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Do You Prefer 2-Channel or Multichannel Music Recordings?
Scott Wilkinson  |  Feb 18, 2011
A multichannel surround system is essential for the full enjoyment of most movies, but it can also provide an enhanced musical experience. I've always been bummed that DVD-Audio and SACD weren't more successful, because I love listening to multichannel music recordings—in fact, I tend to sit and listen to them much more than 2-channel CDs. Yes, early attempts were laughable in their gimmickry—who wants a cowbell clanking at them entirely from one surround speaker?—but as mixing engineers have gained more experience, the soundfield has become more integrated and cohesive. One of the best labels in this regard is AIX Records, whose multichannel releases are models that other engineers would do well to emulate.

In addition, multichannel recordings offer more options than 2-channel—in particular, a choice of perspectives. Mixing engineers can put you in the audience with ambience (room reverb, audience noises during live shows, etc.) in the surround channels, or they can put you in the middle of the ensemble, what AIX calls the "stage perspective." On the other hand, the sweet spot for multichannel is much smaller than for 2-channel—a point in the middle of the speaker array instead of a line perpendicular to the plane of two speakers.

Which leads me to ask: When you sit down to listen to music, do you prefer 2-channel or multichannel recordings? If multichannel, do you prefer the audience or stage perspective?

Vote to see the results and leave a comment about your choice.

Do You Prefer 2-Channel or Multichannel Music Recordings?
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Audio Video News
Comcast Debuts Xfinity 3D Channel
Scott Wilkinson  |  Feb 18, 2011
It seems that 3D channels are starting to make a few significant inroads in the broadcast landscape. Last week, I reported that DirecTV rolled out 3net, a 24/7 3D channel co-founded by Discovery Communications, Sony, and Imax. Now, Comcast, the country's largest cable provider, is getting in the game with its Xfinity 3D channel, which debuts on Sunday, February 20, 2011.
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Netflixzilla Attacks!
Ken C. Pohlmann  |  Feb 18, 2011

You might not know this, but I’ve dabbled in the screenwriting of commercial motion pictures. Perhaps you’ve heard of some of them: The Usual Suspects, Fargo, Titanic, Gladiator, No Country for Old Men, The Hurt Locker. Well, okay, so I didn’t write any of those, but if I hadn’t been so busy surfing the Web every day, I probably could have.

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Audio Video News
Going Ultra: Klang Ultrasonic Speakers
 |  Feb 18, 2011

Going Ultra: Klang Ultrasonic speakers Industrial designer Adam Moller'concept speakers are cut from a different billet. The idea behind the Klang Ultrasonic speakers came from an invention by Lemelson-MIT Prize-winner Woody Norris. Norris's HyperSonic Sound generates ultrasonic waves - as in, above the range humans can hear - that are modulated in very specific ways to create an audible sound.

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Audio Video News
Redbox Refines Streaming Strategy
Mark Fleischmann  |  Feb 18, 2011
A little while ago we reported that Redbox was contemplating the launch of a streaming service to supplement its ubiquitous rental kiosks. No, the company still hasn't announced its streaming partner, but it has said a little more about its plans.

And it looks as though the strategy will be subscription, not a la carte.

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Blu-ray Movie Reviews
Due Date (Blu-ray)
David Vaughn  |  Feb 18, 2011
Expectant father Peter Highman (Robert Downey Jr.) is flying home from Atlanta in order to bear witness to the birth of his first child. When he encounters Ethan Tremblay (Zach Galifianakis), a socially retarded wannabe actor at the airport, things get off on the wrong foot when they inadvertently exchange bags and Peter gets stopped in security for carrying drug paraphernalia. Sadly, that's the highlight of his trip because he's soon kicked off the plane, put on the no-fly list, and is forced to take a cross-country car trip with the man responsible for his troubles.

My expectations were pretty low going into this, and for good reason. The trailers made it look like a complete rip-off of Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, and unfortunately it isn't as funny as the classic John Candy/Steve Martin movie. The first act sets up the scenario pretty well, but then it quickly falls apart when the two protagonists hit the road.

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Subwoofers: 4, 2 or 1?
Brent Butterworth  |  Feb 17, 2011

I can tell you in one paragraph how to set up a pair of small speakers, but I could write a book about setting up subwoofers. It’s the most challenging aspect of home audio because the resonances in a room tend to stress certain bass frequencies and strangle others. The effects of those resonances change from place to place in a room, so the sound may be perfect in one seat and a mess the next chair over.

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Premiere Design
Carboton Speakers
Scott Wilkinson  |  Feb 17, 2011
Carbon fiber seems to be the cabinet material of choice for many speaker makers these days, including Austrian Carboton, whose designs are described as "a sensual experience for your eyes, too."
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Blu-ray Movie Reviews
Faster—TriStar Pictures
Kris Deering  |  Feb 17, 2011
Video: 4.5/5
Audio: 4.5/5
Extras: 2.5/5
After 10 years in prison, Driver has a singular focus - to avenge the murder of his brother during the botched bank robbery that led to his imprisonment. Now a free man with a deadly to-do list in hand, he's finally on his mission... but with two men on his trail - a veteran cop just days from retirement, and a young egocentric hitman with a flair for the art of killing and a newfound worthy opponent. The hunter is also the hunted. It's a do or die race to the list's finish as the mystery surrounding his brother's murder deepens, and new details emerge along the way hinting that Driver's list may be incomplete.
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Blu-ray Movie Reviews
Due Date—Warner Bros.
Kris Deering  |  Feb 17, 2011
Video: 4.5/5
Audio: 4/5
Extras: 3.5/5
Expectant first-time father Peter Highman looks forward to his new child's due date five days away. As Peter hurries to catch a flight home from Atlanta to be at his wife's side for the birth, his best intentions go completely awry when an encounter with aspiring actor Ethan Tremblay forces Peter to hitch a ride with Ethan on a cross-country trip that will ultimately destroy several cars, many friendships and Peter's last nerve.
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