Audio Video News

Video projectors just keep getting better. One of the leaders is the HT300Plus, the latest addition to the Grand Cinema line of DLP projectors from SIM2 Multimedia S.p.A.

The company's year-old HT300 is already something of a legend in the industry. SIM2 has improved its performance in several areas, including a 28% reduction in black level, and a 17% increase in brightness, for an overall gain in contrast ratio of +63%.

Thomas J. Norton takes a look at the huge <A HREF="http://www.guidetohometheater.com/showarchives.cgi?62">Fujitsu Plasmavision SlimScreen PDS-6101 high-definition plasma display</A>. As TJN notes, this 61" flat screen presents an enormous picture in an easy-to-manage slim package. But he finds there might be a peeve or two among the pixels.

<A HREF="http://www.echostar.com">EchoStar Communications Corporation</A> is reeling in the wake of its recent failure to win approval for its proposed acquisition of competitor <A HREF="http://www.directv.com">DirecTV</A>. The Federal Communications Commission and the US Justice Department have both blocked the $18 billion merger. A trial over the issue is expected early next year.

Norwood, MA-based - Atlantic Technology has introduced a flexible high-performance multichannel speaker system boasting THX Ultra 2 certification. The new 8200 THX Ultra2 speaker system is said to offer "the highest levels of performance" while providing a wide array of customization options and sonic adjustments.

<I>Tobey Maguire, Willem Dafoe, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Cliff Robertson, Rosemary Harris, J.K. Simmons, Gerry Becker, Bill Nunn, Jack Betts, Stanley Anderson, Ron Perkins. Directed by Sam Raimi. Aspect ratio: 1.85:1 (anamorphic). Dolby Digital 5.1 (English, French), Dolby Surround (English). Two discs. 121 minutes. 2002. Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment 09661. PG-13. $29.99.</I>

Everything seems to be roses and lollipops for <A HREF="http://www.tivo.com">TiVo</A> and <A HREF="http://www.sonicblue.com">SonicBlue</A>, maker of ReplayTV devices. The Silicon Valley rivals are allies now that they've decided to put their time and money into promoting digital video recorders (DVRs) rather than fighting each other.