“A whole new generation of digital receivers is coming into the market, typified by this Dolby Digital one from Pioneer, able to play DVD discs (and laserdiscs in this case) directly from the digital output of a player or transport. The VSX- D906S will automatically select the correct input/mode, favouring digital when such a signal is present, and defaulting to Pro Logic when one isn’t…”

“A company that has generally occupied the upper end of the middle of the market, Denon is in just that territory with their new AVR-3600, which is a fully featured home theatre heart. It handles Dolby Digital in both its forms (RF-modulated from laserdisc and direct from DVD) with configurable coaxial and optical inputs, and provides Pro Logic, as well as the usual complement of dubious DSP surround modes. Has anyone ever wanted to listen to music in a gymnasium? After surviving high school?”