 | from Robert Silva
Welcome to my Weekly Home Theater Newsletter! Although we are all affected by the economic downturn to some degree, the next several weeks are the happiest time of year. It is time to be thankful for what we do have, get together with friends and family, eat, and shop. Check out my Black Friday reports before you head out to the mall. Also, although this week marks the beginning of a most joyous time of year, it looks like the residents of California have received a lump of coal from their government.
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In the Spotlight | Holiday Special: Black Friday 2009 - What's on AD - Part I
Thanksgiving is supposed to be the day we give thanks for all we have, and for the blessings of family and friends. However, in this age of consumerism, for many, Thanksgiving is actually a way to fuel up that body with enough calorie energy for coping with the next day's intense holiday shopping. The question is, which store to go to first? Who has the best deals? Check out a sampling of possibilities below in Part I of my Black Friday Special...Read more
| | Holiday Special: Black Friday 2009 - What's on AD - Part II
My Black Friday Special continues with a look at the deals being offered by Sears, Target, Ultimate Electronics, and Walmart. To find out all the details...Read more
| California Energy Commission Approves TV Power Regs
In a meeting filled with self-congratulatory comments about the hard work of its members and staff, as well as the leading role that California plays in impacting government regulations across the nation, the California Energy Commission by unanimous vote, formally adopted regulations on November 18th 2009, on how much power televisions can consume in California beginning in 2011, with stricter standards to take effect in 2013... ...Now that California has made its decision to regulate television energy consumption, there is little that can be said that can change this fact. However, the CEC's decision was made despite the fact...that voluntary efforts, such as Energy Star and the natural progression of innovation, has contributed significantly to increased energy efficiency in televisions(without mandated government regulations)...Read more
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Top Picks - Best Blu-ray Disc Players from your Home Theater Guide | ![]() | | 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. | | 1) OPPO Digital BDP-83 Blu-ray Disc Player with SACD/DVD-Audio Playback
The OPPO BDP-83 is a feature-packed Blu-ray Disc Player that is also an excellent performer. Besides Blu-ray disc playback, the BDP-83 also provides excellent 1080p upscaling of standard DVDs using Anchor Bay VRS technology. Also, other features, such as SACD and DVD-Audio playback, front and rear mounted USB ports for importing images, video, and music from flash drives, add great audio and video flexibility. Although having a somewhat higher price tag than many players, the OPPO BDP-83 takes Blu-ray Disc Player performance and flexibility to the highest level. To find out if the OPPO BDP-83 is right for you, check out my Short and Full Reviews, as well as a supplementary Photo Profile and Video Performance Tests. 2) LG Electronics BD390 Network Blu-ray Disc Player
LG has experience with both the now-defunct HD-DVD and surviving Blu-ray Disc formats, and was the first manufacturer to introduce a networked Blu-ray Disc player at CEDIA 2008. However, their new BD390 expands on the success of their previous networked Blu-ray Disc player platform and incorporates not only expanded video and audio streaming options (which include CinemaNow, YouTube, Vudu, and Netflix), but wireless network connectivity via built-in WiFi. This is definitely a player for those that want a complete Blu-ray and internet streaming entertainment experience. 3) Panasonic DMP-BD60K Blu-ray Disc Player
The DMP-BD60K plays Blu-ray discs at full 720p, 1080i, or 1080p resolution via its HDMI output. This player is compatible with standard DVDs and most recordable DVD formats, as well as standard music CDs and CD-Rs/RWs. Standard DVDs are upscaled up to 1080p via the HDMI output. This player also provides both onboard decoding or undecodeed bitstream output of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD via HDMI. The DMP-BD60 aheres to Blu-ray Profile 2.0 specifications, which provides access to improved interactive features available on many newer Blu-ray Disc releases. This player is a great value for $299. To find out if the DMP-BD60 is right for you, check out my Short and Full Reviews, as well as a supplementary Photo Profile and Video Performance Tests. |
Product of the Week | ![]() | Optoma HD20 1080p DLP Video Projector
Looking a video projector as a gift this holiday season? If so, here is a great idea. Optoma has a large stable of very good video projectors, but the HD20 is one of their best values yet. Under the hood, the HD20 houses a DLP-based projection system with full 1920x1080 (1080p) native pixel resolution that delivers up to 1,700 lumens light output, 4,000:1 contrast ratio (500:1 ANSI), has a maximum 4,000 hour lamp life (3,000 in bright mode), and has two HDMI inputs. The HD20 is also NTSC, PAL, SECAM, and PC/MAC compatible. The HD20 also has a practical Super-Wide setting that optimizes viewing for 2:35 aspect ratio films without a special lens. A backlit remote control is also included which is easy to use in a darkened room. At a $999 suggested price, this projector is a great value. For a more detailed look at how to install and use the HD20, download the User Manual
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Feeling Under the Weather? | ![]() | Evaluating Your Cold Symptoms
How to tell when a runny nose is just a cold, and when it might be turning into something more serious and require a visit to the doctor. More>
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