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Intro to Home TheaterAudio Basics and ComponentsDVD/Blu-ray/HD-DVD / LD/VCDLoudspeakers / SubwoofersTV and Video ProjectionVCRs - VHS - BETA - D-VHSSatellite SystemsFurniture / Media StorageTIVO / PVRs / DVRsHome AutomationPower ManagementConnections and AccessoriesPortable Audio / VideoCamcorders/Video EditingWhere To Buy/Consumer Help | click for more images  Pioneer VSX-1018TXH 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver - Front View Photo (C) Pioneer Electronics, USA Home Theater Receiver PicksHome Theater Receivers $399 or LessHome Theater Receivers $400 to $1299Home Theater Receivers $1,300 and Up Home Theater Video BasicsPioneer VSX-1018TXH 7.1 Channel HDMI Home Theater Receiver - Product ProfileIntroduction:The Pioneer VSX-1018TXH Home Theater Receiver offers 7.1 channel audio processing with Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding, four HDMI audio/video inputs with video switching and upscaling, XM/Sirius Radio connectivity via optional tuner/antenna, and is iPOD compatible via USB port. The Pioneer VSX-1018TXH has an MSRP of $599. For further details on the features of this receiver, keep reading this product profile.Video Inputs and Outputs:The Pioneer VSX-1018TXH offers Three HDMI inputs and one output, as well as Three HD Component inputs and one output. There are four Composite Video and two additional analog audio-only inputs, plus a front panel A/V input for connection of an additional source, such as a camcorder. The Pioneer VSX-1018TXH also features a VCR/DVR/DVD Recorder connection loop.The Pioneer VSX-1018TXH can also upconvert all standard definition analog video input signals to HDMI video outputs to simplify Receiver connections to an HDTV. Audio Inputs and Outputs :The receiver has five digital audio inputs (Two Coaxial and Three Optical), Analog stereo audio connections for a CD player and CD or Cassette audio recorder, and a subwoofer preamplifier output. The VSX-1018TXH also has a set of 5.1/7.1 channel audio inputs for 5.1 channel DVD-Audio, SACD, Blu-ray, or HD-DVD 5.1/7.1 channel analog audio connection options. The VSX-1018TXH can also access multi-channel audio via its HDMI 1.3a connections. In addition, this receiver also has a set of 5.1/7.1 channel preamp outputs as well as 2-channel preamp outputs for multi-zone operation, and one digital optical audio output.Audio Features - Sound Processing:The Pioneer VSX-1018TXH features extensive surround sound processing options, including: Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24. Also, DTS Neo:6 and Dolby ProLogic IIx processing enables the Pioneer VSX-1018TXH to extract 7.1-channel audio from absolutely any stereo or multichannel source. In addition, the Pioneer VSX-1018TXH is also has the ability to decode DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby TrueHD soundtracks on Blu-ray Discs and HD-DVDs via its HDMI 1.3a compatible inputs.Audio Features - Multi-zone Capability:Another useful audio feature is the ability for the Pioneer VSX-1018TXH to be used in a full 7.1 channel configuration, or in a 5.1 channel configuration in the main home theater room, with simultaneous 2 channel operation in a second room. However, if you want to use the full 7.1 channels for your home theater environment, you can still run an additional 2-channel system in another room by using the Zone 2 preamp outputs. However, you will have to add a secondary amplifier to power the speakers in Zone 2.Amplifier Characteristics and Speaker Connections:The Pioneer VSX-1018TXH delivers 130 Watts-per-channel into 8-Ohms (at 1 Khz - actual power output across all frequencies is actually lower) via its seven internal power amplifiers. With amplifier frequency response from 10 Hz to 100 kHz the Pioneer VSX-1018TXH is up to challege from any source, including SACD and DVD-Audio, Blu-ray Disc, or HD-DVD.Speaker connections consist of dual banana-plug-compatible multi-way speaker binding posts for all channels. Video Processing:The Pioneer VSX-1018TXH features HDMI pass through of high definition signals up to 1080p. Also, all standard definition video input signals are deinterlaced using and upscaled up to 1080p via the HDMI monitor outputs.
Additional Features - Front Panel Display, OSD, and LFE FeaturesThe fluorescent front panel display and Onscreen menu system make setup and operation of the receiver easy and fast. Also featured is an adjustable crossover on the Subwoofer LFE (Low Frequency Effects) pre-out channel. Additional Features - AM/FM/Sirius/XM Satellite Radio - Remote Control:The Pioneer VSX-1018TXH not only has the standard AM/FM tuner, but also has built-in Sirius and XM reception capability. Subscription and optional antenna are required for receiving Sirius or XM Satellite Radio Service. There are also 40 station presets provided that can be used for setting any combination of favorite AM/FM/XM or Sirius/XM stations or channels. Neural Surround Decoding provided for XH-HD surround signals.A Wireless Infrared Pre-Programmed Remote Control is provided. Additional Features - iPOD Connectivity, Lip Synch Adjustment, Dialog Enchance:With the front mounted USB port you can plug an iPOD directly into the VSX-1018 without the need to purchase an additional accessory adapter. Using the wireless remote, you can navigate and access the files stored on your iPod.In addition, the incorporation of Lip-Synch adjustment on the Pioneer VSX-1018TXH allows the user to compensate for audio/video time discrepancies that may be encountered from various sources. Also included is Dialog Enhancement which insures understandable center channel sound levels when listening to DVD, Blu-ray, or HD-DVD multi-channel soundtracks. Additional Features - MCACC:The Pioneer VSX-1018TXH also features an automated speaker setup function called MCACC. By connecting the provided microphone to the Pioneer VSX-1018TXH and following the instructions outlined in the user manual. The MCACC uses a series of test tones to determine the proper speaker levels, based on how it reads the speaker placement in relation to the acoustical properties of your room. However, keep in mind that you may still have to some minor adjustments manually after the automatic set up is completed in order to conform to you own listening tastes.
Final TakeHome Theater receivers have definitely evolved, with even mid-priced units incorporating features and performance, in some cases, that did not even exist as recently as a couple of years ago. With the VSX-1018TXH, Pioneer has incorporated such features as three HDMI video inputs, HDMI video and audio switching with analog-to-HDMI video conversion and upscaling, advanced HDMI audio capabilities, iPOD compatibility, and both XM and Sirius satellite radio. If you are planning to purchase a mid-range home theater receiver, with lots of features and potentially good performance for the price, then Pioneer VSX-1018TXH may deserve your attention. The Pioneer VSX-1018TXH will be available in June of 2008 at a suggested retail price of less than $600. Home Theater Receiver PicksHome Theater Receivers $399 or LessHome Theater Receivers $400 to $1299Home Theater Receivers $1,300 and Up Home Theater Video Basics |
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