Friday January 27, 2012
The Yamaha Aventage RX-A1010 is a comprehensive home theater receiver that provides up to a 7.2. channel configuration (seven speakers and two subwoofers) as well as an abundance of features and connectivity options.
The RX-A1010 is rated to deliver 110wpc (20Hz-20kHz at only .06 THD with 2 channels driven), and features extensive audio decoding and processing capability, including TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio.
In terms of connectivity, RX-A1010 is not lacking. The connection complement includes eight 3D-compatible HDMI inputs, dual HDMI outputs, with analog to HDMI video conversion and 1080p upscaling. Internet Radio and Zone 2 audio and video connectivity and control, as well as a front mounted USB port for direct connection of flash drive, iPod, or iPhone, and Bluetooth connectivity via an optional dock are included.
The RX-A1010 even has Phono and S-Video connections, which are no longer found on a growing number of receivers.
An added bonus is that a free AV Controller App for either iPhone or Android Phone is available. The RX-A1010 makes a great center piece for your home theater system.
For additional suggestions, check out my list of Midrange Home Theater Receivers.
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Thursday January 26, 2012
Now that
RedBox has taken over the top spot in DVD and Blu-ray Disc rentals, it looks like former top-dog
Netflix is just satisfied to quietly let their own DVD and Blu-ray Disc rental service die.
According to latest indications by Netflix CEO, Reed Hastings, Netflix will no longer put any extra marketing resources to attract new DVD/Blu-ray rental subscribers. On the other hand, Netflix is expecting continued growth in its streaming service, which is becoming increasing popular, but until they add a lot more titles to their streaming library, and a lot more potential subscribers have access to adequate broadband service at reasonable rates, streaming still has a long way to go to beat physical DVD and Blu-ray discs in both quantity and quality. Streaming may be getting a lot of hype, but there are still millions of consumers that either prefer, or out of necessity, access a large portion of their video entertainment via Blu-ray Discs and DVDs.
For more on this continuing story, read the reports from CNET and Multichannel News.
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Thursday January 26, 2012
As a follow-up to the recent
2012 CES, Sony has announced several new audio products. The main focus is on three new home theater-in-a-box systems (BDV-N890W, BDV-N790W, and BDV-E390) that not only incorporate now-standard features, such as built-in 3D Blu-ray disc players (with 2D-to-3D conversion) and 5.1 channel speaker configurations, but also include built-in
Wi-Fi which provide access content from both the interenet and
DLNA-certified devices.
Another bonus is that the top model in the new line, the BDV-N890W, also includes an additional Sony wireless network speaker for enjoying music in an additional room location. All three models include iPod docks. What I also find interesting is that the main Blu-ray/receiver units use a similar physical design as the popular Sony Playstation 3 game console.
For more details on Sony's new home theater system line, as well as a new addition to their high-end speaker line-up, read the report from TWICE. 
Photo Top Left: BDV-N890W, Left Side: BDV-E390, Bottom Right: BDV-N790W (c) Sony Electronics Inc.
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Thursday January 26, 2012
Although Panasonic is more well-known for its Plasma TVs, it also makes a great line of video projectors that are manufactured and marketed through its professional division. The PT-AR100U is the newest entry level unit in its home theater projector category, but features more than the average entry level unit.
The physical design features a sleek appearance, with the lens mounted located near one side. On the inside, this projector features a 3LCD chip assembly, (1920x1080) 1080p native pixel resolution, puts out an impressive 2,800 lumens of light output, with stated contrast ratio of 50,000:1. In addition, "smooth screen" technology eliminates the LCD "screen door" effect.
To make setup easier, the PT-AR100U also includes a split-screen "before and after" display, as well as a built-in waveform monitor. To find out more details on whether the Panasonic PT-AR100U has what you might be looking for in a video projector, read my Product Profile. Photo (c) Panasonic
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