Sony DAV-DZ280 DVD Home Cinema System

The DAV-DZ280 is the latest DVD based home cinema system from Sony which offers an impressive set of features to help you get the most from your movies and music. Although the price is slightly more (around £20) than the Panasonic SC-PT170, the Sony has the added benefit of offering an iPod/iPhone dock so you can easily play your digital music as well.

The Sony DAV-DZ280 is a futuristic looking system with its glossy black finish and pointy front fascia, and whilst not as understated as the Panasonic SC-PT170, it is a little more subtle than the LG HT762TZ. The speakers are smart looking and pump out a very respectable 142W (RMS) so there should be plenty of power there for all but the largest rooms. The subwoofer is fairly compact but the whole system still manages to output an impressive 850W.

Connecting the speakers is a simple affair as all the inputs are clearly marked, and the video connection is HDMI so you get the full high definition benefit of the DZ280’s 1080p upscaling capabilities. Setting up the DAV-DZ280 is easy as it comes complete with the DCAC (Digital Cinema Auto Calibration) system which uses the supplied calibration microphone to set up the system automatically and optimise the sound for your particular room.

There are also neat little features like being able to rip CD’s to a USB device you have inserted into the ‘Digital Media Port’, and being able to play from your Walkman phone or other MP3 device. If you have a Sony television you will also appreciate the Bravia Sync which will make it easy to control both devices with the same remote.

Read more information on the DAVDZ280 on the Sony website where you can also find the PDF Manual for further reading.