Sony DAV-D150

Bought my Sony DAV-D150 whilst redecorating (so I can hide the cables), having wavered over buying a cinema system for quite a while. I would not consider myself a video or audiophile, so my requirements are only fairly average. We didn't use the existing video much but were loathed to get rid of it entirely. We watch a DVD about once a week on average, but primarily watch Sky. I wanted to "downsize" the number of boxes under the TV and clean up the cables. Also the existing (8yr old) TV speakers were becoming a bit problematic (dropping out).

Having reviewed numerous units it came down to this one or an LG DV2000. In actual fact we bought the LG unit (end of line stock), took it home, plugged it in, set it up, several hours later there was a burning smell from 2 speakers and a high pitched screeching noise. Straight back to shop, bought DAV-D150 mail order from empiredirect instead.

The DVD picture quality, to my eyes is no different to my (old) Toshiba SD220E. The audio is terrific to my poor ears (sounds light years better than the old TV). The video picture seems fine, but obviously looks dreadful compared to DVD these days!! But I stress I am no expert and my requirements are not that high.

So technically, the box is great to me, does what it says and has got rid of one multi plug and several other cables for a more minimal look (although it is a hefty box). There were metres and metres of speaker cables so that was good too.

Having said all that, the setup was quite tricky.

Auto tuning was slow (although only done once). It took me ages to figure out how to flick between video channels and aux inputs (maybe just me being thick)

The sky box does not quite play ball (sometimes the switching between 4:3 and 16:9 is wrong and we have to tell the TV to do that). I suspect it is because the Sky is a slave to the main unit. The remote is a disaster in terms of "feel". The weight (what there is) is all at the bottom. If you are right handed the volume control at the bottom right corner is very awkward.

I got pretty ticked off with needing several remotes so we have also bought a One For All unit which is working the TV and the Amp and the Sky. I am awaiting codes for the DVD and VCR from OFA as the default codes from the website did not work (I assume it is because it is a relatively new unit).

In terms of upgrade path well we plan to get Sky+ in the future and the system has an optical input ready for that box.

I have not tried the MP3 or FM radio functions yet.

As a final point, I said I had bought an LG DV2000. Interesting to note that the menus, firmware and manual were identical. However the newer Sony seems to have more Wattage and some newer features. Not sure who is rebadging who!