Here is what the TX-SR304 has to offer:
1. 5.1 Channel Home Theater AV Receiver.
2. 65 Watts-per-Channel RMS (6 ohm load) at .7% THD (Total Harmonic Distortion). The THD rating on the TX-SR304 is good for this level of Receiver. Their is no audible distortion at normal or average listening levels.
3. High Current Transformer provides good sustained use.
4. Dolby Digital, Dolby Prologic II, DTS, and DTS Neo:6 (5.1 channel mode).
5. Seven additional DSP (Digital Signal Processing) modes, including: Mono Movie (adds a slight reverb to mono film soundtracks), Orchestra, Unplugged (for acoustic performances), Studio-Mix (rock-pop club), TV Logic (live or tape TV shows), All-channel stereo, and straight Mono.
6. 192 KHZ/24-bit Digital-to-Analog Audio Converters. This provides accurate conversion of digitally intput audio signals to audible analog form.
7. Direct Input mode that allows bypass of internal audio processing circuitry.
8. HDTV and progressive scan compatible (Y, Pb, Pr) component video connections and switching. The TX-SR304 has three component video inputs and one output to connect to Television.
9. The TX-SR304 has three digital audio inputs (2 Digital, 1 Coaxial).
10. A/B front panel speaker switching for driving a stereo speaker pair in another location.
11. Color-coded Speaker Connections to make setup easier.
12. Adjustable Crossover setting to adjust for differences in speaker and subwoofer response.
13. Built-in Test Tone Generator.
14. Wireless Remote Control.
15. Front Panel Headphone Jack.
However, there are a few things that the TX-SR304 does lack that you might take into consideration:
1. No S-video Inputs or Outputs - the TX-SR304 only has composite and component video connections.
2. No Front Panel AV Inputs.
3. No Onscreen Display - all adjustment and setup functions are displayed the TX-SRS304's LED panel.
The TX-SR304 is definitely geared for basic users, but it produces great sound quality, especially when using good speakers. The TX-SR304 has adequate power for a small-to-mid-size room and has enough connection flexibility for three component-video-based source devices.
The Onkyo TX-SR304 is definitely a good value at its normal $199 price, but at $99, you can't beat it, I couldn't resist.