your view on SONY IV-300 5.1 HT system

[raju2512]

Hi

Nice to be part of this great forum and my first post here.

I am also evaluating Sony IV300 and Yamaha YHT196 and I have decided to go with YHT 196. Reliance Digital is offering @ Rs27990 with 3D Blu-ray player from Philips free. I can get an additional 5% on SBI card. Since I don't have a BR player,it makes sense to go with YHT196, since the overall cost difference between IV300 + BR player and YHT196 bundle offer will be around Rs.1500 only.

But a big question. Will YHT196 be compatible with UHD or 4K TVs. I hope to use this system for at least 7-8 years and I may replace my TV in between.

My existing setup

1. 32" LED Panasonic TV with 3 HDMI ports ( 1 with ARC)
2. Airtel HD STB with recorder ( 1 HDMI port)
3. Philips DVD player with component video output, 5.1 audio output and SPFID optical out and S video output
4. Akai stereo system (only amplifier is working).

I have good collection music mainly south indian classical and a good collection of movies in hard disks. The system will be for music and movies.

 

[Pransh]

yes sure my friend i am just assembling the system and w8ing for sony people to come for set up and it also connect to ps3 that is tested via toslink cable or fiber optics

Bro please tell me if this system is worth buying
Ill mainly use it with my playstation4

 

[Pransh]

rish,

Please tell me your budget?
There are many good HTBs available in the market from the specialists like Denon, Yamaha, Pioneer etc.

I have a budget of 20k and i want a system that works really well for playing playstation4 games and bassy hip hop music genres
Please help

 

[shravanchoudhary9]

Need help urgent!!!

hi guys

i am new here.
i am going to buy SONY HT IV300.
i have videocon d2h HD box 2222. as my LG 32 INCH LED doesn't support ARC (although it says it support 1.4 HDMI) so i have to put stb's digital coaxial cable in it together HDMI IN.
is that going to work for DOLBY DIGITAL output?
also is this home theatre support DLNA/throw in which we can simply push/throuw/play any image/mp3/FULL HD video on system/TV?

please help me.
Regards

Shrawan

 

[kaptan]

Re: Need help urgent!!!

I would not recommend to go for Sony. you can o with any professional home theaters which will support a lot of features along with good sound quality.

At the end of the day Sound quality is the important thing which will keep you make use of the system for a long period of time enjoying.

hi guys

i am new here.
i am going to buy SONY HT IV300.
i have videocon d2h HD box 2222. as my LG 32 INCH LED doesn't support ARC (although it says it support 1.4 HDMI) so i have to put stb's digital coaxial cable in it together HDMI IN.
is that going to work for DOLBY DIGITAL output?
also is this home theatre support DLNA/throw in which we can simply push/throuw/play any image/mp3/FULL HD video on system/TV?

please help me.
Regards

Shrawan

 

[simplysam.singh]

@dear all,
my straight and honest review using Sony HT IV300 from last 3 months.
What I play on HT IV300..?
1. Music (high quality mp3s tracks @ 320kbps covering all genres eg:rock,house,trance,dubstep,jazz,fusion,blues..etc)
2. High quality videos (min 720p BRrips, ac3, dts,DD5.1)

What I like in HT IV300?
1.good connectivity options, Inputs : 2 HDMI (only HDMI 1 is ARC (audio return channel) support , 1 Coaxial,1 RCA,1 Video, Bluetooth,NFC(near field communication) and wireless connectivity(for firmware upgrades, can also be upgraded by USB),screen mirroring and FM (external antenna cable is supplied), Output: 1 HDMI only
2. Sound Modes (especially "Music Arena" and "Digital Music" modes) best for low quality audio tracks
3. Compact in size (easy for frequent tenants)
4. Decodes various audio/video codecs
5. Overall pricing

What I don't like: (note: i am a sound freak)
1. Quality of sound is not upto the mark especially with audio tracks
2. Works well for Indian genre of sounds
3. not really recommended for genres like Rock, House, Trance...etc
4. Bass is too boomy not punchy (I believe "bass has to be FELT not to be HEARD")
5. does a very poor job handling mid frequencies (cant expect more from satellite speakers)

Overall, as said by Sony India this can be a perfect fit/match for HD setup boxes than to use it as a home theatre, because its made for Setup boxes..

Note: i tested HT IV300, only with HD video/audio content through a blueray player with proper HDMI I/O's

It means its worth to buy this product right??

 

[Deep Vaidya]

My self too started my journey towards home theaters by reading about sony iv-300,

Now ends up with pioneer vsx 524 with denon speakers and onkyo sub woofer. and i'm pretty happy with my decision.

 

[[email protected]]

I am not technically good. So blindly bought this iv 300. For first time users of HT this will be a ok model. If some one wants to upgrade then this is not the one.

It lacks individual treble and bass control which is a necessity for me. Listening to music is not great. But with its presets movie watching is fine. Would not say a best model.

Today I upgraded the latest firmware. The standard definition channels looks neat with less noise. Guess it's after the update. But the Bluetooth connection gets week in between. This am seeing after the upgrade only.

 

[[email protected]]

Any one used this iOS app imediashare with this ht? Does it work ?

 

[amit.ishu]

I am not technically good. So blindly bought this iv 300. For first time users of HT this will be a ok model. If some one wants to upgrade then this is not the one.

It lacks individual treble and bass control which is a necessity for me. Listening to music is not great. But with its presets movie watching is fine. Would not say a best model.

Today I upgraded the latest firmware. The standard definition channels looks neat with less noise. Guess it's after the update. But the Bluetooth connection gets week in between. This am seeing after the upgrade only.

I have recently bought HT IV-300 and just want to know if you have any idea about how to set dolby digital plus and dolby true hd sound while watching movie

 

[ValarMorghulis]

Hi

Nice to be part of this great forum and my first post here.

I am also evaluating Sony IV300 and Yamaha YHT196 and I have decided to go with YHT 196. Reliance Digital is offering @ Rs27990 with 3D Blu-ray player from Philips free. I can get an additional 5% on SBI card. Since I don't have a BR player,it makes sense to go with YHT196, since the overall cost difference between IV300 + BR player and YHT196 bundle offer will be around Rs.1500 only.

But a big question. Will YHT196 be compatible with UHD or 4K TVs. I hope to use this system for at least 7-8 years and I may replace my TV in between.

My existing setup

1. 32" LED Panasonic TV with 3 HDMI ports ( 1 with ARC)
2. Airtel HD STB with recorder ( 1 HDMI port)
3. Philips DVD player with component video output, 5.1 audio output and SPFID optical out and S video output
4. Akai stereo system (only amplifier is working).

I have good collection music mainly south indian classical and a good collection of movies in hard disks. The system will be for music and movies.

I think YHT-196 lacks 4K pass. It's elder brother YHT-299 has that capability.

 

[RajithKumar]

I have recently bought HT IV-300 and just want to know if you have any idea about how to set dolby digital plus and dolby true hd sound while watching movie

You can't able to set these formats ..it can be done only if the source material audio is encoded with DD or Dolby True HD..Normally DD will be available in DVD movie tracks /and in some setup box HD channels ...If u want to hear Dolby True HD .u need to download a Bluray Rips with Dolby True HD encoded or a Bluray Disc which is encoded with Dolby True HD ..
If these source is available then ur system will decode these formats ..

YHT 196 doesn't decode DTS HDMA & Dolby True HD formats..this is FYKI.
where as YHT 299 /2910 does all...

 

[karv266]

My Living room:
TV: Sony Bravia KDL-42W900B
Sony BDP-S4100 Blu-ray Player.
Denon DHT-X500 Satellite Speakers with amplifier.

Few month back I have bought a Panasonic viera led 3D tv 42 Inch for my bedroom because most of the time the living room occupied by my mom and sister; So here is my bed room system.
My Bed Room:
TV: Panasonic viera led 3D tv 42 Inch,
JBL Cinema sb200 for Dish TV true HD
PS3
I was not satisfy with the sound quality of the JBL sound bar ( SB200) and wanted to buy a complete system for ps3, Dishtv true hd and movies. DVD era is gone. So my option was Yamaha YHT-196 and Sony HT-IV300, Yamaha doesnt play movie through USB so my option was only Sony HT-iv300.
So finally I bought Sony and it was cost me 18000 INR from a local store (sales emporium) Kolkata.
And I am glad I choose Sony, Here is my review.
Pros:
1. It has all type of connectivity. 1 Optical,1 CoAX, 2HDMI input. 1 HDMI output with audio return channel.
2. Bluetooth ( SBC sound mode only no APTX)
3. Screen Mirroring. I cast movies from my Nexus 5 to the sony system its working like charm.
4. NFC (using gaana.com, saavan from my nexus 5 sound quality ok.
5. Multi format Playability via USB -MKV, MP3, XVID , FLAC, VOB and mre
6. Tested play dolby digital, DD plus, DD true HD, DD prologic, DTS DTS HD, DTS ES, LPCM, AAC 5.1,
7. 5.1 surround Effect from start movies HD, Movies Now + HD, STAR GOLD HD through Dish Tv True HD. Other Channels are LPCM 2.0 which is not so bad.
8. Sonys Clear Audio+ is kool Its work like Dolby Prologic 2 . I mean stimulate stereo to 5.1 every efficiently.
9. Dialogue is really clear.
10. Speaker aesthetic is the best thing which I found in this system. I mean the speaker placement can be diagonal or straight up to your listening area or sweet spot.
11. Surprisingly it can play DTS MA or MASTER AUDIO 5.1 but I feel it play as DTS core. When I play Gravity through USB ( file size was 9.89 GB) shows DTS-HD MASTER AUDIO 5.1 48KHZ 2.1 MBPS.
Cons:
1. I feel Bass is little over thumping.

2. Playing mp3 is bit plasticy; however music through FLAC format is good.
3. Very good for Movie lover, Average for Music lover.

 

[amit.ishu]

My Living room:
TV: Sony Bravia KDL-42W900B
Sony BDP-S4100 Blu-ray Player.
Denon DHT-X500 Satellite Speakers with amplifier.

Few month back I have bought a Panasonic viera led 3D tv 42 Inch for my bedroom because most of the time the living room occupied by my mom and sister; So here is my bed room system.
My Bed Room:
TV: Panasonic viera led 3D tv 42 Inch,
JBL Cinema sb200 for Dish TV true HD
PS3
I was not satisfy with the sound quality of the JBL sound bar ( SB200) and wanted to buy a complete system for ps3, Dishtv true hd and movies. DVD era is gone. So my option was Yamaha YHT-196 and Sony HT-IV300, Yamaha doesnt play movie through USB so my option was only Sony HT-iv300.
So finally I bought Sony and it was cost me 18000 INR from a local store (sales emporium) Kolkata.
And I am glad I choose Sony, Here is my review.
Pros:
1. It has all type of connectivity. 1 Optical,1 CoAX, 2HDMI input. 1 HDMI output with audio return channel.
2. Bluetooth ( SBC sound mode only no APTX)
3. Screen Mirroring. I cast movies from my Nexus 5 to the sony system its working like charm.
4. NFC (using gaana.com, saavan from my nexus 5 sound quality ok.
5. Multi format Playability via USB -MKV, MP3, XVID , FLAC, VOB and mre
6. Tested play dolby digital, DD plus, DD true HD, DD prologic, DTS DTS HD, DTS ES, LPCM, AAC 5.1,
7. 5.1 surround Effect from start movies HD, Movies Now + HD, STAR GOLD HD through Dish Tv True HD. Other Channels are LPCM 2.0 which is not so bad.
8. Sonys Clear Audio+ is kool Its work like Dolby Prologic 2 . I mean stimulate stereo to 5.1 every efficiently.
9. Dialogue is really clear.
10. Speaker aesthetic is the best thing which I found in this system. I mean the speaker placement can be diagonal or straight up to your listening area or sweet spot.
11. Surprisingly it can play DTS MA or MASTER AUDIO 5.1 but I feel it play as DTS core. When I play Gravity through USB ( file size was 9.89 GB) shows DTS-HD MASTER AUDIO 5.1 48KHZ 2.1 MBPS.
Cons:
1. I feel Bass is little over thumping.

2. Playing mp3 is bit plasticy; however music through FLAC format is good.
3. Very good for Movie lover, Average for Music lover.

How did you test your 6th point : Tested play dolby digital, DD plus, DD true HD, DD prologic, DTS DTS HD, DTS ES, LPCM, AAC 5.1,
Can you plz suggest me how to test it , is there any setting that I am missing in system...normally which mode you set in system while watching movies ??

 

[pritam2601]

vinod
It has dtshd-ma

It does not support DTS-HD Master audio.It have only DTS-HD HR and LBR decoder which is useless nowdays. If you send DTS-HD master audio through HDMI or play it from usb it only extract DTS CORE and play it.It have no DTS-HD master audio decoding feature.Even Sony BDV e4100 has no decoder for DTS-HD master audio.But where as Philips HT5510 has True-HD and DTS-HD master audio decoder.But it has 30% THD which is very bad.This Home theater in a box systems are full crap specially Sony. In HT-IV300 specification it says it has only DTS-HD HR and LBR decoder.But in HT-iv300 manual in supported audio format page it clearly write that it support DTS-HD master audio.I give email for this to sony's technical team and they answered it has only DTS-HD HR and LBR decoder.Why they false marketing in their manual i dont know..Sony is fully crap in audio systems and they always try for false marketing.Better to go for Yamaha YHT196 which have no DTS-HDMA and True-HD decoder but sounds far better than crap sony.Try to get onkyo HTS3500 or Yamaha YHT299 for HD audio.

 

[pritam2601]

Today i personally visit sony center for demo.I took some bluray videos with DTS-HD Master audio in my pen drive.When i seen the decoding status i surprised..This system decode DTS-HD Master Audio. The system shows while playing Audio is DTS-HD master audio 5.1ch 48khz and bitrate running continuously 5.8 mbps to 6.2 mbps..Sound quality is good for small room size.Really i am very much surprised and impressed...

 

[indrajit_pande]

Hi Guys, I have been looking for reviews and comments on this HT-IV300 and went through all the posts here. Here a lot of us have compared and suggested other HTs like Yamaha, Denon, etc. instead of this set. IMHO we are comparing apples and oranges here. If you decide what you really want, connectivity, dlna, ease of use, compact and all format USB player, then HT-IV300 is probably the best choice, period. If you want audiophile quality sound then Yamaha, Denon, etc. comes into picture and not HT-IV300.

My criteria to go for HT-IV300 was its connectivity (BT, WiFi), decent sound, aesthetics, no disk drive and sub-20k price point, to watch movies with 5.1 channel audio. I do appreciate high quality sound but my requirements were chalked out. Please don't compare a audiophile grade device to a consumer grade HT set. The two serve very different purpose. This HT is one of the top few consumer grade HT devices in my opinion.

How many years do we keep a 30k mobile phone these days? Probably not more than 3 or 4 years. If this sub-20k HT set goes bad in 4 or 5 years, just get a new one. And remember, HT-IV300 costs half of Yamaha, Denon, etc. But if you want audiophile grade sound, a simple set will be above 50k. Try out Onkyo or Marantz receivers with Elac or Polk speakers if you are looking for quality sound.

I am using Sony HT-IV300 with Samsung 51F5500 plasma TV and they communicate pretty well. Videos with 5.1 audio from pen drive connected to TV plays through the HT seamlessly. When I play YouTube on TV, the HT switches to proper mode automatically. 5.1 audio from DTH plays without any issue. Setting it up is a breeze if you give a bit of time. Playing from mobile phone or iPad through BT and connecting through NFC is simple and easy. Overall I find this consumer grade HT just superb. And for its price point, sound quality is very good.

 

[amit.ishu]

Hi Guys, I have been looking for reviews and comments on this HT-IV300 and went through all the posts here. Here a lot of us have compared and suggested other HTs like Yamaha, Denon, etc. instead of this set. IMHO we are comparing apples and oranges here. If you decide what you really want, connectivity, dlna, ease of use, compact and all format USB player, then HT-IV300 is probably the best choice, period. If you want audiophile quality sound then Yamaha, Denon, etc. comes into picture and not HT-IV300.

My criteria to go for HT-IV300 was its connectivity (BT, WiFi), decent sound, aesthetics, no disk drive and sub-20k price point, to watch movies with 5.1 channel audio. I do appreciate high quality sound but my requirements were chalked out. Please don't compare a audiophile grade device to a consumer grade HT set. The two serve very different purpose. This HT is one of the top few consumer grade HT devices in my opinion.

How many years do we keep a 30k mobile phone these days? Probably not more than 3 or 4 years. If this sub-20k HT set goes bad in 4 or 5 years, just get a new one. And remember, HT-IV300 costs half of Yamaha, Denon, etc. But if you want audiophile grade sound, a simple set will be above 50k. Try out Onkyo or Marantz receivers with Elac or Polk speakers if you are looking for quality sound.

I am using Sony HT-IV300 with Samsung 51F5500 plasma TV and they communicate pretty well. Videos with 5.1 audio from pen drive connected to TV plays through the HT seamlessly. When I play YouTube on TV, the HT switches to proper mode automatically. 5.1 audio from DTH plays without any issue. Setting it up is a breeze if you give a bit of time. Playing from mobile phone or iPad through BT and connecting through NFC is simple and easy. Overall I find this consumer grade HT just superb. And for its price point, sound quality is very good.

can you please tell me which DTH are you using as I am having HT IV-300 with videocon DTH HD box model :2222 white, but i found sound of only star movies, star gold is good but sound of other HD channels is not good. i am planning to buy tata sky...is its sound is better than Videocon D2H ??

 

[indrajit_pande]

@amit.ishu,

Hi,

I have AirTel HD+ and out of 25 HD channels I get 18 on my subscription. I played all the available HD channels on my DTH and my observation was that the audio quality is pretty good overall. It is only my perception and I did not use any testing device to confirm the sound output quality. The HD channels which were playing Dolby Digital contents did sound crisp and played pretty good surround audio. HD channels which were playing non-Dolby Digital content were distinct and decent on the HT IV300.

The channels which were playing Dolby Digital contents at the time I checked are listed below. This does not mean that the rest of the HD channels are not good. They may be equally capable of playing Dolby Digital audio contents.

I have connected the DTH STB to Samsung 51F5500 Plasma TV through HDMI-STB on TV and the TV is connected to the HT IV300 via HDMI-ARC ports on the TV and the HT.

Dolby Digital Audio checked

105 Zee TV HD
107 Sony HD
111 Colors HD
149 Star World HD
171 Start Gold HD
169 Zee Cinema HD
199 Movies Now Plus
205 Zee Studio HD
225 Star Sports HD1
227 Star Sports HD2
337 History TV18 HD
338 Discovery World HD
339 National Geographic HD
391 MTunes HD

Dolby Digital Audio not checked

103 Star Plus HD
109 Life OK (not available)
126 Epic HD (not available)
147 Star World Premiere HD (not available)
175 &Pictures HD (not available)
193 Star Movies HD
197 Sony Pix HD (not available)
231 Ten HD
237 Sony Six HD
490 Sun TV HD (not available)
540 Gemini TV HD (not available)

I have 2 connections at home in Bangalore and both from AirTel DTH services. Could not check other providers.

Hope this helps a bit.

Regards

Indrajit

 

[Dipak]

Hi! I am new to this forum and also not at all tech savvy...so i am looking for few basic advice..I have a HD Dish TV STB with HDMI port and a old Sony Wega TV (2005 model) without HDMI port..
2.I am looking for a HT to
(i) View Dish TV DTH with 5.1 sound and HD video quality
(ii) Listen to songs & watch video thro USB pen drive/HDD in 5.1 sound and HD video quality
If I buy Sony IV 300, will my objectives be met?

Please advice

Regards
Dipak