LATEST ADDITIONS

Sim2 has a new projector, the C3X1080 – a three chip DLP with an anamorphic lens sled system available as an option. With 10,000:1 contrast at 2,000 lumens, the projector can handle a big screen and it did – we were treated to, what else, <i>Pirates II</i> or whatever it's called, on a 10 foot wide 2.35:1 ratio Stewart Firehawk screen. The picture was definitely bright enough in the dark room, especially considering they only use a 250 watt UHP bulb (lower power setting of 200 watts is also available).

SE2 Labs presents the ITC One Integrated Theater Console. About the size of a big subwoofer, the ITC One is a bus based solution that combines all your sources and amplification needs in one box. One really big box. Configuration options include HD DVRs for Dish and Directv (so if you want to switch providers, you can) and there's a built in dock for your iPod behind the closed front doors (visible in my picture). Source selection is easy-peazy from the front, but of course, the ITC One comes with a custom remote whose every button is backlit (6 AA's so you don't have to deal with docking stations). And if you lose the remote, you can "page" it from the ITC One. Not much chance of losing that.

Pioneer's new flagship receiver, the SC-09TX is loaded with all the bells and whistles, including a display screen, 10 channels of 140Wpc ICE digital amplification that may be combined for 7 channels at 200W per, HDMI 1.3a, Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio decoding, and THX certification. Reportedly four years in development, it won't ship until January 2008, so that will give you time to gather the $7000 you'll need to buy it.

I'm going to try and be kind here. But really, we need a third HD format like we need a hole in the head. Or a new car company. Nevertheless, the folks at New Medium Enterprises invited me to have a look at HD VMD, a low cost red laser high-def format being pushed to challenge Blu-ray and HD DVD.