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 STRDA4400ES is a prime example of what can be accomplished when brilliant A/V experts dream in Sony. As you scan the specifications of this remarkable receiver, one of the first things you'll notice is its 7-Channel Direct Drive Digital Amplifier. This power-packed digital dynamo can kick out 120 watts worth of full bandwidth audio to each of the seven channels and includes a subwoofer output. Further, 32-bit processing provides precise surround decoding for Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, dts-ES, dts Neo:6, Dolby Pro Logic, Pro Logic II and Pro Logic IIx 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 8-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.

Elevating the standards (again)

This year's 7.1-Channel STRDA4400 ES receiver is optimized for Blu-ray Disc&re; and other HD Sources. The STRDA4400ES was engineered to be the ideal Blu-ray Disc® A/V receiver, fully compatible with the Sony BDP-S1 Blu-ray Disc Player. It provides superior video switching and audio performance that will work with many of today's demanding HD sources. Two High Definition Media Interface (HDMI) inputs are capable of accepting resolutions up to 1080p, offering the full video quality that Blu-ray Disc format can deliver. And with Sony's HDMI "Active Intelligence," the receiver can detect and receive the best possible video and audio signals from all connected devices, making connection and performance as simple as plugging in a single wire (HDMI-compatible HDTV required). For audio, the STRDA4400ES offers full compatibility with Blu-ray Disc format's linear PCM (uncompressed) output, producing up to eight channels of high-quality audio reproduction.

Feast your eyes

As awesome as the audio is, that's only part of the story. To pass over the video abilities of the STRDA4400ES 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 STRDA4400ES will automatically convert an incoming composite video, composite, or S-video signal and output it to your TV as a 1080p 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 STRDA4400ES that's built to handle a high-definition load.

Push the limits

There's a long list of impressive numbers associated with the STRDA4400ES, 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 STRDA4400ES. 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 STRDA4400ES 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. 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 STRDA4400ES.

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 STRDA4400ES 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 STRDA4400ES (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 3 Zone/3 Room output capabilities of the STRDA4400ES.

Get Into The Zone

With the STRDA4400ES's powered multi-room zone capabilities, you can enjoy a riveting 5.1 channel surround experience in your living room, while the receiver's two additional amplifier channels are routed to any other room in the house. The two-zone technology allows you to independently play any device connected to the receiver.

XM Radio Ready

With XM Connect-and-Play® Ready with Neural 5.1 Surround, a world of digital radio at your fingertips. Connect the optional Connectand-Play antenna and sign up for XM subscription service and enjoy the variety and quality of satellite radio with the superior sound quality of an A/V receiver. In addition to stereo, you can enjoy 5.1 surround broadcasting. XM satellite radio is a satellite radio service that provides pay-for-service radio, analogous to premium cable television.

Don't forget the cables!

If you are using an HD DVD player, a receiver, or anything else that is capable of sending a high definition signal, don't forget to purchase the right cables. Many people don't realize what a significant difference the right cables make, and when they get their new high definition equipment home, they think the equipment itself is to blame when the picture isn't as good as it should be. This is because most components (HD-DVD, Blu-ray, receivers, etc) don't come with cables, so people often use whatever they have around the house, or buy cheap cables, thinking "it will do." But the picture won't be HD if you using the wrong cable. Another reason people don't buy the right cables is because trying to figure out which cables you need can be daunting, and it?s hard to know where to start. Our sales representatives are there to explain all your options, so you can make the best purchase and get the most out of your receiver.

Included with STR-DA4400ES Home Theater Receiver

Instruction manual, FM wire antenna, AM loop antenna, Remote Commander remote control, 2nd remote (for mult-zone), and 2 AA batteries (for remote).

Comparison Specifications

• Decoding: Dolby® Digital decoding, Dolby Digital EX decoding, Dolby Digital plus decoding, Dolby Pro Logic decoding, Dolby Pro Logic IIX decoding
• 120W x 7 (8 ohms 20Hz-20kHz, THD 0.9%), 8 ohms impedance
• 6 HDMI inputs/ 1 output (repeater), 3 HD-capable component video inputs/ 1 output,
• 5 optical audio inputs / 3 outputs, 3 coaxial audio digital inputs, 1 subwoofer output, 1 headphone output, 5 RCA audio inputs / 2 outputs
• One 7.1 multi-channel input
• 5 S-Video inputs / 2 outputs, 3 composite video inputs / 3 outputs, control S connection, DIGITAL MEDIA PORT connector, infrared port
• Digital Signal Processor (DSP) portable audio enhancer, dts® 96/24 decoding, dts decoding, dts NEO:6 decoding, dts-ES decoding
• Digital Cinema Sound™ technology
• XM® Connect-And-Play™ compatible with Neural 5.1 Surround Sound
• Preprogrammed/learning/macro LCD remote control

Additional Specifications

• On-screen display
• 3 Zone/3 Room (2nd room A/V, 3rd room audio only) with independent source and volume, RS-232C, three 12V triggers, 2 IR In/Out
• HDMI upconversion to 1080p from component, S-Video, and composite; HDMI upscaling to 1080p
• Sound field programs: Cinema-4, Music-7, Auto Format Decoding-14, 2-Channel-1, Headphone-4
• Discrete Circuit Devices
• Phono input (MM type)
• Amplification relocation
• A/B or A+B speaker switching (front speakers)
• 2 AC outlets (switched)
• AM & FM antenna inputs

Manufacturer Specifications

• Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (mono mic included)
• HDMI Intelligent A/V Selector
• BRAVIA Sync™ for theatre
• 30 total XM station presets
• Faroudja DCDi cinema up scaling technology
• Power: power consumption 480W in operation, 1W in standby. Power requirements: AC120V, 60Hz
• Speaker: Center speaker terminal, screw binding posts (A & B), surround back speakers, surround speaker terminal

Dimensional Specifications

• Dimensions: 6.75" H x 16.94" W x 16.94" D
• Weight: 33.1lbs

Sony STR-DA4400ES Warranty Details

5-years parts and labor

More reasons to buy the Sony STR-DA4400ES from Vanns.com

• Free Shipping!
• No Sales Tax!
• Vanns.com is a Fully Authorized Dealer (Learn More)
• The Sony STR-DA4400ES is Brand New
• The Sony STR-DA4400ES Ships in a Factory Sealed Box