Weekly Site Roundup (11/04/02)
ARTICLE SPOTLIGHT
Guide Picks - Powered Subwoofers
The subwoofer has emerged as a critical component of the home theater system. Today's DVDs contain low frequency information that add a dose of "reality" to those explosions and other special effects, as well as revealing those lower musical tones. If you are considering adding a little punch to your system, consider a few of my moderately-priced powered subwoofer picks. Updated for Winter 2002.
HOME ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY NEWS HEADLINES
Gateway's $3k Plasma TV (Stereophile Guide To Home Theater)
Zenith Launches HDTVs with Digital Closed Captioning Capability (Secrets Of Home Theater And High Fidelity)
Spidey Wraps Up New DVD Record (L.A. Daily News)
DOJ Blocks EchoStar/Hughes Electronics Deal (TWICE)
New $1,600 1,000 Watt Subwoofer from B&W (Audio Revolution)
SONICblue Launches ReplayTV 5000 Series Digital Video Recorder (Audio Revolution)
MSTV Monitors DTV Dustups (TVinsite)
PRODUCT OF THE WEEK
Panasonic PT40LC12
This is definitely not your typical projection TV. The PT40LC12 is an LCD-based unit with 40-inch 16x9 aspect ratio and HDTV upgradability. Other features include: 1280x720 pixel resolution, Progessive scan with 3:2 pulldown, two component video inputs, and RGB input for VGA, SVGA, and XGA compatibility. Combine this with very unique styling and you have a great addition for your home theater.
FEATURED LINKS THIS WEEK
Classic-Audio
Check out information on that classic audio component from the past.
Featured in the Audio Components Subject Page.
Visual Cue
Check out the home theater products and services form Visual Cue, including Plasma and LCD TVs, surround sound speaker packages, and connection products.
Featured in the Home Theater and Shopping Subject Pages.
FROM THE HOME THEATER FORUM
10' x 23' Room, Too Small For Theater?
From MPIN80S:
I have a room, 10'3"W x 23'7"L x 8'H, that I could convert into a TV room. I would like a room where I can watch a movie without interruption, and thought I might create something of a home theater. I was thinking I could get a couple of loveseats and a couch in there, one in front of the other, creating 3 rows of seats. My question is, "Is this space too small for a surround sound system, ie, too close to the speakers for the sound to spread, or be overwhelmed by a dominate speaker?" I don't want to drop a huge chunk of money in this & I don't know much about sound. Sales people I have talked to have given me conflicting information.
Join in on the discussion.
ELSEWHERE ON ABOUT.COM
Before You Buy A Video Recorder
Everything you need to know about buying a video recorder, including some top picks for standard VHS, Dual Deck, and Personal Video Recorders (TIVO, ReplayTV).
FROM THE MAILBOX
From John:
Does Mitsubishi not manufacture direct view televisions anymore? I had a direct view Mitsubishi television from the mid-1980s, which I liked very much.
From Your Guide:
Mitsubishi stopped making direct-vew tube TVs about four years ago. Pioneer and Mitsubishi are the two main consumer electronics makers that currently produce only projection and Plamsa screen TVs.
The reason you ask?
1. The profit margin in traditional direct-view sets is very low.
2. The market is saturated with higher profile direct-view makers, such as Panasonic, Sony, Toshiba, Sharp, Philips, RCA, and Zenith.
3. Both Pioneer and Mitsubishi see themselves as more "niche" brands that need not be concerned with mass-market inexpensive televisions, catering more to the customer who wants a more high-end home theater oriented product utilizing cutting-edge technology.
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.
