With the variety of sources and formats out there today, it is very possible to wind up in a situation where you're A/V receiver does not have enough (or the right type of) connections to hook up your home theater. Some might suggest the answer is simply to reduce the number of components you have. For those of us that realize this is nonsense, the Sony STR-DG810 offers a nice solution at a reasonable price.

We were impressed that a unit in this price range offers three HDMI 1080p compatible video inputs (one output) to connect HDMI equipped sources like Blue Ray, HD DVD, and DVD players. The unit also offers three HD capable component video inputs (oneoutput). One important note is that the receiver does not offer any S-video connectivity. Digital audio connections include one coaxial and 2 optical inputs, all of which are assignable. The unit also includes a composite video and analog audio inputs on the front panel. Another input option that impressed us was Sony's Digital Media Port, which allows you to play songs from your iPod (with an iPod dock), allow you to stream digital music directly from your PC (with a DMP wi-fi client), or play digital music from your Bluetooth compatible devices (with a DMP Bluetooth Interface). Additionally, you can enjoy XM Satellite radio utilizing the optional XM mini tuner and Mini Tuner Home dock with a subscription to the XM Satellite service. Multi-channel music is supported if you have a SA-CD player.

The unit's 100 watts for each of its six channels provide enough power for most almost any size home theater. To go with this power supply, the unit provides surround decoders that can give you a total 15 soundfields. Some of the surround sound processing options include Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, DTS, DTS ES, DTS Neo:6, and for non digital sources Dolby Pro Logic II and Dolby Pro Logic IIx.

The included remote control is multi-brand, pre-coded to operate other Sony components, as well as most other brands. The remote is laid out well and provides simple access to all the receiver's functions. We were disappointed that the receiver does not offer on screen display to increase its ease of use. The auto calibration offered by the Digital Cinema Auto Calibration technology uses the included microphone (with 18' of cord) to automatically check several speaker functions to help dial in the sound in your room.

Finally, the Sony STR-DG810 offers you 1080p video switching plus all the major surround sound modes at a very reasonable price. If you've got multiple high definition video sources this receiver represents a great value.

Pros: 1080p HDMI video/audio switching, assignable digital audio inputs
Cons: No on screen display, auto calibration does not measure or calibrate SW output

Warranty
2 years, parts and labor