VIDEO PERFORMANCE The Sony STR-DA5200ES's scaler uses Faroudja DCDi (Directional Correlation Deinterlacing) technology that can reformat signals up to 1080p through the HDMI output and up to 1080i through the component-video output (signals from S-video and composite-video outputs remain at 480i only, of course). The Sony overlays its GUI displays on any of its outputs, so the onscreen image of whatever you're playing appears beneath the semitranslucent menus on every hookup — woo hoo! Furthermore, the receiver up- or cross-converts any lesser-resolution signal coming in on any input to the HDMI or component output at the currently set resolution. Result? The holy grail of a single HDMI cable from receiver to TV, with you simply selecting sources via the receiver, always having access to the onscreen menus, and always getting the best possible picture, at least in theory.

The Short Form

Price $1,500 / sonystyle.com / 877-865-7669

Snapshot

Class-leading video processing and an elegant graphic interface headline this very capable, well-equipped receiver.

Plus

•Unique video processing power, flexibility •Nifty, ergonomic GUI •Very solid audio performance

Minus

•Some features a long OSD journey away •No convenient channel-level adjustments •No remote illumination or display

Key Features

•120 watts x 7 channels •3 HDMI inputs •Upconverts all inputs to up to 480p/720p/1080i/1080p (1080p via HDMI only) •Extensive onscreen display, control; OSD on all inputs and resolutions •Receiver-based PIP (standard-def only) •Auto-speaker calibration/EQ with stereo mike •XM Satellite/XM Neural-ready •USB port for music-file playback •3-zone multiroom A/V playback; back surround channels assignable to Zone 2 or 3; supplied Zone 2/3 remote •10-device preprogrammed/programmable remote

Test Bench

The STR-DA5200ES presented no surprises. Power was generous in all tests save all-channels-driven, where the receiver topped out at 66 watts all around; note that this is only 4 or 5 dB less than from the most powerful receivers we've seen and was more than adequate to drive my medium-sensitivity speakers to cinema-like volume. When deliberately overdriven, the 5200ES behaved well, shutting down without fuss and restarting without complaint. The 5200ES was about 1 to 2 dB noisier than the theoretical ideal (and the best A/V receivers we've measured) in all noise-related tests, but listening checks revealed no audible effects via loudspeakers and virtually none on headphones. Full Lab Results

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