JVC RX-D211S 7.1-Channel XM-Ready Home Theater Receiver with USB PC Link, Silver

Internally, the receiver is equipped with a hybrid feedback digital amplifier (version III) and a DSP digital equalizer. The amp runs at 770 watts of total power (110 watts x 7 in surround mode, 110 watts x 2 in stereo mode), which should satisfy all but the largest listening environments. To create an even wider sound field, the receiver offers a virtual surround back function that simulates the effect of a rear surround speaker even if you don't own one. And if you're not quite ready to upgrade to full surround but want to keep your options open, you can employ the receiver's 3D Phonic virtual surround function, which simulates the dynamic realism of full surround sound through your system's pair of stereo speakers.

Busy listeners will appreciate the RX-D211S's AV Compu Link function, which facilitates simple one-touch coordination between your JVC audio and video components. Simply pop a DVD into your JVC DVD player and the RX-D211S automatically activates the receiver and TV while switching them to the proper modes. Meanwhile, people who live in large households will delight in the 3-D Headphone feature, which creates an out-of-the-box surround effect through any ordinary pair of stereo headphones (not included). The receiver even lets you stream audio directly from your computer using its USB PC link, which works with both PCs and Macs.

In addition to including a digital AM/FM tuner, the RX-D211S also accommodates both XM and Sirius satellite radio. The XM option is a bit more pocketbook-friendly, as all you need is a separately sold antenna and subscription and you're ready to go. Once you subscribe to XM, you can view all the XM channel and artist information on the RX-D211S's built-in display. By contrast, you'll need a Sirius tuner and subscription to enjoy the full array of Sirius channels, but the RX-D211S eases the transition by including a Sirius input that interacts with the unit's remote control. The Sirius input also makes it easy to scan for channels or access station information.

Components connect to the unit through its comprehensive series of inputs and outputs, including two digital audio inputs (one optical, one coaxial), four analog audio inputs, and two analog audio outputs. The RX-D211S also acts as an audio/video switcher, with up-conversion from composite to S-video or S-video to component signals. The A/V jacks include two component video inputs and one output, three S-video inputs and three outputs, and three composite inputs and three outputs.

The RX-D211S measures 17.19 by 3.62 by 14.19 inches (W x H x D) and is backed by a two-year warranty on parts and labor.

What's in the Box
Receiver, remote control, AM and FM antennas, user's manual.