Announced in Europe early in September, the STR-DA5500Es is Sony’s latest AV monster. Offering of Dolby True HD as well as DTS-HD support, this 7.1 AV receiver features the APM or Automatic Phase Matching. Automatic Phase Matching (APM) is designed to take account of typical home cinema speaker configurations, where large speakers are used for the front left and right channels, but smaller models for the center and surround channels.

Definitely an AV receiver worth checking if you are planning to upgrade your gear.

STR-DA5500ES: The heart of a complete home entertainment system
The STR-DA550ES is designed to form the heart of a total entertainment system. As well as compatibility with all the high-definition audio and video of Blu-ray-Disc, including 1080/24p, x.v. Colour, Deep Colour and Dolby True HD/DTS-HD, this new 7.1-channel AV receiver has both internet radio capability and DLNA Client functionality, allowing it to stream audio, photos and video from a home network, or typically receive hundreds of radio stations streamed from around the world.
Surround sound is handled by Sony’s new HD Digital Cinema Sound processing, developed by Sony in consultation with Sony Pictures Entertainment to bring all the emotion and dynamic sound effects of a movie theatre into your home. Set-up is simplified by the most advanced version of Sony’s Digital Cinema Auto-Calibration, and there are unique technologies designed to make the most of any home cinema system.
Automatic Phase Matching (APM) is designed to take account of typical home cinema speaker configurations, where large speakers may be used for the front left and right channels, but smaller models for the centre and surround channels. Using APM, the STR-DA5500ES can remove any phase anomalies between the speakers, thus greatly enhancing the integration of the surround sound field.
Six HDMI inputs are provided on the STR-DA5500ES, one being on the front panel for rapid temporary connection of camcorders, games consoles and other devices. And there are two HDMI outputs: these make the switchover from TV to projector simple, but can also output simultaneously. Picture-in-picture operation is also available from two separate sources connected to the receiver, so you can enjoy a movie while also keeping an eye on the sports scores or the news.
Video upconversion and upscaling is provided, allowing legacy video sources to be optimised for high-definition displays, and the STR-DA5500ES can deliver sound into three zones and video into two.
Control of a complete system is simplified by the provision of two remote handsets – one full-function, the second simplified for day-to-day use – and the receiver also has Sony’s onscreen Quick Click virtual remote control as part of its high-resolution Graphical User Interface, for easier operation of connected components.
Finally, the STR-DA5500ES has two Digital Media Ports, to which optional modular port devices can be connected. The range of Digital Media Port adapters includes models for Sony Walkman® players and Sony Ericsson phones, iPods® and Bluetooth stereo devices.