Weekly Site Roundup (08/11/03)
ARTICLE SPOTLIGHT
Compact TVs: Top Picks
We typically think of compact televisions as bargain basement models for use in the kid's room or the kitchen. However, there is a new breed of high performance compact TVs that deliver excellent picture quality and audio performance that are perfect for a variety of smaller environments. They also make great back-to-school gifts. Check out some of my current favorites.
HOME ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY NEWS HEADLINES
NEC Drops Projector And Plasma Display Prices (Widescreen Review)
Amoisonic Launches Its Own Dual-Brand Strategy (TWICE)
CBS Sports and DirecTV To Present "The NFL On CBS" In HDTV (Audio Revolution)
Retail Sales Rebound In July (TWICE)
XM To Launch "Roady" Radio For Youth Market (TWICE)
Sony's New Plasma TV Adds Home Smarts (CNET)
Comcast Adds ESPN HD To Its HDTV Service In Washington (Widescreen Review)
PRODUCT OF THE WEEK
Onkyo TX-SR701
Mid-range AV recievers have taken the home theater market by storm. Onkyo's latest mid-range entry offers THX-select certification, 6-channel low distortion discrete amplification at 100 WPC. Surround modes include: DTS, DTS-ES Discrete/Matrix 6.1, DTS Neo:6 Dolby Digital (including EX), and Dolby Pro Logic II. The SR-701 also has all of the needed analog and digital AV inputs and outputs, including HD-ready component video input/output and, for you vinyl fans, a dedicated phono/turntable input.
Manufacturer's Site
FEATURED LINKS THIS WEEK
Ecoustics: Power Conditioners
You've installed an inexpensive home theater system but, for some reason, your video and audio just aren't quite right. It may be the instability of your power. Check out information and product reviews on power conditioners, surge protectors, and more.
Featured in the Subject Page.
Plasma.com
Online source for Plasma TV's, LCD TV's, Video Projectors, Video Projection Screens, DVD Players, and DVD Recorders for home or business.
Featured in the Television/Plasma/Projection Displays Subject Page.
FROM THE HOME THEATER FORUM
Need RF Modulator Advice
From MMBENGUE:
We just bought our first DVD player, but had the macrovision problem due to having an older TV, with only a single jack to which we have to attach the cable service connection which runs through the VCR. We are about to run out and purchase an rf modulator, but just read that it will reduce the picture quality. Bummer! Is the picture quality really that poor? Does the type of RF modulator make a difference? We really cannot afford to upgrade our tv right now. Is there any other way around this? Do the DVD/VCR combos avoid this problem? They seem to be more expensive. I certainly don't want to have invested in a DVD only to have a poor quality picture.
Join in on the discussion.
ELSEWHERE ON ABOUT.COM
About Desktop Video
FROM THE MAILBOX
From DCJ:
I am in the market for a projection TV, and I have heard conflicting reports about the type of maintenance that may be required. On the conservative side, I've been told they need to be cleaned every year, on the liberal side, I've been told every three to four years. Who is closest to the mark?
From Your Guide:
Most extended service plans for CRT-based projection TVs provide for a once-a-year check up (make sure you see this in writing) -- if you choose to take advantage of it -- this doesn't mean that you HAVE to have this done on a specific date or exactly one year....we all forget specific dates and such. However, dust does build up inside the set on the reflective mirror and CRTs over time and it is a good idea to have it cleaned as well as making the sure the color convergence is accurate (projection TVs using a separate CRT for red, green, and blue) -- in addition, if you move the TV around to a new room or a new house, it is a good idea to have a tech come out and recheck it.
In conclusion, if the unit is still looks and operates as well as it did when first delivered and set up -- you are probably in good shape -- but some sort of periodic check is a good idea - about once-a-year, or so, is reasonable. The key point is that for the money you are paying for the set, you obviously want it working in top condition and a projection TV needs a little more care than the traditional tube TV. The best analogy I can give is that an expensive sports car needs a more maintanence to keep it going than a Ford Escort.
FINAL WORDS
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Home Theater Magazine.
Stereophile Guide To Home Theater.
Stereophile Magazine.
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