LATEST ADDITIONS

Mark Fleischmann  |  Oct 02, 2009
It's that time of year again. My book Practical Home Theater: A Guide to Video and Audio Systems has been reborn in what has become an annual tradition. You can distinguish the new edition by its yellow cover or its ISBN number: 9781932732115. This edition is number nine and its cover date (printed on the spine) is 2010. As always, I've gone over it obsessively, rooting out stale information and freshening up as much as possible. On the video side, LED-backlit LCD HDTV and the conclusion of the DTV transition. On the audio side, this is the first edition to discuss the new height-enhanced surround modes, Audyssey DSX and Dolby Pro Logic IIz. It goes into detail about the latest version of HDMI, 1.4, and separates HDMI-cable fact from hype. And it delves into the exotic amplifier topologies that are finding their way into receivers, including the new Class D, Class G, and Class H. I remain committed to the annual update and have already stripped the book's giant text file so I can begin work on the next edition. It never ends. Finally, please note that the book is sold mainly online via Amazon and other booksellers in the U.S., U.K., and Europe. But you can special-order it from a brick-and-mortar bookstore.
Mark Fleischmann  |  Oct 02, 2009
In the wake of the DTV transition, people are buying more TVs. They're also buying smaller ones, according to a survey by Retrovo Pulse.
John Sciacca  |  Oct 01, 2009

Without dredging up the unpleasantness that is the current state of the economy, it's probably safe to say that many of us have made some adjustments in our lives. And whether that means cutting back on travel, skipping the morning latte, or not eating out as often, you might find that you're staying home more and going out less.

SV Staff  |  Oct 01, 2009
Take a look at this deal we found on a Polk Audio CS2 Channel Loudspeaker for $109.99 normally $299.99. More HD and gadget deals* after the jump. Logitech Harmony 670 Universal Remote for $49.99 (normally $149.99).LG 26LF10 26-Inch 720p LCD...
SV Staff  |  Oct 01, 2009
Long ago, in the late 90's, telecom companies got together and created the CableCARD, a PCMCIA card that would let users access cable providers' digital cable without having to use their hardware. The CableCARD would make cable providers compliant...
Jay Nicols Photography: Kim Jay  |  Oct 01, 2009

I’ve been an A/V nerd all my life. As a kid, I would take apart my parents’ stereo equipment and make a huge mess. It’s always been my dream to have the biggest and baddest A/V system on the block. Well, it took me 20 years, but I think my newest home theater takes the cake, at least on my block.

David Vaughn  |  Oct 01, 2009

<IMG SRC="/images/archivesart/tngmovies.jpg" WIDTH=200 BORDER=0 ALIGN=RIGHT> With178 TV episodes under its belt, the cast of <i>Star Trek: The Next Generation</i> made its feature-film debut in 1994's <i>Star Trek: Generations</i>, which passed the baton from Kirk and company to Picard's crew. The film opens with a retired James T. Kirk aboard the Enterprise-B as it makes its maiden voyage, but when a distress call comes from a nearby ship, Kirk apparently pays the ultimate price helping the new captain save his ship from a mysterious energy ribbon. Seventy-eight years later, the Enterprise-D encounters an enigmatic humanoid named Soran, who's devious plan will cost millions of lives, and only Picard and Kirk&#151;who's been living in limbo all this time&#151;can stop him.

Mark Fleischmann  |  Oct 01, 2009
Samsung will be the first manufacturer to license Liquid Media Guide, the new electronic program guide from Rovi, formerly known as Macrovision.
Al Griffin  |  Sep 30, 2009

Sometimes, basic is the best way to go. Take the newest crop of LCD and plasma TVs: many new models are jam-packed with features that most viewers aren't likely to care about or use - everything from YouTube access to preloaded cooking recipes (I'm serious!). For its 650U series LCDs, however, Toshiba chose to keep things relatively simple.

Kris Deering  |  Sep 30, 2009
Video: 4.25/5
Audio: 4.5/5
Extras: 5/5
At the Forest Ridge Mall, head of security Ronnie Barnhardt patrols his jurisdiction with an iron fist. The master of his domain, he combats skateboarders, shoplifters and the occasional unruly customer while dreaming of the day when he can swap his flashlight for a badge and a gun. Ronnie's delusions of grandeur are put to the test when the mall is struck by a flasher. Driven by his personal duty to protect and serve the mall and its patrons, Ronnie seizes the opportunity to showcase his underappreciated law enforcement talents on a grand scale, hoping his solution of this crime will earn him a coveted spot at the police academy and the heart of his elusive dream girl Brandi, the hot makeup counter clerk who won't give him the time of day. But his single-minded pursuit of glory launches a turf war with the equally competitive Detective Harrison of the Conway Police, and Ronnie is confronted with the challenge of not only catching the flasher, but getting him before the real cops do.

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