password
username
Sponsored by CakeMail, an email marketing software.
Newsletter preview

About.com   Home Theater
In the Spotlight | More Topics | Top Picks | Featured Product | DIY Computing Projects
  from Robert Silva
Welcome to my weekly home theater newsletter. This week's newsletter features a review of a great LCD video projector from Panasonic, Yamaha's new Home Theater Receiver lineup, and a Blu-ray Disc movie that is putting the pressure on HD-DVD. In addition, don't forget to check this week's Top Picks and Home Theater Term.

 
In the Spotlight
Panasonic PT-AX100U 3LCD Home Theater Projector - Review
At an MSRP of $2,999, the Panasonic PT-AX100U 3LCD projector offers lots of useful features and solid video performance that is normally reserved for projectors in higher price ranges. The image quality is excellent for a projector in this class; flesh tones, overall color saturation, and contrast levels provide a very natural looking image, with none of the usual LCD artifacts, such as the screen door effect. For a closer look at the Panasonic PT-AX100U, check out my Short and Full Reviews, and also my additional Close-up Photo Profile - Review.

 
         More Topics
Yamaha Introduces New Line of Home Theater Receivers
Yamaha has announced its latest line Home Theater Receivers that bring more advanced features to an affordable price level. The three new Home Theater Receivers: RX-V361, RX-V461, and RX-V661 are all XM-Satellite Radio Ready and contain a new feature called "Scene". "Scene" is a set of preset listening modes that work inconjunction with input selection. The user can either select the default settings for DVD, CD, TV, and Radio, or can select from other options including iPOD, XM, TV Sports, or Video Game...read more

 
Casino Royale Blu-Ray Disc Challenges HD-DVD
The battle between Blu-ray and HD-DVD moves up a notch as Sony Pictures resleases the blockbuster James Bond film, Casino Royale on Blu-ray Disc. Even with a price about twice as high as the standard DVD release, the Blu-ray Disc version of Casino Royale may have sold as many as 100,000 copies so far, making it the most popular movie in hi-def to date by leaps-and-bounds. Since Sony Pictures supports Blu-ray exclusively, Casino Royale will not be available on the rival HD-DVD format. For more details on the Blu-ray success of Casino Royale, and what it may portend for the future of both the Blu-ray Disc and HD-DVD formats, check out the report from Hi-Def Digest.

 
 
Sponsored Links
 
Top Picks - Single Component Home Theater Audio Systems  from your Home Theater Guide
Home theater has resulted in two main audio system options. First, there is the traditional separate component approach. Second, there is the home theater-in-a-box approach. However, another option for those that don't want excessive connecting wires or don't have space for separate components and speakers, is the One or Two piece home theater system. This type produces a surround sound listening environment using a one speaker box, or one speaker box paired with a separate subwoofer. For some examples of one and two-piece home theater systems currently available, check out my picks below.

1) Yamaha YSP-1100 Digital Sound Projector
If you are looking for a way to experience 5.1 channel surround sound without a room full of loudspeakers and wires, then check out Yamaha's YSP-1100 [link url=http://www.yamaha.com/yec/ysp1/idx_overview.htm]Digital Sound Projector[/link]. Utilizing an array of 42 small speaker drivers (each with its own amplifier) housed in a central unit, the YSP-100 projects sound with directional accuracy around the listening space to create a realistic 5.1 channel surround sound field. The YSP-1100 has several digital and analog audio inpts and features Dolby Digital/DTS processing. The YSP-1100 is definitely worth a listen. Note: You will need to add a separate subwoofer.

2) Yamaha YSP-800 Digital Sound Projector
The Yamaha YSP-800 is the "junior" version of the YSP-1100 mentioned above. The YSP-800 uses the same [link url=http://www.yamaha.com/yec/ysp1/idx_overview.htm]digital sound projection technology[/link] but has 23 individual speaker/amplifier combinations and less power total wattage output that the YSP-1100. However, the YSP-800 still features both Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound processing, as well as having both digital audio and analog audio inputs. If you are looking for no-hassle way to get surround sound for a small room, the Yamaha YSP-800 may be just the right choice for you. Note: Just as with the YSP-1100, you will may to add a separate subwoofer to the YSP-800.

3) ZVOX 325 Single Cabinet Surround Sound System
The ZVOX 325 surround sound system is one of the latest in a growing trend towards one-box surround sound solutions that are targeted to those consumers that want more than just listening to sound from cheap built-in Television speakers, but don't want the hassle, of setting up and using a multi-speaker home theater system. For look at the ZVOX 325 Single Cabinet Surround Sound System, also check out my review. Makes a great gift for Mom or any member of the family.

 
Product of the Week
SanDisk V-Mate Video Memory Card Recorder
Sandisk has introduced a very interesting product for those on the go. The Sandisk V-Mate is small device that has the ability to record video from analog sources and store...read more
 
DIY Computing Projects

Install a DVD or CD Burner

Create a Family Tree in PowerPoint

Install Memory in a Mac

Create an iMovie Slideshow

Brighten Pictures in Photoshop

Advertisement
 
 
Visit Related About GuideSites:
Stereos Digital Video Recording TV / Video
Desktop Video Portable Electronics  
Search About  

 
More Newsletters: To sign up for more free newsletters on What You Need to Know About your favorite topics, visit: http://talk.about.com

You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About Home Theater newsletter as ***. If you wish to change or remove your email address, please visit:
http://about.com/nl/usgs.htm?nl=hometheater&e=***

About respects your privacy. Our Privacy Policy.

Our Contact Information.
249 West 17th Street
New York, NY, 10011

© 2007 About, Inc.