Sporting a unique front panel design, the Marantz SR5006 will add style, features, and performance to your home theater system setup. The SSR5006 is 3D and Audio Return Channel-enabled, provides a seven channel configuration, two subwoofer outputs, Dolby Pro Logic IIz front height channel processing, and analog to HDMI video conversion and 1080p upscaling. Also, a set of 5.1/7.1 channel analog audio inputs, which is disappearing on many receivers, is still a connection option that is included on the SR5006.

The SR5006 is also up to date with media player and networking, including USB ports, Windows 7 and DLNA certification, and internet access to music streaming services, such as Pandora, Rhapsody, and vTuner. The SR5006 also incorporates Apple AirPlay, which enables you to stream music from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch as well as from iTunes libraries.

For additional suggestions, check out my list of Midrange Home Theater Receivers.

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VCRs are a just about non-existent on store shelves these days, mainly visible only as part of the decreasing number DVD Recorder/VCR combination units still being made and sold.

Due to the obvious diminished demand for VCRs, beginning with the introduction of DVD over a decade ago, Panasonic has finally halted production in Japan and will discontinue sales in that market when their current inventory runs out. On the other hand, production of VCRs at facilities in China and Slovakia will continue for several other markets, but it looks like VHS will soon join BETA in gadget heaven... As a note of trivia, 2006 was the last year that a major hollywood movie officially released on VHS. Reportedly, that last movie was A History of Violence.

I don't know about you, but although I still have a VCR in my gadget collection, it has been several years since I have used it to either record or watch a VHS tape. Also, I still buy and watch an occasional DVD or movie streamed from the internet, but the vast majority of my viewing time is filled by Blu-ray discs. However, sometimes I still sneak in a little time giving my old LaserDisc player some exercise.

For more on the above story, read the report from The Wall Street Journal/Japan RealTime.

Related Articles:

Three Ways To Copy VHS Tapes to DVD.

Where is the 8mm/VHS Adapter?

Ode to BETA

Also, vote in my poll:

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DVI stands for Digital Visual Interface. A DVI interface connection can transfer a digital video signal from a source component (such as from a DVI-equipped DVD player, cable, or satellite box) directly to a video display that also has a DVI connection, without conversion to analog. This can result in a better quality image from both standard and high definition video signals. Also, check out my visual look at a DVI Connection.

For additional terms and definitions, check out my Home Theater Glossary

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Bowers and Wilkins (B&W) is a well known maker of some very impressive, but very expensive loudspeakers. Taking their high-end expertise, B&W has announced the availability of two new "Mini-Theater" speaker packages, the MT-50 and MT-60D.

The foundation of both systems is the stylishly designed M1 compact loudspeaker that serves as center, front, and surround speakers. The M1 features a 1-inch tweeter and 4-inch midrange/bass driver and has an on-axis frequency response of 64Hz to 23kHz (+ or - 3db), a sensitivity of 85db, and from 20 to 100 watt power handling capability. The M1 can be table stand or floor stand mounted.

The MT-50 system also includes the ASW608 sealed 8-inch subwoofer with built-in 200 watt ICE power amplifier.

The MT-60D system is step-up that includes the same M1 satellite speakers, but substitutes the PV1D subwoofer in place of the ASW608. The PV1D feature unique spherical styling housing two 8-inch side facing drivers, supported by a 400 watt amplifier. In addition, the PV1D features onboard controls with five preset room EQ settings.

The MT-50 system is priced at $1,750.00, and the MT-60D has a price of $2,590.00. The M1 satellite speakers can be purchased individually for $250.00, the ASW608 is $500, and the PV1D is priced at $1,700.00. In addition, floor stands for the M1 satellites can be purchased for $150 each. All the speakers, subwoofers, and stands are available in either black or white.

For more details on the entire line-up, check out the Bowers and Wilkins Mini-Theater Page. Photo - top right: MT-50, left side: MT-60D (c) Bowers and Wilkins.

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