Media playback device that plays music, image, and video files from USB storage or streamed via network ; HD output up to 1080p ; integrated slot for FreeAgent Go storage drive ; compact, stylish design ; you can connect up to two mass USB storage ...

No built-in Wi-Fi (wireless option costs an extra $70) ; Internet services are limited at launch

The addition of HDMI output, network streaming, and improved file compatibility makes the Seagate FreeAgent Theater+ media player a better value than its predecessor.

Wi-Fi radio with built-in speaker and color LCD display ; stylish exterior design and outstanding button placement on front panel ; can access thousands of freely available Internet radio stations ; streams tons of online music services (Pandora, Last ...

Remote and battery pack cost extra ; slightly more expensive than competing radios ; setup could scare off tech novices ; not a perfect alarm clock ; doesn't sound quite as good as the Squeezebox Boom ; some stability issues

The Logitech Squeezebox Radio has an exceptional design, an unmatched variety of streaming music services, and solid sonics, making it the top value pick for Wi-Fi radios.

Solid sound quality ; five HDMI inputs ; relatively inexpensive ; onboard Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding ; upconverts analog video signal to 1080i ; automatic speaker calibration

Slightly less power than the TX-SR607 ; no built-in Sirius support ; analog video upconversion is poor ; no true graphical user interface ; no 7.1 analog inputs ; big and boxy design ; Dolby Pro Logic IIz doesn't have much audible effect

The Onkyo HT-RC160 has nearly all the same functionality as the similar TX-SR607, for about $100 less, making it one of the best AV receiver values of the year.

Very good image quality on upconverted analog video sources ; four HDMI inputs ; onboard Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding ; Sirius-ready ; automatic speaker calibration

Competing AV receivers sound better ; no graphical user interface ; annoying back-panel design ; lousy remote

The Denon AVR-790 is a fully featured midrange AV receiver with standout upconverted video quality, although it's held back by some subpar design issues and average sound quality.

Solid sound quality for the price ; relatively inexpensive given the feature set ; four HDMI inputs ; basic graphical user interface ; onboard Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding ; Sirius-ready ; automatic speaker calibration

Poor image quality on upconverted analog sources ; no multichannel analog input ; no second zone functionality

The Sony STR-DN1000 offers solid sound and basic AV receiver features at a bargain price, but it's not nearly as good as last year's STR-DG920.

Wi-Fi radio that tunes in to thousands of free Internet radio stations ; portable functionality using six AA batteries ; stylish exterior design with color LCD display ; can select and save stations online ; lots of bass output ; five-day weather from ...

Can't stream Pandora ; no headphone or Ethernet jack ; no EQ controls make it hard to balance sound ; downfiring subwoofer can occasionally be overwhelming ; playback isn't as glitch-free as competitors ; no podcast support

The VTech IS9181 Wi-Fi radio has a slick design with a color LCD display, and is currently the best portable option on the market, but it lacks some of the additional streaming audio options found on competitors.

Two-room, wireless digital audio system, expandable to as many as 32 rooms ; includes wireless, color, touch-screen remote ; can also be controlled from any iPhone or iPod Touch via free app ; easy setup and installation for most home networks ; ...

While the Sonos components are all wireless, you'll need a hard-wired connection to one base station or the $99 wireless bridge accessory ; podcast access could be more streamlined ; competing Logitech products offer more music options for less money ...

An excellent touch-screen remote and equally usable iPhone remote app breathe new life into Sonos' excellent multiroom digital-audio system.

Four HDMI inputs ; onboard Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding ; upconverts analog video signals to 1080p ; automatic speaker calibration system ; relatively inexpensive 7.1 AV receiver

Competitors offer more features for the same price ; cannot assign audio inputs ; poor image quality on upconverted analog video signals ; lacks a multichannel analog input ; no multiroom functionality ; onscreen display looks outdated ; cluttered ...

The Yamaha RX-V565BL works well as part of the Yamaha YHT-791BL home theater system, but it doesn't fare as well when compared to other standalone AV receivers.

Four HDMI inputs ; onboard Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding ; upconverts analog video signals to 1080p ; automatic speaker calibration system ; relatively inexpensive 7.1 AV receiver

Competitors offer more features for the same price ; cannot assign audio inputs ; poor image quality on upconverted analog video signals ; lacks a multichannel analog input ; no multiroom functionality ; onscreen display looks outdated ; cluttered ...

The Yamaha HTR-6250BL works well as part of the Yamaha YHT-791 home theater system, but it doesn't fare as well when compared to other standalone AV receivers.

Outstanding sound quality for the price ; four HDMI inputs ; can connect an iPod/iPhone directly to its USB port and browse music using onscreen graphical user interface ; analog video upconversion to 1080p, with acceptable image quality ; onboard ...

Advanced controls can be difficult to setup ; confusing manual

The Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K delivers an excellent feature set and outstanding sound quality for its price, making it our top midrange AV receiver pick so far.