HT Staff

MartinLogan
MartinLogan's Cinema i center-channel speaker builds on the same foundation as the company's Cinema center channel, but it incorporates some new technologies and a supercool industrial design. The speaker includes ClearSpar technology, which is said to enhance the Cinema i's transparent aesthetic and increase both efficiency and dynamics. MartinLogan's MicroPerf design is also aboard. In this design, the stator's individual holes are smaller, which allows for more open space compared with that of the traditional ESL transducer. This 37-pound speaker is ergonomically friendly, too. Using its included stand, you can mount it on your display, on the wall, on the ceiling, or even on the floor. Just use the incorporated handgrips to aim the speaker at the listening position. This versatile center channel costs $1,795.
MartinLogan
(785) 749-0133
www.martinlogan.com

Vidikron
It's not wrong to want a DLP projector that has professional features for your home theater without wanting to break your bank to buy it. Fortunately, the folks at Vidikron agree and offer their new Vision Model 20 DLP projector. The Vision Model 20 is based on Texas Instruments' HD-2 DLP chip and includes internal video processing with 3:2-pulldown detection. Are you an HDTV hound? Just add an outboard tuner, and the Vision Model 20 will give you full HDTV compatibility. With a rated light output of 850 ANSI lumens and a 1,500:1 contrast ratio, you can use the Vision Model 20 with a screen up to 96 inches wide. Vidikron offers this well-rounded DLP projector for $5,495.
Vidikron
(510) 324-5900
www.vidikron.com

The HT staff prepares to hand out the first-annual RAVE Awards. From left to right, Jackie Augustine, Chris Lewis, Mike Wood, Maureen Jenson, Adrienne Maxwell, and Claire Lloyd.

On behalf of Pioneer, Andrew Jones accepts the award for Product of the Year: the Elite DV-47Ai universal disc player.

Morris Kessler accepts ATI's award for Best Midlevel Amplifier, the AT2007.

Bob Stuart of Meridian accepts the Best High-End Pre/Pro award for the 568.2. Meridian's 598 also won Best High-End DVD Player.

Samsung's Steve Panosian receives the trophy for Best Budget DVD Player for the DVD-P421.

Polk's DS7200 A/V system earned a Hot Gear award, accepted by Paul DiComo.

Jack Hidley picks up NHT's award for the Evolution speaker system, voted Best Midlevel Speaker System.

Sony earned two RAVEs this year. Michael Smith collected trophies for Best Entry-Level Receiver (the STR-DA3ES) and Best Direct-View Display (the KV-34XBR800).

Dan D'Agostino accepts the Best Midlevel Pre/Pro award for Krell's Showcase.

Athena earned our Hot Ticket Value Speaker System award for the Point 5. Tom Gandulla accepts the award on Athena's behalf.

DVD: Just Married—20th Century Fox
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Ashton Kutcher (That '70s Show, Dude, Where's My Car?) and Brittany Murphy (King of the Hill, 8 Mile) play newlyweds who discover that they truly hate each other while they're on their honeymoon. Just Married doesn't exactly break new ground, but it's quite funny and entertaining, mostly due to the onscreen chemistry and charisma that the two stars imbue. Obviously not much of a thinker, it's at least fun. While you're watching, keep in mind that Kutcher does all of his own stunts.