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Provides: iPhone certified 5-channel audio/video decoding featuring Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Decoders
Developer: Pioneer Electronics
Price: $299.00
Availability: Out now

If you’re still looking for proof that the iPhone has revolutionized mobile devices, consider that A/V receivers for home entertainment systems now advertise themselves as being iPhone certified. Before the iPhone, the idea that you would want to connect your cell phone to your home theater system was just ridiculous. Now, it’s a feature I wouldn’t do without, and Pioneer has provided that functionality a fairly low price point.

Before I get into the features of this individual unit, bear in mind that Pioneer also offers iPhone/iPod Certified units in the VSX-1019AH-K ($499.00) and VSX-919AH-K ($399.00) models. Obviously, the two higher level systems bring more overall functionality to the table, and you can visit Pioneer’s site to see if they’re worth it. I bring it up, though, because one feature is relevant to the iPhone functionality; the VSX-1019AH-K features upscaling to convert analog signals to 1080p. Without this, you’ll need to run composite video from the receiver to your TV in order to view iPhone and iPod video. Not a major hassle if you have the cable, but it’s worth considering when making your purchase (and remembering when hooking up the system). Note you’ll also need to pass a composite or component video signal to your TV in order to view the onscreen system settings, so you’ll need to have this anyway.

Setting up the VSX-819H is pretty simple physically, but not so much once everything’s connected. If you’re new to the wonders of HDMI, you’re going to love being able to do without all the component video, optical audio, and whatever other methods you’ve used to improve the quality of your audio and video. The various inputs and outputs on the back of the system are clearly marked and, quite honestly, are easier to follow than the instructions provided. I also liked that the HDMI inputs are placed in such a manner that you can somewhat easily them behind the unit without having to pull the unit out from its cabinet.

The VSX-819H offers 3 HDMI in and 1 out, 2 component in and 1 out, 3 A/V in and 1 out, 1 digital coaxial in, 2 digital optical input/output, and support for Sirius Satellite Radio. You can visit pioneerelectronics.com for the full specs, but I’ll also mention that whereas the VSX-819H does feature Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HDy Decoders, it doesn’t support 7 channel audio. 5.1 is the best you’ll get here. I was a bit disappointed to learn there’s no outlet on the back for a Blu-ray or DVD player, but that’s easily bypassed. Setting up your surround system (levels and such) with the onscreen settings is very easy to do, allowing you to customize the audio reproduction for your exact speaker setup/placement.

Things start to go a bit south with the VSX-819H, however, once you actually sit down to use it. Most of this is the fault of the manual, not the system. Two hours after hooking it up, I still wasn’t able to get any Blu-ray audio playback. The manual is such a mess of tech speak and connection options that it’s almost impossible to follow. I tried some online forums, too, but couldn’t find any assistance.

And yet, if there’s one thing I’ve learned about such hook ups, it’s that the fault is always mine. After double checking the connections and my Blu-ray player settings, I scoured the manual once again for what I was doing wrong. Ends up the difference was between A and H; I needed to tell the receiver to use HDMI audio for the Blu-ray player. Why I had to do this, I have no idea. Why the receiver shouldn’t just default to this if an HDMI cable is plugged in, I have no idea. Why the readout doesn’t offer more help than just “A” and “H” on the display, I have no idea. Instead, tucked into the very back of the “Listening to Your System” chapter of the manual is an explanation of the input signals.

That’s it for the troubles I had, however. Once you do have everything running smoothly, the VSX-819H is a great system for the price. The HDMI picture and audio are both outstanding and hassle free, and the majority of the settings you’ll need to change semi-regularly are on the front of the unit. I didn’t like that the volume control has no indicator light on the knob and that you seemingly have to turn it forever in order to make much of a change, but that’s a minor gripe.

Which brings me, finally, to the iPhone and iPod support. This is handled via USB and composite video inputs on the front of the unit. The cable is provided with the system. If you just want to use the inputs for audio playback, no worries; a rather ugly but functional display appears on the TV screen so you can select your music via the remote or front panel display. If you’ve hooked up the composite video connection from the receiver to the TV, you can watch your videos, as well, but all control must be handled via your iDevice.

I don’t need to explain the benefit of running iPhone/iPod video to your TV, but audio? Well, sure. You may want to have stereo speakers hooked up so you can bypass your smaller surround sound system (which the VSX-819H supports with the push of a button), but you’ve already got this unit in your living room. Why not use it instead of a separate iPod speaker system?

So, what the VSX-819H brings you is a somewhat minimal A/V receiver with handy iPhone/iPod support. You’ll get just what you need as far as functionality goes, but with excellent video/audio quality at a reasonable price. If you can afford to go up a model or two, I recommend you do so. If not, this is a great entry-level unit that will not disappoint…once you get everything set up properly, anyway.