6.1 channel AV receivers

The Bottom Line: The Sony STR-DG810 delivers three HDMI inputs at a fairly low price, but connectivity, features, and sound quality shortfalls spoil the deal.

Specs: AV receiver, Surround Sound, 660 Watt, DTS 96/24, DTS Neo:6, DTS decoder, Dolby Digital, DTS-ES decoder, Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby Digital Surround EX, Universal remote control (Infrared), 16.9 in x 12.2 in x 6.2 in, 17.6 lbs

The Bottom Line: We preview Sony's entry-level AV receiver, the STR-DG710, which offers 1080p compatibility and features Sony's Digital Media Port.

Specs: AV receiver, Surround Sound, 630 Watt, Universal remote control (Infrared), Black

The Bottom Line: Yamaha's midprice HTR-5950 A/V receiver might not have the most up-to-date features lineup, but it's a solid performer.

Specs: AV receiver, Surround Sound, 540 Watt, DTS 96/24, DTS Neo:6, DTS decoder, Dolby Digital, DTS-ES decoder, Dolby Pro Logic, DTS-ES Matrix 6.1, Dolby Pro Logic II, DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby Digital Matrix 6.1, Dolby Digital Surround EX, Universal remote control (Infrared), 17.1 in x 15.4 in x 6.3 in, 23.1 lbs

The Bottom Line: Yamaha's midprice HTR-5950 A/V receiver might not have the most up-to-date features lineup, but it's a solid performer.

Specs: AV receiver, Surround Sound, 540 Watt, 20 - 20000 Hz, DTS 96/24, DTS Neo:6, DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby Digital Surround EX, Universal remote control (Infrared), Silver, 17.1 in x 15.4 in x 6.3 in, 24.3 lbs

The Bottom Line: An impressive spread of features, including HDMI switching, autosetup, and XM Radio capability, makes Sony's STR-DG800 receiver a notable bargain in the sub-$400 category.

Specs: AV receiver, Surround Sound, 770 Watt, DTS 96/24, DTS Neo:6, Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic, DTS-ES Matrix 6.1, Dolby Pro Logic II, DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby Digital Surround EX, Built-in -, Universal remote control (Infrared), 16.9 in x 13.8 in x 6.2 in, 25.4 lbs

The Bottom Line: The Pioneer VSX-516 is the company's entry-level A/V receiver for 2006, but the step-up VSX-816 model offers a much better deal.

Specs: AV receiver, Surround Sound, 700 Watt, 20 - 20000 Hz, DTS 96/24, DTS Neo:6, DTS decoder, Dolby Digital, DTS-ES decoder, Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby Digital Surround EX, 5 bands, Universal remote control (Infrared), Black, 16.5 in x 13.9 in x 6.2 in, 19.6 lbs

The Bottom Line: The Pioneer VSX-516 is the company's entry-level A/V receiver for 2006, but the step-up VSX-816 model offers a much better deal.

Specs: AV receiver, Surround Sound, 700 Watt, 20 - 20000 Hz, DTS 96/24, DTS Neo:6, DTS decoder, Dolby Digital, DTS-ES decoder, Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby Digital Surround EX, 5 bands, Universal remote control (Infrared), Silver, 16.5 in x 13.9 in x 6.2 in, 19.6 lbs

Editors' Take: CNET previews the Sony STR-DG500, the entry-level A/V receiver in Sony's 2006 product line.

Specs: AV receiver, Surround Sound, 600 Watt, DTS 96/24, DTS Neo:6, DTS decoder, Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic, DTS-ES Matrix 6.1, Dolby Pro Logic II, DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby Digital Surround EX, Universal remote control (Infrared), 16.9 in x 12.4 in x 6.2 in, 17.6 lbs

Specs: AV receiver, DTS Neo:6, DTS decoder, Dolby Digital, DTS-ES decoder, DTS-ES Matrix 6.1, Dolby Pro Logic II, DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby Digital Surround EX, Universal remote control (Infrared)

Specs: AV receiver, DTS 96/24, DTS Neo:6, Dolby Digital, DTS-ES decoder, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby Digital Surround EX, Universal remote control (Infrared), Silver, 17.3 in x 13 in x 3.1 in