Sat "A". Yeasterday, it ceased receiving any signal from Sattelite "A". When I hook up my RCA receiver in place of the Sony, it has a signal strength of over 90 from Sat "A".

So, I called Sony tech support, the first tech I spoke to, Sean, was very courteous and said to send in the Receiver for a new (refurbished) receiver. Unfortunatly, Sean had to switch me to an "Upper level tech" in order to finalize everything. This upper level tech (I cannot remember her name) was exceedingly condescending and told me to go out and change the lnb's around on the dish, etc. etc. I told her I had already done this, and she persisted with this demand anyway. I then proceeded to explain, again, that I had done this, and when I hooked my RCA in the Sony's place, everything was fine. She then told me a bunch of junk RCA's stuff is. Well, this went on for several minutes, and she relented. I should have a newly refurbished receiver by the end of the week.

Other problems:

1. The red colors are very very very very bad. Way too saturated on my TV. No amount of adjusting will fix it. This problem persists on all channels.

2. The remote isn't responsive at all. Press a button, any button, and nothing happens until 2 or 3 seconds later. This problem is intermittent.

3. Wierd clicking/chirping noises when changing channels. Especially noticeable on the local channels.

So in summary, don't get this thing. As soon as I can, I'm getting rid of mine and going out and buying an RCA. I have a Sony receiver in my home and in my car, and have had no problems with either. I love them. But this SAT A-55 is junk. Stay away from it.

Similar Products Used:

Several brands of RCA DSS Receivers

Clean digital audio. This is for the SATA55 Dolby Digital Receiver

Very slow processor, would think it was a 16 vice 32 bit, took forever between channels. Runs hot hot hot, almost melted my card, picture quality looked washed out. RF remote very limited, does not have the interactive chip set to receive interactive TV (WINK)

I have never been so disappointed in a piece of Sony gear in my life. I have many Sony items from a Wega, to Digital receivers, PSX2, etc. I bought this DTV Satellite receiver with the same expectations as their other gear. Boy was I wrong. The first thing I noticed was the washed out color and lack of clarity, and that was with S-Video. Besides that the thing was a pig when it came to changing channels. VERY slow, it boasted a 32 bit processor, but I swear that it only acted like 16 bit. The receiver also ran very hot, and shut itself down a few times due to overheating. Sony's engineers did not put near the vent that the small case should have, with only a few on the side. It was so hot that I swear it almost melted my HU card. The RF remote was very limited and could not transmit it's way out of a paper bag. Still had to point the remote control directly at the unit even in RF mode. And last but not least, it did not have the chipset to receive interactive channels that use WINK(tm). After much frustration, and more research (which I should have done the first time, but thought hey, Sony, it's the best... duuuh), I exchanged it for an RCA DRD480RE. That was the best move I could ever make. I never thought I would trade a Sony for an RCA, but the RCA proved me wrong. It has been everything and more that the Sony receiver was not. Snappy surfing, cool running, Interactive capable, RF remote works from any angle, even out of the room, and an EXCELLENT picture with sharp clarity. Don't be fooled by the RCA make, this receiver is superior to the Sony.

Similar Products Used:

Exchanged for RCA DRD480RE Dolby digital receiver

Fantastic picture,(compared to cable)Dolby digital output,picture in picture feature.

unit heats up a bit,slightly noisy.

Hello all, I'm reviewing my brand new Sat-A55 DSS reciever. I know this is a site for the A-50, but I figured I'd let you know how my A-55 is handling. So far so good! I read the many negative reviews for the A-50, and have to say was a bit disappointed. This is my first foray into DSS and have never been happier. I have my A-55 hooked up into my fairly decent HT setup and I'm quite impressed with its performance so far.The dolby digital output is hooked up into my Yamaha RXV-995, it looks and sounds great! The A-55 is a bit slow when changing channels and that is my only real complaint for now.l'll keep you all updated if anything should change.

Similar Products Used:

Sat-B55

Picture, Menu, Remote

Some Defective Units

After the 3rd unit, I got one that I was happy with. The first 2 had the timer problem where a programmed event would not clear after the event was over. Sony knows about this and has a fix. They sent a refurbed unit 2 day express.

The sound is different on some channels, but amazing on some. I don't see ANY picture problems. Perhaps the
refurbed units have all the complaints worked out ...

The remote is great, works from all over the house. It may
be some work to get a good unit but stick it out and you'll be happy.

none

extremely slow guide, timer didn,t work 99.9% of the time, no beep to set signal strenght must have 3 people around

I purchased the Sat-B55 I used the 24" oval dish dual LNB. The unit never worked right from the start. The dealer didn't understand the problem. So they piddled around until the 30 day take back period was over. To even mention there might be a problem with the guide and menu system. But the only way to get it fixed was to convince Sony it was junk. After 6 monthes of phone calls to Sony, by the way the only way I got a good number to Sony was a co-workers son workes there. Anyhow they finally sent me a new one. Because I purchased a extended warranty they didn't want to deal with the warranty company. A big runaround. The second unit had the same problem except that 3 monthes after receiving it the timer broke. Sony after 3 phones calls finally admitted they had problems with this. Many phone calls later I finally arranged a buyback. I'm still out the warranty money $49.95. The picture pixelized alot with a good signal strenght on both units. Also the unit access card problems not Direct TVs fault either. I'm just glad to be rid of this piece of junk. I love the Mitsubishi I replaced it with I highly recommend it and it was cheaper to with better features!

Similar Products Used:

mitsubishi Sr-sd1

NONE

Bad sound tin can tunnel, buzzing, slow guides, problem with ac power cord,losing signals

From what we have read here seems like all sony receivers have major problems. Time to complain to consumer affairs to get action on this and any other agency that will listen!

We have tried everything the tech support has told us except returning for repair which according to everyone here there is no fix. Replaced the LNB, changed the AC power cord and made sure cable lines were ok, but nothing work to correct the problem. Went out and bought a RCA receiver so that we can use our satellite!

After all the problems with this Sony Sat-A55 receiver, our VAIO computer and CD player, we will NEVER! EVER! purchase a Sony product. They are all junk!

If I could give it 0 star that's what I would rate this receiver at.

Similar Products Used:

none