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"Great sound but HDMI problems" on by notafanatic
Pros: Sound quality
Cons: Have to power unit off and back on when satellite resolution is changed.
Summary: I bought this unit expressly for its HDMI hookup and connected it to a DirecTV HD20 receiver and Samsung DLP TV. The satelite receiver can automatically switch to best resolution for each channel, a feature that I like and do not want to turn off. However the JVC will stop outputing video when this input is changed. The manual notes that this can be an issue and recommends turning the unit off then back on - this does fix the problem but it meant that I had to power the unit off and on practically every time I changed the channel on the TV.
I also connected an Emerson DVD/HDD/VCR to the receiver via component cables but never could get a picture via the HDMI output - finally just had to connect it directly to the TV. I quit trying to troubleshoot this issue when I discovered the other problem described above, but it was defeating my purpose of running just one cable to the TV and not having to switch inputs on the TV when I switch between satellite and DVD. -
"It did what I wanted" on by fbomb
Pros: HDMI switching/upconversion
Cons: very difficult to set up
Summary: For what it does at the pricepoint, it's very very cool. Setting it up is a pain in the *** which was disappointing. It's cheap (compared to my previous Denon) in that it uses plastic. But it works very well. Also, there is a delay when turning it on and switching between sources, but I got over that pretty quick. For what it does, it's a 10, but the setup quirkiness downgrades it for sure. But - it is very sweet to run my components through it. With a universal remote (Harmony) it makes High-Def home theater a breeze.
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"Good unit for the pirce" on by joseer
Pros: HDMI switching output, good sound, small size
Cons: If the headphone is plugged in this unit will not output on the speakers. Owner's manual
Summary: I wanted a receiver with a switching HDMI and this one works well. Every input, such as component, composite and HDMI in are switched out to HDMI out. The sound is very good and its size is perfect. In order to have it working the first thing to do is configure the speaker, video input and audio input. The one thing I needed and this receiver does not provide is the capability to have the headphone plugged in and also have the sound coming out of the speaker. Once the headphone is in it will cut off the speaker sound, only outputting the sound through the headphones. In my case it is not good, but if it is not your case, then, it is a great receiver.
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"Great value, perfect for minimalist set up" on by jwl3r
Pros: Compact size, great sub-$500 value, fairly intuitive manual/instructions
Cons: Limited inputs, only 5 band digital equalizer, decent but not overwhelming sound, no phono
Summary: My primary motivation for selecting this receiver was the compact size, which allowed me to fit the slim body into a minimalist media stand that hides all of my audio/video components. The slim frame and relatively light weight are the biggest draws of this model. I have NOT had the chance to use the HDMI capabilities on this device yet, as I'm still running standard digital cable through the device. I also don't have the SIRIUS or XM hooked up, but I doubt many do at home. My set up includes a set-top box, receiver, cd/dvd player, and a pre-amp mixer all running through this device, and I don't foresee connecting anything else major (except maybe a digital equalizer) in the near future. The inputs/outputs on the receiver are just enough for this kind of set up. The remote control and functions on the front panel are like any product of this nature - not immediately intuitive but easy enough to figure out for someone who doesn't mind flipping through the manual to read about a few things. At J&R, I found few significant differences from the 702 model, which is the more expensive version of this. The main difference is that there is one additional stereo input on the front in case you want to connect a temporary device. On this 412B model, you only have a USB connection in the front.
On the negative side, as an audiophile I was disappointed to find that there is only a non-graphic, digital equalizer with only 5 bands - 63HZ, 250HZ, 1kHZ, 4kHZ, and 16kHZ. Also, it's extremely difficult to tell the difference when modifying a band as the sound cuts out each time you increase or decrease the dB, which ranges from -8 to +8. Thus, you don't get the effect of "sliding" the adjustor up and down and hearing the immediate impact on sound - you'd get this effect using any analog, graphic equalizer function. 15 years ago I purchased a JVC analog component system with a 10-band graphic equalizer and I have yet to find a digital receiver that comes close to matching its sound quality. I don't know if the digital Yamaha and Denon A/Vs are much better. Also, you'll read a lot about these slim machines running hot and it's true. I try to make sure I turn the receiver off whenever I am not using it. I'm using it in a tight space with back ventilation only but then again I don't listen to music or watch TV for more than 4-6 hours/day. So far it hasn't been an issue, and if the lacquer in my media cabinet begins to mold or melt then JVC has bigger issues.
All in all, an incredible value and you won't find all of these features for this price. Finally, there's nothing on the market of comparable size so if you don't want a clunky A/V receiver demanding space in your apt or house, this is a good choice for you. -
"Serious HDMI problems" on by sherljim
Pros: Did everything that was claimed for 3 months - serious let-down in service
Cons: No service support for HDMI problems
Summary: I loved this product for the three months I used it. Unfortunately I accidentally damaged the HDMI output socket while re-configuring my system. I took the unit in to be repaired (authorised dealer) and they advised that - a. the HDMI output was too tiny to be repaired and ,b. JVC do not stock or supply a replacement HDMI card for the unit. I called JVC myself to try to get a replacement HDMI card and their response was "you should have been more careful - I guess you have a paperweight on your hands - sorry!" I am appalled - will not buy JVC again.
JVC RX-D412B user reviews
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