VSX-94TXH
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Pioneer BDP-95FD Elite Blu-ray player unboxed
There are some days when we just can't believe we get paid to work for Engadget -- and a day when a Pioneer Elite BDP-95FD Blu-ray player and VSX-94TXH Audio/Video Receiver show up at our labs, is most definitely one of those days. Pioneer really knows how to make some nice looking hardware and as you hold them, there's no doubt you have a premium product in your hands. Our initial impressions of both components have us very impressed and while we slave away putting this high-end hardware through the paces, you'll have to wait for our full review. So enjoy the pics and if you think of any questions about this new hardware, drop 'em in the comments and we'll do our best to report back. %Gallery-17178%
New Pioneer Elite A/V receivers hit the streets
We've checked out the deets on two of Pioneer's new A/V receivers in their Elite range, the VSX-92TXH and VSX-94TXH and now they are finally shipping. As you'd expect from the Elite moniker, these units are pretty packed with goodies. They're both THX approved, 7.1 channel receivers rated at 130 and 140 Watts per channel, respectively. These are fully HD-ready by any sensible definition of "HD". For your eyes, they can pass 1080p, 24Hz video along their four HDMI 1.3a ports. Upscaling of analog video is handled by a Faroudja DCDi chip for all your digitally-deficient components. For your ears, these receivers handle Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD Master Audio audio signals. If you can't get enough THX goodness in your theater, these units also have Neural-THX Surround, the latest in audio trickery to get your ears to suspend disbelief. There's the usual gaggle of inputs on these units, on top of which Pioneer has added iPod, XM and Sirius device support. [Thanks, Mark]
Pioneer's new Elite receivers now with HDMI 1.3a
Whether you need it or not, HDMI 1.3a is all the rage these days. Maybe it's because it's the way we're used to doing things, but maybe it's cause we want our audio decoded by the same piece of equipment that amplifies it (but probably because Dolby can license more equipment). Regardless of where you like your Dolby TureHD decoded, we love options. Just like the recently announced Onkyo receivers, Pioneer's new lineup of Elite receivers includes decoders for Dolby TrueHD, DTS MA and a slew of other formats. These new receivers offer other features too; like iPod and satellite radio compatibility and HDMI Consumer Electronics Control. The HDMI 1.3 equipped models start with a MSRP of $1000 and will be available in June.
