LATEST ADDITIONS

Olevia 565H RPTV: On the Bench
Shane Buettner  |  Nov 27, 2006
  • $4,299
  • 65" three-chip LCoS
  • 1920x1080
  • Key Connections: One HDMI and one DVI-HDCP input, two component, one VGA on 15-pin DSUB
Features We Like Three-chip design with native 1080p resolution, DNX video processing by Pixelworks, integrated Over-The-Air and QAM HD tuners
Continue Reading »
Mitsubishi WD-65731 RPTV: On the Bench
Shane Buettner  |  Nov 27, 2006
  • $3,199
  • 65" single-chip DLP (wobulator)
  • 1920x1080
  • Key Connections: Dual HDMI and component inputs, IEEE 1394
Features We Like: 6-Primary color system adds complementary color segments to color wheel, Plush 1080p processes 720p and 1080i HD signals at full resolution
Continue Reading »
Samsung HL-S6188W RPTV: On the Bench
Shane Buettner  |  Nov 27, 2006
  • $3,099
  • 61" single-chip DLP
  • 1920x1080 (wobulated)
  • Key Connections: Dual HDMI and component inputs, IEEE 1394, USB
Features We Like: 1080p resolution, 10-bit video processing, integrated Over-The-Air HD tuner
Continue Reading »
JVC HD-61FN97 RPTV: On the Bench
Shane Buettner  |  Nov 27, 2006
  • $3,299
  • 61" three-chip HD-ILA
  • 1920x1080
  • Key Connections: Dual HDMI, component and IEEE 1394 inputs
Features We Like Three-chip design with native 1080p resolution, dynamic iris for deep blacks, 5-Point Color Management, Dynamic Gamma Correction Circuitry
Continue Reading »
Toshiba Cinema Series 62MX196 RPTV: On the Bench
Shane Buettner  |  Nov 27, 2006
  • $3,099
  • 62" single-chip DLP (wobulator)
  • 1920x1080
  • Key Connections: Dual HDMI and component inputs, one VGA computer input, G-LINK (for TV Guide On Screen), Ethernet THINC port connection
Features We Like Xtreme BLAC for deeper blacks, CableCARD and Over-The-Air HD tuners,
Continue Reading »
Sony KDS-60XBR2 RPTV: On the Bench
Shane Buettner  |  Nov 27, 2006
  • $3,099
  • 60" three-chip SXRD
  • 1920x1080
  • Key Connections: Dual HDMI and component inputs, one VGA computer input
Features We Like Full three-chip design with native 1080p resolution, dynamic iris for deep blacks, WEGA Engine video processing with DRC
Continue Reading »
Audio Video News
High-Def Game Wars Begin
 |  Nov 26, 2006

In the wake of the nearly simultaneous introductions of Sony's Blu-ray capable PlayStation3 and the HD DVD external drive for the Xbox 360, some answers are already coming in on the impact these gaming consoles are going to have on the format war as a whole. And so far, aside from radically altering the install base of hardware for both formats, the gaming rigs are playing a big role in moving HD software off the shelves too.

Continue Reading »
The S&V Interview
HT Talks To . . . Tony Baxter of Walt Disney Imagineering
Chris Chiarella  |  Nov 22, 2006
The senior VP of Walt Disney Imagineering leads us through the "Under the Sea Adventure," the ride that almost was and the coolest DVD extra ever.

Here's a lost bit of Disneyland history gleaned from the new Little Mermaid Platinum Edition DVD: The film's overwhelming success prompted Disney Imagineers to dream up a new theme-park ride in its honor. But then the radiant accolades for the studio's Best Picture–nominated follow-up, Beauty and the Beast, promptly changed a fickle world's tune to "The Little Who-Now?" and Disney shelved the project. Disc two of the set caps this tale with one of the single most impressive bonus features ever conceived, fully realizing the ride that almost was through modern computer-generated imagery. It's authentic to the pseudo reality of Disney's parks, and you can view it with optional schematic drawings, commentary, and the ability to turn up the lights to reveal the inner workings of the accurately simulated machinery. It's all part of "Under the Sea Adventure: A Virtual Ride Inspired by Disney Imagineers."

Continue Reading »
AV GlossaryHDTV Tech
1080i vs. 1080p
Geoffrey Morrison  |  Nov 21, 2006  |  First Published: Nov 22, 2006
Less than meets the eye.

The most frequently asked questions I've received this year have been about the difference between 1080i and 1080p. Many people felt—or others erroneously told them—that their brand-new 1080p TVs were actually 1080i, as that was the highest resolution they could accept on any input. I did a blog post on this topic and received excellent questions, which I followed up on. It is an important enough question—and one that creates a significant amount of confusion—that I felt I should address it here, as well.

Continue Reading »
AV Receiver ReviewsOther Source Component ReviewsTower Speaker Reviews
Panasonic TH-42PX60U Plasma HDTV, SA-XR57 A/V Receiver, DMR-EH55 DVR/DVD Recorder, and SB-TP100 Speaker System
Adrienne Maxwell  |  Nov 21, 2006  |  First Published: Nov 22, 2006
HDMI: It's not just for video anymore.

HDMI is a wonderful invention filled with promise. When utilized to its fullest, it can offer the best of both worlds: uncompressed audio and video signals and intelligent, two-way communication over a single cable. Manufacturers have long teased us with talk of complete home theater systems that you can set up using just two or three cables, but the reality has fallen far short of the promise. Most designers have used HDMI only as a top-grade video connector, paying little attention to its audio and communication abilities. Armed with the new HDMI 1.2a spec (the products here were designed and released before 1.3 was finalized), Panasonic is aiming for the ultimate in connection and control with their new EZ Sync HDAVI Control products.

Continue Reading »

Pages

X