Sony VPL-VW1000ES 4K SXRD Projector | Home Theater

Sony VPL-VW1000ES 4K SXRD Projector Home Theater

THX Certified Blu-ray Player Onkyo

Onkyos's New playerBD-SP809 is the newest player to come out of Onkyo and its capable of quite a bit. It can play back 3D Blu-rays, DVDs, and files on DVD or CD in DivX, MP3 and WMA encodings. It's also to play both audio and video from a USB storage device. Onkyo's new player has networking elements too. It can play music and video from your home computer as well as online services like Netflix, Blockbuster on Demand, Film Fresh and Vudu.

Video played on the Onkyo BD-SP809 will benefit from Marvell Qdeo processing that includes deinterlacing, noise reduction and upscaling. That high video quality is a part of what helped to earn this player THX certification. Onkyo will be making the SP809 available in August at a price of $599. by dick ward

Logitech Harmony 1 Remote 915-000035

Searching for a very intuitive universal remote that will take your home theater experience to a whole new level, look no further. The Harmony/Logitech Harmony One Advanced Universal Remote Control will blow you away, with superb functionality and versatility. Enjoy the ability to control any device and any brand with the built-in extensive infrared database. Now you can finally put away all your remote controls and replace them with one powerful controller.
This powerful remote controls your entire entertainment system by creating activities that control groups of devices together. It features a full color touch screen, easy-to-use backlit keys, one touch macro access, convenient Help button, Smart State Technology, guided on-line setup, easy to hold ergonomic design, and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack with charging base. With the Harmony One, your entertainment choices are virtually endless.

One-Touch Activity Control

Put away all of your remotes and enjoy easy, one-touch macro access to your home-entertainment system. One simple press of the touch screen and the Harmony One remote controls the rest, including turning on the right components in the right order and setting the correct inputs.

Smart State Technology

Smart State Technology allows this remote to track the power state and input setting of the various components it controls; and offers effortless switching capabilities between watching home theater and listening to music by selecting a single activity button.

Full-Color Touch Screen

Gives you easy, one-touch access to any entertainment activity such as watching a DVD, watching TV, listening to music, and more.

Computer Based Set-up

Connect the remote to your computer and the set-up wizard guides you through the steps. Harmony supports 5,000+ brands and 225,000+ devices, updated daily.

Guided Setup

This feature provides a step-by-step guide that tailors the device to perfectly match your home entertainment system.

4K Video Whats The Hype?

 3D, which seems to be a mixed bag when it comes to both consumer and manufacturer reaction, 4K isn't a feature that can simply be turned on or off, it's a whole new format. Now before you go jumping off your roof over the idea of having to endure yet another format war, hear this - we're prepared this time. You see the powers that be have quietly been implementing their 4K plans in preparation for this day. In fact a lot of the technology we currently enjoy such as Blu-ray discs and players, as well as HDMI are all largely 4K ready. Will you have to buy a new display? Sadly yes, but herein lies the rub. While the powers that be may have had, for once, the foresight to see into the future, it doesn't mean they've done their job in explaining what that future will be and how it will impact and hopefully benefit you, the consumer. 

4K is not a feature that will wow you in quite the same way as, say 3D, or smooth motion processing or even vivid picture modes will. 4K is all about increased resolution, which is a selling point few consumers understand even in today's modern HD or 1080p world. I'm not joking, for there are scores of people out there, arguably the majority, who still believe that plugging anything into their newly purchased HD set will automatically make said device HD in quality. Start breaching the topic of 1080i versus 1080p and I promise you these same folks will look at you much in the same way your dog does when it hears a high pitched sound. It's not that these people are stupid; it's just we haven't done our jobs in bringing them along in the conversation, something we have to remedy as we prepare ourselves for the dawn of 4K.

So what is 4K exactly? In a nutshell, 4K is a name given to a particular resolution that is, at a minimum, 4,000 pixels wide, though the widely established and accepted 4K resolution is 4,096 x 2,160. Obviously there are going to be slight variations for not all content has the same horizontal or vertical width, which is why I said 4,000 pixels at a minimum. Believe it or not, 4K's actual resolution is NOT the topic we should be focused on, for much like with HD and 1080p, numbers tend to scare people. Instead we must look at the advantages 4K brings us and why we already have an immediate need for it in our everyday lives.

4,000 horizontal pixels is a lot, in fact it's more than double what we currently have with our HD formats at 1,920. What this means for the average consumer is simple: more pixels means you can now sit closer to your TV or projection screen than ever before. For example, I recently was at my local big-box store and was able to take a peek at Sharp's new 80-inch LED HDTV display. The $4,000-ish display was nothing if not larger than life. Displayed right next to it was Sharp's own 70-inch display. The differences between the two, in terms of size, were not what I would call subtle. The same was true when it came to their appropriate viewing distances. Now, traditional wisdom would say that the optimal viewing distance for any HD set is somewhere around one and a half times the diagonal length, so for the Sharp 80-inch HDTV that would be somewhere around 10 feet (80-inches x 1.5 = 120-inches or 10 feet). For the 70-inch Sharp that distance is closer at eight and three quarter feet. Now, at eight and three quarter feet away the 70-inch Sharp was still very large in my field of view, thus resulting in that immersive experience we cherish so much. At 10 feet the 80-inch Sharp was still quite large, though it didn't appear or feel any larger than the 70-inch at eight and some feet away. Furthermore, when I attempted to sit closer in order to have the image fill more of my field of view, the image quality fell apart due to the fact that I became aware of the individual pixels themselves. Much like the dreaded "screen door effect" in reference to older LCD front projectors, the 80-inch Sharp simply didn't have the resolution it needed to facilitate closer viewing, which is why I (or any professional will recommend) you place your primary seating position at least 10 feet away from such a set in order to maximize your enjoyment. But like I said, from 10 feet away the added 10-inches of real estate afforded to you by the 80-inch Sharp didn't seem worth it considering it felt no bigger than the 70 from eight feet away.

Now with 4K the adage of one and a half times the diagonal can be fudged a bit, for thanks to the added number of pixels (more than four times the pixels actually), the perception of detail, clarity and focus will be increased, thus allowing you to sit closer to the screen, provided it isn't too bright as to cause eye strain or fatigue. This is huge, for with an ailing economy many of us are looking to downsize, though that doesn't always mean we're willing to sacrifice on our entertainment. With more and more people buying smaller, more affordable homes, and/or moving into rental properties, our need to maximize space is paramount for less space often equals less money. 4K is great in this respect for you could feasibly buy a 4K display that was 80-inches or so in diagonal size and sit perhaps seven to eight feet away from it and have an enjoyable experience, whereas with today's modern 1080p sets the viewing distance may be prohibitive.

Another problem that HD has that 4K doesn't is that most cinematic content is filmed and/or scanned at 4K (or greater) resolution. This means that every time you buy your favorite film on Blu-ray disc it has had to be converted to HD or 1080p, a conversion that comes at some expense for Blu-ray's 1080p is not only lesser in terms of resolution, it also is encoded/compressed in a different file format: H.264. These adaptations cost the studios and content creators (not to be confused with job creators) money; thus they cost you money. In an ideal 4K world, these conversions would be mitigated or better yet - eliminated. I say mitigated only because the theatrical 4K standard uses a different compression format than Blu-ray, which may or may not get worked out. Still, not having to down-res everything is a huge cost-saving measure. Now, does this mean that 4K content is somehow going to be cheaper than Blu-ray? Not at first - in fact, I would expect them to cost way more, but over time it's a format that should be less expensive to bring to the consumer marketplace than even, say, DVDs. But that is in the hands of the studios and their bean counters.

So far so good. 4K appears to be a format with no foreseeable downside. Sign me up, right? Well, unfortunately we've become a bit entrenched in our HD world, so much so that 4K is still going to be a leap for many in the broadcast space. The other hurdle is streaming, which despite Netflix's best efforts to torpedo their own company, is still hugely popular and not the type of source material you're going to want to watch on a 4K display - hell, you don't even want to watch it on a 1080p one. Like music downloads before it, streaming has become the go-to staple on Friday night for many, due to its convenience. Will we get to 4K streaming? Sure, eventually, but out of the gate it will be a format relegated to a physical disc or drive, which means the education and selling to John Q Public has to be all the more sound and focused if 4K is going to combat streaming.

Make no mistake, 4K is coming and will be upon us sooner rather than later. What's most important is that we recognize its potential and benefits and embrace it versus rally against it, for being something new and different. Will there be other formats beyond 4K? In the consumer space one could argue no, which is all the reason we should need to ensure we get 4K right so that we can enjoy it for the long haul.by andrew robinson

Theory Behind Bi-Wiring Speakers

Bi-wiring uses two separate sets of speaker cables to connect a single pair of loudspeakers to an amplifier. Coupled with a crossover designed specifically for bi-wiring, it offers many of the advantages of bi-amplifying the speakers with two separate amplifiers without the cost and complexity of two amplifiers.
We began experimenting with bi-wiring back in the early '80s, an era when horizontal bi-amplification was considered the ultimate way to drive quality loudspeakers. (Horizontal bi-amplification used one amplifier to drive the low-frequency section of a speaker and a second amplifier to drive the high-frequency section.) We noted that speakers sounded better when bi-amplified by two amplifiers than when driven by a single amplifier. Surprisingly, this superior performance was evident even when the speakers were bi-amplified by two identical amplifiers at a low volume level and the amplifiers were each driven full-range without an electronic crossover. We initially believed that the double power supplies and other components of two amplifiers were responsible for the improvement, however building amplifiers with twice the power supply and doubling-up on other critical components failed to provide the bi-amplification benefit.

So we looked at the speaker wires. With two amplifiers, bi-amplification used two sets of speaker cables so we experimented with doubling-up the speaker wires and with larger wire. Neither duplicated the bi-amplification improvements. Then we considered that in a bi-amplified system, one set of wires carries the low-frequencies and the other set of wires carries the high-frequencies. We modified a speaker's crossovers to accept two sets of cables and present different load characteristics to each set so that the low-frequencies would be carried by one set of wires and the high-frequencies by the other set of wires. Finally we heard the sonic improvements of bi-amplification with a single amplifier.

Additional experiments with a Hall Effect probe revealed that high-current bass frequencies created a measurable field around the wires that expanded and collapsed with the signal. We believe that this dynamic field modulates the smaller signals, especially the very low level treble frequencies. With the high-current signal (Bass) separated from the low-current signal (Treble) this small signal modulation was eliminated as long as the cables were separated by at least an inch or two. (To keep the treble cable out of the field surrounding the bass cable.)

The crossovers in Vandersteen bi-wirable speakers are engineered with completely separate high-pass and low-pass sections. The bass inputs pass low-frequencies to the woofers, but become more and more resistive at higher frequencies. The treble inputs pass high-frequencies to the midrange and tweeter, but become more and more resistive at low-frequencies. The output from the amplifier always takes the path of least resistance so deep bass frequencies go to the bass input (Low impedance at low-frequencies) rather than to the treble inputs (High impedance at low frequencies). For the same reason, treble frequencies go to the treble input (Low impedance at high-frequencies) rather than to the bass inputs (High impedance at high-frequencies). At the actual crossover frequency, the output from the amplifier would be divided equally between the two inputs as they would both have the same impedance at that frequency. Because of the different reflected impedances of the cables, the crossover between the woofer and midrange actually occurs at the wire ends where they connect to the amplifier.

The benefits of bi-wiring are most obvious in the midrange and treble. The low-current signal to the midrange and tweeter drivers does not have to travel on the same wire as the high-current woofer signal. The field fluctuations and signal regeneration of the high-current low-frequencies are prevented from distorting or masking the low-current high-frequencies. The back EMF (Electro-Mechanical Force) from the large woofer cannot affect the small-signal upper frequencies since they do not share the same wires.

The effects of bi-wiring are not subtle. The improvements are large enough that a bi-wire set of moderately priced cable will usually sound better than a single run of more expensive cable.

All the cables in a bi-wire set must be the same. There is often great temptation to use a wire known for good bass response on the woofer inputs and a different wire known for good treble response on the midrange/tweeter inputs. This will cause the different sonic characteristics of the two wires in the middle frequencies to interfere with the proper blending of the woofer and midrange driver through the crossover point. The consistency of the sound will be severely affected as the different sounding woofer and midrange drivers conflict with each other in the frequency range where our ears are most sensitive to sonic anomalies. The disappointing result is a vague image, a lack of transparency through the midrange and lower treble and a loss of detail and clarity.

Some of the benefits of bi-wiring are from the physical separation of the high-current bass and low-current midrange/tweeter wires. So-called bi-wire cables that combine the wires in one sheath do not offer the full advantages of true bi-wiring although they may be an excellent choice for mono-wiring the speakers.

The cables should all be the same length. This is not due to the time that the signal takes to travel through a cable, but rather that two different lengths of the same cable will sound different. If the cables connecting one speaker are a different length than the cables connecting the other speaker, the resulting difference in sound between the two speakers will compromise the imaging and coherence of the system. If different lengths of cable are used for the bass and midrange/tweeter inputs of the speakers, the effects will be similar to those experienced when using two different cables as described above.

 short runs of speaker cable sound better than long runs, consider placing your electronics between the speakers rather than off to one side. If for convenience or aesthetic considerations, the electronics must be located a considerable distance from the speakers, it is usually preferable to place the amplifier between the speakers and use long interconnect cables and short speaker wire.

Filling In The Sound Subwoofers

 Large Bass Response

•  speakers in a stereo or audio system is specifically designed to produce sounds falling in a certain frequency range. While mid-range and woofer speakers can easily produce a wide array of sound, their response is weak in the low bass tones that fall below the supported frequencies of a woofer. To supplement this audio presentation, subwoofers are designed to recreate sound at the deepest of levels, enabling recreation of deep bass such as a tuba or bass drum in a symphony.

Subwoofers With Bottom End

•  subwoofers, especially those found in cars and high-end home audio systems, receive a boost from an external--usually electrical--power source. This power increase allows the subwoofer to more powerfully reproduce loud bass sounds such as those found in hip-hop and rap music. Without the subwoofer, and especially without the powered sub, the thunderous bass response essential to reproducing the full impact of the music would not be possible.

Subwoofers Offer a  Improvement

•  concert- and symphony-goers report a high level of emotional involvement in music they can "feel." Because music and sound are produced through vibrations in the air, some vibrations cause a physical movement in furniture, chairs and within the listeners themselves. Subwoofers work in the range of sound most capable of producing noticeable physical vibrations; this vibration induces a psychological effect of immersion similar to that experienced when attending a live performance.by keith evans

Holiday Guide 2011 HD Gear

As it was last year (and two years ago), it's quickly becoming my favorite time of the year. In fact, my wife already made these awesome pumpkin deserts that weren't quite pie and not quite a muffin. Whatever they are, these sugary, waistband-busting delights fueled my search to bring you the heads up on some fun products worth wrapping up this year. I've tried to arrange everything within a three-tiered system of Bargain or Entry Level, Mid Range, and Flagship. In the case of speaker systems, the most expensive system I'm showing here is about $3,000, and in audiophile terms, that's still technically entry level so please excuse me there. I don't know many people in the market who spend $5,000 or more dollars on speakers. If you'd like to see automobile-priced speakers added to future reviews and list, please let me know in the forums.
DISPLAYS
The trend this year is rapidly dropping prices, Internet connectivity and, whether you care or not, 3D. Plasma is still the go-to flat panel display technology for a more accurate picture and colors, but LED LCD panels are incredibly bright (and super thin), so I've included one here. Keep in mind that the first two series mentions are terrific deals (for the huge sizes), but may have some image trade offs. The last two look amazing, but be prepared to pay for Quality.
Bargain 3D: Panasonic's ST30 Series.

What's to Love: The 50-inch TC P50ST30 will set you back less than $900 and features an incredible 2D and 3D imagery. Have more money to spend? There are 55, 60, and 65-inch models as well, with the flagship in the series, the P65ST30 costing just over $2,000. Definitely a bargain for a picture that looks this good while playing 3D in full 1080p to each eye (using active shutter glasses).
Potential Tradeoffs: This plasma series may be too dark for bright rooms, and no 3D glasses are included with the purchase (they cost over $100 each), so the bargain price may disappear if you have to supply 3D eyewear for an entire family.
For the Bright Room: LG's LW5600 Series.

What's to Love: The LW5600 series is affordable, light weight, thin, and blindingly bright. Seriously, straight out of the box, this is one of the brightest televisions I've ever seen. So much so that, without calibration, colors, details, and skin tones will be easily washed out. But, for a sunny room, it's perfect. The LW5600 series features Passive 3D technology, and ships with four pairs of glasses. Most likely, they're the very same ones you use (and usually toss out) at your local cinema. Once calibrated, 2D picture is crisp and vivid, and as an Internet capable TV, it has a host of apps and streaming services built in. The 47-inch model costs just over $1,000, and the 55-inch is a few greenbacks north of $1,300.
Potential Tradeoffs: Passive 3D technology may be a little easier on the eyes than Active Shutter glasses, but there's a trade off in resolution, which may be noticeable to some viewers. Also, I happen to be in the process of doing a full, extended review of the set and, in low light conditions, there is noticeable "blooming" or "light bleed" (light leaking out from behind the screen bezel) in all four corners. This might not bother all viewers, especially in well-lit conditions, but this could not be my reference TV. I would personally consider this series great for the bright family rooms, kids play rooms, or any type of secondary display. Picky viewers beware.
Perfect Colors: Samsung's PND800 Series.

What's to Love: The PND800 series is Samsung's flagship line, boasting supremely accurate colors, built-in WiFi with more apps and streaming services than their competitors, incredible 2D and 3D imagery, and it even looks good in fully lit rooms. Samsung also includes a dual-sided Bluetooth full QWERTY keyboard remote. The 51-inch model will set you back a little more than $1,400 and the huge 64-incher just over $2,400.
Potential Tradeoffs: These televisions are not cheap and 1080/24p source material (Blu-ray movies) may lose some black level performance. Also, there's no Amazon Instant if that happens to be your streaming service of choice.
Deepest Black Levels: Panasonic VT30 Series.

What's to Love: Panasonic's flagship VT30 series boasts the inkiest black levels of any plasma (and therefore, any flat panel) television available in 2011. It's still not quite KURO good, but it's damn close. For those not in the know, black levels are important because the closer the television can get to "true black" (aka the absence of light), colors look more accurate and depth and perceived-resolution improve. While last year's VT25 series suffered from a loss of black level capabilities over time, I've been following a fantastic article over at CNET where they kept track of how five high end plasma aged during their first year of use. The good news is that the VT30 series actually gets blacker (a good thing) as it ages. Pick up the 65-inch TC-P65VT30 for just under $3,000.
Potential Tradeoffs: The most expensive TV in the bunch. Also, the CNET article also said the VT30's color temperature can change over time, so you'll want to make sure to recalibrate your settings for this, or any other, TV as it ages -- every six months to a year. Good advice for any display, really.
BLU-RAY DISC PLAYERS
The truth about Blu-ray players is that most, if not all, deliver perfect picture and sound (well, depending on the source material and encode) during Blu-ray playback. HDMI-transmitted digital signals either arrive, or they don't. So, when picking out a Blu-ray player in 2011, the toughest decision about what to buy isn't really about image quality, but rather about budget and included features. How much do you have to spend, and what's really important to you -- things like streaming apps, games, disc loading speed?
Affordably Full Featured: Sony BDP-S580.

What's to Love: You can pick up an S580 3D Blu-ray player for under $130, and it comes with WiFi (as well as an Ethernet port for a wired connection) and a host of great apps like Pandora, Netflix, Vudu, Amazon etc. There's also a free Media Remote app for your iOS and Android devices. The 3D works great, and it loads much quicker than most 2011 Blu-ray players. There's an equally impressive / more expensive model, the S780, but the main difference is built-in 2D-3D conversion which, in my humble opinion, is a waste of money.
Potential Tradeoffs: Not really much, especially at this price point (though, for about $10-20 dollars more, you can pick up the slightly faster Panasonic model below). Some people don't like Sony's XMB navigation interface, and I've heard Netflix streaming cover art can be a little small.
Speed Demon: Panasonic DMP-BDT210.

What's to Love: A CNET Editor's Choice winner, the BDT210 is the fastest loading 3D Blu-ray player available today -- movies load in as little as 7 seconds (finally back at DVD speeds…that only took 5 years!), and as always, 3D and 2D imagery are perfect. The BDT210 is a steal at just under $140. It features a touch-free sensor for ejecting discs, Skype capabilities, and WiFI -- with most of the standard video and audio streaming services like Amazon Instant, which is not available on our next selection. Also, for about $35 more, you can pick up the Panasonic BDT310, which includes an extra HDMI output for those who do not have an AV Receiver with 1.4a / 3D passthrough. Lastly, if you buy either the BDT210 or BDT310, Panasonic will mail you a copy of 'Avatar 3D'.
Potential Tradeoffs: It's missing a few streaming service like Hulu Plus and, if you're a baseball fan, MLB.TV.
A Versatile All Star: Sony PS3.

What's to Love: Sony's PlayStation 3 is the gift that keeps on giving. It plays Blu-ray movies in 2D and 3D (now with DTS-HD MA support), plays high definition video games, streams all sorts of content from your home network and/or the Internet, has access to MLB.TV and NFL Season Ticket in HD, remains most upgradeable player on the market, and it's available at three price points: 1) a $249.99 160GB system that includes one DualShock 3controller (and a $50 promotional gift card if you buy it on Amazon). 2) a $299.99 320GB PS3 Uncharted 3 Bundle (includes one system, one DualShock 3 controller, one copy of 'Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception') that saves you $10 on the cost of both the system and the game. And 3) a $299 320GB PS3 Move Bundle (includes one DualShock 3 controller, one PlayStation Move motion controller, one PlayStation Eye camera, 'Sport Champion's Blu-ray game, and a PlayStation Move game demos disc). Different systems for different levels of buyers, but sure to be an amazing present.
Potential Tradeoffs: As of today, the PS3 still does not support Dolby TrueHD while playing 3D Blu-rays. That means no 'Transformers: Dark of the Moon – 3D' or 'Megamind - 3D' or 'Kung Fu Panda 2 - 3D' until they get around to fixing this with another firmware update (we're currently at 3.73), which they most likely will do in the not too distant future. Until then, Dolby TrueHD soundtracks will play in Dolby Digital. Also, there is no included remote control, so there is the added expensive of buying Sony's Bluetooth remote or, if you're a Logitech Harmony remote user, the terrific Logitech Harmony PS3 Adapter. Lastly, as they age, some PS3's suffer from fan noise, and if the system overheats, they can fry the circuit board (see Yellow Light of Death). Personally, my fat PS3 (circa 2008) is quiet and works perfectly.
A/V RECEIVERS
The Entry Level Bargain: Onkyo TX-NR509.

What's to Love: For less than $350, we have a networkable 5.1 AVR with 80w (x 5 channels) of power, 4 3D-ready HDMI inputs, iPod compatibility, Internet Streaming (vTuner, Mediafly, Pandora, Slacker, Rhapsody), and it decodes all the modern HD Audio codecs. If you have a few extra bucks and want 7.2 capabilities, check out the THX Select 2 Plus certified TX-NR609, which serves up 100w/channel and includes support for 4K upscaling.
Potential Tradeoffs: 5.1 channels and 4 HDMI inputs might not be enough for everyone. Especially when considering more and more theatrical movies are being mixed in 7.1.
The Mid-Level Performer: Denon AVR-2112ci.

What's to love: For right around $600, this 7.1 receiver (90 watts per channel) features AirPlay, 6 3D-ready HDMI inputs, FLAC HD Decoding, streaming (Pandora, Flickr, Rhapsody), GUI overlay, and decodes all the modern codecs. Some will argue the AVR-1912 is the better deal, but for about $50 more, the 2112ci includes an extra year of warranty and Audyssey's MultEQ XT calibration software.
Potential Tradeoffs: The 2212ci is less powerful than -- and doesn't have as many digital or analog inputs, nor the fancy, newer GUI of -- the 2312ci (or 3312ci).
The Beast: Marantz SR7005.

What's to Love: 125 watts times 7 channels with six 1.4a (3D capabile) HDMI inputs and 2 selectable HDMI outs, streaming on your home network or Internet, multiple room calibration software options, and some higher end connections for remote control systems. This AVR will blow the doors off all but the largest media rooms.
Potential Tradeoffs: Well, there's no built-in power for 9 or 11 channels of sound, nor built-in AirPlay.
SPEAKERS
Big Sound; Bargain Price: Pioneer SP-PK21BS.

What's to Love: Simply put, there isn't a better sounding 5.1 speaker system available for under $400. Or if there is, I haven't heard it. These speakers can play loud without distorting and can compete with some systems costing double. I just called Pioneer to confirm they still have the package for sale (there is no Buy Now option on the above link, though all the speakers are available separately), and while the DB8 subwoofers are currently out of stock, they are anticipating shipping more the week of December 5th. If you have a few extra bucks, you want to consider upgrading the system's center channel (to this). To purchase, simply call Pioneer. They have free shipping (!), and actual human beings answer the phone.
Potential Tradeoffs: These speakers are bulky (an alternative is the 5.1 Energy Classic Theater System) so they might not be right for all living rooms.
Mid Level Monitors: The Boston Acoustics A 25 speaker System.

What's to Love: This is a well rounded monitor-sized speaker system. The design is simple and appealing, and the sound is terrific. From blistering highs to rumbling bass with solid mid range as well. I've had nothing but a great experience with Boston Acoustics; as I write this, my 14-year-old desktop 2.1 system is going strong, and my first ever 5.1 system (circa 2000) still gets daily use over at a buddy's house.
Note: I couldn't find the "system" for purchase as a package, but it's not a big deal. Surf over to the Boston Acoustics A Series Loudspeaker page and combine four A25 Monitors ($149.99 each) for 5.1 (or six for 7.1), one A 225C Center Channel ($249.99 each), and one ASW 250 Subwoofer ($349.99 each). The result is a $1,200 5.1 system (or a $1,500 7.1 system). There are also smaller monitors, floorstanding models, and a larger subwoofer in this series for you to mix and match should you be so inclined. And Boston Acoustics offers free shipping. If you're looking to save a few dollars, you should also check out the Last Years / Refurbished Models page.
Potential Tradeoffs: Monitors can't deliver the power of full range floorstanding speakers.
Wireless and Well Reviewed: the Aperion Intimus 4T Summit Wireless 7.1 System (5.1 system pictured).

What's to Love: $3,000 is all that stands between you and a wireless 7.1 system. What's amazing about this set is that each speaker has its own built-in amplifier, so its compact wireless transmitter can replace your AVR (it has three 3D-ready HDMI inputs). It decodes all the modern HD audio codecs with ease and set up is simple: plug in the speakers, press a few buttons, and the system calibrates itself. There's even a MyZone button on the remote that will recalibrate the system in six seconds to make wherever you're sitting the system's sweet spot.
Potential Tradeoffs: $3,000 is a lot of money for many buyers (and if you can afford to spend that money on speakers alone, running wire behind walls should be in the cards too). And, wireless speakers aren't technically wireless -- you still need to find power outlets for each speaker and subwoofer. If you've already invested in a pricy AVR, you may not wish to make it useless. 3 HDMI inputs is limiting in this day and age. And Audiophiles may bristle at 96khz/24bit audio resolution bandwidth cap.
ACCESSORIES
Bargain Cables: Monoprice & Amazon Basics.

What's to Love: Monoprice is my go to supplier for all cables and connectors. They're cheap and well made. Relative newcomer Amazon Basics has some good prices as well (though not as much of a selection).
Potential Tradeoffs: None. I can't say it enough… you save boatloads NOT buying big box store wires and cabling for your system. Audiophile-super-cables? Please. Audiophiles have been tricked in listening tests over and over again, and most modern audio and video signals are digital, meaning it all arrives, or doesn't.
Universal Remotes: Logitech Harmony Link.

What's to Love: I really enjoy my Harmony One and PS3 Adapter, but there's a new system I'm itching to try out in the very near future. The Logitech Harmony Link is a small networkable device / iOS app combination that controls your home cinema system (the device is an IR mini blaster). With so many TVs, BD players, and AVRs now have their own proprietary apps, the simplicity of the programmable remote seems to be in jeopardy. But for $100, anyone in the house with an iOS Device can control the home theatre. Seems like a great idea.
Potential Tradeoffs: I've read some reviews saying it's not quite ready yet. I suppose this happens with many first generation products. Research before you buy. I hope to report back soon with a review.
DEMOS

Now that you've picked up some awesome, 3D capable gear, it's time to show it off and test it out. Here's a sampling of my favorite 2011 discs (thus far) in the audio and/or video departments:
HDD's Aaron Peck already covered classics, but the one title he's missed (because it's just coming out now) is 'Mutiny on the Bounty'. The 70mm epic (and long awaited HD-DVD holdout) starring Marlon Brando is another Blu-ray catalog stunner from Warner Bros. Keep your eyes peeled for more 2011 Holiday Gift Guides
In the 5.1 spectrum of things, 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2' is a must own audio and video release, an exciting action blockbuster, and a fitting finale to the epic series. There's also a 3D Best Buy exclusive available now as well as an 8 Film Collection, but the full mega-ultra-super edition won't be available until next year. Also, I want to give a shout out to the best found footage film of the year, 'Troll Hunter', a fun horror/action film from Norway about… well, hunting trolls. The audio and video are surprisingly good, and the monsters look great.
Next, let's talk about 7.1. Personally, I can't get enough of the format. Most likely this is because I'm getting use out of the money I invested in two extra speakers, but overall, I love hearing more detail in places I've never before. It's truly enveloping, and this year is filled with a number of great releases. 'The Art of Flight' is a fun action sports film with beautiful cinematography. We're currently giving away three copies on The Bonus View, so maybe you can win a free gift for someone you love! 'Transfomers: Dark of the Moon' is an assault on the senses (in both the good and bad way) with perhaps the best soundtrack I've heard on Blu-ray to date, but buyer beware, a 3D edition is in the works. 'Super 8', while imperfect, is another sonic thrill ride highlighted by wall shacking train crash. Lastly, while folks have been arguing about the 'Jurassic Park' transfers, the 7.1 Audio is the highlight of the set.
3D has been expanding this year with a number of excellent releases. 'Tron Legacy' was the year's first stunner (though it does feature some 2D-only scenes), followed by the 'Toy Story Trilogy', 'How to Train Your Dragon', 'Megamind', 'Cars 2', the severely underrated 'Rio', and 'Tangled'. While they all looked amazing in 3D, 'Dragon' is interesting because it's been remixed into 7.1 for the 3D Blu-ray. And 'Megamind', which I personally found hilarious despite a troublesome 2D transfer, looks even better in 3D. While most of the excellent 3D releases are of the CGI animated variety, I have to admit I was shocked by how well 'Lion King' and 'Beauty and the Beast' turned into three-dimensional experience. A lot of fun here, and two more kick ass 7.1 soundtracks.
Well, that's all we have, dear readers. What's your dream gear or demo disc for this holiday season? Hit up the forums to let us know! Now, I'm off to get more of those delicious pumpkin goodies...
by michael s palmer

Mitsubishi 92-inch 3D TV

Mitsubishi expects its 92-inch 3D TV to be the largest consumer television on the market when it launches mid-year -- even if very few consumers can afford it.
The yet-unnamed model uses DLP rear-projection technology from Texas Instruments, rather than LCD, LED or plasma. It also includes Mitsubishi's Unisen sound system, which projects 5.1 Surround Sound from beam-steered speakers in front of the set.

The biggest obstacle to releasing these humongous TVs is getting enough light onto the screen, Mitsubishi's marketing vice president Frank DeMartin said. The demo unit on display at Mitsubishi's CES booth was set back in a dimly lit alcove, but DeMartin assured me that the television would look fine in well lit rooms.

Other features include four HDMI outputs, USB media playback, a universal remote control and 120 Hz sub-frame rate and the company's StreamTV Internet platform. Unlike smaller televisions that use a matte screen, Mitsubishi has gone glossy in the 92-inch set, which DeMartin said boosts contrast at an added cost.



Mitsubishi won't say exactly what the 92-inch TV's price will be, but consider for reference that the company's 82-inch 3D TV costs roughly $4,000. Expect the price of the 92-inch model to be somewhat higher.

Velodyne DD+10 Subwoofer Reviewed

Velodyne's newest series of premium subwoofers features state-of-the-art Subwoofer design and ergonomics. Based around a newly developed, longer-excursion driver than previous models, the DD+ series incorporates the latest in digital EQ, servo amplifier design, and computer-based user interface to deliver Velodyne's ultimate subwoofer. The $3,299 DD+ 10 is the smallest speaker in the Digital Drive Plus line, yet it has more than enough power with its 1,250 watts RMS amplifier and 35 pound magnet structure to energize a mid-sized room with ease.


Aimed at the top echelon of the market, the DD+ series offers a 10, 12, and 15-inch versions. With its glossy finish and slick controls, the DD+ series was created to compete with the JL Fathom series subwoofers. All of Velodyne's new DD+ subwoofers include their latest software and EQ, which offers a level of control that makes it easy to adjust the DD+ subwoofers to perform optimally even in difficult acoustic environments. Using Velodyne's patented digital high-gain servo technology and Energy Recovery System (ERS) amplifier, the DD+ subwoofers deliver over 3,000 watts of dynamic power while producing under a half of a percent of distortion. This is a 4.5 to 6 dB improvement from the previous generation of Digital Drive subwoofers.

The DD-10+'s installation and set-up software lets you get as hands-on or hand's-off as you wish during set-up. You can set it up like a conventional subwoofer where you merely dial in a volume level and frequency crossover point from the front panel controls. Or you can use Velodyne's auto-set-up, which takes less than ten minutes to run through using a special test disc to optimize Velodyne's auto EQ system. Finally, you can use a Windows computer to adjust every parameter of the Velodyne DD-10+ EQ system, including Q, boost point, and intensity via a supplied software program. I tried all three methods. Velodyne's auto set-up produced results that very nearly matched a far more time-intensive manual computer install. The auto system chose a 79 dB crossover point with a pair of Studio Electric Monitors, while with a pair of Aerial Acoustic 5B speakers it used 76 dB. Both of these speakers are sealed cabinet two-way speakers with similar dimensions and sensitivities but the DD-10+'s built-in software is sufficiently sophisticated to discern the differences between them.

In both my main room and computer-based systems the Velodyne DD-10+ performed with aplomb. I've rarely felt my pant's cuffs shake from low frequencies, but the DD-10+ did just that when installed in my desktop system. The only subwoofer I've used with similar capabilities was the JL Audio Fathom F-112. The JL sub offers more manual controls and a very good self-contained auto-set-up that doesn't require an external sound source of test CD. But the JL sub lacks the DD-10+'s remote control with EQ presets and volume controls.


High Points• The DD+ series has the lowest distortion figures for any subwoofer that Velodyne has ever made.
• Multiple set-up options make it so the DD+ series is both user and room-friendly.
• The DD+ subwoofer's remote control has six EQ presets as well as volume and mute.
• This subwoofer is beautifully built and styled to be far more than another big black box.

Low Points
• Not the most cost-effective or highest value-for-the-dollar subwoofer from Velodyne.
• Should be set-up via a computer by a knowledgeable installer for optimal performance.
• Prospective buyers with small rooms or small speakers don't need this level of performance.
Competition and Comparisons
As I mentioned earlier, the DD+'s chief competitor in terms of both price and performance is JL Audio's Fathom Subwoofer line.

Conclusion
If you are looking for the highest level of performance from a subwoofer, the DD+ series should be on your short list. Only the JL Audio Fathom and Gotham subwoofers offer a similar level of performance, ergonomics, and overall fit and finish. Worthy of installation in even the finest cost-no-object systems, the DD+ series reestablishes Velodyne's place as one of the premier subwoofer manufacturers in the world today.

Great Home Theatre Seating

Big boys like big toys and there are few toys as important to a man as his home theater. Whether you are beginning to plan out the home theater of your dreams or putting the finishing touches on your home movie theater, home movie room furniture and seating is an important element to building the best theater on the block. If you are finishing your home theater, odds are you have spent a small fortune on the best video and audio technologies available. While you may be nearing the completion of your theater, it is important to take the purchasing of home movie theater furniture seriously. Buying uncomfortable home theater sofas or seating can ruin the viewing experience you worked so hard to create. Below we have included some tips to help you purchase and install the home theater sofa or lounger that best completes your home movie theater.

Home Theater Lounger and Sofa Placement

The positioning of your home movie theater furniture can be the single most important aspect of your home theater. There is an entire art of strategically designing the layout of your movie theater furniture so that all of your viewers have a superior theater experience. Experts constantly discuss where to place your home theater speakers but few have offered advice on how to position your home movie theater furniture. All too often individuals arrange home theater sofas and home theater loungers on the back wall of their home theater or in the dead middle of the room, the two worst positions available. Bass frequencies tend to build up at the walls and disappear in the middle. A little research can go along way in strategically laying out your home theater sofa in a position that best fosters quality listening and viewing. The best positions for viewing and listening depend upon the amount of seats you want to implement, the size of your screen and the sound system you're using, so plan ahead. A little bit of research and preparation can play a big role in ensuring your system and your home theater sofa are working together.

Theater Seating Comfort

Your movie theater furniture should ultimately be designed for comfort. The serious home theater enthusiast will undoubtedly purchase home theater sofas, loveseats and recliners that are sturdy and comfortable but it is important to keep your audience in mind. A high-quality leather home theater lounger is a very comfortable option unless your wife is constantly reaching over the arm rest to hold your hand. A home theater sofa or sectional would be a more comfortable option if you are trying to get cozy with a significant other. Perhaps you have children who would be more comfortable in a home theater lounger built to their size. The point is that comfort may not be the same for everyone, keep this in mind when making your home movie theater furniture selections

Size of Your Theater

Do not forget to consider the size of the room when selecting your home movie theater furniture. A large home theater sofa may fit perfectly in one room but congest and cramp another. Select home theater loungers and furniture appropriate to the space available to you. The size of your home movie theater furniture will also affect the sound quality in the room the smaller the size the less interference you are bound to have. Know the dimensions of your theater before purchasing your home theater sofa or home theater lounger. One valuable tool for planning the your home theater layout is the Berkline theater planner. It allows you to select the models that you like and view them in the configuration that best suits your theater room.

Pricing

As I am sure you are aware by now, home movie theater seating can be an expensive investment. Home theater sofas and home theater loungers can be surprisingly expensive. Create your budget before shopping and try not to stray from it. Do your research. There are seating options available under $600 that could be perfect for your set up. Building your theater one step at a time and purchasing home theater furniture piecemeal may be an option for individuals with a tight budget and high standards.

Accessories

They say God is in the details, they also say the devil is in the details, anyway you look at it a few small accessories can set your theater above the norm. Home movie theater furniture can be purchased with additional luxurious features that will make your theater the talk of the town. Light-up cup holders, armrests, and power recliners are just a few options that can bring your theater out of mediocrity. Adding an old fashioned popcorn machine or a concession stand are popular accessories for the advanced home theater. Home movie theater furniture is also available in the design of your favorite sports team. Branding your home theater sofa in your favorite team's colors and logo is a great way to make your theater memorable and unique. 

DIY Projector Screens- Part 1 Painting your Own Screen

So you've decided to bite the bullet and build your own home theater system. Congratulations! One of the key choices in your set-up is deciding which technology to use for your display - a direct view monitor, a rear projection television (RPTV), or front projection television (FPTV). The choices are vast, but if you really want that immersive BIG PICTURE experience, then chances are good that you'll ultimately choose a front projection system. If you're still trying to choose a projector, then you might want to read our companion article "How To Select a Front Projector for Home Theater."

A front projection television (FPTV) is any projection system that is comprised of two distinct parts - a projector (usually mounted on the ceiling or on a shelf on back wall, sometimes even on a coffee table) and a screen to display the projected image. Front projectors are ideal for large-screen viewing because you can generally make the image as large as you want, as long as you have the space for it and your projector has adequate brightness and detail.
by chris boylan

Size Matters

Where it might cost you $3000 or more for a measly 50-inch plasma flat panel, or a comparable amount for a 60 or 70 inch RPTV, you could spend much less and get a nice looking HDTV-capable front projector with a diagonal screen size of 100 inches or more. This is the great draw of front projection - getting a screen size that approaches that of a professional theater and takes full advantage of today's high quality sources, all without breaking the bank.

Turn a plain wall into a high performance projection screen without breaking the bank.

But many people who choose front projection televisions don't get the full potential out of their investment, because they skimp on an item that contributes a great deal to the overall quality - the screen itself. Let me tell you right now: projecting on a white or light-colored wall, painted with standard latex paint is not going to give you the full performance of your front projector. No sir, not even close.

You see, standard latex paint is not designed to reflect light in a neutral and even fashion. Some paints, particularly off-white colors with a matte finish, absorb so much light that they can cut down the brightness of your image, instead of enhancing it. Meanwhile semi-gloss and gloss finish latex paints can be so revealing and overly reflective that any minor defect in the wall will be accentuated by the paint, and this can prove very distracting when trying to enjoy a film.

And though it may seem counterintuitive, a pure white wall is actually not the best color choice when working with today's digital projectors. Most LCD, DLP and LCOS projectors benefit from a screen with a light grey color, as this can enhance the perceived contrast ratio, making blacks look their deepest black and improving color saturation (more on screen color choice later). Don't worry about whites looking grey. Color perception is all about the perceived differences between visible colors -- white still looks perfectly white on an illuminated light grey screen.

Black is Back

To further enhance perceived contrast, a screen needs to have a dark (preferably black) non-reflective border or frame. This dark frame will make colors "pop" and prevents light bleed around the edges of the image. There is more than one way to make a frame for your screen. It can be simply painted around the edges of the screen, assembled out of black moulding, or made out of a special non-reflective black tape. We'll discuss the moulding and black tape methods in this series.

The final drawback to simply pointing your projector at your current wall is that many walls do not have perfectly flat surfaces. Whether we're talking about textured plaster walls that were never meant to be flat or the little bits of damage like nail holes and cracks that can accumulate over time, flaws in the wall's uniformity can create serious defects in the viewable image.

Small flaws in a wall's surface are not that apparent in dim lighting...

but they stand out like a sore thumb under the bright illumination of a projection bulb.

So what are your choices? Well, as with many things in life, it's either "build it" or "buy it."

To Build or to Buy - That is the Question

The simplest solution is, of course, to buy a good screen. Companies like Da-Lite, Carada and Stewart (among others) offer a wide range of projection screens of varying quality, size and gain. The slickest models offer built in motors so they can retract and extend on demand taking up almost no space and having the least impact on the aesthetics of your home theater (which may also be your living room). When they're not in use, these screens can be virtually invisible. But these tend to cost a significant amount, both for the product itself and for the installation, which may be a bit too complicated for the average home theater buff.

Other options include portable screens which collapse when not in use, pull-down screens which are wall- or ceiling-mounted and are pulled down manually when needed, and fixed mount screens that are installed either permanently or temporarily to the wall or ceiling. These are all valid options - particularly to those who do not own their own home, as you can take the screen with you when you go. But, again, as with motorized screens, the costs of the higher quality screens can be prohibitive to those on a budget, particularly when you start getting into the larger screen sizes (e.g., 100 or more inches measured diagonally).

So if you're looking for the best results with the biggest screen, your budget is fairly modest, and you know your way around a paint roller or spray gun, then painting your own screen is an extremely attractive and affordable option. By using specially formulated paints, designed to make the most out of the specific technology in your projector, you can get results comparable to mid to high-priced screens for a fraction of the cost.

Lexicon BadBoy MC-12HD

The MC-12 HD is the industry standard for multi-channel processors for film and music reproduction. The culmination of years of research and design, it combines the best elements of performance, flexibility, and elegance. Sophisticated and powerful, it is exceptionally well equipped to control the most elaborate home theaters. Three zones, twelve configurable inputs, HDMI switching, and automatic room calibration enable the MC-12 HD to easily meet the demands of discerning audio and video enthusiasts.
With the myriad features available in the MC-12 HD, the intuitive user interface provides complete adjustability without being confusing. Access to the listening modes, input & output settings, and speaker adjustments are only a few button-pushes away.
The MC-12 HD provides seamless control of multi-room systems with three completely separate zones. Because each zone is independent, it is possible to watch a DVD in the home theater while listening to a CD in the kitchen and recording a program from a satellite receiver to a digital video recorder.
A glance at the MC-12 HD rear panel reveals an impressive array of inputs and outputs. There are multiple analog inputs, including a 5.1-channel connector for DVD-A or SACD sources such as the RT-20 Disc Player. High resolution 24-bit/96kHz analog-to-digital converters can be used to bring these signals into the digital domain for processing or, for audio purists, a true analog bypass can be engaged which keeps the signals in the analog domain from input to output.
Digital audio input is available on one AES/EBU, six S/PDIF coaxial, and six S/PDIF optical connectors. In addition, there are six HDMI input connectors, which are also capable of accepting 5.1-channel, 24-bit/96kHz signals on a single connection. These signals are processed at their native sampling rates through a two-stage phase lock loop, achieving remarkably low intrinsic jitter and high jitter rejection. Lexicon's proprietary Auto Azimuth processing corrects timing and level imbalances in stereo signals, resulting in exceptional channel separation in matrix-encoded sources.
The MC-12 HD has an extensive array of audio outputs including 7 main channels, stereo subwoofers, and a dedicated LFE channel. The MC-12 HD Balanced adds XLR connectors for the Main and Zone 2 audio outputs; useful for installations where long cable runs are required or where there is a high risk of interference.
Each output uses two 24-bit/192kHz digital-to-analog converters operating in dual-mono mode. This design provides an improved signal-to-noise ratio and extended dynamic range, resulting in superior sound quality. High-precision digital crossovers and tone controls avoid the signal distortion their analog counterparts often introduce.
For maximum flexibility, each of the main audio outputs has independent crossover, speaker distance, and output level controls. The crossovers can be adjusted in 10Hz increments from 30 to 120Hz. The MC-12 HD is also THX Ultra2-certified and integrates the processing and enhancements of the THX Ultra2 standard.
Automatic calibration of speaker distances and output levels is available using the rear panel microphone inputs and the optional Lexicon microphone kit. The accurate adjustment of these settings ensures signal arrival times and levels are optimal at the listening position.
An optional automatic digital room EQ system provides the ability to smooth low-frequency response and remove acoustic resonances that interfere with not only bass information, but affect frequency response across the entire audible spectrum.
To handle the increasing number of video sources that output high-definition video using HDMI connectors, the MC-12 HD features six HDMI inputs and one output. Complementing its HDMI switcher, the MC-12 HD includes a broadcast-quality analog video switcher with up-conversion to component video. The ultra-wide bandwidth component video switcher accepts analog component video signals, including all HDTV signals, while a composite and S-video switcher accepts high-quality NTSC, PAL, and SECAM video signals. The MC-12 HD has two composite video inputs, three S-video inputs, and four component video inputs.

Enhanced versions of Lexicon's popular Nightclub, Concert Hall, Church, Cathedral, and Panorama listening modes are available, along with an impressive collection of advanced decoders including Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, DTS 96/24, DTS Neo:6, DTS-ES (discrete and matrix), THX Ultra2, THX Surround EX, and the latest version of Lexicon's own critically acclaimed Logic 7. Plus, when paired with the BD-30 Blu-ray disc player, it decodes all surround formats, including DTS HD and Dolby TrueHD.The MC-12 HD is now available with software version 2.0 which fully supports 8 channels of 24 bit, 96kHz high resolution digital audio over HDMI.

Sony VPL-HW30AES

The Sony VPL-HW30AES 3D Home Cinema Projector Kit is a very nice projector with 1300 lumens of brightness and a 70000:1 contrast ratio. Packed with exciting innovative features which are easy to use and control, you can experience enhanced immersive 3D movie content without having to leave your sofa.
The kit includes two pair of 3D glasses and a 3D transmitter so you can immerse yourself into a 3D digital world.
Of course the VPL-HW30AES has the features you've come to expect from a high-quality installation projector. It can display 720p, 1080i and 1080p high definition images and its international capabilities include being able to automatically select and project NTSC, NTSC 4.43, PAL, PAL-M, PAL-N, PAL-60 and SECAM signals. It also has a world-ready 100 to 240 volt AC 50/60 Hz power supply.
But with the VPL-HW30AES and a LAN connection you can do more. You can actually present from any computer on the network. If you manually register your PC's IP address with the projector, you can project from anywhere on the Internet. That's great for teleconferencing and distance learning applications.

BRAVIA Sync

BRAVIA Sync simplifies and enhances the home theater experience. Through the control capabilities of HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface), the devices sync with one another for intuitive operations such as one touch play and system standby

Fully Digital Signal Processing

Incorporated high-quality engine in the VPL-HW30AES is a fully digital integrated picture enhancement engine, optimally engineered by Sony for front projectors. This high-quality engine relies on a collection of Sony-unique algorithms such as noise reduction and color enhancement to produce sharp, vibrant, lifelike images

RCP (Real Color Processing) Ver. 2

The VPL-HW30AES offers an "RCP (Real Color Processing)" function to adjust the color and hue of each target color of the projected picture independently. Additionally, version 2 adds the ability to adjust the brightness at the same time. With this capability, dealer and enthusiastic users can tweak the images to perfection

Panel Alignment Function

The VPL-HW30AES is configured with a function that compensates for gaps in character or color management. It is possible to select R (Red) or B (Blue) to make adjustments based on G (Green), and to adjust the horizontal and vertical direction by shifting the full image or selecting points of each color

Adjustable Lens Shift

The VPL-HW30AES has an adjustable lens shift function. Picture position (both horizontal and vertical) can be easily adjusted with the motorized adjustable lens shift function, which expands the projector's placement and installation options without distorting image quality

New Remote Commander

The VPL-HW30AES is supplied with a new remote commander, with backlit buttons for ease of use in darkened rooms, one-touch control for many popular adjustments, and easy grip for practical convenience

Extremely Low Fan Noise (22dB)

The VPL-HW30AES runs very quietly with an advanced air discharge system. Through a highly efficient cooling system, fan noise is suppressed to a mere 22dB. With whisper-quiet fan noise, users can concentrate on a movie or game in a quiet environment without distraction

Advanced Iris3 Control

This is an automatic Iris control feature that enhances the contrast in accordance with the scene. It maximizes black and white levels without diminishing peak brightness

Separate 2D and 3D Modes

The VPL-HW30AES allows you to pre-select separate parameters for 2D and 3D content under a variety of application modes - dynamic, standard, game, living, cinema and presentation - as well as automatically recognizing 2D or 3D input

Dynamic Lamp Control Technology

When each of the shutters on your 3D glasses opens, Dynamic Lamp Control technology automatically boosts the brightness in the image to that eye, maximizing the picture's impact and the lamp's efficiency

Motionflow

Motionflow technology allows the VPL-HW30AES to display twice as many images per second. This algorithm, unique to Sony, creates completely new images based on the incoming signal, and inserts them between the original frames to reproduce smoother, sharper motion

SXRD Panel Technology

SXRD panels minimize the gaps between pixels to 0.2μm for sharper, dot-free images, making it possible to reproduce 240 frames per second. The opening and closing of the shutters on the 3D are synchronized to ensure that each eye receives the correct image, reducing crosstalk to a minimum. The result is stunningly detailed, high definition 3D images that you believe you can reach out and touch

Improved 3D Brightness

The VPL-HW30AES delivers three times the brightness of the VPL-VW90ES through its new lamp and electronic technology, also giving better light efficiency for time sequential 3D pictures

PrimeSupport

This product comes with PrimeSupport - fast, hassle free repairs and a helpline offering expert technical advice. This gives you the peace of mind that Sony is looking after your equipment, and your business. With VPL home projectors, PrimeSupport also includes a free loan unit - of similar specification if repairs are likely to exceed 10 working days, minimizing your disruption

Emotiva Real Performance And Value

After many years as an audio electronics manufacturer for other companies, Dan Laufman wanted to introduce his own brand of electronics built around two of his passions: music and home theater. The idea was to bring the same quality, high-end equipment that he was manufacturing for others and offer them directly to the consumers, thereby eliminating all middlemen and making available to everyone the same equipment that fueled his passion.

To establish any company, you must first have a name. We need one word that says so much about who we are and what we do. For Dan, that word was EMOTIVA. Translating to emotion and signifying the passion put into every product we make, Emotiva Audio Corporation was born. We are passionate about what we do and bring that passion to every aspect of who we are and how we do business. From attention to detail in the design and manufacturing to our commitment to customers, we believe in what we do. We bring you, the customer, audiophile quality equipment at the best possible prices.

Marantz AV7005 Preamp/Processor

The Preamp/Processor Advantage

Delegating the amplification duties to a separate component allows the AV7005 to keep a healthy distance between noise-inducing high voltage/high current circuits and sensitive low-level circuits. This means that the radio frequency and electromagnetic interferences that must be tamed in a receiver simply don't exist in a pre/pro, or are reduced by several orders of magnitude. The result is less distortion and less signal degradation in general.

Elegant Design

Aesthetically, the AV7005 is a sophisticated – and totally successful – exercise in minimalist design. At first glance, you'll see just two knobs, the iconic Marantz porthole-style display, and a smaller On/Standby button. Naturally, this elegantly simple front panel integrates with any décor.

But don't mistake the AV7005's true personality. Look closely at the centered display first used on the Marantz Model 9 power amplifier. It provides an "at a glance" status check on input selection and gain setting. Immediately under this display, a drop-down door hides a vacuum fluorescent display, as well as secondary controls and connectors.

Expansive Yet Compact

Barely 16" deep from front panel controls to rear panel connectors, the AV7005 fits where other preamp/processors often can't – on a shelf or in a custom cabinet, and can be rack mounted using the optional rack mount kit RMK8003AV.

Audio quality

The AV7005's audio circuitry includes our proprietary HDAM (Hyper-Dynamic Amplifier Module) circuits and Current Feedback topology.

Even vinyl aficionados will welcome the AV7005 as it includes a highly musical MM phono input implemented with the same current feedback technology that provides seamless octave-to-octave tonal balance for line-level inputs.

HDAM

HDAMs combine the short signal path advantages of ICs (integrated circuits) and opamps (operational amplifiers) with the superior sound quality of separate circuit components. Because HDAMs are discrete designs, Marantz engineers are free to choose the parts best able to preserve the sonic details of your favorite sources.

Current Feedback

Current feedback circuits usually exhibit faster rise and fall times and higher slew rates than their voltage feedback cousins. (Think of rise and fall times as an automobile's acceleration and braking capabilities respectively. Slew rate is analogous to a car's cornering ability.)

As a consequence, current feedback designs track rapid sonic changes more accurately and thus sound more natural.

M-DAX – Makes you iPod and MP3 Files Sound Better

Marantz's M-DAX 2, an updated and refined version of the original Marantz Dynamic Audio eXpander, calculates just the amount of high frequency information typical file compression formats remove – and then restores it so you enjoy full fidelity when playing back MP3 or WMA music files.

Connectivity

The AV7005 makes your home entertainment world far, far larger than you imagined. In addition to conventional sources such as Blu-ray players and set-top cable/satellite boxes, the AV7005 preamp/processor gives you easy ways to listen to the music you've already stored on an iPhone or other portable music player, show your photos on the big screen, stream audio from a wide variety of sources, and enjoy music from your Bluetooth-enabled devices wirelessly with the optional RX101 module.

DLNA

The AV7005's Ethernet connection is DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) 1.5 and Windows 7 compliant. This means it's easier for you access and enjoy digital music from your PC.

Streaming Media

Access the world of Internet streamed media through various user interfaces and software. Choose from 1000s of Internet radio stations with vTuner. Listen to your favorite music through Rhapsody, Napster, and Pandora. Share photos with Flickr. In other words, connect!

Bluetooth Wireless Audio (with optional RX101)

Enjoy the world of wireless audio the AV7005. Just plug the optional RX101 Bluetooth module into the AV7005's rear panel M-XPort connector and enjoy traditional Marantz sound quality from your favorite Bluetooth-capable sources such as iPod, iPad and smart-phones.

Surround Sound Processing

The AV7005 handles all of today's most advanced surround sound formats. You'll find a full roster of Dolby technologies such as TrueHD, Digital Plus, Pro Logic IIz, IIx, II, Virtual Speaker, and Dolby Headphone. From dts, we've included HD Master Audio, High Resolution Audio, ES Discete6.1, Matrix6.1, Neo:6, 96/24, Express, and Neural Surround. Regardless of the audio format chosen by a content provider, the AV7005 will handle it.

Audyssey

In addition to these surround formats, you'll also find Audyssey's MultEQ XT Auto Calibration, MultEQ Pro for custom installations, Audyssey DSX, Dynamic Volume, and Dynamic EQ.

You can use the full array of Audyssey technologies to tame your room's acoustic anomalies, preserve a source's full dynamic impact even at low volumes, and compensate for those "too loud" commercials that often intrude on your listening and viewing pleasure.

The Audio/Video Connection Standard

HDMI

(High Definition Multimedia Interface) has become the de facto standard for connecting components in today's best home entertainment systems. The AV7005 fully supports the latest 1.4a version with six inputs (one on the front panel) and two outputs. You'll enjoy the convenience of single-cable connections, the latest 3D technology, an Audio Return Channel, and Standby Pass-Through. In addition, HDMI 1.4a supports a host of other performance enhancements.

Video Features

Anchor Bay 10-bit Video Processor/Scaler

The ABT2015 10-bit processor, Anchor Bay's fourth-generation video engine, provides exceptional performance including transcoding, deinterlacing, and scaling to give you the flexibility and convenience once restricted to video professionals.

Thanks to this processing power, you can now connect all your video sources, even legacy formats such as videotapes, and display their outputs via HDMI on your high definition TV.

User Interface

New color GUI/On-Screen Display

Easy selection. Easy customization. Easy operation. Those are the benefits of the AV7005's new color GUI (Graphical User Interface)/On-Screen Display. Simplified yet comprehensive menu screens, liberal use of color, and consistent navigation commands make it easy to choose the performance parameters you want and integrate the AV7005 with the rest of your system.

Enjoy Your Favorite Music in More than One Room

For multi-zone operation, you can select different audio sources for Zones 2 and 3, even add a different composite or component video source for Zone 2. There are configurable 7.1 preamp outputs – both single-ended and balanced – as well as a second subwoofer output particularly useful in large rooms.

Tuner Features

With 56 AM/FM/HD tuner presets (eight stations in each of seven groups) you can memorize your favorite broadcasts, even those from the Internet, for easy and repeatable access.

The AV7005's HD Radio allows you to access FM that sounds (almost) as good as CD and AM that often outperforms conventional FM.

Ready for satellite radio? So is the AV7005. Simply add a Sirius home docking station (and a subscription) for a wide variety of exclusive programming.

In Conclusion

The AV7005 delivers state of the art level of performance and flexibility that has distinguished Marantz products for more than 50 years.

Technology and tradition. These are Marantz trademarks and your assurance that the AV7005 will truly enlarge your world.

Home Theatre Cinema And Audio

We will bring the home theatre experience to your home. No place is too small we will talk about ideas and concepts to make your home cinema fit your space and budget. From the higher end home theatre surround processors to the budget driven consumer. This is a Hobby of mine that i have been involved with for a very long time. So questions are welcomed. So let’s get this started so we can get the smell of popcorn flowing =)