Sony STR-DG820

Pros: Decodes Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS High-Resolution Audio, and DTS-HD Master Audio
Simple, accurate auto calibration.
Rock solid dependability with good sound, every time.

Cons: None. Completely pleased.

Summary: The Sony STR-DG820 has operated absolutely flawlessly since I purchased it new in 2008. If you're looking for a dependable Home Theater receiver that will handle the various HD audio codecs in today's films, and perform great every time, you can't go wrong. In my application, I watched literally hundreds of blu ray movies from PS3, which was connected by HDMI through the unit, then by another HDMI to a ceiling-mounted Sony 1080P projector. The auto calibration mode also performed flawlessly, providing perfectly balanced audio in my 5.1 HT environment (a 27 x 13 ft dedicated HT room). I have experienced firsthand the dependabilty of this unit, and even after upgrading my theater to pricier separate components, I gladly kept the Sony STR-DG820 to use in another room of the house. My advice is to ignore whiny "reviewers" who may very well be completely inept when it comes to anything even remotely challenging electronically. Rest assured, you can feel comfortable with the purchase of the Sony STR-DG820.