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Pioneer announces A/V receivers, DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD support

by Erik Hanson posted Jan 6th 2008 at 4:16PM

Pioneer logoPioneer is expanding its CES lineup with four new audio-video receivers, one of which supports the new high-definition audio codecs found in Blu-ray and HD DVD. The VSX-518-K, VSX-818V-K, VSX-918V-K, and VSX-1018TXH-K A/V receivers all feature Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration with an included microphone for tweaking acoustics in the room, three 1080p-capable component inputs, and Auto Level Control for equalizing volume between sources. The VSX-518-K, 818V, and 918V all feature P.H.A.T (Pioneer Hybrid Amplifier Technology) power sources and support for WMA9 Pro over 5.1 channels, with the 518 dropping support for XM and Sirius satellite, iPod, and HDMI inputs. The big news is the VSX-1018TXH-K, with its support for 130 watts over 7.1 channels using a Direct Energy power supply, HDMI upscaling to 1080p, six digital inputs, and support for the lossy Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD High Resolution, and lossless Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio codecs. The VSX-518-K is priced at $199, the VSX-818V-K at $249, the VSX-918V-K at $349, all releasing in April, and the VSX-1018TXH-K will come to market in June for $599.

XM intros Sound System, Compact Sound System

by Christopher Grant posted Jan 6th 2008 at 3:05PM


Forget iPod docks, we're looking to dock just about every gadget we've got. Lucky for us, that's seeming like more and more of a possibility, with XM's new docks adding to the trend. Built by Audiovox, the XM Sound System and XM Compact Sound System (pictured) are $99.99 and $149.99 respectively. The Sound System has more than 18 hours of battery life to go along with its built-in XM antenna so you can bring your Radio Disney to the park ... or the liquor store. The Compact Sound System is more of a tabletop device (ie: it's agoraphobic, so best to leave it at home). Both systems come with a line-in jack for plugging an iPod or the like straight in. What, no second dock connection?

Gallery: XM Sound System / Compact Sound System


[Via Orbitcast]

NAD launching VISO TWO / VISO FIVE all-in-one receivers

by Darren Murph posted Jan 3rd 2008 at 6:55PM


Not even two months after NAD introduced a trio of new receivers, the firm is hitting back with a pair of new all-in-one characters. Up first is the VISO TWO DVD / CD Receiver (pictured above), which givers users 1080i DVD upscaling and plays nice with DVD-Audio discs, too. Furthermore, you'll find an AM / FM tuner, readiness for XM Radio / iPods and ports galore including HDMI, S-Video, composite, RS-232 and an undisclosed amount of oomph to drive a pair of speakers. Stepping up to the VISO FIVE (shown after the break), you'll find DVD upconverting, DVD-A support with full bass management and support for DTS / Dolby ProLogic II. Beyond its ability to support surround sound, it looks to mimic its lesser-spec'd sibling in all other areas. Sure, these things look mighty sexy, but we'd recommend that you chew on the facts above for a tick and decide whether or not either one even sounds worthy of your $1,299 / $1,799.

Continue reading NAD launching VISO TWO / VISO FIVE all-in-one receivers

Onkyo intros the HT-SP908 and HT-SP904 do-it-all home theater systems

by Joshua Topolsky posted Oct 17th 2007 at 8:03AM


Have you ever been sitting at home at night, looking at your 19-inch CRT television and listening to your Victrola phonograph and thought, "Shazam! This setup stinks!"? Well, perhaps you're in dire need of an introduction to Onkyo's HT-SP908, a home theater in a box which does everything... and we mean everything. The progressive-scannin', multi-format-playin', 7.1 system offers 90-watts per channel, an iPod dock, XM and SIRIUS radio compatibility, 720p / 1080i / 1080p upscaling, 1080i and 1080p HDMI in / out, component in / out, optical and coaxial audio in / out, plus playback of DVD Video, Video CS, CD, CD-R/RW, DVD+/-R/RW, MP3, WMA, WMV, MPEG 4-AAC, DivX, and JPEG formats. If that's not enough, it also makes lunch, breaks up with annoying girlfriends, and organizes your t-shirts by color. The HT-SP908 is available now for $1099, a slimmed-down, 5.1 version called the HT-SP904 is also currently on shelves for $899.

Read -- HT-SP908
Read -- HT-SP904

Pioneer intros Elite X-Z9 audio system

by Steven Kim posted Sep 12th 2007 at 12:32AM

Pioneer X-Z9
Pioneer hasn't forgotten the audiophiles out there, and their new X-Z9 is for those who still listen to stereo music. The X-Z9 combines a SACD/CD deck and integrated digital amplifier (50W to each channel) in one chassis. All you have to do is connect the included speakers and you've got an audio listening station. In case you prefer music of the ripped variety, there are additional inputs available: Sirius/XM; interoperation with a PC via Home Media Gallery; iPod integration and USB drives. Supported digital formats include WMA, MPEG4-AAC, MP3 and FLAC. Available in October for $1799.

New Pioneer Elite A/V receivers hit the streets

by Steven Kim posted Aug 20th 2007 at 10:30AM

Pioneer Elite VSX-94TXH
We've checked out the deets on two of Pioneer's new A/V receivers in their Elite range, the VSX-92TXH and VSX-94TXH and now they are finally shipping. As you'd expect from the Elite moniker, these units are pretty packed with goodies. They're both THX approved, 7.1 channel receivers rated at 130 and 140 Watts per channel, respectively. These are fully HD-ready by any sensible definition of "HD". For your eyes, they can pass 1080p, 24Hz video along their four HDMI 1.3a ports. Upscaling of analog video is handled by a Faroudja DCDi chip for all your digitally-deficient components. For your ears, these receivers handle Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD Master Audio audio signals. If you can't get enough THX goodness in your theater, these units also have Neural-THX Surround, the latest in audio trickery to get your ears to suspend disbelief. There's the usual gaggle of inputs on these units, on top of which Pioneer has added iPod, XM and Sirius device support.

[Thanks, Mark]

Yamaha announces feature-packed RX-Z11 home theater receiver

by Erik Hanson posted Aug 14th 2007 at 7:33PM

Yamaha RX-Z11 receiver
Normally home theater receivers aren't considered anything special, content to switch inputs and power speakers, letting the plasma flat-panel take all the glory. But Yamaha has thrown all the goodies and features into the RX-Z11 receiver, with THX Ultra2 Plus certification for quality assurance, five HDMI 1.3a inputs and two outputs, four component inputs and two outs, and support for five audio and two video zones. It also supports the newest audio codecs, including Dolby TrueHD, and DTS Master Audio. To finish off the features, the receiver also supports terrestrial HD and XM satellite radio, network capabilities and internet radio, and includes an iPod dock for external media. The RX-Z11 comes out in November, for an undisclosed (but surely expensive) price.

Hilton's Sight+Sound suites deliver DirecTV, HD niceties

by Darren Murph posted Aug 2nd 2007 at 10:49PM


As the HDTV movement continues to reshape the average hotel room experience, Hilton has made sure it doesn't get left behind. Recently, the chain launched 25 "home theater-like" Sight+Sound rooms at the Hilton Chicago O'Hare International Airport, while 30 guest rooms at the Hilton San Francisco received the makeover. Among the amenities are a 42-inch LG plasma, Yahama's YSP-800 Digital Sound Projector, Monster cabling, DirecTV programming including 14 HD channels and a number of XM radio stations, and a high definition menu system from LodgeNet. Additionally, guests can hook up their DAPs or external audio sources to a unique "connectivity panel," and just in case you forget to pack an extra bag of cables, the specially equipped rooms should provide all the copper you need. Notably, this here setup sounds like one of the most fully-featured HD offerings found in a "standard" hotel, and now that it's been available for a few months, have any of you had an opportunity to indulge?

Integra's DTR-5.8 receiver does HDMI 1.3a, XM / Sirius

by Darren Murph posted Jul 13th 2007 at 11:29AM


If you've been scouting a leading-edge AV receiver with just about every amenity out there (including HDMI 1.3a), Integra's latest offering is likely to fit the bill. The DTR-5.8 sports a standard black enclosure, twin HDMI 1.3a inputs (and one output), built-in decoding for DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby TrueHD, and Dolby Digital Plus lossless, and a Faroudja DCDi chip for de-interlacing 480i signals. Home automaters will adore the range of control options, including a bi-directional RS-232 port, RIHD (Remote Interactive over HDMI) system, three programmable 12-volt triggers, dual IR inputs, and three unique assignable IR code sets. This two-zone, 7.1-channel unit even boasts a 90-watt-per-channel amplifier and XM / Sirius compatibility, but you're looking at a stiff $800 if these luxuries just can't be done without. Click on for a shot of the rear.

Continue reading Integra's DTR-5.8 receiver does HDMI 1.3a, XM / Sirius

Onkyo's new receivers feature both XM and Sirius satellite radio

by Erik Hanson posted Apr 24th 2007 at 9:28PM


Onkyo has the loot for you if you want to hear Oprah and Howard back-to-back, with announcements of five receivers featuring both XM and Sirius satellite radio compatibility. The TX-SR575, TX-SR705, TX-SR805, and TX-SR875 models all support both formats for your radio jones, while the high-end TX-NR905 model also adds support for HD Radio digital broadcasts and an Ethernet jack for Internet radio and multimedia streaming. The receivers all have the usual collection of video ins and outs, and sport 1.3a HDMI connectors with Deep Color capability for switching between sources up to 1080p resolution. No pricing or dates were announced for the TX-SR575, but the TX-SR805 will ship in May for $1099, the TX-SR875 in June for $1699, the TX-SR705 in July for $899, and the TX-NR905 in August for $2099.

Read - Onkyo THX Certified Receivers
Read - Onkyo TX-SR575

Yamaha's new RX-V861 1080p upconverting receiver for a grand

by Erik Hanson posted Apr 23rd 2007 at 4:40PM

Yamaha RX-V861 upscaling 1080p 7.1 receiver
Yamaha has announced an upscaling 1080p receiver for just shy of $1000, with many of the features normally reserved for more expensive models, like microphone-based speaker optimization, HDMI output, and XM and iPod compatibility. The RX-V861 will upconvert HDMI, S-Video, or component, and output via HDMI to your display, while accepting audio formats such as DTS-HD or Dolby TrueHD digitally for output over its 7.1 channels. Four preset buttons on the front of the unit allow for quick switching between audio modes, including the seventeen flavors of DSP processing. The optional iPod dock allows for playback of audio and video through the receiver's remote, which also controls XM satellite radio subscriptions. The RX-V861 will be available in May for a suggested retail of $999.95.




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