Features From 2002
12/23/02 - Home Theater - Favorite Products Of 2002
It's that time of year where every electronics journalist picks the best products of the year. Check out my personal favorite, yet affordable, home theater products for 2002.
12/16/02 - Top Picks: Midrange AV Receivers
The AV Receiver is the heart of a home theater system. It not only provides power to the speakers, but serves as an integrated control center for all of your components, often times providing both audio and video switching. Check out my list of favorites.
12/09/02 -
Guide Picks: 36-Inch TVs
You need a new TV, but 27-inch sets are too small, projection sets are too big, and the new 16x9 sets just don't quite suit your tastes. You can still get the benefits of big screen viewing combined with the latest technology in a 36-inch 4x3 direct-view TV. Check out several of my favorites.
12/08/02 -
Top Picks: 27-Inch Flat Tube TVs
Big screen and Plasma TVs have been getting all the attention lately, but for those that don't have the room or the budget, there is a whole category of high-performance 27" screen size TVs. Here are some of my favorite picks. Updated For Winter 2002.
12/02/02 -
Guide Picks: Budget DVD Players
DVD continues its penetration into retail stores and consumer's homes at an accelerated pace. Even if you don't have a high-end TV or home theater system, you can still enjoy the benefits of the DVD revolution. Here are some entry level players to consider for that perfect holiday gift. Updated for the 2002 Winter Holiday Season.
11/25/02 -
Guide Picks: Home Theater-In-A-Box Systems
Interested in setting up a home theater, but don't want to have to remodel your living room or deplete your finances to do it? Get in on the home theater craze with a minimum of hassle and cost with a home theater-in-a-box system. Here are some of my favorite picks for low cost, home theater-in-a-box systems (HTIB). Just add your own TV. (Updated for Winter 2002)
11/18/02 - Home Theater Gifts For Mom
Home theater isn't just for the guys! Check out some great home theater gifts for mom.
11/11/02 - Guide Picks: DVD/VCR Combos
The rise of DVD and the continuing popularity of the traditional VCR has given birth to a new home entertainment product, the DVD/VCR combo. Check out some of my picks in this new alternative to the home theater mix. Specially updated for the Winter 2002 Holiday Shopping Season.
11/05/02 -
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.
10/28/02 -
Guide Picks: 60-Inch and Larger Rear Projection Widescreen TVs
If you have the space and the pocketbook, then check out my favorite picks for 60-inch and larger rear projection widescreen TVs. Updated for Winter 2002.
10/22/02 -
Guide Picks - 16x9 Flat Tube TVs (Updated For Winter 2002)
As the impact of DVD, DTV, and HDTV becoming more of a factor in TV viewing, the popularity of digital TV is on the rise. Coming in 16x9 screen ratios, this new breed of TV provides high performance for both analog and digital video sources. Here are a few of my picks for 16x9 HD-ready sets in the 30 to 34-inch screen size.
10/14/02 -
Top Picks: Plasma TVs
Plasma TV is finally becoming a viable alternative to those bulky tube and projection sets as prices are coming down and a variety of screen sizes are available. Check out some of my favorites.
10/07/02 -
Holiday Shopping Survival Guide
It's that time of year to gear up for the coming holiday shopping frenzy, but before you actually go out and buy, you need to know how to buy. Here are some tips.
09/30/02 - Mid-Range Compact Audio Systems
Want big sound but have little space? Check out some my favorite mid-range compact audio systems. These units are perfect for the office, bedroom, or apartment.
09/23/02 - How to Clean Your VCR Heads
Is your VCR getting old and tired? Perhaps a head cleaning will make it feel better. Here is a great how-to for the adventurous amongst you on how to clean your VCR's heads - including those old BETAs!
09/16/02 - Guide Picks: DVD Recorders
DVD recorders have not only arrived on the scene, but sales are finally beginning to take off. With prices becoming more affordable, the DVD recorder is now a serious option for home video recording. Check out the current field of DVD recorders.
09/09/02 - Ode To BETA
After 27 years, Sony has officially ended production of BETA consumer VCRs. Here is my perspective.
09/02/02 - Power Mad!
The first thing we notice (and ask for) in shopping for an Audio Amplifier or A/V Receiver is the power output rating. However, more goes into a quality unit than just power output capability.
08/26/02 - Top Picks: Budget Mini/Micro Audio Systems
Want big sound but have little space and a small budget? Check out some of my favorite budget mini-audio systems. Athough not as powerful as a standard audio system, these units provide great sound for their small size and are perfect for the office, bedroom, kitchen, or dorm.
08/13/02 - HDTV Progress Report: Fall 2002
It has been a long, bumpy road to the conversion from current analog NTSC-based televison to an all-digital standard and high definition based broadcast system, however, some recent developments may put DTV back on track.
08/06/02 - Product Summary/Review: Tatung DV-990 DVD Player
The Tatung DV-990 is a true World-wide compatible DVD player. This is a very practical DVD player for those that have the need for a unit that will work anywhere in the world and/or will play any commerical DVD from any region of the world. For a review of this unit, check out the above article.
07/29/02 - Buying A Television: What You Need To Know
With the college and pro football season, the World Series, and the new Fall TV season approaching, now is the time to buy a new television. Here are some useful shopping tips that are often overlooked in the TV shopping process.
07/22/02 - Guide Picks: TV Combos
It's back-to-school time, but that doesn't mean you have to give up your TV, VCR, and DVD player. Check out some great TV Combos that can make a great back-to-school gift for yourself or your college-bound teenager.
07/15/02 - Guide Picks: CD Players/Changers
Looking for a new CD player? Check out my top picks in moderately priced, but high performance units from a variety of manufacturers.
Newly updated for Summer-Fall 2002.
07/02/02 -
VHS: Is The End Near? -- Reader Reaction
My previous article on the potential demise of VHS generated strong reactions from readers. Here are some sample comments.
06/24/02 - VHS: Is The End Near?
Circuit City decides to remove pre-recorded VHS movies from its store shelves in favor of DVD, while other retailers cut back on their VHS inventories. With over 90% of consumers still owning VCRs against 35% of consumers owning DVD players is this a premature move?
06/17/02 -
LaserDisc Dilemma
With the dominance of DVD, LaserDisc has fallen by the wayside. However, some still have LaserDisc collections that will be unplayable as production of new LaserDisc players is coming to an end. Ironically, DVD may end up saving the LaserDisc legacy.
06/11/02 -
Guide Picks: 60-Inch and Larger Rear Projection Widescreen TVs
If you have the space and the pocketbook, then check out my favorite picks for 60-inch and larger rear projection widescreen TVs.
05/28/02 -
Home Theater Gifts For Dad
Any time of year is a great time to buy a gift for Dad, especially when it comes to adding to his home theater system. Check out some of my suggestions.
05/14/02 -
Product Review: Philips DVDR985 DVD Recorder
Despite the quagmire over standards and compatibility with current DVD playback technology, Philips shakes up the market with a reasonably priced high-performance DVD recorder that delivers what it promises.
05/07/02 -
Don't Forget The Necessories!
May and June are big gift-giving months; Mother's Day, Graduations, Father's Day, and Weddings. When giving a high-tech gift, make sure you include the accessories that make it work.
04/30/02 - Guide Picks: DVD/VCR Combos
The rise of DVD and the continuing popularity of the traditional VCR has given birth to a new home entertainment product, the DVD/VCR combo. Check out some of my picks in this new alternative to the home theater mix.
04/23/02 - New Technology Sneak Peek
Every year, new technology is unveiled that is predicted to impact the consumer electronics market, while many endup on the trash heap (DIVX, CED) and some secure a niche fan base (8-track tape, Laserdisc, BETA), some technologies survive for decades (VHS, CD). For a glimpse into some future candidates, check out the attached article.
04/16/02 - Product Review: Vialta ViDVD
DVD players now come in many different variations, from traditional single disc units to DVD/VCR combos. Check out another variation in DVD players with the internet-enabled units from Vialta.
04/09/02 - Turntable Keep On Spinnin'
Your old vinyl records collecting dust? Don't throw them away, play them on a new turntable. Check out this overview of the current state of the Vinyl record culture.
04/02/02 - Guide Picks: Two-Channel Stereo Receivers
Home theater and surround sound is a great experience, but for some applications, a good-old two channel stereo receiver can handle the job. Check out some of my moderately-priced favorites.
03/26/02 - Product Review: Screenplay Video Editing Appliance
If you are frustrated with using using a PC-Based video editing system, you might want to consider the Screenplay video editing appliance by Applied Magic. Check out my review of this amazing video post-production tool.
03/11/02 -
VHS Goes High Definition
Despite the fact that DVD and other digital technologies are dominating the consumer electronics arena, the VHS VCR is quietly evolving into a potential source for HDTV recording and viewing, but will the anticipated development of high definition recordable DVD be far behind
03/04/02 -
Guide Picks: 36-Inch TVs
You need a new TV, but 27-inch sets are too small, projection sets are too big, and the new 16x9 sets just don't quite suit your tastes. You can still get the benefits of big screen viewing combined with the latest technology in a 36-inch 4x3 direct-view TV. Check out several of my favorites.
02/25/02 -
Guide Picks: Compact TVs
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. Here are several of my favorites.
02/11/02 -
DTV Confusion 2002: What's Up With HDTV?
In the aftermath of FOX Broadcasting's rejection of HDTV with its 480p standard definition broadcast of the Superbowl, the controversy regarding the future of HDTV is resurfacing amongst industry professionals and consumers.
02/04/02 -
DVD Connection Dilemma
DVD is becoming so popular that many consumers are either putting units in kids rooms and offices or otherwise trying to connect them to older or second TVs that do not have the proper audio/video inputs. However, there is a solution to this problem.
01/25/02 -
FOX Turns Chicken On HDTV
In a very un-FOX like move, the FOX TV network has decided not to broadcast this year's Superbowl in true high definition TV, even though CBS did last year. Here is my perspective on the issue.
01/23/02 -
Product Trends 2002; DVD Recorders
This past CES was a plethora of high tech gadgets for one and all. In the first of my followup articles, I sort out the latest news (and confusion) over recordable DVD.
01/13/02 -
CES 2002 Highlights
The 2002 CES is now over, now its time to sort out all the exciting news and info presented at the convention. Here are some great photo highlights to get you started. Watch for followup articles in the coming weeks.
01/07/02 -
Things To Come: CES 2002
Every January, consumer electronics manufacturers, retailers, and the media, make an almost religious pilgrimage to Las Vegas to worship the latest in electronic products and to preview coming technology trends.
