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Is UV Hazardous to Your Health?
Ken C. Pohlmann  |  Jul 27, 2011

Sure, before you head to the beach, it’s imperative to slather on the sunblock. (Note: as far as I know, this is the first time I’ve used “slather” in a written sentence.) Everyone knows that too many UV rays are bad for you, and that SPF is the remedy. But what about another kind of ultraviolet?

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TosLink Switcher
Scott Wilkinson  |  Jul 27, 2011
I bought a new TV based on your suggestions, but I found a problem when hooking it up. I have a Yamaha receiver that has only two TosLink optical digital-audio inputs and one coax. But in order to hook up my computer, I need a third optical input. Can you recommend a TosLink switcher?

Brad McQuade

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Tech2
What Makes a Cheap Speaker Sound Good?
Brent Butterworth  |  Jul 26, 2011

The review I just wrote of the Sonos Play:3 streaming music system, and another I recently finished of several small Bluetooth speaker systems (you’ll see the full results soon in the print edition of Sound+Vision) reminded me of just how important listening is in audio produ

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Home Theater Geeks Podcast
Podcast 74: Gene Dolgoff
Scott Wilkinson  |  Jul 26, 2011
One of Home Theater Geeks' most requested return guests, Gene Dolgoff, talks about his invention of digital projection and its benefits over CRT, including much greater brightness and efficiency. He also explains his more recent work on advanced 3D compression algorithms that can transmit full 1080p resolution for each eye using the standard broadcast bandwidth and discusses the problems inherent with current 3D technology, ending with a tantalizing glance at the possibility of using holography for next-gen 3D displays.

Run Time: 1:00:19

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Music Reviews
The Irresistible Force of Jane's Addiction
Michael Berk  |  Jul 26, 2011

Jane's Addiction is back in action, with a brand-new album on the way and a tour in progress.

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High Def to Older HDTV
Scott Wilkinson  |  Jul 26, 2011
I bought a new Sony Blu-ray player with an HDMI output that I want to connect to an older Mitsubishi HDTV that only has component and composite inputs. I've seen HDMI-to-component converters on the Internet, but will they improve the picture quality over just staying with the Blu-ray component outputs?

Joseph Bernard

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New ProductsStreaming Device Reviews
Bang & Olufsen's BeoSound 5 Encore Digital Music System
Michael Berk  |  Jul 25, 2011

Bang & Olufsen have announced the BeoSound 5 Encore, the baby brother of their BeoSound 5 music system.

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AV Receiver Reviews
Arcam AVR400 A/V Receiver
Mark Fleischmann  |  Jul 25, 2011
Price: $2,499 At A Glance: Rated 90 watts x7 with all channels driven • Dolby Volume reconciles dialogue and effects • First 3D-compatible Arcam A/V receiver

Daddy, Am I High End?

What exactly is a high-end A/V receiver? Is it the most expensive and feature-rich model in a manufacturer’s line? Is it a model with power specs above a certain level? Is it a model that sells above a certain price point? Is it any model from a manufacturer with a high-end pedigree? There are some who insist the phrase “high-end A/V receiver” is a contradiction in terms. Before we split any more hairs, let’s all favor that kind of person with a dirty look. Under certain circumstances, it might be OK to throw a martini in his smug little face.

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Track One
Fade to Black: Amy Winehouse Treaded a Troubled Track
Mike Mettler  |  Jul 25, 2011

"It's too bad that her trainwreck of a personal life has at least temporarily derailed what started out as a pretty cool musical retro-ride."

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LED Backlighting vs. Edgelighting
Scott Wilkinson  |  Jul 25, 2011
Okay, I am now in the grip of Scott terror! I have a wonderful opportunity to buy several televisions for my home, and I have listened to your moments with Leo Laporte (which are just the best!) and read what you've written. As I see it, your recommendation is first plasma (if conditions permit) and second LED LCD. But I'm not sure if you prefer LEDs around the edges of the screen or full LED backlighting.

Herman Tarnow

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