JVC RX-D412B

Intro of JVC RX-D412B

While A/V receivers have long been an analog stalwart in the increasingly digital home theater, a quick glance at the specs of the JVC RX-D412B indicate those days are coming to an end: HDMI switching and upconversion, USB connectivity, even digital amplifiers. While it's not good news for the analog faithful--who are holding onto their turntables and reel-to-reel systems as long as they can--the added functionality of a receiver like the RX-D412B is a boon for a cutting-edge home theater. HDMI switching and analog video conversion allows you to run just a single cable from your receiver to your TV, USB connectivity frees up all the music on your computer--even DRM'ed files--so they can be played on your home stereo, and the digital amplifiers allow for the RX-D412B's sleek and slim look. We didn't like everything about the RX-D412B--we thought its sound was only average and the lack of onscreen menus was frustrating. So while audiophiles will want to look elsewhere, less critical listeners can get a slick-looking, fully featured receiver that's selling for less than $400 online.