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Blu-ray Movie Reviews
Sherlock Holmes
David Vaughn  |  Apr 14, 2010
With the aid of his trusted ally Dr. John Watson (Jude Law), Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) is unequaled in his pursuit of criminals. After a string of ritualistic murders, the pair arrives just in time to save the latest victim and uncover the killer: Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong). He is sentenced to death but warns Holmes that death has no power over him, and he will rise again. It turns out he wasn't lying.

I'm not sure Sir Arthur Conan Doyle would approve of the modernized Sherlock Holmes, but it turns out he's one hell of an action hero. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack features some great demo-worthy scenes, although the dialog is not entirely intelligible in a couple of scenes. The VC-1 encode is just as impressive, with exquisite detail, inky blacks, and well-resolved shadows.

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Audio Video News
Paramount Movies Hit Hard Drives
Mark Fleischmann  |  Apr 14, 2010
In what must be a consumer movie distribution first, Paramount has struck a deal with Seagate to load 21 movies onto the FreeAgent Go portable hard drive.
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Home Theater Geeks Podcast
Podcast 16: Paul Barton
Scott Wilkinson  |  Apr 13, 2010  |  First Published: Apr 14, 2010
Paul Barton, founder and chief designer of PSB Speakers, discusses his musical training, Canada's National Research Council, speaker design, manufacturing in China, powered speakers, earbuds and earphones, and more.

Run Time: 1:22:46

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Custom Installation Equipment ReviewsCustom Installation How-ToHome Movie Theaters
Off the Wall – Acoustic Treatments
Debbie Stampfli  |  Apr 13, 2010

Acoustic treatments don’t need to be bland to make your sound stand out.
In the past, acoustic panels were primarily utilitarian. They could absorb and diffuse sound, but they did little to reinforce your room’s style. Thankfully, times have changed. Now companies offer practical acoustic panels in stylish and up-to-date colors and fabrics; some even incorporate patterns and lighting. Since you’re no longer doomed to using big black rectangles, it’s time to add a splash of color or design to your walls and ceilings with the latest acoustic panels. Acoustic treatments don’t need to be eyesores in your beautiful home theater.

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Audio Video News
Last Dynaudio Sapphire Speakers to be Auctioned for Charity
Scott Wilkinson  |  Apr 13, 2010

Back in October 2009, I profiled <A href="http://blog.ultimateavmag.com/ultimate-gear/crystal_blue_persuasion/">Dy... Sapphire speakers</A>, a limited-edition, high-performance model created to celebrate the company's 30th anniversary. Next month, the last pair&#151;serial number 1000/1000&#151;will be sold to the highest bidder by Danish online auctioneer <A href="http://www.lauritz.com">Lauritz</A>, and the entire proceeds will go to <A href="http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org">Doctors Without Borders</A>, an international charity that provides humanitarian medical services in nearly 60 countries.

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Audio Video News
Sharp Finally Announces 3D
Mark Fleischmann  |  Apr 13, 2010
Until now, Sharp has been content to let Panasonic, Samsung, and Sony hog the 3D spotlight. But Sharp's first 3D HDTVs will hit Japan this summer, with introductions in the U.S., Europe, and China to follow by December.
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Audio Video News
CFL light bulbs mess with TVs in Britain
SV Staff  |  Apr 12, 2010
Green technology seems to be making home theaters a bit wonky in the United Kingdom. According to a recent article in the Daily Mail compact fluorescent (CFL) light bulbs are tripping HDTVs and cable boxes on and off. The problems seem to be...
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Blu-ray Movie Reviews
Poseidon—Warner Bros. (Blu-ray)
Kris Deering  |  Apr 12, 2010
Movie: 2.5
Picture/Sound: 4/4.5
Extras: 3
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Blu-ray Movie Reviews
The Lovely Bones—Paramount Pictures (Blu-ray)
Kris Deering  |  Apr 12, 2010
Movie: 3.5
Picture/Sound: 4/4.5
Extras: 3.5
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Blu-ray Movie Reviews
A Nightmare on Elm Street—New Line (Blu-ray)
Kris Deering  |  Apr 12, 2010
Movie: 3.5
Picture/Sound: 3.5/3
Extras: 4
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