Sony STR-DG920 photos

Sony's STR-DG920 is a standout midrange AV receiver, with a basic graphical user interface, four HDMI inputs, and solid video processing.

We liked the minimalist look of the STR-DG920. It's easy to fill the front of an AV receiver with tons of buttons, but the Sony is relatively sparse, except four large knobs that control functions like volume and input selection.

Like other receivers in this price range, the STR-DG920 has onboard decoding for both Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.

Like the Onkyo TX-SR606, the STR-DG920 features four HDMI inputs, which is the most you're going to see at this price point. It does a good job covering analog-video signals too, with three component-video inputs and five AV inputs. Do note that the STR-DG920 completely lacks S-Video inputs.

Unlike every other receiver we've tested at this price range, the STR-DG920 comes with a GUI, rather than the unsightly text-based menus that are standard. We've been fans of Sony's GUI on receivers since it was first seen on the STR-DG5200ES, but it's worth pointing out that the STR-DG920's interface is a step-down from the slick menus on the ES-series.

All of the inputs are also renameable, which means you'll have no problem assigning your inputs to something easy to remember like "TiVo" or "Xbox 360."

We actually botched the very first step of the auto calibration--plugging in the included microphone. We thought it was plugged in, but since the plug wasn't fully inserted, the auto setup aborted after running test tones through all the speakers and subwoofer. The onscreen display indicated "Error Code 33" had occurred, but didn't offer any advice about how to correct the error. Turned out the problem was we hadn't fully inserted the mic plug into the jack. It's a bit of a tight fit.

With that snag out of the way the auto setup proceeded without a hitch. Auto calibration takes just a couple of minutes; it's quicker and easier than what we've seen from Onkyo's and Denon's auto-calibration systems.

The included remote is one of the better ones we've seen, with big, easily-readable buttons for selecting inputs, and button rockers at the bottom for volume.