Pioneer VSX-D509S Dolby Digital Audio/Video Receiver

Average customer rating:

fixing the overload

Disappointed

This sucker rocks

Disappointed

I would rate it a negative five if I could

Pioneer VSX-D509S Dolby Digital Audio/Video Receiver

Manufacturer: Pioneer
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Stereo Receivers | Receivers & Amplifiers | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics
Home Theater Receivers | Receivers & Amplifiers | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics | Satellite-ready Home Theater Receivers
Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
Accessories:

NETGEAR Wireless Digital Music Player

Monster Cable Interlink 201 Subwoofer Interconnect 4 Meter

Monster Cable MVSV3-2M Monster Super Video 3 Double-Shielded S-Video Cable (6.56 Feet)

Product Features:

Dolby Digital and DTS surround decoding

100 watts x 5 channels

5.1-channel analog inputs

S-video switching

4 Advanced Theater modes

ASIN: B00004SD9G

Amazon.com Review

With both Dolby Digital and DTS surround decoding, S-video switching, 5.1-channel analog inputs, four digital-audio inputs, and the ability to deliver 100 watts across all five main channels, Pioneer's VSX-D509S is poised to satisfy many a movie and music fan. Its value goes deeper than its feature set, however: the VSX-D509S offers full-bodied sound with fine detail and texture. Vocals sound clear and well-defined, while the bass--crucial for dynamic surround-sound reproduction--is taut and authoritative. Operation is a breeze: the receiver's setup and controls work perfectly, and radio signals come in clear as crystal.

Pioneer's four Advanced Theater modes (Musical, Drama, Action, and Expanded) enhance DTS and Dolby Digital playback, giving you plenty of options when it comes to surround-sound playback. Six stereo DSP (digital signal processing) modes for music simulate the sonic environment of a large wooden concert hall, a modern hall with stone walls, a jazz club, a dance club, and two different movie theaters.

We like that the VSX-509S has S-video switching, a coaxial digital input, and 5.1-channel direct inputs, all of which are aimed at superior audio-video performance.

Radio signals come in clear as a bell. Dolby digital and DTS surround processing are both excellent, and we even found the relatively subtle DSP modes to be more to our liking than usual.

While we're pleased that Pioneer uses five-way binding posts for the front three channels, the surround channels use cheaper spring-loaded terminals, which require bare-wire connections--something to consider if you currently have banana-terminated speaker cable. This isn't a major shortcoming--most receivers use them--but we wish manufacturers would use identical connectors for all channels, especially in a performance-driven machine like this one.

Pioneer's VSX-D509S's strengths are many, and the receiver represents a very fine value. --Wayne Garcia

Pros:

Clean, rich sound
DTS decoding
S-video switching
5.1-channel direct inputs

Cons:

Spring-loaded push terminals for surround channels

Customer Reviews:

fixing the overload.......2006-07-01

OK I just want to tell people how to fix the overload problem what it is and i have the same problem on my old vsx d508 and its been a while since it has done this to me but the overload is a static build up in the amp to get rid of it unplug the reciever and ground it. Be careful it could give you a shock if you touch the metal plug ends but if you ground the plug out it will get rid of the static electricity and it should work perfect again. I dont know what causes it but i know mine did it in the winter when the humidity was low and i was using it alot. So i hope this helps the people who have had problems with theres.

Disappointed.......2003-04-10

This is the second Pioneer receiver I have owned. The sound that comes out of them is great. I really enjoy watching movies and listening to music with this receiver. Now the problem that I have is "OVERLOADING" it just started to do this in the past month. No one knows why. It is not even in the troubleshooting guide of the manual. Now I would not think much of this except for the last receiver I had also had problems and would cost more to fix than buy a new one. So I have come up with a solution.....do not buy pioneer, I think that should solve all my problems.

This sucker rocks.......2002-05-02

...

Bottom line up front: way to much GREAT sound for the money. Rated at 100 watts per channel, but that's sustained! Peak is around 153 per channel. Digital filters are incredible. Dobly Surround modes sound like Dolby Digital on good stereo sources. Its awesome! Stereo mode makes the wall on the opposite side of the room quiver! Sound is clear and never too "bright."

Don't listen to the yahoos that say the thing overheats or overloads too much. It features a Midnight mode that suppresses ALL audio signals as they are processed by the receiver. Volume levels across all frequencies are reduced significantly. Great for late night movies! The more reviews I read of this receiver, however, the more people I see saying that sometimes they forget they left it on and crank the beast up to regain volume. Bad idea, because its a one-way trip to overload city. Haven't done it yet myself: consequently haven't had it overload. Remember: midnight mode is not deactivated when you turn off the unit! So be careful!

Otherwise, this thing is awesome, and WAY under priced, even on Amazon. Dolby Digital and DTS sound like I didn't experience on my buddy's THX certified Yamaha. Sounds wacky, I know, but if you configure it right (takes time, trial and error, and a COMPREHENSIVE READ of the manual), you get LOADS of sound. Mine sounds better with front Pioneer floor standing speakers and JBL's Trio135 surround system and NO SUB than his full Yamaha set WITH sub (turn LOUDNESS ON). I love the DIRECT sound feature, which feeds DD and DTS signals directly from the source into the processor and out, with no added effects or routing. You get exactly what the director wanted you to hear, and its super clean.

The remote is just unbelievable. It does everything. Period. Never seen its equal, and I've used learning remotes before. It picks up every function on any of your remotes (but it does take a few minutes to find them all -- have a pencil handy so you can remember). Should you find one it hasn't picked up (and I haven't yet), then you can manually assign it using the learn function. Its unreal.

Only complaints, and they're small: no component video hook-ups, and no S-Video switching. Sure, 4 S-Video/S-VHS inputs and one out, but if you want to hook up any video components with S-VHS, then you have to hook-up ALL video components with S-VHS (unless your TV - RARE - has its own S-Video switching). MY VCR does not, so I'm out of luck using it for my digital cable or DVD player.

One last thing: HEED THE MANUAL! It offers suggestions, like not placing other components on top of this one, or not allowing analog cables to rest on top of the unit, that are best adhered to. Doing either of the above results in an annoying *thud* when dialogue is spoken and there are no background sounds. There are other examples that are system specific, but no matter which, if you take Pioneer's advice, then the adverse effects can be avoided.

Disappointed.......2002-01-08

I am very disappointed in this receiver and Pioneer customer service. The receiver did not provide enough power to listen to both "a" and "b" speaker systems. I sent an e-mail to Pioneer only to get a standard reply "We will be in touch". I finally
called and talked to a customer service rep who said "if you don't like it bring it back" I bought a Yamaha and everything is fine.

I would rate it a negative five if I could.......2001-03-05

Since I purchased this receiver it's been in the shop more than in my home. It worked fine for a few months than it started 'overloading' as soon as we turned it on. What exactly is 'overloading' no one can tell me - the instruction manual doesn't even use that term.

It's been in service three times since September. I'm sending it back again this week. What part of 'it doesn't work, please fix it or replace it' doesn't Pioneer understand? The last excuse they gave me was I didn't connect the speakers correctly.

Avoid this model like the plague.

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Produce superiorr color documents! Produce bolder, brighter, more intense colors. Astonishingly bright with a blue-white shade for sharper image contrast and truer colors. Acid-free for longer lasting documents. Includes proprietary ColorLok technology delivering superior printing with HP inks, toners and printers. Acid-free. 24 lb. 97 GE brightness. HP Everyday Papers qualify for PurchasEdge points.

HP C1857A 11X17" Inkjet Paper (Bright White)

Average customer rating:

HP C1857A 11X17" Inkjet Paper (Bright White)

Manufacturer: Hewlett Packard
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

All Accessories | Printer Accessories | Accessories & Supplies | Categories | Electronics

106+ brightness rating
Economical for everyday use
200 sheets included in box
Designed for B-size color ink-jet printers
2-sided printing with no show-through

ASIN: B00004UDQ6

Product Description

Get high-impact resolution with the HP Bright White Inkjet Paper for HP DeskJet, DeskWriter, and OfficeJet series printers and CopyJet copier-printers. It has the rich, luxurious feel of coated paper, but costs much less. This opaque stock lets you print on both sides of the paper with no show-through. Plus, it's HP guaranteed to produce clear, sharp results-even with high-volume usage. A 99+ brightness rating makes HP Bright White Inkjet Paper a smart choice for newsletters, reports, proposals and flyers. 11 x 17 (200 sheets).

Amazon.com Product Description

Specially designed for B-size color ink-jet printers, Hewlett-Packard bright white ink-jet paper delivers a 106+ brightness rating for vibrant color and crisp text. Plus, this 24-pound bond ink-jet paper is opaque enough for two- sided printing with no show-through, which makes it ideal for a variety of oversize printing needs, from newsletters to charts and graphs.

Product Description

Engineered specifically for unparalleled performance with the Xerox Phaser 7700 Color Printer, these toner cartridges guarantee brilliant print quality and superior reliability. These toner cartridges feature clean and simple loading and a lower unit cost alternative - leaving you with fewer hassles and more time to produce brilliant prints.

Average customer rating:
GPX C3038 Personal Stereo Cassette with Bass Boost

Manufacturer: GPX, Inc.
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Cassette Players & Recorders | Portable Audio & Video | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics
Cassette Players & Recorders | Portable Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
GPX | Brands | Electronics Features | Electronics
Electronics Available for International Shipping | Specialty Stores | Electronics Features | Electronics
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Energizer E2 X91RP-8 AA Batteries (8-Pack)

ASIN: B00000J1SO

Average customer rating:
EVO N1015V ATHLON 1.53GHZ 30GB

Manufacturer: Compaq Computer
ProductGroup: Personal Computer
Binding: Personal Computers

Notebooks | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
All Compaq | Compaq | Computers Brands | Computers Features | Electronics
Compaq | Brands | Electronics Features | Electronics
Accessories:

Targus CBT600 BlackTop Deluxe Notebook Backpack - Blue/Black

Targus/Amazon Notebook Starter Kit

Product Features:

AMD® Athlon® XP processor

1.53GHz, 256MB RAM, 30GB

14.1'' TFT, DVD, 56K, XPP

ASIN: B000086A50

Product Description

The Compaq Evo Notebook N1015v is the ultimate value notebook for mobile business users. This all-in-one notebook offers the latest AMD mobile Athlon XP processors, award-winning ATI Radeon graphics, and a large and bright display. The integrated wireless capability packs all of the features necessary for optimized mobile productivity in a convenient design.To boost productivity, the Evo N1015v incorporates AMD's latest processor with QuantiSpeed architecture and PowerNow! technology. The Evo N1015v features a bright XGA panel with 1024x768 resolution for crisp and flicker-free imaging. The latest ATI Mobility Radeon graphics controller with user configurable memory takes graphics performance to a new level. The Evo Notebook N1015v also provides an S-video port. The innovative PowerNow! technology of the Evo N1015v AMD processors dynamically balances performance to maximize the system's battery life for on-the-go productivity.Convenience of integrated optical and diskette drives ensures productivity tools are at your fingertips. No need to swap drives. The smart and ergonomic design of the Evo Notebook N1015v includes a full-size keyboard, Touchpad pointing device, four-way easy-scroll button, and a user-friendly battery removal mechanism. The award-winning MultiPort solution provides notebook users with integrated wireless capability in a way that delivers optimal performance, flexibility to upgrade to new technologies and, today, choice of 802.11b Wireless LAN or Bluetooth MultiPort modules.

Average customer rating:
Da-Lite 84" Diagonal Video Format Home Theater Fixed Frame Screen with Pearlescent Fabric and Pro-Trim

Manufacturer: Da-Lite Screen Company, Inc.
ProductGroup: CE

All Home Theater Systems | Home Theater Systems | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics
Compact Stereos | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics | Shelf Stereo Systems | Executive Compact Stereos
Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
Accessories:

Da-Lite Laser Pointer - Red

Da-Lite Laser Pointer with Blinking Mode - Red

Da-Lite Jumbo Laser Pointer - Red

Product Features:

Da-Snap with Pearlescent fabric and Pro-Trim finish.

Permanent Wall Mount Screen. Suitable for mounting on the wall or into wall opening. Easily attach front or rear projection screen surface with snaps.

Provides a perfectly flat viewing surface for video projection applications. Surface mounts to back of black powder coated frame that provides a masking border. Frame available with Pro-Trim finish. Pro-Trim is a fabric frame covering that aesthetically enhances the appearance of the installation while absorbing light that surrounds the viewing area.

Pearlescent is a non-supported vinyl fabric, offering a higher degree of reflectivity and brilliance without loss of image quality or resolution. This surface is a good choice when producing video images with a lower output projector and where there is a high amount of ambient light present. Gain 1.5 with a 40-degree viewing half angle.

ASIN: B00028EB9Q

Product Description

The Da-Snap, available in sizes from 60" to 240" diagonal in video format and 77" to 220" in HDTV format, is standard with a handsome 1-1/2" black powder coated square tubing suited for any home theater installation or where a stylish fixed wall screen is needed. Choose from eleven available fabrics for specific projection requirements. Benefit from Da-Lite's optional Pro-Trim fabric frame covering which absorbs bleed off projected light and adds the distinguishing touch to an installation. Fabric snaps to the frame for a tensioned, perfectly flat viewing surface with effortless installation.

Product Description

With the demands of business constantly increasing, you need reliable office products that will truly make a difference. You have to be Faster. Better. Versatile. Responsive. And you need tools that offer superior productivity and performance like consumables from Sharp.

Product Description

Desktop performance, digital entertainment and Internet computing in a sophisticated, mobile design. Create and product a lot more in a lot less space. Experience TV-quality viewing inside and out with the HP Pavilion zd7260us widescreen notebook PC's 17-inch WSXGA+ high-definition BrightView screen.

Amazon.com Product Description

The HP Pavilion zd7260us notebook isn't just a PC, it's a portable audio player, DVD player, digital media center, and TV all in one. With a super fast 3.20 GHz Pentium 4 processor with Hyper-Threading technology, an 80 GB hard drive, and 512 MB RAM, it can handle nearly everything you throw its way. It features the HP TV/Personal Video Recorder to watch and record live television, and a combo CD-RW/DVD+RW drive so you can record to your favorite media. Plus, the expansive 17.0 inch SXGA+ high definition widescreen integrated display will let you watch DVDs, video, TV, and view photos in bright, crisp, realistic color.

The Basics

Hard Drive: An 80 GB hard drive has ample room to store your digital photos, audio, and video files, and handle all your day-to-day applications.
Processor: The 3.2 GHz Intel Pentium 4 processor features Hyper-Threading technology, and it has a 512 KB L2 cache. Hyper-Threading helps a PC run multiple applications at the same time, which enables the processor to execute two threads (a part of a program) in parallel, boosting performance. This results in more efficient software performance (such as faster reaction times in gaming applications) and enhanced multitasking.
Memory: 512 MB DDR SDRAM (in two slots) speeds up the processing of applications--even games, digital audio, and digital video software.
CD/DVD Drive: The CD-RW/DVD+RW combo drive can record to DVD and CD-RW media, and can write CD-RW at 16x and rewrite at 10x speeds.
Keyboard & Mouse: It has a notebook keyboard with scroll bar, integrated numeric keypad, and touch pad.
Display: The 17.0-inch SXGA+ high definition widescreen display with HP BrightView technology is ideal for watching TV (with the integrated TV tuner) and DVDs.

Sound and Graphics
The Pavilion zd7260us notebook features an nVivia GeForce FX Go 5700 graphics processor with 128 MB video RAM for intensely realistic 3-D games and high performance graphics. It also comes with internal Harman Kardon speakers for clear, bright, sound without headphones.

Connectivity and Expansion Slots
Get online fast with the integrated 10/100BASE-T Ethernet LAN, 54g 802.11b/g WLAN with 125HSM/SpeedBooster support, or built-in 56Kbps modem. It also includes the following external ports:

4 USB 2.0 ports for connecting to a wide range of peripherals, from digital cameras to MP3 players
1 PC Card slot for adding a variety of upgrades, including memory, modems, portable disk drives, and more
1 IEEE 1394 FireWire slot to connect to digital video cameras or other peripherals
1 parallel port for connecting to printers or cameras based on older technologies
1 infrared port for syncing your notebook with other laptops equipped with infrared ports or with your PDA
1 S-video out port to connect your laptop to your television
1 VGA video out port to connect to a monitor
1 5-in-1 integrated Digital Media Reader for Secure Digital cards, MultiMedia cards, Memory Sticks, Memory Stick Pro, and Smart Media cards

Preloaded System and Software
The HP Pavilion zd7260us notebook is powered by Windows XP Home Edition, which makes it easy for you to get up and running as quickly as possible. It's packed with multimedia features to help you get your creative juices flowing. Windows Media Player lets you burn and play CDs, in addition to playing and organizing digital audio files. Windows MovieMaker is a basic video editing tool that helps you capture and edit digital video to save your memories and share them with others. The HP TV/Personal Video Recorder works with the TV tuner to let you capture live TV and later edit, view it later, or burn to a CD or DVD with the touch of a button.

It also comes with the following software installed: Roxio Easy CD Creator Basic, InterVideo WinDVD, InterVideo WinDVD SE Player, HP Image Zone Plus photo and imaging software, Apple iTunes and Apple iTunes Music Store, Symantec Norton Antivirus, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Microsoft Money, Microsoft Works, Microsoft Encarta Plus, Quicken New Users Edition, AOL Dial-up, MSN Dial-up, Earthlink Dial-up, and SBC Yahoo!.

Dimensions and Weight
It weighs 9.3 pounds

What's in the Box
HP Pavilion zd7260us notebook and power cord.

Customer Reviews:

I Hate This Laptop.......2005-10-16

I have had this laptop for over a year now, and at first I thought it was the coolest thing in the world, but now I see it is nothing but a big pain in the butt. There are several design flaws. First, the charger cord keeps pulling out the little prong from the inside of the laptop that makes them connect. This has happened twice to me and it takes about two weeks to get repaired. Second, the speaker part of the laptop should not be in the front because it gets SO dirty from your skin cells inevitably getting in the tiny little holes. They should move the speaker to where it's not being touched or make the cover for the speakers removable for cleaning. There is no way to clean it, and the holes are too small to even poke a needle through it. It always looks disgusting. Last, there is some kind of short in screen connection, because A LOT of times when I open it, I can hear the noises and I know that the system is on, but the screen is black. The battery when fully charged lasts barely two hours, and not even that if you are using CDs or DVDs. I have owned 3 HP PCs before this laptop and never had any problems. It's cheaper and less of a hassle to just buy PCs for everywhere you go than to buy this laptop!

DVD burner.......2005-09-20

I loved this notebook and used it almost exclusively for making dvd's of my trips and other events but now I find out that you can't purchase 2x blank discs from most places and HP does not have a solution to use the new 4x discs. So based on that my notebook is not so great anymore.

Nice.......2004-07-17

Visually stunning (better than my comparable desktop) sharp display, good speed. I like the full keyboard if only because it feels more like typing on my normal machine - my hands do not feel cramped at all using this machine.

Not a fan of touchpads, but this one seems pretty good. I use a mouse anyway.

Very quiet machine, good design. Battery life is not spectacular and the AC adapter practically glows with the amount of power it uses, but you get what you pay for. Widescreen display is gorgeous. Might be a tad big or heavy for some people.

Electronics:

Electronics

Electronics