Pioneer VSX-D509S Dolby Digital Audio/Video Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)Despite what the Amazon.com review says, this receiver does NOT offer true S-Video switching. It only offers video and S-Video SELECTING, which allows you to choose either standard video or S-Video sources, but the standard signal is not sent through the S-Video outs and the S-Video signal is not sent through the standard video outs.
SWITCHING, a term used in video production, indicates that any video source, regardless of the signal format, would be sent through the output channel. For an a/v receiver, S-Video switching implies that a unit allows you to hook up both S-video and standard video sources and view all of them through either the standard or S-video output. This model does not offer that feature.
For example, suppose that you hook up a satellite receiver to this a/v receiver by using it's S-Video output, and you also hook up your VCR to this a/v receiver by using standard video inputs and outputs. In this situation, you would never be able to record anything from the satellite receiver, because you do not have the VCR input connected to the receiver's S-Video output. Further, unless your television (or monitor) accepts both S-Video and standard video input and can switch between the two based on presence or absence of signal, then you will have difficulty using this receiver with both standard and S-Video sources.
Amazon.com does sell a Monster Cable standard- to S-Video adapter that works quite well. My solution was to use these adapters to "step up" the standard video signals from my older devices and connect everything to the S-Video inputs and outputs on this receiver. I did have my doubts, but I am very pleased with the results. However, at $99 each, this can be an expensive resolution.
My only other serious disappointment with this receiver is that there are only three sets of a/v/S-v inputs in the rear. Although the fourth set is a separate input channel, the connectors are located on the front of the receiver. This is fine for hooking up a camcorder on occasion, but it is very aesthetically displeasing to use the front connectors on a regular basis.

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Sharkoon X-Tatic True 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound Gaming Headset Review

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(More customer reviews)This headset rocks! I definitely took a chance on these despite not having seen any previous reviews or ratings, but it was worth it. I wanted to test it out for a few weeks before writing a review. Also, this is my first Sharkoon product.
Along with the headset itself, it includes
- optical cable
- "sound control unit" (your little magic black box where all cables run to)
- adapters for PC (comes with 5.1 analog for those w/o pc optical), 360, ps3
- detachable boom mic (it does flex to your preference)
- power supply (single cord which splits off to power your SCU and headset separately) Ex.) you can still disconnect the power to the SCU and still have power running to the headset by itself. The power supply comes with swappable heads. I guess this is if you go out of the country and want to use their foreign outlets.
It took me a little bit of time to figure out all these adapters, settings, and wires (there are a lot of wires.)
The Sound Control Unit (SCU) is where your optical, power supply and 9-pin headset connector come together. You can also adjust the general volume here, but I usually just use the volume adjust attached the the headset cord. There is a 5.1 analog output as another option for those PC users without an optical option. With two 9-pin headset jacks, a second person with the same headset may also listen in. Two Dolby options include Dolby Digital and Pro Logic. There are two included settings called Time-Delay and Dynamic Range Control located on the SCU.
Both of these passages taken directly from the manual. Either setting can be turned on or off.
"Time-Delay - The Time-Delay function allows to define a time delay for the sound reproduction for each speaker. Thus a spacious playback of the audio signal can be achieved. Note that increasing the delay too much may cause unnatural results."

"Dynamic Range Control - Dynamic Range control limits the dynamic, decreasing the level differences between loud and quiet passages in the Dolby Digital 5.1 signal thus balancing the effect of loudness."Other nice features include a volume adjuster which is attached the headset cord. The X-tatic logo on the headset AND also the attached volume adjuster light up. Looks good to me! The volume is indicated by the different colors lighted up on the volume adjuster - ranging from green (very low) to red (very high). The sound volume from each speaker can also be adjusted individually. So say you're sniping and you want to hear even more of the sounds behind you. You can "up" the volume on the rear speakers to do just that. Or you might be looking to get more "boom" from your sounds. You can increase the bass volume while keeping the other speakers at their current volume.
There is a switch to turn off your voice. You can't hear your own voice while speaking, but I prefer it that way. Voice volume from other people can also be adjusted independently from game volume. So when I hear a lobby full of annoying kids, I lower the voice volume and just "up" my awesome game volume. Bliss.
Comfort 5/5 - Took a night of gameplay to "break-in", so now it fits comfortably. Good padding so it sits well on your head. The ear cups can be tilted and also swivel to match your unique head shape (a BIG plus for me.) I can wear these 4-5 hours easy.
Sound 5/5 - Amazing! Playing MW2 and GOW2 is a whole new experience now! Sounds I never knew existed in these games gave me a whole new appreciation! Distant gunfire, rustling of bushes and grass around me, and even slight downpour can be heard. With that said, the 5.1 directionality will add a whole new dimension to your gameplay. For me, there is a clear distinction between if gunfire is coming from front, rear, front left, rear right, etc. Footsteps come in loud and clear. This keeps me more aware of my surroundings. Hurray for situational awareness!
Price 4/5 - It is quite the steep investment for me at $159.99, even with the free shipping from Amazon (love ya for that Amazon!) I did have to think twice before my purchase solely because the price. Now that I look back on it, it was the right move.
Overall, this headset definitely meets my expectations. It looks good and has some surprisingly cool features. Maybe if they could fix the amount of wires, but I guess that what it takes to work on the pc, 360, and ps3.
Good Hunting!

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Sony STR-DE545 Surround Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)This is one great surround sound receiver! After picking up a DVD player, I needed a receiver that could do DTS and Dolby Digital 5.1. The Sony DE545 handles all my components with ease, and while you do need to input speaker information, location, size, etc., this fine tuning pays off! Movies like Braveheart and Jurassic Park shake the walls! I would highly recommend this product to anyone, but check prices, as I found mine at BestBuy for $249 on sale!

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Does not have remote control!

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Sherwood RD-8601 6.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver with Dolby Digital and DTS Decoding Review

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(More customer reviews)I just set this unit up there are a few things that are different than the description, one being that there are 2 optical digital inputs and 1 Coaxial digital input and there is 1 digital optical output and 1 Coaxial digital output. That's fine with me as I would rather have more digital optical inputs if you actually could read the back of the unit in the picture you would see that I am correct. Setting the surround sound feature with the mic is awesome, I love this gadget. The only real issue that I have is that the unit I received does not have the Sherwood name anywhere on the product/ box or manual what it does say is QG-500AVR SLS I did find that the QG stood for quick gold but not sure about the rest as of yet I am still researching it. The remote was made for someone who works for Nasa but I was able to figure out the things that I needed to use, I still have a ton to learn about the remote. I did hook up the unit and it was very easy and has great sound, but I only use the optical inputs so I don't know the sound of the rest of the inputs. I only have 5 speakers and one sub set up so I can only use the 5.1 speakers but I have another speaker on the way so that I can hook it up to use the 6.1, when I do I will update my review again.
*********UPDATE*********
Here is the responce that I got from the company on the Name not being Sherwood:
Thank you for your Amazon order.
This SLS branded receiver is a Sherwood RD-8601 receiver, it is rebranded with an SLS name. It is exactly the same as Sherwood RD-8601 except for the logo.
SLS is a high end audio company who contracted Sherwood to build these receivers for them to sell as a home theater package. You can see this home theater package here : [...] LineHomeTheater
We have no control over the pic on Amazon, it is just a listing, our listing does state that this is a rebranded receiver. We have sold hundreds and all our customers are very happy with the quality, especially seeing the low price they paid.
Let us know if you need additional assistance, we will be happy to help.
Best regards,
The Av Express Sales Team
[...]
I am still very happy with this product it has great sound and does a great job with Blueray and digital TV.

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