You may be able to make much better sound without auto setup.
(Credit: Steve Guttenberg)Auto speaker setup and calibration is a popular feature on almost every receiver and a lot of home-theater-in-a-box systems.
Sure, it sounds like a peachy idea, but the accuracy of auto setup is hardly a sure thing; and at their worst, auto setup systems sound worse than no setup at all.
Ideally, the setup system automatically determines speaker sizes (large or small), measures speaker-to-listener distances, sets the volume levels of all of the speakers, determines the proper subwoofer volume level, checks that all the speaker wires' "+" and "-" connections are properly oriented at the speaker and receiver ends, and calculates the subwoofer-to-speaker crossover point. Some receivers also employ EQ (equalization) curves to correct for speaker and room acoustic anomalies.
What's not to like? Well, it the auto setup worked perfectly, nothing.
But they're mostly flawed: Subwoofer calibrations are almost always off. Auto calibration systems boost the sub volume much too high, and overestimate the sub distance to the listener by a factor of two (so a 10 foot distance becomes 20 or more feet).
Worse yet, auto setup systems rarely set the subwoofer-to-satellite speakers crossover frequency to the optimum point. That is, they tend to set the crossover too high, say 150 Hertz, which unnecessarily restricts the speakers' bass response. The speakers might sound better with a lower crossover setting. I recommend 80Hz for all speakers with 4- to 6-inch woofers; 100Hz for 3-inch woofers; and higher settings of 120Hz or 150Hz only for the tiniest speakers.
Accessing the measurement data post auto setup can be tricky on some receivers. Then you really don't know what you have.
Thing is, manual setup isn't all that difficult and will likely be more accurate. And chances are you wouldn't muck up the distances as poorly as the autosetup would. Running the test tones over the speakers and manually adjusting the sound by ear or with a Radio Shack meter isn't so hard to do.
... Read more
Check out the full AVIC-U310BT review.
(Credit: James Martin/CNET)When we last saw the AVIC-U310BT navigation and car audio receiver, Pioneer was telling us that its goal with the new entry-level AVIC model was to provide GPS navigation, digital audio and iPod integration, and Bluetooth hands-free at an affordable price. After spending time reviewing the U310BT, we're convinced that they've hit the mark.
The AVIC-U310BT is an easy-to-use device with many neat touches that extend its usability beyond that of more expensive competing units. For example, it doesn't just pair with your phone for hands-free calling, it automatically imports your contacts as well. The detachable touch screen is powered by a rechargeable battery, so it can be used outside of the vehicle to input destinations, save favorites, and plan multidestination routes.
However, the AVIC-U310BT isn't without its flaws, and it appears that Pioneer had to cut some corners to keep the unit's price down. Most heinously, the U310BT ships with a severely limited set of preloaded points of interest. We've never seen a GPS device not include a category for restaurants, but the AVIC-U310BT doesn't.
The AVIC-U310BT is the entry point into the AVIC lineup.
(Credit: Pioneer)Fortunately, it's easy to add your own POIs with Pioneer's AVIC-Feeds software or with the purchase of a $100 SD card preloaded with a more complete set of POIs, but either way the additional cost in time or money puts a slight dent in the AVIC-U310BT's low MSRP of $599.
Check out the full Pioneer AVIC-U310BT navigation audio receiver review.
On Sale Now: $331.99 - $599.99
View the latest prices for Pioneer AVIC-U310BT
The iPod is the most popular audio gadget of the decade, which is why it's incredibly frustrating that it's not easier to use it with your AV receiver. Either you're stuck using a patch cable and getting up from the couch to make playback changes, or you have to shell out for a pricey proprietary iPod dock.
That's why we were so excited when we saw the Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K (and its step-down cousins) at CES 2009; just plug your iPod into the front panel USB port using the included iPod cable and you can navigate your music using your TV screen. That's a unique feature in this price range and the VSX-1019AH-K also has a full suite of standard features, such as four HDMI inputs, 1080p analog upconversion, and multiroom functionality.
Even better, we were blown away by the sound quality of the VSX-1019AH-K for a $500 receiver, despite our initial worries that it weighs significantly less than last year's VSX-1018AH-K.
At this point, the VSX-1019AH-K is the clear front-runner for our Editors' Choice award in the midrange AV receiver category, but we're holding off on making the designation until we've reviewed the latest models from Sony and Denon.
That being said, with the street price of the VSX-1019AH-K creeping as low as $400 online, it's hard to imagine that there will be a better AV receiver value in 2009.
On Sale Now: $549.00 - $599.00
View the latest prices for Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K
Scion's new stereo looks well-designed for iPod browsing.
(Credit: Scion)In a response to tough economic times, Scion announced a new stereo for its 2010 xB model and a price unchanged from the current model year. The new stereo head unit is by Pioneer, and comes standard with the xB.
We've been impressed by Scion's early adoption of standard iPod connectivity, which continues in the 2010 model. The new stereo features a redesigned interface to the one it replaces, with controls that seem more appropriate for browsing music on an iPod and a better-looking display.
The outgoing xB stereo looks drab compared to the new one.
(Credit: Scion)The sound system output, 160 watts, remains the same as the previous electronics. Beyond the improved interface, the major change seems to be new sound processing technology from Pioneer called Advanced Sound Retriever, which tries to restore depth to compressed audio tracks.
Scion also offers a new premium audio system, this one from Alpine, with an optional navigation component. The 200 watt Alpine stereo offers HD radio, Media Expander sound processing technology, and a 4.3 inch color touch screen.
Unlike other automakers, Scion's reliance on aftermarket stereo makers gives it an edge in upgrading its model line-up. Instead of major changes on the production line, a new, standard double-DIN stereo can be swapped in more easily.
Scion announced that the base price of a manual transmission 2010 xB will be $15,750, the same as the current model. With upcoming competition from the Kia Soul and Nissan Cube, Scion needs to keep up. But the new technology availability gives prospective buyers an incentive to hold of on an xB purchase until the 2010 models come out.
If you have cash to spare and want the best picture quality, dang right you should.
Q: "David - Do you recommend waiting for the new higher-end plasmas from Panasonic or pulling the trigger on one of Pioneer's Kuro plasmas? Money no object."
-- Mark, via e-mail.
A: Having just finished reviewing one of those higher-end Panasonic plasmas, the G10 series, I'd recommend that deep-pocketed videophiles grab a Pioneer Kuro while they're still available.
As we'll remind everyone for what's sure to not be the last time, Pioneer will stop making plasmas. That's significant for shoppers looking to buy a high-end TV for one big reason: Pioneer makes what are still, in my and many other experts' opinions, the best HDTVs on the market. The company's Elite Kuro series earned the only "10" I've ever awarded in Performance for a flat-panel TV, while the superb non-Elite PDP-5020FD series were nearly as good, minus some adjustments and color accuracy (and plus about two grand).
Pioneer's factory in Pomona, Calif., will continue to manufacture these Kuro displays through April before it closes, according to the company, but after that I expect them to disappear quickly from store shelves. Of course, as long as the company itself is still around, I expect it to stand behind any Kuros it sells.
... Read more
On Sale Now: $2,999.00 - $3,999.99
View the latest prices for Pioneer Kuro PDP-5020FD
On Sale Now: $1,129.88 - $1,389.99
View the latest prices for Panasonic TC-P50G10
Automatic setup programs are supposed to be easy, but they can stump home theater neophytes.
(Credit: Steve Guttenberg)Most new AV receivers come with an "auto setup" or "automatic calibration" feature, but despite the word automatic, these features can stump AV novices. If you're setting up an AV receiver for the first time, this guide will put you on the right track.
First, let's describe what auto setup systems do.
They send test tones to all the speakers and subwoofer, and use a microphone to pick up the sound of the speakers in your room. Auto setup systems determine speaker sizes and volume levels, set the subwoofer-to-satellite crossover frequency, measure distances from each of the speakers to the listener, and confirm that all of the speaker cables are correctly hooked up. Some receivers also use equalization to balance the frequency response of all the speakers.
Auto setup systems go by different names, but they all do approximately the same thing. Denon and Onkyo feature Audyssey; Sony has Digital Cinema Auto Calibration, Pioneer Multi Channel Acoustic Calibration, and Yamaha uses a Parametric Room Acoustic Optimizer.
(Credit:
Steve Guttenberg)
The exact positioning of the auto calibration microphone is crucial for achieving accurate results. Some auto setup systems work from just one mic position, which would be the primary spot where you sit when watching movies by yourself. Ideally the mic should be placed at the same height as your ears when you're sitting watching a movie.
If you have a camera tripod, use it to place the mic at ear height; perfectionists should move the couch entirely out of the way. Lacking a tripod place the mic on the back of the couch, atop the highest pillow.
... Read moreLots of news in gadgets this week, which is welcome after the usual post-CES lull. If you didn't have time to catch it all in real time, we've helpfully compiled a list of some of this week's best stories. Consider it Crave's Valentine to you. <3
• In honor of the holiday everyone loves to hate, we here at Crave compiled a list of the gadgets we've loved and lost, or got so frustrated with we wanted to throw them against the wall. Check out the gadgets that broke our hearts.
(Credit:
Joshua Goldman/CNET Networks)
• The Kindle 2 arrived Monday looking slimmer, trimmer, and a lot less ugly. David Carnoy does the hands-on review.
• The TV herd is thinning: Pioneer says it'll exit the TV business altogether, and Vizio says it will stop making plasma sets and focus just on LCD.
• Sometimes video game industry swag isn't just ridiculous, it's also delicious.
• Build a phone...out of Legos.
• There's going to be a deluge of mobile news starting this weekend as the GSMA Mobile World Congress kicks off. Head over to the GSMA 2009 blog for the latest info out of Barcelona.
See anything we missed? Write to us at crave dot cnet dot com.
Top of the (midpriced) heap: Sony STR-DG920
(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET Networks)Back in November, I asked the question, "What's the best midpriced AV receiver?"--but had to confess that we hadn't reviewed as many as we would've liked. Since then, Senior Associate Editor Matt Moskovciak and resident Audiophiliac Steve Guttenberg sequestered themselves in the CNET listening room and put several models to the test.
When the smoke cleared, the Sony STR-DG920 was at the top of the heap, with the Pioneer VSX-1018AH and Onkyo TX-SR606 impressing us as well. The Denon AVR-1909 sounded great and was packed with features, but that model's confusing remote control and Sisyphean setup duties relegates it to advanced AV nerds with plenty of patience. Rounding things out was the Yamaha RX-V663, with only two HDMI inputs and subpar video conversion. We recommend avoiding the Panasonic SA-BX500 altogether--even selling at a discounted price, it's far too underfeatured compared to the other receivers listed here. (We tried to get our hands on the Harman Kardon AVR 254, but a review sample wasn't available.) Check out our full comparison for the head-to-head ratings, links to the reviews, and hands-on videos.
All of the receivers tested were 2008 models. For 2009, Pioneer is the only major name that's announced its product lineup, but we're expecting news from Yamaha and Sony in the very near future. That should be followed up in the spring by new model announcements from Onkyo, HK, and Denon. Receivers will be a priority in 2009, so we're looking forward to reviewing the next crop of models as soon as we can. In the meantime, let us know what you think of the current reviews, and what you're looking forward to in the AV receiver realm for 2009.
Goodbye, Kuro: We had a lot of great times--and even greater contrast ratios--together
(Credit: Pioneer)It's a rumor no more: Pioneer has confirmed that it's exiting the TV business.
The Japanese manufacturer announced that it will stop producing TVs by March 2010, and instead focus on its existing car electronics and home audio-video lines. The company expects to slash 10,000 jobs (6,000 full-time, 4,000 part-time) as a result.
To date, the company's Kuro line of HDTVs were widely regarded as the best-in-class plasma displays available--check out CNET's review of the Pioneer Elite Kuro PRO-111FD, for example.
The Pioneer announcement comes just hours after Vizio announced that it would stop producing plasmas and focus solely on LCD panels instead. The departure of Pioneer and Vizio from the market leaves just three major manufacturers producing plasma TVs: Panasonic, LG, and Samsung.
Full details on the story are available at TWICE.
Erica Ogg's post "Report: Pioneer to exit TV business" made a point abundantly clear: TV buyers won't pay a premium price for a better display.
"The company is reportedly exiting the TV business rather than continuing to incur losses in that division," Ogg wrote. "This latest report comes a few months after Pioneer announced that it anticipated huge losses at the end of its fiscal year in March and plans to lay off 2,000 workers."
The market's demands for lower and lower prices eventually take high-quality manufacturers out of the game.
I'm not a video guy, but I do know that while Pioneer made some of the best displays, the market wasn't willing to pay for its quality. The race-to-the-bottom environment is certainly in full swing on the audio side. Sales of high-quality speakers continue to erode, thanks to booming sales of lower-quality home-theater-in-a-box systems and iPod speakers.
I'm sorry, but I want companies making the highest-quality products to prosper. But the way things are going, only the bottom-feeders will survive.
What do you think?
