Audio Video News
Fairness Doctrine Prohibited
Scott Wilkinson  |  Mar 03, 2009
The US Senate last Friday voted to ban any reinstatement of the so-called Fairness Doctrine, which was originally introduced in United States in 1949 and became a policy of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 1967, when there were only three television networks and no Internet. The FCC then abolished the doctrine in 1987, claiming that the proliferation of media outlets made it irrelevant.
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Ask S&V
Pioneer, Artifacts, Screens
Scott Wilkinson  |  Mar 02, 2009
To Buy or Not to Buy
I have been saving to buy a new 50-inch Pioneer plasma this summer. Now Pioneer is getting out of the plasma business completely. Should I still buy? I'm worried about the possible warranty issues and getting repairs in the future.
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The Big Picture
Finally Feasible
Scott Wilkinson  |  Feb 25, 2009

Last week, Canadian cable operator Shaw Communications introduced a new Internet service called High-Speed Nitro in Saskatchewan, offering download speeds up to 100 megabits per second (Mbps), the fastest residential Internet speed in North America. By contrast, Verizon FiOS claims download speeds as high as 50Mbps, but customers typically see speeds in the 10-to-20Mbps range due to various factors such as the distance from your home to a Verizon central office, configuration of your computer, and condition of the wiring inside your home.

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Audio Video News
Oppo BDP-83 Early Adoption Program
Scott Wilkinson  |  Feb 24, 2009  |  Published: Feb 25, 2009
Oppo is well known for making superb DVD players, and it looks like the company is about to do it again with the introduction of its first Blu-ray player, the BDP-83. Slated to be a truly universal player with the ability to play Blu-ray, DVD, CD, DVD-Audio, and SACD, the BDP-83 has been in beta testing for many months, and it's finally close to shipping.
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The Big Picture
Oscar's Opprobrium
Scott Wilkinson  |  Feb 23, 2009

<B>Opprobrium</B> <I>1: Something that brings disgrace. 2a: Public disgrace or ill fame that follows from conduct considered grossly wrong.</I>

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Ask S&V
Fireplaces, Upconversion, Kuro Settings
Scott Wilkinson  |  Feb 23, 2009
Fireplace Folly
I have a flat screen on a mantelpiece shelf leaning against the chimney of our fireplace. I've been hesitant to use the fireplace because the flat screen lies against the chimney. Will lighting a fire affect the TV?
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Ask S&V
Welcome!
Scott Wilkinson  |  Feb 23, 2009
Welcome to our new feature, "Ask Home Theater." Each week, I'll answer several reader questions here, and you'll have an opportunity to chime in with your comments and additions. I hope to build a real community with lively discussion, so don't be shy! Send your questions to me at scott.wilkinson@sorc.com, and please add your two cents to any answer I give. I look forward to hearing from you!
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LCD TV Reviews
Vizio VF550XVT LCD TV
Scott Wilkinson  |  Feb 18, 2009

Vizio is the little company that could. Founded only six years ago, it has risen to be ranked number two in US flat-panel sales. How can this be? A combination of good performance and low prices, that's how.

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The Big Picture
Alec in Huluwood
Scott Wilkinson  |  Feb 17, 2009

As anyone who knows me will tell you, I'm not what you'd call a sports fan. The only sports I watch at all are some of the Olympics, and then mostly for the great high-def images. The closest I've come to football was as the drum major of my high-school band, when I had to ask a clarinet player what was happening on the field so I could call up the appropriate music ("Yay, something good happened!" or "Boo, something bad happened!").

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Audio Video News
It's Official: Pioneer to quit TV business
Scott Wilkinson  |  Feb 12, 2009

Pioneer has confirmed that it will exit the TV business altogether in the face of the global economic crisis. According to a press release issued today, "Pioneer will terminate any further in-house display product development after its products currently available on the market, and withdraw from the display business by March 2010. Recent market conditions have changed far more than initially anticipated, and Pioneer has decided to withdraw from the display business after concluding that there are no prospects for improving profitability under current conditions. However, the Company will continue to provide after-sales services even after the withdrawal.

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