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A World of Home Theater
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Today is the final day and you will absolutely have to deal with it. The transition to digital TV will be official and hopefully you got yourself all the much needed technology behind it. And this time nobody will delay the whole thing as they did a while ago. Let us know how the whole DTV transition works for you. Having problems getting your favorite channels? Make sure you drop us a line.
You’d think that televisions are all essentially just the same, and on the surface, you’d be mostly right. Mostly. It’s the finer distinctions that separate one television from another, and in the case of the 42 inch Sylvania LCD, it’ll all be down sides.
Watching the 42 inch Sylvania LCD made me wonder if that particular model had suffered a tragic case of burn-in at the factory. The screen itself seemed washed out, and every color had that unpleasant pastel look to it. In fact, compared to a lot of other televisions, it had lesser clarity of image and lesser sound quality from its two side-mounted speakers. Sadly, the only thing that this television improves on is the price–in an upward direction. This miserable wreck of a television actually retailed for nine hundred bucks in one shop I found it available. Nine hundred bucks! For a forty two inch television in this economy, that’s bad enough, but to get anything less than high quality for that kind of money is just adding insult to injury.
You can do vastly better, just about anywhere, than the 42 inch Sylvania LCD could bring to market. In many cases you can get much more television for much less money, even if you have to accept a slightly smaller screen it’ll at least manage to turn out a decent picture with good sound quality. The model I managed to see, on the other hand, won’t do either.
NEC has recently made an announcement that their NP52 projector has hit shelves in Asia.
Featuring 2600 ANSI lumens, a 16:001 contrast ratio and 1024 x 768 the NP52 makes for a none-too-bad home theater projector. Also featuring a leightweight 3.5 pound deisgn, USB, RGB, composite and S-Video ports coupled with auto focus and auto signal dection it also makes for a great projector to use with presentations
There’s no word if this projector is to hit the States but it will retail for around $2000 when it hits markets overseas.
Read (About Projectors)
BLOBBox
TVBLOB has announced that reeplay.it has integrated its social video bookmarking service with the BLOBbox which is a hybrid set-top box for analog and HD televisions. By using a BLOBbox and the reeplay.it service, new and existing users can easily bookmark “free-to-web” video content anywhere online, view it on big screen TVs, and even share links with friends and family. In merely two clicks, reeplay.it makes video from the web playable on an iPod, iPhone, portable media player, videogame console, mobile phone, or set-top box.
Best of all, users don’t need to worry about encoding, resolution differences, or bit rates because reeplay.it automatically displays the highest quality video imaginable on the receiving device. In addition to being an HD PVR and free Digital Terrestrial TV receiver, the flexible BLOBbox blends conventional broadcast TV with Web TV possibilities including the ability to browse sites like Wikipedia, YouTube, Picasa, check Gmail, watch online television, subscribe to audio and video podcasts through services like Miro and download video using BitTorrent to watch in 1080p HD.The BLOBbox is available for buy now from TecnologieCreative in Italy or directly from the BLOBbox website. The requirements are a standard television with analog or HDMI input and a broadband connection.
Looking for a nettop similar but cheaper than Apple’s Mac Mini? Then maybe the new MSI Wind Nettop CS120 is the desktop you were looking for. It will feature an Intel Atom 230 1.6Ghz processor, 160GB hard-drive, a 1GB of memory, 7.1 channel HD sound output, WiFi and multiformat card reader and 6 USB 2.0 ports.
The nettop is definitely cheaper than the Mini. The CS120 will cost you just $319.99 and it’s going to be available from NewEgg, Amazon, Mwave and J&R.
via Press
Bryston SP3
The Bryston SP3 will include eight HDMI audio/video inputs with two independent HDMI outputs (each supporting different output resolutions). And naturally the SP3 will decode all of the advanced codecs including PCM, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio and DTS-HD Master Audio. The SP3 will have balanced audio inputs and outputs as well as traditional RCA inputs and outputs.
Besides the HDMI inputs, the unit will include two each of component video, composite video and S-video inputs, as well as six stereo analog audio inputs, four each of fiber and coax S/PDIF digital inputs, a pair of AES/EBU digital inputs and a 7.1-channel analog audio input which bypasses all of the audio processing circuitry. The SP3 is likely to be available in the first quarter of 2009, priced from $8,000-$10,000, depending upon configuration.
Mitsubishi Electronics has unveiled two new high-brightness installation-purpose projectors using Texas Instruments’ DLP® technology. The XD3200U XGA (1024 x 768 pixels) and widescreen WD3300U WXGA (1280 x 800 pixels) are designed for lecture halls, large classrooms, boardrooms, conference rooms, church sanctuaries and other presentation rooms.
Both models include a new lamp drive system designed to reduce the overall deterioration rate of the lamp. This innovative design helps the lamp to retain consistent projection brightness over a longer period of time while maintaining an estimated lamp life of up to 4000 hours in low mode.
A long lamp life dramatically decreases the overall total cost of ownership by reducing the frequency of lamp replacements. When a lamp exchange is required, these new models are designed with convenient side-loading lamp access, so the projector can stay in place on a shelf or on the ceiling, saving time and money. Additionally, both of these installation projectors offer a one-year or 500-hour (whichever comes first) limited warranty on the lamp.
The WD3300 shoots a rated 4000 lumens of brightness while the XD3200 blasts a rated 4500 lumens, making these models perfect for displaying bright and vivid images even in large rooms or venues with bright ambient lighting.
The WD3300U wide screen and the XD3200U XGA projector are currently available through authorized Mitsubishi dealers at very competitive prices. The projectors come with Mitsubishi’s three-year limited warranty on parts and labor plus a one-year limited warranty on the lamp. As with all Mitsubishi installation projectors, each is covered by the Express Replacement Assistance (ERA) Program, a nationwide comprehensive service that offers next business-day replacement for down units under warranty coverage.
(Source) Press
Cyberlink has been a familiar name in aiding people in their DVD authoring needs. And many of them are sure to be glad to find out that Cyberlink has unveiled its latest version.
The new PowerDVD9 carries the following features:
CyberLink PowerDVD 9 Versions:
(Source) Press
Wireless Digital T-Amp
Wireless speaker systems seem like a great idea, especially if you want to avoid trailing cables around your room or drilling holes to pass them through. However, as many have found, the audio quality of many of these systems leaves much to be desired. That is set to change with the Wireless Digital T-Amp. It provides great hi-fi sound up to 150 feet from your stereo.
Mvix™ MX-780HD
Featuring a SATA Hard Drive Interface and HDMI Video-out port the Mvix™ MX-780HD is the latest in a line of portable HDD-based players from Mvix. The Mvix™ MX-780HD provides outstanding visual quality by utilizing it support for leading-edge video decoding technologies.
It also incorporates high resolution audio and the capability to be connected wireless to home and office networks with a range of up to 150 feet. It supports 1080p High Definition images. It is important to note that the device does not include the HDD but simply provides support for it. Firmware upgrades ensure that this device will stay up to date as new file formats appear.
Mitsubishi HC6500
The Mitsubishi HC6500U Home Theater projector brings with it solid performance at a lower price than the flagship HC7000. High lumen output, a very sharp picture, and great shadow detail make it a good performer with HD film and video, while quiet exhaust and a 5,000 hour lamp life make it a pleasure to use.
This projector has a clear and noticeable advantage in image sharpness and clarity that is visible when placed head to head with its LCD competition. It does lack the inky blacks of some of its competitors, though it has very good shadow detail and rich, open mid-tones. This contributes to a sense of three-dimensionality that you would not anticipate from its relatively low contrast.
The HC6500 is for sale through authorized dealers for $3,495 or less.
KDL-70XBR7 BRAVIA XBR
The 70-inch, KDL-70XBR7 BRAVIA XBR LCD flat panel HDTV is an unbelievably huge TV with a crystal clear picture. In addition to Full HD 1080p resolution, this Sony Bravia features Motionflow 120Hz technology that enhances movement to deliver a smoother and clearer looking picture. The Bravia also features a powerful digital video processor that reproduces stunning images from any resolution. The Xross Media Bar user interface is intuitive and simple, and an integrated TV Guide Interactive Program Guide and BRAVIA Sync one-touch component control makes finding what you want simple and fast.
BRAVIA Link modules (sold separately) allow you to expand the TV’s capabilities later (as if it doesn’t do plenty as is). Abundant connectivity options allow you to connect tothe latest video sources. A gorgeous piano gloss black finish with floating glass accents makes this huge HDTV unit the sharpest wall in your home. The Sonia Bravia 70-inch HDTV retails for $20,000, but when size matters, price is no object.
For people building their home theaters, here is another potential audio receiver you may want to consider purchasing. The Denon AVR-789 showcases a high-value, high-versatility A/V receiver for the high-def age with its own unique array of inputs, outputs and processing.
The AVR-789 supports all of the audio codecs that a Blu-ray addict could hope for. This includes Dolby TrueHD 7.1 and DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 backed by a respectable 90 watts on the seven channels. It can also send powered stereo to a second zone of the home or to bi-amplify the main speakers (left and right front channels) for superior performance.
Features:
Price: $599.00
(Source) Big Picture Sound
Audio Technica ATH-ANC7 headphones
One of the great things about having an HT set up is you can share it with friends or keep it yourself. Audio Technica ATH-ANC7 headphones are lightweight and compact and are great for when you want to retreat into your own world, or better yet, want to send a teenager into his or hers. By reducing distracting background noise by up to 85% while offering the superior audio quality, these high end headphones make solitary listening a real joy.
Ideal for use with MP3, CD, DVD & in-flight entertainment systems, ATH-ANC7 closed-back headphones feature noise-cancelling electronics that are fully integrated into each earpiece. A single AAA battery powers the active noise-cancelling technology; but the audio functions in passive mode even without the battery. The headphones fold flat when not in use and include a detachable cable with 3.5 mm mini-plugs, a full-size 1/4 inch adapter, a specialized airline adapter for connecting to in-flight entertainment systems, and a handy carrying case. The Audio Techna ATH-ANC7 headphones retail for $219.95.
Deco Wall Sconce
Many do-it-yourselfers neglect lighting when decorating a room, but when decorating a home theater room, especially a room that is dedicated to home theater and nothing else (as opposed to a family room or living room with home theater included), proper lighting can set a mood and at the same time make the rest of your decorating choices really stand out. The Art Deco period in design history coincides with the era of the first big celluloid stars like Jean Harlow, Clark Gable, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, Irene Dunne, and the Marx Brothers.
Allmoviereplicas.com carries an authentic Art Deco wall sconce that can be customized with your own initial. Crafted in heavy black laser-cut metal that directs light upward, the sconce goes perfectly with modern furniture and Deco styling. The Art Deco initialed sconce sells for $505 at www.allmoviereplicas.com.
Sony DAV IS10
Sony HT-DDWG700
LG LHB977 Network Blu-Ray Home Theater System
Sony’s New BRAIVA Series Optimized for Networks
Samsung BD-P3600 Blu-Ray Player
Viewsonic Pairs with 3M Touch Systems for Touch Screen Displays
Panasonic G10 Comes Out with THX and Internet Connectivity
LG M4212T-BN Monitor Is Touch Friendly
Never Loose Again the Voice-Activated Amulet Remote
First 1TB 2.5 Inch SSD Created by pureSilicon
Yamaha YSP
Logitech Z Cinema Advanced Surround Sound System
Does brand loyalty count for anything when you are shopping for a new TV? According to Consumer Reports Annual Product Reliability Survey, certain brands of plasma and LCD televisions do indeed consistently underperform while others are consistently excellent, garnering rave reviews from most consumers. The two worst performing brands of LCD TVs were Hitachi and Dell. (Dell has recently discontinued its TV line—still, if you find one on deep discount, pass it by.) The worst performing plasma TV award went to Philips. On the positive side of things, Panasonic consistently over-performed and was cited again and again as the maker of the best plasma TVs available today.
Other brands that had low repair rates and did consistently well in both the LCD and Plasma markets were Sony, Samsung, Toshiba, JVC, and Pioneer. So brand name does count, and not always in the expected way. For best results, do a bit of online research before buying, and jot down the best brands and models before shopping,