The Bottom Line
- Extensive Audio and Video Connectivity - including HDMI.
- Video upscaling via Faroudja DCDi Processing.
- Well-laid out rear panel - especially the speaker connections.
- Power to spare, excellent audio performance.
- Simple iPOD and XM Radio connectvity and functions.
- Could use component video and/or HDMI inputs on front panel.
- Very large - need a lot of shelf space for ventillation and connections.
- Complicated to use for the novice - Cumbersome Remote.
- Plain looking B/W On-screen Display Menus.
- Where's the popcorn popper?
Description
- Home Theater Receiver with THX Select2 Audio Processing and Faroudja DCDi Video Processing/Scaling.
- 7 Channels of amplification featuring 130 WPC at .09% THD (Total Harmoic Distortion) FTC Rating
- Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, Pro logic IIx, DTS 5.1, DTS-ES, DTS Neo:6, and XM Neural Surround.
- 3 HDMI inputs/1 out, 3 HD-compatible component video inputs/1 out. 7 composite and S-Video inputs.
- 2 VCR connection loops (or VCR and DVD Recorder). iPod and XM Radio Antenna inputs.
- Composite, S-video, Component video to HDMI video conversion and upscaling.
- 7 assignable digital audio inputs (2 coaxial and 5 optical ). HDMI audio is supported.
- Stereo audio inputs for CD or Cassette. 5.1 channel inputs for DVD-Audio, SACD, Blu-ray, or HD-DVD.
- AM/FM/XM Radio tuners. Subscription and optional antenna required for XM Satellite Radio Service.
- Room Audio Calibration via Auto MCACC (Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration) with supplied Microphone.
Guide Review - Pioneer Elite VSX-82TXS 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver
The most innovative aspect of the VSX-82TX is the the equal consideration for both audio and video. This definitely makes the 82TX a TRUE home theater receiver. With built-in Faroudja video processing, the image quality from HD sources is very consistent, and the video conversion and processing of analog video sources is quite good.
One indicator of a good receiver is the ability to perform well with both music and movies. I found the audio quality of the VSX-82TX, with both music-only and video sources (such as DVD), was quite good, making it acceptable for both extensive music listening as well as for home theater use.
In addition, the MCACC (Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System) auto-speaker setup feature worked very well, especially with the center channel level, which sometimes is hard to get right with DVD source material.
The VSX-82TX delivers the goods, in terms of home theater, and in offering features, such as iPOD connection and control, and XM satellite radio capability. However, the VSX-82TX may be a little daunting for the novice. I give it a strong 4.5 Stars out of 5.
