Product Description

The Sony DAV-HDX275 BRAVIA Theater System includes an integrated 5 DVD / CD changer, 1000 watts of home theater power, and an included iPod dock. Using exclusive Sony technology, S-AIR brings the promise of multi room audio distribution that most anyone can set-up, it's that easy. DAV-HDX275 comes equipped with Digital Media Port that works with various accessories (sold separately). The DAVHDX275 can control a select number of BRAVIA televisions with BRAVIA Sync via the HDMI interface. With "One Touch Play," operations that took several steps have been reduced to one. Also, HDMI interface upscales DVD media up to 1080p. This BRAVIA System optimizes speaker placement in just 30 seconds with Digital Cinema Auto Calibration.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #10939 in Consumer Electronics
• Color: Black
• Brand: Sony
• Model: DAVHDX275
• Dimensions: 20.00 pounds
• Display size: 40

Features

• Wireless Rear Speaker Ready (WAHT-SA1 sold separately)
• Multi-room S-AIR Technology (S-Air Ready)
• iPod Cradle (TDM-iP10) for DIGITAL MEDIA PORT included
• 1080p Upscaling via HDMI
• Digital Cinema Auto Calibration

From the Manufacturer
The Sony DAV-HDX275 BRAVIA Theatre System includes an integrated 5 DVD/CD changer, 1000 watts of home theater power, and an included iPod Dock. With the optional S-AIR receiver/speakers system, you can now easily send your music wirelessly to another room in your home. Using exclusive Sony Technology, S-AIR brings the promise of multi room audio distribution that most anyone can set-up, it's that easy. DAV-HDX275 comes equipped with DIGITAL MEDIA PORT that works with various accessories (sold separately). The DAVHDX275 can control a select number of BRAVIA televisions with BRAVIA Sync via the HDMI interface. With "One Touch Play", operations that took several steps have been reduced to one. Also, HDMI interface upscales DVD media up to 1080p This BRAVIA System optimizes speaker placement in just 30 seconds with Digital Cinema Auto Calibration.

Key Features

HDMI Output with 1080p upscaling of DVD Media

Reads the data on a standard DVD at 480p and upscales the video resolution up to 1080p resolution for your compatible HDTV. This allows for you to enjoy superb video performance while delivering digital video and audio over one simple cable.

BRAVIA Sync

As a leader in products with HDMI connectivity, Sony has created BRAVIA Theatre Sync technology to go beyond simple audio and video transmission. When combined with a select number of BRAVIA LCD televisions and other Sony audio and video products, control functions will also be transmitted via the HDMI cable. With “One Touch Play” operations that took several steps have been reduced to one. Press the PLAY button on the remote, watch the audio and/or the video component(s) turn on then the BRAVIA television will turn on and switch to the correct video input...Simple...Easy...BRAVIA Theatre Sync .

DIGITAL MEDIA PORT

As the demand for digital content continues to be strong, here's the challenge: how do you integrate music in various forms into a home theater system– The answer: Sony’s DIGITAL MEDIA PORT (DMP). Together with one of the DMP accessories (sold separately), this proprietary interface adds networking and connectivity to the options of home theater systems and components, connects with various devices which provide the ability to control and power devices while making set up easy and operation simple. The DMP accessories will include a PC Client device, Bluetooth receiver and Audio Docking Stations compatible with Network Walkman and iPod products. So regardless of how you store your music, Sony’s DIGITAL MEDIA PORT offers an access point to integrate your portable music into a traditional home theater system.
 

Digital Cinema Auto Calibration

Now the optimal speaker settings for your living room are only a press of button away. Simply place the included microphone in your listening position and allow the strength of Sony’s Digital Signal Processing to take over. Speaker placement, distance, and delays are all calibrated automatically to ensure a worry free listening experience.
 

Portable Audio Enhancer

Simplified front audio and video connections are part of what makes the DAV-DX265 ideal for today’s portables. Beyond the simplified connection a powerful Digital Signal Processor is used to expand the quality from any device that is connected.
 

Multi Speaker Formation

Select from the on screen display to configure the system for different speaker layout.
 

Music/Movie Mode

System automatically adjusts sound characteristics to match the source (movie vs. music).

Specifications

Surround Speaker

• Weights and Measurements
• Cord Length (Approx.) : 12m x 2
• Weight (Approx.) : 1.3 lbs. (0.6 kg)
• Dimensions (Approx.) : 103x164x82mm
• Speaker
• Speaker Terminal Type : DAV Connector
• Speaker Unit : 65mm
• Speaker System : 1 way (Full Range)
• Speaker Type : Bass Reflex (Ported)
• Audio
• Impedance : 3 ohm

DVD, VCD, CD Player

• Video
• Digital-to-Analog Converter : 108MHz/12bit
• Weights and Measurements
• Dimensions (Approx.) : 430x85x415
• Weight (Approx.) : 5.2kg
• Audio Features
• CD Playback : Yes (CD-R, CD-RW)1
• MP3 Playback : Yes1
• SA-CD Playback : Yes1
• General
• Tray Type : Tray Lock
• Disc Capacity : 5
• Convenience Features
• Multiple Disc Resume : Yes (40 Discs)
• On Screen Display : Yes
• Video Features
• DVD+RW Read Compatibility : Yes2
• DVD (VR Mode) Playback : Yes2
• DVD Playback : Yes2
• DVD+R DL Read Compatibility : Yes2
• DVD+R Read Compatibility : Yes2
• DVD-R Read Compatibility : Yes2
• DVD-RW CPRM Read Compatibility : Yes2
• DVD-RW Read Compatibility : Yes2
• JPEG Playback : Yes1
• Precision Cinema Progressive Technology : Yes
• Progressive Scan : Yes
• VCD Playback : Yes1

Amplifier

• Speaker
• Speaker Terminal Type : Front/Center/Surround/Sub Woofer
• Audio Features
• Digital Amplifier : Yes (S-Master (24 bit))
• Dolby Digital : Yes
• Dolby Pro Logic® II Decoding : yes
• Surround Effect : Movie/Music Mode; Multi-stereo link; Speaker formation; Virtual Speaker Mode (Headphone)
• Power
• Power Consumption (in Standby) : less than 0.3 W
• Power Consumption : 165W
• Power Requirements : 120V AC, 60Hz
• General
• Function : Tuner (FM, AM), DVD, TV/VIDEO, Audio, DIGITAL MEDIA PORT
• Convenience Features
• Power Save Mode : Yes
• Inputs and Outputs
• Component Video (Y/Pb/Pr) Output(s) : 1 (Rear)
• Composite Video Output(s) : 1 (Rear)
• HDMI Connection Output(s) : 1
• Headphone Input(s) : 1 (Front)
• Optical Audio Input(s) : 1 (Rear)
• Analog Audio Input(s) : 1 (Rear)
• Coaxial Audio Digital Input(s) : 1 (Rear)
• Digital Media Port (Input) : Yes
• Audio
• Audio Power Output : Amplifier: 1000W(RMS) / 512W(FTC), Center Speaker: 143W (FTC 0.7%THD), Center Speaker: 143W (RMS), Front Speaker: 84W x 2 ((FTC 0.7%THD), Front Speaker: 143W x 2 (RMS 10%THD), Subwoofer Speaker: 160W (FTC 0.7%THD), Subwoofer Speaker: 285W (RMS), Surround Speaker: 50W x 2 (FTC 0.7%THD ), Surround Speaker: 143W x 2 (RMS)
• Equalizer : Bass Boost function (Dynamic Bass on RM); Portable Audio Enhancer: Normal; Night Mode: Normal

Subwoofer Speaker

• Weights and Measurements
• Cord Length (Approx.) : 3.5m x 1
• Dimensions (Approx.) : 225x395x325mm
• Weight (Approx.) : 6.1kg
• Speaker
• Speaker System : Bass Reflex (Ported)
• Speaker Terminal Type : DAV Connector
• Speaker Type : Bass Reflex (Ported)
• Speaker Unit : 160mm
• Audio
• Impedance : 1.5 ohm
• General
• Hardware
• Media & Modes Supported : Music and Movie Mode
• Power
• Power Save Mode : Yes
• Battery Type : AA / Manganese for remote (RM-ADU007)
• Video Features
• HDMI Upscaling : Yes
• Audio
• Channel Power Rating : 5.1 Channel
• Sound Enhancer : Yes (Portable Audio Enhancer)

Center Speaker

• Weights and Measurements
• Cord Length (Approx.) : 3m x 1
• Dimensions (Approx.) : 265x93x71mm
• Weight (Approx.) : 1.5 lbs. (0.7 kg)
• Speaker
• Speaker Unit : 65mm
• Speaker System : 1 way (Full Range)
• Speaker Terminal Type : DAV Connector
• Speaker Type : Bass Reflex (Ported)
• Audio
• Impedance : 3 ohm
• Tuner
• Inputs and Outputs
• Antenna Terminal (FM 75 Ohm) : Yes
• Audio
• Station Preset(s) : 10 AM, 20 FM
• Impedance : 75ohm
• Tuner Type : AM/FM
• Tuning : FM: 87.5 MHz-108.0 MHz (100 kHzstep); AM: 530-1710 kHz (10k step)531-1710 kHz (9k step)

Front Speaker

• Weights and Measurements
• Cord Length (Approx.) : 4.5m x 2
• Dimensions (Approx.) : 103x225x82mm
• Weight (Approx.) : 1.5 lbs. (0.7 kg)
• Speaker
• Woofer Size(s) : 65mm
• Speaker System : 1 way (Full Range)
• Speaker Terminal Type : DAV Connector
• Speaker Type : Bass Reflex (Ported)
• Audio
• Impedance : 3 ohm

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Customer Reviews

Good value for small all in one AV system
I had been in the market for a set of inexpensive bookshelf speakers when I stumbled across this brand new model Sony system at a local retailer. For the price, this unit is pretty hard to beat, with a fairly extensive feature list and only a few drawbacks.

This unit is the brand new "step up" to the popular HDX265 model system. The speakers are the same, but this unit adds digital dolby decoding, additional digital input capability (important for decoding Digital Dolby from satellite or cable boxes) and support for the new "S-AIR" system that allows wireless connectivity to other rooms in the home.

Sound quality from this setup is good, although not impressive if you are used to higher end sound from seperate components. Certainly good enough for use in a bedroom or other application (I put this in a small workout room). Sound quality is better than most shelf systems in the same price range and should give most other all-in-one-box systems a good run for their money.

Setup is extremely simple with color coded wires for all of the different speakers. Unfortunately the wires terminate to special connectors that plug into the back of the main unit. This would make extending/replacing the wires a pain. The unit includes a microphone and a nifty auto-calibration feature that sets all of the speaker levels correctly with a few taps on the remote control.

The remote control itself is handy, but on the cheap side.. it's pretty basic but gets the job done. It will control all of the unit functions and even allow for basic control of an iPod that is connected to the included iPod dock. The remote control can also be programmed to control most model TVs.

DVD output from this unit is very good and the HDMI output is great for quick and easy cabling to an HDMI equipped flat panel HDTV. DVD startup and controls were quite snappy and the unit can hold up to 5 CDs or DVD in the built in cartridge. The unit will up-convert DVD to 1080P resolution over the HDMI output. While not nearly as good looking as my Blu-Ray player, it will still look quite good on most small to medium sized TVs.

The best features of this unit are the HDMI output, extra inputs (one digital and one analog), iPod dock (which works with the remote control) and DVD up-conversion.

There are drawbacks, as there always are with these all-in-one deals. The iPod dock doesn't have any onscreen output or control, which is a bit of a drag since you can't see what's on the iPod screen from across the room. The main unit is physically quite deep (about 15 inches) which means it won't fit on smaller shelves. Also annoying is the lack of any bass or treble control.

The unit has two sound modes, "movie" and "music" and a bass enhancer (which I turned off as it made the bass sound boomy and obnoxious for music listening). There is no stereo 5.1 mode which would allow for output to all 5 speakers from regular stereo sources like an iPod. Instead the unit has a 4 channel matrix mode that uses the main, rear and subwoofer speakers for stereo. This is kind of a shame since the center channel speaker is the clearest sounding one of the bunch. The center channel does sound decent when watching or listening to TV and DVD sources.

Overall I can safely give this system 4 stars. The sound is quite good for a sub $300 system, the DVD player with up-conversion is great, and the unit has just enough flexibility through the extra inputs and wireless add-on options to be useable for quite some time. Certainly it fits the bill as a stereo/DVD-player for my workout room.

//update as of 4/23/2008.

A couple of other little nit picks discovered with this sytem. I've discovered that the sound mode, bass and other settings aren't memorized per input. In other words if you are watching a DVD and have the sound mode in "movie" and have the bass turned up and then switch the input to the one for the iPod it is still in the same sound mode. This is a bit inexcusable considering that even dirt cheap budget AV receivers can remember the settings for each input seperately.

New to HDTV & surround sound? Read this!
I appreciate the audiophiles' reviews of this system, but any criticism is mostly unfair. If home theater systems were cars, this system is a Cadillac. No, it's not a Lamborghini, it's not a Bentley, it's a Cadillac, and it's at Chevy pricing. Folks who are seeking the highest standard of sound quality have no business buying this system and broadcasting their esoteric disappointment in it. I purchased this system as a "get me by" system, that is, I wasn't expecting a lot from it... it was destined for the bedroom TV... a 42" Aquos LCD. I wasn't expecting much, but was blown away by the sharpness of this system's sound, and its ability to produce balanced movie bass. The upconversion is nice, especially on Pixar movies and other animated titles. I do highly recommend an HDMI cable for great color and sharpness (vs component video or S-video). Also, I do recommend this system's hardwire speakers over the S-AIR speaker/receiver system, which is highly susceptible to RFI/radio interference (think low-quality walkie-talkie). The sound movement from speaker to speaker, especially on THX certified pictures, is incredible if you haven't experienced home theater before. I watch DVDs at sound level 30 and feel like I'm in a full size DTS movie theater. I would say this: if you can (want to) spend 50% more for 10% better sound, then this system is not for you. But if you're looking for a good home theater system that you and your family will greatly appreciate, and have countless DVDs (not Blue-Ray / HD), then this is a great system for your money!

BRAVIA Sync Feature Worthwhile
I purchased this Sony DAV-HDX275 BRAVIA Theatre System primarily because of the BRAVIA Sync Feature and I am very pleased. I generally use the unit for watching Television. I can now use one single button on my HD DVR cable box remote to turn on the DVR, the Sony BRAVIA TV, and the BRAVIA Theatre System. The BRAVIA Sync will even change the Theatre System's input to the TV's sound input, turn off the TV's internal speakers, as well as allow the use of the cable box remote to adjust the volume. No more looking for three different remotes.

Note that you must use an HDMI cable or else these steps require the use of the three remotes, and I know, since I temporarily had the system hooked up with a component cable having used my HDMI cable for the cable box. With two kids and a wife that is not as technology tolerant, the system was always set back to a TV only setup requiring the use of all three remotes to reset to the full experience.

As far as sound quality and setup I will leave that to others to review in detail. I feel that you get the expected performance for a sub $300 unit that is very sufficient for home theater use though a bit underwhelming for listening to music at higher volumes.

I do want to mention that the unit has one unique feature that I especially appreciate. There is a night mode button on the remote that reduces the bass and boosts the center channel voices. In this mode the unit is easily used at low volumes that are less disruptive when watching after the kids are in bed yet still sound much better than what the TV speakers would alone and without surround sound.

The reason that I did not give 5 stars is partly because of some of some minor issues. The remote is not great though I use it infrequently. Its illumination is nearly useless since the labels are not illuminated and the labels are too small. It has a somewhat odd layout of features making finding what you are looking for difficult.

Lastly, I wish that the DMPort supported a computer USB connection. I would prefer a direct connection to my computer's music collection over plugging in an iPod. Hopefully Sony will introduce such an accessory in the future.