Weekly Site Roundup (11/08/04)
ARTICLE SPOTLIGHT
Holiday Shopping: Don't Forget The Necessories!
When giving a home theater component, such as a DVD player, or other high-tech gadget gift, make sure you include the accessories that make it work. A followup to last week's Holiday Shopping Survival Guide.
HOME ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY NEWS HEADLINES
Sharp’s New 23-Inch ‘IT-TV’... (Widescreen Review)
B&W Debuts New In-Wall Speakers (Audio/Video Revolution)
Pioneer Electronics Issues Customer Advisory on Dual Disc Format (High Fidelity Review)
Blu-Ray Optical Disks To Be Made From Corn (The Inquirer)
First Blood in the New DVD War (Business Week)
Matsushita, LG Electronics Collide on PDP Patents (EE Times)
Vidikron Shipping Vision Series Model 100 Projector... (Audio/Video Revolution)
PRODUCT OF THE WEEK
Sensio 3D Processor
Remember those great campy 3D movies of the 50's? How about experiencing some those great IMAX 3D movies? Now you can by adding a Sensio's 3D processor to your home theater. Designed work with DVD in conjunction with front projection TV systems, the Sensio recreates the 3D experience as it was meant to be seen in a movie theater. All the equipment is supplied, including glasses. There are currently many 3D films available (both vintage and current) with more additions each month.
Manufacturer's Site
FEATURED LINKS THIS WEEK
Magnepan
Yep! Those unusual flat speakers are still here after 30 years! Check out the latest lineup of Magneplanar Loudspeakers.
Featured in the Loudspeakers K - O Category Page.
Monster Cable: Hook Up Guides
Need to know how to hookup your hometheater system? Check out some useful tips right here, courtesy of Monster Cable.
Featured in the Cables and Connections Category Page.
FROM THE HOME THEATER FORUM
TV+DVD I Can Move from Room to Room
From ADDLE:
Is there such a thing as a TV and DVD setup that I can view in the kitchen, then unplug and take to my exercise area and view there without a lot of expensive, high tech equipment? Thanks!
Join in on the discussion.
ELSEWHERE ON ABOUT.COM
About Stereos - Loudspeakers from $1,000 - 2,000
Anthony Armstrong, About Guide for Stereos and 2-Channel Audio has a great overview of several great loudspeakers in the mid-price range.
FROM THE MAILBOX
From DV:
I was looking at the Samsung DVD-HD841, then the HD931, now I see a new HD941. Have you checked out this new HD941? Do you have suggestions on differences between any of these? Why is the HD941 better than either of the others? I just bought the Samsung HLP6163W and can't wait to show it off with a good DVD player…
From Your Guide:
The Samsung DVD-HD931 was released in 2003 (that is why the 3 in is model number) and was one of the first DVD players that feature 720p/1080i upscaling capability, via a DVI-HDCP connection. In addition, the 931 also has an onboard Faroudja DCDi processor -- which provides better video performance in the standard 480p progressive scan mode.
For more details on the 931 -- check out my review:
http://hometheater.about.com/cs/dvdlaserdisc/fr/samdvdh931full.htm.
The 841 and 941 are both 2004 models (notice the 4 in the model number). The 841 is basically the direct replacement for the 931, however, it eliminates the Faroudja DCDi processor and adds DVD-Audio and SACD (Super Audio CD) playback capability -- at a lower price than the original price of the 931. It also features the DVI-HDCP connection.
The 941 is a step up of the 841, which adds back the Faroudja DCDI processor, but instead of a DVI-HDCP connection, it has an HDMI connection.
There are other features that are different between the three models, however, the ones that may impact your decision are the ones mentioned above. I would go with either the 841 or 941 over the 931, as they include some refinements that are not present on the 931, due to the 931 being the older model of the three.
Basically, the 941 provides a slight edge in performance over the 931 an 841. However, if your TV has a DVI connection, rather than an HDMI connection, you will have to use the provided HDMI to DVI-HDCP converter cable to plug the 941 into a TV that only has a DVI-HDCP connection. The 941 sells for the same price as the 931 did when it was first released in 2003.
For more information on both the 841 and 941, check out the following:
FINAL WORDS
Submit your own product review to home theater! Just use the new handy form and your review and name will be posted on my site!
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.
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.
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.
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.
