My Favorites For The Year Page 1, 2, 3, 4.
From the Home Theater Archives - My Favorites For The Year 1999
The following is list of my favorite home theater-related product picks for 1999. This listing is kept for archival and continued reference purposes.
Best All-In-One ProductPanasonic TV/VCR/DVD Combo
The TV/VCR combo unit has been with us for years, and has fulfilled a variety of purposes from business use, as a presentation tool, to the children's room, as an entertainment option. Its main feature of saving space has accorded it a strong niche in the electronics marketplace. In recent years some have even included FM radios as part of the package, increaseing their flexibility.
Well, a new wrinkle has been added that increases the versatility of this unit even further has been introduced by Panasonic, the addition of DVD.
The PV-DM2799 is not a cheap TV packed with features and gadgets to get your attention. The TV section is a full-fledged 27" TV with MTS-Stereo and quality picture. The VCR is 4-head Hifi Stereo with VCR . The DVD Player is not just a basic unit, but has both Dolby Digital and DTS outputs. Another by-product of the built-in DVD player is its ability to play regular audio CD's. This product even has an FM Radio. The unit also has the ability to hook up to a home theater system with it is audio outputs. All this in the space not much larger than that of a normal 27" TV.
If you are a little short of space or looking for a compact way of fitting all this into a second room, you gotta check this unit out.
The PV-DM2799, borrowing on existing products, is packaged well, and appears to deliver what it promises, thus deserving mention on my "Favorites" list. With an MSRP of $999, this unit is a great bargain! However, with all this packed into one unit, I would definitely get a service plan, just in case!
Most Practical Product
BayGEN Freeplay Radio
Wouldn't it be nice for something electronic not to have to use wall power or batteries? What a savings!
The BayGEN Windup Radios fill the bill. Probably the most practical electronic gadget ever, this radio can keep you in touch with the world in spite of Y2K, natural disaster, or brief power outage. Just wind it up for 30 seconds and get 30 minutes of radio reception. Some units also have a solar power option, if you get tired of cranking.
For full details and pricing click here.
The Coming Thing
TIVO, ReplayTV
Imagine: A VCR that uses no tape! A VCR that knows your viewing habits and records only your favorite shows, without you having to constantly reset it! The phone rings, you must answer, you pause your viewing image, but your VCR automatically records the rest of the program for you and you just pick up where you left off during your call. To top that off, while you are watching the segment you missed, your VCR is simultaneously recording the rest of the program--you don't miss a beat! How about being able to do your own "instant replays" without missing any of the rest of the action!
The Tapeless VCR (or PVR--Personal Video Recorder--as its referred to in the industry) can do all the above and more, and is available in stores now, courtesy of two innovative companies TiVo and Replay Networks. Prices start at around $500.
These units may not be available in every market yet, and aren't moving out quickly at the retail level, but can also be ordered direct from the TIVO and ReplayTV Websites. They have a loyal clientele so far. You have probably noticed the TIVO infomercial on your Satellite or local cable system. As the word gets out and promotion increases, these units will earn their place in the U.S. household as a viable replacement for the VCR. This product is indeed, "The Coming Thing".
For more details on this exciting technology check out my previous article, Hard Drive Television.
Almost, But Not Quite
DVD Audio
There is a battle brewing between to new competing Digital Audio Formats, DVD-Audio and Super Audio CD (SACD) Both systems are derivatives of CD and DVD technology that are vying for your support to eventually replace the current music CD. DVD-Audio is being backed by Panasonic, Toshiba, JVC, Pioneer, and others; while SACD is being backed by Sony and Philips (it seems that the Sony/Philips alliance is always fighting everybody else--can't we just all get along?). Both systems appear to have advantages and disadvantages for the consumer, but it still remains to be seen which format will succeed. Both are very expensive at the moment, so, unless you have money to burn, just wait awhile everything to settle down.
However, despite all the hoopla regarding both DVD-Audio and SACD, Panasonic recently announced a delay in the release of DVD-Audio products in the U.S. until further notice, because of copyright and other issues.
So, we are currently left up in the air with a new technology that is ready for the market, (all the manufacturers involved are ready) but is being delayed, especially in the U.S., by peripheral issues. That is why DVD-Audio gets my vote for the "Almost, But Not Quite" Product Of The Year.
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