Pros: Incredible sound performance, amazing video processing

Cons: assigning imputs such as BD or SAT to hdmi allows for video imput but not audio.

Summary: I have researched Sony's es line for the last three years. I've taken the opportunity to do side by side comparisons with Sony and equal Yamaha, Denon and Marantz. There were pros and cons with each manufacture. I like Sony's products and have had nothing but exceptional service from their customer support. I have been playing with the settings of the Sony str-da5500es for the last month. I found the owners manual to be very easy to read and follow. Set up was a snap and I got rid of more than a dozen cables and switched everythng to hdmi with one hdmi output to the TV. The apm (auto phase matching) is incredible and takes the guess work out of settings for my speakers. I hooked up a vcr with composite just to see if it really would make a difference..........it did. Old vhs tapes that the kids still watch looked like dvd at 1080p. The music sound brought new life and seperation to my cd collection. I'm having fun with the shoutcast and can now listen to stations, I grew up with in other states, without having to use my computer. I now use one remote to control everything; TV, BD, SAT, Receiver, XBox. I'm not sold on all the 3D hype and did concider the newer str-da5600es but I already have an internet hub setup and I have seen this receiver allow 3D pass thru in the Vanns show room even though it's not in the specs. The bottom line for me was ease of use, ability to customize as I see fit and a company that takes care of me as a consumer. The Sony str-da5500es fits nicely into these aspects for me. I would recommend this for anyone looking for an exceptional theater experiance in their home. I haven't used the second or third zones yet. I have set up the second zone in expectation of the need for another high def connection after Christmas. If I come across any other user pros or cons I will update.