AV Receiver Overview
Audio Features
Video Features
Network Functions
Remote Control
Optional Accessory Devices

AV Receiver Overview

Overview: The Sony STR-DA5500ES Elevated Standard (ES) 7.1ch A/V Receiver offers a 120-watt power amplifier (8 ohms, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 0.09 percent THD) and features sophisticated A/V technology that reproduces the latest audio formats from Dolby Labs (Dolby Digital +/Dolby TrueHD) and DTS (DTS HD/DTS High Resolution Audio). The STR-DA5500ES features a Faroudja DCDi Cinema chipset that enables upscaling of standard definition content to 1080p via HDMI (1080i via component video). There are five HDMI rear inputs, one HDMI front input, and two HDMI outputs to connect your HD components. You can expand your listening options via the receiver's Digital Media Port input and enjoy music on your MP3 player and PC (optional Digital Media Port required), as well as XM and Sirius Satellite Radio through the unit's dedicated Satellite Radio ports (optional tuner required). Using the receiver's Ethernet connection, the STR-DA5500ES can share music, photos and videos with your PC, even if the receiver is in another room. In addition, you can listen to your music on your PC, as well as SHOUTcast Internet Radio, and Rhapsody Music Service via the receiver's Ethernet port. The Ethernet connection also allows simple set up and enables network upgrades. The unit's Xross Media Bar-inspired GUI has been enhanced to provide simplified access to content on a networked PC. Another unique feature, found on the STR-DA5500ES, is the Quick Click on-screen remote control which simplifies operation of your compatible sources.

Audio Features

Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (DCAC): The STR-DA5500ES is equipped with DCAC (Digital Cinema Auto Calibration) technology which uses the included microphone to automatically check the speaker connections and polarity of the speakers. It then optimally sets the distance for each speaker (from the listening position), each speaker's size (large/small), each speaker's output level, and the frequency characteristics for each speaker (to correctly set a crossover point). The microphone has an 18' cord attached and has a threaded insert on the bottom so it can be mounted to a tripod. The Digital Cinema Auto Calibration can be set to one of three Parameters.

• Full Flat: Makes the measurement of frequency from each speaker flat.
• Engineer: Sets the frequency to one that matches that of the Sony listening room standard.
• Front Reference: Adjusts the characteristics of all the speakers to match the characteristics of the front speaker.

Speaker Manual Settings: If you choose not to auto calibrate the speaker levels, you can manually adjust each speaker as follows:

• Speaker Pattern: 2/0 to 3/4.1 (16 patterns)
• Level Settings: You can adjust each speaker's level (center, surround left/right, surround back left/right, and subwoofer) from -20 dB to +10 dB in 0.5 dB increments.
• Distance Settings: Each of the eight channels can be individually set between 3'3" and 32'9" in 1 inch increments
• Speaker Size: You can adjust each speaker's (front left/right, center, surround left/right, surround back left/right) size between Large, Small, or None.
• Crossover: The crossover point can be adjusted for any speakers set to small; 40 Hz to 200 Hz in 10 Hz increments
• Speaker Impedance: 8-ohms or 4-ohms

32-Bit Audio Decoding: The Sony ES receiver is equipped with a Dual 32-Bit System (32 Bit Decoding Chip/32 Bit Digital Signal Processing in order to support the following audio formats when connected to a Blu-ray disc player, DVD player, SACD player, or Satellite receiver/Cable box.

AFD: The Auto Format Direct (AFD) mode allows you to listen to higher fidelity sound and select the decoding mode for listening to a 2-channel stereo source as multichannel surround sound.

Music/Movie Modes: You can take advantage of surround sound simply be selecting one of the receiver's preprogrammed sound fields to bring the exciting and powerful sound of movie theaters and concert halls into your home.

Two Channel Modes: The Sony ES receiver offers the following two-channel audio modes:

Digital Legato Linear (D.L.L.): This is a Sony proprietary technology that allows low quality digital audio signals to be played back with high quality sound. Old recording or compressed audio often have noise on the waveform and out-of-frequency distortion, as well as harmonic distortion, as well as harmonic distortion when the audio frequency is generated. The D.L.L. feature eliminates these problems, and give you rich sound for music and movies. The Sony DLL Audio Scaler analyzes and upscales standard-definition (compressed) audio signals (at 44.1kHz, 48kHz, or 96kHz) to 192kHz.

Night Mode: This function allows you to retain a theater like environment at low volume levels. This function can be used with other sound fields. When watching a movie late at night, you will be able to hear the dialogue clearly even at a low volume level.

Dynamic Range Compressor: This allows you to compress the dynamic range of the sound track, useful when watching movies at low volumes; select standard or maximum compression, or off (works only with Dolby Digital sources).

A/V Sync: The audio output can be delayed to synchronize the audio output and the visual display. This is especially helpful when you are using a large LCD or plasma TV or a projection TV. The adjustment range is 0 to 300 ms in 10 ms steps.

Equalizer: You can adjust the bass and treble levels individually for each set of channels; front, center, and surround (including surround back). The range is from -10dB to +10dB in 0.5dB steps. These settings are applied to all sound fields.

Bi-Amplifying: The surround back amplifier channels can be used for bi-amplifying a pair of front speakers with dual speaker terminals. Once the shorting bars have been removed from the speakers, you can connect the front left and right speaker terminals to the high (or low) speaker input terminals, and the left and right surround back speaker terminals to the low (or high) speaker input terminals.

Tuner: The tuner has 30 presets each for AM and FM radio stations. If you connect Sirius and/or XM tuners, there are also 30 presets for each. In addition to preset and auto seek tuning, stations can be tuned directly by frequency or satellite channel number.

Multi-Room Audio Distribution: Sony's Multi-Room Audio Distribution lets you select different audio/video sources for listening and viewing in different locations of your home. The STR-DA5500ES features a Main Zone (Zone 1), Audio/Video Zone (Zone 2), and Audio Only Zone (Zone 3). The audio signal is variable, and the volume and input can be controlled from another location using an optional IR repeater system via the included remote control. The STR-DA5500ES also features a Party Mode function which allows you to play the same music in each of the three zones.

• Main Zone: The Main Zone provides 7.1-channel audio and up to 1080/24p video playback of your audio/video gear in your main entertainment room.
• Zone 2: The Audio/Video Zone 2 allows stereo audio and video playback of another AV source connected to the receiver in another room of your home via left/right RCA audio or speaker terminal output connections and composite (up to 480i) or component (up to 1080p) video. Zone 2 features a pair of preamp-outputs and speaker terminal outputs (shared with surround back channels) so you can choose to use this receiver or a separate amplifier to power your speakers in another room. When using the STR-DA5500ES to power speakers in a second room of your home, the main zone is restricted to 5.1-channel at the same time (since Zone 2 and the surround back channels share the same speaker terminals). When using the receiver's Zone 2 preamp output terminals to send an audio signal to a second location, you will need an additional amplifier in the room to power those speakers. The main Zone of the receiver will remain 7.1-channel, in this case.
• Zone 3:  Audio Only Zone 3 allows you to play a stereo audio source connected to the receiver in a 3rd room of your house via left/right RCA audio terminals. When using the receiver's Zone 3 preamp output terminals to send an audio signal to a third location, you will need an additional amplifier in the room to power those speakers. The main Zone of the receiver will remain 7.1-channel.

Digital Audio Outputs: Six optical digital (five rear/one front) and three coaxial digital inputs are assignable to various inputs (Video 1, Video 2, BD, DVD, SAT, MD, Tape, or SA-CD/CD). There is one optical digital output to feed a digital recording component (CDR, MiniDisc, etc).

Speaker Outputs: All the speaker outputs are binding post connectors, including Front A, Front B, Center, Surround, and Surround Back (Zone 2). The binding posts are not 5-way because a plastic collar prevents their use with spade lugs, but they will accept bare wire, single banana, and dual banana plugs. The front A and B speaker pairs are wired in parallel.

Multi Channel Input: Although this unit features built-in Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, and DTS processing, it also has a 7.1-channel input for use with an external multi-channel decoder (SA-CD, DVD-Audio, etc). When using the multi-channel input the STR-DA5500ES's speaker set up circuitry and tone controls are bypassed, so all bass management and speaker level adjustment must be made on the connected component.

Preamp Outputs: The STR-DA5500ES is equipped with eight preamp outputs in a 7.1-channel configuration, to allow you to use the receiver as a preamplifier. The pre outs include Front Left and Right, Center, Subwoofer, Surround Left and Right, and Surround Back Left and Right. External amplifiers can be connected to any or all of the pre outs.

Video Features

NSV Precision Video: The NSV Precision Video feature works in the digital domain to reduce noise in the video signal frequency band in order to enhance video signal linearity, provide the most accurate signal representation, and enhance the picture quality.

HDMI Switching: The Sony ES receiver has six HDMI ver.1.3 inputs (5 front/1 rear) and two HDMI ver 1.3 outputs which support high definition video, including 1080p, 1080/24p, deep color, and x.v.Color. Each HDMI input has its own audio/video selection and can also be assigned to any of the non-HDMI inputs (Video 1, Video 2, BD, DVD, SACD/CD, or SAT). Dual HDMI ver.1.3 outputs feed your TV monitors and any video signal routed to the STR-DA5400ES can be converted to HDMI. A video signal input via HDMI must be output via HDMI. The AV receiver's dual HDMI outputs can be used simultaneously to display the same video image. The AV receiver also lets you output the video input signal from the HDMI input jacks directly to the HDMI output jacks of the receiver without going through the unit's video processor. The HDMI inputs and outputs support 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p, and 1080/24p video signals.

HDMI Pass-Through: You can output the video and audio signals from the receiver's HDMI inputs to your TV connected to the receiver's HDMI monitor output when the AV receiver is in standby mode (Pass-Through).

24p True Cinema: 24p True Cinema support provides a direct connection to 24p video sources, avoiding conversions and allowing users to enjoy films at their intended 24 fps (frames-per-second) cinematic picture quality when using a 24p-capable output device, such as a Blu-ray Disc player or Sony PlayStation 3 entertainment system.

x.v.Color: The STR-DA5500ES supports x.v.Color, offering a wider color range than the current broadcast standard. For the x.v.Color feature to be useful, the entire video production chain must be compatible (camera-editing-format-player-display).

Deep Color: The STR-DA5500ES also supports Deep Color which allows the color depth of video signals passing through HDMI to be raised. The number of colors that could be expressed by 1 pixel was 24 bits (16,777,216 colors) with a standard HDMI jack. However, the number of colors which can be expressed by 1 pixel is 36 bits with a Deep Color enabled HDMI jack. Since the gradation of the depth of a color can be expressed more finely with more bits, continuous color changes can be more smoothly expressed.  For the Deep Color feature to be useful, the entire video production chain must be compatible (camera-editing-format-player-display).

Component Video: The Sony ES receiver has three component video inputs which can be assigned to specific sources (Video 1, Video 2, BD, DVD, or SAT). The component video bandwidth is 80 MHz, making them high-definition video compatible. A single component video output feeds the TV monitor (up to 1080p) and any video signal routed to the STR-DA5500ES via composite video can be converted to component video (up to 1080i). The component video inputs and output support 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, and 1080p video signals.

Video Conversion With Scaling: The Sony ES STR-DA5500ES receiver utilizes a video conversion function that allows you to minimize the number of connections needed from the receiver to up to two televisions. Video scaling (up to 1080p) is performed by a Faroudja chipset to correct image jaggedness, reduce block noise, and reproduce true to original colors through the receiver's two HDMI outputs. All Composite and component video input signals can be converted to either the receiver's HDMI A or B connection and scaled to a resolution up to 1080p. Composite video signals can also be converted to component video and scaled to a resolution up to 1080i (the Zone 2  Component video output cannot be scaled). In addition, component video signals can be down converted to 480i and output as composite video. Video input via HDMI must output via HDMI.

External Video Input with Picture and Picture: The receiver's additional composite video input lets you enjoy the convenience of picture-in-picture capabilities. You can use this video input to connect a baby monitor or security camera and monitor room activity or view a 2nd video source while still watching the main video source.

Station and Source Naming: Each preset station and input source may be given an index name of up to 8 characters.

On Screen Display/GUI: You can use the receiver's on-screen Graphical User Interface (GUI) to make various adjustments to customize the receiver. The on-screen menu system simplifies the most complex operations of an A/V receiver for home theater applications. The on-screen menu allows you to select from the following text languages - English, Spanish, French or German. The STR-DA5500ES's remote control features a Quick Click onscreen button which simplifies operation of your compatible sources. You can also use the unit's front-panel display to make adjustments to the receiver.

Screen Saver: When there has been no operation attempted for 15 minutes, the screen saved function is activated automatically.

Dimmer: You can adjust the brightness of the display in 3 steps: On, 40% or Off.

Network Functions

Ethernet (LAN) Port: If your computer is connected to the Internet, you can connect this receiver to the Internet through the unit's wired LAN (RJ-45) connection. You can also play back content (music, photos, videos) stored on your computer through your home network with this receiver using the RJ-45 port.

DLNA Network Compliant: DLNA (Client) compliance allows compliant AV Receivers to access digital photos, music, and video from DLNA-enabled PCs and other devices.

Media Server: A server is a device which delivers content (music, photos, and videos) to a DLNA device on a home network. You can play back content stored on a computer on a home network with this receiver via the network after you have installed the included VAIO Media plus application software (which has a DLNA compliant server function). The receiver offers various playback functions of the following audio/video files through the unit's remote control.

Internet Music Services: The STR-DA5500ES network features include access to Rhapsody and SHOUTcast internet music services. Rhapsody is a network music service that searches by artist and title or browse by genre so you can listen to whatever you want; without paying per track through a monthly subscription (sold separately). SHOUTcast is a free internet radio service which allows access to thousands of stations from around the world. Both are accessible on your television via the xross media bar inspired GUI without the need of a PC.

• SHOUTcast Internet Radio: You can also enjoy listening to the sound of a SHOUTcast internet radio station without turning on your computer by connecting the receiver directly to the Internet. SHOUTcast is a digital audio streaming technology-based radio service. SHOUTcast is a directory of internet radio stations, allowing you to access thousands of free online radio stations from DJs and broadcasters around the world. You can register (preset) up to 100 of your favorite SHOUTcast stations.
• Rhapsody Digital Music Service: You can enjoy the Rhapsody Digital Music Service, without turning on your computer, by connecting the receiver to the internet. Rhapsody is a critically-acclaimed digital music service that give you unlimited access to a massive music catalog of millions of songs and thousands of artists. You also get exclusive content, personalized recommendations, and DJ/ad-free listening. This receiver provides the following playback and search functions for Rhapsody.
  • Rhapsody Channels List: select the channel you want to listen from the Rhapsody Channels list
  • Music Guide: displays a variety of music selections to sample, including top tracks and artists, and recommendation; or select genre names, charts, and new releases to browse more music
  • Music Search: search music by song, album, or artist
  • My Library: register your favorite songs, albums, or channels in "My Library" for quicker access

Network Requirements: The following system environment is required to used the network function of this receiver.

• Broadband Line Connection: A Broadband line connection to the Internet is required in order to listen to Rhapsody or SHOUTcast and to use the firmware update function of the receiver.
• Modem: This is the device that is connected to the broadband line to communicate with the Internet.
• Router: Use a router compatible with 100 Mbps or greater transmission speed to enjoy content on your home network.
• LAN Cable (CAT-5): An CAT-5 LAN cable is required for connection.

VAIO Media Plus Software (Ver. 1.3): VAIO Media Plus is an application software that enables you to quickly find content on your home network, such as music, photos, and videos, and view the content on the computer through the home network. by connecting other devices to VAIO Media Plus, you can also find and view the content on the connected devices through the home network. For example, you can enjoy photos and music stored on your computer from your TV and audio device, or play a TV program, recorded with a hard-disk recorder on your computer. Your computer will need to meet the following system requirements to use the VAIO Media Plus software.

ES Utility Software (Ver. 2.0): You can check the settings of the receiver, and adjust those settings using your computer, as well as using the receiver, after installing the ES Utility application software provided on the CD-ROM supplied with the STR-DA5500ES. You can also update the receiver's firmware using the ES Utility application software disc. To install the ES Utility Software, your computer must meet the following system requirements.

Remote Control

Dual Remotes: The STR-DA5500ES comes with two separate remotes, the RM-AAL022 (Main Room) and RM-AAU061 (Zone 2/3 Remote). Since both remotes are IR, an IR repeater system is needed in order for you to control the receiver from the 2nd zone.

RM-AAL022: The Main Room RM-AAL012 wireless remote control operates the receiver and is pre-coded and programmable to control other components. Pre-set codes are built-in for multiple brands of CD players, DAT decks, MD recorders, cassette decks, LD players, VCRs, DVD players, TVs, DSS receivers, and cable boxes; plus Sony tuners, DVD recorders, hard disc recorders, and Blu-ray players. Even if a remote control code is not one of the presets stored in the remote, it is possible for the remote to learn the code using the its learning function. Two programmable Macro buttons allow you to perform up to 20 sequential commands by pressing only one button.

Quick Click On-Screen Remote: Another unique feature, found on the STR-DA5500ES remote control, is the Quick Click on-screen button which simplifies operation of your compatible sources by allowing you to operate connected devices using an on-screen remote. You can control components connected to the receiver, a projector, and a lighting control unit using the unit's on-screen remote displayed on your TV screen. It is necessary to plug the supplied IR blaster into the IR remote output of the receiver and attach the emitter end of the blaster to the component you would like to control using the Quick Click feature.

RM-AAU061: The smaller RM-AAU61 controls basic functions on the receiver only.

Bravia Theater Sync: Sony's Bravia Theater Sync feature allows you to easily manage select BRAVIA televisions and Sony HDMI audio and video components with a single remote. By connecting Sony components that are compatible with the HDMI Control function with a  HDMI cable, operation is simplified in the following ways.

• One-Touch-Play: When you playback a component such as a DVD/Blu-ray Disc Player, the recover and the TV are turned on automatically and switch to the appropriate HDMI input.
• System Audio Control: While watching TV, you can select to output the sound from the TV speaker or the speakers connected to the receiver.
• System Power Off: When you turn off the TV, the receiver and connected components are also turned off simultaneously.
• Theater Mode Sync: The sound field automatically switches to HD-DCS for optimum sound quality.
• 24p Auto Sound Sync: This function switches the sound field to HD-DCS automatically when 24p (24 frames-per-second) signals are input from a playback component, such as a Blue-ray disc player.

RS232C: The receiver can be configured in the menu to receive commands from 3rd party control systems (Crestron, AMX, etc.) via the RS232C port.

Control Jacks: Two sets of 3.5mm mini-jack connectors are supplied for the following control methods:

• Trigger Out: three +12V trigger outputs to turn external equipment on/off along with the receiver or with activation of zone 2 or Zone 3
• IR Remote: two IR out and one IR in jacks will support an IR repeater system; the unit comes supplied with a single external IR blaster

Sleep Timer: The unit may be set to automatically turn off after 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes.

Optional Accessory Devices

Digital Media Port (DMP): Sony's proprietary Digital Media Port (DMP) allows you to integrate a wide variety of music into your home theater system. The Digital Media Port allows you to connect optional DMP accessories to play music from your compatible PC or iPod music player. You can connect the following adapters (sold separately).

• DMP iPod Dock (TDM-IP50): The Sony TDM-iP50 Digital Media Port adapter (158TDMIP50, sold separately) for iPod/iPhone lets you enjoy your iPod/iPhone's audio, video, and photo content through your entertainment system by connecting the TDM-iP50 to the Sony audio/video receiver's Digital Media Port interface. For added convenience, the dock also charges your compatible iPod's battery. You can operate your iPod/iPhone by its own click-wheel or touch-screen, the control buttons of the Sony receiver, or the IR wireless remote control supplied with the Sony receiver.
• DMP Media Port Wi-Fi client (TDM-NC1): The Sony TDM-NC1 Wireless Network Adapter (158TDMNC1, sold separately) Allows you to stream digital music from your PC to the DMP compatible BRAVIA audio receiver and view song information on your connected television or monitor. Requires PC with Microsoft Window XP SP2 operating system or newer.

Satellite Ready: The STR-DA5500ES features proprietary ports on the rear panel for XM and Sirius Satellite Radio connection. In addition to the following optional satellite tuners needed (sold separately), you will need a subscription to XM and/or Sirius Satellite radio:

• XM: The optional XM Direct 2 Home Tuner (220XHD2H1, sold separately) lets you enjoy XM Satellite Radio through the XM-ready receiver. Simply connect the XM Direct 2 Home Tuner to the XM jack on back of the receiver, place and aim the included antenna for optimum reception, and you are ready to start enjoying commercial-free music, plus live sports, new, talk, and exclusive entertainment. You can search XM stations by channel, category, or direct tuning; you can also choose to display the channel name, channel number, category, artist name, or song title.
• Sirius: The optional SiriusConnect Home Tuner kit (item number 607SCH1 or 220SCH2P, both sold separately) allows you to receive Sirius Satellite Radio through the receiver, you can search Sirius radio stations by channel number, category, or direct tuning; you can also choose to display the channel name, channel number, category, artist name, song title, or composer.