With the launch of the STR-DA1200ES, Sony has come up with a rare breed of an AV product that in all likelihood will stand the test of time. The popularity of the model is apparent due to the fact that even after spending a long time on the market, the AV device continues to post strong sales. Moreover, replete with a strong array of imaginative features, it easily fulfills any home cinema requirements and blends in seamlessly with any home entertainment centre.

The device doesn’t have any integrated decoding for high-definition audio formats; instead the same is done by carefully arranged compatible players. The design of the Sony STR-DA1200ES, on the other hand, is an epitome of aesthetic beauty, and has a minimalist approach. Build quality is also pretty robust making you almost drool over it.

The feature list of the unit is quite solid and consists of seven channels of 100W amplification, while you can also avail yourself of the luxury of indulging in some HDMI video switching options supported by 1080p signals. Then video up-conversion from composite and S-Video to component facility is there as well and plays an important role in improving the picture quality from your analogue sources to that of high definition levels. Meanwhile, the automatic calibration system plays its part in giving the device a definite edge over its contemporaries as it sets up the receiver much quickly and accurately than you can ever imagine.

When it comes to sound quality, it simply outshines many a famous names and compares favorably with Sony’s sensational sound quality. You can really get into some sensuous groove as the receiver creates an almost three-dimensional sound stage assisted by an innovative range of far-reaching dynamics.

The Cambridge Audio Azur540R (Version 3) is one the most fascinating receivers to have been released by the company, and, at an affordable price, it is also the perfect low-cost alternative that average consumers are really looking for. Actually the device is the third incarnation of the company’s Azur 540R receiver and consequently has undergone a lot of innovations and improvements from its earlier prototypes. The best part of all these is that there is no big difference in its price, despite the fact it offers you a more extensive and explosive range of possibilities.

The unit surprises you with its superior build quality, and comes with a highly responsive set of control options, though the overall design is a bit on the conservative side.

Coming back to recent up-grades, this modern-day gadget comes equipped with a redesigned amplifier stag which is rumoured to eliminate interferences. Digital connectivity is another new addition and comes with two HDMI inputs, which does unfortunately pale in comparison to many other receivers, such as the Onkyo TX-SR 806 with 5 HDMI inputs. Moreover, a single output located on the Azur540R will allow you to reap the benefits of basic video switching between compatible sources like a high-definition player and HDTV receiver.

Another positive of the device is that it has a very simple setup, with an attractive and protruding on-screen menu system ably supported by a rather tame looking but versatile remote unit. The menu apparently unimaginative but it does have a number of advanced adjustment features such as a comprehensive Bass Management system that gives you the discretion to customize the crossovers for a number of the customary surround decoding formats.

Moreover, each channel is provided with a claimed 80W of amplification that provides for a stimulating and resounding sound. The sound quality is further strengthened by the carefully controlled low frequencies, and also ensures that you get to have an undistorted and high-fidelity sound even at high volumes.

Pioneer’s latest gift to discerning customers is the PDX-Z9 SACD Receiver, which is made to assist you in receiving all the system has to offer via more advanced media connectivity. The unit is the perfect embodiment of a sophisticated design replete with the latest technology and top-quality construction that virtually brings the essence of music to life. The device has been fine tuned at London’s renowned AIR Studios and has be manufactured using component parts of the highest quality thereby ensuring that you get to listen to the purest digital sound. A feature that immediately grabs your attractions the Super Audio CD Playback and advanced digital media connectivity which opens the door for unlimited possibilities.

The device is also designed clearly bearing in mind contemporary requirements and convenience issues. The device delivers a powerful performance supported by the two-channel digital amplifiers and also features first-class Super Audio CD playback. You will have little difficulty regarding the compatibility of different disc formats with the device as it handles MP3, WMA and MPEG-4 AAC compressed audio formats, along with playback of high-quality FLAC files with equal ease.

That’s not all as you can benefit from its capability to receive terrestrial FM/AM radio stations as well as those from the internet. There are separate ports where you can directly connect your iPods and USB devices and control them with the Pioneer PDX-Z9’s remote. Further, the device is DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) certified signifying that it seamlessly integrates into a home network system and provides simple, easy-to-control access to digital music.

Pioneer has recently revealed not one, but four New LX AV Receivers that it believes will go a long way in revolutionising amplifier technology by bringing studio-sound quality to your home cinema. The models in question are the SC LX81, SC-LX71, VSX-LX51 and VSX-1018AH, and are all fine tuned to deliver a soul-stirring audiovisual experience that is unlike what you normally come across.

Each of the receivers have been provided with the ability to work seamlessly in sync with Pioneer’s 2008 KURO TVs and Blu-ray Disc players so that your dream of enjoying the finest quality picture and sound becomes a reality. All the models, including the Pioneer VSX-1018, continue to incorporate the tried and tested ICEpower direct energy HD amplification technology, along with the company’s renowned sound-tuning, which is the result of its collaboration with AIR Studios in London, to produce the an impeccable sound quality.

Entertainment enthusiasts can take heart from the fact that the device comes equipped with internal decoding features such as DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus that will facilitate to realize their desire of watching movies in a high-definition setting. The sound quality is further improved by the inclusion of the Advanced MCACC tuning feature. The surround-effect in the meantime is delivered via the 7.1 channel surround sound technology assisted by the Neural-THX, which is another unique supplement to this versatile product.

Connectivity of the device is uncomplicated and provides you with most of the features that you will normally need. The picture quality is influenced by the HDMI 1.3a feature with support of 12-Bit Deep Colour and provides the same with a wide variety of shades and natural hues.

Onkyo has already proved its mettle as far as low-end entry-level receivers are concerned, with the much appreciated Onkyo TX-SR576. The company is now ready to take the plunge into the high-end range with the highly anticipated Onkyo TX-NR906 AV Receiver. The AV receiver is actually an updated version for the universally adored TX-NR905 and it is therefore natural that this unit is also hotly anticipated. The one thing that will surprise you is its outstanding ability to decode movie soundtracks, while simultaneously performing a wide a host of essential functions with a great deal of finesse.

The networking ability of the unit is simply flawless and ranks among one of its most lovable features. The unit also provides you the platform to stream MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC, and Ogg Vorbis audio tracks from a networked PC, along with listening to internet radio stations using the vTuner portal with the minimum of fuss.

The upscaling capability from the unit stands at 1080p, which is basically the norm with most high-end players. The Onkyo Tx-Nr906 is however unlike them; because the technology has been developed using the world’s most advanced video processors, viz. the HQV Reon-VX chipset from Silicon Optix. Moreover, the AV receiver features video calibration abilities. This feature will now entrust you with the ability to play with functions like brightness, contrast, hue, saturation and gamma levels on each video input until you get satisfied.

Another grand improvement it has done over its predecessor, the TX-NR905, is that the sound quality has become much more sharp and clear. You can easily comprehend the sound quality when it is supported by 7 x 230W of power. Further, outfitted with three Texas Instruments Aureus 32-bit DSP chips the player is a master at decoding any format that you might throw at it, including Dolby True HD, DTS HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS HD.

The UK in recent times is going through some interesting phases, what with brands like TVonics going all out to ensure that the country makes a quick and swift crossover to digital TV with a Freeview box that fits to your TV, irrespective of its design or age. The MDR-250 is notable in the sense that it is specially designed to cater to the Government’s policy to help the elderly and disabled, and consequently has passed through stringent requirements. The unit is a real delight when it comes to user convenience, energy efficiency, and connectivity. Even more importantly, it happens to be the only Freeview receiver to have earned full marks from Digital UK’s ‘scoreboard’ certification scheme. Now you can easily perceive that it is a product that cannot be overlooked.

The connectivity of the unit is above average and has two SCART outputs, and aerial input/output. The dual SCART option means that you can simultaneously connect the receiver to a TV and video recorder. No matter how old your television is, including even outdated CRT models like the Daewoo DUA3291, the TVonics MDR-250 will bring you digital TV and Freeview. An aspect that separates the unit from its contemporaries is that it also includes an RF modulator which sends digital TV pictures from the aerial output and to your TV’s aerial input over a coaxial cable, and comes as a real blessing for owners of archaic TVs that don’t have SCART options.

The unit on the downside offers RGB output from one of its SCART sockets, with the other supplying just composite pictures. The problem with this arrangement is that once the this second SCART is connected to a DVD or DVD/HDD recorder with RGB input, you will be handicapped as far as recording is concerned, of course unless you are ready bear to with the inconvenience of swapping over the SCART cables.

Most people tend to get cold feet when the time arrives to make the digital crossover, as there is a misconception that this transition is very expensive. The truth however is not that bitter as it is made out to be, and it is not at all mandatory to dump your old analogue TV for a brand new flat-panel set to access the Freeview experience in its full glory. Moreover, Freeview PVRs and HDD/DVD recorders are also no perquisites to enjoy this spectacular experience. All you need to do is pick up a cheap, easy to use Freeview receiver, and connect it to your existing system, and the programmes burst into life.

It is however important that you follow discretion while buying a receiver set so that it consists of the features and functions you are looking for. Considering the situation one model that should fit the bill is the DTR220/05 from Philips, which is replete with a number of user friendly features apart from being delightfully compact.

The back panel of the unit has been inscribed with customary features like RF input/output and twin SCART outputs, in addition to coaxial digital output for piping stereo sound to your amp digitally. More importantly, the unit is endowed with the capacity to send raw bitstream to your receiver in case Dolby Digital broadcasts is included in the Freeview fold. The Philips DTR220 is bereft of an RF modulator, connoting that you can’t watch digital TV pictures through your TV’s RF input. This is however, not a problem with present generation TVs which are capable of doing without this archaic feature.

There are two SCARTs as well that can be simultaneously connected to TV and video recorder, thereby opening the floodgates of various possibilities. Now, you can have a choice between RGB, S-video (Y/C) and composite (CVBS) from the ‘TV’ SCART, and S-video or composite from the ‘VCR’ SCART, each of which is selectable via the setup menu.

Onkyo over the last couple of years has been consistently dishing out some memorable receivers, especially on the lower end of the price scale, which are all high on sound fidelity. It consequently has acted as an encouragement for the discerning public who by now are increasingly beginning to have high expectations from the company. They are actually filled with excitement and anticipation regarding the high-end products that the company has lined up for the customers. The excitement stems from the deduction that if the company can deliver such amazing stuff via its low end products, then they in all likelihood will bring the house down with their high-end products!

The latest from the company’s high-end bandwagon is the Onkyo TX-NR906 AV Receiver, and is the follow up to the universally acclaimed TX-NR905. As a high-end product, the Onkyo TX-NR 906 will cost you a fortune, but what is impressive is that its specifications are absolutely staggering, and gives a virtual demo of how contemporary AV receivers have evolved and progressed beyond our imaginations. The unit is not only game to decoding simple movie soundtracks, but is much more in the sense that it performs a whole lot of other activities, not all of which are audio related.

Going through the product specifications, the networking capability of the unit simply stands apart and allows you to stream MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC, and Ogg Vorbis audio tracks from a networked PC, in addition to providing you the leverage to listen to internet radio stations, all thanks to the vTuner portal feature that has also been included.

The video upscaling capability at 1080p compares favourably with its contemporaries. The unique aspect of this upscaler is that it utilizes technology, recognised as one of the most advanced video processors. Meanwhile, the TX-NR906 to put into perspective also happens to be the world’s first AV receiver to feature video calibration facilities.

The Panasonic SA-BX500 AV receiver is one of those models that you either hate or love, but still simply can’t ignore. This is because it is one of those rare models whose fortunes have fluctuated like no other. Derided by a section of critics, it is also given the thumbs up by the other section. You will therefore find yourself sandwiched between two opposing camps! I thought it to be my duty and obligation to throw some light on the model to overcome this confusing situation.

Basically a budget AV receiver, it is ridiculously talented but also have a number of issues that you need t be aware of. Almost similar in size to the Sony STR-DG 820, however, it is weirdly lightweight, and comes without a disc in feature. An aspect that had the critics up in arms is there is a superfluous amount of air underneath the lid which unfortunately gets reflected in the modest features count. The situation gets even more drastic when you discover that it doesn’t have such cotemporary features like RoomEQ, onscreen display, and video upscaling. You will also find that the model doesn’t liveup to its claimed specifications, and notably lacks in muscle amplification.

Then again rising like a phoenix, it manages to keep you entrapped particularly because it has an array of operational tie-ins and one-button features it and Panasonic’s latest BD players and Viera plasma TVs. Moreover, it is stuffed with wireless rears that should come in handy if you decide on buying the company’s digital transmitter option.

LG has recently unveiled not one, not two, but three different models in what could be described as an open display of aggression and to an extent a deliberate attempt to make its hold on the receiver market even more firm. The models in question are the broadcast HDTV receiver, LST-4200A, the LST-3410A HDTV receiver HD-DVR (digital video recorder), and the LST-3510A. The models are distinguished by the fact that they represent a combination of a DVD player and digital HDTV set-top box.

The niche section that the company is targeting with the models is actually quite mainstream, as there has been a long standing demand from consumers for HDTV digital recording. You can use the unit’s innate abilities and ideal combination as an HDTV receiver with DVR, to record digital HDTV delivered over the air. Another feature that should go down well with its discerning customers is that it has a large 120-gigabyte hard drive, which gives you the leverage of recording more than 12 hours of HDTV programming, and 62 hours of standard-definition digital programming. Of course, there are always recorders, like the Sony RDRHXD1070 500GB, with more hard disk space, but they also cost substantially more as well. High-end features like IEEE-1394 and DVI+HDCP digital interfaces included in the LST-3410A are some of the best in the business and the impact it has on the overall performance is awesome. Moreover, the unit provides you a host of less prominent features such as the time shift record, live pause, high-speed fast-forward and rewind, among others that keep the brat in you alive.

The LST-3510A, on the other hand, has an all-format ATSC receiver on-board for over-the-air HD reception, a QAM tuner for unscrambled HDTV cable reception, in addition to a built-in DVD player with 1080i output. The unit’s connectivity is also pretty solid, as it is bestowed with connections like an Enhanced Scaler, Dolby Digital sound, a DVI+HDCP connector, a PSIP-based Electronic Programme Guide and an RS-232 serial port.