Home Theater 2.0

Toshiba REGZA 52HL167 LCD 1080p Television Review

2007-08-19T14:56:00.000Z

A couple of years ago Toshiba's line was dominated by rear projection DLP designs. Today, flat panel LCDs are pushing those sets aside. The 1920x1080p 52HL167 ($3,499) is the top model in Toshiba's REGZA series of flat panels, which sits just below the top of the line Cinema Series. The equivalent Cinema Series model features a refresh rate of 120Hz, which is said to minimize motion blur, and

Sony BDP-S300 Blu-ray Player Review

2007-07-23T00:43:00.000Z

The $499 BDP-S300 is an important product, giving Blu-ray some much needed traction in the affordable player category. Combine that with recent news from rental powerhouse Blockbuster that it is expanding Blu-ray titles in its stores (at the expense of HD DVD in most cases), and the BDP-S300 looks like a no-brainer. The sparse front panel offers only the basic controls: Power, Open/Close drawer

Revel Performa F52 Speaker System Review

2007-06-17T20:22:00.000Z

Sonic revelation. When the assignment came in to review Revel's Performa system, I was more than just a little bit excited. After all, spending time with a Performa F52, C52, S30, M22, and B15A setup is akin to driving a Mercedes-Benz CL600 coupe with every conceivable option when you're accustomed to commuting in a Honda Accord. There's nice, and then there's, "Give me the keys, and get out of

Revel Performa F52 Speaker System:At A Glance

2007-06-17T20:13:00.000Z

Subwoofer: B15AConnections: Left and right balanced and unbal- anced line-level inputs and outputsEnclosure Type: SealedWoofer (size in inches, type): 15, metal conePower Rating (watts): 1,000 Crossover Bypass: Yes Available Finishes: Natural Cherry, Black Ash, MapleDimensions (H x W x D, inches): 20.06 x 17.75 x 18.31Weight (pounds): 110 Price: $3,295 These listings are based on the

Revel Performa F52 Speaker System:HT Labs Measures

2007-06-17T20:04:00.000Z

L/R Sensitivity: 87.5 dB from 500 Hz to 2 kHz Center Sensitivity: 89.5 dB from 500 Hz to 2 kHz Monopole Surround Sensitivity: 85.5 dB from 500 Hz to 2 kHz Dipole Surround Sensitivity: 86 dB from 500 Hz to 2 kHz This graph shows the quasi-anechoic (employing close-miking of all woofers) frequency response of the F52 L/R (purple trace), B15A subwoofer (blue trace), C52 center channel (green

Sony DAV-HDX500 BRAVIA Theater System review

2007-06-11T17:27:00.000Z

This Sony HTiB does the listening for you.Sony may not have invented the Home Theater in a Box, but it's certainly gone a long way in perfecting the concept. Where most companies make just a couple of HTiBs, Sony has close to a dozen ranging from a cute "1000-Watt" system with a five-disc changer and bookshelf speakers costing $299 all the way up to a 780-Watt $1,999 package that includes

Sony DAV-HDX500 BRAVIA Theater System review:At A Glance

2007-06-11T17:13:00.000Z

At A Glance Sony SS-WS74 Powered SubwooferDrive Unit: 6.4", bass reflexPower Rating: 285-WattsDimensions (WHD): 8.75" x 15.6" x 13.9"Weight: 14.4 lbs.Sony SS-CT72 Center SpeakerType: single-driver, one-way 1.2" x 2.4" cone driver, magnetically shieldedImpedance: 3-ohmsDimensions (WHD): 15" x 1.9" x 2.5"Weight: 1.1 lbs./ea.Sony SS-TS74 (Front Speaker) Type: three-driver, two-way with two 2.6-inch

Samsung DVD-V9650 DVD Player/VHS Recorder review

2007-06-11T17:12:00.000Z

Teasing the high end while still embracing the previous generation.I recently read somewhere that DVD's install base had eclipsed that of VHS, the former king of meat-and-potatoes home entertainment. I flashed nostalgically on DVD's initial toehold in rental outlets like Blockbuster and stores such as Suncoast, as well as its relentless growth to the point where VHS was relegated to a single

Samsung DVD-V9650 DVD Player/VHS Recorder review:At A Glance & Ratings

2007-06-11T17:09:00.000Z

ConnectionsInputsVideo: Composite video (2), coaxial cable/antenna (1)Audio: Analog stereo (2)OutputsVideo: HDMI (1), component video (1), S-video (1)(DVD only); composite video (1)Audio: Digital optical (1), digital coaxial (1)(both DVD only); analog stereo (1)FeaturesCompatible Playback Formats: DVD, DVD-R/-RW, DVD+R/+RW, CD, CD-R/-RW, MP3, WMA, SVCD, JPEG, DivX (MPEG-4), VHSPossible Playback

Energy Reference Connoisseur RC-70 Speaker System Review

2007-06-11T17:00:00.000Z

This is a momentous time for Energy Speaker Systems. Until recently, Energy was one of several brands owned and operated by Audio Products International of Toronto, Canada. (The others included Mirage, Athena, and Spherex.) Now the API brands have been merged into Klipsch of Indianapolis, Indiana, creating a new fusion of Canadian design and American ownership. Energy has also moved their

At A Glance & Ratings: Energy Reference Connoisseur RC-70 Speaker System

2007-06-11T16:48:00.000Z

Subwoofer: S10.3Connections: Line-level (mono) and speaker- level (stereo)Enclosure Type: VentedWoofer (size in inches, type): 10, polypropylene-hybrid conePower Rating (watts): 200 continuous, 800 peakCrossover Bypass: YesAvailable Finishes: Black Ash vinylDimensions (H x W x D, inches): 17.33 x 14.14 x 18.31 Weight (pounds): 34Price: $500 These listings are based on the manufacturer's

Energy Reference Connoisseur RC-70 Speaker System review:HT Labs Measures

2007-06-11T16:34:00.000Z

L/R Sensitivity: 89 dB from 500 Hz to 2 kHzCenter Sensitivity: 86.5 dB from 500 Hz to 2 kHzSurround Sensitivity: 82 dB from 500 Hz to 2 kHzThis graph shows the quasi-anechoic (employing close-miking of all woofers) frequency response of the RC-70 L/R (purple trace), S10.3 subwoofer (blue trace), RC-LCR center channel (green trace), and RC-R surround (red trace). All passive loudspeakers were

Samsung HL-S5686W 56" DLP Rear-Projection 720p HDTV Review

2007-06-09T23:15:00.000Z

The rear projection big-screen TV market is hot. Consumers are discovering that the latest RPTVs can often beat plasma in picture quality and offer bigger screen sizes for much less money if hanging it on the wall isn't a priority.Modern RPTVs are thin, light, and inexpensive compared to the CRT-based monsters of just a few years back. While you can still buy a CRT-based set, they've now been

Monitor Audio Silver RS 6 Speaker System review

2007-06-09T22:32:00.000Z

Quality drivers in quality cabinets equals quality sound—at a nice price.It's easy to find your eyes dazzled, and your mind befuddled, by the outpouring of new speakers over the last few years, particularly those of the nontraditional variety. In-walls, plasma-friendly speakers, and even flat-panel speakers are all the rage with the general public. This is hardly a bad thing—anything that can get

Monitor Audio Silver RS 6 Speaker System review:At A Glance & Ratings

2007-06-09T22:28:00.000Z

At A Glance: Monitor Audio Silver RS 6 Speaker SystemSubwoofer: RS W12Connections: Line-level in, line-level outEnclosure Type: SealedWoofer (size in inches, type): 12, aluminum/magnesium/ceramicPower Rating (watts): 500Crossover Bypass: YesAvailable Finishes: Black Oak, Rosenut, Walnut, Natural Oak, Cherrywood, SilverDimensions (H x W x D, inches): 13.2 x 13.2 x 15.2Weight (pounds): 56Price:

Monitor Audio Silver RS 6 Speaker System review:HT Labs Measures

2007-06-09T22:25:00.000Z

HT Labs Measures: Monitor Audio Silver RS 6 Speaker System L/R Sensitivity: 88.5 dB from 500 Hz to 2 kHz Center Sensitivity: 90 dB from 500 Hz to 2 kHz Surround Sensitivity: 86 dB from 500 Hz to 2 kHz This graph shows the quasi-anechoic (employing close-miking of all woofers) frequency response of the RS 6 L/R (purple trace), RS W12 subwoofer (blue trace), RS LCR center channel (green

Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD Plasma HDTV & HP MediaSmart SLC3760N LCD HDTV Review

2007-06-09T21:05:00.000Z

Who says you can't stream HDTV?As more consumers embrace high-speed home networking and video downloads, one question is gaining prominence: Can't we view this content on something a little more substantial than our computer monitors? Yes, you can, thanks to the digital media receiver, which is a device that lets you stream video, photo, and music files from your computer to your television.The

Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD Plasma HDTV & HP MediaSmart SLC3760N LCD HDTV:At A Glance: Pioneer

2007-06-09T21:03:00.000Z

ConnectionsInputs:Video: HDMI (2), component video (3), VGA (1), S-video (2), composite video (3), RF (2)Audio: Stereo analog (6), miniplug (1)Outputs:Video: Composite video (1)Audio: Optical digital (1), stereo analog (1), subwoofer (1)Additional: Ethernet (1), USB (1), G-Link (1), CableCARD (1), RS-232 (1)FeaturesType: PlasmaScreen Size (diagonal) 42 inchesNative Resolution / Aspect Ratio:

Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD Plasma HDTV & HP MediaSmart SLC3760N LCD HDTV review:HT Labs Measures: Pioneer

2007-06-09T20:59:00.000Z

Full-On/Full-Off Contrast Ratio—476:1; ANSI Contrast Ratio—851:1 Measured Resolution with the Leader LT-446:480: 480 (per picture height)720p: 720 (pph)1080i: Out to the limits of the 1,024-by-768 panel DC Restoration (poor, average, good, excellent): Excellent Color Decoder (poor, average, good, excellent): Excellent Measured Color Points:Red Color Point: x=0.664, y=0.328Green Color Point

Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD Plasma HDTV & HP MediaSmart SLC3760N LCD HDTV: At A Glance: HP

2007-06-09T20:56:00.000Z

ConnectionsInputs: Video: HDMI (1), component video (2), S-video (1), composite video (3), RF (1)Audio: Stereo analog (4) Outputs: Video: NoneAudio: Digital optical (1), stereo analog (1)Additional: MediaSmart A/V and control inputs (2), Ethernet (1), antenna connections for Wi-Fi (2, 802.11a/b/g) FeaturesType: LCDScreen Size (diagonal) 37 inchesNative Resolution / Aspect Ratio: 1,366

Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD Plasma HDTV & HP MediaSmart SLC3760N LCD HDTV review:HT Labs Measures: HP

2007-06-09T20:49:00.000Z

HT Labs Measures: HP SLC3760N LCD HDTV Full-On/Full-Off Contrast Ratio—1,068:1; ANSI Contrast Ratio—967:1 Measured Resolution with the Leader LT-446:480: 480 (per picture height)720p: 720 (pph)1080i: Out to the limits of the 1,366-by-768 panel DC Restoration (poor, average, good, excellent): Excellent Color Decoder (poor, average, good, excellent): Excellent Measured Color Points:Red

Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD Plasma HDTV & HP MediaSmart SLC3760N LCD HDTV review:Those Who Can't. . .Cheat

2007-06-09T20:47:00.000Z

Streaming media to your TV from an Apple computer is a trickier task, as most digital media receivers are PC-centric. Apple plans to enter the ring with their own digital media receiver, tentatively named the iTV, sometime in the first quarter of 2007. If you can't wait—or your heart is set on one of these media-friendly TVs—you'll have to get creative.Elgato Systems offers a software program

Panasonic TH-42PX600U review

2007-06-09T20:41:00.000Z

Model: Panasonic TH-42PX600U Description: 42" Plasma Television, Widescreen 16:9 FormatResolution: 1024 x 768 (HDTV) Includes: Integrated pedestal stand and HD2D Sound Enhanced Speaker System, NTSC and ATSC (HDTV) tuners, 2 HDMI high-definition inputs and one compter 15 pin VGA input, 2 component video, 3 composite video, 3 S-Video connection.Color: Silver and Black Bezel and casing.INTRODUCTION

Olevia 747i LCD 1080p Television Review

2007-06-09T19:53:00.000Z

For a relatively new brand, Olevia has made a fast start. When I attended the launch of its new assembly plant in Ontario California recently, I was impressed by the efficiency of the operation, not to mention the gutsy move to open an assembly plant in the continental U.S. rather than, say, just across the border in Mexico. This says a lot about the confidence that Olevia, and its parent company

Olevia 747i LCD 1080p Television:Specifications

2007-06-09T19:50:00.000Z

LCD panel type: 47", 1920x1080 resolutionSignal Compatibility: NTSC and ATSC video (480i/p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p); PC up to 1920x1080@60HzContrast ratio: 1600:1 (Dynamic Contrast Ratio)Viewing angle: 178-degrees, horizontal and verticalResponse time: 8msVideo inputs: Two HDMI (HDCP), two component on RCAs, one component on 15-pin D-sub, two S-Video, two composite video, dual RFAudio inputs: HDMI

Olevia 747i LCD 1080p Television:Associated Equipment

2007-06-09T19:48:00.000Z

SourcesPioneer Elite DV-79AVi DVD playerToshiba HD-A1 HD DVD playerScientific Atlanta Explorer 800HD HD cable converter/PVRRePlay standard definition tuner/DVRCablesMonster and UltraLink HDMITributaries and Monster componentArticle Continues: Tests and Calibration

Olevia 747i LCD 1080p Television:Tests and Calibration

2007-06-09T19:46:00.000Z

The Olevia 747i's black and white (luminance) and color response, in both HDMI and component, extended up to the maximum burst frequencies from my AccuPel HDG-3000 test pattern generator at all resolutions (6.75MHz for 480i, 13.5MHz for 480p, and 37.1MHz for 720p and 1080i). The result with the 1080i burst, in particular, was as good any we have seen from a display of any description, including

Samsung HLN617W 61-inch DLP HDTV Review

2007-06-09T19:21:00.001Z

I recently had anopportunity to look at Samsung's enormous 61" HLN617W DLP flat screen TV, and wejumped at it. DLP (Digital Light Processing) displays may be less familiar tosome of you than the more conventional methods such as plasma, CRT, LCD or rear projection, but it may well be the future of big screen HDTV's. Samsung was oneof the first companies to jump into the DLP display market, which

UEI NevoSL Universal Controller Review

2007-06-09T19:20:00.003Z

Got a converged home? Get a converged remote. What distinguishes a good universal remote from a great one? A good remote controls all of your components the way you need it to; a great one controls those components the way you want it to. Customization and advanced functionality are the keys, and UEI's NevoSL universal controller has both. The NevoSL's software-based programming and UEI's

JVC LT-46FN97 LCD

2007-06-09T19:20:00.001Z

$3,50046" LCD1920x1080Key Connections: Dual HDMI and component inputs, two i.LINK IEEE1394 in/outs, one PC input Features We Like: 1080p resolution, OTA and CableCARD HD tuners Features We Miss: Doesn't accept 1080p signals The editors at our sister publication UAV loved this JVC for its relaxed,

Oppo DV-970HD DVD Player Review

2007-06-09T19:19:00.003Z

Summary Product Name: DV-970HD DVD PlayerManufacturer: OppoPerformance Rating: Value Rating: ***Specifications***Disc Types: DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, Super Audio CD (SACD), Certified DivX, Xvid, Audio CD, HDCD, Kodak Picture CDDivX (DivX Certified Home Theater Profile Parameters, V2.2. Covers DivX 3.11 – 5.1)CD-R/RW, DVD±R/RW, DVD+R DLOutput:Analog Audio: Stereo, 5.1chDigital Audio:

JL Audio Fathom f113 Subwoofer Review

2007-06-09T19:19:00.001Z

Brains, brawn, and bombast. "Eventually," one of my musical idols once told me in an interview, "everything you said you'd never do, you do. If you're lucky, you get to shake hands with Arnold Schwarzenegger." Those words of Robyn Hitchcock came back to me as I wrestled the JL Audio Fathom f113 subwoofer out of its carton. (The Governator himself couldn't weigh much more.) I've told other

HP MD6580 and MD5880 1080p Rear Projection HDTV Review

2007-06-09T19:18:00.003Z

HP have now discontinued their rear projection HDTVs including the two reviewed here however, they have introduced a new line of LCD and Plasma Flat Panels. Hewlett Packard’s (HP) MD6580 and MD5880 1080p Rear Projection HDTV’s are part of the popular and growing range of lower cost, high definition, rear projection televisions incorporating microdisplays using DLP, LCD, or LCoS technology. Both

Samsung HP-S4273 - plasma TV - 42" review

2007-06-09T19:18:00.001Z

This version of the Samsung HP-S4273 is a 42-inch, plasma television. Compared to other plasma TVs on the market, it is relatively inexpensive at around $1,865. In general, a liquid plasma display can recreate more realistic black-levels than an LCD display can.Description: This version of the Samsung HP-S4273 is a 42-inch, plasma television. Compared to other plasma TVs

Panasonic TH-65PF9UK Review

2007-06-09T19:17:00.001Z

Model: Panasonic TH-65PF9UK Plasma ScreenDescription: 65” (diagonal) Plasma Television, Widescreen 16:9 FormatResolution: 1920 X 1080 (1080P)Dimensions: 61.2" x 36.4" x 3.9" Includes: Speakers and table stand are optional. The unit includes some basic inputs and there are optional input “cards” which may be purchased and installed. Color: Charcoal Black thin ribbon bezelINTRODUCTION This is

Panasonic TH-50PH9UK Review

2007-06-09T19:16:00.000Z

Excellent 8.0 out of 10 The good: Relatively inexpensive; excellent black-level performance; accurate color decoding; solid video processing with 2:3 pull-down; independent memory per input; versatile PIP function; extensive picture adjustments;

Pioneer PRO-FHD1 review

2007-06-09T19:15:00.002Z

Excellent 8.7 out of 10 The good: Accurate colors; excellent detail with 1080 resolution material; can reproduce deep blacks; extensive picture controls including color temperature and primary color adjustments;

Mitsubishi HC5000 – 1080p Projector Review

2007-06-09T19:15:00.001Z

As I mentioned in a previous update it took me nearly six months to get my hands on a Mitsubishi HC5000 but the wait was absolutely worth it. Several months ago I got my first glimpse of the HC5000, that glimpse turned into 5 or 6 full length movies, a dozen or so favorite chapters from SD and HD discs, a full spin of an evaluation disc, and some HD gaming in-between for good measure. Before I

My JVC DLA-RS1 Impressions-An Out of Box Experience

2007-06-09T19:14:00.001Z

Introduction So there I was, deeply immersed in the Shivering Isles expansion pack for the acclaimed RPG adventure Oblivion on the Xbox 360. I had just completed a mission and headed back to the town of Bliss to sell off some of my collected bounty at The Missing Pauldron (external view shown above). After entering the shop and descending the stairs to the lower level of the building

AT A Glance: UEI NevoSL Universal Controller

2007-06-09T19:13:00.002Z

AT A Glance: UEI NevoSL Universal Controller Media RequirementsNevoMedia Manager PC requirements:Windows XP, 256 MB RAM, 170 MB of free spaceSupported Media:Music: WAV, MP3, WMA (with DRM)Photos: JPEG, TIFF, GIF, BMP, PNGVideo: AVI, DVR-MS, WMV created for Pocket PC, WMV with DRM (control only) FeaturesCommunication: IR, Wi-Fi/802.11bOther Connection Types: USBScreen Size and

AT A Glance: JL Audio Fathom f113 Subwoofer

2007-06-09T19:13:00.001Z

Subwoofer: Fathom f113Connections: Line-level, RCA, XLR, or 0.25-inch TRSEnclosure Type: SealedWoofer (size in inches, type): 13.5, mineral-filled polypropylene conePower Rating (watts): 2,500 RMSCrossover Bypass: YesDimensions (H x W x D, inches): 19.5 x 16.5 x 19.75Weight (pounds): 130Price: $3,300 (Black Gloss); $3,200 (Black Satin) These listings are based on the manufacturer's stated

User Testimonial: Cutting Edge in Colorado

2007-06-09T19:12:00.002Z

Max and Bebe Greenlee don't consider themselves to be serious A/V enthusiasts. Like many of us, this Colorado couple has assembled a modest home-entertainment system, consisting of a receiver, a DVR, a DVD player, a VCR, and a turntable. They also have a wireless home network and a computer filled with digital photos that they'd love to show off. Little did they know, when they asked custom

HT Labs Measures: JL Audio Fathom f113 Subwoofer

2007-06-09T19:12:00.001Z

This graph shows the quasi-anechoic (employing close-miking of the woofer) frequency response of the Fathom f113 subwoofer (blue trace). The Fathom f113's close-miked response, normalized to the level at 80 hertz, indicates that the lower –3-decibel point is at 18 Hz and the –6-dB point is at 17 Hz. The upper –3-dB point is at 111 Hz with the LP Filter switch set to off. Please note that the

JVC LT-46FN97 LCD review

2007-06-09T19:11:00.001Z

It isn't immediately obvious that the JVC LT-46FN97 ($3,499.95) stands out in a sea of new flat panel displays. Its styling is attractive but generic. Its feature set is good though hardly revolutionary. But when I first saw it in action at a JVC line show I knew I wanted to review it. Two other trade shows intervened before I had a chance to spend time with this 46" 1080p LCD set in my own

DV-970HD Comments & Conclusion

2007-06-09T19:10:00.002Z

For the full list of features and testing, please see our DVD Player Features and Benchmark Comparisons Chart . This player certainly doesn't perform as well as Oppo's prior model (and this was expected) however it's not so bad that we can't recommend it as a decent "one size fits all" player for the money. The HQV tests are all unflagged and present some pretty tricky test material for any

Oppo Build Quality, Set Up, Remote & Measurements

2007-06-09T19:10:00.001Z

As expected, the new Oppo player came very well packed, with a black protective cloth over the player and plenty of foam padding. The package includes the player, User Manual, remote, batteries, stereo audio & composite video cables, power cord and HDMI cable. A handy Advanced Setup Guide which was co-developed by Oppo Digital and Audioholics can be downloaded from Oppo's website. The physical

Comparison of the DV-970HD and OPDV971H

2007-06-09T19:09:00.000Z

Oppo has seemingly cornered the market on buzz, becoming the “Apple Computer” of rumor and forum discussion. Following the success of their flagship (and still shipping) OPDV971H upconverting DVD player, they naturally felt inclined to release a new upconverting DVD player that also handles SACD – for $50 less. Now, before you fall off your chair and pull out your credit card, realize that

Samsung HL-S5686W 56" DLP Rear-Projection 720p HDTV Review:Manufacturer's Specs

2006-06-09T23:11:00.000Z

Manufacturer's Specs Technology: DLPScreen size: 56"Native pixel resolution: 1280 x 720pVideo inputs: Two each, HDMI, component, and S-Video, three composite, two RF (air, cable)Dimensions: 50.6" x 17.7" x 17.4" (WxHxD)Weight: 72 lbs.Warranty: One year (parts & labor) in homePrice: (MSRP) $2399 Manufacturer InformationSamsung Electronics America, Inc.(800) 726-7864www.samsungusa.com

Samsung HL-S5686W 56" DLP Rear-Projection 720p HDTV Review:Associated Equipment

2006-06-09T23:06:00.000Z

Associated Equipment SourcesPioneer DV47A and DV59AVi DVD playersEchostar DISH 942 HD satellite receiver with DVR Video Test EquipmentPhotoResearch LightMate spot/contact light meterGretag-McBeth Lightspex spectroradiometerSencore VP403 HD pattern generator with ATSC RF outputProgressive Labs CA6X color analyzer CablesTara Labs RSC Air-One video cables and interconnectsArticle Continues:

Samsung HL-S5686W 56" DLP Rear-Projection 720p HDTV Review:Measurements and Technical Discussion

2006-06-09T23:03:00.000Z

Initial testing was done with a Sencore VP-403 high-definition video generator. My first investigation was into the slightly soft picture. Bandwidth on this TV is good at 720p with the one-pixel-on / one-pixel-off section of the Multiburst pattern (37.5 Mhz) reproduced distinctly with only mild banding. Surprisingly, the HDMI inputs had very little advantage over the component inputs. The