NEWS: Sony turns on the style with DAV-F200 2.1 home cinema system

Andy Clough 29 April 2008 14:26

Sony Dav-F200

Home cinema without the clutter – that's the promise from Sony with its new DAV-F200 2.1 Bravia system.

The main control centre can be wall mounted, or placed on a shelf or desk. Virtual surround sound is provided courtesy of two compact speakers and a subwoofer.

According to the blurb, the DAV-F200 uses Sony's S-Force Front Surround technology, and delivers a claimed 135w per channel from its 32-bit S-Master digital amplifier.

The HDMI output upscales video to 1080p for optimum picture quality, and Bravia Sync provides single-remote control for the system and a Bravia TV.

There's a USB socket on the main unit, allowing users to play from connected devices and record to them.

The system is also compatible with Sony's DMPORT modular digital media adapters, which include docks for a range of portable MP3 players, iPods, Sony Ericsson mobile phones as well as Bluetooth and wi-fi-enabled laptops or PCs.

The DAV-F200 will play DVDs, CDs and file formats such as MP3, WMA, DiVX and JPEG. There's also a built-in radio.

Key features of the DAV-F200 include:

  • HDMI connection with 1080p upscaling and BRAVIA Sync system control
  • USB play and record
  • DMPORT connection for portable devices
  • Portable Audio Enhancer
  • 405W 32bit S-Master Digital Amplifier
  • S-Force Front Surround
  • Plays DVD, DVD+/-R/RW, CD, CD-R/RW, MP3, WMA, JPEG, DivX (plus WMA and AAC on USB)
  • Optical/coaxial digital and analogue inputs for external sources
  • Supplied with remote handset
  • Wall-mount bracket is an optional extra

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Comments

Jan Hibma April 29, 2008 14:46

It looks quite nice, much like the Philips HTS6600. Hopefully it will sound alot better.

Snoffy April 29, 2008 16:35

doesn't say if it decodes the HD audio formats.

Andrew Everard April 29, 2008 16:52

Probably means it doesn't, then, oh Snoffmeister

ianr23gp April 29, 2008 18:48

Agree with Jan about the design, it certainly looks the part. However, an indication of price and a star rating would be nice, eh Andrew...

Finally, at the risk of boring myself and every other WHFS&V reader - when can we expect a compact 2.1 Home Cinema super test? Should I hold my breath I wonder : )

Jan Hibma April 29, 2008 23:19

Guess you can hold your breath for a long time Ian, I've suggested the idea a few months ago in the forum too and got a positive response from Andy, just haven't heard if they're actually going through with it.

Andrew Everard April 30, 2008 08:59

No firm price, ianr23gp, but indications are around £350.

And it's a bit tricky to give a star rating based on a press release - I guess we'll have to wait until we get a review sample.

ianr23gp April 30, 2008 13:00

Thanks for the feedback Andrew. I guess my main point was if / when we could expect a full 2.1 super test appearing in the magazine this year?

Andrew Everard April 30, 2008 17:17

I don't know, ianr23gp - I'll ask around those who put the tests together, but we could be waiting for this Sony now.

And it's likely to be a group test or test express, rather than a full-blown  supertest.

ianr23gp May 1, 2008 22:06

Thanks Andrew. I guess it must be a constant frustration trying to get test kit out of these manufacturers.... Always quick to release the product specs but not able to give you a finished product at the same time!!

pmcman July 10, 2008 10:26

Agree with ianr23gp - a 2.1 test would be ideal. Know that we are compromising compared to a 5.1 setup but there seems to be a lot more options out there for 2.1 setups now and a review would help

Thanks

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About Andy Clough

Andy Clough studied English and French at Leeds University and has been a journalist for 20 years. Andy was editor of What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision for five years, before launching Home Cinema magazine and editing the Ultimate Guide series. Andy is now Editor of whathifi.com