Pioneer VSX-D309 Audio/Video Receiver

Average customer rating:

Take the good with the Bad.

Apartment dwellers delight

Good DD/DTS A/V receiver for the price

best of the small ones

super

Pioneer VSX-D309 Audio/Video Receiver

Manufacturer: Pioneer
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Stereo Receivers | Receivers & Amplifiers | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics
Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
Accessories:

NETGEAR Wireless Digital Music Player

Monster Cable ILS100-1M Interlink LightSpeed 100 High-Performance Digital Fiber-Optic Cable, Toslink-to-Toslink (1 Meter)

Monster Cable MP HTS800 Home Theater PowerCenter HTS800

Sennheiser HD500 Traditional Over-Ear Open "Fusion" Full-Size Headphones (Black)

Monster Cable IDL100-1M Interlink Datalink 100 3.28-Foot S/PDIF-Style Coaxial Digital-Audio Interconnect

Product Features:

Audio-video receiver with Dolby Digital, DTS, and Dolby Pro Logic decoding

60 watts per channel x 5

5.1-channel analog inputs

10 digital signal processing (DSP) environments

Remote control

ASIN: B00004SD9E

Amazon.com Product Description

With built-in Dolby Digital, DTS, and Dolby Pro Logic decoding, Pioneer's VSX-D309 surround receiver lets you take full advantage of today's 5.1-channel movies and music. Dialogue and sound effects come through with great clarity and spaciousness for an excellent home theater experience.

The VSXD309 provides an ample 60 watts of amplifier power to each of its five channels (left/right front, center, and left/right rear). It also offers a subwoofer output for incorporating the ".1" low-frequency effects (LFE) channel encoded on most DVDs and on DTS-mastered surround sound compact discs.

Complete 5.1-channel analog inputs bring welcome flexibility, letting you use the VSX-D309 with a surround-decoding DVD player or a future six-channel surround format.

Ten digital signal processing (DSP) environments transport you to your venue of choice--including hall, jazz club, and stadium--for a customized sonic experience.

The midnight mode compresses dynamic range while slightly increasing the clarity of dialogue for late-night viewing sessions. Midnight mode also dims the VSX-D309's front-panel display.

The VSX-D309 has plenty of standard features as well. Three audio-video inputs accommodate a DVD player, a VCR, and another component, such as a second VCR. Nestled around back are a subwoofer output and two digital audio inputs, one coaxial and one optical. The Pioneer VSX-D309 comes with a remote control and a one-year warranty on parts and labor.

Product Description

Product Features * Audio-video receiver with Dolby Digital, DTS, and Dolby Pro Logic decoding * 60 watts per channel x 5 * Number of channels (including subwoofer): 6 * Onscreen display (OSD): No * Screen dimmer: Yes * Speaker terminals: Clip-type * Tuner: Yes * Balance adjust: Yes * Mono switch: Yes * Remote control type: Full-function, push buttons, CD * Volume control: Rotary * Automatic station setting: Yes * RF antenna input: Yes * Station presets: 30 * Type: Digital AM/FM * Bass: Yes * Loudness: Yes * Treble: Yes * Current output, peak: N/A * Digital processors: Pioneer DSP * Digital-to-analog audio converter: 44.1 kHz * Frequency response (+/- 3 dB): 5 to 100,000 Hz * Power output (stereo): 60 watts per channel (front speakers); into 8 ohms from 40 to 20,000 Hz with 0.2 percent THD * Power output (surround): 60 watts per channel (front speakers), 60 wpc (surround), 60 wpc (center); into 8 ohms at 1 kHz with 0.8 percent THD * Signal-to-noise ratio (playback): 97 dB * THD (stereo): 0.2 percent * THD (surround, all channels driven): 0.8 percent * Width: 18.00 inches * Height: 6.81 inches * Depth: 18.50 inches * Weight: 22.00 pounds

Customer Reviews:

Take the good with the Bad........2002-12-16

Pioneer makes great Audio recievers, speakers, and components. Take this reciever. A great Price for Dolby Digital, Pro Logic, and DTS Decoding. But the power output at 60 Watts per channel is Not so good. I like loud Rock music. When you turn the volume up, the bass fades away. Which is another negative. The many different options of speaker setup and tone control is great. It gives the user Control over almost everything. If you want great bass, i recommend using large speakers as front speaker,or two 100 watt powered subwoofers. And a good five speaker system, made by sony, pioneer, or bose.

Apartment dwellers delight.......2001-04-14

At this price - entry level for surround sound - I did not expect so many ways to customize the sound to match your speakers and your room conditions. Great flexibility in that regard.

One of these features has turned out to be essential for me, and may be for you as well if you are living in an apartment as opposed to a suburban house. I'll explain: "Midnight Mode" takes the softest parts of the movie (or CD) and elevates it a bit, so you get the full presence of the scene even if you haven't set the volume excessively high. When watching DVDs before I had this unit I'd noticed that many times I needed to turn up the volume during dialogue scenes, and turn it down during "explosion scenes". Midnight Mode (and a couple other methods of compressing the dynamic range) overcomes this problem. You simply put the volume at your favorite level (a level you will enjoy which won't damage your hearing, and which your housemates won't mind) and you will never have to be worried that a softly spoken scene will be inaudible. It will be audible - and sound very good indeed. To a lesser extent, this mode also reduces the excess volume of explosions, but I believe it is weighed more in favor of bringing up the quiet than in reducing the loud - which is why other reviews said they didn't notice it reducing the loud sounds much at all. (It is actually good that people think the effect is subtle -- if it drew attention to itself, it wouldn't be doing the job well, would it?) I think it is more intended to bring out the nuances, and it does so splendidly. Also works great for keeping music CDs sound full when played at background levels. All with a simple one-click change.

Another nice things I've noticed: This unit doesn't get too hot. Maybe because it is only 60 watts per channel (which is double what I grew up with!). Perhaps it costs less to run, as well?

In summary, I was concerned that at this price I'd be making sacrifices, that I'd be stuck with something that sounded one particular way. But it is flexible to your room conditions and your speaker sizes. No sacrifices here, except the lack of S-Video inputs (which might not be a factor for you at all).

Good DD/DTS A/V receiver for the price.......2000-12-27

This affordable A/V receiver does both Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, making it ideal for a DVD home theater setup. It also does a better job of Dolby Prologic decoding than my old Pioneer VSX-455 receiver. Amazon's review above already mentions most of the features of this receiver. In addition, it has one coax digital input and one optical digital input (cable not provided) for your DD/DTS source. It also comes with FM and AM antennae.

The receiver lets you fine-tune your surround sound setup by specifying speaker sizes (setting one to "Large" will send more bass to it if you don't have a subwoofer), set cutoff frequency for the subwoofer, set volumes of individual speakers, and set distances between the speakers and the listener.

As mentioned in the Amazon review, the "Midnight" mode only helps "slightly". There is a separate "Dynamic Range Compression" feature that lets you select MID (middle) or MAX compression; but at either setting it makes barely noticeable difference to loud sounds. Like me, many people sometimes find it hard to hear movies at home -- dialogs too soft, sound effects too loud. The truth is that movies are made to be listened in an ideal accoustic environment like a theater, and most homes simply cannot recreate such an environment. Hence, many receivers include features like "Midnight" mode to make a movie soundtrack less overwhelming. But they often don't work well enough, and they distort the original sound way too much.

The "DSP sound modes", which turn plain stereo sound (such as from CD or radio) into a sort of "fake surround" sound, are OK. They don't do magic, but at least they don't distort the sound into an unrecognizable mess like my old Pioneer VSX-455 did.

One concern is there are not too many A/V inputs on this receiver. Besides the coax and optical digital inputs, there are just 3 video inputs and 4 analog audio inputs. This is barely enough to accommodate a TV, VCR, DVD player, LD Player, and CD Player. And it's definitely not enough if you also have satellite TV, audio cassette deck, turntable, etc.

I find the the receiver's 60 watts of power sufficient, although I often have to turn up the volume to about -30db (0db is max, -94 is min), which is almost 70% above the minimum.

The remote control is typically unexceptional: small buttons, confusing interface, useless as a universal remote.

best of the small ones.......2000-07-05

the pioneer vsx-309 was a replacement receiver for a older model kenwood this receiver just blowed me away with the decoder and all it was eithetr buy a dvd with a decoder or a receiver so i asked the sales person at best buy he said the pioneer was a good buy at 210.00 love it only 60watts but i,m not goinng to blow my friends away sounds just like it is suppose to in the theare

super.......2000-06-22

This product is a very good one indeed! Ive seen many of them but this one is one of the most afordable, good reciver that ive gotton to play with. I recomend it big time

Amazon.com Product Description

With the smooth curves of an ergonomically engineered object and stylish purple body, Vivitar's snappy BV50 purple metallic 35mm camera provides focus-free, easy point-and-shoot capability. This compact 35mm camera includes motorized loading, advance, and rewind, along with an automatic electronic flash and ready light. Its oversized viewfinder permits users to easily compose pictures, even when wearing glasses. It is powered by two AA batteries.

Product Description

Keep your hard-working system as quiet and distraction-free as possible with this StarTech.com Power Supply. The ATXPOW430HS gives your system components 430 Watts of clean, reliable power, while its large whisper-quiet 12cm fan silently keeps your system cool. The ATXPOW430HS is guaranteed compatible with high-end Intel and AMD processors and is designed for an extra long-life in personal and industrial environments. Its smart 12 cm ball-bearing fan automatically adjusts speed to stay as quiet as possible, while maintaining optimum cooling. The ATXPOW430HS comes Serial ATA ready with two SATA connectors.

Customer Reviews:

Tasco Cool F/X Porro Binocular.......2001-09-26

In the pass three months, I brought four binoculars ( Bushnell 16 X 32 Folding Roof Prism Powerview Compact Binoculars, Bushnell 7 - 15 X 25 Powerview Compact Zoom Binoculars, Bushnell 10X25 Powerview Binoculars, and Tasco Cool F/X 8x21).
Comparing the above, the Tasco Cool F/X 8x21 has the best sharpness and precision. Due to it being very lightweight, it does not cause your hand to shake, and thus the image is more stable. Because of it's unique design, you can hold and focus with one hand. that! I think is a plus. I have already placed on order for another. It's a great buy.

Tasco.......2001-07-27

I find it is a very interesting product and looks good but the Tasco 8x21 Radio Binocular is much better and you are getting more for your money.

Average customer rating:
ThinkPad i Series 458 - P MMX 300 MHz - RAM : 64 MB - HD : 4.3 GB - CD - Win98 - 13.3" TFT 1024 x 768 ( XGA )

ProductGroup: Personal Computer
Binding: Electronics

Notebooks | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
ASIN: B0009KLKW8

Product Description

In addition to featuring a powerful 300MHz Intel Mobile Pentium processor with MMX technology, large active matrix TFT display, high speed CD-ROM drive, roomy hard disk drive and integrated modem, the new ThinkPad i Series notebooks are the most affordable ThinkPad notebooks ever.The ThinkPad i Series notebook has an all-in-one design as well as other ingenious features, such as: Instant Audio which enables CDs to be played even when the system is switched off and closed; Access ThinkPad desktop interface making it easy to accomplish important tasks; and color coded IBM ShortCut keys, which can be customized to launch favorite programs. Experience stunning video, 3D graphics and Altec Lansing SoundGuide speakers as you work, learn, or surf the Internet.

ThinkPad i Series - P MMX 300 MHz - RAM : 64 MB - HD : 4.3 GB - CD - Win98 - 13.3" TFT 1024 x 768 ( XGA )

Average customer rating:

ThinkPad i Series - P MMX 300 MHz - RAM : 64 MB - HD : 4.3 GB - CD - Win98 - 13.3" TFT 1024 x 768 ( XGA )

Manufacturer: IBM
ProductGroup: Personal Computer

Notebooks | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics

All IBM | IBM | Computers Brands | Computers Features | Electronics

IBM | Brands | Electronics Features | Electronics
ASIN: B0009MC5GG

Product Description

Winner of two 1999 Mobile Insights Mobility Awards, the IBM ThinkPad i Series family of notebooks is affordably priced and designed for individuals who want the freedom to work and play when and where they want. With almost everything you need already built in, the ThinkPad i Series notebook is a powerful, convenient and easy-to-use PC for your busy lifestyle. Whether it's for personal productivity, leisure time surfing the Internet, playing games, or listening to music, the ThinkPad i Series notebook lets you do the things you want at the price you want.The ThinkPad i Series notebooks contain everything you need. Experience stunning video, 3D graphics and great sound from speakers as you work, learn, or surf the Internet. In addition to featuring powerful and reliable Intel processors of Mobile series, large display, high-speed media drive, roomy hard disk drive and integrated modem, the ThinkPad i Series notebooks are the most affordable ThinkPad notebooks.

Average customer rating:
SIS650 478 400FSB 2DDR 2PCI SND

Manufacturer: Micro-Star International
ProductGroup: Personal Computer
Binding: Personal Computers

Desktops | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
ASIN: B00008BX28

Product Description

MSI, Micro-Star International, keeps the principle of "award-winning product quality and outstanding customer service" in producing its mainboards, add-on cards, computer systems, and achieves its position as one of the top 10 mainboard manufacturers in the world. MSI is strongly aware that the only way to gain the confidence of customers is to constantly challenge itself. Providing high-quality assurance has always been MSI's foremost goal. MSI's entire manufacturing and production process, from the selection of parts, the preparation of materials, to the assembly of products has to go through various demanding automatic and manual inspection steps. MSI always brings you the quality and the reliability that you need.The MS-6243 barebone is your best Slim PC choice. Based on the "all-in-one" design idea, the MS-6243 provides 2 PCMCIA slots, 2 "1394" ports, 6 USB ports, 2 TV-out jacks, 1 DVI jack, 1 memory stick slot and 1 SPDIF jack. With the fantastic appearance and small form factor, the platform meets all requirements of home users in multimedia and Internet world. It is ideal for you to use this platform for multiple purposes.

Product Description

Designed for highly mobile users, Lenovo ThinkPad T Series notebooks are the perfect balance of performance and portability. ThinkPad T Series notebooks deliver outstanding performance, full functionality and long battery life in an easily portable, thin-and-light design. ThinkPad T43p mobile workstation also offers high-performance graphics for displaying detailed designs, dramatic demos and high-powered presentations in the office, on the road and everywhere in between. ThinkPad T43p mobile workstation is ideal for highly mobile users who work in the office, on the road and everywhere in between.

Product Description

SimpleTech provides one of the most complete offerings of performance memory solutions in the industry, unsurpassed in quality, performance, and price. With over a decade of design and manufacturing expertise, SimpleTech knows what it takes to build quali

Product Description

PH-157Q 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head (Quick Release) features all die-cast metal construction with quick release and large pan handle. Max. Camera Supported - 35mm SLR with medium zoom lens.

Customer Reviews:

Velbon - I rate it middle of the road.......2007-01-28

It's just okay, there are better out there. I don't like the adjustment for the vertical movement. When you tighten it where you want it, it shifts slightly.

Average customer rating:

EXTREME DISAPPOINTMENT FROM SONY

Simply Awesome

Arguably the reference standard in HDTVs

Great viewing at a high price

SonyKV-34XBR91034''XBRWEGAWidescreenHDTVMonitor

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

TVs | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
By Size | TVs & HDTVs | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics
Accessories:

Monster Cable MV3CV-2M Monster Video 3 2-meter High-Resolution Component Video Cable

Monster Cable MVSV3-2M Monster Super Video 3 Double-Shielded S-Video Cable (6.56 Feet)

Panamax MAX 8 DBS+5 Surge Protection

Monster Cable ULT V1000 CV-4 THX Ultra 1000 Component Video Cable

Monster Cable DVI400-2M DVI-D Video Cable

Product Features:

34-inch widescreen HD-compatible monitor with antireflective coating; TV measures 41.1 x 18.1 x 26.6 inches (W x H x D)

Hi-Scan 1080i display and DVI input for high-definition content

Enhanced Memory Stick playback lets users view digital pictures onscreen (JPEG, MPEG1)

2 rear component-video inputs, 1 front and 3 rear composite inputs, and 1 front and 2 rear S-video inputs

TruSurround audio processing with 7.5 watts x 2 output (plus 15-watt subwoofer)

ASIN: B0000C4550

Product Description

Setting the stage for incredible performance, Sony presents the 34-inch 16 : 9 XBR FD Trinitron WEGA TV? Watch in wonder as Sony Super Fine Pitch CRT provides accurate moving and still image detail, and Digital Reality Creation Circuitry enables amazing picture resolution. Adjust size and placement of side-by-side P&P with MID -X Circuitry so you can watch two of your favorite shows at once. Additional features include an Anti-Reflective Coating which diminishes ambient light, Memory Stick media which enables you to view digital images right on your TV, and DVI-HDTV Input which secures access to Hi-Definition content with an HDTV receiver.

Amazon.com Product Description

Take your home theater experience to the next level with the 34-inch Sony KV-34XBR910 FD Trinitron HDTV monitor. This Sony WEGA set is capable of displaying amazingly clear 1080i high-definition broadcasts (when connected to a separate HDTV tuner). The Super Fine Pitch CRT, along with an electron gun and high-intensity luminescent phosphor, improves image resolution, providing the highest picture quality reproduction from corner to corner. Other features includes a DVI-HDTV input, an antireflective coating that helps diminish ambient light, and a built-in Memory Stick slot the enables you to view a photo slideshow without having to hook up the camera with cumbersome cords.

The KV-34XBR910's Multi-Image Driver enables you to watch two programs side-by-side from two different sources (1080i, 720p, 480p, or 480i) simultaneously. It has four widescreen modes, including wide zoom (enlarges 4:3 aspect ratio while the upper and lower parts of the picture are condensed to fit 16:9 aspect ratio), normal (4:3 aspect ratio), full (enlarges the 4:3 picture horizontally only to fill the wide screen), and zoom (enlarges the 4:3 picture horizontally and vertically to an equal aspect ratio that fills the 16:9 screen).

It has a built-in 181-chanel NTSC tuner, and Sony's Digital Reality Creation (DRC) mode, which doubles vertical and horizontal lines, resulting in four times the density for such high-quality video sources as DVDs, satellite broadcast, and digital camcorders. You do need a separate HDTV tuner to receive high-definition broadcasts.

The KV-34XBR910 offers a good range of Sony video technology. The Cinemotion 3:2 pulldown cinema video processing detects and compensates film--which is shot at 24 frames per second (fps) compared with video's 30 fps rate--to video for a smooth theaterlike experience at home. The 3D digital comb filter offers 10-bit signal processing that renders superb gradation of grays, resulting in superior picture detail.

This set features two 7.5-watt speakers that produce TruSurround SRS 3D audio and simulated surround sound. Two component-video inputs (both at the rear) allow you to connect an optional HDTV receiver or a source with component-video outputs. It also has 4 A/V inputs (1 front, 3 rear), 3 S-video inputs (1 front, 2 rear), 1 audio out (rear), 1 monitor (rear), and 1 DVI-HDTV interface (rear).

Tech Talk
Aspect ratio: The aspect ratio refers to the shape of the video image. Standard television has a 4:3 aspect ratio, which is almost square in appearance. Digital television will have either a 4:3 or 16:9 aspect ratio, which is widescreen and appears rectangular, looking more like a movie screen and filling more of the viewer's field of vision for a more lifelike viewing experience.

Scanning method: Frames of video are made up of many lines of video that are scanned onto a television screen so closely they appear to be a solid picture. The scanning method can be either interlaced or progressive. Interlaced scanning (also used in today's analog TV), indicated by an "i" in the video format, fills in the odd number lines (1,3,5,7...) and then fills in the even number lines (2,4,6,8...) until the frame is complete. Progressive scanning, "p," fills in each line consecutively until the frame is complete, like a computer display.

What's in the Box Sony KV-34XBR910 34-inch TV, remote control (RM-Y188), 2 AA batteries, and printed operating instructions.

Customer Reviews:

EXTREME DISAPPOINTMENT FROM SONY.......2005-08-03

After getting this set up with the best component cables and progressive-scan dvd player $$$$ can buy, I was DEVASTATED to see how poor an image this set produced. I even ordered a service manual in order to adjust the overscan level (bringing in all four sides in hopes of sharpening the screen density), but it was all for naught. The number of "program palette" modes were abysmal failures. I had to adjust the picture and brightness settings for EVERY DVD I played. It was a miserable experience. The only good thing about this set is it's black level. That was outstanding. But for clarity, sharpness, detail - it fails on every count. Almost every image was blurry or "frosty". And this despite every effort made to tweak for maximum performance. Sony used to represent the finest in television set quality. With this model, that reputation is shattered. With heavy heart, I had to return it. Whatever happened to the reference standard set with XBR2? I paid over $2000 for a 32" 4:3 set years ago and it TOTALLY annihilates this supposed "HDTV" by leaps and bounds. I am going to be in a very deep funk the day it goes on the clink.

Simply Awesome.......2004-04-13

I purchased this television back in January 2004. I searched for several months and was planning on buying a flat panel, until so many people told me to hold off for a while. So, I turned my attention to the 34xbr910.

I am so glad that I found this model. The picture is simply awesome along with some of the nice features.

You have the option of viewing in 16:9, wide zoom, zoom and normal. If you use a Sony camera with a memory stick this set allows to view you pictures on line.

I also purchased the Sony DVD recorder. Put these two together and they are able to communicate making recording and viewing error free.

The only downside to this television is the weight. It took three of us to pick it up.

Arguably the reference standard in HDTVs.......2004-01-01

The XBR910 series is the cream of the crop of HDTVs. You can spend more on a Plasma or LCD, but you won't get a better picture. Want fashion & a slick form factor? Buy plasma or lcd. Want the best picture? Buy one of the XBR910 series.

These TVs are a steal for the quality of picture they produce.

Do you actually already have a decent Sony triniton for your computer, and are you happy viewing movies with a smaller monitor? Using something like PowerStrip, and a DVD drive, you can probably already view DVDs in progressive scan mode (at obscenely wonderful resolutions).

Great viewing at a high price.......2003-10-04

The day after taking our KV-34XBR910 (latest Sony out since July/Aug 03) out of the box I had Cablevision in to hook it up for input of HDTV signal. Before the hookup, I explored some neat features of the TV such as being able to look at a (approx 22 inch) screen on the left of the 16:9 format and have 5 windows (approx 5 inch) of other channels scroll top to bottom on the right side of the TV or I could look at two active screens (approx 22 inch) side by side. My wife would love the feature given that I am a remote channel changer, but after hooking up to the SCIENTIFIC ATLANTA digital cable box I appear to have lost these features.

The picture on non HDTV appeared to be good. The KV-34XBR910 has Digital Reality Creation Circuitry that appears to improve the regular programming slightly, but the 16:9 format takes some getting use to. The TV puts vertical bars (you can change the color) on the right and left side of the regular program image. The HDTV picture is truly movie quality. I watched the "Hunt for Red October" on HBOHD and switched to HBO without HD and you see a big difference.

If you use a memory stick, this TV has a neat feature that allows you to view the pictures on it along with soft piano music in the background. Kind of brings back the days of the old slide projection show my grandmother use to show after her trips.

Average customer rating:
Nortel ARN REMOTE OFF SUITE 8M PCMCIA ( CV0008092-15.4 )

Manufacturer: Nortel Networks
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

PCMCIA Network Cards | Notebook Adapters | Wired Networks | Networking & Online Communication | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
ASIN: B0000ZFZDC

Product Description

Nortel Networks is delivering the depth and breadth of products that focus on innovation and leadership. The company's portfolio expands upon all areas of high-performance Internet. Nortel Networks is leading the industry with disruptive innovations that help customers take advantage of new streams of revenue and secure a competitive advantage. The company brings the best-rate memory solutions that are designed to give your business more abilities and speed up the whole process.

Electronics:

Electronics

Electronics