The Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver provides practical features and good audio performance in an affordable package. Some of the features include on-board
Dolby TrueHD and
DTS-HD audio processing,
Four
HDMI inputs inputs, analog to HDMI video conversion, and up to
1080p video upscaling. Extra bonuses include iPod connectivity via a convenient front mounted USB port (no optional docking station needed), Sirius Satellite radio compatibility, and Pioneer's PQLS (Precision Quartz Locking System) for anti-jitter CD playback with compatible Pioneer Blu-ray Disc players. To find out if the VSX-1019AH is the right receiver for your home theater system, check out both my
Short and
Full Reviews, and also my
Photo Gallery and
Video Performance Tests. Photos (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
The Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver provides practical features and good audio performance in an affordable package. Some of the features include on-board Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD audio processing, 
Four HDMI inputs inputs, analog to HDMI video conversion, and up to 1080p video upscaling. Extra bonuses include iPod connectivity via a convenient front mounted USB port (no optional docking station needed), Sirius Satellite radio compatibility, and Pioneer's PQLS (Precision Quartz Locking System) for anti-jitter CD playback with compatible Pioneer Blu-ray Disc players. To find out if the VSX-1019AH is the right receiver for your home theater system, check out both my Short and Full Reviews, and also my Photo Gallery and Video Performance Tests. Photos (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com 
Comments
Hello, I really liked your reivew and all the other audio tech info. Very precise and information.
In regards to the video performance tests, what i was looking for was like a “before” and “after” scenario. So, what a VCR(or Wii) signal direct to TV looks like, then what the same picture through the receiver (1080p) would look like (does the video processing make a big difference)
Could you do that?
thanks,
Jason
Thanks for the reading the site and the kind words.
Your suggestion is a good one – However, the tests I have done actually show what you are asking for. In other words, in the case of Pioneer 1019, what
you are seeing in the test results is that the processor does not make enough of a difference in the quality of the signal – in other words, it is if the processor is not compensating properly for the type and quality of the incoming signal.
The results of my tests show the processing performance of the 1019 as it would look on any 1080p TV – provided the video output of the 1019 is set to 1080p. In other words, the processing in the TV is bypassed, essentially
overriden by the 1080p signal coming from the 1019.
If I connect a component, such as VCR or Wii to the TV directly – The TV’s processing is not bypassed and the results of the screen will be that of the effect of the TV’s processor, not the native resolution of the input signal – unless that input signal is 1080p. As a result, what you would see on the screen is specific to that brand and model of TV. This it would not be a neutral “before and after” comparison that could apply to all TVs.
For a better comparison of what the signal should look like if the processor of the 1019 was doing its job properly, check out the results of the Pioneer 1018 which was the predecessor of the 1019 – in other words, using the same type of source the results in test show that video processor is making a difference in the result using the same TV:
http://hometheater.about.com/od/avreceiversseparates/ig/Pioneer-VSX-1018AH-K-HQV-Test-/
Robert Silva
http://hometheater.about.com
hometheater.guide@about.com
Aobut.com is a part of the New York Times Company
I’m debating whether to get this or the Denon AVR2310CI- i know Denon has the better video upscaler, but in regards to sound- are both similar? Thanks.
In terms of Audio, they are both very good choices – However, I would check and see if you can find a Pioneer VSX-1018AH-K (the predecessor to the 1019) on clearance, as it has great audio performance and a better scaler than the 1019 – and would probably be lower priced than the Denon. Check out my review of the 1018 as another possible choice:
http://hometheater.about.com/od/audiocomponentreviews/fr/Piovsx1018full.htm
Also, here is a comprehensive review of the Denon 2310 from a European source:
http://www.trustedreviews.com/home-cinema/review/2009/08/10/Denon-AVR-2310-AV-Receiver/p1
Robert Silva
hometheater.guide@about.com
http://hometheater.about.com
About.com is a part of the New York Times Company