Pioneer rolls out new receivers
for 2005
Pioneer VSX-1015TX
The product: The VSX-1015TX headlines Pioneer's evolutionary upgrade of its popular line of A/V receivers. In addition to covering all the basics--Dolby/DTS decoding, component-video switching, and assignable digital inputs--the 1015TX includes a strong roster of high-end features such as automatic speaker calibration and component-video upconversion. Furthermore, the 1015TX is the first receiver with THX Select 2, which should add an extra kick to movie and gaming soundtracks in large rooms. But the big headliner is that Pioneer is adding Windows Media Audio (WMA9) decoding support across the full line, so it can play back Microsoft-encoded stereo and surround audio.

• THX Select 2 A/V receiver
• 120 watts by 7 channels
• Automatic speaker calibration (with microphone)
• Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, DTS ES, and WMA9 decoding
• Component-video upconversion

The price: Available in April for $650; three step-down models cost less.

The prospects: Even if you're not enthused about the WMA support--and many will be wary of Microsoft expanding its domain to encompass more products in their homes--the VSX-1015TX looks to be delivering an impressively comprehensive feature set at a great price. Thrifty surround-sound fans will want to check out the step-down models--the VSX-915, VSX-815, and VSX-515--for even better deals.

By John P. Falcone, senior associate editor, CNET Reviews