Product Description

With a 32-bit Dolby® Digital, Dolby® Pro Logic® and dts® decoder, 30 Station Presets, a Pre-Programmed Remote Control and a Digital Cinema Sound¿ System, the new STR-DE697 Audio/Video Receiver has everything you need to give your components the best connection.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #51529 in Consumer Electronics
• Brand: Sony
• Model: STRDE697
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 23.00 pounds

Features

• 7.1-channel audio/video surround receiver with 30 radio presets, HD video switching, and 100 watts per channel x 7
• Dolby Digital EX, DTS ES, and Dolby Pro Logic II surround processing for lifelike, exciting audio from any source
• 5.1-channel analog audio inputs accommodate high-resolution multichannel formats like SACD and DVD-Audio
• 5 digital-audio inputs, 1 digital output; includes preprogrammed remote control
• Measures 16.9 x 6.2 x 12.3 inches (W x H x D)

Amazon.com Product Description
Packed with versatile features, Sony's STR-DE697 audio/video surround receiver nevertheless provides affordable entry to the exciting world of digital surround sound. The integrated surround processor/amplifier handles everything from the latest surround-sound movie formats to the latest high-resolution audio sources, pumping 100 watts per channel across 7 main channels (left, right, center, left/right mid surround, and left/right rear surround) and has a dedicated subwoofer output for an eighth (the ".1" low-frequency effects channel).

The receiver performs everything from Dolby Digital EX and DTS ES surround decoding to Dolby Pro Logic II processing (creating 5.1 channels from 2), also offering 5.1-channel analog inputs to handle music from Super Audio CD (SACD) and DVD-Audio.

The STR-DE697's FM/AM tuner features 30 station presets (20 FM, 10 AM), and the front and rear panel offer a host of video inputs--4 composite-video, 3 S-video, and 2 component-video--to simplify switching between components and your television. The component-video inputs accommodate wide-bandwidth (80 MHz) high-definition signals and work well with 480p signals such as those from progressive-scan DVD players. A set of front-panel audio/video input facilitates spontaneous hookups with camcorders, gaming consoles, and MP3 players.

The unit's 3 stereo and 1 set of multichannel analog audio inputs simplify hookup of, for instance, a cassette deck, a VCR, and a high-resolution audio device that decodes formats like SACD and DVD-Audio. A total of 5 assignable digital-audio inputs (3 optical and 2 coaxial) accept bitstream feeds from DVD players, CD players, and other digital devices, while a single optical digital-audio out channels sound to a CD or minidisc recorder.

Digital Cinema Sound System is a group of exclusive Sony algorithms (the receiver offers 11 total) that represent a total re-thinking of home theater sound based on careful measurements of movie-production dubbing stages in Hollywood. Cinema Studio EX modes offer greater apparent distance from listener to screen and a full array of 10 additional virtual surround speakers.

Sound Field Link applies the last-selected sound field to an input whenever you select the input. For example, if you select STADIUM for the CD input, change to a different input, then return to CD, the receiver will automatically apply the STADIUM sound field. The supplied remote control comes preprogrammed for a range of devices.

What's in the Box
Receiver, remote control (model RM-PG413), remote batteries, a user's manual, and warranty/registration information.

Customer Reviews

Great Receiver, Even Better Price
This is my first digital receiver, and I'm loving it. I just hooked up a Sony center channel speaker (ss-cnk 10 ed), and a sony 8" sub-woofer. I already had 2 cabinet speakers (4 way 6 speakers, 70 watt max power). The sound quality is great, and the speaker setting is detailed but easy. The manual gives helpful hints of how to best surround yourself with sound. If you are more advance in knowing the best set up for your home, the customize portion allows you to arrange set ups the best.
Also, I run my Xbox, T.V. (Sharp Aquos LCD HDTV), and Scott turntable through it, which helps not only to localize my components but it does help with clairty on all fronts. There is nothing like hearing the pops and crackles from my record albums with such depth and definition. Playing video games and watching movies are a submerged experience. Before I even bought my subwoofer and center speakers, the two cabinet speakers worked really well for me with producing clear sound. I highly recommend this item not only for beginners into the foray of digital surround sound, but anyone because the price makes the purchase that much sweeter.

Good product, needs more optical inputs
Just received this from Amazon via FedEx home delivery (2 day service, no extra charge). So far, so good. There are a few minor annoyances (only three optical inputs...not one for the DVD player...it is a coaxial input and my DVD player is optical). Not a major problem since I just hook the optical out on the DVD to the optical in for MD/Tape. Of course, then I can't take advantage of the monitor out video feeds...alas.

On the plus side, the sound quality is excellent and the numerous options for the type of theatre sound to be created are great. I am able to connect two Dish Network satellite boxes (one HD, one SD with DVR) through the video inputs and then connect both of those to my DVD-recorder enabling me to record either HD broadcasts (w/ some quality loss) or SD broadcasts. I also transfer DVR events to DVD through these connections so it works quite well from the multiple sources.

Overall, I'd say this product is a good entry level home theatre system but beware of the limited optical input options before buying...they are for the Video 2, MD/Tape, and CD...the latter two without video buses.

Great Addition to our Home Theater
Easy to use, very nicely made, we searched high and low and read all the reviews on dozens of websites on receivers. We are very happy we purchased this.