Good features and array of outputs. RF rules!

Guide refresh

Overall this has been a great reciever. Not sure if i lucked out or got an updated version, but i don't seem to have the trouble the others are.

*Gets and excellent signal - usually between 90 and 96
*Video is clear and audio is excellent
*Love the guides and configurations - especially the "preview" window on the top left half with the descriptions on the right
*Like the remote - the RF capability is excellent for signal splitting to two different tv's and it runs all my IR quipment as well (reciever, tv, dvd, cd, vcr)

Sometimes i think i'm going to scream when the guide constantly refreshes for no apparent reason several times in a row! "Aquiring guide from satellite, please standby" - You just did that 2 seconds ago, it's the same frickin guide!!! This is the only reason i'm not giving it a 5 star for the overall rating.

I've also got a "standard" $100 Hughes reciever which is fairly nice, but doesn't have the "preview" window. Much faster on the menu refresh though.

Overall i'm really happy with this reciever. The multiple outputs and inputs are great! Sony came through again - on the one i got anyway ;-)

-Rich

Similar Products Used:

Hughes

It's a Sony

?

Recent entry into DSS lead me to purchase a Sony unit based on a recommendation from my father-in-law who has this unit as well as many years as a happy Sony customer.

As soon as I receive and install the unit, I will post commentary accordingly.

Salesperson did warn me, though, of recent problems with Sony DSS units. Anyone hear anything? I don't want to jinx myself...

Similar Products Used:

Various other Stereo components

Too few to list

Picture Quality, Inability to decode reds, It's a Sony

Mind you I put the entire blame for this purchase squarely on my shoulders, but I could not be more unimpressed or disappointed with the product.

I got sucked in to buying this by a friend who found a "good deal" on the Internet.

I had looked at the units in the stores and seen high prices for what seemed like all of the equipment regardless of brand (I should have done more research).

It wasn't until after the fact that I did some research and really wanted to kick my own butt. Since my purchase I have seen Hughes decoders and RCA decoders decoding the same signal coming into my home and the picture quality is as good plus the reds actually look red. That is instead of some bleeding cloud of color with no definable boundaries.

I do consider myself knowledgeable regarding A/V & HT equipment, but for some reason I went against all I have learned... Long story short - I was a fool for not doing more research, I could have gotten into a much better picture and menu setup for a lot less money. Even less than the great deal I was too stupid not to pass up.

I'd give it zeros if I could.

Similar Products Used:

Hughes & RCA (can't remember the model #'s)

Menus are pretty

Picture quality

I waited for the SAT-A55 for three months and I am sadly disappointed. I associate Sony with great picture quality, but this thing is terrible. On fades its all pixelated and dont get me started about scences that are shot in a dark or grey light. I will be off loading this thing as soon as possible. Bad Sony, Bad, Bad!!

Picture quality, sound quality, S-Video output, digital sound, ease of use

Personally, it is what it is and does what I bought it for.

I would in no way dispute the problems that have been listed below by the various users as everyone seems to have similar problems and describes them with much conviction. However, I have not had such problems with my unit. Save for the same problem everyone has when it storms, and then it's only temporary. I will admit, for the first 3-4 weeks, I ahd problems with the sound clicking when listening to the digital out, with colors, like reds or bright purples not seeming to blend in well with the rest of the colors, and the picture quality not being what I liked intermittently. After that first month though, after everything broke in I assume, the colors and the sound were first rate. I'm getting in the lower 90's for my signal and that may have something to do with my succsess. The folks at Holm Audio recommended good, not cheap and not expensive, but good cables and great care be used in setting my system up and this had to have helped. I also must add that I watch exclusively through the S-video outputs, even though the composite weren't bad either, better than cable in any case.
I listen through the optical out going into my DAC and played through my stereo system. I have seen not one of the more recent satellite receivers totally blow another away. Some are definitely more convenient than others. To me, what it narrows down to is the setup by the installer, a good strong signal, as much reduction in RF interference and the use of good cables.

Similar Products Used:

Hughes

Nice Graphics, menu systems

Audio noises when changing channels, slow menu call-up, pixelization with fast action, especially reds...

I bought this thing based on the nice graphics and DD capability, also I own other Sony equipment. Should have gone with the Hughes. The receiver is painfully slow with the graphics, and when downloading guides from Satellite every few minutes.

The worst part of this thing though is that it emmits a chirping/clicking sound that varies in severity when changing channels. After lengthy arm twisting I got Sony to repair it, but to no avail. My friends' Hughes and RCA don't have these problems, albeit they are simpler with the graphics/ features.

I am losing my patience with Sony. I have a DA-333ES reciever that is having audio static too, and after two repair attempts is not fixed. I am quickly going sour on Sony.

RF Remote, Great Picture, Excellent Sound

Reds blur sometimes, Menu refreshes too much, Slow menu scrolling.

I bought this Sony because I'm on a tight budget and this was the cheapest recevier I could find that had an RF remote and Optical sound outputs. I found it at Video Direct.com for $115 (after a $50 rebate offer) which I was very happy about.
I love the sound! This is the best part of the machine. The video music channels rock the house. The Music Choice channels come in cystal clear in better than CD quality.
The picture quality is razor sharp compared to my friends digital cable. I do notice in low light scenes sometimes the red colors blur. This does not happen all the time and is unpredictable. Not nearly enough of a nusiance to make me bring the system back. Small quirk at best.
The menu refreshing is much, much more annoying. This is the biggest fault of the system. This fault is unpredictable too. Sometimes it refreshes alot, sometimes it does'nt need to refresh at all. Again nothing to make me want to send the system back.
This Sony is all I could afford and for the money it works great.
I don't know what all the whinning about this pixelization problem is. I watch fast paced NFL football on it all the time and have no problems.
I would not trade this receiver in untill I find one with super fast menus (I like to channel surf).
All in all I give it 4 stars, good system.

PS: I did notice that the coax plug on the back of the receiver does get hot. I wonder what causes this?

Similar Products Used:

Echostar C-Band Sattelite 12' Dish

small compact unit, nice remote, good video outputs, nice menus.

Problems refreshing guide, intermitant problems with sound *tin can effect*. Dolby Digital issues.

I really like this Sony unit, but unfortunately, there are known issues with this receiver that you >may< experience. The first is the sound. It has been known to experience a "tin can" type sound in some cases. For me, simply switching channels fixes the problem. The other is the guide, when scanning through the guide with the preview screen you often get the "Aquiring guide from satellite..." message. This happens between one and three pages of guide data. This delays your surfing capabilities, and is quite annoying. I also have a Dolby Digtal Receiver connected to this receiver -- in some cases, when viewing a channel with dolby digital, the sound is completely mute. You need to go in the menu and change the audio preferences to disable Dolby Digital to get your sound back. I really like this receiver and not many receivers out there can match it, however, these two problems can really pose a problem if you want flawless sound quality. I am not the only person with this problems as MANY others have reported it. Sony, unfortunately, has not resolved any of this issues.

Similar Products Used:

Sony B-50, RCA 2xxx, RCA 4xxx, Hughes B2