Pioneer VSX-819H-K 5-Channel A/V Receiver (Black)

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Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 13.7 x 16.6 x 6.2 inches ; 19.8 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 24 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B001U74DAA
• Item model number: VSX-819H-K
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #962 in Electronics (See Bestsellers in Electronics)

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  Electronics > Home Audio & Theater > Receivers & Amplifiers > Component Receivers

• Date first available at Amazon.com: April 15, 2009

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

From the Manufacturer Use the Pioneer VSX-819H-K 5-Channel A/V Receiver as your media control center, and you'll have a world of audio and video options at your fingertips. With features such as high-definition audio & video connectivity and the ability to simultaneously play music in one room and movies in another, this A/V receiver will quickly become an indispensable part of your life. The VSX-819H-K can even manage and charge your iPhone or iPod, and everything will sound great thanks to automatic speaker calibration.

VSX-819H-K Integrated Technologies: Related Products: BDP-120 Blu-ray Disc Player DV-420V-K Multi-Format 1080p Upscaling DVD Player

The VSX-819H-K lets you control and play the music, movies, and photos on your iPhone and iPod on your home theater system. View larger.

View demo of how the VSX-819H-K works intelligently with the iPhone for an outstanding experience.

Outstanding High-Definition Picture and Sound
The VSX-819H-K was designed as a high-definition control center for all your HD devices such as a Blu-ray Disc player and game console. With support for Deep Color and x.v.Color technologies, you'll experience stunning picture quality on your HDTV.

It isn't just the picture that looks great; you'll have incredible sound as well. The receiver delivers 110 watts of power to 5 channels, and supports a wide variety of surround sound formats from your Blu-ray Disc movies including Dolby® TrueHD, DTS-HD® Master Audio, Dolby Digital Plus, and much more. In addition, you can fine-tune the sound with features such as Multi-channel Acoustic Calibration, Symmetric EQ, Standing Wave Control, and Phase Control.

Also, this receiver tailors its sound output to fit your home with Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration that automatically determines the best sound levels based on the room's dimensions and speaker placement.

Certified for Use with the iPhone
The VSX-819H-K is a member of the first family of A/V receivers to be "Works with iPhone" certified. It gives you the option to enjoy everything your iPhone offers, including music, movies, photos and calling features. The receiver's front USB input and included cable make connecting your iPhone easy. When connected, the receiver charges your iPhone automatically.

While you're enjoying your music, your TV will display iTunes® artist, track and time info. Your music and movies will also automatically mute when you receive an incoming phone call, so there's no need to switch your iPhone to airplane mode. And in addition to controlling the music and movies directly from your iPhone, the VSX-819H-K also lets you control your iPhone with the remote and an intuitive on-screen menu.

The receiver features Pioneer's exclusive Advanced Sound Retriever technology, which fills in lost data in compressed music files. What this means is that when you're playing music from your iPhone, iPod or other MP3 player, you'll have music that sounds more like the artist originally intended. And with Auto Level Control, the VSX-819H-K makes sure the volume stays where you want it from song to song.

A full complement of connections, including 3 HDMI inputs, lets you connect all your home theater components. View Connections.

Ample Connections for All of Your HD Media
The VSX-819H-K receiver includes all the connections you need to control your HD multimedia devices. The receiver features 3 HDMI inputs and 2 component video inputs for a total of 5 HD sources. So whether you're watching movies on a Blu-ray disc player or a playing the latest HD video games, the VSX-819H-K will connect them with ease.

A/V inputs on the receiver's front panel lets you watch home videos from a video camera or other portable device without having to reach a rear input. And there are plenty of other digital and analog inputs including 1 digital coaxial input, 2 optical inputs, 3 audio/video inputs, 4 audio inputs (including tuner and front input), and large, easy-connect speaker terminals.

Enjoy Multiple Sources in Multiple Rooms
With the VSX-819H-K you can keep everyone in your household happy. You can select a movie to play in one room and set up tunes in another. Watch your favorite Blu-ray video on your HDTV in your living room while someone else listens to his/her favorite tracks from the AM/FM tuner or CD player in the kitchen.

Customize Your Experience
The VSX-819H-K also has 30 tuner presets, so you can quickly dial in your favorite music channel. Additionally, the VSX-819H-K is SIRIUS® satellite radio-ready for even more entertainment options. (subscription sold separately)

The VSX-819H-K is backed by a one-year warranty.

Advanced Sound Retriever technology restores lost detail from compressed music for a better music experience from MP3 players.

What's in the Box
Pioneer VSX-819H-K 5-Channel A/V Receiver, remote control, and iPhone connection cable.

Amplifier Channels

iPhone/iPod Music, Photo, Video

Advanced Sound Retriever

x.v. Color & Deep Color

PQLS

Analog to HDMI Video Up-Conversion

1080p Video Up-Scaling

HDMI Terminals In/Out

AV (Composite) In/Out

Audio In/Out (Tuner Inc.)

Component In/Out

Digital In/Out

VSX-1019AH-K

7

Multi

4/1

3/1

4/1

2/1

4/-

VSX-919AH-K

7

Multi

3/1

3/1

4/1

2/1

3/-

VSX-819H-K

5

2ch

3/1

3/1

3/1

2/1

3/-

VSX-519V-K

5

2ch

2/1

3/1

3/1

2/1

3/-

Product Description

As the VSX-819H-K was designed specifically as a high definition control center with HDMI connectivity for sources such as Blu-ray Disc players and HD-Audio decoding capabilities, you¿re assured ultimate performance. Even with portable entertainment demands increasing every day and devices such as the iPhone becoming the de facto choice for many with respect to enjoying their photos, videos and music, the VSX-819H-K still delivers. Connecting to your iPhone, iPod and iTouch devices, the VSX819H has never been easier with a front USB port and included cable. And because it¿s Works with iPhone certified, the VSX-819H-K delivers a multitude of features designed to bring the entertainment stored on your iPhone into your home theater.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

49 of 56 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Sound from Pioneer, May 2, 2009

By	E. Smith - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Went to Best Buy to compare the Yamaha RX-V465 and the Pioneer VSX-819H-k. I had read reviews on the Yamaha on several different websites and most were very positive. I could find no reviews for the Pioneer since it just started reaching retailers during the past 2 weeks. I noticed the Yamaha on display and didn't really like the appearance-seemed less substantial in appearance than the Pioneer. They both looked impressive with the online pics. I know you don't buy according to appearances, although aesthetics can weigh in on a tie/deal breaker. I asked to see the Pioneer and the sales rep had to check his stock. They had not displayed a model since they just arrive the day before. He brought a new box out and opened it so I could compare it to the yamaha and we talked about the different features that were important/meaningful on both receivers. The advanced digital sound fields mean nothing to me. On most receivers they are either a variation of Dolby Prologic II or provide sound stage fields with irritating echoes. Every receiver I have owned (currently we have Panasonic and Sony Models)have these digital sound fields and we never use them.

The Yamaha sounded pretty good hooked up to a blu-ray movie at the store. The True HD was unbelievable! The specs on the Yamaha were the same as the Pioneer as far as supporting True HD and DTS-HD through the HDMI inputs-all switchable to the one HDMI output. The Yamaha has 4 HDMI inputs/1 ouput and the Pioneer has 3 HDMI inputs/ 1 output. I did a mind calculation on the spot and decided 3 outputs were sufficient for my set-up (Dish sat/Sylvania blu-ray/Panasonic DVD Recorder.) The THD was .9 for the Yamaha and .05 for the Pioneer. I don't know how significant that is but the Pioneer seems that it would have clearer sound at low volume with less distortion. The Quick set-up using a microphone placed at your normal listening position are also similar. The Yamamha calls it YPAO while Pioneer calls it MCACC. Most receivers have some variation of this at the mid-price range. The back of the receivers were similar as far as inputs/outputs but the Pioneer had the banana plugs for wiring (which I prefer) while the Yamaha had spring clips for some of the speakers. I won't go into any further specs/features-just go to the company websites or here at Amazon.

Well, I chose the Pioneer. It looked more solid and had some additional features that seemed important to me. I could always return it if I was less than satisfied. I did mention (I am no slouch) that since it was an open box-could I get an "open box" discount? The sales rep laughed (he had opened it for me) and said "why not". So off I went with my 10% discount on a brand new Pioneer VSX-819H-K receiver.

Well, I am tired today! I spent about 2 hours setting it up in the den and removing a Sony which is going to the master BR. But I am VERY HAPPY. This thing sounds fantastic. The set-up was easy. I played the Blu-ray disc "Hitman" and it was like you were inside the screen with the DTS-HD giving you that feeling! Here's the weird thing- I have ordered a set of Yamaha surround speakers from another website (at that time I was somewhat sure that I was going to Purchase the Yamaha model) not that it matters-I'm sure that they'll sound fine with the Pioneer. Back to the weird- The speakers that I am currently using have not been placed on the walls or configured for surround sound-since I had taken them down and re-wired with 16 gauge wire. Since I should receive the Yamaha speakers in a few days I didn't replace the speakers back on the walls etc. I decided to do the QUICK SETUP with the right front on the floor tilted up toward my seating position-the left front 3 ft. off the floor on my AV rack- the center speaker on top of the TV- the 2 rear surrounds are on the floor behind me in the corners also tilted towards my seating position and my Sony subwoofer disconnected. (wired so I couldn't connect it to the Pioneer.) I guess the MCACC SETUP is really precise/accurate because the Blu-ray DVD was phenominal in it's surround direction. Just think when I get the new speakers appropriately set up in the surround configuration!? I think anyone will be happy with this AV receiver. I am a happy camper in my den surrounded by HD SOUND!! P.S. Try to find a store that just received them and ask them to open the box and then ask for a discount!! LOL

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Sound from a Great Receiver, August 13, 2009

By	F. New "Nurse Practitioner" (North Carolina) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have only had this receiver for a few days, so this isn't going to be as in depth as some of the reviews. I got the unit to replace an older model Pioneer receiver that didn't have any HDMI inputs or an on-screen setup guide. My TV only has 2 HDMI inputs and I have 3 components that can use HDMI (Blue Ray, High-Def DVR, and a Vudu box). Somewhere along the way, I was getting short changed. Instead of buying an HDMI splitter, I decided to replace my receiver with a more current model. Being familiar with Pioneer's Auto-calibration setup for the speakers, I stuck with what I knew. Besides, with the receivers 3 HDMI inputs and 1 output, I am good to go.

Out of the box, this receiver can deliver very good sound. Once connected and calibrated, there is not much that you have to adjust. If you use the HDMI connections and then run an HDMI cable to your TV, there is really no need to have any other cables with the exception of 1 set of component cables (more on this later). I now have the above mentioned components connected via HDMI cables to the receiver and 1 HDMI cable from the receiver to the TV. All switching between sources is handled by the receiver and video is upgraded to 1080i (except the Blue Ray of course, which is 1080p). When set to auto, the receiver automatically chooses the best audio format for the signal that it is receiving.

Now for the bad, and there isn't much. As mentioned by another reviewer, if you don't have component cables going from the receiver to your TV, you aren't going to be able to see the on-screen guide. The only mention made of this in the manual is in the footnotes. If I had not read this in a previous review, I would have been extremely frustrated. I am not sure why Pioneer did this when you are already using HDMI. At the very least, they could have made it a little clearer (or bigger) in the manual. My other complaint is the remote. It is not very intuitive and is pretty basic. I use a Logitech Harmony remote for all my stuff anyway, so this is not such a big deal to me.

Overall I have been VERY happy with this receiver so far. After using the auto-calibration microphone, the receiver made all the adjustments (speaker size, room size, sub-woofer present) and all I had to do was adjust the bass and treble to my liking. Another feature of this receiver is that it can control your iPod or iPhone. It comes with a special cable to connect them to the stereo and shows the information on the receiver and the TV and while the GUI may by pretty primitive (think VCR menus), it works and gives you the information that you need.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars New receiver-Awesome, June 30, 2009

By	Jeremy David Breen "the dude08" (Denver, CO) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Just got my new receiver about a week ago and I couldn't be happier. It works better than I expected and with the Yamaha speakers I bought the sound is phenomenal. I've heard higher end setups before that don't sound this good. If you're thinking about getting this one stop thinking and get it. With all hdmi inputs setup couldn't be simpler