Advantages: High playback quality, easy to use and available in black!
Disadvantages: Occasional SCART problems on startup, no "display off" option, sometimes too good!

...that Pioneer have supplied the DV464 generously with connectors - in addition to the standard SCART socket (which is RGB capable), you also get composite video and S-Video connectors. In terms of video output, the only thing missing is component output - but, unless you have a plasma screen, that won't be of concern to you. Of course, you're best off using SCART - RGB is by far the highest quality format. It's worth noting, though, that, on most televisions, only the first SCART socket will work with RGB. It's also worth a mention that some video recorders, satellite decoders and Freeview boxes can't pass RGB signals through. You'll need to experiment - most TVs will say "RGB" when they're receiving an RGB signal. Turn to sound output and you'll find a pair of phono outputs, and both coaxial and optical outputs. This is rather handy when your... Read review

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Advantages: Chock full of features for a great price!
Disadvantages: No inbuilt Dobly/DTS decoders no DVD+R support.

...surround sound out of two speakers. Virtual Dolby Digital (ProLogic): Downmixes a Dolby 5.1 surround source and recreates the same effect through 2 speakers. Useful for users who aren't willing to splash-out on costly Home Theater Equipment but want the similar effect. TruSurround by SRS: Same as above but with a few enhancments to make the "surround sound" experience out of 2 speakers even better. Dolby Digital 5.1 output: Can output the Dolby Digital 5.1 signal to a Digital Audio coaxial cable or Optical Digital cable. This must then be fed into an A/V (Audio/Visual) receiver with a built-in Dolby Digital 5.1 decoder. From this receiver the sound is then outputted to the 5 speakers and 1 subwoofer. The ability to turn the Dolby Digital 5.1 on and off is included. Dolby Digital EX (6.1): The unit can output to Dolby Digital EX 6.1, which... Read review

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Advantages: 5 separate source inputs, easy to set-up, superb sound.
Disadvantages: Weighs a lot (16kg!), quite big.

...With over 10 years of faithful service, it was with great reluctance that I decided to replace my JVC all in one stereo system. There were several reasons for this, firstly it did not have all of the required inputs for the additional pieces of audio visual hi-fi kit that I now have (Freeview receiver, DVD player, Media Player, CD changer, etc). Secondly the speakers were getting on a bit and were not surround sound and with movies now coming with at least 5.1 surround sound, I felt it was necessary to be able to listen to them like this! To replace my JVC system I would need two components; an AV amplifier (the Pioneer VSX-AX3) and a set of speakers (see my review of the Mordaunt-Short Genie). Before I settled on these components I did a lot of research on the web to find out what the current trends are and what the reviewers thought... Read review

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Advantages: Solid build, looks, quality
Disadvantages: None yet

...The range of features on this amp is outstanding. It looks fantastic with the all metal constructions and brushed aluminium front panel. The display is well lit, but can be dimmed if it becomes an interference. The rear panel is intimidating to look at for a beginner, but after close examination everything is very well laid out. It has almost every available input/output option you might need for nearly all cable types (I have managed to plug in all of my a/v equipment!). The controls on the front are conveniently hidden behind a flip down panel. When I first used it I found that the controls seemed limited but everything you want is there (it has just been simplified). The best feature(s) on this amp has to be all quick set up options. The amp asks you a series of questions to give you the optimal sound output depending on this like... Read review

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Advantages: Fantastic audio/AV Delivery
Disadvantages: Who cares

...I have enjoyed the old Pioneer DV 626D for many years but up dated my TV to Samsung 1080 capability so invested in new 600av. Wow what a change! This is the best money I have ever spent on AV. I have an old Yamaha DSP2 Amp and B&W surround speakers. Now they dance to both audio and DvD. I played Harry Potter 3 on old system then on new. The difference is mind blowing! Then put on a classical cd and sit back and wonder what you have been missing. I have friends who are so chuffed about their audio systems and would melt to hear what this system can deliver. Hey buttons are small it needs a bit of time to warm, up and do not rely on display for info but put your favourite DVd or CD on and sit back and enjoy. You will not be dissapointed!!.... Read review

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Advantages: Compact, Excellent sound, attractive and slimline, versatile, multifunction remote
Disadvantages: Only SCART connectors for inputs, Adaptor needed for non-scart stuff

...When looking for a decent AV amp to complement my DVD player, I couldn't believe how bloody enormous most of them are. I have enough HiFi gear on the rack without making it look like the flight deck of the Starship Enterprise. I eventually managed to fight my way through the tortuous one-way system in Watford (I must be MAD) to RICHER SOUNDS in St Albans Road. (they have a car park at the back). After looking at the Yamaha and Marantz offerings I decided that a 2001 monolith lookalike would go down like a lead balloon, and then I saw the Pioneer.... They had VSX-C301 hooked up in the demo-room and despite the traffic and shop noise, the sound was powerful and clear without being strained and distorted. It is clear that it is generously rated for higher volumes (with the appropriate speakers). It is compatible with Dolby Prologic-2... Read review

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Advantages: Cheap(ish), Lots of features, easy to use,
Disadvantages: None as yet!

...on how you've set up the sound. But the image is definitely a lot sharper than when I was playing videos through the same television. The sound was again much better, even through my TV speakers. If you're looking to get better quality of sound from the player, there's a digital (optical) output which could be used for recording your CDs and a DTS output for connection to an A/V receiver for multi-channel sound (5.1). You'll find a full list of specifications at: http://www.pioneer-eur.com/eur/productdetail.jsp?productid=3728&taxonomyid=45-64 as well as a detailed picture of the player and the remote. One last thing worth noting is that despite the fact it's labelled on the back as a Region 2 DVD player (DVDs are split into regions with Region 1 being America and Canada, Region 2 being Europe, Japan, South Africa and Middle East etc... Read review

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Advantages: Fantastic sound Quality, affordable (without losing manufacturer quality), Very easy to use, can handle several speakers without the need for adding additional amps, Plenty of inputs and outputs (ideal if you want to hook it up to the stereo and tv)
Disadvantages: None. My parents have bought the system, and have a technological knowledge of zero, therefore they find the use of the remote control a little confusing, but after set-up and a good read of the manual, its relatively easy to get to grips with

...- Initial Note - My parents recently travelled to the States, and was expecting a gift when they got home, but have instead bought the Pioneer Reciever. They had been talking about getting a good surround system, as they watch the television quite a lot (too much), and generally listen to a lot of music when entertaining. I must say they have got a brilliant buy, and at an affordable price. (Prices are generally a lot cheaper if you buy in the states, and therefore got a bargain at only US $349, which at todays exchange rate is £188, which may I say is a lot cheaper than at home) However, even at the UK prices I think this system is well worth a try. The sound quality is so precise, strong and clear. When you have it turned up to the hilt, the bass system doesnt crackle or fade, and generally seems to respond effectively to excessive... Read review

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Advantages: Price, Quality, Sound, Looks
Disadvantages: Remote a bit fiddily

...This receiver forms the main part of my home cinema system and having only recently purchased it I am still getting used to it. However, first impressions usually account for a lot and I like it. I like it a lot. It is basically a DSP-A5 as mentioned by another reviewer, but has an RDS tuner built in. (It cost £290) The Amp is heavy, and you really feel like you are getting a quality item, which of course you are. It has several surround modes and if the DVD you are watching broadcasts in dts then this amp will make the most of it. For home cinema it is superb and seemlessly separates the surround sounds. The lobby scene in Matrix is handled very well. I decided on this amp because I also wanted to listen to normal 2 channel music and get rid of my Hi-Fi system. I wasn't disappointed as it acts just like a standard amp when listening... Read review

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Advantages: Superb picture, shines with audio too
Disadvantages: Looks flimsy, feels flimsy, nasty remote

..., CD-RW, CD-ROM, DVD-RW, SVCD and JPEG encoded picture files. Should you be lacking an AV Receiver, do not worry as the 565 comes with it's own DTS and Dolby Digital 5.1 decoder. If you do have a AV Receiver then take the chance to use the same 6 channel speaker analogue outputs to listen to full bandwidth, zero compression sound with added muscle from your amp. I was startled at the new life this player brought to my music collection. Sailing that precarious line between too sharp and clinical and too soft and imprecise, the 565's audio capabilities should be shouted from the rooftops, just think what the top end Pioneer decks are capable of. The 565 is classified as middle ground for the DVD market and the features and set ups of the machine are guaranteed to overwhelm an entry level buyer. It has menus galore and infinite ways to set... Read review

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