Weekly Site Roundup (04/28/03)

ARTICLE SPOTLIGHT
Top Picks: Universal DVD Players
A new type of DVD player configuration is creating quite a stir in the marketplace. Known as the Universal DVD player, these units will play just about any type of DVD, VCD, and CD disk available, including the new DVD-Audio and SACD (Super Audio CD) disks.

HOME ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY NEWS HEADLINES
HDNet Expands Offerings (Stereophile Guide To Home Theater)
Panasonic Releases Two Projectors (Videography Magazine)
Camcorders Warm Up To DVD (The Christian Science Monitor)
The Matrix Sequels to be Released in IMAX 70mm Format (Audio Revolution)
Yamaha Introduces Affordable High-Performance 6.1 Channel AV Receivers (Audio Revolution)
Tower Records: The Incredible Shrinking High-Resolution Presence (High Fidelity Review)
Japan To Begin DTV broadcasts In December (EE Times)

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK
Pioneer DV-354
Check out this inexpensively-priced unit with loads of features and excellent quality. The Pioneer DV-354 has a thin space-saving design, which everyone will appreciate. It features DVD/CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3-CD, and VCD playback capability as well as all needed analog and digital AV outputs. If your TV has component video inputs, this unit will display a fantastic image.

FEATURED LINKS THIS WEEK
Rotel
From moderately priced preamps and receivers to the high-end, Rotel offers excellent stereo and home theater components for the consumer.
Featured in the Audio Components Subject Page.

Legacy Audio
If you are looking for the ultimate in loudspeakers, where cost is no object, be sure to check out Legacy.
Featured in Loudspeakers Subject Page.

HGTV: Home Theater
Check out some great home theater advice from Home And Garden Television
Featured in Magazines/E-zines Subject Page.

FROM THE HOME THEATER FORUM
Onkyo LS-V950 Hookup To PS2
From GREGJZ52:
I am about to purchase an Onkyo LS-V950 Home theater system. I have been reading alot about it but there is a question that I cant seem to find the answer. Here is my problem. The reciever has a built in DVD player. 2 S-video inputs and 1video output. Now the question is I have a Playstation 2 that I want to hook up to my reciever. Do most recievers have the ability like your TV menu would to switch from video input 1 to video input 2 to dvd and so forth. I know my TV menu does. but I dont know about this reciever or any reciever for that matter. Would I be able to play my ps2 going through the reciever then to the tv or do I have to directly hook it up to the tv. Hopefully someone could answer this for me.
Join in on the discussion.

ELSEWHERE ON ABOUT.COM
Desktop Video

FROM THE MAILBOX
From James:
I read your article titled "DVD Connection Dilemma" and I want to clarify something before I purchase the RF modulator that you mentioned.

I currently have my satellite cable running from the satellite box into my TiVo unit. From there, I have the a/v cables running from the TiVo unit to the (one) and only set of a/v inputs on the TV. I would like to also connect a DVD player, so I assume I need to purchase an RF modulator since there is only one set of a/v inputs on the TV? If this is correct, do you have any suggestions on how I would connect everything together in this scenario?

From Your Guide:
Actually, in your case, if you want to connect both the TIVO and DVD player to the AV inputs of the TV, you might be better to get an AV switcher rather than an RF modulator.

The main reason to use an RF modulator is if the only connection on your TV is the RF-Cable connector, in which case the RF modulator would allow hookup of botht the TIVO and DVD player to the antenna/RF connection on the TV.

FINAL WORDS

For a look at earlier Home Theater Nooz and Vewz Weekly Updates, CLICK HERE

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.
Home Theater Magazine.
Stereophile Guide To Home Theater.
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.

Feel free to email me at hometheater.guide@about.com
with your questions and/or comments.