The RX-D412B's HDMI capabilities are unusually sophisticated for a sub-$500 receiver, and best many models costing twice as much. In addition to offering HDMI switching between two inputs, the JVC can convert any of its analog video inputs--composite, S-Video, and component--to HDMI output as well. Moreover, it can de-interlace said video streams, so they're output as progressive-scan 480p signals. That's important, because it essentially guarantees compatibility with virtually any HDMI-equipped TVs; many older and some current models can't accept at 480i (interlaced) HDMI signal. Together, the analog-to-HDMI conversion and the de-interlacing functionality mean you can effectively run a single HDMI cable from the JVC to your HDTV and watch all your video sources with ease. (The only issue we noticed was that the RX-D412B could not accept 480i signals via its HDMI input--but since virtually all HDMI sources are high-def, it's not a big issue.)
The RX-D412B also comes equipped with a USB input that lets you play any audio files off your computer over your home theater system. The beauty of this solution is that it bypasses all annoying DRM issues by letting the receiver function as a USB speaker--the bottom line is any file you can play on your computer will work over the USB input. Setting this up is as simple as you could wish for. Using a Dell notebook computer, we plugged in the USB cable, flipped to the USB source on the RX-D412B, and within seconds everything was set to go. The only gripe we had is that if you're using the computer at the same time--say, surfing the Web--you might experience some digital disruptions.
As far as delineating the RX-D412B from other receivers in JVC's line, the differences are pretty straightforward. Its predecessor, the RX-D401, is nearly identical except that it's not XM-ready. Likewise, the more expensive step-up model, the aforementioned RX-D702B, also lacks built-in XM support and the updated autocalibration routine--but it does include the onscreen display capability missing on the RX-D412B. We started our evaluation of the JVC RX-D412B with The Woods DVD. The film is a witches' tale, with lots of creepy, downright unsettling effects that serve to keep the tension up throughout the film. The shrieking strings--reminiscent of Psycho's music score--were especially effective, and the nasty car crash in the woods packed quite a wallop. The brilliantly conceived surround mix, loaded with whispering voices, filled our entire home theater. The RX-D412B's resolution of these subtle details was excellent.
The King Kong DVD made us doubt RX-D412B's 110-watt-per-channel power rating--that, or Kong seemed light on his feet as he sped through the jungle--especially when we played the DVD at high volume. At a more civilized volume, the JVC sounded fine. We fiddled with the RX-D412B's bass management and nudged subwoofer volume up a little, and that put more bounce in Kong's step. We also auditioned the receiver's 3D headphone processing; it opens up the sound, making it less confined within the listener's head, but the processed sound becomes too echoey and reverberant for our taste.
Turning to music, we fired up R.E.M.'s Best of the I.R.S. Years CD, which was a blast. The band's jangley rhythms had lots of energy, though the sound was somewhat harsh, especially when compared to what we heard from the similarly priced (but HDMI-less) Yamaha HTR-5950 receiver, whose treble sounded smoother and cleaner than the RX-D412B's. We tried the RX-D412B's CC Converter, which JVC claims improves digital sound quality, and thought it made some difference but not enough to close the gap with the Yamaha.
We finished up listening to multichannel SACDs, but other than the increased spaciousness, we couldn't discern much of a quality difference compared to regular CDs.
What You'll Pay
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