Audio Video News

Despite competitive pressure from direct broadcast satellite (DBS) services, cable providers have managed to push subscription rates up faster than the pace of inflation, according to a report issued by the Federal Communications Commission at the beginning of January.

Rarely do integrated components perform as well as separates for an equivalent amount of money. The AVR307, from Buffalo, NY-based B&K, is an exception. Its operating flexibility, multi-format surround capability and audiophile amplifier technology make it an attractive choice for those who want maximum performance with minimum clutter. The AVR307 is intended for music and movie fans who agree with B&K's philosophy of "sensible simplicity."

Big speaker boxes are the bane of interior decorators. They've been battling with audiophiles for decades. Home theater, with its reliance on huge powered subwoofers to create realistic bass, has expanded the war.

As HDTV slowly rolls out across the US, more and more consumers are finding that those simple days of common connectors and out-of-the-box compatible equipment are now over. What many unsuspecting consumer electronics buyers are now discovering that not all HDTV equipment is configured to the same operating standards.

<I>Ben Affleck, Josh Hartnett, Kate Beckinsale, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Tom Sizemore, Jon Voight, Colm Feore, Alec Baldwin. Directed by Michael Bay. Aspect ratio: 2.35:1 (anamorphic). Dolby Digital 5.1 (English, French), DTS 5.1 (English), Dolby Headphone. THX-certified. Two discs. 183 minutes (film only). 2001. Touchstone Home Video 2388903. PG-13. $29.99.</I>

Lightweight video projectors are the hottest tickets in home theater. Marantz has taken the concept to a new level of performance with the HDTV-ready VP-12S1.

<I>Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Sally Field, Gary Sinise, Mykelti Williamson. Directed by Robert Zemeckis. Aspect ratio: 2.35:1 (anamorphic widescreen). Dolby Digital, DTS 5.1. Two discs. 141 minutes. 1994. Paramount 15644. PG-13. $29.99.</I>