Customer Reviews
Sony HTD-DW790 
2008-05-05
The product performed as advertised, just be advised (as I was in previous reviews) that volume level has to be cranked up approaching max. I found using the TV audio in parallel with this receiver can enhance the audio in some instances. A very decent product for the price.
Very good solution at a very reasonable cost 
2008-04-29
I purchased this system a few weeks ago and it is currently connected to an AppleTV (thru optical digital audio), a Comcast PVR (thru coaxial digital audio) and an Xbox 360 through component. It was simple to setup and it sounds great for the little money I paid for it.
The auto calibration was simple, it only took a minute or two to run it. It is confusing having a bunch of stuff connected to it and trying to see what is connected to which input, but if you use the custom naming feature you can rename these inputs in seconds, so you can hit the inputs blindly until you see the name of the device you want displayed on the screen of the unit. Mine is set to display AppleTV, Comcast or Xbox 360, which explains why my 9-yr old was able to master it in just a couple minutes.
The speaker wires are too short, especially the ones to the front two speakers. Also, the speaker wires are attached permanently, but this is a budget unit so this is expected. The subwoofer is passive, again, this being a budget unit this should not be an issue.
The one real annoyance: only one optical input. This is obviously a cost cutting measure, but it drives me nuts because I can't use the optical outputs in my Xbox 360 and Comcast PVR.
Overall we are so pleased that we will be picking up a second set for my son's room (he has the same gadgets), it's the only way I can get him to stop camping in front of mine.
fresh 2008-04-26
second system purchased in one year. system works great and would recommend to family and friends. simple installation with great surround sound.
Great item 2008-04-19
Had this about a month now and im verry happy with it. i would reccomend this item to anyone looking for a low budget surround sound.
Best Small-budget System for 2008 2008-04-18
I have a large and powerful component sound system that I use with my 120-inch home projector system. However, I needed something small and convenient for use with my 50-inch plasma TV. The reasons that the Sony HT-DDW790 meets my need perfectly are listed below:
1. LOW PRICE: I paid less than $100.00 for it at a Best Buy closeout special.
2. EASE OF USE: The HT-DDW790 is a breeze to set up and use. Not much to it.
3. SOUND QUALITY: I'm a bit of a snob when it comes to sound quality. My main system boasts speakers costing well over $15,000.00. When it comes to sound, I know what I'm talking about. The HT-DDW790 has above average sound quality when compared to systems in a comparable price ranges. I listened to it in the store sitting side-by-side with other home theaters (Panasonic, Onkyo, Philips, and Yamaha) costing upwards of $400.00, and the HT-DDW790 sounded every bit as good as any of them and better than some costing over $350.00.
4. LIMITED EXPANSION: Yes, the Sony HT-DDW790 is limited in inputs, outputs, and doesn't have any HDMI ports at all but that's part of its beauty - making it simple to set up and simple to operate. If you're looking for a system to use as a video switchbox that routes video from all your components to your TV, then this is not the system for you. However, if you simply want good sound, simple set up, and easy operation, (and can route your video directly to your TV or are using a separate video switcher), then this is a dream system (especially when you factor in a price that's about the same as a standard DVD player.
I pulled my Sony HT-DDW790 out of the box and had it set up and running in under 20 minutes. I'm more than satisfied with my purchase.
Incidentally, you can also connect the Sony HT-DDW790 via its digital coax or fiber optic inputs to your computer and use it as a blazing computer gaming sound system should you ever decide to upgrade your home theater sound system. In fact, connect your computer or gaming system to your TV and let the Sony HT-DDW790 handle the sound for some truly great gaming.
Sony Shortcomings 
2008-04-09
Sony HT-DDW790 Home-Theater Sound System is a 5.1 Channel Audio Surround System that provides an easy solution for adding great sound to augment your TV and DVD viewing. Digitally-tuned AM/FM radio receiver allows up to 30 station presets
Sound great to me!!!! 2008-04-08
Great sound. Easy to install. Sony makes the best products. The price is very reasonable.
Thanks Amazon. And it came just in time too!!! I will be doing more of my shopping with you guys.
LatinaSunRise
NYC
Great System 2008-04-05
This is a great home theater system for less then $140.00. Easy setup and calibration. Sounds awesome. Would recommend this if you are on a tight budget.
Great Sounding Sony! 2008-04-02
Review: I have always wanted a home theater. So much so that when they began getting popular I wired my TV output into my stero and got some satisfaction.
While searching Amazon one day, I ran across this deal and the more that I thought about what was being offered the better it sounded. We had just upgraded our DVD to a Phillips VCR / DVD combo and so I wasn't keen on buying the normal Home Theater in a Box that included the DVD. Then I saw the ad for the Sony and thought this solves my problems perfectly!
Here I could use my current DVD and add the benefit of Home Theater. So far I have been very pleased with the result. For the money that I paid the Sony HTD-DW790 has provided my family several incredible experiences. I believe this is the best low end Home Theater on the market.
The unit was well packaged in the box and arrived quickly and in perfect shape. I took it out of the box, placed the speakers in the room ran the wires and plugged everything up...No Sound! This unit has several preset settings and after I figured that out I pushed some of the preset buttons on the front of the unit and suddenly I had Home Theater! Easy to set up although the manual is somewhat confusing.
The first movie we watched was Raiders Of The Lost Ark. My kids had never seen the movie and so I cranked up the volumne to give them the works. Wow! All of the sudden the sounds of arrows shot past my head, snakes hissed and the music rang out in glorious tones.
The only complaint was that my daughter was wierded out by the snakes hissing into her ear during the snake scene. It may not be the best system...but for the money I don't think you can go wrong!
Concerns: It seems to me that at low volumne you lose most of the sound detail. Not a big deal, until I want to watch a movie at low volumne after the kids go to bed.
The wires to the speakers are attached internally. Should they every break off or stop working, I would sure hate to have to break open the speaker housing to repair the wiring.
After I made the purchase, I saw several local dealers have sales on what weemed like similar or the same units. I paid $139 and one local store ran this for $99. By purchasing through Amazon however, I never had to go to a big box store and fight crowds to park or to shop. Bought the unit and three days later it we delivered to my home. Great Service Amazon!
Conclusion: If, like me, you already have a DVD player that you are satisfied with and you want to dip your toe into the Home Theater market, this unit is a great way to get started. Sony quality, attractive looks and great sound combine to make this a bargin best buy. You would have to spend at least $250 more to end up with a Home Theater that will give you more satisfaction. If you are cheap and are looking for the best deal for you money, buy the Sony HTD-DW790.
Home theater 2008-03-30
Very good for the price. It was easy to put together and sounds good.
It needs to have just alittle more volume.
