I just bought this system a couple of weeks ago and am very happy with it.
It's especially good for those with limited space and/or who want a limited visual impact from their sound system. Which were top considerations in my choice.It's a nice system, with only a couple exceptions (*See comments below...)
First, the control module, with DVD player is very compact (a little over 8" X 8" X4") and has a clear display (although, it would have been nice if the numbers and words displayed were a little bigger... minor issue). It has many adjustments that can be made for different sound "fields", ie:DTS, Dolby II, etc. and can also be connected to your i-Pod or Computer, with connector modules available through the Sony On-line store.There are settings for component or HDMI setups.There is one HDMI out to TV and also seperate connections for Component cables if you are not using HDMI. The multiple connection options worked well for me, as I was able to connect to my Satellite receiver and another DVD/VHS player.
The DVD player produces an excellent picture, which I have set for 1080i "upscaling". A nice feature is, that if you stop the DVD at some point, it remembers this and will start back at this point, when you either hit play again or even if you have removed that DVD and put it back in.I think the manual said it remembers the last 10 different DVD stopping points.
Now, getting to How it Sounds...I rate it 4 out of 5.It's got deep bass, full middle range and crisp highs.*The one thing that is critical with this system, is that the sub-woofer unit, which contains both the mid-range and bass speakers; MUST be placed as close to the tv as possible (and preferrably in back of), as it is reproducing a large part of the middle (voice) range.The sub-woofer can NOT be placed in front of the screen (or way off to the side), as you will then notice the voices coming from the sub-woofer unit and not the screen.If placed correctly, on either side of the screen and slightly behind or directly behind the screen; the system does a good job of creating the perception that all the voices are coming from the screen and not the sub-woofer/mid-range unit. Also, the mid-range speaker (for voice) is in the top of the sub-woofer unit and cannot be blocked, so it cannot be placed inside a cabinet and forget about using the top of the unit as a "plant stand"!; )
One note of caution, DO NOT try and pick up the sub-woofer; by using the sub-woofers ports as "hand holds".Although, they would appear to work perfectly for this, the bass speaker sits just inside of these ports and you could easily damage it.
The 5 speakers are amazingly tiny and do a good job on the highs and "upper level" mid-range (the lower middle range, being handled by the middle/sub-woofer unit).The system comes with wall brackets for each of the 5 small speakers.I purchased the speaker stands (available seperately through the Sony On-Line store and are ridiculously high priced!), which are designed to work specifically for these speakers and are fortunately well made.Without the stands, the speakers can easily be placed on tables.They are very light though and can easily be knocked off, so a little "double sided" tape may be advised in this situation.
*The AM/FM receiver works well and although it sounds "ok" playing music CD's, this is not this units main "strength".You'll probably prefer another sound system, dedicated to playing music.The issue I noted, is that you have to make some adjustments to the bass, middle and treble and selected "sound fields", to bring out the best of your music CD and unfortunately, these settings are not "stored" in the system for just music; so you have to reset everything when switch to watching TV or a DVD.Almost more trouble than it's worth.I would not recommend this system for those who want to frequently switch between listening to music and watching TV/DVD's.
The remotes buttons are logically placed.They are varied in sizes with a couple raised "points" to help locate the correct ones in a darkened room.I would have appreciated, at this price range, an illumination feature; which it does not have.
If you have a newer Sony TV, it will also turn on the TV and sound system simultaneously.I have a Samsung hdtv, so I have to turn on each seperately, but interestingly enough, when I shut off the TV (using it's remote), this Sony system also shuts off at the same time.
It has a relatively clear and comprehensive manual, which is definitely required for all the adjustments and settings you'll need to make to get it calibrated and set up between the tv and different components.Although you can get through most settings, using the on-screen menus, without referring to the manual.
I am very pleased with this system. The construction of all components if of high quality materials and when set up correctly, it's impressive in the sound it creates from the tiny speakers working along with the bass/mid-range sub-woofer module.If you are looking for a top "audio-file" system, this probably isn't the system for you.If you have limited space and want a fairly unobtrusive looking system, with good quality sound, it's definitely worth considering.
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Sony DAV-IS10 5.1-Channel Micro Satellite Home Theater System with TDM-IP1 iPod CradleProduct Description: The Sony DAV-IS10 5.1 Channel Home Theater System is a micro all-in-one home theater system for customers who want big surround sound with elegant decor. The system comes with 5 incredibly small satellite speakers and a unique subwoofer with proprietary DSP processing for flexible room placement. The DAV-IS10 is equipped with a DIGITAL MEDIA PORT input that works with various DMP accessories (sold separately) which include a PC Client Ready device (TDM-NC1), Bluetooth® receiver (TDM-BT1), and Audio Docking Stations (TDM-NW1 and TDM-iP1) compatible with select Network Walkman- and iPod® products, and allows you to play back your stored music through the micro system. To complement its DMP compatibility, the DAV-IS10 can control select BRAVIA® televisions with BRAVIA® Theatre Sync- via the HDMI- interface. With One Touch Play, operations that took several steps have been reduced to one.
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I recently bought this speaker for my wife's new laptop.
