Customer Reviews

Sony BDV-E770W Blu-ray Player Home Entertainment System [3D Compatible]

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(21)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(10)

 

 

This is a really a great Home Theater/BluRay combo unit. I hate clutter and went for it as this would be a single unit for Music, DVD/BluRay and Internet streaming (Netflix etc). Blu-Ray discs with 3-D surround sound are really amazing as I expected, DVD up conversion is great and sound quality of wireless S-AIR rear speaker is as good as wired (beware, they are wireless just with respect to main base/amp unit. The rear speakers have their own receiver unit that requires power plug and is wired to rear speakers. However, it serves my purpose as I don't need to run wires across my living room.). I was apprehensive that I am paying $100 extra and probably compromising on the sound quality just for little compromise of running wires across room. I did not find any compromise on sound quality (and I am quite picky). I did separate my WiFi router away from S-AIR, after reading about the possible cross-interference. That created another logistics problem: I sometimes watch movies on Netflix streamed through Internet and for best quality like to hook up the wire. Keeping router away meant that I ended up running cable across. Netflix streaming quality was awesome with wire and as good I had observed with PS3 (It's just a shade worse than DVD but way better than connecting via computer). The surprise was that WiFi connection worked almost as well as wired. So I ended up getting rid of this wire too. I have Sharp Aquos 52' LED TV and it seamlessly detects sound from this Sony unit whenever I switch to TV or switch on TV. One more tip that I discovered by chance. I have cheap $2, 6 ft generic HDMI cable and ~$10 mediabridge 6 ft and 15 ft (to connect my laptop to use TV as external monitor). While DVD and Blu-Ray disc quality was same on all 3 cables, Netflix streaming quality was way better with 6 ft mediabridge cable than other two. Probably one needs to buy decent quality shortest cable for limited signal/information relay via streaming. And don't believe in the crap that is floating on Internet. I know digital is 0 and 1. However, those morons forget that it's not just one 0 and 1; there is a stream of millions of 0s and 1s getting across. So it matters how many of those are faithfully transmitted. If input is great it does not matter, even crappiest of cable would do. However, if input is limiting, it does seem to make a difference. I did blind test with monstrously overpriced Monster cables and did not find any improvement over Mediabridge; so just the shortest and decent ones would do. I read one user complaining about lack of headphone jack on the system in reviews somewhere. IT EXISTS. Sony actually did one better. It put it on one of the rear speakers so that it's close to your couch. They just did a poor job of highlighting it. Not so detail oriented people might start crying it does not exist after not finding it on the main unit. Finally, I played tons of music from my iPhone using 3.5 mm to RCA connection (this unit can also play iPod/Phone via USB cable; I just had a very good quality 3.5 mm to RCA with me) and quality was good. It also has Pandora and other links that are suppose to become functional in next update. I tried Pandora via iPhone and it was great. I really can't see any problems with the system.
Bottom-line: It may not be the system for extreme music lovers who want to push sound quality to ultimate purity and can hear notes that pass through 99% of the people. It is indeed a very good composite unit to hook up with your TV (for improved sound) and watch movies on BluRay/DVD/Netflix and avoid clutter of equipments without compromising on the quality of either of the individual functions. I am not into gaming but Sony should come up with PS3-BluRay-home theater combo too. If I have to find fault, my only disappointment is the unfriendly user manual, hard to navigate Sony website (locating information before deciding to buy was pain) and Sony customer care (or lack of it). Also, its website use to describe iPhone app that would let you use your iPhone as a remote for this system. They have pulled it from promos and descriptions. I was indeed looking forward to it and I hope they revive it.
Note: Sony has acknowledged on their website (on eSupport page of this unit) that some of their units are prone to freeze upon software update. I was lucky that mine did not ask for any software update. Its shame that they are not paying to ship the units back to them for repair (as reported by other reviewer). It's enough hassle that you have to pack and ship the unit for something that is clearly their problem. Its not surprise to me as I have heard from many friends that their customer care has always sucked big time. Looks like, they are slipping. They are bit like Apple on making big money via accessories/support. However, apple is quick to suck up when they screw something. It's a tip for Sony management if they want to survive Apple's dominance in consumer electronics.

Update 07-19-10: I did both the software updates provided so far. It added Pandora and improved quality of HD movies available via Netflix streaming among many other small things. Software updates were easy. Only things one needs to be careful about is having wired internet for update, removing discs from the system and not switching the power off while update is in progress. This is a very good system that would take you movie or music experience to another level esp if you have a good TV. All my friends were blown away by its features and quality. We have used it extensively for playing BR discs, Netflix streaming, and music from Pandora, ipod/iphone and experience couldn't be better. It pains me to see that it has just 3.5 star rating, thanks to users who does not want to do more than clicking "add to cart" and switching on the power switch. Just reading the specs before buying and user manual after buying would address almost all of the the issues.

Second day after setup and I have been pleased with the Sony BDV-E770W. I am viewing on a Sony KDL-40EX700 HDTV. This is a good and inexpensive entry level HTiB which should be more than adequate for most folks. Later in my review, I will address some issues that others have posted in earlier reviews. Forgive the length, but I figured I would lay out everything for the next person who comes along and can benefit from my online homework.

As previously mentioned by Common Sense in his review, many issues can be resolved simply by viewing the online manuals while you are waiting for your unit to be shipped. Included in the box is the manual and a Quick Setup Guide, both of which are available online. The Quick Setup Guide does a good job of showing the different ways to hook up your video and audio.

Even without reviewing the online manuals ahead of time, your system will be up and running very quickly simply by using the Quick Setup Guide. Everything is color coded and easy to understand. The rear speakers are attached (by color coded speaker wires) to the wireless amplifier. I placed the wireless amp under my couch and ran the rear speaker wires to the left and right sides of my couch. I kept having a problem with my rear amp dropping the signal and the rear speakers would go mute. There are three different selections (frequencies) that are easily changed on the back of both the main amp and rear amp. Once I changed the frequency, I was in business. The Auto Speaker Calibration does a good job of calibrating everything. If you desire, one can calibrate each individual speaker, but I was happy with the auto calibration. While writing this review, I cranked Phil Collins "In the Air Tonight," and it sounded great. A previous poster had mentioned the small speakers, but I found this not to be a problem. Sound has been great. The Blu-Ray disks on the system are unbeatable and the DVD Up conversion was a very obvious improvement over my standard DVD player's output.

Two things I would like to address that others have had to deal with.

First, the Update that has "bricked" others' systems. As a previous person suggested, I used a LAN cable instead of the wireless adapter that comes with the system....and I sat on my hands and didn't touch a thing. My system turned itself off when it was finished....the whole thing took about seven minutes. If you can't use a LAN cable, then setup the included USB wireless internet device and test it by going into the system's online library and view some videos before accomplishing the update. If all is well, then initiate the update.

The second thing I would like to address is a previous poster's need for an optical cord for the Audio. What he was referring to is the Cable/SAT/DISH audio to your Blu-Ray system's speakers. Your Cable/SAT/DISH audio and video signals run to your HDTV. Your Blu-Ray video signal runs to your HDTV and the Blu-Ray audio signal goes to the speakers, but how do you get the Cable/SAT/DISH audio signal (the audio for the television shows) to your new speakers? The first two ways are in the Quick Setup guide... one being the optical audio cord and the other using RCA jacks directly from your Cable/SAT/DISH box to the back of the Blu-Ray. But there is a third way that is listed on page nineteen (19) of the owner's manual. There is something new called Audio Return Channel function which is an industry standard and NOT unique to Sony. If your HDTV supports this function, then you only need to use an HDMI cord between the Blu-Ray and HDTV and the audio signal coming from the Cable/SAT/DISH box will then run backwards through this HDMI cord into your Blu-Ray and it's speakers. This function is something that has been added to the HDMI technology as they continually update it. You only need to have an HDMI cord that is version 1.4 (the latest HDMI version). So my system only has two HDMI cords....one from the cable box to the HDTV and one from the Blu-Ray to the HDTV. The system does not include an HDMI cord nor an optical cord. Buy these (if you need both) before your unit arrives. At first, the Audio Return Channel function didn't work, but I found in the HDTV manual that this function only works from the HDMI input labeled Number One (I have four in all). Once I switched to HDMI port number one, I was in business.

The last thing I would like to address is a question I had asked Common Sense concerning using the 770W with something called Sony S-AIR wireless speakers. I found out the answer and here's the bottom line....This system is designed to work with these wireless speakers. They are truly wireless and can be plugged into sockets around your house to hear whatever is being heard from the system's speakers....music, the TV, or the movie playing in the Blu-Ray. The 770W is already transmitting to the wireless rear amp, therefore the other speakers would act as receivers as well, the difference being that these units are all-in-one receivers/speakers....no need to run wires to a seperate speaker. This solves my problem of piping music out to the garage or back porch while having a BBQ. Take a look at the link below for the S-AIR speakers available.

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26 August 2010 S-AIR wireless speaker review

For some reason, Amazon will not let me post the URL for the Sony Style S-AIR speakers. I will try to post it again as well as a product link from Amazon. I just tested the socket speaker I received (used from eBay) and it works great. It worked on the back porch and the garage also. Good sound. Don't expect the volume to crank on the socket speaker, but it was just fine for the back porch for family BBQ, etc. If you want some volume, you might consider the "Premium" which is a bigger wireless speaker.

[...]

Sony S-AIR AIR-SA50R - Wireless speaker system - 16 Watt (total) - black

I purchased this system for our bedroom as an inexpensive way to bring Blu-ray and surround sound. It is amazing what is packed into such a small package. The big plusses for me were the wireless rear speakers and the wireless connectivity for Internet content and firmware updates. It certainly doesn't have nearly the connection options you'll find with traditional A/V receivers so you'll have to make sure your television has plenty of inputs for all your gear. However, in my case it works perfectly. The speakers are small, but together they put out an impressive sound. There's even an included mic for auto-calibration of your speakers. Another bonus is that the Blu-ray player is upgradeable to 3-D when the patch is available. For a quick and easy feature-packed home theater in-a-box solution, you can't beat this system.

This replaced a Samsung BD1250 as I was unhappy with the sound quality - especially from the center channel. I love this new system. Sounds great and setup was really easy with the autocallibration microphone. It has a PS3 style menu which is a snap to navigate. The video quality is outstanding whether its playing a Blu ray disk/DVD/or streaming video. I was a little nervous about the wireless rear surround, but it works great. I don't get any interference with my wireless router. I was also nervous about updating the software, but it downloaded and installed without a hitch. Now, I just have to wait for some 3D movies to be released...

I purchased this item in part due to the thorough review by Reviewer "Common Sense". The sound system has amazingly good sound, was relatively simple to set up if you (as the Reviewer said) took the time to read a bit of the poorly written instructions and plan what was needed for set up. I got it all unpacked and fully set up while my husband mowed the lawn. We immediately watched a variety of TV shows and Movies and the sound was better than the Bose system we had before. I actually jumped out of my seat because the sounds were so vivid I was positive a car had crashed into our house! I am not a techie so if I could set it up, anyone can. Hooked it up to a Sony HD flat screen TV and our very poor cable service (soon to be replaced) and we are very happy. I've already recommended it to several people who plan to purchase the system as well. Couldn't believe it has everything we want for that price - great sound, ability to connect back speakers wirelessly, radio, ipod connection, wireless internet connection - the works.

I just got this system. I love the sound. Others have described this system better than I can so I won't repeat that part of the review. The 4 star rating is based on the following and not on the sound quality which seems excellent.

Just be aware that Sony support is poor at best. I have just spent over 4 hours talking to various product support people at Sony. I tried e-mail, online chat and phone support. No one was able to tell me I needed to buy to be able to listen to the system in other rooms. The manual clearly states this is possible.

To be fair, the last person said any S-Air speaker should be compatiable. She could not give me model numbers but referred me to the Sony site. However she stated that the S-AIR speaker product line has been discontinued as of 12/31/2010. It appears a lot of the S-Air speakers were liquidated at the end of 2010. However, she stated that the new wireless system (in the process of being released) should be backward compatiable. I wonder of new transmitters will be needed.

So bottom line, consider this to be an excellent system but the ability to transmit the sound to other rooms might not be possible since those products have been discontinued and are not ready availiable. With luck, the next generation of speaker will work with this system.

Update 1/4/2010

Finally got a hold of someone at technical support that appear to know about this system. At this time Sony has NO S-Air speakers (except the rear speaker kit which this system comes with) availiable for this system. All the S-Air speakers show up as "no longer availiable" on the Sony web site. External sites that sell these speaker say they have been discontinued. Technical support guess that the new products would be availiable in March or August and that they MIGHT work with this system.

Update 1/17

I did find that the AIRSA10 is still availiable at some places. Works well with this unit and has decent range.

I got the product couple days ago. I was very pleased with everything including the sound quality, set up instruction, wireless internet content etc. Watched Avatar...enjoyed the home theatre experience.
The next day I started to play the same movie again and as soon as I turned up the volume from the remote, I noticed that the text 'muting' started flashing on the front panel and the sound started going on and off. As if it kept muting and unmuting every second. Clicking Muting on the remote button didn't work > restarting the system didn't work > switching to modes other than BD/DVD didn't work. I had to reset to factory setting to get it to go away. Even after resetting and playing for a while it came back the next time I tried playing a movie (This time it went away after powering it down and back on). I'm hoping it's just a setting/button that I'm not aware of that's causing this, if it is, it's a good product.
If anyone has a clue or has a similar experience, please share your thoughts.

Here's my take on the sony home theater.

Cons:
1. Slow wi-fi connection: This system uses wifi 'B' standard, that is slower than a 'G' or 'N'. So watching youtube videos, netflix and other internet content is slower when connected to the wireless network.
2. The Netflix app in Sony displays only the "Watch Instantly" queue, while in Wii, it shows multiple queues based on genres, last watched, like <movie name> queue etc.
3. Lack of a browser like the Playstation 3: This is more of a wish than actual con in the system.
4. Keyboard add-on: Again, not a con but I wish I had a keyboard instead of entering search text in the you tube interface.

Pros:
1. Good Picture: Sony invented Blu-ray. Being a market leader, they must have covered more ground than the other competing brands, so I bought the Sony blu-ray player compared to other similar brands in the same category. So far, I am not disappointed.
2. Loading time is decent. I did not measure the time, but I never felt impatient waiting for it to load.
3. Sound quality is very good for watching a movie or listening to music. The surround system works great. No loss in quality due to wireless.
4. Wireless surround system - this is my favorite feature. No wires running across the living room. Main selling point I used to convince my wife that we 'definitely needed' this.

Verdict: Best value for money when compared to products in this category.

----updated on 12/29/10
After I received the system, the price dropped by $50, Amazon was wonderful and matched the new lower price. There was no haggling. I love Amazon for that.

No complaints after 2 months. Interacts well with Sony TV (I have a 32" ex700). Wireless rear speakers work well, I had a problem with them initially dropping out, but moving my wireless internet router to a different room solved the problem. Great value (I paid around $450). My only complaint is that it's not that easy to change the balance of the speakers, but I only need to do this because I move the system around on a rolling cart. It's my first bluray player and I'm really impressed with the video quality and quick load times. Sound quality is quite good, especially considering the small speaker sizes. If you're a real audiophile you shouldn't be looking at home theater in a boxes anyway. Even though the satellite speakers apparently aren't magnetically shielded, I have the left right speakers next to my TV (on a cart) with no problems.

This unit was easy to set-up and everything works flawlessly. The wireless surround sound speaker amplifier goes into standby automatically when the main unit is placed into standby. My Samsung TV recognizes when it's turned on, it turns on and automatically switches to the Sony's HDMI output. Somehow my Samsung recognizes the Sony as an "AnyNet" device, an unexpected benefit. The sound is excellent. Registering the unit for Pandora was easy using the instructions and code Sony provided. A set-up DVD was provided, but didn't need to use it, the manual and quick start guide was easy to follow. The auto calibration of the speakers worked well. It really improves the quality of regular DVD's and Blue-Rays look great. The software has been updated several times and it's now 3D capable. It's hard wired to my network, so I can't comment on the wireless connection or set-up. After it's been updated, the next start-up could take much longer than expected, so be prepared. I only wish it had an HDMI input. I'd highly recommend this product.