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Blu-ray Movie Reviews3D Blu-ray Movie Reviews
Review: The Amazing Spider-Man
Thomas J. Norton  |  Apr 16, 2013
Picture
3D-ness
Sound
Extras
It’s not exactly a secret that Sony Pictures produced a fabulously successful trilogy of Spider-man films from 2002 to 2007. All three were directed by Sam Raimi and starred Tobey Maguire as the resident arachnid. Though the last of the three laid something of a critical egg, it was nevertheless a golden one at the box office. The Amazing Spider-Man is not a sequel but instead a complete reboot, origin story and all. Clearly, Sony was hoping to re-invigorate the franchise. Judging from its commercial success, I’d say it succeeded.
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This Week
This Week in Music, April 16, 2013: Different drones for Flaming Lips
Ken Richardson  |  Apr 16, 2013

The Flaming Lips: The Terror

New release (Warner Bros.; tour dates)
Photo by George Salisbury

Telepathic surgery. Ego tripping at the gates of hell. I’ve allowed the Flaming Lips to take me deep inside myself and pull me far afield. But I can’t submit entirely to The Terror.

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New Products
Report: New York Audio Show, Part II
Al Griffin  |  Apr 16, 2013

 

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SmartStream
A No-Go for M-Go Video Rental Service
Barb Gonzalez  |  Apr 16, 2013
M-Go promised to have the technology for better search and recommendations of movies. When it launched it didn't make good on its promises. Find out which streaming services and devices do a better job.
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New Products
Seiki Digital debuts with a $1,499 4K TV
SV Staff  |  Apr 15, 2013

It's tough for a new TV brand to get attention unless they launch with something really special. And in today's TV world, making something really special is really tough. Seiki Digital, a brand new to the U.S. market, seems to have done it with its very first TV: a 50-inch model with 4K resolution and a low list price of $1,499.

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Grace Notes
Review: Alan Parsons’ Art & Science of Sound Recording
Leslie Shapiro  |  Apr 15, 2013

Alan Parsons’ Art & Science of Sound Recording is a series of videos available on DVD, online streaming, or download that offer a fascinating look into the recording industry, hosted by legendary producer, engineer and performer Alan Parsons. With years of experience at Abbey Road Studios and credits including Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon, Parsons is an eminently qualified host.

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Audio Video News
Show Report: New York Audio Show, Part I
Brent Butterworth  |  Apr 15, 2013

The second annual New York Audio Show wrapped up last night, ending a three-day event at the New York Palace Hotel where audiophiles got a chance to hear some of the most exotic and elaborate audio gear available today-and got to sample some affordable gear, too, right down to what might be the best <$300 headphone I've heard to date.

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Audio Video News
Poll Results: Getting the Best Deal Trumps Shopping Online or in Stores
HT Staff  |  Apr 15, 2013
The results of last week’s survey are in. We asked where you shop for and buy A/V gear and the top response from 328 of the survey’s 1,220 respondents was “wherever I can get the best deal.” In the number two and three spots with 278 and 202 votes, respectively, were...
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Out Of The Blu
Three Lesser Known Blu-ray Discs Worth Checking Out
Chris Chiarella  |  Apr 13, 2013
I can't promise T next time ("the" doesn't count) but this edition is brought to you by the 19th letter.
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Soundbar Reviews
Sonos Playbar Soundbar
Rob Sabin  |  Apr 12, 2013

Sonos Playbar Soundbar
Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value

Sonos SUB Subwoofer
Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
Price: $699 At A Glance: Excellent sound quality for music and movies • Powerful optional subwoofer • Mixed surround-sound performance

Since its launch in 2005, the Sonos wireless music system has won accolades and an extensive fan base thanks to an early focus on tapping into the digital music libraries that consumers built after the iPod’s launch in 2001, and an evolving graphic interface that, in today’s version, brings the benefits of room, source, and track selection to intuitive touchscreen apps that run on smartphones and tablets.

For those unfamiliar, you start by plugging one Sonos component into your network router to create a bridge to the Internet and to your home PC or hard drive where your personal music is stored. It can be any component the company sells. Sonos offers several powered speaker systems (Play:5, Play:3, the SUB subwoofer) and two player modules that feed music into either an existing hi-fi system (the Connect) or into a pair of speakers (Connect: Amp). If none of these devices can be placed near a live Ethernet jack, you can plop the aptly named Bridge wireless adapter next to your router.

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