 | from Robert Silva
Welcome to my Weekly Home Theater Newsletter! While many of you are preparing for Halloween, the Winter Holiday shopping season is creeping in fast. This week, I have the first of my holiday shopping articles that will provide you an insight on what's going to be hot this season. Also, Blu-ray Disc players are becoming more plentiful and less expensive. Check out my favorites. In addition, check out the rest of my stories and product picks for this week.
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In the Spotlight | Home Theater - What's Hot and Not For The Holidays - 2009
Shopping for electronic gadgets isn't as easy as it used to be. A TV was a TV, a radio was a radio, and a stereo was a stereo. However, now there are Blu-ray Disc players, flat panel LCD and Plasma TVs, 5, 6, and 7 channel surround sound receivers, speakers, subwoofers, and the choices go on and on and on. Sometimes a simple list of "What's Hot and What's Not" may be just the ticket to finalize that purchasing decision. To find out more, check out Home Theater - What's Hot and Not For The Holidays - 2009.
| | Best Blu-ray Disc Players
 Blu-ray disc players are popping up everywhere. With prices of an increasing number of Blu-ray disc players now coming in below $200, this year may bring a "blu christmas" for many. Watch for additional promotions that may include free Blu-ray disc movies with a purchase of select Blu-ray Disc players and also "buy an HDTV and get a free Blu-ray Disc Player" offers. It is expected that Blu-ray disc player and Blu-ray movie promotions will be abundant this holiday season. Check out my current favorite picks for Best Blu-ray Disc Players. Photos: Top Right - Oppo BDP-83, Left Side - Pioneer BDP-320, Bottom Right - Panasonic DMP-BD60 (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
| Dolby Pro Logic IIz - What You Need To Know
Dolby Pro Logic IIz processing is an enhancement that extends surround sound vertically and fills the space above and in-front of the listener. Dolby Prologic IIz offers the option of adding two more front speakers that are placed above the left and right main speakers. This feature adds a "vertical" or overhead component to the surround sound field (great for rain, helicopter, plane flyover effects). For more details, check out my article: Dolby Pro Logic IIz - What You Need To Know.
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Top Picks - Best Network Media Players /Extenders from your Home Theater Guide | ![]() | | 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. | | 1) Verismo VuNow HD1000 Network Media Extender
The Verismo VuNow HD1000 Network Media Extender is a great way to integrate your audio and video entertainment direct from the internet or your PC (although a PC is not required). The VuNow HD1000 is a very compact set-top box that connects directly to your TV, or through a video-enabled home theater receiver, via HDMI or AV connections. With the Verismo VuNow HD1000, you can access a large amount of audio/video content from the internet, via either wired ethernet or wireless network connection, connected USB flash drives, or your own PC. For more details, check out my Review and Photo Gallery. 2) Roku Digital Video Player
The Roku Digital Video Player is a $99 compact unit that, when connected to the internet, allows streaming of movies and programs from Netflix, Amazon Video-on-Demand, and MLB TV for viewing on any television with Composite, S-Video, Component, or HDMI inputs. However, unlike some media players, the maximum high definition output resolution of the Roku box is limited to 720p. The Roku offers both wired and wireless internet connection options. However, although the Roku box connects to the internent via a home network, it does not access content stored on your PC or MAC, or portable USB devices. For more details on the features and operation of the Roku Digital Video Player, chck out the Official Roku Digital Video Player Product Page. 3) AppleTV
The iPod may be the most successful portable entertainment device ever, including the creation of a whole industry just devoted to iPod accessories, but that isn't all that Steve Jobs has up his entertainment sleeve. AppleTV is definitely a serious contender world of network media players. This latest version of this little box is driven by an Intel processor and contains a 160BG hard drive. The AppleTV allows you either wired or wireless connection to your home network, access to iTunes music and both SD and HD video content directly from the internet. You can also store purchased content on the built-in hard drive. For all the details, check out the AppleTV Product and Specifications pages. |
Product of the Week | ![]() | Panasonic SC-BT200 Blu-ray Disc Home Theater System
Get the most out of your HDTV with the Panasonic SC-BT200 Blu-ray Disc Home Theater System. The Blu-ray Disc player section provides Blu-ray Profile 2.0 (BD-Live) capability for access to special added internet-based features available on an increasing number of Blu-ray Discs, YouTube and Amazon Video On-demand audio/video streaming, plus an HDMI output for connection to your HDTV. You can even access audio or video content from your iPod. The audio side of this system decodes all Dolby Digital and DTS formats, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. Also, this package includes a 7.1 channel amplifier, bamboo-cone speakers, and powered subwoofer. Keep in mind that this system is more appropriate for smaller venues, such as an apartment or house with a small living room. However, give the SC-BT200 a look and a listen.
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Smartphone, Smarter Price | ![]() | Best Budget Smartphones
In the market for a new smartphone? Some of the most popular handsets around -- including Blackberries and iPhones -- can be purchased for under $100..
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