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Blu-ray Movie Reviews
Papillon (Blu-ray)
David Vaughn  |  May 13, 2011
Based on the true story about French ex-convict Henri Charriére (Steve McQueen), a petty criminal who is unjustly convicted of murder, and his constant struggle to escape to freedom from the brutal French penal system at Guiana's infamous Devil's Island. On the way to the hellhole, he meets Dega (Dustin Hoffman), a convicted counterfeiter who relies on Henri for protection. The two men end up becoming good friends and they rely on each other for their survival.

While the performances are marvelous from both McQueen and Hoffman, the pacing of this movie is horrendously slow. I understand that director Franklin J. Shaffner is trying to show the struggle that Charriére endured to secure his freedom, but a good 45 minutes could have been left on the cutting room floor improving the overall enjoyment of the film.

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Audio Video News
Pink Floyd's Wish You Were Here to Make 5.1 Debut
Mark Fleischmann  |  May 13, 2011
You already may have heard about the massive "Why Pink Floyd...?" reissue series scheduled to hit in September 2011. But the most artistically significant aspect of it has been grossly under-reported. The series will include the first release of the 1975 album Wish You Were Here in a 5.1-channel high-res medium.

There will be two ways to get it. One is the six-disc "Immersion" boxed set, which will include both new 5.1-channel and old quad mixes, not to mention stereo mixes, in multiple formats. One disc will be a DVD with lossy codecs (we're guessing Dolby Digital). The other—be still, our hearts—will be a Blu-ray disc with both 5.1 and stereo mixes in 96/24. You can read about the numerous other extras on Amazon.

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Blu-ray Movie Reviews
Blu-ray Review: No Strings Attached
Rad Bennett  |  May 12, 2011

Friends with benefits: Is that kind of modern-day relationship really possible? No Strings Attached looks into that question for almost an hour before ending up in typical Hollywood rom-com land.

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Premiere Design
Aerial Acoustics System 1 TheaterWall
Scott Wilkinson  |  May 12, 2011
As I was researching my response to Xavier Beard's question about speakers from Aerial Acoustics, I came across the company's System 1 TheaterWall. This artfully designed, decidedly high-end speaker system surrounds a screen of just about any size with speakers for the left, right, center, and subwoofer channels.
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Projector Reviews3D Projector Reviews
Sony BRAVIA VPL-VW90ES SXRD 3D Projector
Thomas J. Norton  |  May 12, 2011

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
Price: $9,999 At A Glance: Deep, rich blacks • Accurate color • 3D-to-2D conversion • improved brightness and contrast

3D Gets Big

It seems like only yesterday that I reviewed Sony’s VPL-VW85 projector, but it was a year and a half ago (Home Theater, November 2009). Sony launches a new flagship home theater projector every year at the September CEDIA EXPO, and 2010 was no exception.

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New Products
Bang & Olufsen's 85-inch plasma: 3D at $1,000 per inch
Michael Berk  |  May 12, 2011

Bang & Olufsen's supremely luxurious entry into the 3D market, the updated 85" BeoVision 4-85, made its U.S. debut today.

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Ask S&V
Downsizing Speakers
Scott Wilkinson  |  May 12, 2011
My current speakers are Aerial Acoustics Model 7Bs, which I have been very happy with. However, I am moving from a 20x16 listening area with a 20-foot ceiling to a senior-living condo with a 14x14 listening area and 9-foot ceiling. In my opinion, the 7Bs will take up too much room and, I believe, are not suitable for the smaller area. I like the Aerial line and would like to keep the sound quality I am used to. I have been thinking about the 6Bs, and I wonder if you have ever listened to them? I have received a few options from some dealers, but I'd like to get your take or maybe some other suggestions you may have.

Xavier Beard

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Audio Video News
CES 2011 Boasts Record Attendance
Mark Fleischmann  |  May 12, 2011
The economic recovery, though spotty, seems to have reached the consumer electronics industry, if the latest numbers from its biggest trade show are any indication. The January 2011 Consumer Electronics Show boasted audited attendance of 149,529 people, a new record.

No wonder the line for box lunches was so long.

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Custom Installation How-ToHome Movie Theaters
Trekkie Theater
Kim Wilson  |  May 11, 2011
Years in the consumer electronics industry, this homeowner was able to design, build and install this incredibly detailed theater with all the latest bells and whistles. If this is the future capability of DIY theaters than his Star Trek inspired theme is certainly appropriate.
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Ask S&V
Inexpensive Speakers, Panasonic Plasmas, Bitstream Conundrum
Scott Wilkinson  |  May 11, 2011
What 7.1 speaker system do you recommend for under $1000? What's the difference between the Panasonic ST30 and GT30 plasmas? Why does my AVR display "DTS" no matter what Blu-ray soundtrack I select?
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