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Audio Video News
Sony Enhances iTunes Movie Downloads
Mark Fleischmann  |  Mar 10, 2011
Though disc releases are festooned with special features, movies sold as downloads tend to be unadorned. However, Sony Pictures is beginning to add features to movies sold as downloads through iTunes.

You'll be able to search for actors and dialogue, choose clips to share on social networking sites, and find songs embedded in soundtracks. Not surprisingly, the latter will be linked for purchase in the iTunes music store.

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Custom Installation How-ToHome Movie Theaters
Into the Mystic
Kim Wilson  |  Mar 09, 2011
This DIY theater is one homeowner’s journey toward their dream theater that includes a bar and lounge area for relaxing before and after watching a movie.
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Ask S&V
TV Resolution, Apps, 3D Compatibility
Scott Wilkinson  |  Mar 09, 2011
How much resolution am I actually seeing on my CRT RPTV? Is it better to have apps in the TV or Blu-ray player? Are there compatibility issues between 3D content and active or passive glasses?
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Home Theater Geeks Podcast
Podcast 56: David Bales
Scott Wilkinson  |  Mar 09, 2011
David Bales, Manager of Product Planning for Pioneer's home A/V products, reveals details about four new Pioneer-brand A/V receivers, which were unveiled on Monday, March 7, in San Francisco. Among the new models' many features is tight integration with the Apple iPad and iPhone, including a super-cool interactive user's manual. He also discusses automatic room correction with Pioneer's MCACC, class-D vs. class-AB amplification, the evolution of user interfaces and iPod connectivity, and answers to chat-room questions.

Run Time: 55:51

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Audio Video News
Pioneer Announces 2011 Receivers, Apple AirPlay Support and More
Thomas J. Norton  |  Mar 09, 2011
For its 2011 lineup of AV receivers, Pioneer has gone Apple in a big way. The four new models, introduced at a press event in San Francisco, range in price from $249 for the VSX-521 to $549 for the top-of-the-line VSX-1021.

To various degrees, depending on model, the receivers incorporate a high level of compatibility with iDevices from Apple, including iPhone and iPad, with no external dock required. All four feature at least 110 watts per channel (120W per in the VSX-1021, all measured at 1kHz and 8Ω) using traditional class-AB amplification. The two lower end models sport 110W x 5 and the top two are equipped to drive 7 channels. Among their features are compatibility with today's most widely used audio formats (including Dolby Pro Logic IIz's height-channel option), 3D pass-through via multiple HDMI 1.4 inputs, and Pioneer's proprietary MCACC room calibration. All of the new units are Bluetooth-ready (with the addition of an optional adapter).

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Audio Video News
Warner Movies to Hit Facebook
Mark Fleischmann  |  Mar 09, 2011
Warner Bros. will distribute movies through Facebook, the studio revealed this week. The first movie to hit the social networking site will be The Dark Knight.

The move is experimental. It comes on the heels of another unorthodox movie-distribution move, in which the studio offered two movies as Apple Store apps for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch.

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Blu-ray Movie Reviews
Lord of the Rings Extended Blu-ray Goes Up for Pre-Order
Stan Horaczek  |  Mar 09, 2011

The other trilogy has already been available on Blu-ray for some time, but it seems the release of the extended Lord of the Rings trilogy is finally almost upon us. Amazon is currently taking pre-orders for $90.

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Blu-ray Movie Reviews
The Tourist (Blu-ray)
David Vaughn  |  Mar 09, 2011
A mysterious woman (Angelina Jolie) and a vacationing math teacher (Johnny Depp) from America become involved in an international manhunt after meeting on a train traveling from Paris to Venice. A case of mistaken identity puts poor Frank (Depp) in the crosshairs of a British gangster looking to reclaim his lost fortune from a former associate.

Depp is one of the hottest stars in Hollywood and I had high hopes for this international spy thriller. Sadly, the star power of Depp and Jolie couldn’t overcome the meandering and predictable script from the trio of writers which includes the director (Florian Heckel von Donnersmarck - The Lives of Others). Character development is nonexistent and there’s no real drama or suspense throughout the film and anyone with half a brain can see the ending coming from a mile away.

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Audio Video News
Panasonic 2011 Blu-ray Players
Scott Wilkinson  |  Mar 08, 2011
Panasonic today held press briefings at its Panasonic Hollywood Labs facility near Universal City, CA, regarding its 2011 line of Blu-ray players, HTIBs (home-theater-in-a-box systems), self-contained iPod microsystems, and a soundbar. This being Ultimate AV, I'll focus on the Blu-ray players here.
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Audio Video NewsPortable Player ReviewsHeadphone Amp/DAC Reviews
Pioneer's New Receivers Really Love Apple
Brent Butterworth  |  Mar 08, 2011

DVD, say your prayers. Blu-ray Disc, better get your affairs in order. Judging from the new A/V receivers Pioneer introduced on Monday at the W Hotel in San Francisco, one could easily conclude that the old "hard" media formats have pretty much played out.

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