Its M.O. — Surround sound

With 7.1 channels by 130W each (for a grand total of 910W of output power) it's little surprise that the Pioneer VSX-1018AHK embodies surround sound. While Direct Energy Amplification circuitry delivers high-power drivability, ultra-efficient amplification, stable imaging, and low energy loss for exceptional sound quality and clarity from each channel, a variety of surround modes team up with system equalization to optimize your system's performance for your listening area and your preferences. For customized surround sound, choose between a variety of surround modes, including Auto Surround, Wide and Focus front-stage surround advance, Virtual Surround Back, and 13 other surround modes. MCACC equalization uses advanced algorithms to match your system's performance to the acoustic properties of your listening area for a custom home audio experience.

You've heard of HD video . . . but what about HD audio?

The combination of your flat panel HDTV and Blu-ray Disc player have revolutionized your home theater experience . . . well, at least half of it. Completing the true HD video/Blu-ray Disc experience is the high-definition audio that accompanies the HD video on the Blu-ray disc. Delivering the algorithms, engineering, and innovation to let you experience HD audio at home, the Pioneer VSX 1018AHK sports Dolby TrueHD and dts-HD Master Audio decoding. Each of these technologies allows for decoding of high-definition, multi-channel (including 7.1-channel) lossless audio. You enjoy the sound effects, dialogue, and soundtrack of your favorite movies as they were mixed in the studio . . . i.e. just as the director intended.

Back to the video

Your video, at its best. With video upscaling to 1080p via HDMI and HDMI video upconversion, the Pioneer VSX1018AHK lets you enjoy video from all sources at full 1080p resolution via HDMI for a detailed, sharp, smooth home theater experience. Fueling the digital video conversion is Faroudja's 1080p scaler, converting composite, S-video, and component video signals to the enhanced 1080p equivalent.

As popular as MP3: connectivity

Hooking up your iPod and finishing that killer mix even after you've returned home is easy, thanks to the VSX-1018AHK's USB port. With the appropriate adaptor, all you have do to is plug your iPod or other portable audio player in, and you'll be jamin' out to your favorite tunes once again.

Endless audio options . . . Satellite radio

You want to be able to enjoy your satellite radio subscription back at home just as much as you do your MP3 collection. With its XM and Sirius satellite radio readiness, the VSX 1018AHK is fully equipped to accept your satellite radio signal. Additionally, an on-screen display makes browsing stations in search of your new favorite a breeze.

Tunes around the house

While iPod and satellite radio readiness make it easy to bring your "out-and-about" tunes home, you still shouldn't feel limited to enjoying your favorite music only in your living room. Featuring Zone 2 A/V output in addition to an assignable surround-back amplifier for a second zone, with the appropriate speaker and screen configuration, the VSX1018AHK lets you enjoy audio and video in a second room of your house. Queue up mood music in the dining room . . . Pump-out high-energy tunes for the BBQ in the back yard . . . Watch end of the movie you fell asleep watching the night before while getting ready for your day in the bedroom.

Reinforcements for your foundation

If the Pioneer VSX-1018AHK is the foundation of your home theater system, then low-frequency, or bass, is the foundation of your home audio experience. Not daring to neglect this essential piece of your home theater — think the deep rumbling of a jet engine, or the room-shaking punch of the bass drum in your favorite song — Pioneer has designed the VSX-1018AHK with a LFE attenuator and Phase Control. This bass management system ensures precision low-frequency output for a complete audio experience.

HDMIncredible

Bringing you the absolute best in connectivity, Pioneer's VSX 1018AHK features four HDMI connections. HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is the only interface in consumer electronics that can carry both uncompressed high-definition (HD) video and uncompressed multi-channel audio in all HD formats including 720p, 1080i and even 1080p. Your incoming media content comes in a variety of sizes, resolutions and formats, and with that in mind, HDMI systems automatically configure to display that content in the most effective format. Since HDMI carries all channels on video and audio, there is only one cable to plug into any HDMI-enabled source and display device. No more complicated cable set-up when installing your home theater system, and no more ugly cable mess behind your components. HDMI supports standard, enhanced, or high-definition video, plus multi-channel digital audio on this single cable. Also, HDMI is fully backward-compatible with DVI. (Please note that a physical adapter, sold separately, is needed to make the conversion from HDMI to DVI.)

Avoid the 'No Wire' ire

The advent of HDMI has been monumental in the advancement of all your favorite audio and video gadgets. Don't miss out on all that your new VSX1018AHK offers — in terms of high-definition audio and video connectivity — by leaving a set of HDMI cables off the list. Vann's sales representatives are here to explain all your options, so you can make the best purchase and get the most out of your HD system. Call the 800 number at the top of this page for expert advice.

Comparison Specifications

• Processing decoding: Dolby® TrueHD / dts®-HD Master Audio
• Output power: 130W /x 7 channels / 910W total
• Best video connections: 3 HDMI inputs, 1 output (assignable)
• Best audio connections: 2 digital coaxial inputs / 2 digital optical inputs, 1 output
• Multi-channel audio in: 7-channel analog input
• Freescale® Dual-Core 400MIPS processing DSP
• Surround modes: Auto surround / 13+1 advanced surround modes / Wide/Focus front-stage surround advance / Headphone surround / Virtual Surround Back
• Remote control: Luminous, preset multi-operation remote control

Additional Specifications

• Other video connections: 3 component video in, 1 out / 5 AV inputs, 2 Record out
• Other audio connections: USB iPod in / 7-channel pre-amp outputs / 2 audio in, 1 Record out with tuner and front / Headphone output
• Digital video processing: 1080p via HDMI / 1080p video scaler / Component-video conversion / HDMI video converter / Video adjustment
• Other audio decoding: Dolby Digital Plus/EX/5.1/Pro-Logic II; dts-ES/HD High Resolution/Express/96/24/Neo:6; WMA9 Pro; Neural Surround
• 192 kHz/24-bit DAC
• Zone-2 A/V output / Assignable surround back amplifier for Zone 2
• Digital video conversion of composite, S-video, and component to HDMI with Faroudji 1080p scaler

Manufacturer Specifications

• XM and Sirius satellite-radio ready / XM HD Surround audio processing
• Audio calibration features: Advanced MCACC speaker calibration / Symmetric AQ / Standing wave control / EQ bands
• Amplifier: Advanced direct energy amplifier design
• SOUND ENHANCEMENTS: Stream Direct / Auto level control / Phase control / Dialogue enhancement / Advanced sound retriever / Midnight mode
• SOUND ENHANCEMENTS: Loudness / Tone control / Lip-sync sound delay / Dynamic range control / LFE attenuator
• Speaker A/B: A+B
• Conveniences: On-screen display / SR+ (PDP control port) / Display dimmer / Function rename / Sleep timer / Front A/V terminals / 30 AM/FM presets / AM/FM station rename / Advanced Direct construction
• Construction: Urushi finish / Advanced Direct construction / Trans. stabilizer / Large speaker terminals

Dimensional Specifications

• Dimensions: 6.81" H x 16.56" W x 17.06" D
• Weight: 29.06 lbs

Pioneer VSX-1018AHK Warranty Details

1-year limited warranty