Panasonic SC-BT230 5.1 Channel Cinema Surround Home Entertainment System

VIERA Cast's assorted online content just keeps getting better - in addition to the popular contents such as YouTube and Picasa Web Albums, it now offers Pandora Internet Radio, movies streamed from Netflix, exciting sports from FOX Sports, and tweeting web communications with Twitter. No PC required. By using a combination of real speakers and virtual speakers, a more natural and smoother sound can be enjoyed. You'll notice the difference, epecially in an action scene - you'll feel like you're sitting in the center of a true cinema theater. With the new bamboo cone speakers, the sound becomes much more responsive. Vocals are more pure and cleaner, and the dialog is crisper and easier to understand than ever before. The SC-BT230 is compatible with a new feature of ARC (Audio Return Channel). ARC allows receiving audio signals from the TV, on top of the preexisting HDMI function of sending audio/video signals to the TV with just one cable. This new feature will simplify the connection by eliminating an audio cable connection between the TV audio output and the main unit's audio input.

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Features

• Smooth high speed consecutive shooting - With data transfer speed of up to 22 MB/s
• Long Archive Life with Refresh Function - The number of errors occurring with flash memory increases for reasons
• Minimized Defect RisksStatic wear leveling technology equalizes rewrite frequency on each writing block
• Power Fail RobustnessWhen power is interrupted
• Temperature Range -13F(-25C) to +185F(+85C)Panasonic SD cards are extremely reliable even under severe temperature

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good value by da75
Pros:

Low price. Good sound. Good video.



Cons:

Cheap speaker wire. So-so manual. Some features not explained well in either menu or the manual.



For the price this is a good value despite any expected flaws. I wouldnt call the sound great, but it is certainly above satisfactory.

Note: another reviewer mentioned having trouble with the center speaker. I had this 'problem' also and found the feature he was referring to is the "multi channel" which he suggests you disable. I did this and chose "super stereo" instead to get all 5 speakers working. Overall not worth it for sound quality. The best audio in my opinion is found by leaving it in multi-channel (yes, no center front speaker) which is still far better than built in tv sound. Also, although the equalizer is not a true equalizer and just has 4 presets, you can adjust speaker outputs and also adjust the bass including an option for a separate heavy bass setting.



Unless you tv has built in "ARC" (my new LG did not) you will need to buy an optical audio cable in addition to the hdmi cable to be able to listen to your tv through the surround speakers when not watching a blu-ray movie.

Logitech Squeezebox Radio Music Player with Color Screen (Black)

Logitech Squeezebox Radio brings a world of music—free Internet radio, subscription services, or your personal digital music collection—to any space in your home, over your Wi-Fi network. read more..

Good Features

• Listen to infinite music, news and sports from every corner of the globe with this
  easy-to-use, all-in-one Wi-Fi music player--all without a computer
• Start listening to free Internet radio stations, online music services, and your personal iTunes collection in minutes--connects easily to your home network via Wi-Fi
• Bring full, high-quality sound to any room with an ultra-compact design that fits easily on your night table or kitchen counter
• Just turn the dial to browse radio stations, music tracks and even album art, displayed on the full-color screen
• Recommend music to Facebook friends instantly right from your Squeezebox

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Awesome little radio - if you love world music, news! by The Rebel
First, it was easy to set up...I should say super easy. I simply typed in the WEP key from my router, allowed it to update and put in my email, and off it went. That is it. I cannot comprehend how anyone could have problems setting it up.



Second, I think it is easy to use. I think it can be a bit challenging to find a specific station you want. I think that the set up could be better, but I am not sure how. I just think it could be. I assume that in the interest of size, the screen can only offer so many options. However, I really just enjoy looking for stations around the world and this is easily done. It is also easy to put in your presets - like a car radio. I also love the local music function, that provides a list of local stations - almost making your am/fm radio unnecessary.



Lastly, the sound quality is not great. However, I would say that this can be solved by doing what I did - connecting it to your stereo or other sound system. I have an old receiver that I love with two nice Polk Audio speakers, and you can just plug in the device. I purchased, for $3.03 a Belkin "Audio Y Cable Splitter 1-Mini Plug/2-RCA Plugs" - see: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004Z5CP/ref=oss_product



Enjoy!

Panasonic SC-HC40 Compact Stereo System

The SC-HC40 with a wall-mountable design will let you choose to place your audio system the way you want, to stylishly match with your room interior. With Bluetooth wireless technology, the SC-HC40 gives you a more convenient experience for wireless connection with your iPod/iPhone or compatible mobile phones in your hand and playing music file on them without docking. Even when listening to music files on your iPhone with the SC-HC40, you can receive phone calls without taking the iPhone out. By pressing a button on the remote or the product, while ringtone, you can talk using the conversation mic and the speakers implemented in the SC-HC40. The call can be switched back to the iPhone by pressing the transfer button and taking the iPhone out of the product. More rigid and lighter bamboo cone material has been adopted for speakers. With the new bamboo cone speakers the sound becomes much more responsive. Vocals are more pure and clearer, and the dialog being crisper and easier to understand than ever before.

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Hot Features

• 2-3/4 inch Slim Wall-Mountable Design - Stylish Layout Possibility with Wall-Mount
• Wireless Music Streaming - Enjoy Your Favorite Music with iPod/iPhone Wirelessly - With Bluetooth wireless technology
• Hands-Free Speakerphone Function - Hands-Free Conversation for iPhone
• More rigid and lighter bamboo cone material has been adopted for speakers.

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Great for the bedroom by Leonard H. Hudson
I bought this for the bedroom. It charges my iTouch at night and I get to listen to a little music while the sleep timer shuts it off later. The bluetooth even works to my iTouch if I forget it in the car. It's probably not great if you were looking at it to fill a larger area. While it has a pretty good sound at a regular kind of level, it probably would not perform well enough for a large living room. It is great for the purpose for which it was purchased, my bedroom.

Onkyo TX-SR508 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver (Black)

At Onkyo, our mission is to deliver outstanding audio and video quality to your home, no matter what budget you’re on. With the 7.1-channel TX-SR508, you get an entry-level home theater centerpiece built to unleash the potential of your favorite entertainmentsources. The TX-SR508 arrives brimming with processing and connectivity features previously unheard of at this level: Four 3D-readyHDMI® 1.4 inputs for connecting your high-definition sources; Studio master-quality HD audio formats from Dolby and DTS; Dolby®Pro Logic® IIz for new surround-sound possibilities; Powered Zone 2 and bi-amping for more speaker flexibility; and a Universal Portand front-side input for connecting peripherals and portable devices. Meanwhile, Audyssey volume and equalization technologies ensure comfortable listening and a room-fitting soundstage. Underpinning it all is decades of Onkyo amplifier expertise in the form of WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology) and a high-current, low-impedance drive. read more..

Good Features

• 80 Watts per Channel at 8 Ohms, 20 Hz–20 kHz, 0.08%, 2 Channels Driven, FTC
• Audio and 1080p Video Processing via HDMI (4 Inputs and 1 Output)
• 4 DSP Modes for Gaming: Rock, Sports, Action, and RPG (Role Playing Game)
• Powered Zone 2 and Zone 2 Line-Out for Playback of Separate Source in Another Room
• Overlaid On-Screen Display (OSD) via HDMI

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Can't review yet really. Only had it a month by M. McAdoo
It works.



I had a short in my 13 year-old Onkyo, and all the smoke was let out of it. This replacement seems 13 years better. It's 2 better than my old one, since it was only a 5.1 (7.1 - 5.1 = 2!) Has some new fancy features that the old one didn't.



So far, I like it.

Onkyo TX-NR708 7.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver (Black)

As the first - and most affordable - of Onkyo’s new-season network-capable A/V receivers, the TX-NR708 brings the audio goldmine of internet radio to your living room. Now you can kick back on the sofa and surf all your favorite channels in superior fidelity. With seven HDMI 1.4a inputs, the TX-NR708 offers copious connection possibilities, as well as 3D video compatibility. For your convenience, one of the HDMI inputs is located on the front panel, along with a USB input for flash memory devices and iPod models. If you want to connect a non-HDMI multichannel component - say, a legacy SACD or DVD player - the TX-NR708 sports a full complement of 7.1-channel analog inputs. The Onkyo name connotes serious audio quality, so it’s no surprise to find low-jitter Burr-Brown DACs and sophisticated Audyssey MultEQ room-correction onboard, along with lossless HD audio formats and the expansive surround dimensions of Audyssey DSX and Dolby Pro Logic IIz. All of this processing and connectivity power receives the coveted THX Select2 Plus stamp of approval. read more..

Nice Features

• 110 Watts per Channel at 8 ohms, 20 Hz?20 kHz, 0.08%, 2 Channels Driven, FTC
• HDMI (Version 1.4a to Support 3D and Audio Return Channel
• Network Capability for Streaming Audio Files
• 7 HDMI Inputs (1 Front/6 Rear) and 1 Output
• HDMI Video Upscaling to 1080p with Faroudja DCDi Cinema

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Nice mid-level AVR by Ryan Hamm
I've really been enjoying my 708. It runs cool enough to be fine inside my tv console with the door closed. Another thing I like is it comes with RIHD (disabled by default) which basically means it talks to my Samsung TV that also has RIHD. I can control the AVR volume with my tv remote. The TV automatically turns off it's own speakers and outputs sound to the 708 if the 708 is on. Otherwise, it just uses it's own speakers. Also, if I turn off my tv it automatically turns off the 708 for me.



Networking with Windows 7 was a breeze as well. All I had to do was make sure Windows Media Player allowed the 708 to use it and I was good to go.



Getting internet radio was also easy. I didn't have to do anything special to get it to work. It's nice to be able to listen to net radio without having my computer turned on. vTuner is nice since it has several local stations. I've always loved Pandora and this makes it that much better.



Switching inputs does take a few seconds but that's not really something I care about and wouldn't have really noticed if people hadn't asked about it due to issues with previous Onkyo models.



I use my fat PS3 to watch Blu-Ray movies and they look the same as they did before which is great. It seems to do surround sound just fine through the PS3 as well using Linear PCM. The analog tv signal also looks the same as it did before.



I haven't hooked up my PC through this yet but will get around to it and update my review.

Zinwell ZAT-970A Digital to Analog TV Converter Box

Digital TV Converter Box with Analog Pass-Through read more..

Features

• Support Analog Pass-Through
• Convert Digital TV signal to Analog
• Multi-lingual support
• Digital Parental control
• Remote control included

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works great by Elaine Brink
Easy to set up. This is the third box I have purchased (all from different manufacturers)and this model is the best of the three. I highly recommend this box to anyone who needs an HD converter.

Sony Virtual 5.1 Channel Sound Bar - Black (HTCT150)

Enjoy simple, yet powerful surround sound with the 32" Sony® HT-CT150 3D Sound Bar Home Theater System. Features 3D compatibility so you can complete your 3D entertainment system.1 Connect multiple HD or 3D devices using a single HDMITM cable per device (sold separately) and turn this sound bar system into your entertainment "hub".3 The beautifully sleek monolithic design makes it a great compliment to the Sony® BRAVIA® 3D HDTVs. read more..

Best Features

• 3D pass-through
• 340 watt 3.1 ch. Sound Bar system
• Dolby® Digital, dts® Audio Decoding
• Standby pass-through of Audio & Video
• Blu-ray DiscTM HD Audio

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Excellent sound by HSP
I can't believe how this sound bar has improved my tv watching experience. It's awesome! It was so easy to hook up to all of my components (Sony Bravia TV and DVD player). The sound is definitely a huge improvement over the TVs speakers. All in all I am quite happy with this purchase.

Victoria GDI-TW3USB 7-in-One Stereo Entertainment Center with Built-In Download to USB/PC or Mac

DIGITIZE YOUR ENTIRE VINYL & CASSETTE COLLECTION The Victoria Tunewriter III is a multi-functioning music system equipped with a unique recording feature allowing you to record your music from VINYL, CASSETTE or AUX directly to your PC or Mac. Edit your digitally recorded audio tracks with the FREE included Audacity Cross-Platform Sound Editor. Burn your entire album to CD, convert your songs to MP3 for use on your iPod and add all your recorded files to your computer's music library. The Tunewriter III is the solution for your irreplaceable vinyl or cassette tap collection, stored away for years, gathering dust in your attic, stacked at the back of your closet or forgotten on book shelves. Record your music collection to CD's and forever modernize your collection of records and tapes for personal use and to share with friends and family. The retro-style recordable turntable is a beautifully designed system that combines the most modern USB technology and LCD display with "old school" look and feel. The system has all the components to play your vinyl albums, cassette tapes, compact disks and your favorite AM/FM radio. read more..

Best Features

• Retro Turntable with Record Player, Cassette Player, CD Player and AM/FM Stereo
• Plays 33, 45 &78 RPM records, Automatic tone arm return at end of play
• Two Full-range speakers deliver stereo sound with built in headphone jack for private listening and RCA line outputs to optionally connect to a home stereo or external powered speakers
• Records to PC or Mac using the built in USB port & included Audacity Sound Editor software
• Paprika Wood Style Cabinet

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everlasting Memories by Jack Johnson
This is a quality piece. It looked great when I took it out of the box. Installation was simple. The installation manual was needed to get going but everything was there.

I have recorded 4 albums so far without a problem! All sounds great.

Audiovox Acoustic Research AW825 Mission Style Wireless Speaker (Bronze)

Turn your music inside out by bringing your indoor music outdoors with the help of the AW825 outdoor wireless speaker by Acoustic Research. The wireless speaker blends into its surroundings eliminating the eyesores of the past. It receives crystal-clear reception up to 150-feet, delivering high-quality, full, rich sound. Range may vary and will be based on each environment. The portable design allows speakers to conveniently hang or stand with easy wireless installation. The wireless speakers are ideal for outdoor settings with its weather-resistant design so you can effortlessly enjoy your music anywhere. Add multiple units (sold separately) to the AW825 to enhance your outdoor listening experience. The speakers are compatible with iPhone/iPod. Speaker/Receiver offers push button, auto-lock tuning. Frequency response: 40Hz-15kHz, with 2" tweeter, 3" woofer and 5 watts RMS. Wireless speakers have dual power mode with AC adapters included. 6AA batteries are not included. The transmitter has ALC (automatic level control) with stereo audio input and three selectable broadcast frequencies. read more..

Hot Features

• 2-way speaker design with high-performance weather resistant drivers
• 2-inch tweeter, 3-inch woofer, 5 Watt RMS; frequency response: 40Hz-15kHz
• Auto-lock PLL tuning ensures crystal clear reception up to 150-feet
• Dual power mode - AC adapters included, batteries optional (six AA - not included)
• Three selectable broadcast frequencies; stereo audio input; compatible with iPhone®/iPod®

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Using Itunes with iPhone by shep
Very nice product and east to install.

The wireless speaker is in my backyard. The transmitter is hooked to my computer that is running iTunes inside my house. There is a free iPhone application, "Remote" that can control itunes. So I just use my iPhone from the backyard to adjust volume and select songs. Anyone that I have given access to my WiFi and iTunes can also select songs and adjust volume. Great for parties.

Sony HTCT350 Virtual 5.1-Channel Speaker Bar

Complete your 3D home entertainment experience with simple, yet powerful surround sound with the 40" Sony® HT-CT350 3D Sound Bar Home Theater System. Features 3D compatibility so you can complete your 3D entertainment system.1 Connect multiple HD or 3D devices using a single HDMITM cable per device (sold separately) and turn this sound bar system into your entertainment "hub".4 A beautifully sleek monolithic design and an easy-to-install mountable bracket make it the perfect addition to any of the Sony® BRAVIA® 3D HDTVs3. read more..

Best Features

• 3D pass-through
• Bracket for direct mount to Sony Bravia TVs
• Dolby® Digital, dts® Audio Decoding

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Denon AVR-591 5.1 Channel A/V Home Theater Receiver with HDMI 1.4a supporting 1080p and 3D (Black)

Performance, technology and affordability are the hallmarks of the AVR-591. A powerful 5 channel x 75W amplifier section delivers detail and dynamics to music and movie soundtracks. It’s equipped with HDMI 1.4a Repeating technology, compatible with 1080p (24fps) and 3D (all formats) allowing delivery of both audio and video to your HDTV with single HDMI cable. HDMI connectivity supports the latest generation surround sound formats available on Blu-ray disc, including Dolby TrueHD and DD+, dts-HD and dts-HR. Also included is Dolby Laboratories new Pro Logic IIz Matrix decoding featuring front height effects channels to dramatically increase the front soundstage for the ultimate surround sound experience. The AVR-591 boasts a number of Audyssey technologies. Advanced Audyssey MultEQ analyzes a speaker systems interaction with the listening room at up to six measurement points (microphone included), and then automatically corrects the response to optimize clarity and tonal balance. Audyssey Dynamic Volume is an automatic volume-leveling system that tracks audio dynamics to eliminate the irritating volume swings between TV shows and commercials. Audyssey Dynamic EQ is also on board to ensure rich bass and smooth tonal balance at low volume listening levels. In addition to enhanced HDMI 1.4a repeating (4 in, 1 out), the AVR-591 features, analog to HDMI conversion (480i to 480p) and five analog inputs. A front-panel audio/video input allows quick and easy connection of camcorders and game systems. System setup is simplified by a new, enhanced icon-based on-screen display that is delivered over HDMI. You can also connect and control your iPod/touch or iPhone using one of Denon’s available iPod/iPhone docks, which provides on-screen artist, album and song information. When connecting iPod and other MP3 players, the AVR-591 features Denon’s exclusive Compressed Audio Restorer to improve sound quality and dynamics. read more..

Best Features

• Fully discrete 5-channel power amplifier delivers 75 watts per channel, 110 watts per channel
• Decodes Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital Surround EX, Dolby Pro Logic IIz, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS-HD High Resolution
• HDMI 1.4a Repeater Inputs (4) and Output (1) support 1080p/24, 3D (All formats), 7.1 Uncompressed Audio, DVD-Audio, Deep Color
• Audyssey MultEQ automatic room acoustic measuring and correction system, Dynamic Volume and Dynamic EQ audio processing
• iPod/iPhone compatible via optional Denon iPod/iPhone docks. Compressed Audio Enhancer for iPod, MP3 devices and satillite radio

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Least expensive unit with Audyssey MultiEQ room correction by Jeremy Sampsell
I've been listening to a great podcast about audio and video technologies and found that this was the least expensive of the Denon models that offered the Audyssey MultiEQ room equalization technology. I don't have a large room for my home theater. Actually it's a little out of the ordinary in that I have the orientation in a non-ideal setup. I wasn't sure how this room equalization technology would work in my setup and I wasn't sure that I would get incredible sound from a unit this inexpensive but I decided to try it anyway. I had a Yamaha receiver previously that had a proprietary calibration setting with a microphone for automatic setup. My experience with that wasn't very good. Assuming that I read the instructions correctly, which I believe I did, the result ended up turning off my sub completely. I got it tweaked fairly well after playing with it for awhile but, needless to say, I was a little skeptical about the Audyssey setup because of this experience. The reason I decided to try it out anyway was because of the difference between how Audyssey and other companies do this automatic setup process. The Audyssey calibration, for lack of time, is much more complex, complete and precise. I am completely blown away at the difference this has made in the complete sound of my system - both movies and music. I have a pretty good collection of DVD-Audio surround sound music discs and what a difference the new receiver with the Audyssey MultiEQ calibration technology has made. I run Polk Audio RM85 satellite speakers and a Polk Audio PSW110 10-inch active sub through this receiver and the combination is perfect for my room environment and my listening preferences. I highly recomment this receiver

Onkyo HT-RC260 7.2-Channel Home Theater Receiver (Black)

While we may define it as an entry-level A/V receiver, the HT-RC260 gives you performance and features that leave class-competitors gasping in its wake. Six of the latest HDMI® 1.4a inputs provide easy connection for all your high-def sources and compatibility with the eye-popping new 3D video format. Another connectivity highlight is a handy Universal Port that allows you to hook up Onkyo peripherals such as a Dock for iPod/iPhone. Meanwhile, if you want to distribute music to another room, the HT-RC260 provides Zone 2 line-outs and speaker outputs. Regardless of their resolution, all video sources can be upscaled to stunning 1080p via HDMI and Faroudja DCDi Cinema . High-quality Burr-Brown DACs work alongside jitter-cleaning technology and three-stage inverted Darlington circuitry to minimize distortion and deliver extremely realistic audio for movies, music, and games. The HT-RC260 also offers compatibility with lossless Dolby and DTS codecs, as well as the expanded surround formats of Audyssey DSX and Dolby Pro Logic® IIz. Quality home theater has never been more affordable. read more..

Hot Features

• 100 Watts per Channel at 8 Ohms, 20 Hz?20 kHz, 0.08%, 2 Channels Driven, FTC
• HDMI (Version 1.4a to Support 3D and Audio Return Channel
• HDMI Video Upscaling to 1080p with Faroudja DCDi Cinema
• Audyssey DSX and Dolby Pro Logic IIz for New Surround Channels
• Powered Zone 2 and Zone 2 Line-Out for Playback of Separate Source in Another Room

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Best receiver in this price range by J. M. Wetterich
This receiver is an exceptional value for this price range. You get a ton of features including some that you can't find on comparably price Yamaha's, Denon's, or Sony's. For example, this receiver supports HDMI 1.4 with 3-D and return audio which can't be found on a slightly more expensive Yamaha unit. The RC260 is presumably based on the SR608 but lacks VGA (who cares), THX certification, and the Sirius input. It does, however, have the fan on top of the unit which means it runs quite a bit cooler than previous Onkyo offerings. It also tends to have a just a smidge more power than other brands if that is of any concern to you. Another note, the unit is quite beefy, beefier than I expected. You may want to actually measure out the dimensions with a tape measure so you can get an idea of what shelves it will fit on.



As for the sound, this receiver DOES sound good. It may not beat out receivers twice it's price range, but if you're that discerning then you're probably not looking in the $350-$400 price range anyways. It actually made some old Philips mini-system speakers I had sound decent. I've since aquired a number of Polk speakers from the Monitor series including a few Monitor 60's and a CS1. These of course sound even better.



I found set-up to be quite intuitive and easy. The Audyssey is mindless and any dope could perform it. It's the equivalent of plugging in the microphone, hitting next, and shutting up. When I first hooked everything up, the system actually sounded pretty crappy. After running Audyssey, it sounded amazing. It zeroed in on the strengths of my speakers and assigned the appropriate crossovers and distance. I was quite impressed. I found the on-screen menu to be great and easy to navigate through.



Speaking of set-up, there's been discussion concerning the video through-put and possible molestation. On my unit, if I set it to "Through", I do not get any processing on my signal. The input matches the output for 1080P signals. What you're looking for is to compare the bits (ie: 24 bit or whatever) input versus output using the "Display" button. I don't know if I just got lucky or what. However, there is a work around for this issue: hold 'VCR' then press return once or twice to toggle video processing on or off.



Overall, this is a fantastic receiver for this price and, contains a ton of bells and whistles you can't find on other receivers in this range. It also sounds great and should have all of the connections you need for your A/V equipment.

Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K 7-Channel A/V Receiver (Black)

The VSX-1019AH-K represents the pinnacle of the Pioneer receiver line. This hub for your home entertainment center allows you to enjoy your favorite movies on Blu-ray disc, DVD or VHS on your flat-panel television like never before. With standard features that include a phenomenal ability to upscale and convert analog video signals to 1080p when transmitted through HDMI to your high definition television, the VSX-1019AH-K¿s video scaler presents you with nothing but the best quality possible today ¿ regardless of what video source it receives. read more..

Best Features

• A/V receiver - 7-channel
• Features HDMI with 1080p video scaler
• Analog-to-HDMI upconversion, HDMI repeater (4 in / 1 out)
• Works with iPhone certified
• Color - GUI

Sale Price : Click to see Sale Price


Great sound and video, remote is too complex by Kenneth R. Williams
Bought this instead of the new 1020 because of the great 2009 reviews, did not need the new features such as 3D, and the price was $100 less. The sound and video is great. The automatic MCACC worked good, only had to adjust the crossover. Only real annoyance is the remote that is too complex. Took me awhile to realize there are 2 buttons called RECEIVER. Once setup, it is working great.