Sony STR-DG920 - A / V Reciver

The Sony STR-DG920 is a 7.1 channel receiver scheduled released in June 2008 for $699 that supercedes the STR-DG910 released in April 2007 for $599. The 920 offers several key upgrades to the 910 including 1) a fourth HDMI input, 2) Dolby TrueHD and dts HD-MA audio decoding, 3) upgrade to the HDMI 1.3 standard, 4) a second zone of audio, and 5) a small increase in audio power to 110 Watts / channel up from 100 in its predecessor. The STR-DG920 support 1080p video signals with a pass-through, and will transcode analog video sources (composite and component) to its HDMI output. The step-down model Sony STR-DG820 is $200 cheaper at $400 but drops video transcoding to HDMI.

Pros & Cons
Pros:

•1080p video pass-through support
•Transcodes analog video sources to HDMI
•Decodes Dolby TrueHD and dts HD-MA audio formats
•4 HDMI 1.3a inputs
•Good price for the feature-set
•Slightly more power than predecessor and competitors
•Screw binding post speaker terminals
•All speaker terminals are binding post (including 2nd zone)
•Phono-pre amp input (yes, this has become a rare feature)
•Second audio zone

Cons:

•Does not appear to have a switched AC outlet (for active subwoofer)
•Any pre amp outputs
•No s-video inputs
•$100 more expensive than 910

More information

Features

•7.1 channel receiver with full-support for latest Blu-ray standards
•4 x HDMI 1.3a inputs / 1 x HDMI 1.3a output
•110 Watts / channel
•1080p pass-through support
•Transcodes analog video sources to HDMI (composite, S-Video, component)
•decodes high-defintion digital audio formats (Dolby TrueHD, dts HD-MA)
•second zone of audio (A/B switch)
•price: $599
•release date: June 2008

Pioneer VSX-1018TXH

The Pioneer VSX-1018TXH is an upcoming 7.1 a/v receiver expected to be released in June 2008 for around $600. It features 130 Watts / channel of power and 3 x HDMI inputs. It can decode high-definition audio formats including Dolby TrueHD and dts HD-MA. The 1018TXH features what Pioneer calls an Advanced Direct Energy power amplifier, which they claim high power output, wide frequency response for the new HD audio formats, and superior heat management. It also features Pioneer Hybrid Amplifier Technology (P.H.A.T.) power module found in VSX-518-K, VSX-818V-K, VSX-918V-K receivers, that Pioneer also claims improves audio performance.

Pros & Cons
Pros:

•High power output @ 130 Watts / channel
•7.1 channel pre-outs
•Video upconversion to 1080p
•Front panel USB port for connecting mp3 player
•3 HDMI inputs

Cons:

•No S-Video inputs
•No switched AC outlet
•No phono input

More information

Features

•Direct Energy Amplifier
•130 watts x 7 amplification
•Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration w/ microphone
•Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, DTS 96/24, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio
•Video Conversion to HDMI
•1080p HDMI 1.3 inputs - 3 in
•1080p Component inputs - 3 in, 1 out
•Digital inputs/outputs - 6/1
•iPod Digital, Auto Level Control (ALC), XM Satellite Radio, Sirius Satellite Radio
•AKA: Pioneer VSX-1018TXH-K (K=black)
•Price: $599 US
•Release date: June 2008

Pioneer Elite VSX-94TXH

The Pioneer Elite VSX-94TXH is one of four models of new Elite receivers released in 2007 including the VSX-90TXV, VSX-91TXH, and VSX-92TXH. The VSX-94TXH is a 7.1 channel receiver delivering 140 Watts of power to each of it 7 channels. Pioneer has caught up to its competition by including 4 HDMI 1.3a inputs with a built-in Faroudja DCDi video processor that upscales all sources to 1080p and sends to the HDMI output, and all analog sources to component video.

Pros & Cons
Pros:

•LAN / Internet streaming
•Send room acoustic data to your PC over RS-232
•Upscaling using Faroudja chip to 1080p over HDMI
•Advanced MCACC system /w full phase control
•Looks great; nice build quality
•stellar audio(in pure direct for cd listening and Dolby Digital + and DTS HD MA for Blu-ray) and video

Cons:

•Lackluster UI compared to competitors

More information

The VSX-94TXH has a LAN 10/100 Ethernet connection for streaming music from either your PC or over the Internet with any DLNA compliant source. It features a USB input for connecting external media players or storage devices like an iPod. It is XM/Sirius compatible.

MCACC

The VSX-94TXH has what Pioneer calls Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration Circuit (MCACC) for equalizing and automatically tuning your system to your specific room dynamics. Place the included microphone in your typical listening position, press the MCACC button, and the receiver will automatically calibrate itself. This model includes full Phase Control as well. For hardcore enthusiasts, graphical images of your room's reverberation frequency response can be displayed on your PC over its RS-232 output.

Features

•4 x HDMI 1.3a inputs, 1 x HDMI 1.3a output
•7.1 channel surround /w 140 Watts per channel
•Faroudja DCDi video processing
•Upscaling and transcoding all video inputs to 1080p over HDMI
•Converts S-video and composite video inputs to component video output
•Multi-room, multi-source with 3 zones
•iPod/USB/XM/Sirius/DLNA/Internet Radio
•dimensions: 16 9/16" W x 7 3/8" H x 18 1/16 " D
•weight: 41.14 lbs.

Competitors

•Onkyo TX-SR875 - Reon HQV, no LAN, $1600
•Sony STR-DA5300ES - Faroudja, no LAN, slick UI, 6 HDMI ins, $1700
•Yamaha RX-V3800 - Anchor Bay ABT1010, LAN, $1700
•Denon AVR-3808CI - Faroudja, LAN, slick UI, $1600

The Pioneer Elite VSX-94TXH was released in mid-August 2007 with an MSRP of $1600. The Pioneer Elite VSX-92TXH boasts similar specifications and features with 3 HDMI inputs and 130 Watts / channel for $300 cheaper with an MSRP of $1300.