Kim Wilson

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AV Receiver Reviews
Pioneer Elite VSX-91TXH AV Receiver
Kim Wilson  |  Oct 15, 2007  |  0 comments
Even lower priced Pioneer Elite models appear rich and substantial. Pioneer's Elite models are to Pioneer as Lexus is to Toyota. According to Pioneer, the driving force behind Elite A/V receivers is uncompromising sound quality, impeccable design, and the most sophisticated digital processing.
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AV Receiver Reviews
Pioneer Elite VSX-94TXH A/V Receiver
Kim Wilson  |  Mar 13, 2008  |  0 comments
If a Pioneer A/V receiver is given the distinguished Elite status, you can bet it's going to provide top-level features and performance. So it is with the Pioneer Elite VSX-94TXH, a 7.1-channel, THX Select2-certified AVR that employs Pioneer's proprietary Advanced MCACC (Multi-Channel ACoustic Calibration) speaker and EQ configuration along with a Faroudja DCDi video scaler. It also features Pioneer's Home Media Gallery, which lets you access audio files from PCs and receive Internet radio stations.
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AV Receiver Reviews
Pioneer VSX-821 A/V Receiver
Kim Wilson  |  Nov 03, 2011  |  2 comments
Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
Price: $330 At A Glance: 3D-compatible • On-screen display, analog only • Compatible with iPod/iPhone and iPad using supplied USB cable • Bluetooth compatible; requires adapter

This entry-level A/V receiver is a small investment that gets you into the new 3D landscape. It's powerful enough for a small to moderate-sized room, it provides essential surround codecs for the latest movie soundtracks, and it offers quick setup with Pioneer's exclusive auto-calibration system. While it does offer an onscreen display, giving it some points beyond even lower-priced AVRs, it doesn't output the OSD via HDMI. Bluetooth compatibility and a USB port provides some additional functionality and accommodation for wireless headphones and portable media devices.

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Audio Separates Buying Tips
Preamp/Processor Shopping Tips
Kim Wilson  |  Oct 20, 2011  |  3 comments
When it comes to the nerve center of a home theater, most consumers opt for an A/V receiver, which combines a preamp/processor (pre/pro) and multichannel power amp into one chassis. However, some enthusiasts choose to buy a separate pre/pro and power amp, believing that this results in superior sound quality, though it's generally a more-expensive way to go. If you want the best possible sound—and you have the budget—you're probably shopping for separates.
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Custom Installation Equipment ReviewsCustom Installation How-ToHome Movie Theaters
Projection Screen Disguise
Kim Wilson  |  Oct 15, 2008  |  2 comments

Offering up one of the more unique solutions for concealing a projection screen, Beamax has introduced the X-series Dellegno, which allows an 80-inch screen to ascend vertically from the stylish and contemporary cabinet, transforming a room-friendly piece of furniture into a large screen experience.

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Custom Installation How-ToHome Movie Theaters
Proper Balance
Kim Wilson  |  Sep 16, 2011  |  0 comments
Photos by Michael Graydon Pictures

As we've demonstrated so many times, Home Theater isn’t just about the A/V products; it's about the entire design. This month's theater is an example of a project starting from the interior design and worked its way out from there. The homeowner hired renowned Robyn Clark from Toronto, Canada, to handle the classic-contemporary décor throughout the house, which was then translated into the design of the home theater and a special music lounge.

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Custom Installation Equipment ReviewsCustom Installation How-ToHome Movie Theaters
PSB Redesigns Popular Series
Kim Wilson  |  Jul 24, 2009  |  0 comments

PSB, the highly respected Canadian speaker manufacturer, has redesigned their highly acclaimed Image Series. Based on trickle down technology and styling from their flagship Synchrony series and the follow up Imagine series, PSB's Image series has been completely remodeled and equipped with the company's most current features and enhancements for an entirely new auditory experience.

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Custom Installation How-ToHome Movie Theaters
Putting the Home in Home Theater
Kim Wilson  |  Jan 27, 2012  |  0 comments
Photos: Cornel Mocanu

This dedicated home theater creates a warm and inviting atmosphere where you can enjoy a glass of wine by the fire. It was built out as a retrofit in the family room, and the main feature the homeowner wanted to keep intact was the fireplace. He also wanted a wet bar and wine rack to create a homier environment.

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Media Server Reviews
ReQuest F2 Media Server System
Kim Wilson  |  Mar 29, 2010  |  1 comments
Price: $6,294 At A Glance: 1-terabyte hard drive • Built-in CD/DVD optical drive • Two audio zones • Remote worldwide access to F2 server • Blu-ray capable (though not standard)

Single-Source Access

ReQuest is one of the first companies to bring proprietary music and media servers to the home entertainment environment. The company offers various systems that simplify how you store and retrieve your music, movies, photos, and more. ReQuest’s F2 Media Server is primarily designed for integration into existing A/V systems, and its IMC Intelligent Media Client adds video functionality to the F2.

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Streaming Device Reviews
Roku Netflix Player
Kim Wilson  |  Dec 01, 2008  |  0 comments
Price: $100 At A Glance: Instant streaming • Ultra-simple interface • No additional service charge for Netflix subscribers • Limited choice of available titles • Requires very fast Internet connection for good image quality • No multichannel surround or HD content yet

Netflix on Demand

What could be better than waiting for your next Netflix movie to arrive by snail mail? What if you could receive it on demand, via streaming technology?

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