Sony STR-DH800 7.1-Channel Audio Video Receiver (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I know just enough about Audio to be dangerous but I'm not a true audiophile (or whatever they're called). So I don't know how an average person would figure this out when it took me an hour and a half on the phone with Sony support before THEY figured it out.
Now this is my second Sony receiver and I purchased this one specifically to go along with my brand new Sony BDP-S360 Blu Ray player. I used brand new HDMI category 2 cables into the receiver and then out to my Sony HDTV. This is suppossed to be the BEST way to get true no-loss sound decoding and picture. Well I was shocked when my receiver was NOT decoding DTS audio. All Dolby Digital tracks were playing in perfect 5.1 surround sound...the DTS tracks played back in Linear PCM stereo. So after I read the manuals, updated the firmware and set everything right then trying a few DVDs and Blu Ray discs I contacted Sony Support via email. Several exchanges later they asked me to call in to better troubleshoot my issue. First I talked to the blu ray guy (since I wasn't sure which device was causing the issue) and after resetting the player and checking all the setting I was transfered to the Audio department. Once again we reset the machine to factory setting, checked all the set ups and still nothing changed (Did I mention that I had to unhook and reconnect several cables and I even had an optical cable running to my old Sony Reciever?). Then 1 1/2 hours into the phone call he asked if I was getting audio through the TV speakers which I was and he said "oh its set to TV + Amp". So we changed that setting to just "Amp" and bingo...DTS surround sound!! I said "but that's the factory default setting". He told me where the info was in the manual but I checked an NOWHERE in the manual does it say that when using the receiver as a passthrough via HDMI inorder to decode a DTS signal the receiver must be set to "Amp" only and not the default setting of "TV + Amp". What the...??
So now the receiver works great even decoding the new DTS-HD Master Audio off my "Watchmen" Blu Ray disc. But be warned that if you use the HDMI inputs to decode your surround sound be sure to change the system to "Amp" instead of the default "TV + Amp" unless you enjoy stereo sound from your suround sound system. This may be the case for other Sony receivers so be aware when buying that factory default setting may not allow for optimum performance and the Sony guys might not be aware of this little fact if you call them.

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Sony AIR-SA20PK S-AirPlay Digital Wireless Speaker System for iPod (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I had high hopes for this product --- needed a way to put sound throughout my small house and functionality seemed great (the ability to use different modes in different rooms, ability to use remote with each of the speaker units to control the ipod, etc.) Unfortunately, it did not work as well as hoped.
The base and speakers had a hard time talking to each other, and they were only 50-60 ft apart and in a relatively unobstructed path. Had to move the base closer and align the speaker so that it was in a more direct visual view. Still, with people in the room it would fade in and out. Not sure if this is because I have wireless internet in the house, which the manual says might interfere, but who that would be looking for wireless speakers doesn't have wireless internet??
The sound quality is very good. Not quite as good as my Bose docking station, but I was pleasantly surprised. The other big downside for me with the sound, however, and the last straw that prompted me to return the product, is the volume level. The highest setting is not all that loud. Fine if you are in the same room... but sometimes I would crank up the volume on my Bose docking station and listen to the music in other rooms or outside ... can't really do this with the Sony.

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The Sony AIR-SA20PK S-AIRPLAY is an easy-to-use, plug-and-play system that lets you enjoy your iPod music out loud throughout your home. Simply plug the two supplied AIR-SA15 receiver/speakers into a power outlet and the included S-AIR Dock for iPod transmits your stored music with CD-quality sound throughout your home. The Dock for iPod is even capable of transmitting two signals simultaneously so that one speaker can play your iPod music while the other plays an AM/FM radio station. The S-AIR PLAY is compatible with most iPod models. Additionally, each speaker includes controls for volume and the audio source, an LCD display that lets you view track info, and a convenient clock and alarm.

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RCA Lyra Wireless Transmitter Review

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(More customer reviews)Hello All, Probably like some of you, I waffled for quite some time over whether to buy the RCA Lyra Wireless or not. Finally I plopped the dollars down and now I'm here to tell you that RCA Lyra does exactly what they say. And now, the particulars.
The setup was simple and straightforward, most of my time was spent moving my huge entertainment center from the wall so I could get to the back of my Sony receiver. I plugged the receiver into the MD/DAT slot, plugged it to a power source and every light on the signal indicator glowed green with joy. If only 802.?? were this simple. Ran the software to install the remote and musicmatch (not necessary, but I like it), checked all the audio settings per the manual and WIN XP had everything ready to go.

Went to the radio in Musicmatch and wow, the sound is outstanding, no hiss, just pure clean music. The manual stated that the Lyra could receive interference from cordless phones and recommended using position number four on both transmitter and receiver. I tried the others, turned on my cordless phone and no interference.
I subscribe to Rhapsody and Realone also. So naturally I tried each and they worked, matter of fact any and every sound that my computer makes come through the stereo. I do recommend you download the latest RCA Lyra software, it allows you to switch between players, currently Rhapsody and Musicmatch. But, like I said all the other players work as well, Media Player, MSN Radio Plus, Spinner, MoonTaxi, LaunchCast and more.
The remote control is awesome too, it does just as RCA states, I was surprised to learn that it closes whichever player you're listening to and it works through walls with no hesitation. If you're a Rhapsody user, you know that you can skip to the next song, the remote does that and more. It operates all other electronics as well, I haven't set it up for that yet, probably want, I have a nice Sony all you can control remote.
Well, I'm sure I may have missed something, but I've hit what's important to us all and that's the sound and the ease of setting it up.....PERFECTO. I'm very satisfied, actually it has exceeded my expectations. Lastly, it works, now go order yours!

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Hauppauge 01200 WinTV-HVR-850 USB2.0 Hybrid Video Recorder 1200 (HAUP1200) Review

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(More customer reviews)I just received this product 10 minutes ago, and now I am watching TV on my computer!
First of, install is a breeze. This is the content of the package:
- The external tuner
- A digital antenna
- A USB extension cord (It is really nice for them to include this because this would have been the first thing I'd buy if it didn't come with it.)
- Software CD
I run Vista Home Basic. The install was a breeze, the manual was very detailed. Plug the tuner in first, and then follow the prompt.
After installing the software (the installer doesn't look that professional, but does work), I booted it up. It asks whether it should scan for channels. I said yes.
After about 10 minutes, this is what it found: 8 analog channels, and a whopping 9 digital channels. Obviously your results may vary, but I'm impressed with just the included antenna out of the box. It's basically picked up all digital broadcast channels (FOX, 2 PBS, 2 ABC, NBC, 2 CBS, and CW). Once these digital channels are picked up, they look super sharp. I doubt I'd touch those analog channels at all.
Channel switch has a bit of delay, esp between analog channels. But it's tolerable. With 9 channels, channel surfing isn't a big problem.
Now, in terms of computing power, it's taking about 90 MB of RAM right now, and

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The Hauppauge 1200 WinTV-HVR-850 Hybrid TV Stick External TV Tuner/Video Recorder will bring high-definition television directly to your PC. This handy device lets you watch your favorite TV shows through your computer and record them digitally for future playback using high quality MPEG-2. More economical and versatile than a DVR, or digital video recorder, this PC Video Recorder, or PVR, gives you virtually unlimited options for saving and playing back your favorite TV broadcasts and clips. Play and Record Television Digitally The WinTV-HVR-850 is a simple-to-use device that brings over-the-air high definition ATSC digital TV as well as analog cable TV directly to your PC desktop or laptop. With the additional included antenna, it can also receive analog TV broadcasts. More versatile than a DVR, the WinTV-HVR-850 is a pocket-sized device that simply plugs into your PC's USB port. It features a built-in digital ATSC over-the-air TV receiver. If you live in one of the more than 200 cities in the United States that receives ATSC digital TV, you'll have immediate access to as many as 1500 digital TV stations. ATSC digital TV is the over-the-air HDTV standard for North America. ATSC broadcasts range in resolution from standard definition up to the high definition 1080i format. (To check the ATSC digital transmissions in your area, input your zip code at titantv.com.) A portable digital TV antenna, which can be used to receive digital TV up to 10 miles from an ATSC transmitter, is included with the PVR . If you live in an area where you can't currently receive ATSC digital TV, the WinTV-HVR-850 can still be used to watch and record analog TV from cable TV or a TV antenna. (The WinTV-HVR-850 cannot receive digital cable TV or digital satellite TV.) Once the WinTV-HVR-850 is connected, you can begin to record your favorite shows in high-quality MPEG-2 directly to your hard disk using the Hauppauge SoftPVR MPEG-2 encoder. Television recordings will typically consume 5 GB of disk space per hour for ATSC high definition, while analog recordings will typically consume 1.5 GB of disk space per hour. You can also use the included WinTV-Scheduler to program your computer to record your favorite analog or digital TV shows for play back at any time. Compatibility with Microsoft's Windows Media Center means that you can watch TV as well as your recordings with Windows Media Center. The included WinTV application also lets you watch your shows in a window or on full screen. More about PVR Technology PVR stands for PC Video Recorder. The WinTV-HVR-850 is a PVR that allows you to play television through your computer and record the broadcasts digitally. PVR doesn't use standard videocassettes; instead, it uses your computer's hard disk to store the broadcasts. Once you record a television show to your PC's hard drive, you can burn a CD or DVD that will allow you to play the show back on another computer or on your television. With video editing software (not included with the WinTV-HVR-850), you can even edit the shows. This is a great feature if you want to save clips from movies or sitcoms, or keep your favorite player's grand slam or TD kick-off return for posterity. And just like a typical VCR, the WinTV-HVR-850 offers you several recording options, depending on your play back needs. If you want the highest quality recording for playback through your HDTV, all you need is enough hard drive space to support high-quality recording. By using the lowest recording option, you can use your WinTV-HVR-850, along with an inexpensive video camera, as a low-cost on-site video surveillance system. In fact, the possibilities of how you can take advantage of the WinTV-HVR-850 are endless. What's in the Box WinTV-HVR-850 high-speed USB TV stick with cable TV and ATSC antenna connection; USB extension cable; portable antenna; software on CD-ROM; and quick installation guide.

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Antennas Direct DB8 Multidirectional HDTV Antenna Review

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(More customer reviews)Buying an antenna for your digital TV receiver? It can be difficult, eh? If you live in the city near the transmitters, it's fairly easy -- any small, truly omni-directional antenna will do fine (perhaps the Antennas Direct DB2). If, like me, you live 50+ miles from the TV transmitters and they're in different directions, it becomes a challenge. Here's some tips:
- No antenna is totally "omni-directional" (receives from all directions) no matter what the ad says. Every antenna receives better in one direction than another, and the high-gain antennas are the most picky. Your TV's rabbit ears antenna might do better than a fancy high-gain antenna if it's pointed in the wrong direction. If you buy a "uni-directional" or high-gain antenna, be prepared to spend a lot of time tweaking the direction.
- Don't believe the high-gain ratings, they're mostly marketing hype. There are independent web sites by antenna nerds that rate antennas fairly, so do some research. What you'll find is that every antenna receives some channels better than others -- for instance, it may have great reception ("gain") for channels 30-60 but be terrible for channels 1-20. Ideally, buy an antenna that has has good gain for the channel(s) you're most interested in... if you know what those are.
- Antennas are highly sensitive to position, direction, and things nearby that might interfere with the signals (trees, houses, traffic, the family dog, etc). So what works for me or your neighbor might not work for you. Even a slightly different location may have a huge effect on your reception.
I have a Channelmaster 4221 and an AntennasDirect DB8, one pointed at distant Seattle and the other pointed at Canada, and both connected to an RCA A/B antenna switch. Both antennas are excellent; the DB8 is slightly more sensitive but extremely hard to point. I would rate it 5-stars except it didn't come assembled and the assembly instructions are a bit puzzling. Construction and materials are good. The Channelmaster 4221 is somewhat easier to point but still highly directional; it came mostly assembled. Gain is good in my location. I'm only rating it four stars because the construction is less solid. If you're looking at these same two antennas but unsure of what to buy, I'd start with the 4221: it's much cheaper and more forgiving about the pointing direction. If you find yourself needing better reception, perhaps buy a preamp to go with it; if that still doesn't work, maybe move up to the DB8 or a higher mounting location.
Good luck!


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