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Audio Video News
Even more HDTV from VOOM
Darryl Wilkinson  |  Dec 05, 2004  |  First Published: Dec 06, 2004
Despite the fact that financial analysts remain nonplussed by VOOM, the HD-content leading satellite service (provided by Rainbow DBS, a subsidiary of Cablevision System Corp.), those of us on the receiving end of the small-dish system see big promise in such a large selection of HD channels from which to choose. That's why the recent announcement that Rainbow DBS has selected Lockheed Martin to build five more geostationary telecommunications satellites to provide direct broadcast services across the continental US (conus) should make all HDTV owners smile. The first of the five satellites is expected to be completed and launched before the end of 2007. VOOM anticipates an ultimate capacity of over 5,000 HD channels.
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Audio Video News
The DVD Wayback Machine
Darryl Wilkinson  |  Dec 06, 2004
I don't know whether it's the silliest or the slickest player design to come along since the invention of the DVD format, but the new YAHOO! MetroRetro DVD Player is certainly worth a second look from anyone tired of the typical black- or silver-box chassis design that makes even some of the most expensive machines look like cheap commodities. The "retro" styling involves rounded sides and front-panel circular VU meters that give the player a look that's reminiscent of a 1960s/1970s-era Chevy.
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Audio Video News
Ultimate AV eNewsletter
Ultimate AV Staff  |  Dec 06, 2004

<I>Ultimate AV</I> is proud to present the first edition of its new free monthly eNewsletter. The first Monday of each month, <I>Ultimate AV</I> will publish exclusive content for readers who either opt-in with a subscription or sign-up using the online form.

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Audio Video News
Home Theater eNewsletter
HT Staff  |  Dec 06, 2004
Home Theater is proud to present the first edition of its new free monthly eNewsletter. The first Monday of each month, Home Theater will publish exclusive content for readers who either opt-in with a subscription or sign-up using the online form.

In the first issue, Maureen Jenson explains how to pick a great installer, while Darryl Wilkinson reveals his top AV holiday picks for under $100. Wilkinson also tells us why he thinks Dual Disc is in deep trouble, why HD-DVD may be taking the lead, and what you'll find if you watch Girl with a Pearl Earring on DVD.

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Audio Video News
Hollywood Embraces HD DVD
Ultimate AV Staff  |  Dec 06, 2004

HD DVD is gaining momentum with Hollywood studios. Several studios have announced their intentions to go with the Toshiba format, among them New Line Cinema, Paramount Pictures, and Warner Brothers Studios, according to a Toshiba press release from Tokyo.

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Audio Video News
Mixed Messages on LCDs
Barry Willis  |  Dec 06, 2004

Many technology pundits agree that LCD screens should become commonplace high-def displays in the near future.

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Audio Video News
Universal Green-lights HD DVD
Barry Willis  |  Nov 30, 2004

<A HREF="http://www.universalstudios.com">Universal Pictures</A> is among the first Hollywood studios to announce its support for HD DVD, the high-definition optical disc format backed by a coalition of technology companies led by Toshiba. The studio made its announcement in a press release dated November 29.

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Audio Video News
FCC Pushed on DTV Mandate
Barry Willis  |  Nov 29, 2004

Electronics manufacturers and retailers have jointly asked the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to push forward its deadline for inclusion of digital tuners in TV sets larger than 25" diagonally.

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Audio Video News
Swan Song for TiVo?
Barry Willis  |  Nov 29, 2004

"TiVo" has become a generic term for both digital video recorders (DVRs) and the process of using them. The devices are surging in popularity, with factory unit sales up 304% during the first 9 months of 2004, compared to the same period last year. Total unit sales of DVRs exceeded one million units for the first time, with dollar volume up 233% to $345 million, according to figures released in late November by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA).

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Audio Video News
Latest Software Reviews
HT Staff  |  Nov 23, 2004
Camille Saint-Sans—Symphony No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 78 Organ (BMG)
[SACD]
Audiophiles the world over cherish RCA's Living Stereo classical recordings that were originally released on LP in the 1950s and remastered to CD in the mid '80s, and they have eagerly anticipated the transfer to SACD. The wait was worth it—pop on one of these Living Stereo discs, and you'll be listening through the mists of time back to the virtual dawn of the stereo era, and yet the realism of the soundstage trounces many more recent recordings. It's also worth noting that, since the original Saint-Sans Organ Symphony master tapes were lost for many years, this SACD is the first reissue sourced from the first-generation masters since it was released on LP.
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Audio Video News
Coming Attractions
HT Staff  |  Nov 23, 2004
Terk
And you thought your antenna days were behind you. With Terk's new HDTVo HDTV antenna, you can receive both UHF and VHF signals. You'll be able to catch all of your local HDTV broadcasts, thanks to the HDTVo's directional log-periodic antenna array with a pair of curved elements that capture and focus HDTV signals toward the array. According to Terk, this produces a high degree of interference rejection. Additionally, the high-gain, ultra-low-noise amplifier is designed to increase the strength of weak signals and optimize them for maximum reception. The $120 antenna is lightweight and sleek, so it's a breeze to mount on the roof.
Terk
(631) 543-1900
www.terk.com
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Audio Video News
Green with Envy over New Blu-ray Triple Disc Recorder
Darryl Wilkinson  |  Nov 21, 2004  |  First Published: Nov 22, 2004
Why do the Japanese get all the good stuff first? Godzilla destroyed Tokyo (1954) a full 44 years before he was unleashed on New York (1998). (And the original was much better than the schlock Hollywood tried to foist on us as a "modern" version.) Not to mention they've got gobs more camera phones than we do. And now, Sharp - part of the global powerhouse of top-shelf consumer electronics companies plugging the Blu-ray Disc format - is introducing a new Blu-ray Disc recorder that includes a built-in hard drive and a standard DVD recorder. The new gizmo is claimed by Sharp to be the first high-definition recorder in the world to combine three recording disc drives.
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Audio Video News
3D That Will Really Bug You
Darryl Wilkinson  |  Nov 22, 2004
I've written enthusiastically in the past about the SENSIO 3D video processing system. 3D - at least in its current technological incarnation - isn't the type of thing that lends itself to casual TV viewing (i.e., news, sitcoms, and exercise videos - although the faceurs at "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" probably have the right sensibility to make great comedic use of it). When done right with appropriate subject matter, on the other hand, it's like having a thrill ride in the middle of your living room. But as amazing as the SENSIO 3D system is, it's little more than a sideshow wonder without a good base of 3D software to maintain your interest.
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Audio Video News
Thanksgiving in HD
Ultimate AV Staff  |  Nov 22, 2004

Plenty of television gets watched on Thanksgiving Day&mdash;from Disney classics to nonstop college football. Until recently, not much of it was in high-definition.

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Audio Video News
Red Laser HD Disc?
Barry Willis  |  Nov 22, 2004

At present, high-definition video is available two ways: via broadcasters or on HD digital VHS tape cassettes. There are no high-def DVDs, despite the hype from the promoters of Blu-ray and HD-DVD, both of which will require disc transports using short-wavelength blue lasers.

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