A/V Veteran
Transforming the Transformers
Thomas J. Norton  |  Oct 10, 2017
An unexpected copy of the 4K Ultra HD release of Transformers: The Last Knight flew over my transom last week. This fifth entry may well set a new bar for mindless action punctuated by cringe-worthy humor but it's filled with exceptional eye candy...
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A/V Veteran
UHD by the Numbers
Thomas J. Norton  |  Sep 26, 2017
Last month I blogged about the color gamuts used for Ultra HD. But there’s always more that needs to be said. So with a little repetition here where unavoidable, or as needed to set the stage, let’s dig a bit deeper.

There’s no such thing as a P3 color gamut in the UHD standards, only BT.2020 (also known as Rec.2020). But there is a DCI/P3 color gamut in the video universe (DCI stands for Digital Cinema Initiative), and it’s used in all digitally projected theatrical presentations (which today means virtually all films in theaters).

Because time is money, film studios use the P3 color gamut today on virtually all of their Ultra HD video releases, since video masters in that gamut already exist. And no consumer displays can do significantly better than P3. 

Manufacturers have made much noise about P3, as have we in some cases...

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Tower Speaker Reviews
Revel Concerta2 F36 Loudspeaker Review
Thomas J. Norton  |  Sep 21, 2017

Performance
Build Quality
Value
PRICE $2,000 pr

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Superb sound
Punches well above its price
Upscale construction and cosmetics
Minus
A touch more top-end air would be welcome

THE VERDICT
With this impressive redesign of the Concerta line, Revel is more than ready to give its competition sleepless nights.

Revel’s new Concerta2 loudspeaker range consists of five models. The M16 bookshelves, C25 center, S16 surrounds, and B10 subwoofer are covered in a separate review due out shortly. There are also two tower models in the group; the F35 employs three 5-inch woofers, while the larger F36, reviewed alone here, uses three 6.5-inch low-frequency drivers. Apart from the woofer and cabinet sizes, the F35 and F36 are similar in concept.

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A/V Veteran
Projectors: The Display of Choice at CEDIA 2017
Thomas J. Norton  |  Sep 12, 2017
CEDIA 2017 was a great place to be if you have a penchant for video projection, especially short-throw projectors.
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CEDIA 2017
Update on Epson's LS10500 Laser Projector
Thomas J. Norton  |  Sep 09, 2017
While Epson’s ProCinema LS10500 laser-based projector isn’t new, it was upgraded via firmware earlier this year.
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CEDIA 2017
Hisense Demos $10K Ultra-Short-Throw Projector
Thomas J. Norton  |  Sep 09, 2017
Short throw projectors were a big story this year, and Hisense got into the act with its $10,000 Laser 4K.
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CEDIA 2017
Sound & Vision Struts its Stuff
Thomas J. Norton  |  Sep 09, 2017
Recognize the logo?
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CEDIA 2017
Metra Extends the Reach of HDMI
Thomas J. Norton  |  Sep 09, 2017
If Ethernet conversion isn’t your thing, nor are fiber optics (another work-around on the traditional weaknesses of HDMI over long lengths), a few companies are now offering either passive or a combination of passive/active HDMI cables that can extend far enough for the needs of most consumers.

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CEDIA 2017
HDMI to CAT6 Converter Enables 130' Cable Runs
Thomas J. Norton  |  Sep 09, 2017
Longer cable runs between a source and display, the latter usually a projector, are a hot topic in the custom install business and in DIY installs as well. HDMI can’t usually handle much over 25 feet of UHD over HDMI, and even that’s iffy.
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CEDIA 2017
Stewart Brings Light Show to Front Projection
Thomas J. Norton  |  Sep 09, 2017
Stewart Filmscreen’s LuminEsse is a high performance fixed frame screen that can be ordered with any of Stewart’s front projection screen materials. An optional LED light package can be added to surround the screen in a range of available colors...
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