AVR connectivity is expanding with HDMI becoming standard throughout manufacturers’ AVR lines. AVRs are increasingly including video up-conversion to HDMI, meaning that you can connect source components to your AVR through a variety of interfaces (composite, S-Video, component video) and run a single HDMI cable to your video display.

Two good examples are JVC’s new RX-D702B ($799) and RX-D411S (499) AVRs. Both offer not just HDMI up-conversion, but the highly acclaimed Faroudja video-processing technology as well.

Both also feature a wireless USB audio input, which routes music from a PC or Mac through the receiver using the 2.4GHz band to transmit uncompressed audio over a range of 100 feet. This feature is also included on the $299 RX-D211, which delivers 110Wpc (x 7), dual component-video input, component-video output with component-video up-conversion, XM-ready, and Sirius remote control and input.

In all, JVC launched five new AVRs ranging from the $199 RX-D205 to the RX-D701. All models except the RX-702B are available in black or silver faceplates.

Key Specs:
RX-D702B
150Wpc x 7
Dual HDMI inputs
HDMI output with video up-conversion and Faroudja DCDi processing
Sirius Satellite Radio
Smart Surround Set-up (automatic calibration)
Wireless USB audio input
CC Converter (signal-processing for improving the sound of compressed music files)
Price: $799