Audio Video News

Wit overcomes beauty in a recent, informal DVD survey: When asked which San Francisco-based actress or actor they'd like to have over for dinner and a DVD movie, the majority of local respondents picked Robin Williams (55%) over Sharon Stone (23%).

In its continuing crusade to standardize soundtrack-playback levels, <A HREF="http://www.dolby.com">Dolby Laboratories</A> has introduced a new soundtrack-loudness meter, the Model 737. The device was unveiled two weeks ago at <A HREF="http://www.variety.com"><I>Variety</I></A>'s Dolby Tech Symposium at the Cannes Film Festival. According to a May 20 Dolby press release, the 737 "enables sound mixers to easily monitor the subjective loudness of trailers and other soundtracks as they are being prepared."

Computer-game developers have been moving toward the home-theater market for the last couple of years. And with DVD players now catching on with computer buyers and home-theater buffs, the format is ripe for a crossover hit. What is needed, of course, is the killer title that makes good use of both a computer and a home-theater system.

Recently, <A HREF="http://www.avacademy.com/">The Academy Advancing High Performance Audio & Video</A> (AAHPAV) released its 1998 Golden Note Awards Nominations. Winners will be announced at the Golden Note Awards banquet, to be held June 10 at The Ritz Carlton in Marina Del Rey, CA. John Hoskins, co-founder of Advantage Performance Group, will present the keynote address, "Why Bad Things Happen to Good New Products."

For the last 25 years, about 1000 engineers from all regions of the world have gathered at the annual IEEE <A HREF="http://www.icce.org">International Conference on Consumer Electronics</A> (ICCE) in Chicago to review and discuss the emerging technology trends in the consumer industry.

Known for ultra-high-quality analog and digital audio electronics, <A HREF="http://www.sonicfrontiers.com">Sonic Frontiers</A> will soon enter the home-theater market. The Oakville, Ontario company announced its intentions less than two months after being acquired by the Lenbrook Group, which also owns <A HREF="http://www.psbspeakers.com">PSB</A>. In addition, Sonic Frontiers recently joined the growing group of companies represented by public-relations firm <A HREF="http://www.jbstanton.com">JB Stanton Communications, Inc.</A>

J<I>ennifer Tilly, Gina Gershon, Joe Pantoliano. Directed by The Wachowski Brothers. Aspect ratio: 1.85:1. Dolby Digital. Two sides. 109 minutes. 1996. Republic ID4628DSDVD. Rated R. $29.95</I>