Weekly Site Roundup (12/27/04)
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING HOME THEATER NEWS AND VEWZ WEEKLY UPDATES:
This week's weekly site update marks the last issue to be posted in this current format. Beginning next week (January 3, 2005) you can find the features and content normally posted here now featured on my main page in the form of daily blogs and in my weekly email newsletter. I want to thank those of you that have read and enjoyed the Home Theater Nooz and Vewz Weekly Site Update and hope you check out my main page and my email newsletter for your favorite content. To sign up for my weekly email newsletter, just to my main page and follow the newsletter sign up icons.
ARTICLE SPOTLIGHT
Home Theater 2004 - A Look Back - And A Peek At 2005
Although 2004 was a mixed year for CE retailing, that didn't stop manufacturers from introducing new products for the consumer. Despite the Iraq war, economic doom sayers, and a controversial presidential election, the U.S. economy proved itself resilient. As a result, technology and product innovation continued unabated across all consumer electronics categories. Check out some of the newsworthy home theater highlights from 2004 and preview of what may be ahead in 2005.
Holiday Special - After-Christmas Sales - What You Need To Know
After-Christmas and Year-End sales are a great time get some good deals, but you can also end up with a purchase disaster. This is where the consumer needs to shop smart. Don't just grab the newspaper AD and run down to your local consumer electronics retailer without arming yourself with useful knowledge and tools to get the most from your After-Christmas dollar.
HOME ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY NEWS HEADLINES
A Video 'Curse' Snares Would-Be TV Pioneers (REUTERS)
JVC's Dual-Format DVD (Stereophile Ultimate AV)
Sony’s DCR-DVD7E digital camcorder (Engadget)
XCP CDs for 2005? (Stereophile)
Sex and the Single HDTV (Home Theater Magazine)
DIRECTV Adds Fox High Definition Programming (Widecreen Review)
Ten Grizzlies Games In High-Definition TV (Memphis Grizzlies)
PRODUCT OF THE WEEK
Sony RDR-HX900 DVD Recorder
If you are looking for a DVD recorder that just about has it all, then you have to check out the Sony RDR-HX900. First of all, this DVD recorder can record in four DVD formats: DVD-R/-RW/+R/+RW. Second, the HX900 also has a 160GB hard drive that gives the user the flexibility of storing large amounts of video before having to dub it to DVD. In addition, the HX900 features a built-in TV tuner with satellite and cable box control as well as the TV Guide programming system. Adding other features such as Firewire and analog video inputs with complete progressive scan playback output makes this unit a keeper. Just select your source, choose to record to the hard drive or DVD, press record, and you are set to go. At $799, you might think that the HX900 is a little expensive. However, after using several DVD recorders, I found that its combination of features and performance fills the bill.
FEATURED LINKS THIS WEEK
Epson Home Theater
Well known for its computer peripherals, including video projectors for business use, Epson also offers a selection of video projectors and projection televisions for the home theater enthusiast.
Featured in the Televisions A-H Category Page.
VOOM
DirecTV and Dish Network aren't your only choices for satellite TV service, especially if you own an HDTV. For more info, check out the VOOM high definition satellite service.
Featured in the Satellite Systems A-Z Category Page.
FROM THE HOME THEATER FORUM
“Best” For Archiving From DVR To DVD
From ATG123:
We have a DVR through our cable company and would like to archive some shows we’ve saved on the hard drive to a DVD. Our home theater is very modest and we don’t plan on making the transition to HDTV for at least another two or three years. We’re also happy with the cable company’s DVR and we’re not looking to replace it with a Tivo or DVD recorder with hard drive.
Given all of the above, I’m leaning towards the Panasonic DMR-E55 ($250). Any reason why I should consider the Sony RDR-GX300 ($399) or some other recorder?
Join in on the discussion.
ELSEWHERE ON ABOUT.COM
Casio SY-30 Mini-TV
Nino Marchetti, About's Guide for Portable Entertainment, takes a look at the Casio SY-30 portable mini-TV.
FROM THE MAILBOX
From New:
Hi. I have a 2-year old Toshiba rear projection TV. Recently, the blue CRT developed a problem. The set is under warranty. It is my understanding that at this point, all 3 CRTs need to be swapped out at the same time for the standard of picture quality that I enjoy. I have been trying to get Toshiba to understand this, but they refuse to replace anything other than the CRT that is having a problem. I intend to point out one of your article in which you mention this, but I am wondering you know of any other source on the internet or elsewhere that more
elaborately details the need to replace all three. This is all one big hassle, and I am trying to arm myself with as much information as possible to make my case.
From Your Guide:
Although it is definitely advantageous to replace all the CRTs for the
reasons I outlined in my article -- the warranty will probably only pay for
the actual defective CRT -- you will probably have to foot the bill on the
other two.
However, before you do that, I would let them replace the one defective CRT -- but have them check the other two -- then see how the actual image looks after the defective unit is replaced -- if the colors are uneven you may have a better case with Toshiha...
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.
