Harman Kardon AVR 2600 High Performance, 65W X 7, 7.1 channel iPhone compatible Home Theater Receiver with Dolby Volume and Upscaling to 1080p (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)THE AVR-2600 is friggen awesome!
...how's that?
Like any receiver, you can spend a good amount of time setting this one up, and getting everything right. Harman/Kardon has done a lot to help with the graphical user interface and a very clean and easy to use OSD which is digitally converted and upscale by the receiver so that you do not need to run an analog cable to see the OSD...you can see it right through your HDMI if you want. The easy EQ Setup is okay -- it was very good at gauging speaker distances (and therefore delays), but terrible at determining levels/volumes for each speaker. I have 2 speakers (front left and front right) that are equadistant from the listening point...the HK system set one to +2db and the other to -7db...no idea how that happened... Anyway, I can overlook this as I am fully capable of setting these levels myself and the GUI makes the manual adjustment simple.
I have read on forums that some people have had trouble with the video, and even with HDMI bypass. I did not see this at all, and I tested the HK rigorously in this regard. My experience was that the HDMI Pass-Through worked flawlessly as tested from my HDTV Tuner, my Xbox 360, my Wii, and my standard def TiVo. All of them passed through as expected if I set the HK to do so. Similarly, if I allowed the HK to upscale or downscale, it did that too! I did not have a PS3 available to test at this time...but I soon will and will edit this review if necessary!
Audio Lag: There is a moment of audio lag upon switching sources...but my HK AVR-435 had this also and have many other receivers I have toyed with. I take it as expected. So I lose the first 1 second of audio...if it is really important I can usually pause the video feed and wait for the HK to make adjustments before playing (so I don't lose the sound)...but seriously, how often are the first 1-3 seconds of audio that important when starting any game/video? Once the audio has begun, I get no audio drop-outs whatsoever.
Dolby Volume is awesome! I hated the fact that with my old receiver I always had to remember to crank the volume way down before switching from my Xbox 360 (connected via component) to my TiVo (connected via RCA) because the TiVo volume was SO MUCH LOUDER naturally. Now, not only does Dolby Volume control loud commercials...but it keeps a constant volume from one input to the next...so if I switch from my TiVo to my Xbox and back to my HDTV, then over to my Wii...the volume is always consistent without me having to fight it!
In conclusion, for me -- everything works PERFECTLY, sounds terrific, and looks brilliant! I am very happy!

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For more than 50 years, Harman Kardon products have been engineered to deliver the ultimate listening experience. That tradition continues with Harman Kardon's new AVR 2600 home theater receiver. High performance starts with a high-current, ultra-wide amplifier design which delivers uncomprimised realism and dynamics from your all your music and movies, including today's latest high-definition sources like Blu-ray. Connect your Blu-ray player to the AVR 2600 and it will play back the high-resolution Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio soundtracks with stunning detail. The AVR 2600 can even deliver an exciting 5.1 or 7.1 surround experience from sources that aren't in encoded in surround sound using proprietary Logic 7 processing. This includes an iPod or iPhone with the optional Bridge III dock for iPod.The AVR 2600 adds the latest sound processing technology from Dolby laboratories called Dolby Volume processing. Set your preferred volume once and Dolby Volume maintains that level across all your content no matter what source you happen to be listening. When it comes to video, the AVR 2600 sets the same performance standard that it does for audio. Using advanced Faroudja processing, video is upscaled to stunning 1080p resolution while display settings can be indpendently optimized by source for the best picture possible. Setting up and using the AVR 2600 couldn't be easier. A newly developed high-definition full-color on-screen menu system utilizes both pictures and text to guide you in setting up your home theater system while calibration and equalization is both easy and accurate with the included EzSet/EQ calibration system.

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Denon AVR590 5.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver with 1080p HDMI Connectivity Review

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(More customer reviews)After spending weeks of researching A/V receivers, I chose the AVR-590 to replace my old, non-HDMI Sony receiver. I had a 5.1 setup and didn't need anything fancy, but I didn't want something mediocre either. On paper, this model had all the features I needed (HDMI switching and automatic speaker setup) for a very reasonable price.
This is my first Denon receiver, and I have been using for over a month.
Setup - I consider myself technically inclined, so when I read the manual for the first time, it wasn't too complicated. However it's layout is not very intuitive, so I can see where people who are technically challenged may have issues with the Denon manual. I went to the BatPig Web site to download instructions, just in case I had a brain fart reading the manual...I found that both the BatPig instructions and the Denon manual complimented each other well, so setup ended up being pretty easy. You have the option of setting up the receiver with the speakers either manually or automatically. Being naturally lazy, I opted for automatic (Audyssey) setup using the included microphone. When doing automatic setup, be sure to use the on-screen menu and definitely test all 6 sound locations to get an accurate audio "sweet spot".
Sound - Wow. This is where going through the setup pays off. Whether you're watching something with Dolby Digital/DTS encoding or just listening to music, the sound is very full and crisp. You have several sound field settings to chose from, as well as manual volume adjustment to suit your listening tastes. I use HDMI for the HD and Blu-Ray sources and Digital Optical for DVD sources. Although the speaker system I have in place is modest, it handles all audio sources beautifully. Listening to music or sounds from TV/movies is an absolute treat to the ears with this receiver.
Video - Excellent. With the AVR-590, I used its HDMI out for video from DirecTV and Blu-Ray sources. I hooked up Component video for my DVD changer, because it is a pre-HDMI device. The receiver uses the most current HDMI standard (1.3a), and picture on my 120Hz LCD from both outputs is vivid and sharp, with no ghost images or signal loss at all. Watching from any video source is pure (pardon the pun) eye-candy.
Performance - Excellent. One evening, I did my best couch potato imitation and watched a bit of DirecTV HD & a couple of Blu-Ray movies for nearly 8 hours straight. Afterward, I checked the receiver to see if it was getting hot, and surprisingly there was hardly any heat coming from it. Dynamic EQ seems to work, as I have not noticed any of those annoying commercials that scare the bejeezus out of me when watching TV programming. I definitely feel like I'm in a theater when watching anything on this system.
Overall - Excellent. Even with decent speakers and a good LCD, plugging in a new receiver really makes a difference...I now find myself losing track of time while listening to vibrant sound and watching brilliant video! If you have under $400 to spend on a quality 5.1 receiver, this is it. Don't mind what others have said about setup issues, because it really isn't that difficult to set up. For the features that it offers at its price range and the performance you get in return, I do feel you get the best "bang for your buck".


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The Denon AVR-590 5.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver - The Perfect Balance of Performance, Technology and Affordability. Performance, technology and affordability are the hallmarks of the AVR-590. A powerful 5 channel x 75W amplifier section delivers detail and dynamics to music and movie soundtracks. It's equipped with 1080p compatible HDMI 1.3a Repeating technology, delivering both audio and video to your HDTV with single HDMI cable. This 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 that expands front soundstage. The AVR590 boast a number of Audyssey technologies. Advanced Audyssey MultEQ analyzes a speaker systems interaction with room acoustics, and then delivers custom tailored correction processing to optimize clarity and tonal balance throughout the listening space. 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 1.3 repeating (3 in, 1 out), the AVR590 features component video switching (2 in, 1 out), analog to HDMI conversion (480i to 480p) and seven 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. System expansion is available with optional accessories. For media networking, use the optional ASD-3N and ASD-3W. For iPod connectivity, use the ASD-3N/3W, as well as the ASD-11. When connecting iPod and other MP3 players, the AVR-590 features Denon's exclusive Compressed Audio Restorer to improve sound quality and dynamics.

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Sony STR-DH510 5.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)After much research, this is one of the only economically priced surround-sound amps that decodes the surround-sound information in the amp itself before passing video on up to the TV. Many of the HDMI switching amps out there only switch the video, and do NOT decode surround (due to the DRM encryption on some HDMI signals) only 2ch PCM.
Look over Sony's site, they have alot of good info for this unit. For the price it would be really hard to beat.
Nice Stuff:
-Surround decode from the HDMI sources
-The remote also controls my Sony Blu-ray player
-The Main L-R speaker outs are selectable to use either full range speakers, or small surround speakers
-You can Name all the inputs whatever you want
-For a small home theater, sound quality is good
-auto shut off after 30mins of inactivity
Not so nice stuff
-Only three (3) HDMI inputs, i could have used more for later, but for now all I needed was my DishNetwork box, Xbox and blu-ray
-Only one of the three digital audio inputs (2 optical, 1 coax) is programmable to any input. This would have been nice to be able to assign any of them to the remaining analog video inputs
-Analog video inputs (Wii in my case) do not go out the HDMI output. While I didn't expect this, it would have been a nice touch. As it is I have to change my TV's input to play Wii. This is no biggie, but it would have been nice!
In summary, this is a great replacement amp if you already had an older surround unit, or if you want to pick and chose your speakers. Like I said, it's nice that it has a built in selectable crossover for the main L-R speakers.
My last Sony amplifier has lasted nearly 8 years. The only reason for me to replace it was to make switching video sources easier.
There, this is my 2¢ on the matter

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Give your home entertainment a powerful boost with the STR-DH510 5.1-channel high-definition A/V receiver. Outfitted with 5 HD inputs (3 HDMI, 2 component), it's easy to integrate your HD home components such as a Blu-ray Disc player or PlayStation 3 system. You'll also experience audio closer to the way it was recorded with built-in Blu-ray Disc audio decoding (LPCM only). Additional features include Audio Return Channel which eliminates the need for extra cables connected to your TV, and standby pass-through which lets you access all of your HDMI connected devices without having to power on the receiver.

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Samsung HW-D7000 HW-D7000 Blu-ray/Reciever (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I had to return this item for refund. Not sure if the problem is just with this model or other Samsung recievers. Just a few minutes after turning it on, a message comes up saying "PROTECTION" and turns off. I called Samsung support. They said this is due to an overheating issue. There was several inches of space around the receiver for ventilation. They had me reset the receiver and had the same problem. My options were to send to Samsung for repair or send back to Amazon for replacement or refund. Amazon would not replace it, they only offered a refund. I don't believe they're even selling this model any longer.

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Sony STRDH820 7.2 Channel 3D AV Receiver (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)Let me start off by saying that I'm not new to home theater equipment. I've been using receivers for about 10 years now (SONY STR-* receivers) and have been generally happy with them.
When looking for an upgrade from my previous 7.1 receiver to one that supports the new HD audio formats (DTS-HDMA, Dolby TrueHD, LPCM), this one seemed to be the newest, cheapest, full-featured model available (about 300 dollars) without going for last years' model for slightly less. When I mention my "previous receiver", I'm referring to a ~4 or so year old STR-DV10 receiver that cost about 200 bucks at the time (new/retail price).
The first surprise was that this is actually a 7.2 receiver (even stated as such on the box) - it has 2 Subwoofer outputs on the back (Amazon is listing it as a 7.1 channel receiver).
One important thing to me were the speaker outputs on the back - these are all "banana plug" style, making it MUCH more convenient to attach speakers (my previous receivers were the same, but looking at other models it seems like this isn't exactly something that comes standard on all receivers - the others I looked at used the other connection method).
Regarding the speakers, one important thing to note is that the traditional 5 channels are all there (Center, Front left/Right, Surround left/right) but the other 2 channels are split between: SURROUND BACK, FRONT HIGH, BI-AMP, or FRONT B - this means you can only use one of these modes (so if you want to use a 7.1 system, you can't also have a separate "B Speakers" setup). Not important to me, but worth noting in case it's important to you. My previous sony receiver (STR-DV10) had 7 Banana plug inputs (for the 7.1) plus 2 Banana plug inputs for the "B" speakers.
Inputs on the back are:
4 HDMI in, 1 HDMI out
2 Component in, 1 Component out (it actually SAYS 3 component in everywhere, but unless the COMPONENT OUT can be swapped to Component In, there are only 2 inputs).
About 7 Stereo (red/white) inputs and multiple outputs, 4 of them having a video (yellow) input. (1 of these Red/White/Yellow inputs is on the front)
1 Digital Coaxial input
2 Optical Inputs
1 AM input, 1 FM input (plus antennas)
1 USB input (on the front)
I will note that there is no S-Video input - my previous receivers had this and I *DID* use it years ago. I don't have any S-Video devices any longer, but it is worth noting (for those who do) there is no S-Video option here (RCA, Component or HDMI). My previous receiver had 3 S-Video inputs right next to the RCA inputs.
I didn't have a need for the RCA (red/white/yellow) inputs, so I can't go too into detail about them - if you have a specific question, leave a comment and I'll try to check for you.
It is a bit disappointing that there is a lack of Optical inputs - a number of my devices still use optical audio (and have no HDMI output -- the original XBox 360, some tuners and slightly older hardware - having only 2 Optical inputs is a problem for me (my previous SONY receiver had 4 optical and 2 digital coaxial)).
The design is somewhat good, somewhat bad.
I like the black metal - much nicer than my previous (Silver) sony receiver. On the downside, most of the buttons are removed from the receiver. My last one let you do just about EVERYTHING from the receiver, the new one seems to have combined buttons (the Input Select, for example, is no longer a button you press for the input you want (EX: Video 1, Video 2, Video 3, DVD, Game, Aux) but rather a jog-dial you turn to select what you want. The nice blue "Multi Channel Decoding" LED up front is gone, but not a big deal. Lastly, the RCA input on the front doesn't look too great - it would have been nice to have a flip-cover on this, but again that's just nit-picking.
One unexpected surprise is the inclusion of an iPod/iPhone dock - all throughout the materials it says "iPod/iPhone connection cord (sold separately)", but it includes a dock (with USB cable and Video cable) - both of these connect to the front of the receiver. In addition to the iPod/iPhone dock, you can plug in a USB drive or select MP3 players to listen to music. A nice addition.
Another surprise was the inclusion of a microphone for Auto Calibration. I haven't tested this, but the microphone has a nice reach (probably 15 feet?), making it long enough for most rooms. This is supposed to automatically set the levels of the speakers for you.
The remote control, to me, was a nightmare. It looks like the PS3 remote control (nice!) but is about 2" taller.
The problem is that they try to add EVERYTHING to the remote control. Half the buttons have multiple functions (theres a "shift" button), and it's near impossible to find some stuff.
AutoCal, Display, Sound Optimizer, Sound Field+, Sound Field-, Guide, GUI Mode, Tools/Options, Disc Skip, iPhone ctrl, Top Menu, Menu, TV Input, Wide, F1, F2, Auto Vol, Red, Yellow, Green, Blue, D. Tuning, Folder+, Folder-, to name a few.
I'm sure these are good to have, but it's just very confusing to deal with when you might rarely use any of these (which was nice previously when they were part of the physical buttons on the unit (or even menu options) on previous models. Having "Next Chapter" and "Shuffle" be the same button, "Stop" and "D. Tuning, " Auto Cal and Display, it's just confusing.
The purpose is so that you can program it to work with your TV, Blu-Ray player, etc.. but for those who just want to use it for the receiver functions (and use your existing remote controls) this is just a hassle.
Some buttons I don't even understand - I get the "Prev. Chapter"/"Next Chapter" button, the "Rewind"/"Fast Forward" button, but then there's another button for "Replay the previous scene or fast forward the current scene".
One thing my previous receiver didn't have was an onscreen GUI - maybe I was expecting too much from this (I was expecting an overlay on top of the screen input), it actually cuts out the video/audio and goes to a very basic GUI (graphical user interface) on screen. Fortunately you can control menu options by pressing GUI MODE on the remote control until it says "GUI OFF", then press the HOME/MENU button on the remote control to navigate the same options on the receivers' display.
The remote control has a "Bravia Sync" mode, which is supposed to let you control connected SONY products using the remote control. Check your products before though, to see if they work (the old, "Fat" PS3 doesn't support this, the new "Slim" PS3 does). This did cause issues with my Panasonic plasma (Panasonic has a feature called VieraLink which is supposed to do the same thing, but when BraviaSync and VieraLink try to interact, it causes the receiver to constantly go into MUTE mode. This can be solved by disabling VieraLink on the TV).
My next problem with this is the manual. So much of it is just downright confusing (even for someone who has always "gotten" this stuff in the past). It refers to different logos ("Select (weird logo) then press (weird logo)". Sometimes these are a physical button on the remote, sometimes it's an odd icon you only see onscreen using GUI mode. It's also just downright confusing to read (not that it's too technical, but that some stuff just doesn't make sense)
So I've complained for almost this entire review, but I still gave it a 4-star rating. Why?
Well, I like it. The sound quality is great, it has a lot of HDMI inputs and can decode all the latest formats (Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio), has a lot of power and doesn't cost too much money. My issues are mostly with it being more confusing (they seemed to both simplify it and make it more advanced, and you can't really do both). For someone who has never had issues with receivers, this one was a nightmare to get set up properly, but once that's done it doesn't matter. I would have made some changes to it (7 RCA inputs but only 2 Optical inputs?), but overall it fit my needs. I'd recommend it if you have patience to fight through getting this set up.

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Enjoy 7.1 channels of incredible surround sound, connect up to seven HD sources6 and listen to music from your iPod5 with Sony's STR-DH820 receiver. Improve the quality of connected video sources to near HD quality3 or experience incredible sound quality while you watch 3D sports, movies and games from connected 3D devices1. This great receiver also features an easy-to-use menu for simple operation and convenient audio calibration set-up, so you are assured the best possible listening experience

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Yamaha RX-V1800BL 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I was forced to upgrade to the Yamaha RXV 1800 earlier than planned as my older Yamaha model gave up the ghost. I was very pleased with the previous model which I had for over 10 years. This past November I had acquired the Samsung 52 LNTF and the Toshiba HD A35 player, with plans to upgrade the amplifier sometime this year. These are all HDMI 1.3a enabled devices, supporting true 1080p
First the amplifier is impressive in size. It is not your father's amp. It is feature rich and is intimidating for those who are technically challenged.
Since most of my components are HDMI enabled, it was good to run less cables from these to the unit. (My wife was very pleased with, this.) This is the beauty of HDMI cables, one cable carries the stereo audio and the three primary colors. This is the first gain to be realized from the system, the reduction of wires needed. The unit has 4 HDMI inputs already pre-programmed. By this, I mean each input has been configured for a particular device. There is one for 1080p DVD players (Blu Ray or Toshiba HD), one for regular DVD players, one for cable box/satellite set top box etc. Meaning you cannot criss cross the inputs with the devices and expect it to work. I discovered this the hard way.
Connecting the wires is less intimidating than originally thought. I used screw in banana plugs that made connection to the speakers a breeze. It does require one to have enough free wire to allow for slack when the unit is positioned.
There is a cool feature "YAPAO" that is used to set the sound levels for the speaker based on the listening position. The test showed me that one of my main left front speaker was out of phase (that is the rec wire from the speaker was connected to the black input port on the unit.) The trick is to be able to locate the supplied microphone in the right location to conduct the test.
The entire wiring with assistance from my wife took about an hour. Plan everything ahead and read the set up instructions. You cannot afford to short circuit such a monster of a unit.
I am still struggling with the multi-room zone controls. They are not simple. All I really want to do is to share the audio from the main zone to my bedroom which is zone 2. My previous model had an A/B switch that was easy enough to use. Just turn in on and the sound was distributed to my bedroom. I am still researching the multi-zone set up.
The remote control is not user-friendly either. It is overloaded and lacks in ease of use or human-tech friendliness. Others have recommended using the Harmony to control all other units. I struggled with the set up and was able to get it to control the TV, the DVD player and the CD player. For the life of me I cannot figure out how to get it to control the Cable set-top box.
The sound settings and offerings are too numerous to mention. Most of this you will only master over time.
Once I had it connected, I listened to some cds, watched a HD sourced movie, and HD sourced TV. I use Comcast and it have some nice HD on Demand features, especially the Gallery Player photos. The sound is awesome. It really makes a huge difference to the entertainment experience. It is hard to imagine how much you miss when you do not know what you are missing. I thought my previous sound experience was very good, the unit moved it up about two more levels.
Setting up the physical connections is not a challenge, less wires to deal with, but the programming and use of the remote will set you back many hours just trying to figure it out.
Am I pleased with my investment, very much so. So if you plan on purchasing this unit, realize it is no walk in the park, you do pay for what you get.

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The Yamaha RX-V1800 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver offers excellent levels of sound and video quality for total home theater enjoyment.It provides 910 Watts of total power, pushing 130 Watts to each of its 7 channels.With features including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoders, the latest HDMI 1.3a specification support, video upscaling to 1080p, iPod compatibility, YPAO Auto Setup with Quick Start and multi-zone custom installation support, it will become the cornerstone of your home theater experience.

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Samsung HW-C700 AV Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)The receiver looks sharp, and that's all it has going for it. I am returning mine. I wish Amazon had a "zero-star" rating because I would have chosen that for the "Design quality" and "Manual" categories.
My components (the first three came as a Samsung "package deal" with 3D glasses):
- Samsung UN55C8000 240hz 3D LED TV
- Samsung BD-C6900 Blu-ray disc player
- Samsung HW-C700 AV Receiver
- Motorola HD DVR (from Time Warner)
My configuration:
- An HDMI 1.4 cable connects the Blu-ray player to the receiver's BD/DVD HDMI input
- An HDMI 1.4 cable connects the HD DVR to the receiver's SAT HDMI input
- An HDMI 1.4 cable connects the receiver's HDMI output to the TV's HDMI2/ARC input
- An optical audio cable connects the TV's audio output to the "optical 3" input of the receiver (this has since been removed)
My issues:
- I originally had my HD/DVR connected to the "TV" HDMI input. The receiver continually "forgot" that I had configured this input for HDMI and kept reverting back to "Optical 3". I use the "live chat" feature on the support web site to get help. The technician literally said, verbatim, "I suggest you use optical then. Is there anything else I can assist you with?" I have since switched to the "SAT" input which seems to remember its configured input setting a little better.
- No matter how I was using the system, if I turned on the Blu-ray player, the receiver would switch to that and abandon everything else.
- There is no HDMI ARC (audio-return-channel) feature on the receiver, even though the Samsung LED TVs all have it. You have to use the optical audio cable to get audio from the TV to the receiver (this is necessary for playing movies downloaded from Netflix or Blockbuster to the TV, playing Internet radio on the TV, playing music from a USB-attched device, streaming music from a PC using "allshare," playing Internet radio on the TV, etc). However, EVEN THIS does not work (see below). (HDMI/ARC allows you to send vidio and audio from your receiver to your TV via HDMI as usual, and ALSO allows you return audio from your TV to your receiver without having to use a separate cable.)
- Playing music from a USB-attached device (feature of the TV) and streaming music from a PC with "allshare" (also a feature of the TV) does not work with this receiver. In fact, ANY kind of audio return from the TV to the receiver - even using old-school phono cables - causes the audio to cut in and out repeatedly - about 3-5 seconds of no sound followed by about 1 second of poor-quality sound, over and over again. The only way to avoid this is to PHYSICALLY disconnect the HDMI cable on the back of the TV. Then it works fine. I have tried every HDMI port on the TV and I have ruled out everything else by connecting JUST the TV and the receiver (and the speakers). Same issue. In other words, THERE IS NO WAY TO GET AUDIO FROM A SAMSUNG TV TO THIS SAMSUNG AV RECEIVER unless you disconnect the HDMI cable between the receiver and the TV. That means you can't use ANY of the coolest features on the Samsung TVs, like watching Netflix/Blockbuster movies, listening to Internet radio, listening to movies or music on a USB device, listening to music streamed from a PC via "allshare," etc.
- The manual is worthless. It doesn't explain anything. It just shows you the sequences of things you'll see on the display when you push various buttons.
- Support is worthless. I was never able to get past the busy signal on their support number, despite speed-dialing for almost 90 minutes, so I tried the live chat feature on their web site's support page. I can't even begin to explain how frustrating the web chat technicians are (read the first of my issues, above). Each time the woefully under-qualified technician couldn't help me (and none of them helped me), I'd get a "please wait" for about 5-7 minutes while I waited for a technician with a slightly higher (but still single-digit) IQ. They asked me inane questions, told me to push buttons that didn't exist (kept saying to push the "PCM II" button, or something like that), had me reset the receiver several times, etc. Each technician seemed to have only one shot at the problem before passing me on to the next fool, which was very frustrating given that I had to wait so long between each one. One technician didn't believe that there was no "PCM II" button and made me type out the labels on all the buttons I could see. Then asked me to double-check after I'd done that.
- As mentioned in another review, this is not a high-current receiver. It's as light as a feather... no heatsinks, etc. That worries me.
Bottom line: this is a terrible product without any redeeming qualities. Samsung obviously rushed this to market so they could push the "Samsung 3D Package" in stores. (I can almost envision a Samsung product development engineer saying, "But, but..." as the marketing guys rush into his lab and grab everything in sight.) Do not buy this receiver. Wait for something better to come along, even if it means putting "3D" on hold.
If this review isn't convincing enough and you have questions about this product (NOT technical support questions), write me at john24hour@gmail.com.


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7.1 Channel,(120Watt x 7),3D Surround,True HD Decoder,Active Subwoofer

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Samsung HW-C500 AV Receiver Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Just got this a few days ago to complement my Samsung BD and Plasma. Replaced an older Samsung 5disc DVD HT, so used the Samsung speakers from it. Sound is good, no problems with video, either from the BD with a DVD being upconverted, a HD Tivo hooked up - tried all resolutions from Tivo, PC via HDMI, and video/audio via Iphone all played/looked/sounded great. Took a while to get used to the interface (-1 star), an on-TV screen menu would have been nice (if there is one, have not come across it - and my older DVD HT system had one).
Having the same issue with the remotes looking too similiar, as another reviewer pointed out - although that's not a flaw with the product, more myself. Although all hooked through Anynet makes life easier.
The automatic sound calibration (ASC) was a nice feature during set up - very simple to calibrate the speaker levels, just push a button and wait.
To clarify another reviewer comment (perhaps Amazon changed the photo since then) the HW-C500 has twist style connectors, that also accept a banana connector as well.

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5.1 Channel,(100Watt x 5),Crystal Amp Pro,4 HDMI inputs,2 Component inputs

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Sony STR-DN1020 3D Blu-ray Disc A/V Receiver (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Howdy!
It's been a banner fifteen months. I've been able to slowly upgrade to my A/V system from a crappy one to one of extraordinary magnitude. Yes... my days of watching "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan" on the Sony Betamax are over. Now I've been out of the A/V game for some time and have been boning up on what the new technology has to offer. There is amazing gear and technology that is available to people at great prices. The journey I've made, and I'm not talking about the band that replaced Steve Perry with a dude they found on YouTube, has allowed me to update my A/V gear to include the following...
1 Sony STRDN1020 Receiver
1 Sony Bravia NX 800 Series 52' LED TV
1 Sony PS3 Slim 160GB
4 Mediabridge HDMI cables
1 Belkin Subwoofer Cable

Sure I'm a loyal Sony customer, but it's because they have treated me well over the years and I have the stash of still working, but outdated, gear to prove it.
Current SONY holdings...
1 Sony Betamax (1982) Make an offer!
1 Sony VHS Player (1985)
1 SONY HIFI VHS Player (1986)
1 Sony Laserdisc Player (1990)
1 Sony 36" Bravia TV (1995?) Estimated weight 2.56 metric tons
1 Sony 5.1 receiver (1999)
Now I don't want to come off as a Sony snob so I do want to mention that I have the following non-Sony items in my electronic stash.
1 Hasbro Litebrite (1981) Crystal clear pixel display but runs a little hot.
1 Hasbro Easy-Bake Oven (1975) A man's got to eat but runs a little cool.
1 Motorola M500 Bag Phone (1978) Looks great in my 1982 TransCamaro with the T-TopsSo here's my review of the Sony STRDN1020 receiver.
DELIVERY:
It took a week for the arrival but that's because I live in the middle of nowhere (Think Rudolph's trek to the land of broken toys) and didn't pay for expedited shipping. At time of delivery the UPS guy was very impressed with the receiver and it's features having read them off the box. He threw in a pair of complimentary fist bumps. That alone has to be worth one star on the review scale. The box was sealed to protect that "New Stuff Smell".
SETUP:
Well it took longer to extract the old receiver and 83 miles of attached RCA and S-Video cables then it did to install the STRDN1020 and the 3 HDMI, 1 Subwoofer, and 1 network cables. God bless you HDMI inventors wherever you are.
Actual setup was about an hour with 70% of the time spent trying to attach five speakers to the receiver's rear terminals. Folks... PLEASE don't be a cheap a-hole like me... get yourself some banana plugs. I have learned my lesson. NEVER again will I risk peersonal injury to hook up some speakers. Can you really put a price on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? I hope I don't miss any work ... my dog needs braces.
The included manual was easy to follow and there is a chart on how to hook up your speakers and other components. I initialized the receiver and set up the speaker pattern, network, and audio calibration in about fifteen minutes. The GUI is easy to use but not as intuitive as the menus used on Sony's PS3 and TV's, whatever the heck they call it.

SOUND: All Connections VIA HDMI
Bluray VIA PS3 - This rig sounds great. I have a 2002 JBL 5.1 set up and they've never sounded better. Do you know that scene from "The Notebook" where the crew is robbing the armored car? Of course you don't it doesn't exist. God I hate that movie and the unrealistic bar it has set for us working men. Jim Rockford should be ashamed of himself. Anyway... you probably know the opening of the movie "Heat" where Deniro, Waynegrow and the boys, extract some goodies from the armored car. Now I have the movie on VHS HIFI, Laserdisc, DVD, and Bluray so I guess you can say I'm familiar with the audio recordings and playback of each format. The sound of the receiver and bluray was absolutely phenomenal. It really made the movie more intense. I almost called 911 to report a robbery in progress. I can't wait until they release Breakin' 2: Electric Boogalooo bluray. It's 'gonna be some insane sound!
TV - The Audio return channel is a great feature since I utilize our Sony TV to watch Netflix and Amazon on Demand, and to stream my computer's music. All three sources sound awesome and bring more bang to what are already incredible TV features.

PS3 - I played Call of Duty/Black OPS on the PS3 and once again phenomenal sound. In multi-player mode I can now hear those Orange County punks sneaking up behind me. Sure, they still kill me but now they have to look me in the eye when they do it. Backstabbers!
Cable Box - Great Sound. You feel like you are actually in the middle of one of the fights between the Real Housewives of New Jersey until you realize that you aren't because you have your "Stuff" together. Warning! Those A.S.P.C.A commercials with Sarah Mclachlan are now 10 times sadder.

Tuner: Don't useVIDEO:
I have had no video issues. All connections VIA HDMI. The Cable HD looks great. No sync issues with audio and no loss with running the cable through the receiver instead of straight to the TV.
BRAVIA SYNC Sure it's proprietary and only works on Sony gear but it works great. Hooray for me! Proprietary functionality is my one gripe with Sony but you Apple folks have zero right to complain.
Conclusion
I'm looking forward to growing old or should I say older with the receiver. I look forward to firmware updates that may extend the usefulness of the receiver. This may not be the best receiver on the market at the best price but it does everything most people will need and is very simple to operate. With this Sony, I won't have to send my wife to a three day course at a distant Ramada Inn to learn how to operate the damn thing.
I will update this with a review of the network functions once I've had time to utilize them. Also, I don't roll with Apple products so I will not be using the included Ipod dock.


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Maximize your entertainment experience with Sony's STR-DH1020 receiver. Connect seven HD sources,11 listen to your iPod9 and improve the quality of streamed music. Plus, enjoy incredible 7.1 channel sound quality while you watch 3D sports movies and games from connected 3D devices.4 You can even improve video quality to near HD.6 This great receiver also features an easy-to-use control menu for simple control and a convenient audio calibration set-up so you are assured the best possible listening experience

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Sony STR-DN1010 7.1-Channel A/V Blu-Ray Receiver Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Introduction:
So, I finally found myself in a position to upgrade my home audio. For many years I used and rather enjoyed my 5 dic DVD changing home theater in a box (Sony DAV-HDX500/i BRAVIA Home Theater System) but still didn't feel like I was getting the full audio experience out of my movies and music. Since I recently purchased a new 3D TV Samsung UN55C7000 55-Inch 1080p 240 Hz 3D LED HDTV (Black) and I already had a PlayStation 3 160 GB I figured my best option was to find an A/V receiver that would make the most of the 3D Blu-Ray functionality of the PS3 and the Samsung UN55C7000. After much research, and slowly piecing together a 7.1 collection of quality speakers, I decided to take a gamble and purchase the Sony STR-DN1010.
Initial Setup:
When the STR-DN1010 arrived via UPS I was excited. Upon unboxing, I immediately noticed the sleek and contemporary design and was pleased that it went so well with the decor in the family room. Having already run the speaker wires all I needed to do was; connect the wires to the appropriate receiver ports; connect the PS3, DVR/cable box, and TV; and plug the receiver's power in.
I open the user manual and it takes you through the usual inital setup steps I previously accomplished, so I flip to the speaker calibration section. Included in the box is a Auto-Calibration microphone which works surprisingly well. All I needed to do was plug it into the front of the receiver and follow the steps in the manual. This is where it gets a little complicated. I wanted to manually adjust my speaker but was having trouble navigating the on-screen GUI (graphical user interface). Response from the GUI had slight latency issues (as in it wasn't a 1:1 response from the remote commands). The manual seems to be made for above average tech consumer but I managed to figured most of it out and everything worked flawlessly.
Audio and Video Performance:
After everything was tweaked to my liking I first tested the audio performance from the cable box. Sound was great for the most part but after cycling through the numerous sound modes I noticed that in Sports mode audio sounds like someone speaking into a plastic tube, this was a minor complaint. Sports in general look and sound phenominal.
Next I tested Blu-Ray performance via the PS3. I checked the audio quality using The Matrix Blu-Ray on the scene where Neo and Trinity break into the building where the agents have Morpheus held captive. From the booming shotgun fire to the loud thud of guards getting kicked to the high twinkling of expended shells hitting the floor, I was in awe of the clarity of sound not to mention the crisp quality of video. Next I checked out the 3D video quality of Despicable Me 3D. Absolute perfection I couldnt find a thing to complain about here.
Since I had a Sony TDM-IP1 Digital Media Port iPod Dock from my previous home theater in a box I connected it to the receiver and plopped my ipod onto it to test my digital audio collection. Since I like The Roots (hip hop band) and they use live instrumentation in most of their music, I decided to use the album "How I Got Over" as my test material. Bass guitars sounded smooth and organic, percussion was precise and thumping, and vocal sounded live. Basically it all sounded like I was right in the studio with the artists. Great reproduction from the receiver, once again no real complaints here.
Conclusion:
In closing, this A/V receiever was everything I was looking for. I purchased an open box item here on Amazon so I only paid a little over $300 USD for it with free super saver shipping. Considering the price and performance I got this receiver, I feel like I got a hell of a deal. As far as gripes and complaints they're minor. The plastic speaker terminals used to connect the speaker wires to the receiver are a little cheap but sturdy enough to get the job done. I suggest you buy banana plugs to offset this. Another drawback is the lack of HDMI inputs this receiver has compared to comparable receivers of other brands (this has 4 in and 1 out, most others have 6 HDMI inputs). And lastly, not so much a problem for me but if you dont have a Sony Ipod dock you have to shell out roughly another $100 just to get on screen control of your Ipod through the receiver. Of course, you could always just use a 3.5mm audio cable to connect your ipod/mp3 player but you miss out on the on screen control. The manual requires a Rosetta Stone to decipher it, nuff said. I hope this review was helpful and if it was please vote up for me. Thank you for taking the time to read this.7.1 Home Theater Speakers:
-Sony SS-CN5000 Dual 5.25" Center Channel Speaker (each, black)
-Sony SSF-7000 Floor-Standing 4-way Speaker with 8" Woofer (Pair)
-Sony SS-B3000 Bookshelf Speakers with 8-Inch Woofer (Pair, Black)
-Sony SS-B1000 5 1/8-Inch Bookshelf Speakers (Pair)
-Sony SA-W2500 Performance Line 100 Watt SubwooferBy the way, check out the images above to get an idea of the STR-DN1010's scale

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Take your high-definition surround sound experience to the next level with the STR-DN1010 7.1-channel Blu-ray Disc A/V receiver. Enjoy 3D images while hearing sound closer to the way it was captured, plus improve image quality of non-HD video sources to HD using one convenient cable. Offering plenty of connectivity options for your expanding lifestyle, this A/V receiver features 4 HDMI inputs, 3 component inputs and is SIRIUS Satellite Radio-ready. You can also share your music in multiple rooms with wireless 2nd zone technology.

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Onkyo HT-RC180 7.2-Channel A/V Surround Home Network Receiver (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've owned a lot of electronics, all makes and many models. I had not upgraded my core system for many years, and knew it was time for a change. I'm a fan of Onkyo (I have another Onkyo AV receiver in the living room) and was looking for one with network connection and more power. Man does this deliver. The quality, feel and look is all top-quality. This may be a 7.1 system, but it powers 10 speakers, two subs, and three different zones/rooms! That's 11 speakers plus two subs (13 total.) Remember that Frasier episode from a few years ago where he purchased a new soundsystem, and his living room looked like a speaker Stonehenge. Seemed farfetched at the time - but now it's clearly possible. If you use full sized speakers you would have a draw-dropping first impression. As it is, I have 11 speakers and one sub, varying sizes and makes - that's impressive enough.
The sound? Wow. I played Aero by Jean Michelle Jarre - a 5.1 audio DVD. It knocked my socks off. The audio resolution and depth were amazing. The receiver also has numerous listening modes - so many it takes over two pages in the manual to list them. Different Dolby modes, THX and many more. There's a diagram on the front panel that displays the speakers that will be used by each mode. As you change them, the speaker display changes - pretty simple. Want only two speakers? Four? Eleven? Simple.
So here's my experience, from unpacking to turn-on.
Packaging: Extra-heavy duty. Double-thick box, form fit foam. The box will take a lot of abuse in shipping. See my included photos.
Unpacking: Typical anti-static and foam wrap, tape and scratch protection. Heavy unit - will take two people to unpack unless you are comfortable moving heavy weight.
Installation: I find it easier to make a temporary platform at around the same height as the shelf the unit will sit on - I've always done this. In this case, two storage boxes put it at about the perfect height. This way I can attach all cables and simply slide the unit in place. When we're talking this many wires it's a big help. The RC180 includes a manual (thick!), quick start (handy!) and a sheet of decals to mark your speaker cables. At first I thought - "yes, like I'll need these!" Man did they come in handy! The labels were a real timesaver. Again, see the photos.
My BluRay player uses a network connection, and so does this unit. I had a single network cable in the room, so had to add a hub to split the connection. I can't use wireless in the home - it's an older building, lath/plaster/steel mesh. It works like a Faraday cage, and kills signals. The RC1800 uses a wired connection anyway, as does my BluRay player. If you already have a wired connection in the room, keep in mind you may need a hub to add more outlets.
It took around an hour to hook everything up, from unpacking to sliding the unit in place.
BEFORE I put the unit in place, I ran the speaker test. This allows you to verify correct placement. Again, it came in handy. I had the upper left front and upper right front speaker connections swapped (there are SEVEN speakers in front - Two Upper front, Two front, Two wide front, and one center!) Fixed that, then slid the unit in place.
Turned it on again, verified all the AV connections. You can customize pretty much all the connections. For example, I have my DVD set to use component in 1 and digital audio coax in 2. My VCR (yes, I still have a VCR) uses the VCR input, and I have the TV set to use optical in 2. This allows a lot of customization and personalization. Next I named all the inputs, so the display shows whatever text I want.
Then I ran the Audyssey setup. I love this system. My other Onkyo uses it as well, and it's great. The RC180 uses a more advanced version. It tests the standard three listening positions, and has an additional optional three positions for more fine tuning. I only needed three. This took around 15 minutes to run. It tests every speaker, including the subwoofer, then writes the data.
Next I customized the remote control. It's a universal remote with some cool options. There are programmable shortcut buttons (my music, my movies, etc.) as well as the standard controls for all your devices. It's interactive - you follow on-screen prompts (it uses your TV for the display.) Basically you enter the first three letters of your make, perform a search and select the make from an amazingly comprehensive list. You also select the category of the device - VCR, DVD, etc. You then go through a train and error selection process of codes. You're instructed step by step. My DVD took three tries for the correct codes. The BlyRay and VCR did it in one. After you are finished with that, you can program the shortcut buttons (My Movies, etc.) With one button press it will turn on selected devices, press play, etc.) Works perfectly. I press MyMovie and the TV turns on, the Onkyo turns on, the BluRay turns on and plays.
My only gripe is the net connectivity - the remote control takes a lot of getting used to, as the functions for net use are counterintuitive. The unit has built in support for several web based radio services. One of the included services, vTuner, is free. The others require a subscription (Sirus, Pandora, Rhapsody.) The instructions for vTuner setup were problematical. You're instructed to go to a URL and use the unit's MAC address to register. vRadio won't accept the MAC address - they want a unit ID. The vRadio instructions for finding the unit ID are not even close. Basically the Unit ID and Mac address are the same thing, but vTuner won't take it. Still fighting that. You can use vTuner without it, but you won't have favorites, playlists, etc.
Update: Figured it out. They do indeed want the MAC address - however, without any spaces, dashes, colons. Just the letters and numbers as one long string. Find the MAC address under the network setup - ignore the instructions from vTuner.
Streaming from your computer? The RC180 automatically detects the computers on your network with media servers running. I have three PC's running Windows media player - it found all three of them. I'll add more details on in-house media streaming in the future - I need some more hands-on to make an honest evaluation. My main PC is based on Windows 7. The instructions for connecting to the media player are for Media Player 11 (Vista / XP), not Windows 7. Windows 7 uses Media Player 12 - so you need to use the DLNA instructions, not the Windows Media Player instructions. One big mistake I made was attempting to connect to my computer before allowing access to the Onkyo. This stuck the Onkyo in a loop while it kept trying to connect. Eventually it gave up and I was able to get it all to work. You really need to create playlists to make it easy to use.
From what I see so far, I can't use my iTunes library. The Onkyo requires DLNA compliance, and iTunes is not - that's why you can't use iTunes with many devices over a network, including the PS3.
Followup: I can't stress how important a great center speaker is. I had an anemic speaker with a 4" woofer. It was basically a spare JBL studio speaker - great quality, but it was rated at 50 watts. I replaced it with a BIC center speaker that has two 6" woofers and a large horn - and handles 175 watts ( BIC America DV-62CLRS 6-Inch 2-Way Center Channel Speaker ). Wow! What a difference. With the old speaker, the Onkyo would not go past 70% volume - the Audyssey setup detected that feeble little speaker and limited the maximum output. Really annoying, since the rest of the speakers were pretty decent, but any more volume and that speaker would have been so much scrap. The center is mainly used for voice, but don't overlook it! Now I can crank to 100%!
More followup: It detects and streams audio from my Iomega StorCenter Pro ix4-200d 2 NAS (A network storage devide.)

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The THXSelect2 Plus Certified HT-RC180 combines the latest home-theater functionality with home-network capability to create a compelling mid-range centerpiece. A rear-side Ethernet port enables the HT-RC180 either to receive and output audio tracks playing on your PC, or to bypass your PC and directly stream internet radio stations such as Rhapsody and Pandora. The HT-RC180 provides five HDMI1.3a inputs to handle a range of high-definition video and audio sources. HDMI compatibility also enables the receiver to upscale any video input to 1080p via Faroudja DCDi Cinema. This 110 W-rated receiver also features Audyssey DSXand DolbyPro LogicIIz, two new surround-sound formats that expand the spatial dimensionality of games and movies. On top of all this, you also have Audyssey room-correction and equalization technologies working to create a well-balanced soundstage, no matter the volume level or the shape of your room. Among the other highlights of the HT-RC180 are a customizable remote controller and a proprietary Universal Port that enables single-cable connection of peripheral audio devices.

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Denon AVR990 7.1-Channel Multi-Zone Home Theater Receiver with Networking Capability and 1080p HDMI Connectivity Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have owned Denon in the past, and have always found it to be quality Audio gear
Now that I need a Home AVR it was to no surprise after taking a 5 or 6 weeks to decide
I went with Denon AVR990 / 3310IC
I wanted to go with Pioneer SC-25 at it was the Model that I was impressed with, and my needs to have Phono Input - with an input stage (the amplification part for Phono) would sound great! - but I settled for the Denon as I got a better price - not sure what the sound difference is, as I did not have a side by side comparison, but I absolutely love the Denon AVR 990 Phono Input stage, with my JVC QL-Y55F - with GRADO G-2 Cartridge - sounds MUCH better than my CD's that I have the same Copy on both, It is a fun test for when people that come over to see how suspired the Vinyl records sound fuller and richer than CD's - also my speakers are also my speakers are Magnepans (full-range ribbon) - that helps Anyway - the sound is Amazing, and I am very happy with my purchase, as my Previous model for the last 6 years was Harman Kardon - so I wanted to make sure the new model sounded as good or better than my last - as you may have noticed, I felt not go back to Harman Kardon - not because I did not like sound or quality! - The fact is the late models have had Known Issues, I felt better stepping away from that brand for now at least
& Denon & Pioneer certainly fit in that category in my opinion
Key Points for me are as follows:
True HD & DTS-HD Master Audio Decoder
AL24 Processing
7 Channel Discrete Mono Amp Construction
Audyssey Dynamic EQ room acoustic correction system
Onboard HD Radio (even AM)
Network Capability
Compressed Audio Restorer (for when I do stream in lower quality stuff like MP3's)
Now on a negative note: I cannot understand why after using the Very Nice Included Audyssey Dynamic EQ room acoustic correction system I cannot set the Base management for each IE: HD Radio set to -2 or the DVD set to +4 & Phono to Flat?
So yes every time you change the setting in the base management, it goes for all
Please keep in mind I am more about the Music, & given that is the only negative I could think of after owning it now for 4 months, I feel this is a great choice for me.


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The new AVR-990 is a technological tour de force, designed for consumers wanting to network their AV system. Ethernet connectivity opens up your AV system to host of exciting capabilities like audio and jpeg photo streaming and Internet radio. Additionally, subscription music services like Rhapsody and Napster are supported. The AVR990 packs a punch with 7-channels of onboard amplification producing 840-watts of total power (120 per channel). The amplifiers can be assigned for 7.1 channel surround sound, or a 5.1 channel system in the 'main" room and power a pair of speakers in a second 'zone". This only scratches the surface of the AVR990 Multi-zone (2) / multi-source (2) capability. Enhanced power amp assign features, second and third zone programming feature allow the AVR990 to be the hub of a sophisticated whole house system. For video connectivity, the AVR990 is equipped with 1080p compatible HDMI 1.3a Repeating technology, delivering both audio and video to your HDTV with single HDMI cable. This 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 that expands front soundstage. The AVR990 boasts a number of Audyssey technologies. Advanced Audyssey MultEQ analyzes a speaker systems interaction with room acoustics, and then delivers custom tailored correction processing to optimize clarity and tonal balance throughout the listening space. Audyssey Dynamic Volume is an automatic volume-leveling system that tracks audio dynamics to eliminate the irritating volume swings between TV shows and commercials.

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Samsung HW-C560S Home Theater System Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This receiver comes with a 6 Speakers-set (as shown); and, the sound is remarkably good. Only thing, I don't like, is that I seem to have erroneously believed the rear speakers were wireless, but so far, I have been unable to figure out how; and, folks at Samsung USA, were of no help, because they are not even aware that this Samsung theater set, is even out yet (their site, says: "It's Coming")--- seems, that Amazon.com, is among the first to have received this new Samsung product line, so far. My satellite TV engineer that installs and configures my samsung and other such products ---- is very pleased with the simplicity of this speaker system and how well it integrates with my other Samsung products via HDMI and even component hook-up. Very low cost, but excellent receiver and speakers system to use with the more modern Samsung Plasma / LCD Wide Screen HDTVs and Samsung (Samsung, for benefits of the HDMI CEC feature) or other modern components with HDMI connections. For Samsung users, there's likely no other modern 5.1 channel Stand-a-lone Receiver/speaker system of this superb quality and price, so thanks Samsung, and also thanks to Amazon.com, for being among the first to have received this new Samsung system.

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5.1 Channel,(100Watt x 5),Crystal Amp Pro,4 HDMI inputs,2 Component inputs

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Sony STR-DN1000 7.1-Channel Audio Video Receiver (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought the STR-DN1000 as an upgrade to my old Yamaha receiver that didn't have audio decoding through HDMI which I really needed since I've recently added a couple additional HDMI components to my set-up and needed HDMI switching. I bought it based on reviews of sound quality (anyone saying this amp has anything less than great sound doesn't know what they're talking about or doesn't have their amp set up correctly!), price, and features (4X HDMI being the most important). I am relatively pleased with my new receiver. Sound and video processing are both excellent, and aside from a few issues, this is a great receiver. Before I go into more detail, here is my home theater set-up:
1) 5.1 surround sound consisting of: Polk Audio TSi200 L + R speakers, a Polk CS20 Center Channel Speaker, and a Yamaha subwoofer and two Yamahah back channel L & R speakers.
4) A Sony DVP-NS700H/B DVD player
5) Toshiba 42" Regaza LCD
6) Comcast Digital Cable box
7) WD TV Live HD Media Player
All devices connected using Version 1.3 Category 2 HDMI Cables.
Setting things up:
Set-up is a breeze. Everything is laid out well enough, and the included wire-map which gives a blown-up overview of the connections makes things even easier. The wire screws for connecting the speakers are made of plastic and are not as easy to turn as I might have liked, but this was a minor issue at best. They do support Banana jacks if that's your thing. I had all my speaker wires and HDMI cables connected in about 10 minutes (all of them were already in place so it might take significantly longer if you are running new wire). Just a note for reciever set-ups: give yourself an extra 3-4 feet of wire for each speaker so you can connect your amp OUTSIDE your AV cabinet/rack. This will make things much easier because you can work on the amp with it's back facing you!
GUI (Graphic User Interface), Programing, and Auto Calibration:
The DN1000 comes with a built in GUI for adjusting settings. It is a rudimentary text based interface in black, white and blue, but it is easy to navigate and use even if it isn't pretty. I was easily able to program in radio pre-sets, assign inputs *More on that to come*, and run the Auto Calibration. Auto Calibration involves connecting a provided mic and placing it in the correct location and then letting the amp put out some test tones to each speaker and the amp. The whole thing takes about 30-40 seconds. The manual states that this will involve "very loud" sounds, so I was a bit worried what that would be like. Thankfully it wasn't loud at all, so don't get freaked out when the manual warns you to watch out for small children, dogs, and angry neighbors. The GUI could be a bit more intuitive; you are frequently required to git an 'option' button that is on the remote itself. It would have been much simpler to just have that button in the layout of the GUI itself.
Programing custom inputs and renaming inputs was my biggest complaint with this amp. First, you CANNOT re-map the TV, Satelite, DVD, etc., buttons to be linked with the HDMI inputs. Each time you re-map an input it asks for both an audio and video input. I wanted to re-map the DVD button on the remote to work with my HDMI DVD player. I was able to choose the correct HDMI in, but because the amp also requires an audio input, you are FORCED to choose from coaxial, analog LR channel or digital. Choosing any of these overrides the HDMI's sound, and gives you video but no sound! This is incredibly frustrating and very stupid on Sony's part since the amp supports HDMI sound processing natively and all they would need to do is tweak the GUI to allow the user to select either HDMI or 'None' for sound input! I called Sony tech support to verify this is the case and they said they have no plans to issue a firmware update to correct this issue. I was able to re-name the HDMI inputs to DVD, WD LIVE, and COMCAST so that the amp displays the correct input when one of the HDMI buttons is pushed, but that isn't ideal considering the layout of the remote:
The Remote:
On first glance, the remote appears to be well laid out and to have excellent built quality (no squeeks when you hit the buttons, feels nice and solid in your hand, responsive buttons, etc). It is solidly made, but functionally it has some major flaws:
1) Because there are nice big, well labeled "DVD, TV, Satelite, etc." buttons on the top third of the remote, it will be highly confusing to have to explain to non-tech savvy people "when you want to watch a DVD you hit HDMI 3, not DVD" or something similar due to the inability of the receiver to re-map those buttons! Basically the usefulness of having 'quick launch' buttons on the remote is destroyed by not being able to map them correctly!
2) The mute button location is horrible. It is at the bottom lower third of the remote on the left side. It is also the smallest button on the remote and a real pain to hit with your thumb since it requires balancing the very end of the remote in your hand or using two hands. In my opinion, the button you're most likely going to use more than any other should be easily accessible!
Sound Quality:
I put the amp through its paces with the following:
1) Comcast TV (College Football) with Dolby Digital Surround
2) Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (DVD) & The Matrix (DVD)
3) Various lossless audio files streamed over my WD media streamer
4) Battlestar Galactica HD streamed over my WD media streamer
Surround sounds is just about perfect. Crystal clear highs, nice punch with the bass (although my sub really isn't anything to write home about) and excellent, authentic reproduction of even complex sound files like Feist and Metallica playing from a FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) file. I ran through a few excellent (in my opinion) surround sound movies and all sounded fantastic. Orcs screaming from behind me, thunderous sounds of war, the steely tones of Mr. Smith threatening Neo, all sounded lovely.
Video Quality:
HDMI video pass through was great. Suffice it to say that I didn't use this receiver to decoded low-res video files (something it does, but according to other reviews not that well). The video decoder in my WD media streamer does that job. I can confirm that the receiver did not affect inherent video quality to either good or ill.
Aesthetics:
This is a slick receiver and looks great on my AV rack. It matches my DVD player which I guess is a good thing, and even (sort of) matches my Toshiba TV. The LED screen is adequate if not amazing. It is easy to read from across the room (about 12 feet in my smallish living room). Text is clear and crisp which is all I really need.
Heat:
This unit does produce more heat than my old Yamaha, but much less than my friend's Onkyo (you could fry an egg on that thing!). In a well ventilated AV rack or cabinet it should never be an issue.
Conclusions:
For the price (sub $300 range) there isn't a better option out there as of this review. You could spend a hundred more and get a Pioneer (which does come with an ipod connect wire included in the price) but you're not gaining anything other than a few more connection options. Sound quality wise, this receiver is very, very good. If you can live with the crap remote and a few problems with the GUI, it's well worth the price. I'll probably just get a Harmony remote to make things simple for my family and friends.
4/5 Stars.
Thanks for reading my review. Feel free to ask questions and I'll do my best to answer them in the comments section.


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The STR-DN1000 7.1 Channel A/V Receiver delivers the Full HD 1080 experience to a home theater system. It features 7 HD inputs including 4 HDMI inputs with "Active Intelligence". In addition, the STR-DH700 is compatible with 24p True Cinema technology video signals and decodes uncompressed audio (LPCM via HDMI) making it compatible with Blu-ray Disc Player, the PlayStation 3 technology and other HD sources. Speaking of an enhanced experience, how about listening to music in a different room? Now share your favorite songs wirelessly throughout your home with ease. Simply plug in the optional S-Air transmitter and turn on the AirStation client (sold separately).

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Denon AVR-1611 7.1 Channel A/V Home Theater Multi-Source / Multi-Zone Receiver with HDMI 1.4a supporting 1080p and 3D (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)After having an unfortunate incident with a lightning strike at my home, my Denon AVR-1908 suffered irreparable damage. Within a few weeks my insurance company sent the check to replace it and the hunt for a new receiver was on.
Having owned a Denon, I was very familiar with the quality and outstanding sound their receivers can produce - but made the decision to research other brands such as Onkyo, Yamaha, Pioneer and of course the new line of Denon AV receivers. I have a 7.1 surround sound Home Theater so my future purchase had to meet that criteria. After some research I had narrowed my search down to the Denon AVR-1611 and the Onkyo TX-SR508 receivers, then visited a local electronics store to compare the two receivers in functionality and sound. After comparing the two I found that the Denon delivered a more rich, deep sound reproduction with outstanding surround sound imagery as compared to the Onkyo, at least in my opinion.
The Denon AVR-1611 offers some features that I definitely wanted, and some that I may want to utilize should I decide to upgrade my Home Theater. It offers HDMI 1.4a inputs and output for 3D movie features (still on the fence with 3D), if I decide to upgrade to a 3D capable Home Theater this receiver will accommodate this option. The rear I/O panel is extremely clean compared to older AV receivers, due to HDMI. There are 4 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output eliminating the need for multiple component inputs, this made for a much quicker and cleaner equipment setup. The various available sound formats, i.e., DTS Master, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus encoded with this receiver switch very efficiently with the source material - to date I have not had to adjust this manually. The receiver is very pleasing aesthetically, and fits in well with the rest of my components but does have some heft to it. The Denon AVR-1611 also offers ARC (audio return channel) via the HDMI output to allow for both sending and receiving an audio signal, but please note that your television must also have the ARC feature. The other plus with this receiver is the upconversion of standard definition DVD's due to the HDMI upconversion feature, althought it now sounds cliche - it truly makes my older movies look like new again with near HD resolution. The only criticism I have that prevented my awarding this receiver a perfect 5 stars is the lack of an AC Power Outlet in the back of the receiver. I found this to be a real convenience option for plugging in my JBL PB10 powered subwoofer. I wonder if this has been eliminated due to reducing the overall power draw for electronics in meeting with "GREEN TECHNOLOGY"? Regardless, I found that I missed having the outlet and wish they would incorporate it back into the design.
The owners manual can be intimidating, with its overview of all the features and functions designed in the AVR-1611 - this is where the AUDYSSEY AUTO SETUP feature shines! Denon included a specialized microphone to allow owners the convenience of letting the receiver setup your surround parameters without hours of manual work. Not only did this feature effectively set the surround sound parameters of all 7 speakers and my subwoofer, it also measured the distance from each speaker to the listening area, as well as decibel/gain setting for each individual speaker. It even determined the size of my speakers from small to large! To gauge the accuracy, I took out my tape measure and my Radio Shack sound level meter and began testing, and found the accuracy of Audyssey to be remarkable! For the novice setting up their Home Theater this feature would be invaluable.
To date I can offer no complaints, save for the missing AC power outlet. The surround sound imaging is outstanding, music CD's sound amazing, and the Denon AVR-1611 has real ease of use. It supports all of the most popular sound formats and upconverts my standard definition DVD's beautifully. I would highly recommend this receiver to anyone who is on a budget looking for an AV Receiver that offers a multitude of features and is as close to audiophile reproduction as you can get. It certainly pleases this movie buff.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Denon AVR-1611 7.1 Channel A/V Home Theater Multi-Source / Multi-Zone Receiver with HDMI 1.4a supporting 1080p and 3D (Black)


A versatile A/V surround receiver with a 7.1-channel amplifier, the Denon AVR-1611 is designed to be the centerpiece of an exciting home theater system. It supports Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding and it includes the latest HDMI 1.4a technology, which provides for 3D pass-through capabilities to your HDTV (broadcast and Blu-ray). It also features Dolby Pro Logic IIz, a technology that adds a vertical dimension at the front for a more exciting surround sound experience. Last, but not least, the high-performance AVR-1611 includes Audyssey MultEQ, Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume for optimum tonal balance, with no volume jump due to commercial interruptions.

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Samsung HT-BD2T Blu-Ray 7.1 Channel Home Theater System (Set of Nine, Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I was afraid this system wouldn't be worth it since most movies are still in 5.1 however, the true HD audio does use all 8 channels. Sometimes it is rather chilling on a scary movie when the extra two channels in the rear pick up an unexpected sound. A lot nicer than my old bose 5.1 The picture is also incredible w/ regular and especially blu-ray dvd's.

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Experience the world's first Blu-ray home theater system, the SAMSUNG HT-BD2T. You'll get the best picture possible and the highest-quality audio. Full HD 1080p creates the ultimate cinematic picture and the 7.1 channel speaker system delivers rich, powerful HD surround sound. You'll watch your favorite movies the way they were meant to be seen, with 24 movie frames per second playback compatibility. All of this is packaged in a sleek, stylish design with blue LED accents. The SAMSUNG HT-BD2T brings a whole new level of movie-watching to your living room.

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Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K 7-Channel Home Theater Receiver (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I finally received my Pioneer 1019 last night. I ended up staying up way too late last night setting this up. I purchased the Pioneer 1019 after a lengthy decision process between the Denon 1910, Onkyo 607 and Yamaha 765. I needed 4 HDMI so the earlier models wouldn't work and I was also limited in footprint depth so it was these 4. I went with the Pio because I've always been a fan of the sound and quality and each of the others had one or two things wrong (Denon not available, Onkyo quality issues (?), Yammy no assignable inputs). My one concern with the Pio going in was the revamped amps and the decline in weight. Would it impact quality of sound and power? Based on my early tests, NO. This unit has a great, clean sound with lots of detail at low levels and high. I did not hear any hint of strain.
Design
While the unit is smaller and lighter than the 1018 it doesn't look `cheap' and it still has enough bulk to it to make you think it has power. It looks great in the rack. Remote is a bit confusing but I won't use that much after setup and the Harmony database had all the relevant codes, a nice surprise for such a recent release.
The Setup Process
It was pretty easy to get all of the speakers and components hooked up. The manual stinks but I had spent a fair amount of time with the manual online in advance and after a few reads you can fill in the blanks. It took me about an hour to get all of the old equipment out and the new equipment in. Assigning the inputs was relatively straightforward. Renaming inputs was awkward due to the way they handle text input but it was very flexible. I had a little trouble assigning the Optical audio signal from my Macbook along with an HDMI input. I first tried to assign the optical directly to an HDMI input but you can't do that. Instead I had to assign both the HDMI and Optical to an entirely different Input Name (I chose DVR). It worked fine but I suspect that means I really lost a video input since I can't send anything else to the original HDMI input. Not a huge deal as I don't use all the inputs but it was still annoying.
I haven't done MCACC yet but I did use the manual speaker setup and my speaker settings from my old Sony AVR and input those here. That was pretty easy and even with this rudimentary setup the sound was great. Even my wife (who is happy with TV speakers alone) commented on the improvement in quality.
I ran though some of the DSPs and effects but I prefer to set everything to DIRECT, especially on BDs but it was nice to use the Extended Stereo for my iPod and get sound from all of the speakers.
Video
I had lots of questions on the video scaler. I agree with most posters that you should not buy an AVR for this capability. Most TVs will do a better job than any $500 AVR. My TV is a 2006 model though and it has pretty average scaling so I wanted to see how it would look. I hooked up my Comcast DVR with both HDMI and with Component/Optical to gauge the difference. HDMI looks great (and no scaling, of course) but there was no impact on visual signal. I did not have any annoying audio lags either. Component also looks really good for HD signals. I could not tell the difference between the HDMI and Component signals on HD channels.
I then tried it on some SD channels with the scaler set to 1080p. The AVR did fine but it wasn't any better than my TV. No worse either but then I already mentioned my scaler is pretty average. So, as I said earlier, don't buy the unit for the scaler but it's not a negative either. Just try it for your sources and TV and it may or may not generate any improvement in PQ.
The good news is that it does a very good job of upconversion (switching analog signals to digital) which means you can have 6 HD sources (4 HDMI and 2 Component) which is nice.
The one odd thing I found was in the aspect ratio settings for 4:3 signals. The default is `Through' which would make me think it sends the signal untouched but it is actually for stretching the signal (and it does a bad job of that). I switched the signal to `Normal' and it then just passed the 4:3 signal untouched - a definite improvement.
All other sources looked great. Panny BD35 looks and sounds great and I was relieved to see that my Macbook was able to pass a clean signal through the AVR to the TV.
Audio
So the real question is about how this unit sounds. As I mentioned earlier, I am really pleased with the quality and balance. Everything sounds warm and detailed. I expect it to improve even further with the MCACC adjustments. I've listened to quite a few units over time and this has all of the Pioneer sound and quality you expect from them. I don't think anyone will be disappointed with the sound or the power (Of course, if you are willing to spend 3x the $$ then you can get better quality from the Elite series. If you have the cash, definitely buy one of those. If you are looking to spend

Click Here to see more reviews about: Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K 7-Channel Home Theater 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-Ks video scaler presents you with nothing but the best quality possible today regardless of what video source it receives.

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