Good value

I was looking on the web for an entry-level surround receiver, mostly for watching video at modest sound levels in a 25' x 19' x 9' room (which connects to other rooms). I selected the JVC because I thought it would be fun to try the USB and wireless options. These features and everything else work exactly as advertised. The manual is OK, but there are a few rough spots. Stay with it--you will figure it out. Receiver operation is very logical and simple (my only prior experience with surround receivers was with another entry-level device, made about a decade go--well, we've come a LONG way from that). As noted in other reviews on the net, the receiver does run hot but this isn't a big problem so far. The only problem I have experienced is that the RCA connector to drive a dedicated subwoofer amplifier was very stiff. Initially, I could not make the connection, but with a little more effort (but not enough to break anything) I did get it to connect. This receiver lacks Audissey or other automatic setup facility, but it's straightforward to register all your speakers and their distances to the sweet point. The various surround modes are implemented without too much noise and can produce fun effects. For movies, I normally use the DVD player's 5-channel output "as is". According to my son, whose hearing at high frequencies is better than my own, the CC converter produces significant improvements over linear PCM. I'm really impressed with the value. It's a lot of fun for the money.