Yamaha RX-V863BL 735 Watt 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver

I bought this receiver for its HDMI inputs, video upscaling, and multi room/source capability. It supports all current sound formats. So far its heat output is average. My only complaint is I thought this receiver had more source inputs. It turns out that most of them are for the same source with multiple cable formats. The receiver has an editable priority scheme, but if you use the DVD HDMI port the component and S-video inputs are ignored. It looks like a HDMI switch is in my future.

Go see my review of the Yamaha HTR-6180BL A/V receiver. Trust me, it is the SAME as this one, and much cheaper!

I have had this receiver for about 3 months and I have only one complaint: incoming coaxial digital input signals will only play if they are in "consumer" format, but not "professional" format. My old receiver did not have this requirement.

Otherwise, it sounds great with little noise, particularly when using "pure direct" mode. Wattage is sufficient for a fairly large room, even when powering two sets of front speakers, which is one of the best features of this unit.

This is a great receiver. Sound is excellent, easy to use, good remote, the Ipod dock works great, HD radio is great, and the HDMI works well with 1080p. Works great with my Mac Mini.
Replaced a JVC RXD412B that I bought last year with this unit. The JVC remote was difficult to use with FM and the JVC receiver just didn't sound very good. (You get what you pay for) The JVC replaced my old Yamaha receiver from 1990 that still works great but does not provide AV capability.
Would give a five star rating if the on screen features were better. On screen menus look like old DOS but they work OK.
Overall the unit is a great value. Amazon shipping was great.

I've had this receiver & its ipod dock for about 45 days. Picked this one over the 663 for its video upscaling. I use it mainly for watching dvds and ipod videos, streaming netflix, and listening to ipod and HD radio music.

Pros: Quality of sound and video output met my high expectations. (I'm biased toward Yamaha already FWIW). Surround fields are versatile & distinct. The enhancer modes are fantastic for low volume listening. Headphone listening is stellar. Config menus are straightforward. YPAO was easy to set up, though I wound up tweaking rear speaker adjustments up a bit as personal preference. The remote runs all our gear. I dusted off old concert and movie DVDs and this receiver makes them seem new again.

Cons: No macro mode on the remote to power everything on & off with one button. HD radio control is not intuitive. So far I haven't figured out if I can navigate a docked ipod's menus with my TV osd which would be nice.

Bottom line: I saved up and looked at a LOT of receivers before choosing this one, and I'm not disappointed at all. The RX-V863 is everything advertised and lives up to Yammy's top shelf reputation.