Product Description

The STR-DA3400ES ES 7.1 channel AV Receiver continues our strong history at the $999.99 price point. The STR-DA3400ES utilizes Sony’s xross media bar inspired GUI with Faroudja DCDi Cinema(R) Technology, the STR-DA3400ES can upscale all video sources to 1080p in an intuitive environment for even the most novice of AV enthusiast. Plus, the STR-DA3400ES can expand AV to multiple rooms. This model features 2nd Room capabilities which allows for audio** and video* distribution in the home. Now, you can start a movie in the living room and finish it in the bedroom or listen to your favorites songs from your iPod player or Walkman player (accessory sold separately) located in the living room, on the patio in the backyard. Also, it’s fully equipped with custom control connections (i.e. RS-232C, 12 volt triggers and IR In/Out) necessary for full home integration. The STR-DA3400ES 7.1 channel ES A/V Receiver will be able to reproduce the latest audio formats from Dolby® Labs (Dolby Digital +/Dolby TrueHD) and dts® (dts HD/dts High Resolution Audio). Connectivity is abundant. This new model features 4 HDMI inputs1 compatible with 1080 60p/24p, Deep Color and x.v.Color video signals. Finally, the STR-DA3400ES will feature BRAVIA® Sync™ for Theatre4 with “One Touch” control, DIGITAL MEDIA PORT5 input for use with MP3 portable players or personal computers and compatible with XM® and Sirius Satellite Radio® making this unit completely SAT Ready

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #36270 in Consumer Electronics
• Color: Black
• Brand: Sony
• Model: STRDA3400ES
• Dimensions: 6.75" h x 16.93" w x 16.93" l, 33.00 pounds

Features

• Features Sony's Xross media bar inspired GUI
• Multi-room audio (up to 2) and standard definition video (up to 2) for AV capability throughout the home
• RS-232C serial port, 3 12V triggers for accessories, and IR repeaters for remote use in any room
• Faroudja DCDi cinema up-scales HD compatible video sources to 1080p through the HDMI port
• Connect mp3 players, PCs, or satellite radio receivers via the digital media port

From the Manufacturer
From the Manufacturer

Sony STR-DA3400ES 7.1 Channel AV Receiver: One Touch Does It All

The new Sony STR-DA3400ES receiver feature sophisticated A/V technology supporting 1080/24p video signals, the latest audio codecs (Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, dts High Resolution Audio and dts HD Master Audio) and Faroudja DCDi Cinema technology for upscaling all video sources to 1080p when connected via HDMI to a compatible high-definition television. The STR-DA3400ES utilizes Sony's xross media bar inspired GUI with Faroudja DCDi Cinema(R) Technology, the STR-DA3400ES can upscale all video sources to 1080p2 in an intuitive environment for even the most novice of AV enthusiast. Plus, the STR-DA3400ES can expand AV to multiple rooms. This model features 2nd Room capabilities which allows for audio and video distribution in the home.

Seamless Integration Throughout the Home

The STR-DA3400ES offers 4 HDMI inputs.

Now, you can start a movie in the living room and finish it in the bedroom or listen to your favorites songs from your iPod player or Walkman player (accessory sold separately) located in the living room, on the patio in the backyard. Also, it's fully equipped with custom control connections (i.e. RS-232C, 12 volt triggers and IR In/Out) necessary for full home integration. The STR-DA3400ES 7.1 channel ES A/V Receiver will be able to reproduce the latest audio formats from Dolby Labs (Dolby Digital +/Dolby TrueHD) and dts (dts HD/dts High Resolution Audio).

Connectivity is King

Connectivity is abundant. This new model features 4 HDMI inputs compatible with 1080 60p/24p2, Deep Color and x.v.Color3 video signals. Also, the STR-DA3400ES will feature BRAVIA Sync for Theatre4 with "One Touch" control, DIGITAL MEDIA PORT5 input for use with MP3 portable players or personal computers and compatible with XM and Sirius Satellite Radio making this unit completely SAT Ready Radio6

Easy to Use, Easy to Enjoy

With the rapid evolution of audio and video component technology, there is an increased demand for connectivity and high-performance components. The new Sony line of ES receivers delivers the high fidelity, build-in quality and connectivity expected for an outstanding cinematic experience in the home theater with a "One Touch" control. The new ES Series A/V receivers, and the xross media bar, create an inspired graphical user interface for easy content navigation. Sony's Digital Cinema Auto Calibration technology is included for simple surround sound setup. The BRAVIA Sync for Theatre technology makes for easy synchronization of compatible home theater components and are also Sirius and XM Connect-and-Play Ready.

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Technical Specifications

• Power Output: 100W x 7 (8 Ohm 20-20kHz 0.09%THD)
• Display: xross media bar Inspired GUI
• A/V: Multi-Room Audio (up to 2) and Standard Definition Video (up to 2)
• Custom Control Connections: RS-232C, 12V Triggers, IR Repeaters
• Inputs/Outputs: 4 HDMI Inputs with Active Intelligence (1 Output), DITIGAL MEDIA PORT Input
• Upscale: Faroudja DCDi Cinema 1080p Upscaling Technology
• Video: Supports x.v.Color and Deep Color Video Signals, BRAVIA Sync for Theatre
• Video Compatibility: Compatible with 1080/60p and 24p HD Video Signals2
• Decoders: Decodes Latest Audio Formats: Linear PCM, DD+, Dolby TrueHD, dts-HD
• Audio Technology: Master Audio and dts-HD High Resolution Audio
• Remote Control: Supplied Learning remote
• Tuners: SAT Ready: XM and Sirius Satellite Radio
• Width: 17 inches
• Height: 6.25 inches
• Depth: 14.96 inches
• Unit: 26.9375 lbs
• Shipping: 35 lbs

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Choosing a Sony 7.1 Channel AV Receiver For Your Home

Sony offers couple models 7.1 channel AV receivers to enhance your entertainment systems. Which AV receiver you choose depends on how much you're willing to spend and which features you prioritize in a home theater environment. Here's a quick breakdown of the Sony ES 7.1 channel AV receivers.

	Sony STR-DA2400ES 7.1 Channel AV Receiver is an entry-level high-performance home theater receiver and features sophisticated A/V technology that reproduces the latest audio formats from Dolby Labs (Dolby Digital +/Dolby TrueHD) and dts (dts HD/DTS High Resolution Audio). Expand your listening options via the Digital Media Port input and enjoy music on your MP3 player, PC or XM and Sirius Satellite Radio. You'll also see the difference with Faroudja DCDi Cinema technology which upscales all your video sources to 1080p when connected through HDMI to a compatible HDTV. Additional features include a 100-watt power amplifier (8 ohms, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 0.09 percent THD), BRAVIA Theater Sync, an easy-to-use graphical interface and four HDMI inputs that are compatible with 1080 60p/24p, Deep Color and x.v.Color video signals.
	Sony STR-DA3400ES 7.1 Channel AV Receiver is the mid-level 7.1 channel AV receiver and has a 100-watt power amplifier (8 ohms, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 0.09 percent THD), four HDMI inputs, a 12-volt trigger, IR repeater and high-definition video distribution to a second zone (composite). It also feature sophisticated A/V technology supporting 1080/24p video signals, the latest audio codecs (Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, dts High Resolution Audio and dts HD Master Audio) and Faroudja DCDi Cinema technology for upscaling all video sources to 1080p when connected via HDMI to a compatible high-definition television.
	Sony STR-DA4400ES 7.1 Channel AV Receiver is the top of the line 7.1 AV channel receiver and has a 120-watt amplifier (8 ohms, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 0.09 percent THD), six HDMI inputs and DSD decoding through HDMI. It offers high-definition video distribution to a second zone, audio distribution to three zones and picture-in-picture for monitoring of multi-zone output or an external video source. It also feature sophisticated A/V technology supporting 1080/24p video signals, the latest audio codecs (Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, dts High Resolution Audio and dts HD Master Audio) and Faroudja DCDi Cinema technology for upscaling all video sources to 1080p when connected via HDMI to a compatible high-definition television.

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Customer Reviews

Sony STR DA3400ES
It's nice to be able to switch up to 4 HDMI components and have only one HDMI cable going to your TV carrying the audio and video signals. The auto calibration is pretty accurate and very simple to perform. I purchased a $275 sound pressure meter to check this. I have to say that my audio settings were set wrong for years by my ear with my old receiver and then an auto calibration option saves the day. I now hear the rear speakers and all other speakers at a comfortable listening level that is much more balanced instead of being drowned out by the center speaker or sub woofer. The auto cal sets speaker size, distance, and levels within 1 minute. The GUI interface which shows on-screen menus on your TV screen of all settings and the capablilities is really worth it. You can set your radio presets and many other things here. It's nice not laying in front of the receiver setting the configurations up like I used to. You get 2 remotes. The small one is nice for the wife that has just the basic buttons on it. The bigger one is nice but long. The only con that I've found is that there is HDMI 1 through 4 buttons available on the remote. You have to remember which HDMI input the satellite is on, which one the blu-ray is on and so forth. You can program the "SAT" and "BD" buttons on the remote so you don't have to remember which HDMI input controls which equipment. The hangup is that if you are using only HDMI cabling you will not receive the audio with the selection of the SAT and BD buttons because of an engineering flaw in the setup which was verified by Sony support line. So basically you need to use the HDMI 1-4 buttons to select the audio and video instead of using the SAT and BD buttons that are on the remote. Nice sound produced from this model compared to my old Sony 985 model. So much progress has been made with these receivers. Happy customer.

Superb system
This is an excellent system. The audio and video are both as good as anything I can hear/see. It has amazing flexibility and connectivity. I am able to do a few "technically challenging" tasks with it (using 2 audio zones, with video of DVD photos on a TV in one room, audio from a different source - cable TV music - and 2 HD TV's in different rooms running simultaneously). I realize that some to the features I want are not the everyone else's criteria. The only downsides are:
1. I am a technical person but NOT an audio or video expert, so it has been a big learning curve for me to comprehend all the AUDIO/VIDEO jargon. For an AV novice like me, it has been time consuming to understand what this system does.
2. As much as I love the system, except for a few easy functions (like turning on the FM Tuner), the remote control requires multiple button sequences, and is sometimes challenging (esp. for my wife). There are 2 macro buttons, but I think I will buy a more programmable remote.

Even with those mild negatives, I am very impressed by the system and would strongly recommend it.

Is it a receiver or a playstation?
When my previous Sony AVR box developed a burn out on several speaker outputs (probably because I shorted them out when trying to screw speaker wires into the terminal pads), I shopped for a new one.

After years of being a Sony Fanatic, I have come to the opinion that the Sony of my youth is not the Sony of today. HOWEVER, with regards this new unit, it would be unfair for me to be so libelous. This unit has been very satisfying, with only a few blemishes. So here are some scattershot comments

* The volume control timing is not very good. When you press the control, it starts way too slow, then accelerates way too fast. So you end up single-clicking the volume to its desired point, which takes forever due to the high precision of the control.

* The volume control is really more of an attenuation control. Useful range is -45dB to -9dB. I shudder to think how loud it would be if I took the volume above zero.

* It doesn't magically correct poor audio sources (most movies) where the center channel voice is practically unintelligible, and wildy variable from one movie or tv station to another. Not the box's fault, but the high quality of the rest of the sound just makes it more obvious.

* It has plenty of HDMI connectors (my first AVR to do so) and that is really great. It up converts any signal input to HDMI, which is super nice. It does not, of course, down-convert HDMI to anything else, which would be sweet, but I accept that.

* HDMI has the issue (not the box's fault, but it probably COULD do something about it) to force your display into full 16:9 mode, so you can no longer correct 4:3 sources and are forced to watch them in 'everyone looks fat' mode. So I still have to switch my monitor in and out of HDMI mode to watch different sources, so I still have four remote controls in active play.

* When hooking up speakers, I highly recommend banana plugs instead of trying to screw the wires in directly. In fact I recommend one particular variety of banana plug (Dayton BASS-GRB Banana Plug Pair Set-Screw Type). Those are just brilliantly designed. You need a small screwdriver, but other than that it is perfection of design. Whoever designed that banana plug has clear thought about it a lot. I cannot praise them highly enough.

* Getting back to the DVR, the graphical menu system is very PlayStation3 ish, and probably overkill, but nice to look at. Except the way I hae things set up I can only see it when the monitor is in HDMI mode, which most of the time it is not (because most of the time I am watching satellite TV which in my case is not yet HDMI and is fundamentally 4:3 in nature). So instead I have to use the on-front-panel feedback, which uses different names than the graphic interface, and I can't read it from a distance anyway. Not a huge deal since I don't live in the AVR menu. (I live in the DirecTiVo menu!)

I think those are my only warnings. Aside from that the box is attractive, sounds terrific, and has a beautifully laid out back panel with all the connectors I need, and while the volume control is ergonomically messed up, the actual precision of the volume attainable is fantastic. It might have been nice if it had some sort of per-source prescaler you could set though. (i.e. DVD needs to *always* be 20dB louder than satellite, so it would be nice if it could remember that)