Sony SAT HD200 Satellite TV Receiver

Pros: Decodes HD from all sources
Cons: More expensive than the same unit from Zenith

I purchased this tuner/receiver in February and have had some time to get to know it quit well. This receiver can accomodate any HD signal whether it be terrestrial (over the air), cable and DirectTV. What really makes this box worth the price is ...

Pros: Upconverts all signals to progressive scan. DVI-HDCP connector. Aspect ratio zoom is awesome.
Cons: Does not remember favorites if disconnected from power.

Does not remember favorites if disconnected from power. I just got this receiver and WOW. First i ...

Pros: Great picture and sound. Signal strength button on the remote. Resolution indicators on LCD.
Cons: No Caller ID. Menu's are a little confusing at first.

Great HD receiver. Very fast. Resolution indicators on the front of the LCD. Great picture and sound. Speed is great. I absolutely love the signal strength button on remote. Helps me tremendously when tuning in those OTA signals. I would pay extra...

Pros: Solid performer with no problems.
Cons: User interface and no RF remote.

Had this been a true Sony product, I would have been greatly disappointed but after owning this product for more than a year, I can say that its interface leaves a lot to be desired. The good side this unit is superb when receiving HDTV signal via satellite (have not tried OTA) but the user interface is very basic. It still bugs me to this date that for the cost of this unit, I wanted and expected it to have an RF remote. This feature is now available on the newer model HD300. My other unit the Sony A65A has the RF remote and it does not even cost near as much but it obviously does not support HDTV.

Overall, good solid performer but quirky user interface.

Pros: great picture, when the receiver works
Cons: See Review body

I first purchased my Sony SATHD200 May, 2003 On July 2, 2003 the system died, would not even turn on. Receiver was replaced by local dealer. September, 2003 receiver died. Would turn on, but would only display "Fatal Error", receiver replaced by local dealer. January, 2004 displayed "insert valid access card". Directv sent new card, still nothing. Have emailed Sony twice via their web site for instructions on sending receiver in for repairs. Get message they will email back instructions and costs, if any, within 2 hours. I have been waiting 24 hours and still no other contact from Sony.

Buy something else.

Tampa, FL