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Features
Remote Control
Input and Output Notes
Features
Overview: The Sony STR-DA4400ES Elevated Standard (ES) 7.1-channel
receiver which 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). You can expand your listening options via the
receiver's Digital Media Port input and enjoy music on your MP3 player and PC,
as well as XM and Sirius Satellite Radio through the unit's dedicated Satellite
Radio ports. The receiver is equipped with the necessary connections for full
home integration in up to three rooms. The Sony STR-DA4400ES also features Faroudja DCDi Cinema technology
which upscales all your video sources to 1080p when connected through HDMI to a
compatible HDTV. Additional features include a BRAVIA Theater Sync, an Xross
Media Bar inspired graphical user interface and Direct Stream Digital (DSD)
decoding. There's also an abundance of connectivity with six HDMI inputs that
are compatible with 1080 60p/24p, Deep Color and x.v.Color video signals.
Video Conversion With Scaling: The Sony ES
STR-DA4400ES receiver utilizes a video conversion function that allows you to
minimize the number of connections needed from the receiver to the TV.
Video scaling (up to 1080p) is performed by a Faroudja chipset to correct image jaggedness, reduce block
noise, and reproduce true to original colors. Composite and component video input signals can be converted to HDMI and scaled to a resolution up to 1080p. Composite video signals can be
converted to component video and scaled to a resolution up to 1080i. In
addition, component video signals can be down converted to 480i and output as
composite video.
Note: No audio is output from the HDMI when an analog video signal is converted.
HDMI Switching: The receiver has six HDMI ver.1.3 inputs which support high definition video, including 1080p, 1080/24p, and
xvYCC. Menu options include:
- Resolution:
Direct, Auto,
480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, or 1080p
- Sub Level:
auto, +10 dB, +0 dB; to set correct bass output
- Audio: amp or amp+TV; sound output through amp only, or amp and TV speakers
- Control:
control compatible Sony components connected via HDMI
xvYCC:
The STR-DA4400ES supports xvYCC color, offering a wider color range than the
current broadcast standard. For the xvYCC feature to be useful, the entire video production chain must be
compatible (camera-editing-format-player-display).
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.
Auto Calibration:
The STR-DA4400ES is equipped with 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.
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:
- Front: left and right
individually adjustable from -10.0dB to +10.0dB in 0.5dB steps
- Center: -20.0dB to
+10dB in 0.5dB increments
- Surround: left and right
individually adjustable from -20.0dB to
+10dB in 0.5dB increments
- Surround Back: -20.0dB to
+10dB in 0.5dB increments left and right individually adjustable when 2 surround back speakers are connected,
single adjustment if only one surround back speaker is used
- Subwoofer Level: -20.0dB to
+10dB in 0.5dB increments
- Distance Settings: each
of the eight channels can be individually set between 3'3" and 32'9" in 1 inch
increments
- Speaker Size: set
the size of each set of speakers (front, center, surround) to small or large;
center and surround can also be set to no (if the front speakers are set to
small, none of the other speakers can be set to large)
- Crossover: the crossover point can be adjusted for any speakers set to small; 40 Hz to
200 Hz in 10 Hz increments
Surround Modes: This receiver
incorporates a wide variety of surround modes to bring you maximum enjoyment
from your audio and video software. This receiver can receive Multi-Linear
PCM (up to 8 channels) with a sampling frequency of 192 kHz or less with an
HDMI connection. The surround modes include:
- Dolby Pro Logic: Dolby Pro Logic features center and mono
surround information matrixed into two stereo channels. When reproduced,
audio is decoded and output in 4 channels surround sound.
- Dolby Pro Logic II: Dolby Pro Logic II technology processes any
high quality stereo (two-channel) movie and music audio into five playback
channels of full-bandwidth surround sound. A matrix surround decoding
technology, Dolby Pro Logic II detects the directional cues that occur
naturally in stereo content and uses these elements to create a five-channel
surround sound playback experience. You can choose from Cinema, Music, or
Game formats.
- Dolby Pro Logic IIx: Pro Logic IIx expands any existing stereo-
or 5.1-channel audio for a 6.1- or 7.1- channel playback, creating a
seamless, natural surround soundfield that immerses you in the entertainment
experience. You can choose from the following Dolby Pro Logic IIx formats -
Cinema, Music, or Game
- Dolby Digital: Dolby Digital is a 5.1 multi-channel digital
surround format.
- Dolby Digital EX: Dolby Digital EX is a 6.1 multi-channel digital
surround format.
- Dolby Digital Plus: Dolby Digital Plus was developed as
an extension to Dolby Digital. The audio coding technology supports 7.1
channel surround sound.
- Dolby TrueHD: Dolby TrueHD is a lossless coding
technology that supports up to 8 channels of multi-channel surround sound
for the next generation optical discs. The reproduced sound is true to the
original source bit-for-bit.
- DTS: DTS Digital Surround is a 5.1 multi-channel digital surround
sound format used for both commercial/theatrical and consumer grade
applications.
- DTS-HD High Resolution: DTS-HD High Resolution Audio is
an improved version of the conventional DTS, DTS-ES and DTS 96/24 signal
formats that is compatible with sampling frequencies of 48 or 96 kHz and up
to 7.1-channels of discrete digital sound. High data bit rate performance
provides high quality sound.
- DTS-HD Master Audio: DTS-HD Master Audio is a lossless
audio format compatible with up to 96 kHz and up to 7.1-channels. The
lossless audio coding technology faithfully reproduces the sound of the
studio master.
- DTS 96/24: DTS 96/24 is a digital audio format enabling high
sound quality playback in 5.1-channels with a sampling frequency of 96 kHz
and 24 bit quantization of DVD-video.
- DTS-ES Extended Surround: DTS-ES features two 6.1
multi-channel formats.
- DTS-ES Discrete 6.1: DTS-ES Discrete 6.1-channel is
a 6.1-channel discrete digital audio format adding a surround back
channel to the DTS digital surround sound.
- DTS-ES Matrix 6.1: DTS-ES Matrix 6.1-channel is a
discrete 5.1 channel digital audio format inserting a surround back
channel to the DTS surround sound through matrix encoding.
- DTS Neo:6 Surround: DTS Neo:6 is a matrix decoding
technology for achieving 6.1-channel surround playback with 2-channel
sources. You can choose from two DTS Neo: 6 Surround formats - Neo: 6 Cinema
and Neo: 6 Music.
- DSD (Direct Digital Steam):
Audio format up to 5.1ch used for a Super Audio CD. DSD converts analog
signals to digital and record them directly, without adding any processing,
so that no information is omitted. Recording and playback of high fidelity,
quality sound is achieved.
- Neural-THX Surround: Neural-THX
Surround has been adopted by FM/HD radio stations and by XM Satellite Radio for digital radio broadcasts of
XM HD Surround recordings and live events in surround sound. Neural-THX Surround
employs psychoacoustic frequency domain processing which allows delivery of a
more detailed sound stage with superior channel separation and localization of
audio elements.
-
Digital Cinema Sound (DCS):
Digital Cinema Sound is the concept name of the surround technology for home
theater developed by Sony. DCS uses the DSP (Digital Signal Processor)
technology to reproduce the sound characteristics of an actual cinema cutting
studio in Hollywood. When played at home, DCS will create a powerful theater
effect that mimics the artistic combination of sound and action as envisioned by
the movie director. The DCS soundfields used in this receiver include:
- Digital Cinema Sound EX A: reproduces the sound characteristics of the Sony Pictures Entertainment
"Cary Grant Theater" cinema production studio, great for
watching most any type of movie
- Digital Cinema Sound EX B: reproduces the sound characteristics of the Sony Pictures Entertainment "Kim
Novak Theater" cinema production studio, ideal for watching
science fiction or action movies with lots of sound effects
- Digital Cinema Sound EX C: reproduces the sound characteristics of the Sony Pictures Entertainment
scoring stage, ideal for watching musicals or films where
orchestra music is featured in the soundtrack
- V.Multi Dimension: creates
multiple sets of virtual speakers from a single pair of actual surround speakers
- D.Concert Hall A: uses 3D sound imaging to reproduce the sound
characteristics of a concert hall, which simulates a large sound stage
- D.Concert Hall B: uses 3D sound imaging to reproduce the sound
characteristics of a concert hall, which simulates a large simulates
resonant and unique reverberate sound
- Jazz Club: reproduces the acoustics of a jazz club
- Live Concert: reproduces the acoustics of a 300-seat live house
- Stadium: reproduces the feeling of a large open-air stadium
- Sports: reproduces the feeling of sports broadcasting
- Portable Audio: This Music Soundfield reproduces a clear enhanced sound image from your portable audio
device, ideal for MP3 and other compressed music.
-
Two Channel Modes: The Sony receiver offers the following
two-channel audio modes:
- Two Channel Stereo:
sets the receiver to power only the front left and right
speakers, no surround and no subwoofer. Two channel sources bypass the sound
field processing and multi channel sources are down-mixed to 2 channels.
- Two Channel Analog Direct: amplifies the
source without any processing, only the volume and front speaker balance
adjustments are active
- Multi-Channel Stereo: outputs two channel left/right signals from
all speakers of the receiver
- Headphone Sound Fields: When
headphones are connected, you can select the following sound fields:
- Headphone 2CH: outputs the sound
in stereo, 2-channel sources bypass the sound field
processing, multi-channel surround formats are downmixed to 2 channels
- Headphone Direct: outputs analog
signals with no sound field or tone processing
- Headphone Multi: outputs the
analog signals input to the front channels of the Multi Channel Input
- Headphone Theater: allows you to experience a theater-like
environment while listening through a pair of headphones
Auto Format Direct: The Auto
Format Direct (A.F.D.) mode allows you to select the decoding mode you want for
your audio sound. When you select A.F.D. Auto, the receiver automatically
detects the type of audio signal being input (Dolby Digital, DTS, or standard
2-channel stereo) and performs the proper decoding if necessary. You can also
select Pro Logic, Pro Logic II Movie, Pro Logic II Music, Pro Logic II Game, Pro
Logic IIx Movie, Pro Logic IIx Music, Pro Logic IIx Game, Neo:6 Cinema, Neo:6
Music, Neural-THX, or Multi Stereo to apply the appropriate decoding for movies or normal stereo sources such
as CDs.
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
soundfields.
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-DA4400ES'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-DA4400ES 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.
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.
Three Zone/Three Source Operation: This receiver allows you to output
a second and third source to another location (Zone 2/3), regardless of the
source selected in the main room. There are dedicated line-level stereo audio
and composite and component video connections for a TV, receiver/amplifier, and
speakers in the 2nd zone. The 3rd Zone contains a pair of stereo RCA connections
for audio only capabilities in that zone. If you're only using 5.1-channel
surround in the main room, the surround back amplifier channels can be used to
power your zone 2 speakers. The audio signal is variable, and the volume and
input can be controlled from another location using an IR repeater system.
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.
Satellite Ready: The
STR-DA4400ES 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 Home Mini-Tuner
and Home Dock (item number 700XMTUNPK, sold separately) allows you to
receive XM Satellite Radio through the receiver, 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 607SCH1P1, 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
Note: You can store up to 30 XM
channels and up to 30 Sirius channels as presets.
Digital Media Port: The
STR-DA4400ES has a proprietary Digital Media
Port interface on the back panel to accommodate one of Sony's Digital Media Port
adapters. Four adapters are currently available; the TDM-iP1 iPod cradle (item
number 158TDMIP1), the TDM-NC1 Wi-Fi client (item number 158TDMNC1), the TDM-NW1
Walkman cradle, and the TDM-BT1 Bluetooth adapter. In some cases, you can
control the connected device using the supplied remote control or buttons on the
front panel.
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.
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.
Sleep Timer: The unit
may be set to automatically turn off after 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes.
Dimmer: You can
adjust the brightness of the display in 3 steps: On, 40% or Off.
Remote Control
Dual Remotes: The
STR-DA4400ES comes with two separate remotes, the RM-AAL016 and RM-AAU038. Since both remotes are IR, an IR repeater system is
needed in order for you to control the receiver from the 2nd zone.
RM-AAl016: The larger RM-AAL016 controls 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. Two
programmable Macro buttons allow you to perform up to 20 sequential commands by
pressing only one button
RM-AAU038:
The smaller RM-AAU038 controls basic functions on the receiver only.
Input and Output
Notes
HDMI: There are
six HDMI ver.1.3 inputs with dedicated input selection for both video
and audio through the single cable. Each can also be assigned to any of seven
non-HDMI inputs (Video1, Video2, Video3, DVD/BD, Sat/CATV, MD/Tape, SA-CD/CD). A
single HDMI ver.1.3 output feeds the TV monitor and any video signal routed to the
STR-DA4400ES can be converted to HDMI.
Component Video:
The receiver has three component video inputs which can be assigned to specific
sources (Video1, DVD/BD, SAT, etc). The component video bandwidth is 80
MHz, making them high-definition video compatible. A single component video output
feeds the TV monitor and any video signal routed to the STR-DA4400ES via
composite video can be converted to component video. The receiver also features
a component video output for Zone 2.
Digital Audio:
Six optical digital (five rear/one front) and three coaxial digital inputs are assignable to various
inputs (Video1, DVD/BD, SA-CD/CD, etc). 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 left and right, front B left and right,
center, surround left and right, and surround back left and right. 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.
XM: This proprietary terminal allows you
to connect an optional XM Mini Tuner Home Dock (item number 700XMTUNPK).
Sirius: This proprietary terminal allows you
to connect an optional SiriusConnect
Home Tuner kit (item number 607SCH1 or 607SCH1P1).
Multi Channel Input:
Eight analog RCA inputs are used for outboard 5.1 or 7.1 channel processors.
Preamp Outputs: Eight analog RCA preamp
outputs are used for connecting the receiver to external power amplifiers.
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: +12V trigger 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
Front Panel Inputs: The STR-DA4400ES features a set of front panel
inputs with left and right RCA audio, RCA composite video, and optical digital.
Headphones:
When headphones are plugged into the full-size 1/4" jack on the front panel, all
the speakers are automatically muted.
