Digital Trends

Housed in a black cabinet (weighing in at 35.5 lbs. and measuring 7.36” H x 16.54” W x 18.35” D), the VSX-84TXSi is certainly a force to be reckoned with. Audio power is rated at 140 watts per channel for all seven built-in amplifiers. The VSX-84TXSi includes a digital tuner with 30 station presets and is XM-ready with on-screen display, HD-Radio-ready, and iPod dock-ready. It also includes one rear panel AC accessory outlet for the attachment of another piece of A/V gear.

 

The VSX-84TXSi features a 192kHz/24-bit D/A (digital-to-analog) converter as well as the Shark-EX + 48-bit Freescale DSP. It also features Sanding Wave and X-Curve Control. The receiver includes Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES, Dolby Pro Logic II (movie & music), WMA-9 Decoders, and features advanced concert and cinema surround (12 modes). It also includes THX Select 2 processing and certification. This receiver allows your speakers to reach their full potential, so the audio output of the VSX-84TXSi is nothing short of spectacular! In either the Standard (surround) or Stereo modes, you can reduce extraneous noise by using the Digital NR (noise reduction) function button.

 

In terms of video processing, the VSX-84TXSi includes TBC Digital Video Conversion that converts S-Video, Composite, and Component Video up to HDMI. A Faroudja DCDi HD video scaler upconverts lower resolution signals up to 480p, 720p, or 1080i. There's also analog video parameter processing.

Image Courtesy of Pioneer

 

It is certainly a connection powerhouse to be reckoned with as well. This model includes 4 HDMI inputs, 3 component video (HDTV-level 100Mhz+) inputs, 4 S-Video inputs, 7 digital inputs, dual i.LINK Digital Audio inputs, and one USB input for PC Audio.

 

Like all upscale A/V receivers today, this model includes front A/V/S-Video jacks + digital optical in for easy attachment of a camcorder (for playback and dubbing) or a video game console. Outputs include 2 A/V/S-Video outs, one component video out, one HDMI out, one subwoofer out, and 2 digital optical outputs as well. All input and output terminals are gold-plated for the best possible signal contact, and all speaker terminals utilize binding posts for the best connectivity possible.

 

Like some of its competitors today, this model also includes HDMI and component video switching, but this is where the similarity ends. Upconversion is the capability to upconvert composite video and S-video signals to component video or HDMI level. This allows for easier video switching between different video sources. In simplified terms, this means that all A/V switching can be accomplished within the receiver, and there is only one HDMI cable tethered to your display monitor – in this case, the PD-5070. In the past, if you wanted to change video sources, you might have had to change video inputs on your television (from Video 1, Video 2, etc.), which became cumbersome after awhile. Now, there’s one connection for all video signals, which makes it easier and much simpler to use. Also, the composite and S-Video signals are upconverted internally, offering the highest resolution possible (thanks to the Faroudja video processor) from those sources, such as an aging VCR or cable box. Lastly, there's also an RS-232 connector and an iPod input terminal via an optional iPod control cable.

Image Courtesy of Pioneer

 

The on-screen menus and displays are clear and straightforward, and relatively easy to use. Just let your fingers do the walking from the remote control. An added convenience feature found on the 84TXSi is the Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration Circuit (or MCACC for short). Simply plug in the supplied calibration mic, and at the touch of a button the system will calibrate itself based on your room’s acoustics. Of course, you can tune and tweak it manually, but it’s far easier and more accurate (since most of us don’t have “golden ears”) to use the supplied MCACC accessory.

 

This A/V receiver also sports a new remote. Previously, the high-end Elite A/V Receiver used a touchscreen remote, but to keep prices down, a new remote is now employed. This 64-button remote is laid out in the standard fashion. I do have to say, however, that it is a far cry from the previous touchscreen. It features a tiny LCD screen at the top of the remote to remind you of what component you are recording. Directly below the LCD screen are 8 device buttons ranging from DVD to Receiver. To control additional components, you need to press the "Shift" button in the lower right-hand corner of the remote and press the “Video 1” button to access Video 2, for example. It’s a little cumbersome.

 

Following the device buttons, a keypad is directly below cursor arrow keys located in the center of the remote. There's also dedicated TV control buttons below the cursor keys. The TV control keys are followed by a set of keys that will control a Satellite STB, DVD, or DVR. The bottom section of the remote includes keys dedicated to surround sound processing. While the remote is full-featured, it's not illuminated, and the gray keys with white lettering a on a black background are not the easiest to use. A smaller second remote is also included for second-room use.