The Role of the Custom Home Theater Installer
Recently, I had the opportunity to attend the annual CEDIA Management Conference. CEDIA (Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association) is the official trade organization for the Home Theater Installation Industry. The Management Conference is held every year so that custom home theater installers, dealers, and manufacturers from around North America can come together to network and refine their role in relation to the consumer. At the conference...read more Image (c) CEDIA
|
|
Sony Introduces Budget-Priced Home Theater Receiver Line-Up
At its recent 2008 Open House in Las Vegas, Sony announced its latest line of budget-priced Home Theater Receivers that bring more advanced features to the consumer. The four new Home Theater Receivers: STR-DG920, STR-DG820, STR-DG720, STR-DG520 all feature 1080p pass through HDMI switching, AV Synch, Digital Media Port (for connecting iPods and other digital audio players), and Portable Audio Enhancer (optimizes sound reproduction from digital audio players). Also, to make setup of these receivers simple...read more Photo (c) Sony Corporation
|
Consumers to See More LCD and Less Plasma
If you thought that Toshiba exiting from HD-DVD was a big story, the latest upheaval in the Flat Panel Television market will actually impact more consumers on a long term basis. According to CNET/Reuters, Sony and Samsung are planning a major expansion of joint LCD panel manufacturing facilities. This is on the heals of an earlier announcement that Sony will also be buying LCD panels from Sharp. In addition, in a more startling announcement...read more
|
Sponsored Links | ![]() |
|
Top Picks - Standard and Upscaling DVD Players
from your Home Theater Guide | ![]() | | 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. However, if you do have a higher end system or TV, even today's inexpensive players have a wealth of features. Here are some entry level players to consider.
|
1) OPPO Digital DV-980H DVD Player with HDMI and SACD/DVD-Audio
The OPPO DV-980H is a feature-packed DVD player that delivers what it promises. HDMI connectivity and upscaling enables the DV980H to deliver an excellent picture on an HDTV. In addition, other features, such as SACD, DVD-Audio, and Divx playback, as well as a front mounted USB port for importing images and sound from flash drives, add great audio and video flexibility. If you are looking for a new DVD player to use with an HDTV or Video Projector, and surround sound system, make sure you check this one out. The OPPO DV980H is an excellent all-around DVD/CD/SACD/DVD-Audio player, and is priced less than $170. For a more detailed look at the DV-980H, check out my Short and Full Reviews.
2) HELIOS X5000 HD Network Media DVD Player
The Helios X5000 is more than a typical DVD player. Not only does it deliver great video and audio via DVD upscaling, HDMI connectivity, and Wolfson Digital-to-Analog audio conversion, but features, such as extensive recordable DVD compatibility, DivxHD, WMV9HD, and Wired and Wireless Networking add great flexibility. If you are looking for a device that can interface with your home theater and PC, check out the Helios X5000. The X5000 is a very innovative product.
3) Samsung DVD-HD1080P7 DVD Player with Upscaling
The Samsung DVD-HD1080P7 has everything you would expect from a DVD player (DVD, CD, DVD-R playback). However, this unit also offers 720p 1080i, and 1080p upscaling via the HDMI interface. The HD1080P7 is good choice if you have a large screen HDTV. However, even if you don't have an HDTV, this unit has all the output options of a standard DVD player and is priced about the same as many "budget" units. This is definitely a DVD player to consider.
|
Product of the Week | ![]() | Cine-W Video Projection Screen by Stewart Filmscreen
Stewart Filmscreen has elevated the custom home theater experience further with the release of its Cine-W of video projection screen. What makes a Cine-W screen different is that it is...read more |
Tax Time | ![]() | Taxing Matters
Get all the advice you need for tax preparation, from gathering documents to budget planning and tips for saving more.
|
| Advertisement
 |
Back to newsletter list
