Weekly Site Roundup (08/12/02)
ARTICLE SPOTLIGHT
HDTV Progress Report: Fall 2002
The confusion over HDTV continues as the FCC and the CEA (Consumer Electronics Association) battle over adoption timetables - Here is my perspective.
HOME ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY NEWS HEADLINES
Sony's New HDTV Box (Stereophile Guide To Home Theater)
Could HDTV Significantly Impact Ticket Sales for Sporting Events? (Audio Revolution)
FCC Votes To Require Digital Tuners In TVs (CNN)
RCA Brings Audio To Scenium Brand (TWICE)
Sony Intros First XBR Plasma TV (TWICE)
5.1 Entertainment To Lower Price Of DVD-Audio Titles (Widescreen Review)
Zenith To Deliver DTV, Other Products Through Amazon.com (TWICE)
PRODUCT OF THE WEEK
Panasonic DMR-E30S
Panasonic's third generation DVD recorder features a low price and new slim profile. The DMR-E30 records in the DVD-R and DVD-RAM formats and has features that are typical on a high-end DVD player. If you haven't made the move to recordable DVD, this unit is definitely one to consider.
FEATURED LINKS THIS WEEK
Sing Young
If you like DVD and Karaoke, Sing Young has everything you need, including full home theater systems, VCD players, and code-free DVD players.
Featured in the Shopping Subject Page.
Tatung
Tatung is not a household name, but they offer an interesting line of video components, including code-free DVD players.
Featured in the Consumer Resources Subject Page.
VMPS Audio
Check out the award winning loudspeakers from VMPS.
Featured in the Loudspeakers Subject Page.
FROM THE HOME THEATER FORUM
First Time HDTV Owner
From MSENNA1:
We just purchased a 57" Sony Widesreen HDTV and was also sold by the salesman on getting the Monster Video 3 video cables which cost $100 and the Monster surge protector which cost $80. I hooked up a set of regular video cables to the progressive scan dvd player and then used the expensive Monster video cables and the picture looks identical to me. Is there some other advantage to having the expensive cables that I dont know about? And for the surge protector, is it necessary to have this Monster protector(HT700) or would a regular surge protector do the same job? And if there are any other issues you think a first time owner of this TV should know please let me know.
Join in on the discussion.
ELSEWHERE ON ABOUT.COM
DVD Movie Review: 'Lord Of The Rings'
Check out this comprehensive review of the new 'Lord Of The Rings DVD' as presented by Ivana Redwine, About Guide To Home Video/DVD.
FROM THE MAILBOX
Guest Product Review: Philips DVDR985 DVD Recorder
Jimmie Davis
7/30/02
jexivolt@yahoo.com
I must say, though the Philips 985 is not “plug ‘n play”, it couldn’t have been easier to have it up-and-running. I confess that I tried to cheat in the setup menu and I had to start over. It’s the machine putting discipline on the user, which in this case is a very good thing. By saying “you must complete the set-up menu step by step” it’s just saying “trust me, this is for your own good”. So after setting up I began recording w/ the enclosed DVD+RW disc.
I was fascinated to see the thumbnail pictures that were automatically generated in the menu...after I thought there were no more surprises, I found that the 985 gives me the ability to put TEXT alongside the thumbnail pics.
I am using ‘SP’ for recording from my TV and the playback is a clone of the original broadcast. In fact, it may be my imagination, but I think the ‘SP’ playback of a TV show looks a bit smoother than the original. I just know it’s giving me excellent recordings from my TV. I have copied some of my Digital-8 home videos using the I-EEE 1394 input in the DVDR-985’s front panel. Absolutely fantastic.
I called Philips and ordered the Firmware Upgrade Disc. I’m not using progressive scan yet, but I am having an occasional half second to one second video stall while taping from my camcorder. The upgrade disc may address this.
In closing, I have to say that I’m glad that I didn’t jump the gun and buy the Panasonic E -20 earlier this year. I learned quite a bit about the Philips DVDR-985 in Robert Silva’s ‘About Home Theater’ site. I have my DVDR-985 here on the shelf, today, and not only am I having a great time using it, but I can’t come up with a single complaint.
From Your Guide:
Thanks for the great review and the plug! If any of you out there would like to send in your own product reviews, send them in a I will happy to include them in my Weekly Update.
FINAL WORDS
Although I update this site regularly, sometimes I miss broken links, this is especially a concern as old product listings expire and new ones have different link addresses. If you encounter any broken links in my articles or listings, just bring it to my attention so I can correct the address or delete it from the site if it has expired and can no longer be accessed.
Lastly, I would like your feedback on this Weekly Site Update Page. If you have any comments, either positve or negative, just let me know.
For a look at earlier Home Theater Nooz and Vewz Weekly Updates, CLICK HERE
Feel free to
email me at hometheater.guide@about.com
with your questions and/or comments.
