Sony Bravia DAV-HDX279W Theater System

Caveat Emptor!

Note that Sony also markets a look-alike "theater in a box" system, the HT-DDW740, for about $100 less. Why not get the cheaper model? Primarily because there's significantly less power (wattage) to the speakers, especially the subwoofer. The cheaper unit's subwoofer is only half as powerful (50 watts) as that of the HT-DDW840 (100 watts). That makes for a substantial difference during many DVD movies' "special effects" sequences. Moreover, the smaller, "satellite" speakers of the HT-DDW740 are only powered by 80 watts, whereas those of the HT-DDW840 get a full 100 watts. Based on my own experiences with many DVDs using my HT-DDW840 system, I can report that I love the sound of all my satellite ("micro") speakers but wouldn't want to "make do" with one jot less power.

Moreover, the "long-and-slender" configuration (not to mention the two-tone "silver and black" face) of the HT-DDW840's remote-control handset is better looking (and more readily distinguishable from your various other remotes) than that of the basic, black handset included with the cheaper HT-DDW740 system.

Finally, the HT-DDW840's receiver includes a built-in Dolby Prologic II decoder, whereas the cheaper HT-DDW740 system does not. The Dolby Prologic II decoder purportedly can augment the sound of traditional two-channel sources like audio CDs or VHS videotapes.

A Great Choice for the "Home Theater" Neophyte.

This review is intended primarily for the newcomer to "home theater." As I myself was recently (and, more or less, still am) of that ilk, I'm going to focus primarily on those most basic issues that mattered (and continue to matter) most to me personally. On the other hand, if you're the sort of person who's more oriented toward mastering all the recondite "bells and whistles" features of your gear, you can surely still appreciate this "prepackaged" product, for, like many such "theater in a box" systems nowadays, it certainly includes a plethora of reasonably "advanced" features and settings with which one may optionally fiddle.

You don't, however, have to bother learning about, much less actually using, all the available features or settings of this system. The casual user, like myself, can quickly and easily acquaint himself with those most basic features/settings that he'll be using 99.9% of the time. For example, many of us will merely be using this system to watch videos (preferably in DVD format) and TV, and to play the occasional audio CD or tape. These things are easily accomplished with only minimal consultation of the user manual.

Take the (minimal) time and trouble to set up your "surround-sound parameters" before watching your first DVD.

You will, however, very likely want to consult pages 15 – 20 of the user manual (the section entitled "Performing initial setup operations") in order to optimize the perceived sound from each of the six speakers, most especially the two rear ("surround") speakers. Thankfully, "setup" is remarkably easy to accomplish; just follow the manual's well-written, step-by-step instructions. You only have to do this once.

During the "setup" phase, you can, for example, easily and quickly specify (input) the approximate distance (in feet or meters) from your head to each of the rear ("surround") speakers. You can also input whether those speakers are situated above, below, or at the same level as your head. Finally, you can input whether your rear speakers are situated directly beside (flanking) your head, or if they're behind your head (and at what approximate angle they are relative to your head).

If this all sounds complicated, believe me, it isn't, because the user manual includes simple, black-and-white illustrations that accompany the step-by-step textual instructions. As you proceed, the LED display on the front of the receiver visibly verifies that you're inputting the correct information (by simply tapping one or two buttons). I found the entire "setup" procedure a lot more user-friendly than programming your average VCR.

Will you need to purchase third-party (optional) wires?

When initially installing the HT-DDW840 "theater in a box" system, about the only additional hardware you might absolutely need (along with a TV and a DVD player, of course) is lengthier wires for your rear speakers. But I suggest you take a moment to measure the perimeter of your room before purchasing anything; the wire included with the HT-DDW840 may suffice for your needs.

You might also opt for "higher quality," third-party wire. Sony provides you with lengths of run-of-the-mill, small-gauge wire for all your speakers. I used Sony's wires for all my speakers except the two rear, "surround" speakers; for the latter, my room's dimensions compelled me to purchase 100 feet of third-party cable--I opted for a spool of Monster (brand) cable.

Personally, I doubt that there is any substantially perceivable difference between the thicker (and costly!) "third party" cable and the "cheap" stuff that Sony includes. The sound emanating from my front speakers (via Sony's wire) seems equally, or virtually, as dynamic as that from my rear speakers (via Monster wire). Of course, the sales people at your average (greedy) retailer will likely sing a different tune to you, insisting that you should spend the extra money to procure third-party cables for all your speakers and components.

If you have an analog TV (like my 36-inch JVC AV-36320) that includes a "component video" input jack, and if your DVD player (like my Toshiba SD-1800) analogously includes a "component video" output jack, you may slightly increase perceived video resolution by using a special cable for this purpose (I recklessly splurged for a "deluxe" one made by Monster and costing an unreasonable $79). [NOTE: If your TV is like mine, you may need to consult its user manual to "activate" its correct setting for "component video," lest your DVD movies appear in black-and-white only.]

Similarly, if you want to marginally boost the sonic clarity or dynamism of your DVD movies, and if your DVD player includes a "digital coaxial" jack, you might consider splurging on a deluxe third-party cable (mine is likewise made by Monster and set me back a whopping $49).

Whether the outrageous extra expense of such "deluxe," third-party cabling is justified by the marginal enhancement of the perceived "home theater" experience, well, that's something I myself remain skeptical about at this juncture. But it seldom hurts (for long!) to err on the side of "extra quality." I can, at least, report that I'm thrilled with the sound and video of my own system.

Speaker positioning.

So far, I have no "speaker stands" for the left/right "front" speakers; instead, I've simply got them sitting directly on the carpeted floor of my rec room, flanking my entertainment armoire. According to the "experts" this is verboten, and I really should spend the requisite money for proper stands, such that those front left/right speakers would be raised about to the level of my head. However, I must say that the perceived sound is so surprisingly satisfying that I haven't yet felt compelled to buy any stands.

As for the front-center ("dialogue") speaker, I've got it resting directly atop my 36-inch TV. Even though it's "supposed" to be on a level with the other front speakers, I perceive no problem when I'm enjoying my movies, and hence am I slow to change anything.

Regarding the rear ("Surround") satellite speakers, I've got each of them slightly behind me and about three feet to my left and right, respectively. They also are positioned slightly below my head, about one foot. Again, while some "experts" will surely dismiss my current installation as unforgivably amateurish, I can only report that the perceived "surround sound" of the whole is nothing short of excellent.

I believe that the "moral of the story" is that you needn't fret overmuch regarding the exact positioning of your surround-sound system's speakers. Experiment, and go with whatever speaker placement sounds best to you. It's pretty nigh impossible to come up with downright terrible sound; besides, Sony's aforementioned "setup" parameters allow for myriad speaker-placement possibilities.

As for your subwoofer, not to worry: deep bass is "non-directionally" perceived. Just set it wherever you like. (I happen to have mine just to the right of the front-right satellite speaker.)

Regarding DVDs.

Once you've got all your components connected and have completed the above-mentioned "setup procedure," you're ready to reap the fruits of your (minimal) labor. I suggest you begin with a DVD movie featuring Dolby "5.1" (surround) sound. You'll have little trouble in this regard, for the vast majority of recent DVD releases do include this feature, which has become the sound standard of the industry. If you really want to derive the biggest possible surround-sound "bang" from your home-theater system, I suggest you opt for a DVD replete with special effects sequences (e.g., Independence Day). Once you get used to such state-of-the-art, DVD surround sound, you'll be spoiled and won't want to settle for the muted "stereo" of the VHS tapes of yesteryear. And so, I repeat: always double-check the back of any DVD's box to ascertain that its specs mention Dolby "5.1" (surround) sound. Alas, not all DVDs are created equal.

Conclusion.

After having enjoyed my HT-DDW840 system for several months now, I can report that it's been a total pleasure. It's hard to believe that the diminutive satellite speakers (what Sony terms "micro" speakers) are capable of producing such eminently satisfying dynamism. This is indeed an instance where good things do come in small packages. Instead of thinking of the satellites' minuteness as a "negative," I suggest you consider that their unobtrusive, 5.5-inch height means they won't conflict unduly with your room's prevailing decor. Indeed, my rear "surround" speakers, ensconced within my audio-CD cabinetry (behind my theater chair), are effectively camouflaged from the casual observer's view.

I used to count myself among those VHS-clinging troglodytes who stubbornly pooh-poohed the newfangled DVDs and the entire "surround sound" concept. Not anymore!