I am giving this system a rating of 7 out of 10 because of the following drawback explained below: 1) poor FM radio reception, 2) inability to adjust sound on $250 extra wireless receiver. However, the wireless feature works very well.

I purchased the Sony BVD-E500W a couple of weeks ago because of its wireless feature. I cannot tell you about the blue ray experience because my TV is a 25 years old Toshiba CRT. I bought this wireless system because my attic audio wiring is too old and needs to be replaced, also my old speakers were not part of a “system” and they were putting too much load on my amplifier. I am not an audiophile and I am just reporting as someone who just enjoys listening to songs and music in my home.

Here are some the things I can share with you;

1) Installation – unpacking the components and reading the instructions for a simple hook up took over ½ hour. Installation was simple and color coded cables were a snap to connect. One caveat – the front speakers cables are only 13′ long each. This is quite short as the cable needs to go down at least 2′ from the table were the amplifier is installed and then back up 3′ to the speakers terminals. The center speaker has about 6’8″ of cable. The rear speakers have a long cable.

1) I was able to connect my old Toshiba CRT TV to the new Sony system by using only the yellow video wire with RCA jacks. When I played a DVD The picture was excellent and the sound came through the Sony speakers. I also connected the TV’s audio out to the Sony’s audio in terminals with white and red RCA jacks and was able to play the TV’s audio on the Sony’s system. I also played CDs on the Sony BDV and was able to enjoy the music on the new speakers. Finally, I connected my old Panasonic DVD/CD player to the new Sony system via RCA jacks and was able to play CDs on the old player and output the sound via the new Sony system.

2) The system offers several different methods to adjust the sound to your own personal taste. There are also bass and treble

adjustments. But I have not used them so far.

3) The wireless system exceeds my anticipation. The sound of the rear speakers is clear and without any static. I have also purchased one additional AIR-SA50R wireless remote speaker. I have a one floor house and have tried to position the additional remote speaker about 60′ away in different rooms. The room configurations I have tried can be best described as L, U, and Z shape. By this I mean that the main unit is located on one bottom leg of the U and the receiving unit is located in another room on the other bottom leg of the U with walls in between. Reception is clear, and without interference. My 5.8 Ghz wireless phone and the kitchen microwave have not interfered with the transmission quality. In my opinion, the sound of the remote AIR- SA50R unit is not as pleasant as the sound of the main unit. It seems to lack “color”, and it cannot be adjusted in any way other than louder or quieter. The sound is good but, not what you would expect from a $250 unit.

4) My biggest disappointment has been the radio’s FM reception. I have an older Sony receiver/amplifier STR-D911 which gives me excellent reception on 26 different FM stations. The new Sony BDV-E500W only gives me good reception for 9 stations when installed in the same location and connected to the same antenna.Sony must be aware of this problem because the manual states “if an FM program is noisy, you can select monaural reception” (page 57). Doing this results only in a very slight improvement.

I actually got this through the Sony online store. It was delivered within 3 days, very fast. The set up was not as easy as it seems described, had some problems with the wireless speakers. The biggest problem is the remote, which doesn’t seem to work when my TV is on. The TV is not a Sony btw, but a Philips. I cannot use it while watching a Blu-ray meaning adjusting the volume is a pain, as is the blu-ray menu. I had the remote replaced once already by Sony, but the new one is doing the same thing. Does anyone have an idea what’s wrong with this system,, they don’t seem to have any idea at Sony. I might return the system in it’s entirety soon. Sound is pretty good though and love the iPod cradle hook-up.

This is a great home theater setup. Easy to use, and the included microphone makes calibration a breeze. The wireless rear speakers are truly a delight. It is not a true wireless solution in that the speakers are still connected to a wireless receiver that provides power, but it beats running speaker wires across the rooms. I’d rate it higher if it had more inputs but alas you’re limited to one optical and one coax. Would’ve been better also if it handled pandora and other streaming radio services. But overall it matches nicely with my Sony Bravia tv.