Audio Video News

Vidikron Vision Model 90


The first trade show I covered as an A/V Journalist was a CEDIA expo many years ago. The jaw-dropping, three-dimensional images I saw from 720p HD clips on the Vidikron Vision One 9" CRT projector are still among the best these eyes have ever seen. A lot has changed since then. Vidikron is not only out of the CRT business, the company was out of business entirely until being acquired by Runco International in 2002. As a Runco brand, Vidikron has released a steady stream of digital projection products, the latest of which is the Vision Model 90.

The Vision Model 90 is a three-chip DLP projector with a 1280x720 HD pixel count. It features Vidikron's Imagix video processing, and is available with a choice of four precision lens solutions to account for varying room and screen sizes. Two HDCP-compliant DVI inputs are present, which means connecting to copy-protected next-gen HD disc players shouldn't be an issue. Vidikron's Intelliwide image processing is included to stretch native 4:3 program material to fit the Model 90's 16:9 projected image with a minimal loss of image quality.

The Vision Model 90 meets ISF (Imaging Science Foundation) standards, which means the projector is capable of accurate grayscale tracking and color reproduction. It also means that an ISF-certified installer/calibrator can easily access the white balance and color point controls in order to properly calibrate the projector.

Last but not least, if you really hate seeing the accursed "black bars" at the top and bottom of your 16:9 screen when you're watching films with a wider aspect ratio, Vidikron has a solution for you. CineWide with AutoScope is an option that kills the black bars, but at the pretty price of $12,995. But if you really hate those black bars…

The Vidikron Vision Model 90 is available in "Classic White" or "Graphite Gray" for $19,995.

The Denon AVR-2807


Denon's AVR-2807 is so remarkable that it's designated in its press materials as an "award-winning" A/V receiver even though it only began shipping last week. It apparently won a CNET award just for showing up at CES 2006. I think the Oscars should work this way. In years in which Martin Scorsese directs yet another great movie, and a popular actor also directs a film, the Best Director Oscar should be given to the actor-turned-director before either film is even released. But I digress.

At $1099, the AVR-2807 is more seriously outfitted than the megabuck flagship receivers of just a couple of years ago. Each of its seven channels of on-board amplification is rated at 110-watts. It features two HDMI spec 1.1 inputs compatible with hi-res multichannel audio, and one HDMI output. In addition, all incoming analog video signals can be cross-converted and sent out over HDMI for single-cable connection to a compatible display. All of the current Dolby and DTS surround decoding options are present and accounted for, and there's a 7.1-channel analog input just in case.

The AVR-2807 ships with a microphone that can be used with Audyssey's MultEQ to automatically adjust your speaker levels and delays, and equalize each speaker for optimal in-room performance.

Two other options firmly plant this receiver into the 21st century. The AVR-2807's XM Satellite Radio port accepts an optional $50 "Connect-and-Play" XM antenna. The $130 ASD-1R docking station supports 3rd-5th generation iPods, allowing full menu navigation, and playback control through the AVR-2807 and its remote control, plus battery charging. Now, that's an iPod Hi-Fi!