With that new Blu-ray player and library of accompanying discs, you might find that you also need a new receiver to reap all the benefits that the high-definition format has to offer. After all, without HDMI connections and the ability to decode the latest high-resolution surround sound formats, what's the point of getting a new Blu-ray player in the first place? For this reason, receivers are making a comeback in what has been, as of late, a video-centric world. Pioneer, calls it the "SBL" era: The era of sexy blue lights. On a positive note, the company's new Elite SC-07 7.1-channel receiver is the perfect specimen for this epoch. The average Joe might be intimidated by the SC-07, however. Take a look at the back panel, and you'll see why. It's absolutely jam-packed with every I/O under the sun, including four HDMI inputs and two outputs. But if you take a little time to get to know it, you'll find that the SC-07 is really quite approachable. And, mercifully, the front panel is much easier on the eyes. In fact, Pioneer has taken special care not to clutter the SC-07 with logos and buttons. Critical functions are hidden behind a drop down panel, and branding is, thankfully, nearly absent from the panel's front. Still, while the receiver's gorgeous styling is definitely noteworthy, it's nothing compared with the technology contained within.



Link: Digitaltrends