Sony BRAVIA 1000W 5.1-Ch. Home Theater System w/ 5-Disc Upconvert DVD Player

...

positioned well.
The other four sources facilitated by the receiver are external (AUX, SAT/CABLE, TV, DMPORT). Three of the four external sources are audio only (AUX, SAT/CABLE, TV). One is both audio and video (DMPORT), but the video is composite quality only. Of these four external sources, one is accessed on the front panel (AUX) and the remaining three on the back. The types of external source inputs are as follows:
* AUX: front input, miniature stereo phono (audio only)
* SAT/CABLE: RCA stereo (audio only)
* TV: RCA stereo, or digital coaxial, or digital optical (audio only)
* DMPORT: proprietary connection for MP3 player dock (audio and video)
Note that the three output ports on the back of the 576 are: (1) video only, and (2) hardwired internally to just the DVD player = are not configurable to output any other sources (except the composite also can output from the MP3 player). To repeat for clarity and emphasis on the three video outputs:
* Digital HDMI Out (internal DVD only, video only)
* Component Y-Pb/Cb-Pr/Cr Out (internal DVD only)
* Composite RCA Out (internal DVD or MP3 player only)
Finally, you do have one other out port, the miniature stereo phono headphones connection on the front of the 576. Using this connection mutes all the external speakers, naturally.

(2) Speakers. You get a 5.1 surround sound speaker set, the front stereo pair on stands, a ported, passive subwoofer, and two smaller surround speakers that are wired to a small amp that communicates with the main amp wirelessly. Thus, be aware that you need an AC outlet near where you want to put the surround speakers for the surround amp. Connections are bare wires into all speakers, marked for polarity, but color-coded plugs into the main unit that fit only one way to insure proper polarity. The front stereo speaker stands have to be assembled, which takes a little time, with one part about threading the wire into the stand not quite so obvious. Once all connections are made, setup goes fairly well. The autocalibration mic has plenty of cord (perhaps 13-14 feet) to work even a large den. The mic at least gets the estimated distances pretty good, but the individual speaker level settings were way off. I had to go back and redo all levels manually. I did this autocalibration several times just to make sure I had not missed anything, and every time I still had to adjust the levels of the speakers manually. You might have to do this as well.

(3) Wireless Surround. Surround sound to the rear speakers is wireless. The main unit comes with a wireless transceiver that broadcasts surround audio on the 2.4 GHz band to the surround amp wireless receiver. The surround amp is quite oddly shaped, to be honest (over a foot long! 13.5" x 3.5" x 4" LxWxH). The surround speakers, in fact, are wired. That is, these speakers are hooked into this oddly shaped surround amp by running speaker wires from wherever the surround amp is to each speaker's terminals. Hence, the surround sound is only "partially" wireless. Also, seems that Sony has not provided enough wire really to run the speakers, especially not if you have to do something like go up and over a door frame. I had to add a length of my own speaker wire to get to a corner just 12 feet away as the crow flies. Setting up the wireless system is straightforward, and, following instructions carefully, goes without a hitch. You have three ID switches (A, B, C) to choose from to match up among your wireless units (to distinguish from other possible S-AIR units in the neighborhood, but the conflict could hardly occur given limitations of range, unless in a small apartment).

(4) Digital Media Port Adaptor. This is a fancy name for an MP3 dock. The dock is connected to the main unit via a proprietary cable that carries audio and video (composite quality only). Though advertised for Apple iPod, the unit basically really is for Sony products. The main unit's remote controls many elements of the MP3 transport (Play, Stop, Pause, Track Forward, Track Back) and menu (Previous Menu, Next Menu, Up Folder/Item, Down Folder/Item).

(5) S-AIR Receiver. This wireless unit looks like a table radio, and that basically is its function. You have a small, self-amplified stereo speaker system that receives its sound from the 576 main unit. You can set up the S-AIR unit in two modes:
* "Party Mode." The S-AIR joins in with the main unit and tunes in whatever the main unit is doing.
* "Separate Mode." The S-AIR operates independently of the main unit.

Buttons on the top of the S-AIR unit control transport functions of the source dialed in on the S-AIR when in "Separate Mode." For example, if someone is watching a DVD movie on the main unit in the den, someone else in a different room with the S-AIR receiver theoretically could be listening to the main unit's FM tuner and changing stations, or can be listening to a playlist on the MP3 player in the main unit's MP3 dock and controlling transport, such as play, pause, stop, previous and next track. Finally, the S-AIR even can function when the main unit is off (in "Standby" mode). This option is set in the main unit's system menu.

Evaluation:
(1) Audio. The sound is generally satisfactory, being smooth and fairly accurate if the bass is not pushed. Good, flat sound overall probably is the chief factor that sets this HTIB apart from others in the class. Two caveats apply, one minor, the other more serious.
* Subwoofer. First, on the minor side, the passive subwoofer is decent for musical frequencies, even though still a little soft and muddled for my tastes (not quite punchy enough). This subwoofer, however, is at a distinct disadvantage with handling the boom, thunder, and roar of low frequency movie sound effects. Fortunately, I just happened to have a Velodyne CT-100 active subwoofer lying around that has sophisticated circuitry allowing speaker level inputs with audio pass through. So I took the speaker level subwoofer out from the Sony 576 straight into the Velodyne, then passed through the same signal on out to the Sony passive subwoofer. (In this way the Sony amp sees no extra impedence load at all, so is completely unaware of the Velodyne's existence in the circuitry.) I have the Velodyne set to kick in only at those lower frequencies for movie sound effects, and the Sony subwoofer handling just the higher musical frequencies. With this adaptation, I am more satisfied with the audio performance, especially action movies. Your requirements and tastes may be different.
* Equalization. Though the 576's sound is generally OK, just a little dash of EQ would have gone a long way to really making her shine. One distinct downside to the 576 is that the audio allows no EQ settings of any kind anywhere--not even those cheap presets found on many HTIB (such as "Rock," "Classical," "Easy Listening," "Stadium," "Theater"). The user has no option to adjust any EQ. This inability is quite significant given that any room anywhere of any size and configuration will have its own "sound print" (frequency difficiencies) de facto that need to be compensated for to have accurate, clean sound.

(2) Wireless. The S-AIR wireless system broadcasts on the 2.4 GHz band. When some 576 users reported no conflict with their 2.4 GHz wireless computer networks, I thought I was free and clear. Not so. The S-AIR circuitry is supposed to search out a clearer signal in its frequency range to avoid such conflicts, but mine just did not work. I definitely had wireless conflicts with my computer network, and the S-AIR never did get happy until I completely relocated my computer wireless setup. Therefore, I would advise caution about consideration of this HTIB with its wireless surround if you are running anything wireless at 2.4 GHz in the same room or nearby (including phones).

(3) S-AIR Receiver. All sounds very promising with this S-AIR receiver, which is sort of like a remote radio, but reality bites. I found the S-AIR unit in the end a poor system and rather useless. I will mention several critical items that seemed to doom the unit for my use anyway:
* Performance. The S-AIR unit really does not work well. The maximum reception distance is 25-27 feet, and that is line of sight. Somewhere between 27-30 feet, the unit no longer can lock in the signal. I can lock in from my den to my dinette wetbar, which is about 27 feet and line of sight. If I move just a few feet more to the AC socket on the far dinette wall, about 30 feet, the unit simply refuses to lock in. My two cordless phones in the den and dinette are 900 MHz, so not in conflict. To facilitate the wireless of the 576, I moved my 2.4 GHz computer wireless network out of the den due to conflicts between the computer wireless and the 576 wireless. Even after the S-AIR unit locks in, the S-AIR unit is too sensitive; weakened signal strength causes easy loss of the signal. Even when you inadvertently walk in front of the unit, sometimes that is enough to cause the unit to loose its signal. Imagine if you had a party with lots of people moving around. The Sony S-AIR brochure shows the main unit operating subunits all over a two-story house. That is a pure joke in my experience. I have a two-story house. I can barely get the S-AIR unit operating even in the bedroom that is immediately over the den where the 576 main unit is. Even in that bedroom the signal sporadically gets lost after locking in. As a result, my S-AIR unit is gathering dust, simply non-functional in my house. Your mileage may vary, but I would advise not making any decision about the 576 on the basis of the additional S-AIR receiver unit alone, or even as a deciding factor. One matter to consider is if you are in an apartment. The S-AIR might work just fine at the shorter ranges in many apartments, where den and bedroom are just a wall away, for example. Still, I would advise caution and not being too optimistic about its functionality or capability.
* Controls. The S-AIR is meant to control sources from the main unit, including the MP3 player in the docking station. Incredibly, however, while the S-AIR can control basic transport of the MP3 player, such as Play, Pause, Stop, Previous/Next Track, the S-AIR has no menu control. You cannot select a different album or playlist, for example. Thus, if you happen to be only one track from the end of a playlist or album the last time the MP3 was stopped, and hit Play on the S-AIR in another room, you get that one remaining song, and "that's all folks!" Lack of MP3 menu navigation in the control setup of the S-AIR is a huge oversight on the usability of the S-AIR unit for accessing the MP3 player remotely.
* Remote. The S-AIR unit does not have its own remote control. This omission is another important oversight, in my opinion. If you are in a room with an S-AIR unit operating and have to get up and walk over to the unit to turn down the sound just to answer the phone, the sense of user-friendly goes down decidedly.
* Sound. The S-AIR unit's audio is distinctly muddled, which is a surprise given that the main unit does fairly well. The S-AIR unit is way too heavy on bass and sounds like listening through a pillow on the higher frequencies. Further, just like the main unit, the S-AIR Receiver does not have any EQ controls. So the user is simply stuck with that muddled sound.

(4) Remote. The main unit remote does come capable of HDMI function for the Sony "Bravia" sync. If you have all Sony components, you will appreciate this feature. In the main, however, this particular Sony remote suffers from serious design and layout flaws and immediately threatens any sense of being user friendly at first sight. Four examples will suffice:
* Size. The main problem is the tiny body. The remote is 8.25" long, which is a deceptive figure, because all the buttons are crammed into only 5.75" of the top surface. The bottom 2.3" is completely blank. Further, the remote is only 1.8" wide. All of the options and controls of an entire home theater system have been compressed like a trash compactor into a very small space. Further crammed in are the additional functions of the wireless system and the Sony proprietary "Bravia" system, which syncs various Sony components. The end result is that surface buttons and screened letters of this remote are so small and compacted even Peter Pan would be sorely challenged to use the device.
* Inconsistencies. Inconsistencies abound. For some menus, you have to press the "System Menu" button buried in the middle section of all the buttons. Yet, for other menus, you have to press the "Display" button below and to the right of the control ring.
* Interface. A poorly integrated user interface also afflicts this remote. For example, what in the manual are called the main unit's "inputs" or "sources" are accessed through the remote's "Function" area with its dual plus/minus buttons. Say what? Further aggravating the system setup, the main unit's various inputs cannot be accessed directly on the remote, but have to be toggled through by pressing the plus/minus buttons multiple times. This one item alone makes recording macros from the Sony remote to a universal remote a pain of repetition, involving redundant multiple steps over and over again to get to the right input source in various macros.
* Backlit. The 576 remote is not backlit. This problem is a killer due to the physical nature of the remote layout. Sony has produced a remote with black keys on a black face crammed onto a tiny surface area. These keys literally completely disappear with any lowering of light levels in the room, especially watching movies. Guessing is a real crapshoot, since hitting the wrong key in such a small space is so easy. Good thing I already had a bright, backlit universal remote into which to program all the necessary Sony functions.

(5) Digital Media Port Adaptor. The video out of the MP3 docking station is NOT compatible with the newer series iPods beginning with the iPod "Classic" and those related models of the Nano, iPhone, or iTouch. These newer Apple products require an Apple authentication chip for the Apple's iPod video out to work with third-party docks. Apparently, the Sony 576 does not have this Apple chip. Sony clearly intended to advertise their dock as accommodating the Apple iPod, since the iPod logo is seen all over the 576's packaging and advertisements. Nowhere, however, does any advertising, packaging, manual, or even slips of paper alert the consumer to this fundamental video incompatibility with the newer iPods from the "Classic" forward. The "Classic" iPod was out well before the Sony 576, so Sony at least had time to insert a piece of paper somewhere in the box or manual, or to make this clear post-purchase, and should make this clear in current marketing, but they do not.

(6) Connections. The main unit is intentionally crippled from being an actual receiver. This status is true both for inputs and outputs.
* Inputs. Note carefully that source inputs provide audio in only, not video (with the exception of the proprietary DMPORT for the MP3 player). YOU HAVE NO VIDEO INPUTS OF ANY KIND FOR ANY SOURCE. This complete absence of any video input to the 576 cripples the unit as a true receiver. You can input the audio of any device, but not its video. Why not? A home theater setup by default is looking at multiple video systems (Cable, Satellite, VCR, DVR, PS3, Blu-Ray, etc.). Even the simplest old style systems had two video sources (Cable, VCR)!
* Outputs. The 576 outputs go the opposite way. That is, whereas you can output the video of the internal DVD player, you cannot output its audio. Neither can you output the audio of the internal tuner. Further, you cannot pass through the sound of any source coming in. Why not? What if you wanted to supplement the system's own sound with an auxiliary subwoofer, or better front stereo sound? What if you wanted to record the audio from the AM or FM tuner, such as a radio program, or from some other source coming in? No dice. The one solitary option you have is to use the miniature stereo phono headphone out on the front of the unit, but this kills the sound out of the speakers, and requires a preamp to boost the output level for decent recording quality anyway.

Not only is this Sony unit a theater in a box, this theater is locked in its box! Only audio in. Only video out. These are deliberate engineering choices intentionally crippling the system from even the most basic home theater audio/video needs outside the one function of watching a DVD movie. You cannot even get a simple cable video signal directly in (not even a simple 70 Ohm coaxial input).

Thus, be aware that with the Sony 576, all video input in your theater setup must be provided by some other component. Most importantly in today's home theater, if you need to hook up multiple HDMI devices, you will have to depend on the HDMI inputs of some other component, such as your TV, or another true receiver, or an HDMI switcher hooked directly to your TV. In the same vein, you have no easy access to record the audio of any source, internal or external.

(7) Digital Audio. The 576 does have one digital audio in, which can be either coaxial or optical. However, be aware that this digital audio in is hardwired to the TV input (because the 576 assumes the "Bravia" system TV connection). Thus, whatever component is the source of your digital audio, the input source of your audio on the Sony's 576 display always will read "TV"--counterintuitive, not user-friendly, and clearly "Sony only" in design.

(8) Manual. Manuals are manuals. I rarely mention them in reviews. With only a few exceptions, however, this Sony manual screams for comment as a poster child for poor design, confusing discussion, and bad layout. An example of an exception would be the good discussion and diagrams of surround sound speaker placement options. Such examples of clarity, however, are rare. What are the problems?
* Presentation. One major problem is that the manual suffers a split personality and does not keep clear who is being addressed. Sony was lazy. They tried to write three manuals in one. They have three different HTIB models, the 277WC, 279W, and this one being reviewed, the 576WF. Instead of writing a manual for each system, they tried to conflate discussions of all three systems into one manual. What a mess! Every block diagram is repeated three times, which is visually tiring and confusing. Many instructions are repeated three times, except for those that apply to two units, or those that apply to all three units. Talk about confusing! Trying to access the right information for your particular unit in the manual is sometimes an exercise in abject futility. You can waste five minutes or more reading something, when suddenly you realize those paragraphs are not for your model! The reader too easily can get lost even after only a few page turns trying to remember whether the instructions being read at the moment are for the 277, the 279, or the 576, or any combination of the three. Unbelievable.
* Size. Another problem is that the manual is way too small. The booklet is only 5.75" x 8.5", that is, a typical 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper folded in half and turned vertically. Such a small format is nearly impossible to read, because Sony's choice of type size is somewhere between 6 to 8 point (no joke). The diagrams, likewise, when crammed into such a small page format are quite small. Some exploded wiring diagrams are readable, but all diagrams of the backside of the amp are so minuscule they are literally impossible to read. The only salvation is to download Sony's pdf version of the manual from their website and magnify the size about 400%-600% to read the actual words over the port diagrams of the back of the unit--seriously.
* Terminology. Confusing terminology creates a headache for understanding. One example is Sony's terminology for the wireless components of the system. What would a typical audio person think the "S-AIR receiver" is? The typical audio person is going to think the subject is the system's main amp. Instead, Sony conflicts the audio and wireless terminology, forcing Sony to call the main amp not the "receiver," which is standard audio terminology, but the "S-AIR main unit." Then, you have "S-AIR subunits," which is Sony lingo for various other S-AIR devices, such as the wireless surround amplifier or the wireless, self-amplified speaker box. This wireless, self-amplifed speaker box is what Sony means by "S-AIR receiver." Until you make concerted effort trying to retrain your audio lingo, the Sony lingo is plain hard to accommodate. The term "S-AIR receiver" simply causes a knee-jerk reaction of thinking about the system's main amp, not the dinky little box that parrots what the main amp is doing wirelessly.

The most complicated example of confusing terminology in the manual is the discussion of audio. Three different sections completely obliterate any semblance of simplicity.
* Surround Sound. First, you have true 5.1 surround sound. This audio feature is set up automatically at the beginning of the manual with discussion of the supplied calibration mic that calculates speaker distances and level settings. (Many HTIB now have this calibration mic feature.) Users might think they are done setting up their system's audio. Oh, no! Not so fast.
* Surround Sound--Again. Second, later on in the manual one encounters another audio section, "Enjoying Surround Sound by Using Decoding Mode." Is this still about additional steps to take in setting up the 5.1 surround sound? Who knows? Sony is silent about the relationship, although the reader encounters the words "surround sound" in the title. So, maybe this section is about further configuration of the surround sound settings? The novice user easily would think, "Hmm, I guess here is where I now refine the setup of my 5.1 surround sound; the calibration mic must have only got me started." In fact, this section is not about true 5.1 surround sound. This section is about cheap surround EFFECTS. Sony is trying to offer chintzy ways to simulate some kind of sound coming out of the rear speakers from mono (think AM radio) or two-channel sound sources. The reader encounters really esoteric lingo, such as "A.F.D. Multi," "Pro Logic," "PLII Movie," "PLII Music," etc. My guess is that the general consumer buying a HTIB would have a hard time distinguishing all this hoopla, or even when to implement these audio settings (all the time? permanent settings? only on occasion?). What's worse, these audio gimmicks do not work most of the time, leaving one not hearing anything at all out of the surround speakers in the first place. The effects are poorly engineered, poorly explained, and basically useless.
* Sound Mode. Third, on top of this "surround sound" (read "sound effects") jargon, Sony has layered a third level of complication. In a different part of the manual Sony presents a "Selecting the Sound Mode" section. What is this? Surround sound redux, or something else altogether? No word is given on the relationship of this section about audio to any of the others. The reader simply learns of a dedicated "Sound Mode" button on the remote. The remote button toggles among three options, "Auto," "Movie," and "Music." What is this? Part of the surround sound system? Part of the "A.F.D. Multi," "Pro Logic," etc. system? Is this "Sound Mode" button on the remote in addition to, in concert with, or in spite of the "surround sound" choices identified as "A.F.D. Multi," "Pro Logic," etc., or the 5.1 surround sound system the calibration mic set up automatically at the beginning? Sony has not a word to clarify these relationships among three layers of audio settings presented in the manual. Thus, Sony presents a complicated and confusing mixture of three layers of audio settings, what might be identified more simply as SURROUND, EFFECTS, and MODE, but never once explains their relationships or interaction. (I have not even mentioned yet another section, "Enjoying Multiplex Broadcast Sound (Dual Mono)." There's a mouthful.)

Wow. Could you possibly get more complicated or confusing? An experienced audio person could decipher all this and break down all the constituent parts. For example, "PLII" is an allusion to Dolby Pro Logic II, the second incarnation of the Pro Logic system; the experienced audio person would know what that development was all about, so would have a clue what that sound effect was trying to achieve. Yet, what an irony are all these complicated audio settings on the 576! The HTIB design is marketed to the average, non-technical consumer who wants to avoid complicated setups of multiple audio and video components and confusing lingo. Sony could not have defeated that purpose more supremely than with their discussion of audio settings in the 576 manual.

Summary:
Pros:
(1) Inexpensive 5.1 surround sound with partially wireless surround
(2) Good AM/FM tuner with strong reception
(3) DVD/CD player capable of many formats, including playing music/image files
(4) Docking station for MP3 player, controlled by main unit remote
(5) Autocalibrating mic for setting up surround sound
(6) Overall good sound quality, fairly accurate, flat
(7) Main unit remote controls most MP3 player functions
(8) Included S-AIR Receiver unit, when holding its signal, can operate independently of the main unit (even in "Standby" mode)

Cons:
(1) Ports prevent integrating even the most basic home theater components
(2) Digital audio in (coaxial, optical) hardwired to "TV" input
(3) Autocalibration gets distances, but seems to miss speaker levels
(4) "Wireless surround" is only partially wireless, and provided speaker wires are not long enough even for typical setups
(5) The 2.4 GHz wireless system can conflict with other 2.4 GHz devices
(6) Passive subwoofer not really adequate to the task of movie sound effects
(7) Neither main unit audio nor S-AIR Receiver audio have any EQ adjustments
(8) S-AIR Receiver distance performance is inadequate, has no remote, no EQ controls, no menu controls for MP3 player functions, and muddled sound
(9) Main unit remote control is small, crowded, inconsistently implemented, with a poor user interface, and is not backlit
(10) Digital Media Port Adaptor (MP3 docking station) is NOT video compatible with Apple iPod "Classic" and later
(11) Manual conflates multiple models, is too small, and especially complicates audio settings

Conclusion:
I was downsizing my home theater setup on behalf of easier use for wife and friends and wanted to stay within a predetermined budget. Decent sound from the Sony 576WF main unit compels me to stay with this HTIB, even though much that was promised was not delivered. My TV had the multiple inputs needed for various video feeds, as well as high quality audio out for any recording or other audio pass-through functions. I was able to supplement the subwoofer performance with a really good unit I already had and leapfrog the poor remote with my universal remote. I know about audio, so the terrible manual was only frustrating. I already was taking the S-AIR Receiver as a "gimme," so, that the unit is now sitting in a closet is just a mild disappointment, not a deal breaker. I was able to run the wires of the "wireless" surround speakers discretely, so hardly anyone will notice without scrutiny. I moved the conflicting computer wireless network setup out of the den so that the S-AIR surround amp could stay happy and hold its signal. The one remaining problem unsolved is no video out from my iPod using the included Sony dock. I probably will have to scrap the Sony dock just like the S-AIR Receiver. I have to keep in mind that not even "good money" can satisfy every whim, so, that I got by this cheaply for decent movie watching and easier operation for family and friends is a goal achieved. Not a ringing endorsement, I know, but the whole experience was not a joy ride either.

Sony BRAVIA 1000W 5.1-Ch. Home Theater System w/ 5-Disc Upconvert DVD Player

...

positioned well.

The other four sources facilitated by the receiver are external (AUX, SAT/CABLE, TV, DMPORT). Three of the four external sources are audio only (AUX, SAT/CABLE, TV). One is both audio and video (DMPORT), but the video is composite quality only. Of these four external sources, one is accessed on the front panel (AUX) and the remaining three on the back. The types of external source inputs are as follows:

* AUX: front input, miniature stereo phono (audio only)

* SAT/CABLE: RCA stereo (audio only)

* TV: RCA stereo, or digital coaxial, or digital optical (audio only)

* DMPORT: proprietary connection for MP3 player dock (audio and video)

Note that the three output ports on the back of the 576 are: (1) video only, and (2) hardwired internally to just the DVD player = are not configurable to output any other sources (except the composite also can output from the MP3 player). To repeat for clarity and emphasis on the three video outputs:

* Digital HDMI Out (internal DVD only, video only)

* Component Y-Pb/Cb-Pr/Cr Out (internal DVD only)

* Composite RCA Out (internal DVD or MP3 player only)

Finally, you do have one other out port, the miniature stereo phono headphones connection on the front of the 576. Using this connection mutes all the external speakers, naturally.



(2) Speakers. You get a 5.1 surround sound speaker set, the front stereo pair on stands, a ported, passive subwoofer, and two smaller surround speakers that are wired to a small amp that communicates with the main amp wirelessly. Thus, be aware that you need an AC outlet near where you want to put the surround speakers for the surround amp. Connections are bare wires into all speakers, marked for polarity, but color-coded plugs into the main unit that fit only one way to insure proper polarity. The front stereo speaker stands have to be assembled, which takes a little time, with one part about threading the wire into the stand not quite so obvious. Once all connections are made, setup goes fairly well. The autocalibration mic has plenty of cord (perhaps 13-14 feet) to work even a large den. The mic at least gets the estimated distances pretty good, but the individual speaker level settings were way off. I had to go back and redo all levels manually. I did this autocalibration several times just to make sure I had not missed anything, and every time I still had to adjust the levels of the speakers manually. You might have to do this as well.



(3) Wireless Surround. Surround sound to the rear speakers is wireless. The main unit comes with a wireless transceiver that broadcasts surround audio on the 2.4 GHz band to the surround amp wireless receiver. The surround amp is quite oddly shaped, to be honest (over a foot long! 13.5" x 3.5" x 4" LxWxH). The surround speakers, in fact, are wired. That is, these speakers are hooked into this oddly shaped surround amp by running speaker wires from wherever the surround amp is to each speaker's terminals. Hence, the surround sound is only "partially" wireless. Also, seems that Sony has not provided enough wire really to run the speakers, especially not if you have to do something like go up and over a door frame. I had to add a length of my own speaker wire to get to a corner just 12 feet away as the crow flies. Setting up the wireless system is straightforward, and, following instructions carefully, goes without a hitch. You have three ID switches (A, B, C) to choose from to match up among your wireless units (to distinguish from other possible S-AIR units in the neighborhood, but the conflict could hardly occur given limitations of range, unless in a small apartment).



(4) Digital Media Port Adaptor. This is a fancy name for an MP3 dock. The dock is connected to the main unit via a proprietary cable that carries audio and video (composite quality only). Though advertised for Apple iPod, the unit basically really is for Sony products. The main unit's remote controls many elements of the MP3 transport (Play, Stop, Pause, Track Forward, Track Back) and menu (Previous Menu, Next Menu, Up Folder/Item, Down Folder/Item).



(5) S-AIR Receiver. This wireless unit looks like a table radio, and that basically is its function. You have a small, self-amplified stereo speaker system that receives its sound from the 576 main unit. You can set up the S-AIR unit in two modes:

* "Party Mode." The S-AIR joins in with the main unit and tunes in whatever the main unit is doing.

* "Separate Mode." The S-AIR operates independently of the main unit.



Buttons on the top of the S-AIR unit control transport functions of the source dialed in on the S-AIR when in "Separate Mode." For example, if someone is watching a DVD movie on the main unit in the den, someone else in a different room with the S-AIR receiver theoretically could be listening to the main unit's FM tuner and changing stations, or can be listening to a playlist on the MP3 player in the main unit's MP3 dock and controlling transport, such as play, pause, stop, previous and next track. Finally, the S-AIR even can function when the main unit is off (in "Standby" mode). This option is set in the main unit's system menu.



Evaluation:

(1) Audio. The sound is generally satisfactory, being smooth and fairly accurate if the bass is not pushed. Good, flat sound overall probably is the chief factor that sets this HTIB apart from others in the class. Two caveats apply, one minor, the other more serious.

* Subwoofer. First, on the minor side, the passive subwoofer is decent for musical frequencies, even though still a little soft and muddled for my tastes (not quite punchy enough). This subwoofer, however, is at a distinct disadvantage with handling the boom, thunder, and roar of low frequency movie sound effects. Fortunately, I just happened to have a Velodyne CT-100 active subwoofer lying around that has sophisticated circuitry allowing speaker level inputs with audio pass through. So I took the speaker level subwoofer out from the Sony 576 straight into the Velodyne, then passed through the same signal on out to the Sony passive subwoofer. (In this way the Sony amp sees no extra impedence load at all, so is completely unaware of the Velodyne's existence in the circuitry.) I have the Velodyne set to kick in only at those lower frequencies for movie sound effects, and the Sony subwoofer handling just the higher musical frequencies. With this adaptation, I am more satisfied with the audio performance, especially action movies. Your requirements and tastes may be different.

* Equalization. Though the 576's sound is generally OK, just a little dash of EQ would have gone a long way to really making her shine. One distinct downside to the 576 is that the audio allows no EQ settings of any kind anywhere--not even those cheap presets found on many HTIB (such as "Rock," "Classical," "Easy Listening," "Stadium," "Theater"). The user has no option to adjust any EQ. This inability is quite significant given that any room anywhere of any size and configuration will have its own "sound print" (frequency difficiencies) de facto that need to be compensated for to have accurate, clean sound.



(2) Wireless. The S-AIR wireless system broadcasts on the 2.4 GHz band. When some 576 users reported no conflict with their 2.4 GHz wireless computer networks, I thought I was free and clear. Not so. The S-AIR circuitry is supposed to search out a clearer signal in its frequency range to avoid such conflicts, but mine just did not work. I definitely had wireless conflicts with my computer network, and the S-AIR never did get happy until I completely relocated my computer wireless setup. Therefore, I would advise caution about consideration of this HTIB with its wireless surround if you are running anything wireless at 2.4 GHz in the same room or nearby (including phones).



(3) S-AIR Receiver. All sounds very promising with this S-AIR receiver, which is sort of like a remote radio, but reality bites. I found the S-AIR unit in the end a poor system and rather useless. I will mention several critical items that seemed to doom the unit for my use anyway:

* Performance. The S-AIR unit really does not work well. The maximum reception distance is 25-27 feet, and that is line of sight. Somewhere between 27-30 feet, the unit no longer can lock in the signal. I can lock in from my den to my dinette wetbar, which is about 27 feet and line of sight. If I move just a few feet more to the AC socket on the far dinette wall, about 30 feet, the unit simply refuses to lock in. My two cordless phones in the den and dinette are 900 MHz, so not in conflict. To facilitate the wireless of the 576, I moved my 2.4 GHz computer wireless network out of the den due to conflicts between the computer wireless and the 576 wireless. Even after the S-AIR unit locks in, the S-AIR unit is too sensitive; weakened signal strength causes easy loss of the signal. Even when you inadvertently walk in front of the unit, sometimes that is enough to cause the unit to loose its signal. Imagine if you had a party with lots of people moving around. The Sony S-AIR brochure shows the main unit operating subunits all over a two-story house. That is a pure joke in my experience. I have a two-story house. I can barely get the S-AIR unit operating even in the bedroom that is immediately over the den where the 576 main unit is. Even in that bedroom the signal sporadically gets lost after locking in. As a result, my S-AIR unit is gathering dust, simply non-functional in my house. Your mileage may vary, but I would advise not making any decision about the 576 on the basis of the additional S-AIR receiver unit alone, or even as a deciding factor. One matter to consider is if you are in an apartment. The S-AIR might work just fine at the shorter ranges in many apartments, where den and bedroom are just a wall away, for example. Still, I would advise caution and not being too optimistic about its functionality or capability.

* Controls. The S-AIR is meant to control sources from the main unit, including the MP3 player in the docking station. Incredibly, however, while the S-AIR can control basic transport of the MP3 player, such as Play, Pause, Stop, Previous/Next Track, the S-AIR has no menu control. You cannot select a different album or playlist, for example. Thus, if you happen to be only one track from the end of a playlist or album the last time the MP3 was stopped, and hit Play on the S-AIR in another room, you get that one remaining song, and "that's all folks!" Lack of MP3 menu navigation in the control setup of the S-AIR is a huge oversight on the usability of the S-AIR unit for accessing the MP3 player remotely.

* Remote. The S-AIR unit does not have its own remote control. This omission is another important oversight, in my opinion. If you are in a room with an S-AIR unit operating and have to get up and walk over to the unit to turn down the sound just to answer the phone, the sense of user-friendly goes down decidedly.

* Sound. The S-AIR unit's audio is distinctly muddled, which is a surprise given that the main unit does fairly well. The S-AIR unit is way too heavy on bass and sounds like listening through a pillow on the higher frequencies. Further, just like the main unit, the S-AIR Receiver does not have any EQ controls. So the user is simply stuck with that muddled sound.



(4) Remote. The main unit remote does come capable of HDMI function for the Sony "Bravia" sync. If you have all Sony components, you will appreciate this feature. In the main, however, this particular Sony remote suffers from serious design and layout flaws and immediately threatens any sense of being user friendly at first sight. Four examples will suffice:

* Size. The main problem is the tiny body. The remote is 8.25" long, which is a deceptive figure, because all the buttons are crammed into only 5.75" of the top surface. The bottom 2.3" is completely blank. Further, the remote is only 1.8" wide. All of the options and controls of an entire home theater system have been compressed like a trash compactor into a very small space. Further crammed in are the additional functions of the wireless system and the Sony proprietary "Bravia" system, which syncs various Sony components. The end result is that surface buttons and screened letters of this remote are so small and compacted even Peter Pan would be sorely challenged to use the device.

* Inconsistencies. Inconsistencies abound. For some menus, you have to press the "System Menu" button buried in the middle section of all the buttons. Yet, for other menus, you have to press the "Display" button below and to the right of the control ring.

* Interface. A poorly integrated user interface also afflicts this remote. For example, what in the manual are called the main unit's "inputs" or "sources" are accessed through the remote's "Function" area with its dual plus/minus buttons. Say what? Further aggravating the system setup, the main unit's various inputs cannot be accessed directly on the remote, but have to be toggled through by pressing the plus/minus buttons multiple times. This one item alone makes recording macros from the Sony remote to a universal remote a pain of repetition, involving redundant multiple steps over and over again to get to the right input source in various macros.

* Backlit. The 576 remote is not backlit. This problem is a killer due to the physical nature of the remote layout. Sony has produced a remote with black keys on a black face crammed onto a tiny surface area. These keys literally completely disappear with any lowering of light levels in the room, especially watching movies. Guessing is a real crapshoot, since hitting the wrong key in such a small space is so easy. Good thing I already had a bright, backlit universal remote into which to program all the necessary Sony functions.



(5) Digital Media Port Adaptor. The video out of the MP3 docking station is NOT compatible with the newer series iPods beginning with the iPod "Classic" and those related models of the Nano, iPhone, or iTouch. These newer Apple products require an Apple authentication chip for the Apple's iPod video out to work with third-party docks. Apparently, the Sony 576 does not have this Apple chip. Sony clearly intended to advertise their dock as accommodating the Apple iPod, since the iPod logo is seen all over the 576's packaging and advertisements. Nowhere, however, does any advertising, packaging, manual, or even slips of paper alert the consumer to this fundamental video incompatibility with the newer iPods from the "Classic" forward. The "Classic" iPod was out well before the Sony 576, so Sony at least had time to insert a piece of paper somewhere in the box or manual, or to make this clear post-purchase, and should make this clear in current marketing, but they do not.



(6) Connections. The main unit is intentionally crippled from being an actual receiver. This status is true both for inputs and outputs.

* Inputs. Note carefully that source inputs provide audio in only, not video (with the exception of the proprietary DMPORT for the MP3 player). YOU HAVE NO VIDEO INPUTS OF ANY KIND FOR ANY SOURCE. This complete absence of any video input to the 576 cripples the unit as a true receiver. You can input the audio of any device, but not its video. Why not? A home theater setup by default is looking at multiple video systems (Cable, Satellite, VCR, DVR, PS3, Blu-Ray, etc.). Even the simplest old style systems had two video sources (Cable, VCR)!

* Outputs. The 576 outputs go the opposite way. That is, whereas you can output the video of the internal DVD player, you cannot output its audio. Neither can you output the audio of the internal tuner. Further, you cannot pass through the sound of any source coming in. Why not? What if you wanted to supplement the system's own sound with an auxiliary subwoofer, or better front stereo sound? What if you wanted to record the audio from the AM or FM tuner, such as a radio program, or from some other source coming in? No dice. The one solitary option you have is to use the miniature stereo phono headphone out on the front of the unit, but this kills the sound out of the speakers, and requires a preamp to boost the output level for decent recording quality anyway.



Not only is this Sony unit a theater in a box, this theater is locked in its box! Only audio in. Only video out. These are deliberate engineering choices intentionally crippling the system from even the most basic home theater audio/video needs outside the one function of watching a DVD movie. You cannot even get a simple cable video signal directly in (not even a simple 70 Ohm coaxial input).



Thus, be aware that with the Sony 576, all video input in your theater setup must be provided by some other component. Most importantly in today's home theater, if you need to hook up multiple HDMI devices, you will have to depend on the HDMI inputs of some other component, such as your TV, or another true receiver, or an HDMI switcher hooked directly to your TV. In the same vein, you have no easy access to record the audio of any source, internal or external.



(7) Digital Audio. The 576 does have one digital audio in, which can be either coaxial or optical. However, be aware that this digital audio in is hardwired to the TV input (because the 576 assumes the "Bravia" system TV connection). Thus, whatever component is the source of your digital audio, the input source of your audio on the Sony's 576 display always will read "TV"--counterintuitive, not user-friendly, and clearly "Sony only" in design.



(8) Manual. Manuals are manuals. I rarely mention them in reviews. With only a few exceptions, however, this Sony manual screams for comment as a poster child for poor design, confusing discussion, and bad layout. An example of an exception would be the good discussion and diagrams of surround sound speaker placement options. Such examples of clarity, however, are rare. What are the problems?

* Presentation. One major problem is that the manual suffers a split personality and does not keep clear who is being addressed. Sony was lazy. They tried to write three manuals in one. They have three different HTIB models, the 277WC, 279W, and this one being reviewed, the 576WF. Instead of writing a manual for each system, they tried to conflate discussions of all three systems into one manual. What a mess! Every block diagram is repeated three times, which is visually tiring and confusing. Many instructions are repeated three times, except for those that apply to two units, or those that apply to all three units. Talk about confusing! Trying to access the right information for your particular unit in the manual is sometimes an exercise in abject futility. You can waste five minutes or more reading something, when suddenly you realize those paragraphs are not for your model! The reader too easily can get lost even after only a few page turns trying to remember whether the instructions being read at the moment are for the 277, the 279, or the 576, or any combination of the three. Unbelievable.

* Size. Another problem is that the manual is way too small. The booklet is only 5.75" x 8.5", that is, a typical 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper folded in half and turned vertically. Such a small format is nearly impossible to read, because Sony's choice of type size is somewhere between 6 to 8 point (no joke). The diagrams, likewise, when crammed into such a small page format are quite small. Some exploded wiring diagrams are readable, but all diagrams of the backside of the amp are so minuscule they are literally impossible to read. The only salvation is to download Sony's pdf version of the manual from their website and magnify the size about 400%-600% to read the actual words over the port diagrams of the back of the unit--seriously.

* Terminology. Confusing terminology creates a headache for understanding. One example is Sony's terminology for the wireless components of the system. What would a typical audio person think the "S-AIR receiver" is? The typical audio person is going to think the subject is the system's main amp. Instead, Sony conflicts the audio and wireless terminology, forcing Sony to call the main amp not the "receiver," which is standard audio terminology, but the "S-AIR main unit." Then, you have "S-AIR subunits," which is Sony lingo for various other S-AIR devices, such as the wireless surround amplifier or the wireless, self-amplified speaker box. This wireless, self-amplifed speaker box is what Sony means by "S-AIR receiver." Until you make concerted effort trying to retrain your audio lingo, the Sony lingo is plain hard to accommodate. The term "S-AIR receiver" simply causes a knee-jerk reaction of thinking about the system's main amp, not the dinky little box that parrots what the main amp is doing wirelessly.



The most complicated example of confusing terminology in the manual is the discussion of audio. Three different sections completely obliterate any semblance of simplicity.

* Surround Sound. First, you have true 5.1 surround sound. This audio feature is set up automatically at the beginning of the manual with discussion of the supplied calibration mic that calculates speaker distances and level settings. (Many HTIB now have this calibration mic feature.) Users might think they are done setting up their system's audio. Oh, no! Not so fast.

* Surround Sound--Again. Second, later on in the manual one encounters another audio section, "Enjoying Surround Sound by Using Decoding Mode." Is this still about additional steps to take in setting up the 5.1 surround sound? Who knows? Sony is silent about the relationship, although the reader encounters the words "surround sound" in the title. So, maybe this section is about further configuration of the surround sound settings? The novice user easily would think, "Hmm, I guess here is where I now refine the setup of my 5.1 surround sound; the calibration mic must have only got me started." In fact, this section is not about true 5.1 surround sound. This section is about cheap surround EFFECTS. Sony is trying to offer chintzy ways to simulate some kind of sound coming out of the rear speakers from mono (think AM radio) or two-channel sound sources. The reader encounters really esoteric lingo, such as "A.F.D. Multi," "Pro Logic," "PLII Movie," "PLII Music," etc. My guess is that the general consumer buying a HTIB would have a hard time distinguishing all this hoopla, or even when to implement these audio settings (all the time? permanent settings? only on occasion?). What's worse, these audio gimmicks do not work most of the time, leaving one not hearing anything at all out of the surround speakers in the first place. The effects are poorly engineered, poorly explained, and basically useless.

* Sound Mode. Third, on top of this "surround sound" (read "sound effects") jargon, Sony has layered a third level of complication. In a different part of the manual Sony presents a "Selecting the Sound Mode" section. What is this? Surround sound redux, or something else altogether? No word is given on the relationship of this section about audio to any of the others. The reader simply learns of a dedicated "Sound Mode" button on the remote. The remote button toggles among three options, "Auto," "Movie," and "Music." What is this? Part of the surround sound system? Part of the "A.F.D. Multi," "Pro Logic," etc. system? Is this "Sound Mode" button on the remote in addition to, in concert with, or in spite of the "surround sound" choices identified as "A.F.D. Multi," "Pro Logic," etc., or the 5.1 surround sound system the calibration mic set up automatically at the beginning? Sony has not a word to clarify these relationships among three layers of audio settings presented in the manual. Thus, Sony presents a complicated and confusing mixture of three layers of audio settings, what might be identified more simply as SURROUND, EFFECTS, and MODE, but never once explains their relationships or interaction. (I have not even mentioned yet another section, "Enjoying Multiplex Broadcast Sound (Dual Mono)." There's a mouthful.)



Wow. Could you possibly get more complicated or confusing? An experienced audio person could decipher all this and break down all the constituent parts. For example, "PLII" is an allusion to Dolby Pro Logic II, the second incarnation of the Pro Logic system; the experienced audio person would know what that development was all about, so would have a clue what that sound effect was trying to achieve. Yet, what an irony are all these complicated audio settings on the 576! The HTIB design is marketed to the average, non-technical consumer who wants to avoid complicated setups of multiple audio and video components and confusing lingo. Sony could not have defeated that purpose more supremely than with their discussion of audio settings in the 576 manual.



Summary:

Pros:

(1) Inexpensive 5.1 surround sound with partially wireless surround

(2) Good AM/FM tuner with strong reception

(3) DVD/CD player capable of many formats, including playing music/image files

(4) Docking station for MP3 player, controlled by main unit remote

(5) Autocalibrating mic for setting up surround sound

(6) Overall good sound quality, fairly accurate, flat

(7) Main unit remote controls most MP3 player functions

(8) Included S-AIR Receiver unit, when holding its signal, can operate independently of the main unit (even in "Standby" mode)



Cons:

(1) Ports prevent integrating even the most basic home theater components

(2) Digital audio in (coaxial, optical) hardwired to "TV" input

(3) Autocalibration gets distances, but seems to miss speaker levels

(4) "Wireless surround" is only partially wireless, and provided speaker wires are not long enough even for typical setups

(5) The 2.4 GHz wireless system can conflict with other 2.4 GHz devices

(6) Passive subwoofer not really adequate to the task of movie sound effects

(7) Neither main unit audio nor S-AIR Receiver audio have any EQ adjustments

(8) S-AIR Receiver distance performance is inadequate, has no remote, no EQ controls, no menu controls for MP3 player functions, and muddled sound

(9) Main unit remote control is small, crowded, inconsistently implemented, with a poor user interface, and is not backlit

(10) Digital Media Port Adaptor (MP3 docking station) is NOT video compatible with Apple iPod "Classic" and later

(11) Manual conflates multiple models, is too small, and especially complicates audio settings



Conclusion:

I was downsizing my home theater setup on behalf of easier use for wife and friends and wanted to stay within a predetermined budget. Decent sound from the Sony 576WF main unit compels me to stay with this HTIB, even though much that was promised was not delivered. My TV had the multiple inputs needed for various video feeds, as well as high quality audio out for any recording or other audio pass-through functions. I was able to supplement the subwoofer performance with a really good unit I already had and leapfrog the poor remote with my universal remote. I know about audio, so the terrible manual was only frustrating. I already was taking the S-AIR Receiver as a "gimme," so, that the unit is now sitting in a closet is just a mild disappointment, not a deal breaker. I was able to run the wires of the "wireless" surround speakers discretely, so hardly anyone will notice without scrutiny. I moved the conflicting computer wireless network setup out of the den so that the S-AIR surround amp could stay happy and hold its signal. The one remaining problem unsolved is no video out from my iPod using the included Sony dock. I probably will have to scrap the Sony dock just like the S-AIR Receiver. I have to keep in mind that not even "good money" can satisfy every whim, so, that I got by this cheaply for decent movie watching and easier operation for family and friends is a goal achieved. Not a ringing endorsement, I know, but the whole experience was not a joy ride either.

Sony BRAVIA 1000W 5.1-Ch. Home Theater System w/ 5-Disc Upconvert DVD Player

...

wires that come with the system because of the way they connect to the system. The wireless system is not as good as advertised. If I had known the interference created by using other wireless products like cordless phones and my wireless modem would interfere with the system I would have never bought it. The rear speakers are not very clear and the unit that I want in a different room doesn't pick up a signal at all. I tried all 3 channels and still the same result. So in the end I have a unit that does sound great out of the front speakers but doesn't work as advertised. The surround is a joke and the unit for other rooms doesn't work at all. So the moral of this story is wires is always better and if you try and cut corners you will be like me and out $500. Don't buy this system if you have a wireless modem. I tried to save a little money and go the easy way out and of course....it didn't work.

Sony BRAVIA 1000W 5.1-Ch. Home Theater System w/ 5-Disc Upconvert DVD Player

...

wires that come with the system because of the way they connect to the system. The wireless system is not as good as advertised. If I had known the interference created by using other wireless products like cordless phones and my wireless modem would interfere with the system I would have never bought it. The rear speakers are not very clear and the unit that I want in a different room doesn't pick up a signal at all. I tried all 3 channels and still the same result. So in the end I have a unit that does sound great out of the front speakers but doesn't work as advertised. The surround is a joke and the unit for other rooms doesn't work at all. So the moral of this story is wires is always better and if you try and cut corners you will be like me and out $500. Don't buy this system if you have a wireless modem. I tried to save a little money and go the easy way out and of course....it didn't work.

Sony BRAVIA 1000W 5.1-Ch. Home Theater System w/ 5-Disc Upconvert DVD Player

...

speakers do not come on that you have the proper settings selected.

Overall, the sound is great. The speakers are crisp and the bass sounds fantastic. Definately a great deal.

Sony BRAVIA 1000W 5.1-Ch. Home Theater System w/ 5-Disc Upconvert DVD Player

...

are $120 on their own, and the speaker stands are at least $60 or so, so I think for another $100 this is a better system. Note that while the instructions say the speaker stands are for the front speakers, you can actually use the speaker stands as your surround speakers in the rear - both the front and rear speakers are identical in terms of wattage and impedance, they are just different shapes, and we wanted the speaker stands to be used for the wireless rear speakers and stand in the corners of the room. The S-Air unit is great too - it's like another speaker, and we have it in our kitchen, and it's wireless too, so you can listen to the music or the news and have it on in another room too. Also, you can control the music from the S-Air - including controlling the iPod attached to the dock, and skip songs and control the volume, etc. We like it so much we're going to buy another S-Air unit for another room. Otherwise, the two systems have the exact same unit and speakers.

We are very happy - it was easy to set up, it has been easy to use, the quality is good. We have our cable receiver hooked up to it, and there is no delay when you want to turn on the surround sound while watching a TV broadcast, which happened on our old Samsung system. Highly recommended so far.