Exactly what I need, no more, no less.
I have an HDTV with 1.2 billion inputs. I have Speakers. I have amplifiers. Once I had one of those boat anchor "recievers" but after about a year and a half it blew it's brains out (everyones a critic).
This is perfect for me. I use the TV to switch between Chromecast, Tivo (OTA), a PC, a BluRay player, and even a PS2 (yes, TWO). I take the audio out from the optical output of the TV and this processor does the magic to feed my amps and speakers to give me 5.1 sound.
If I REALLY wanted 5.1 from the PS2, I'd drop a 2nd Optical cable to the AC500D's 2nd optical in and I'd be in business - but I'm playing Namco Museum, so what's the point? :D
Bottom line, or TLDR; as the kids say these days. Decodes Dolby and DTS audio while giving you remote control over volume (and muting) - clear, quite, and without all those extras you'll never use anyway.
Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned