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Hands On: Logitech Revue Google TV Box
 |  Oct 06, 2010

This afternoon, Google and Logitech gave press a hands-on look at the upcoming Google TV settop box and finally filled in some of the remaining info gaps that we have been wondering about for months. We got a chance to handle both the standard keyboard and mini keyboard controllers and test out a few of the apps including the anticipated Netflix app. But, perhaps more importantly, we finally found out how much it will cost. Unfortunately, the $299 price tag may be a point of contention if Google is really trying to get this platform in as many homes as possible.

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Home Theater Geeks Podcast
Podcast 36: Jeff Rona
Scott Wilkinson  |  Oct 06, 2010
Film and TV composer Jeff Rona talks about the difference between recording music for its own sake and music for movies and TV shows, the use of live musicians and electronic instruments, working in Hans Zimmer's studio, how audio-production technology has changed over the years, his own home-theater system, and answers to chat-room questions.

Run Time: 58:57

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Ask S&V
Soundbars, 60 vs. 120Hz, DVRs
Scott Wilkinson  |  Oct 06, 2010
Clutter Cutter
We have a budget of about $600 for a sound system to go with our new Panasonic TC-P54G25 plasma TV. We are looking for a system without a lot of clutter. Is there something with a subwoofer and just a couple of speakers, or do we need many speakers? Our TV room measures 22x22 feet.
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Blu-ray Movie Reviews
Beauty and the Beast (Blu-ray)
David Vaughn  |  Oct 06, 2010
Belle (voiced by Paige O'Hara) is a bright and beautiful young woman who finds escape from her ordinary life by reading books. When her father is taken prisoner by a cursed young prince (Robby Benson), Belle comes to the rescue and agrees to take her father's place. With the help of the castle's enchanted staff, she sees beneath the Beast's exterior and discovers the heart and soul of a human prince.

Beauty and the Beast was the first animated film to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture (plus five other nominations) and won two Oscars for Best Original Song and Best Original Score. The talent behind the voices includes Angela Lansbury as Mrs. Potts, Jerry Orbach as Lumiere, the candelabra, and David Ogden Stiers as Cogsworth, the mantel clock. The story is engaging and filled with adventure, but it's the score by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman that makes this film a classic.

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Audio Video News
Google TV Launch Nears
Mark Fleischmann  |  Oct 06, 2010
The launch of Google TV is drawing nigh. So far we know that the technology will be built into products including Sony TVs and Blu-ray players, a Dish Network DVR, and a Logitech set-top box. Now some other details are falling into place.
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Audio Video News
'Avatar' to get extended DVD/Blu-ray Disc release
SV Staff  |  Oct 05, 2010
Avatar made records as the top grossing film of all time in theaters. Unfortunately, the DVD and Blu-ray release of the film disappointed many viewers because it offered nothing but what they already saw in theaters; they were barebones releases...
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Premiere Design
Absoluta Janus Monoblock Power Amp
Scott Wilkinson  |  Oct 05, 2010
Among the seemingly infinite number of monoblock power amps available in the world is the Janus from Italian maker Absoluta. Its understated elegance bespeaks careful attention to looks as well as performance.
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Audio Video News
Toshiba Bows No-Glasses 3DTVs
Mark Fleischmann  |  Oct 05, 2010
Toshiba's glasses-free 3DTVs will make their Japanese debut at the end of December. Availability for the U.S. and other markets remains unknown at presstime.
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Audio Video News
Ultrasone announces Edition 10 headphones
SV Staff  |  Oct 04, 2010
High-end headphone company Ultrasone has unveiled its newest headphones, the Edition 10 open-back headphones. The best word to describe them would be "opulent." They have titanium bodies, Zebrano wood inlays, and Ethiopian sheepskin ear cups. They...
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Integrated Amp Reviews
Peachtree Audio iDecco Stereo Integrated Amplifier
Mark Fleischmann  |  Oct 04, 2010
Price: $999 At A Glance: Desktop stereo integrated amp, including tube preamp and DAC • Apple-approved digital iPod connection • Jitter reduction

We’re Not in Kansas Anymore

Like many surround-sound audiophiles, I listen to a lot of twochannel material as well. It’s part retro sacrament, part necessary evil. Although I haven’t turned on my ancient stereo amp and preamp in months—their presence in the rack is mainly symbolic—I regularly run my 5.1-channel system in stereo mode when the nature of the content demands it. I also get a lot of use out of the cheap speakers and chip-amp in my kitchen, not to mention the powered iPod speakers in my bedroom. I use my 2.1-channel desktop rig throughout the day—not only when I’m at my desk, with the inevitable YouTube distractions, but also during the evening, when I curl up with a book. My armchair happens to sit across the room from my desktop system. Because the distance from the speakers is greater than the distance between the speakers—about a 3:1 ratio—this isn’t an ideal setup for stereo imaging. But it’s great for casual listening. I’ve spent some of the happiest hours of my life sitting in that chair, listening to that system.

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