Henning over at HDBlog found a great deal on the Panny PT-AE900U projector through Visual Apex.
You get the projector with a 2-year warranty, plus a bonus blockbuster rental card for $1548 after rebate. This projector normally runs around 2 grand, so that is a steal.
Pre-order is now available for the next generation of DVD players - the HD DVD player from Toshiba.
Several online merchants are currently taking pre-orders at $500.
Source
DISH network is to add several more HD channels to their lineup, bringing the total to 25 HD channels. Expect to see 5 more VOOM HD channels, ESPN2 HD, Universal HD as well as adding local major network affiliates (CBS, NBC, FOX, etc.) in many markets.
The addition is scheduled for February 1st.
Their current HD lineup consists of the following channels:
——————–
Discovery HD
ESPN HD
HBO HD
HD Net
HD Net Movies
HD Pay-Per-View
Showtime HD
TNT HD
Animania HD
Equator HD
Film Fest HD
Rush HD
Gallery HD
Ultra HD
HD News
Kung Fu HD
Monsters HD
Rave HD
The new additions will include:
——————————————-
ESPN2 HD
Universal HD
HD Locals
Family Room HD
Gameplay HD
Treasure HD
World Cinema HD
WorldSport HD
and Major Network Affiliates where available.
That’s the best HD lineup I’ve seen yet, I may just have to drop my cable provider.
Here is HP’s latest offering in the 58″ DLP rear projection category.
It uses the new “wobulation” technology, that I’m personally not quite sold on yet. It uses half of the pixels normally required to produce a 1080p image. With a mirror, the DLP chip reflects light to each half of the pixels in each frame, every 1/120th of a second. Sort of a “wobble” back and forth. It does have a better resolution than 1080i, and has less screen door effect, but I’m not sure it would stand up against true, native 1080p.
However, this unit looks to truly be a contender in its size and prize ranges:
Highs
Detailed, natural-looking image
Satisfying contrast and black level
Specified to accept direct 1080p input (not tested)
Lows
None of the pre-programmed color temperatures (Cool, Neutral, and Warm) are close to accurate
Rare, but occasional, color wheel rainbows
Slight pincushioning and vertical stretch
Conclusions
I am immensely impressed with this model from HP. This is a great debut for a company previously known mainly for its computer products; HP hit the target from almost every direction. I could live happily with this set—if not ever after, at least until the next big jump in video display devices, whatever and whenever that may be.
Ultimate AV: HP md5880n 1080p HDTV
Ecoustics ran this Sony 7100ES through its paces, and found it a bit lacking in the setup department, as well as being light on the audio side.
But still, it seems a decent entry in the sub 2 grand category.
“The Sony STRDA7100ES has, at its core, all the right moves: seven channels of raw power, all of the latest surround sound decoding options and HDMI capability wrapped in a shiny silver casing worthy of boutique style electronics. Add to that equation its sub-two-thousand-dollar price tag and you’ve got a receiver with a lot going for it. But in all the areas it succeeds, it falters where others have shone.
Its sound with both music and movies comes off a little lifeless and unsure of itself and its own up-conversion claims come with a barrage of fine print. Top it all off with a user interface that is anything but user-friendly and a remote that simply isn’t worth the plastic it’s made of and you’ve got a receiver that comes up short. I am confident that the architecture of this receiver is a solid foundation for success and would consider reviewing a future revision of this product as the art of digital amps gets more advanced and HDMI switching becomes more developed.”
Sony STRDA7100ES 7.1 Home Theater Receiver Review - eCoustics.com
Budget plasmas from Vizio have become rather popular lately, with decent to good performance for the money.
You can spend a bit more and get more features coupled with a better quality image, but this is a great way to get into plasma now.
“At just under $2,000, the Vizio P42 HDe is the least expensive 42-inch high-definition-ready plasma on the market today. It’s the perfect size for most living room situations and, with its above average brightness and viewing angle, you’re sure to get a picture the whole family can enjoy. The P42 has a wonderful way with high-definition sources and DVDs, but it trudges along when having to deal with standard-definition broadcasts. Obviously, you can spend more and get more in terms of image quality and size and you owe it to yourself to shop around to decide which screen is right for you. If you’re looking to get into the plasma arena without breaking the bank, the Vizio P42 is a very viable way to go.”
Vizio P42 HDe Plasma Screen Review
Here’s a quick and dirty look at Yamaha’s digital sound projection, in the new model YSP-800. This system uses one main speaker unit, which houses 21 microdrivers. The delays are timed on these drivers to trick your brain into hearing positional audio. Cool stuff.
A couple of problems exist with this model, but they aren’t necessarily deal-breakers.
1) You’ll need a subwoofer. But that’s ok, because with any decent sound system, you’re going to need a subwoofer. Just factor in the additional cost.
2) The room needs to be relatively symmetrical. This can be a problem, and could lead to sound quality tradeoff.
The good: Self-powered single-speaker virtual surround system; 2 4-inch woofers paired with 21 1.5-inch microdrivers; built-in Dolby/DTS surround processing and digital power amplifiers eliminate the need for an A/V receiver; autosetup capability.
The bad: Works best in barely furnished, symmetrically arranged rooms; needs to be paired with a subwoofer for optimal sound quality.
The bottom line: Yamaha’s second-generation single-speaker YSP-800 Digital Sound Projector is more affordable and easier to set up, and it sounds better than last year’s model.
If you don’t have a receiver, and have a symmetrical room, this could be a great choice for around 600-700 bucks.
This new receiver from Pioneer comes highly recommended from Ultimate AV mag, so take note.
A few notable features are dual HDMI inputs with switching, ipod connection/docking, built-in XM satellite radio tuner, and numerous THX functions.
Highs
Auto MCACC calibrates and equalizes the system with superb results
HDMI transcoding accommodates all component video signals, not just 480i
Bi-amp capable
Lows
Cluttered, unlighted remote
Conclusion
The Pioneer Elite VSX-74TXVi delivers seamless and powerful multichannel sound, accurate automatic setup/calibration, and connectivity options galore. It is also an excellent value at its $1500 list price. The closest competitor is the new Denon 4306, which lists for $500 more than the Pioneer.
This sleek and attractive component is a great choice for folks who insist on owning sophisticated, high-performance products, but who have no desire to deal with complex technology during day-to-day operation. At the same time, it has enough programmable parameters to please the tweakiest surround-sound geek. In a word, the Pioneer Elite VSX-74TXVi is a remarkable product, and I recommend it highly.
Ultimate AV: Pioneer Elite VSX-74TXVi THX Select2 AV Receiver
The MPAA, staunchest opponent to DVD pirat…I mean backup, has been caught doing just that - illegally copying the documentary film, This Film Is Not Yet Rated.
“This Film Is Not Yet Rated looks at the motion picture ratings system created and run by the MPAA. Director Kirby Dick submitted the film for rating in November. After receiving the movie, the MPAA subsequently made copies without Dick’s permission. Dick had specifically requested in an e-mail that the MPAA not make copies of the movie. The MPAA responded by saying that “the confidentiality of your film is our first priority.” ”
“Dick later learned that the MPAA made copies of the film to distribute them to its employees, despite the MPAA’s stance on unauthorized copying. Ah, there’s nothing like the smell of hypocrisy in the morning-apparently the prohibition against copying films without the copyright owner’s consent doesn’t apply to the MPAA. A lawyer for the MPAA justified the organization’s apparent hypocrisy by saying that Dick had invaded the privacy of some MPAA staffers, which justified the MPAA’s actions.”
Bwahahaha - that’s great! Dick’s prior privacy invasion is a blank check for them to retaliate! Ok, I just love this logic.
I guess if we pay for crap movies, we get the justification for illegaly obtaining copies of other movies?
Parallel logic, no?
Home Theater Room display - check
Den/Living Room TV - check
Bedroom TV - check
Kitchen - check
Guest room(s) - check
… just when you thought your household TV installs were complete, along comes Aquavision, giving you a new vision for complete TV coverage in your home.
Waterproof flatscreens!
No more excuses for being late, not cleaning your personal crevices or missing the last 5 minutes of the latest game.
Widescreen versions are available in 17 & 23 inch sizes with heated screens that won’t fog.
Floating remote included!
Ok, now what? Waterproof DVD players? This opens up an entirely new market…
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