Feature Articles of 2004
12/31/04 - Home Theater 2004 - A Look Back - And A Peek At 2005
Although 2004 was a mixed year for CE retailing, that didn't stop manufacturers from introducing new products for the consumer. Despite the Iraq war, economic doom sayers, and a controversial presidential election, the U.S. economy proved itself resilient. As a result, technology and product innovation continued unabated across all consumer electronics categories. Check out some of the newsworthy home theater highlights from 2004 and preview of what may be ahead in 2005.
12/24/04 - After-Christmas Sales - What You Need To Know
After-Christmas and Year-End sales are a great time get some good deals, but you can also end up with a purchase disaster. This is where the consumer needs to shop smart. Don't just grab the newspaper AD and run down to your local consumer electronics retailer without arming yourself with useful knowledge and tools to get the most from your After-Christmas dollar.
12/18/04 - Top Affordable Home Theater Products Of 2004
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 2004. In addition, if you would like to coment on my choices, or add your own, just post them on my Home Theater Forum.
12/11/04 - Holiday Special - Budget DVD Players
If your holiday budget is beginning to run low and you still have a lot of last minute shopping to do, don't fret....DVD players are best bargain in home entertainment. If you know someone that still doesn't have one yet, why not get them one; they will be impressed, and your pocketbook will still have some buying power left for other last minute gifts. Check out my suggestions for budget priced DVD players
12/06/04 - Home Theater-In-A-Box Systems
Looking for the perfect gift to get that special someone started in home theater without all the hassle of buying everything and figuring out how to install it? Then a home theater-in-a-box system may be just the perfect gift to give this holiday season. These systems come packaged with everything you need to get a basic home theater started including a DVD player/AV receiver (combination or separate components), all the speakers, including the subwoofer, a remote control, and, the best of all, all the wire is included to connect it all together.
11/29/04 - Home Theater Gifts For Mom
The holiday shopping season is now in full swing, but you are having trouble finding that "perfect" gift for Mom. For some great gift ideas that Mom might really enjoy, check out my list of favorite Home Theater Gifts for Mom.
11/22/04 - Holiday Special - Home Theater Gifts For Dad
Don't leave Dad out of your gift giving for the holidays! If you are undecided as to what to get Dad for the holidays, then check out a variety of home theater gift possibilities in several price ranges.
11/15/04 - Home Theater - What's Hot and Not For The Holidays (2004)
Shopping for electronic gadgets isn't as easy as it used to be. A TV was a TV, a radio was a radio, and stereo was a stereo, but now there are flat screen TVs, projection TVs, plasma TVs, 5 channel and 6 channel surround sound receivers, speakers and subwoofers, and the choices go on and on and on. Sometimes a simple list of "What's Hot and What's Not" may be just the ticket to finalize that purchasing decision...
11/08/04 - Holiday Shopping: Don't Forget The Necessories!
When giving a home theater component, such as a DVD player, or other high-tech gadget gift, make sure you include the accessories that make it work. A followup to last week's Holiday Shopping Survival Guide.
11/01/04 - Holiday Shopping Survival Guide
Yes, it's that time of year to gear up for the coming Winter holiday shopping frenzy, but before you actually go out and buy that home theater or other gadget gift, you need to know how to buy. Here are some useful tips and helpful resources to guide you.
10/25/04 - Kiss Technology DP-470 DVD Receiver - Product Review
The Kiss Technology DP-470 DVD Receiver is an innovative home theater component that incorporates a standard DVD/CD player with some additional, practical, features, such as a built-in 5-channel surround sound amplifier, AM/FM tuner, and Divx file compatibility. To find out more, check out my review of the DP-470.
10/18/04 - Home Theater Basics FAQ -- Getting Started With Your Own Home Theater
Home theater is a home entertainment option that provides the consumer with an exciting viewing and listening experience. However, many consumers are confused as to what home theater is and how to get started. The following home theater basics FAQ serves as a beginning point on how to understand and set up your own home theater by answering some basic questions and providing additional resources to get you started with this exciting entertainment option.
10/11/04 - Plasma Television FAQs
Plasma television 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. In fact, many mainstream consumers, unexpectedly, have dug deep into their pockets to purchase these units. If you are in the market for a Plasma TV, check out my informative Plasma Television FAQs.
10/04/04 - LCD Television FAQs - Answers To Basic Questions About LCD TVs
Flat panel televisions are quickly becoming quite commonplace on store shelves and in consumers' homes. Although Plasma TVs seem to be be getting all the attention in this area, the LCD television is also making an impact. For answers to basic questions about LCD Televisions, check out my FAQs.
09/27/04 - Budget Projection Television - Top Picks
You are shopping for a big screen TV, but those Plasma Televisions are just not in your budget. Why not consider a rear projection TV? OK, so you can't hang it on the wall, and the cabinet takes up more space, but for about one-half to one-third the price of a 42-50 inch Plasma TV, you can get a rear projection TV with the same screen size, and with the same features (many with HDTV upgradability) and, in many cases, better overall picture quality. With the money you save you can get a DVD player and modest home theater audio system to go with it! Check out some of my Budget Projection Television favorites.
09/20/04 - Buying A Television - What You Need To Know
We all know how to buy a television. Just open the newspaper, find the best price and go get one. In my days as a salesperson, I have seen this a lot; a customer comes in to the store, AD in hand, and says "wrap it up". However, the best price may not be the "best deal". Here are some buying tips that are often times overlooked, but very important in the purchase of a Television, whether it be a 20-inch tube set, large screen projection TV, or the latest high definition Plasma Television.
09/13/04 - Home Theater Accessories for Committed Movie Fans
A lot of attention is placed on the basic equipment needed to experience home theater, however, there are many unusual accessories that can enhance your home theater enjoyment. Check out my list of suggestions that can add both to the functionality and aesthetic enjoyment of your home theater experience. Some suggestions are very inexpensive and practical to implement, while others are expensive and indulgent, but all add to the variety and what can be attained in the home theater experience.
09/06/04 - DVD Recorder FAQs - Answers To Basic Questions
It is safe to say that the era of the VCR is slowly drawing to a close (although VCRs will be around for quite some time) and the era of the DVD is now solidly entrenched, especially now that recordable DVD is available.
As DVD recorders become more popular and affordable, my email box is filled with many questions on what they are, how they work, and what they can be used for. In order to address the most common questions regarding DVD recorders, here are some general FAQs that should make your DVD recorder buying decision easier.
08/30/04 - HDTV FAQs
HDTV is making progress with more affordable products and accessible programming, making it an increasing viable choice for the consumer. Programming providers, such as Showtime, HBO, Discovery, ESPN, HDnet, and all of the major networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, and WB) are dedicating more broadcast hours to HDTV. For answers to some common questions about HDTV, check out my FAQs.
08/23/04 - Progressive Scan - What You Need To Know About Progressive Scan
DVD has not only changed the way we watch video content, but has changed the way we set up our video and audio components. The consumer is now faced not only with standard video hookups for DVD, but also has the option of progressive scan video setup. In this article I present a basic overview of progressive scan and why it is important to the enjoyment of your home theater experience.
08/16/04 - 36-Inch Analog And HD-Compatible Tube Televisions
You need a new television, but 27-inch sets are too small, projection sets are too big, flat panel TVs are just too expensive, and the new 16x9 sets just don't quite suit your taste. 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.
08/09/04 - Home Theater - Top Picks For Back-To-School Entertainment
Going back to school doesn't mean you have to leave great entertainment behind. Check out some great product picks for students that are great for a small apartment, dorm, or group house. Products featured include: TV Combos, DVD Player/VCR Combos, Budget Audio Systems, and more. Whether you are a parent looking for a great back-to-school gift or a student cashing in on that summer job windfall, check out my suggestions for back-to-school home entertainment products.
08/02/04 - Top Picks - 27-Inch Analog and HD-Compatible Flat Tube Televisions
Although the trend these days is towards both HDTV and larger screen televisions, not all consumers have the space or the budget. The basic 27-inch Television is still highly desirable for a large number of consumers. However, there are growing number of 27-inch televisions that are now also HDTV-compatible, bringing the benefits of HDTV to a broader customer base. Check out my latest suggestions for 27-inch televisions that include both analog and HD-compatible units.
07/26/04 - Home Theater - The Easy and Inexpensive Way
Looking to get started in home theater without all the hassle of buying everything and figuring out how to install it? Then a home theater-in-a-box system may be just right for you. There are several types of configurations, but, basically, the majority of systems come packaged with everything you need to get a basic home theater started including a DVD player/AV receiver (combination or separate components), all the speakers, including the subwoofer, a remote control, and, the best of all, all the wire is included to connect it all together, including standard AV cables to connect to an existing TV. To find out more, read my article.
07/19/04 - 60-Inch and Larger Projection Televisions
The Olympics in Athens, the NFL and NCAA college football seasons, the Baseball World Series, and the new Fall television season are some of the big television events in store for avid sports fans and television viewers in the second half of 2004. As a bonus, much of it will be broadcast in HDTV. So, with that in mind, what better to way to enjoy big television events than with a REALLY BIG television. For an idea of what is available in 60-inch and larger rear projection televisions, check out some of my favorites. In addition, also be sure to check out my companion articles: Rear Projection Television - What You Need To Know and Buying A Television.
07/12/04 - Top Picks - DVD Recorder/VCR Combinations
DVD recorder/VCR combos are finally here. For those that are both replacing a VCR and want a DVD recorder, this flexible option gives you the best of the old and the new. You can use these units to play DVDs and VHS tapes, as well as record or copy homemade recordings (such as camcorder tapes, television recordings, etc...). However, keep in mind that DVD recorder/VCR combos cannot be used to copy commercially made DVD movies to VHS or commercially made VHS movies to DVD, due to copy-protection.
07/05/04 - Widescreen Television -- The 16x9 Factor (Updated For 2004)
The home theater experience isn't complete without a TV to view your programming on. When going to the local consumer electronics retail store to pick out a TV, the potential buyer is sometimes overwhelmed by the sheer selection and sizes of TVs to choose from. Not only do TVs come in big and small sizes, direct view, projection, and now LCD or Plasma flat panels, there is also another factor to consider: screen aspect ratio. To sort your way through this, check out the above article.
06/28/04 - Surround Sound - History and Basics Of Surround Sound
Today's surround sound experience is the result of decades of evolution. Since the early days of stereo, the race has been on to create the ulitmate home listening experience for television, music, and movies. To find out more about the development of surround sound for the home environment, and what options are available for home theater enthusiasts today, check out my article.
06/21/04 - Who's Your PAL? - - An Overview Of Worldwide Video Standards
A relative living in the U.K. sends you a homemade VHS or DVD copy of a favorite BBC TV Show but it doesn't play correctly on your VCR or DVD player. You are traveling in Europe and you can't view your Camcorder footage on the Hotel TV. You are a victim of differing video standards in use throughout the world. Why is this? Just read the above article for all the details. Newly updated for 2004.
06/14/04 - Backyard Home Theater - Enjoy The Home Theater Experience Outdoors
With high gasoline prices, more expensive air-fares, and high theme park ticket prices, getting away for the summer is certainly more difficult these days, especially if you have a family. If you are facing discontent on the homefront because of your inability to take your clan on summer vacation, why not add a little adventure and excitement at home on those warm Summer nights with an outdoor home theater? Read my article for details.
06/07/04 - 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 for Father's Day 2004.
05/31/04 - Accell Audio and Video Interconnect Cables - Review
Your home theater components are useless without good interconnect cables. Check out my review of some excellent audio and video interconnect cables from Accell.
05/24/04 - Budget and Mid-Range Compact Audio Systems
If you are looking for a great graduation, wedding, or Father's Day gift idea this year, consider giving a compact audio system. These units are very stylish and provide great sound for small spaces, such as a bedroom, kitchen, dorm room, or office. For some good choices, check out my selections for both Budget and Mid-Priced models. Updated for 2004.
05/17/04 - Yamaha DVX-S120 Home Cinema Station - Product Review
The Yamaha DVX-S120 Home Cinema Station is a full featured and stylish compact home theater-in-a-box system that is great for entry level consumers as well for those wanting a second system for a smaller room or office. Check out my review for more details.
05/10/04 - Samsung DVD-HD931 DVD Player - Product Review
The DVD-HD931 performs well as a standard DVD player, with extensive playback options, great video quality, and the outputs you need to connect to any home theater system. However, this DVD player is different. HD931 has the ability to do two things that very few DVD players can: Direct digital video output and resolution upscaling. For more details, check out my review.
05/03/04 - Olevia LT30HV LCD Television - Product Review
With their stylish appeal, improving performance, increasing affordability, flat panel televisions, such as LCD and Plasma types, are becoming an increasingly viable option to the traditional TV. Check out my review of the Syntax Olevia LT30HV 30-inch HD-compatible LCD television.
04/26/04 - Home Theater Gifts For Mom - Updated For 2004
Mother's Day will be here before you know it. Check out some great home theater gift ideas for Mom in several categories and across all price ranges. Home Theater isn't just for the guys!
04/19/04 - The RF Modulator - DVD Player Connection
DVD is becoming so popular that many consumers are either putting units in kids rooms and offices or otherwise connecting them to older or second TVs that do not have the proper audio/video inputs. However, there is a solution to this dilemma - the addition of an RF modulator. Check out my report for full details.
04/12/04 - Video Resolution: An Overview
When you shop for a television, DVD player, or camcorder, your discussion with the salesperson always seems to touch a lot on factors revolving around resolution. It's lines this and pixels that and so forth... After a while, none of it seems to make sense. In the above article, I shed some light on this topic, hopefully making the nature of video resolution more understandable.
04/05/04 - DVD Rot - Fact Or Fiction? (2004 Update)
DVD is the most successful home entertainment technology for watching movies to date and has also proven to be an excellent storage medium for computer data. However, it isn't without some faults. Check out my report on cases of DVD deterioration, also known as DVD Rot.
03/29/04 - Maxx Home MiniWoofer - Product Review
Subwoofers come in many sizes, but, with the trend towards more compact audio and home theater systems, the traditional big-box subwoofer is, often times, asthetically undesirable. However, new technologies in subwoofer design are shrinking the physical size of subwoofer. This has enabled a new generation of small subwoofers for use with multimedia, compact audio systems, an televisions. Check out my review of the Maxx Home MiniWoofer.
03/22/04 - Where Is The 8mm/VHS Adapter?
With Spring in full swing and Summer approaching quickly, many are now breaking out their old camcorders or purchasing new ones to get ready for all the upcoming family events. As a result, many have emailed me recently with the single most-asked question I receive during this time of year: "Where can I get an adapter to play my 8mm/HI8 or miniDV tapes in a VCR?" The answer is....
03/15/04 - Shure E3c Sound Isolating Stereo Earphones - Product Review
Shure has been making excellent professional earphones, microphones, and phono cartridges for years. Now Shure has a succesful line of high-performance mini-sized stereo earphones that perform as well as many larger home and studio-type headphones. For more, check out my product review of the Shure E3c mid-level pro-quality earphones.
03/08/04 - Buying Refurbished Products - What You Need To Know
We are always looking for bargains. It is hard to resist those after-holiday and clearance sales. However, another way to save money throughout the year is to buy refurbished products. This article disusses the nature of refurbished products and some helpful hints on what to ask and look for in purchasing such products.
03/02/04 - Rear Projection Television - What You Need To Know
Although Plasma and LCD flat panel televisions seem to be all the rage these days, with growing numbers of consumers reaching into their pockets to buy the stylish sets, they are still out of reach of most average household budgets. As a result, the rear-projection TV, with its lower pricing and high performance, is taking center stage in the consumer television market. The following article reveals the secrets of rear projection television.
02/23/04 - Turntable Keep On Spinnin' - Proud Vinyl Keep On Singin'
Are your old vinyl records collecting dust? Don't throw them away, play them on a new turntable. Contrary to popular belief audio turntables and vinyl records are still with us; if you know where and how to look. Check out my report. Updated for 2004.
02/16/04 - Plasma Television FAQs - Answers To Basic Questions About Plasma TVs
Plasma television 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. In fact, many mainstream consumers, unexpectedly, have dug deep into their pockets to purchase these units. If you are in the market for a Plasma TV, check out my informative Plasma Television FAQs.
02/09/04 - Power Mad! - How Much Amplifier Power Do You Really Need?
POWER! Its seems that power is the name of the game these days, in politics, business, relationships, and in home theater systems. You check out those ADs in the newspaper for a receiver or amplifier for your audio system and the one feature that sticks out is the Watts-Per-Channel rating. One receiver has 50 Watts-Per-Channel (WPC), another one has 75, and still another has 100. The more watts the better, right? Not Necessarily...
02/01/04 - Home Theater Gifts For Lovers
Instead of giving your lover jewelry, flowers, candy, or lingerie on Valentine's Day, anniversary, or birthday, why not give a gift that will not only last, but provide the perfect catalyst for romance - a home theater-related product. Whether cuddling up on the couch to watch that romantic movie, or providing the perfect romantic musical background to set the mood, here are some great gifts that fill the bill.
01/26/04 - DVD Players and Recorders - What's Ahead For DVD In 2004
DVD is unequivocally, the most successful consumer electronics product of all time. In six short years, DVD players are in over 35% of U.S. homes (some of which now have more than one player), and from the U.S. to Afghanistan, millions of DVD players also in use around the world. How long can this momentum continue? Find out what lies ahead for DVD in my report.
01/19/04 - CES (Consumer Electronics Show) 2004 Round Up
01/05/04 - Home Theater 2003 - A Look Back - And A Peek At 2004
Your intrepid guide attended the annual CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas (Jan 8-11) to check out all the latest technology coming your way later this year. For a peek of new products and technologies that were on display at the show, check out my extensive photo gallery roundup.
Although 2003 was a mixed year for CE retailing, that didn't stop manufacturers from introducing new products for the consumer. Despite the Iraq war and economic doom sayers, the U.S. economy proved itself resilient. As a result technology and product innovation continued unabated across all consumer electronics categories. Check out some of the newsworthy highlights from 2003 and preview of what may be ahead in 2004.
