Feature Articles of 2005
12/27/05 - Home Theater - Favorite Products Of The Year - 2005
It is that time of year when every consumer electronics journalist picks their favorite products of the year. While many choose the most expensive and/or only high end products, I take the approach of picking items from a broad range of product classes and prices that provide a good value for the consumer. Here is the list of my favorite home theater-related product picks for 2005.
In addition, take part in my Forum Discussion - What Are Your Favorite Home Theater Products Of 2005?
12/24/05 - 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.
12/13/05 - 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.
12/12/05 - 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.
11/20/05 - Home Theater - Favorite Products Of The Year - 2005
It is that time of year where every consumer electronics journalist picks their favorite products of the year. While many choose the most expensive and/or only high end products, I take the approach of picking items from a broad range of product classes and prices that provide a good value for the consumer. Here is the list of my favorite home theater-related product picks for 2005.
In addition, take part in my Forum Discussion - What Are Your Favorite Home Theater Products Of 2005?
11/20/05 - Holiday Shopping: Don't Forget The Necessories!
When giving a home theater component, such as a DVD player, Television, speaker system, or other high-tech gadget gift, make sure you include the accessories that make it work. For more details, check out my article: Don't Forget The Necessories!
11/14/05 - Home Theater - What's Hot and Not For The Holidays (2005)
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, 5,6, and 7 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...
11/07/05 - NeuNeo HVD2085 DVD Player with HDMI Output and 720p/1080i/1080p Upscaling - Product Review
The NeuNeo HVD2085 a is feature-packed DVD player with several innovative features. The HVD2085 can deliver 720p/1080i upscaled images through HDMI connectity and 720p/1080i/1080p upscaled images through the Component Video connection. In addition, other features, Region Code Free and PAL/NTSC compatibility add to its flexibility.
For a closer look at the NeuNeo HVD2085, check out both my SHORT and FULL reviews.
11/01/05 - 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.
10/29/05 - Hook Up a VCR or DVD recorder to a TV With Single Tuner Picture-in-Picture
Are you having difficulty getting your VCR or DVD recorder to work with your television's PIP (Picture-In-Picture) function? Here is a simple How-To that may help.
10/24/05 - Connecting Both a DVD Recorder and a VCR to Your Television
With the increasing popularity DVD recorders, many consumers are facing the dilemma as two how to add a a new DVD recorder to their current VCR and Television setup simply. In the above article I explain some options that will make this task easier.
10/16/05 - Video Projectors: What You Need To Know
The video projector has long been used as a presentation tool in business and commercial entertainment, as well as in some very wealthy homes, but now with advances in technology, several types of compact, portable video projectors are available and affordable for the average consumer. For an overview and comparison of common types of video projectors, check out my report.
10/10/05 - Subwoofers: What You Need To Know
The subwoofer has emerged as a critical component of the home theater system. What is it and why is it necessary for a full home theater experience? Here is an overview of the Subwoofer basics and options.
10/02/05 - DVD Recorder FAQs - New Additions
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, I created an extensive list of FAQs that make DVD recorder buying decisions easier. This week, based on recent email inquiries, I have added two new FAQs to this list: Can I Copy Video From My Camcorder To A DVD Recorder? and
Can I create chapters and menus on the DVDs that I make using a DVD Recorder?. Also, be sure to check out my complete list of DVD Recorder FAQs.
09/25/05 - Vacuum Tube Rebels - Vacuum Tube Audio In The 21st Century
In home theater these days, "digital" rules. However, despite the dominance of digital technology, the trusty vacuum tube is not only still with us, but is enjoying a new popularity, thanks to both the end of the Cold War and the continued support by audio enthusiasts.
09/19/05 - 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 Flat Panel or Plasma Television.
09/11/05 - OPPO Digital OPDV971H DVD Player with DVI Output and 720p/1080i Upscaling - Product Review
The OPPO OPDV971H is feature-packed DVD player that delivers what it promises. DVI connectivity and upscaling enables the 971 to deliver an excellent picture on an HDTV. In addition, other features, such as DVD-Audio and Divx playback add great audio and video flexibility. If you are looking for a new DVD player, whether to use with that new flat panel HDTV and surround sound system, make sure you check this one out.
09/05/05 - Pioneer DVR-533H-S DVD Recorder/Hard Drive Combination - Product Review
DVD recorders have come down in price and matured in performance over the past year. One DVD Recorder leader is Pioneer. Starting with a foundation in Laserdisc, and jumping into both DVD playback/recording technology early, Pioneer has had extensive with optical disc video formats. The DVR-533H, Pioneer's new entry-level DVD Recorder/Hard Drive combo, carries on this tradition as a reasonably priced unit that provides performance and flexibility for those entering the world of DVD recording. For all the details, check out my review of the Pioneer DVR-533H-S DVD Recorder/Hard Drive Combination.
In addition to my DVR-533H Review, also take a peak at the Pioneer DVR-633H DVD Recorder as reported by Sal Prince, About Guide For Digital Video Recording.
08/29/05 - Region Codes: DVD's Dirty Secret
The DVD world is divided into eight regions (six major geographical regions and two special use regions). According to some, this is a means of providing copyright protection and preserve international film distribution arrangements, as well as prevent "illegal" copying. However, is it also a plot by movie companies to command higher prices for DVDs overseas? For all the details, check out my report.
08/22/05 - LG LRY-517 Super Multi-Format DVD Recorder/VCR Combo - Product Preview
If you are confused about whether or not to replace that aging VCR with a DVD recorder, now may be the time as LG introduces its Super-Multi DVD Recorder/VCR Combination, the LRY-517. What makes this unit so special is that it not only records to DVD and VHS, but can record in ALL, yes ALL, currently available DVD recording formats: DVD-R/DVD-RW/DVD+R/DVD+RW/DVD+R DL and DVD-RAM. Now, you don't have to decide what format to buy, with the LRY-517 you can have it all, plus VHS.
08/16/05 - 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 how vinyl records are still practical in the digital age.
08/08/05 - Sony HDR-HC1 HDV Camcorder - Product Preview
Playing and viewing your old and current camcorder videos on that new big screen HDTV or video projector can be a less-than-satisfying experience. VHS, 8mm, Hi8, Digital8, and even miniDV can't deliver the resolution that is necessary for large screen home theater viewing, especially when compared to hi-def cable, satellite, and now, up-scaled DVD sources. However, that is about to change.
The Home Theater experience just got more exciting as Sony has announced the availability of its new compact HDR-HC1 HDV camcorder. The HC1 puts 1080i high definition video in the palm of your hand for less than $2,000. In addition, with Blu-ray and HD-DVD recorders on the horizon, general consumers, home theater enthusiasts, and budding filmmakers will have the tools to shoot and play back their own high definition video creations at an affordable price. For more details, check out my Sony HDR-HC1 Product Preview.
08/01/05 - Home Theater - Top Picks For Back-To-School Entertainment
Going back to school doesn't mean you have to leave your entertainment behind. Check out some great product picks for students that are perfect 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.
07/24/05 - Widescreen Television -- The 16x9 Factor
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.
07/19/05 - 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.
07/03/05 - Yamaha RX-V557 XM-Enabled 6.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver
AV receivers in the $300 - $500 price range now provide performance and flexibility that was once reserved for much higher-priced units. Having had a chance to use the Yamaha RX-V557, I must say that it is an excellent value, with the added bonus of XM Satellite Radio capability. For those wishing to get into home theater with a good performing entry-level AV receiver that is priced reasonably, consider the RX-V557 as a possible choice. For more details, check out my product review.
07/03/05 - Westinghouse Digital LVM-37W1 1080p LCD Monitor - Product Preview
The Westinghouse Digital LVM-37W1 is a 37-inch 16x9 LCD monitor with 1080p native resolution capability. Up until recently, it was rare to see an LCD television in a 37-inch screen size. In addition, with most Plasma and LCD televisions offering only (852x480) 480p or (1280x720) 720p native pixel resolution, an LCD television with (1920x1080) 1080p capability is definitely a significant advance, especially at an affordable price point of $2,299. For additional details, check out my Product Preview.
06/27/05 - 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.
06/20/05 - InFocus X3 DLP Video Projector - Product Review
Video projectors are gaining increased favor with consumers as prices go down and quality goes up. The Infocus X3 DLP video projector is an entry-level general purpose unit, priced at less than $1,200, that offers good performance. The X3 is suitable for video game play, home theater, and business or classroom presentation. For more details, check out my review.
06/12/05 - 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.
06/06/05 - JVC XV-NP10S Progressive Scan DVD Player - Region Code Free Version
The JVC XV-NP10S is a great basic DVD player, offering not only CD and DVD playback, but, with its memory card reader you can also play back your favorite digital camera phots. However, in its Region Code Free version with it built-in PAL-to-NTSC converter, this DVD player also becomes very practical for those that have the need for a unit that will play back any commerical DVD from any region of the world on an NTSC television. For additional details, check out my review.
05/30/05 - 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 2005.
05/22/05 - Home Theater-In-A-Box Systems - Top Picks
The Summer gift-giving season is upon us. If you looking a great gift for a Grad, Dad, or Wedding, why not give the gift of home theater? A home theater-in-a-box system is a modest way to give that special someone a great entertainment experience, without breaking the bank. For some suggestions, check out my Home Theater-In-A-Box Picks.
05/16/05 - Optoma H31 16x9 DLP Video Projector - Product Review
The DLP-equipped Optoma H31 16x9 video projector, right out of the box, produces very good detail and color accuracy. Colors and shadows are even and retain their intended characteristics even in the darkest scenes. Even though the H31 does not have as high a lumens output or native HD-resolution capability of more expensive units, it still hits the mark in terms of providing excellent value in terms of performance and features. For additional details, check out my review.
05/09/05 - Outlaw Audio Model 990 7.1 Channel Preamp/Surround Sound Processor - Product Preview
If you are a home theater enthusiast that prefers a separate preamp/power amplifier setup, rather than an all-inclusive AV receiver, then you may want to check out the Model 990 7.1 Channel Preamp/Processor recently announced by Outlaw Audio. For more details, check out my Product Preview.
05/02/05 - DVD Basics FAQ - Answers to Basic Questions About DVD and DVD Players
DVD is the most successful home entertainment product in history. Ever since it was introduced in 1997, DVD has taken off like a rocket and can be found in a growing number of practical configurations. However, what is DVD what really makes it different from VHS? To find out the answers to some basic questions on DVD and DVD Players, check out my DVD Basics FAQ.
04/26/05 - Home Theater Gifts For Mom
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! In addition, be sure to check out About's Mother's Day Special, featuring gift, food, and entertainment ideas for Mom's special day.
04/19/05 - Buying Refurbished Products - What You Need To Know
Spring is great time to buy home theater and consumer electronics products. This is the time of year when manufacturers begin to flood store shelves with new models.
However, while this is great for the consumer who is looking for the latest and greatest, the introduction of new products creates a dilemma for retailers - How do you get rid of the remaining stock of old models, previous customer product returns, and newly-repaired serviced items taking up value space in their warehouses and store shelves?
This is where the annual Spring clearance sales come in. One category of clearance item that pops up this time of year is the "Refurbished" product.
Buying refurbished items can be a great deal for bargain hunters, but there are some pitfalls. Before you go bargain hunting this Spring, be sure to check out my article: Buying Refurbished Products - What You Need To Know.
04/11/05 - Crowson - TES100 Tactile Transducer and A200 Amplifier - Review
Although subwoofers bring realistic bass sound to the home theater environment, there is still something missing - physical vibration. In the real world, when something explodes, you feel it, not just hear it; when you drive a car over a bumpy road, you feel the bumps, not just hear the result. Now you can add tactile experience to your own home theater with the TES100 Tactile Transducer and A200 amplifier from Crowson Technology. For more information, check out my review.
04/04/05 - Blu-Ray and HD-DVD - What You Need To Know About The Blu-Ray and HD-DVD High Definition DVD Formats
Ever since DVD was introduced in 1997, engineers and manufacturers have been working on its eventual replacement. Although DVD as we know it today will be around for some time to come, the advent of high definition DVD recording and playback for consumers will make its official U.S. debut soon. Here is an overview of the two main high definition DVD formats: Blu-ray and HD-DVD.
03/28/05 - 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.
03/21/05 - Syntax Olevia LT32HV 32-inch HD-compatible LCD television with Super In-Plane Switching - 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 LT32HV 32-inch HD-compatible LCD television.
03/15/05 - 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.
03/06/05 - Top Picks For Entry Level to Upper Mid-Range Home Theater Video Projectors
The video projector has long been used as a presentation tool in business and commercial entertainment, as well as in some very high-end home theater systems. However, video projectors are becoming more available and affordable for the average consumer. For a sampling of video projectors in the entry-level to upper-mid price ranges, check out some of my current suggestions.
02/28/05 - 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.
02/21/05 - Yamaha RX-V1500 7.1 Channel THX Select Home Theater Receiver - Review
AV receivers in the $500 - $1,000 price range now provide performance and flexibility that was once reserved for much higher-priced units. Having had a chance to use the Yamaha RX-V1500, I must say that it is an excellent value, with extensive connection capabilities and power to spare. For those wishing to upgrade their home theater AV capabilities, definitely consider the RX-V1500 as a possible choice. For more details, check out my review.
02/14/05 - 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...
To get the facts, check out my article, Power Mad! - How Much Amplifier Power Do You Really Need?
Also, be sure to check out some of my current favorite Home Theater and Stereo Receivers.
02/06/05 - Klipsch B-3 Synergy Series Bookshelf Loudspeaker - Product Review
There are literally thousands of loudspeakers on the market, and many times the choice depends, despite all the technical specs, on how they sound to you. If you are looking for new set of bookshelf loudspeakers for your stereo or home theater, and you have never experienced a horn-loaded loudspeaker, then you have to check out the Klipsch Synergy B-3. Despite its modest price and small size, the B-3 really delivers where it counts; sound quality. For more, check out my review.
01/31/05 - JVC JX-S777 Audio/Video Switcher - Product Review
One of the constant problems encountered by both home theater and video editing enthusiasts is having a logically organized way to hookup everything in their systems. The constant battle with cable clutter, dust, and re-connecting and re-arranging components every time a new component is added is a real bother. However, JVC may have come to the rescue with its JX-S777 A/V Switcher that does more than you expect. For more details, check out my review.
01/24/05 - 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. Check out my suggestions for Home Theater Gifts For Lovers.
01/19/05 - Budget Projection Televisions - Top Picks
If you are still shopping for a big screen TV for the upcoming Superbowl, 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 (most are HDTV upgradable to boot!) 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.
01/15/05 - CES 2005 - Photo Highlights Of The Best Of The Consumer Electronics Show 2005
The latest in technology and product innovation in home electronics is showcased every year at the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. The show exhibits and events are scattered all over the city as over 120,000 industry professionals and several thousand press attend the show to view the several thousand exhibitors displaying the latest in everything from home theater to cell phones. Check out some of the newsworthy highlights from this year's CES from the home theater perspective by going to the pages listed below. Reported by About's Home Theater Guide, Robert Silva.
01/02/05 - The RF Modulator - DVD Player Connection
After the past holiday gift giving season, many consumers now have more than one DVD player and are putting these additional 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.
