Weekly Site Roundup (05/24/04)
ARTICLE SPOTLIGHT
Budget and Mid-Range Compact Audio Systems
If you are looking for a great graduation, wedding, or Father's Day gift idea this year, consider giving a compact audio system. These units are very stylish and provide great sound for small spaces, such as a bedroom, kitchen, dorm room, or office. For some good choices, check out my selections for both Budget and Mid-Priced models. Updated for 2004.
HOME ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY NEWS HEADLINES
Pioneer Introduces VCR/DVD Recorder (TWICE)
Plastic, Not Glass, To Spawn New Breed Of Thin, Flexible Displays (EE Times)
Home Entertainment Show 2004 (Stereophile/Ultimate AV)
Kenwood NHT-815DV Home Theater-In-A-Box (Audio Revolution)
Samsung Debuts The Largest LCD TV On The Market (Widescreen Review)
V,Inc. Ships New BRAVO DVD Player And HD Tuner (Audio Revolution)
Toshiba Unveils DLP TV Lineup (TWICE)
PRODUCT OF THE WEEK
LiteON LVW-5005 DVD Recorder
If you are looking for a DVD recorder and are confused as to which format to choose, then check out the LiteON LVW-5005 All-Write DVD recorder. This unit can record in the DVD+R/+RW and DVD-R/-RW formats and also record VCD format video on CD-Rs and CD-RWs. The 5005 also has both analog and firewire inputs. This unit is creating quite stir in the marketplace, especially amongst weekend video editors. The only drawback is that its built-in TV tuner does not decode MTS-stereo audio. However, at a street price of less than $400, this is a real bargain for a DVD recorder with its capabilities.
FEATURED LINKS THIS WEEK
VEF Radiotehnika RRR
Experienced Latvian manufacturer of loudspeakers for home theatre. Established in 1927.
Featured in the Loudspeaker Manufacturer's U - Z Category Page.
Bush Home Entertainment
Home Entertainment furniture from Bush, including TV stands and audio furniture.
Featured in the Furniture - Storage A - G Category Page.
FROM THE HOME THEATER FORUM
CD-R/CD-RW Playback Compatiblity
From TECHBENCH:
Can anyone tell me exactly what "CD-R/CD-RW playback compatable" means when it's displayed on a car stereo or home audio component. I originately thought it meant it plays MP3s but after copying MP3s to a CD-R and putting it in my shelf system, it did not play.
Join in on the discussion.
ELSEWHERE ON ABOUT.COM
Buying Used Audio Equipment
You can find some great used audio equipment bargains, or you can end up in gadget hell. Anthony Armstrong, About Guide For Stereos, has some great used equipment shopping advice.
FROM THE MAILBOX
From JB:
I've got this error (on my Philips DVDR985 DVD recorder), AB FFDOE6, and the unit is locked up, no other functions possible. I have to unplug to turn it off. Plug in error returns. Hold power button while plugging in does nothing, error returns. I've recorded about 80 DVD's previously with no problems. I have the Firmware CD-ROM from Philips, but of course the unit is locked up.
From Your Guide:
This bug is a result of firmware version ff12R, which I also experienced. I had the same problem a few months ago.
What worked for me:
1. Unplug the DVDR985 and leave it uplugged for 24hrs or more (I left mine unplugged for a couple of days).
2. Make sure you have the latest upgrade version ff12t or later or universal firmware version 6.1 or later.
3. Plug the DVDR985 back and turn it on.
4. After it successfully turns on (which it should) and the onscreen menu comes up - press the eject button on the front panel, insert the correct firmware upgrade disc and close the tray.
5. The DVDR985 should immediately begin reading and downloading the software update, which takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
6. When the firmware download is complete, you can eject the disc (it may eject itself) and then everything should be OK - Check your setup menus and reset the time, channels, and your other preferences. You should also open and close the tray a couple of times without a DVD to see if there are any lock up issues. Turn the unit off from the remote and turn it on again to check for any lock ups in this mode.
7. If these procedures do not work -- recontact Philips support for further action. You can also check the forums at www.DVDplusRW.org -- which is the unofficial homepage for all issues involving DVD+R/+RW format DVD recorders, which includes Philips.
FINAL WORDS
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If you need more great info on home theater and audio, with an emphasis on the higher end, be sure to check out About.com's related partner sites:
Audio Video Interiors (The Connected Guide To The Digital Home).
Home Theater Magazine.
Stereophile Ultimate AV.
Stereophile Magazine.
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A Special Reminder: 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.
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