Home Theater Receivers: Reviews

The Yamaha RX-V465 isn't quite as capable as some more expensive home theater receivers, but it includes most of the must-have features. Built-in audio support is comprehensive, and decoders are provided for all popular… formats, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. You'll also find an automatic speaker setup feature that makes the job of getting a proper surround sound effect easier for beginners. Scene modes are a boon for the technically challenged because they reduce the job of selecting settings and sources for common tasks like watching a DVD to a single button. The biggest shortfall is that there is no video upconversion -- while audio that comes in via the three HDMI inputs can be processed, video is only passed through.

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According to reports, this feature-packed, 7.1-channel Pioneer receiver gets almost everything right. Sound quality is excellent, and there's plenty of power for most home theater setups. Unlike other receivers, the… VSX-1019AH-K can process -- not just pass through -- video, and upconversion (to 1080p) is better than what's typically seen in a home theater receiver. Sound format support is comprehensive and includes the lossless high-definition formats used on Blu-ray Discs. Four HDMI inputs and a 5.1-channel analog audio input should handle all but the most complex home theaters. It includes built-in iPod support, and a cable comes in the box. A helpful graphical user interface and automatic speaker setup make this receiver easy to use.

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Critics and users say that this 7.2-channel Onkyo receiver delivers great features and performance. It outputs seven channels of surround sound, has dual subwoofer outputs for improving bass response in difficult rooms,… and supports Dolby Pro Logic IIz, which adds additional channels for an even more convincing surround-sound stage. Full support for all popular sound formats, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master audio, are included. Sound quality is top shelf, rivaling that of receivers costing more. Digital connectivity is good with six HDMI inputs, including one on the front panel, but the lack of multichannel analog inputs could be a downer for some. Analog video processing and upconversion (to 1080i) is available, but most say that you would better off leaving those jobs to your HDTV.

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