From ProductWiki, free unbiased product reports for the consumer.

The Sony STR-DG720 is a 7.1 channel A/V receiver released on April 8th, 2008 for $299. It features 3 x HDMI inputs with Sony's "Active Intelligence" technology, that will process and decode uncompressed LPCM audio signals from sources like Blu-ray players. The DG-720 also has 3 component video inputs, but will not transcode or upscale to HDMI from component or analog video sources. The step-down model STR-DG520 retails for $199 and drops audio decoding and 1 HDMI inputs, and the STR-DG820 ($479) adds a fourth HDMI input and supports HD audio decoding of dts HD-MA and Dolby TrueHD.

Pros & Cons

Pros:
5 people have already voted. Do you agree?

•
Processes uncompressed LPCM audio signals over HDMI
+5agreedisagree

•
3 in 1 out HDMI capability with streamed audio/video
+5agreedisagree

•
Simple automatic calibration
+3agreedisagree

•
Excellent value receiver
+3agreedisagree

•
Perfectly pairs up with the PS3
+3agreedisagree

Cons:
Do you agree?

•
Doesn't transcode or upscale analog sources to HDMI or component
+3agreedisagree

•
Only has 2 x 5-way binding posts used for the Front L/R speakers in zone A
+3agreedisagree

•
Cheap, generic included remote - Harmony or bust.
0agreedisagree

•
Front display is rudimentary and something from 1999 ... the manual writing is just as archaic.
0agreedisagree

Competing products

Sony STR-DG720 is ranked 4th.  See the top picks in A/V Receivers

Add a competitor to the list

More information

Features

  • 7.1 channel A/V receiver
  • power: 105 Watts RMS x 7 @ 8 Ohms
  • HDMI: 3 inputs, 1 output with uncompressed audio decoding (no HD audio, however)
  • 3 x component video inputs, but doesn't transcode to HDMI
  • release date: April 8th, 2008
  • price: $299

Submit a link

Related products

Add a related product to this list

4 comments about Sony STR DG 720

1.  avatar raygendreau  Apr 16, 2008 11:25am

Very good value. I replaced a STR-DG800 7.1 HDMI passthrough receiver with this unit. It's a good buy for PS3 owner's. While it doesn't decode Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD Master Audio ,it doesn't matter since the PS3 decodes both and sends the LPCM to the receiver. The DTS-HD MA decoding capability was added with PS3 firmware update 2.30 on 15 April. Since I was already familiar with the Sony Receiver setup procedure initial setup was a breeze.

1. Use Speaker auto-cal.
2. On the PS3 select HDMI LPCM in the Audio menu
and in sound settings in HDMI select Automatic and the receiver will automatically select the optimum sound. You can verify this by hitting the select button on the PS3 controller while watching the movie.

I just watched 'I Am Legend' with Dolby TrueHD and 'Xmen, The Last Stand' with DTS-HD MA. SPECTACULAR!!!
Also, check out the Uncharted Drake's Fortune video game if you have it. Set the audio in Game Options to LPCM 7.1 WHOO HOO!!!

2.  avatar krazyfiend  Apr 23, 2008 6:11pm

ray , erik or anyone ...

I've been playing with my ps3 'sound' settings

HDMI of course

Manual mode

What are you allowing ? I want to force the best, but not cripple a movie or game or streamed video file if it only has DD 5.1 or DTS as it's 'best'

I have currently

Dolby Digital 5.1Ch. (manually selected)
DTS 5.1 Ch. (manually selected)
AAC (manually selected)

Linear PCM 2 Ch. 44.1 kHz (system forced/defaulted on)
Linear PCM 2 Ch. 48 kHz (system forced/defaulted on)

Linear PCM 7.1 Ch. 48 kHz (manually selected)
Linear PCM 7.1 Ch. 96 kHz (manually selected)

...I feel like I'm missing something and scouring the internet, AVS, and the manual...I see no real definitive info on what is optimum for the PS3 to be set at with this DG720

Is PCM 7.1 192kHz out of the question ? DOes having none of the LPCM 5.1's selected cripple my setup?

After 'forcing' the ps3 to always output 1080p or 480p in settings, I was sorta under the same impression that these audio settings were similar and that one would need to 'force' the ps3 to go for the best option instead of having them all selected and letting the PS3 sort it out.

Thanks for any input or light you can shed on this...just trying to help others as well as tune this combo in to it's full potential.
3.  avatar Erik  Apr 25, 2008 3:19pm

It's my understanding that in the PS3, you should select all of the audio formats that your receiver can play (DD/dts 5.1, LPCM 7.1) and the PS3 will automatically use the best format available depending on game, Blu-ray, DVD or other media.

http://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/settings/audiooutput.html

192kHz sampling rates are only found on stereo DVD-Audio and SACD, as most movies use 48 kHz or 96 kHz (concerts, mostly).
4.  avatar raygendreau  Apr 26, 2008 10:31am

krazyfiend
I have decided, after trying different hdmi audio combinations, there is no need to force the codec selection. With the hdmi set to automatic, the optimum codec is in fact automatically selected.

As for the video display, the only time I have forced 1080P is for the video game Call of Duty 4 which plays at 720P if not forced.
Some HTML is allowed. Your comments remain editable after you post..

    Who else tapped it

    raygendreau

    have


     
    krazyfiend

    love, have


     

    Key Features:

    Manufacturer Sony
    MSRP $299.00
    Product Line STR-DGx20
    Release Date Apr. 8, 2008

    Sponsors

    Product page stats

    7185 views and 78 edits (see all)
    5 contributors -  Erik, raygendreau, krazyfiend, seanpoly, dope
    Created: 04/07/2008 - 12:00
    Modified: 08/18/2008 - 1:25
    Model # variations:

    STR, DG, 720, STRDG, DG720, STRDG720