Extra Sensory

Take some of the best electronics engineers in the world, give them access to the latest technology and best materials, then let them design their dream components. That's essentially how Sony ES components are created. The STRDA3000ES is a prime example of what can be accomplished when brilliant A/V experts dream in Sony. If you were inclined to scan the specifications of this remarkable receiver, one of the first things you'd likely notice is its 7-Channel Direct Drive Digital Amplifier. This power-packed digital dynamo can kick out 150 watts worth of full bandwidth audio to each of seven channels. Dual 32-bit processors provide precise surround decoding for Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, dts, dts-ES, dts Neo:6, Dolby Pro Logic and Dolby Pro Logic II as well as Sony's Digital Cinema Sound modes. The higher bit rate of these phenomenal processors helps provide an even more realistic and engaging sound experience whether you're enjoying a DVD with an explosive seven channel soundtrack or using one of the Digital Cinema Sound modes to recreate the ambiance of an auditorium while listening to a rockin' live performance. Whatever your entertainment choice, 32-bit decoding and processing make a huge difference in the quality and realism of the audio that emerges from your speakers.

Feast Your Eyes

As awesome as the audio is, that's only part of the story. To pass over the video abilities of the STRDA3000ES would be a serious oversight. Like a food critic going on at length about the alluring aroma of a dish without mentioning it's taste. Looking over the specifications of this home theater receiver, one of the many highlights is video up-conversion to component video. Found only in high performance A/V receivers like this one, Up-conversion means the STRDA3000ES will automatically convert an incoming composite video or S-video signal and output it to your TV as a component video signal. A Sony ES receiver can really bring your system together, adding convenience by simplifying hook-up and operation as well as eliminating the cost and clutter of extra cables. HD Pass is another video ability that shouldn't be passed over too quickly. If you're serious about home theater, you know High Definition is where it's at. This receiver is set for HD with two component video inputs and one component video output that are all capable of transferring an 80MHz HD video signal. Expecting High-Definition performance from a receiver that wasn't built for HD is kind of like trying to haul a big-screen TV home in a hatchback. If you want High-Definition video, step-up and invest in a receiver like Sony's STRDA3000ES that's built to handle a high-definition load.

Push the Limits

There's a long list of impressive numbers associated with the STRDA3000ES, but what really sets this remarkable receiver apart from the rest of the home theater crowd are the two letters at the end of its model number. ES stands for "Elevated Standard" and it means that Sony continues to push the technological limits, reaching an ever higher performance plain. Sony understands power does not equal performance. Like a jet engine with nothing connected to it, a high-power receiver with a basic design and common construction is just moving air around. It will make a lot of noise but won't really get you where you want to go. With Sony's Elevated Standard, good is not good enough. Sony ES demands better. Like a solid frame and beam construction that minimizes internal vibration and an aluminum front panel that reduces resonance. No detail is considered trivial when striving for ES level performance. For example, since identical heat sink fins have identical resonance frequencies, Sony engineers added ribs at staggered intervals. This helps diffuse resonance and maintain sonic integrity. The numbers are impressive, but it's Sony's Elevated Standard that's really responsible for the mind-blowing performance of the STRDA3000ES. If you just want to rattle the windows and knock stuff over, start a day-care center. If you want big sound that sounds great--invest in Sony ES.

Don't Sweat It

We may laugh at the technophobes in classic sci-fi movies, but many of us approach new technologies like the mob reaction to the robot in "The Day the Earth Stood Still." With the STRDA3000ES there really is nothing to fear. Put down the paranoia, pick up the remote, and you'll soon see how easy controlling a home theater system can be. Besides having an Elevated Standard, Sony ES receivers are also extra smart with circuitry and programming that provide advantages like component video switching. Activate Sony's Sound Field Link and your receiver will remember the sound mode you last used with a specific source and automatically select that mode when you again select that source. For example, if you were enjoying a CD in Auditorium mode then stop to watch the evening news, when you go back to your CD your receiver will switch back to Auditorium mode. An easy to follow on-screen menu walks you through basic operations with ease and the included LCD Remote Commander gives you complete control over your system plus the ability to program macro commands that save you time and reduce the risk of finger cramps (aka: game-thumb). One macro command replaces a whole string of separate commands so you push one button and your remote takes it from there. The Control A-1 II input enables the STRDA3000ES to network with other compatible Sony components for serious system integration. There's no denying the high-tech nature of ES components, but even if you generally approach new technology with all the confidence of a first-time bungee jumper, you'll find you have no worries with the STRDA3000ES.

Look Again

Sometimes even very impressive things are easily overlooked if they are not pointed out. Like a pheasant in a field or a rainbow in a fountain. Glancing at the sleek face of the STRDA3000ES you won't see the front A/V jacks until you open the panel that conceals and protects them (click on the "Front Panel Open" link to check it out). You'll also notice most of the front panel controls are there also. This not only contributes to the smooth, high-tech appearance of this home theater centerpiece, it helps keep your settings safe. If your home theater ever caters to the cartoon crowd, you know that even purple dinosaurs and blue dogs lose their appeal after a time and little fingers start looking for something to do. To a toddler, buttons and knobs can be an irresistible temptation. "Out of site, out of mind" is a good way to save yourself the frustration of having to undo the work of a miniature mix-master wannabe. Take a good look at the back of the STRDA3000ES (click on "Back Panel View") and you may still miss one of the coolest features back there. Along with all the brightly color coded video connections and wide array of analog and digital audio ins and outs are several small, rather unimportant looking connections with labels like "IR Remote" and "Trigger Out". These nondescript connections enable this home theater power house to pump entertainment to not just one, but two rooms. Sony even includes a second remote for multi-zone control to help you get the maximum benefits from the 2 Zone/2 Room output capabilities of the STRDA3000ES.

Included with STR-DA3000ES Home Theater Receiver

Instruction manual, FM wire antenna, AM loop antenna, RM-LG112 LCD Remote Commander remote control, RM-US106 2nd remote (for mult-zone), 2 AA batteries (for remote), A/V Control S cord, Monaural Mini-plug cord.

Comparison Specifications

• Decoding: Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, dts, dts-ES, dts-ES 96/24, dts: Neo6, Dolby Pro Logic II
• 7 Channel Direct Drive Digital Amp: 150 Watts x 7 (8 ohms 20Hz-20kHz, THD 0.6 percent)
• 2 HD Capable Component Video inputs, 1 HD Capable Component Video output
• 5 Optical & 2 Coaxial Digital Audio inputs (inc. front A/V), 1 Optical Line output
• 7.1 & 5.1 Multi-Channel Analog inputs, 8 Analog Audio Line inputs, 4 Analog Audio Line outputs
• 5 S-Video inputs (inc. front A/V), 3 S-Video outputs (inc. monitor out)
• Digital Signal Processor (DSP) with 11 Acoustic Environments
• Digital Cinema Sound System with Cinema Studio EX A/B/C Modes
• Sound Field Link
• Preprogrammed/Learning/Macro LCD Remote Control (w/2nd remote for multi-zone control)

Additional Specifications

• Dual 32 Bit System
• 2 Zone/2 Room Output, RS-232C, 12V Trig x 2, 1 IR in/2 IR out
• Video Up-Conversion to Component Video
• Sound Field Programs: Cinema-4, Music-7, Auto Format Decoding-7
• Discrete Circuit Devices
• Phono input (MM type)
• 5 Composite Video Inputs (inc. front A/V), 3 Composite Video outputs (inc. Monitor out)
• Front A/V Inputs include: S-Video, Composite A/V and Optical Digital Audio
• 8/4 ohm Rated Amplifier Ouput
• Multi-Channel Decoding Blue LED

Manufacturer Specifications

• A/B or A+B Speaker Switching (Front Speakers)
• Control S input, Control S output, Control A-1 II input
• 30 Total Station Presets
• AM & FM Antenna Inputs
• 1/4" Headphone Jack output
• Dual Power Supplies, 2 Switched AC Outlets
• Screw Type Speaker Terminals
• Aluminum Panel, Frame & Beam Construction
• Digital Power Management
• Detachable AC

Dimensional Specifications

• Approx. 32 lbs.
• Approx. 16.92" x 6.34" x 14.17"

Sony STR-DA3000ES Warranty Details

5 Years Parts, 5 Years Labor