Weekly Site Roundup (08/18/03)
ARTICLE SPOTLIGHT
Yamaha RX-V640 AV Receiver: Product Review
New AV receivers are hitting the market almost as fast as new PCs. Even for us "pros" it is hard to keep up with the latest. However, having had a chance to use the Yamaha RX-V640, I must say that it is an excellent value for those getting started in home theater. For more details, check out this product review.
HOME ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY NEWS HEADLINES
Vinyl Record Day 2003 (Stereophile)
Action Over Fake DVDS (Sky News)
RIAA Methods Under Scrutiny (Wired)
The Second Annual Surround Music Awards (High Fidelity Review)
New Pioneer Plasma TVs (Home Theater Magazine)
Nominees Announced For 6th Annual DVD Awards (Widescreen Review)
VSDA Releases Annual Report On The Home Entertainment Industry (Widescreen Review)
PRODUCT OF THE WEEK
Samsung TXN1634F 16-inch Compact TV
If a 13-inch TV is too small and a 20-inch TV is just a little too large, then check out this innovative unit from Samsung. The TXN1634F features a 16-inch diagonal flat picture tube that just may be perfect for your bedroom or dorm. In addition, this TV features stereo sound with side mounted speakers, as well as both standard and component video inputs. This is definitely a TV to consider.
FEATURED LINKS THIS WEEK
Mitsubishi Presentation Products
Mitsubishi's complete product lineup of video projectors and related products.
Featured in the Televisions Subject Page.
Loudspeakers: Ecoustics
News and extensive list of product reviews on loudspeakers for your audio or home theater system.
Featured in the Loudspeakers Subject Page.
FROM THE HOME THEATER FORUM
ABOUT TO TAKE THE PLUNGE
From SHAMROCK838:
I’m a serious (non-pro) digital photographer (Canon EOS D-60) and want to expand into the camcorder arena. What I have in mind is the Sony DCR-TRV-39 Digital-DV camcorder and am looking is Ulead MediaStudio Pro 7.0 as my production software … after I’ve become proficient making videos. I currently use Windows 2000 Professional on a Gateway Pentium II 450MHz with 512 RAM. Granted, this rig is a tad dated (1998) and I’ll probably get a new setup in early 2004. Meanwhile, how does the foregoing scenario sit with you more experienced types? Suggestions and similar advice welcomed.
Join in on the discussion.
ELSEWHERE ON ABOUT.COM
Back-To-School Gadgets: Top Picks
Check out the latest portable back-to-school gadgets.
FROM THE MAILBOX
From NEW PERSON:
I have a Sony music system with Dolby pro logic surround sound system and am looking for a DVD player. Is there any chance of converting my existing pro logic system to a 5.1 ie I do not want to buy new set of speakers. Please advise.
From Your Guide:
Any DVD player will work with any Stereo or AV receiver as DVD players have both analog stereo as well as digital audio outputs. Your existing prologic receiver will be able to decode an embedded 4-channel surround signal from th analog audio outputs of the DVD player.
However, in order to access both Dolby digital 5.1 or DTS 5.1 sound you will have to buy a new AV receiver with those functions -- the DD 5.1 and DTS 5.1 is pass through either a digital optical or digital coaxial connection -- which are found on all Dolby Digital/DTS AV receivers.
If you check your local dealers, such as Best Buy, Circuit City, etc... you can find AV receivers in the $200 range and up that will give you Dolby Digital and DTS functions -- If you are looking at the "budget" end of things -- check out the Yamaha HTR series (as one possible choice).
FINAL WORDS
For a look at earlier Home Theater Nooz and Vewz Weekly Updates, CLICK HERE
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Home Theater Magazine.
Stereophile Guide To Home Theater.
Stereophile Magazine.
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