 | from Robert Silva
Welcome to my Weekly Home Theater Newsletter! The home theater and PC world are merging via the Network Media Player. Check out my top picks in this exciting new product category. Did you know that California wants to regulate TVs? Find out all the details, plus my own take on this issue. Do you have a beef with DirecTV? If so, it seems that you are not alone. Also, it looks like China may be invading the U.K. with its version of HD-DVD (yes, you heard that right).
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In the Spotlight |
Best Network Media Players and Media Extenders
As result of the increased convergence of the PC and Home Theater, a new type of product has emerged, referred to as the Network Media Player or Media Extender. These products allow access to PC media content or the streaming/downloading of audio, video, and still image content directly from the internet that can be played on your TV or home theater system. In addition to standalone devices, Media Player/Extender capability is also being built into other products, such as Blu-ray Disc players. For a look at Media Player and Extender options that might work well with your home theater, check out my current top picks for Best Network Media Players and Media Extenders for Home Theater
| | Complaints Swell Against DirecTV Early Cancellation Policies
My readers have not been shy about expressing their feelings about DirecTV's policies and procedures. As a result of continued claims of charging unjustly assessed "early cancellation penalties" and confiscating... Read more.
| California Energy Commission Holds Hearing On TV Regulation
The California Energy Commission (CEC) held a public hearing Tuesday (October 13, 2009) on the future of energy efficiency regulations for televisions. Representatives from the green movement, public utilities, and the consumer electronics industry were on hand to stand up and comment on the how they felt about the
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Top Picks - Best Home Theater Accessories from your Home Theater Guide | ![]() | | A lot of attention is placed on the basic equipment needed to experience home theater, however, there are many unusual accessories that can enhance your home theater enjoyment. Check out my list of suggestions that can add both to the functionality and aesthetic enjoyment of your home theater experience. Some suggestions are very inexpensive and practical to implement, while others are expensive and indulgent, but all add to the variety and what can be attained in the home theater experience. | 1) Logitech Harmony One Advanced Universal Remote Control
Home theater has certainly given us more and better options for enjoying home entertainment. However, it has also given us the clutter of remote controls. Many of us have a half-dozen, or more, remotes on the coffee table. The quest for a remote control that can do it all is the true "Holy Grail" of home theater. There are many "universal remotes" that can than replace some of the functions of your remote control collection, but the Logitech Harmony One Advanced Universal Remote Control can just about do it all and is not any larger than most single component remotes. For more details, check out my Product Review and supplementary Photo Profile. 2) DVDO Edge Video Scaler and Processor
The DVDO Edge is a feature-packed, affordable, standalone video scaler and processor that delivers what it promises. Anchor Bay VRS technology enables the DVDO Edge to deliver the best possible image on an HDTV from Composite, S-Video, Component, PC, or HDMI sources. In addition, other features, such as 6 HDMI inputs (including one on the front panel), a complete array of NTSC, PAL, and HD output resolutions, variable zoom adjustment, mosquito noise reduction, and audio synch give the DVDO Edge a great deal of flexibility. To find out more about the DVDO Edge, and whether it is a product that is right for you, check out my Short and Full Reviews, as well as my Photo Profile and Video Performance Test Results. 3) Panamax M5400-PM Home Theater Power Management System
You've spent a lot of money and collected a lot home theater components over the years. With each upgrade or addition you have another power cord to plug in. After the number of wall outlet options run out, you add a surge protector, then another one, and then you still run out. One solution to this mess is to get a centralized power management system, such as the Panamax M5400-PM that not only provides all the outlets you need, but also includes additional connectivity organizes coax and ethernet cable connections, provides a practical way to both monitor and regulate your voltage level, and aids in clearing up power interference. To find out more details on the M5400-PM, read my Short and Full Reviews and also check out my Photo Gallery. |
Product of the Week | ![]() | Vizio VF551XVT 55-inch LED/LCD TV
Vizio has a reputation in the consumer electronics industry as an aggressive competitor by offering good performing products at extremely low price points. Their latest product, the VF551XVT LCD TV, is causing quite a stir as it offers consumers a large 55-inch screen, full 1920x1080 (1080p) native pixel resolution, 240Hz smooth motion processing, and LED backlighting with local dimming at a suggested price of $2,199. This is a lot less than the first tier competition. I had the opportunity to see an extensive demonstration of this set at CEDIA 2009 and it looks great. The black levels and color consistency are very good, and the set also has more than enough connections, including 5 HDMI inputs. In addition, for those that are concerned about energy consumption in such a large screen set, the VF551XVT only draws an average of 154 Watts, which is excellent for an LCD TV of this size.
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Get Ready for Halloween | ![]() | Pumpkin Photos
These scary-good jack-o-lanterns include everything from Homer Simpson to the Cat in the Hat to a pumpkin decked out like a hamburger. Check out the photos or submit your own!
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