Weekly Site Roundup (10/21/02)
ARTICLE SPOTLIGHT
Top Picks: 16x9 Flat Tube TVs
As the impact of DVD, DTV, and HDTV becoming more of a factor in TV viewing, the popularity of digital TV is on the rise. Coming in 16x9 screen ratios, this new breed of TV provides high performance for both analog and digital video sources. Here are a few of my picks for HD-ready sets in the 30 to 34-inch screen size; just in time for the holiday shopping season.
HOME ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY NEWS HEADLINES
CEA Asks Court to Block DTV Tuner Rule (Stereophile Guide To Home Theater)
DVD Sales Outpace Last Year's Growth Rate (Widescreen Review)
D.C. Goes High-Def (TVinsite)
Consumers Want More Product Information From Manufacturers and Retailers, Says New CEA Survey (Widescreen Review)
Hard Drives: The New VHS Tape (CNET)
Cablevision Going Skyward? (Stereophile Guide To Home Theater)
CE Goods Top Holiday Purchase Plans (TWICE)
PRODUCT OF THE WEEK
Sony SLV-D100
Sony introduces its first DVD/VCR combo. Features include: DVD/DVD-R/RW, CD/VCD/CD-R/CD-RW, and MP3 Playback, a 4-Head Hi-Fi VCR, an RF Output for both DVD and VCR, Component Video and S-Video Outputs for DVD, as well as coaxial and optical digital outputs. In addition, added conveniences include: Front A/V inputs for camcorders or video game systems, Plug/Play Setup for the tuner and clock, and 1 Month/8 Event Recording Timer for the VCR. If you've waited on the purchase of a DVD/VCR combo the SLV-D100 has arrived just in time to put under the Christmas tree this holiday season.
FEATURED LINKS THIS WEEK
DVD Players UK
If you are looking for a multi-region DVD player, check out the selection from DVD Players UK
Featured in the DVD/Laserdisc/Video CD and UK Resources - Video Components Subject Pages.
Sound Advance
Check out the unique "invisible" loudspeakers manufactured by Sound Advance.
Featured in the Loudspeaker Subject Page.
FROM THE HOME THEATER FORUM
Plasma Television
From RAGPTG:
I am very interested in buying the Panasonic 42 HDTV Plasma Television. But I am being told even by the sales people that the screens only last 2-3 years and then they get cloudy. Some of the salespeople say you can send them back for regassing other salespeople say you can't regas them up. What is the real story on these Plasma Televisions?
Join in on the discussion.
ELSEWHERE ON ABOUT.COM
Sharp Explores Pocket Video
Check out an exciting new portable pocket-sized video recorder/player from Sharp as reported by Rick Manning, About Guide To Portable Entertainment.
FROM THE MAILBOX
From Autumn:
I read the article about not having a 8mm video adapter (Guide Note: Where Is The 8mm/VHS Adapter?). My problem is I have all my 8mm tapes but no camcorder. What do I do now? any suggestions? My new camcorder is a digital one and will not play the old 8mm. I don't know what to do now. Thanks for your help!
From Your Guide:
There are three possible solutions:
1. Buy a very inexpensive Hi8 camcorder to use as a player Canon has one -- ES75
that only costs $229 -- that can play 8mm and Hi8 tapes).
2. Buy a portable Hi8 VCR -- About $500
3. If you have upgraded to miniDV this last suggestion may not be practical - but if you have purchased a Digital8 camcorder (Sony TRV240, 340, or 740 -- or a Hitachi Digital8 camcorder) you would have had the ability to record in the same digital video format as miniDV -- using standard Hi8 tape AND would also have the ability to play back your old 8mm or Hi8 tapes in the same camcorder).
FINAL WORDS
Holiday News! It's that time of year once again. First, check out my annual Holiday Shopping Survival Guide, then, check in every week for a new holiday shopping article or top product picks. If you have any suggestions, just send me a line.
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.
