Scott Wilkinson

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Center-Channel Problem
Scott Wilkinson  |  Nov 18, 2011
I have a problem with my dedicated home theater—my center channel doesn't always sound clear. I've heard other systems whose dialog is crystal clear, but mine isn't. My system includes Klipsch speakers (RF-83 fronts, RC-64 center, RB-81 rears), two Velodyne DD-15 subwoofers with SVS AS-EQ1 equalizer, Anthem Statement P5 5-channel power amp, and Integra DHC-9.9 pre/pro. I've attached a photo of where my center-channel speaker sits, plus another one of the front of the theater. Any advice would be appreciated.

Rick Audinot

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The Big Picture
Passive Aggressive 3D
Scott Wilkinson  |  Nov 17, 2011
The daily deluge of news into my inbox included a very sad item yesterday. Insight Media, a display-industry analysis firm, reported that Samsung will not be making so-called "active retarder" 3D LCD TVs in collaboration with RealD. This approach places an active polarization-switching layer over the LCD layer, much like the polarization switcher placed in front of a projector lens in a commercial RealD theater. The viewer wears standard passive glasses, and the TV quickly alternates the polarization in sync with the alternating left and right images on the screen.
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Energy Take Classic 5.1 vs. Pioneer SP-PK21BS
Scott Wilkinson  |  Nov 16, 2011
I have a Samsung 46-inch LCD TV, Onkyo TX-NR509 A/V receiver, and KLH HT-60 speakers. I just got the Onkyo, and now I'd like to upgrade my speakers. I am considering the Energy Take Classic 5.1 system as well as the Pioneer SP-PK21BS speakers, but the Pioneers seem a bit large for my room (25x14 feet with a viewing distance of 10 feet). Also, the Pioneer's center speaker is so high, it would block the bottom portion of my screen.

Michael J. Leone

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Home Theater Geeks Podcast
Podcast 87: Barb Gonzalez
Scott Wilkinson  |  Nov 15, 2011
Barb Gonzalez, aka the Simple Tech Guru, talks about Logitech's recent announcement that it will no longer produce the Revue with Google TV as well as other aspects of the Google TV service, including the impending update, Sony's implementation, and LG's rumored involvement. She also reveals her initial impressions of the new Roku 2 streamer, answers chat-room questions, and more.

Run Time: 1:03:51

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Subwoofer Crossover
Scott Wilkinson  |  Nov 14, 2011
I have a Yamaha RX-V2400 A/V receiver driving a set of Boston Acoustics VR2 towers and a Boston PV1000 subwoofer. My question is what crossover, if any, should I set on the front of the subwoofer? It has three controls—a selector switch with 50, 80, 120, and 150Hz; Crossover Set or None; and Polarity None or 180. I did not get a manual because it was a floor model. My bass sounds odd and it is bothering me.

Greg Peckinpaugh

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Vote
Which Setup Disc Do You Use?
Scott Wilkinson  |  Nov 11, 2011
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Native 2.35:1 Displays
Scott Wilkinson  |  Nov 11, 2011
Thanks for your amazing podcast; I've been an avid listener since episode 1. I was wondering if you could spend some time on the topic of ultra-widescreen projectors and 21:9 TVs. There are very few products of the sort, and many people spend a small fortune on anamorphic lenses, stretching processors, and such. Why are there no native 21:9 projectors out there? Ninety percent of my viewing is in 2.35 and above, and I always have black bars on the top and bottom. In my mind, 16:9 is the new full screen. What's coming down the road ahead?

Atli Davidsson

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Audiovox vs. Onkyo HTIB
Scott Wilkinson  |  Nov 09, 2011
I just bought a refurbished Audiovox 5.1 home-theater-in-a-box made in 2002 for $144 (original price $299). I can still return it and wonder if there is a better option at this price point. I found a refurbished Onkyo HT-S3300 for about $300 and wonder if it is worth the extra $150? I have a new LG 42-inch flat-panel LCD TV in a medium-size family room. I have no idea if the Audiovox for $144 is a good deal or not. I couldn't care less about Blu-ray or 3D, but I want good sound. Can you give me any tips or suggestions?

Sheridan Long

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Home Theater Geeks Podcast
Podcast 86: Rob Sabin & the Chat Room
Scott Wilkinson  |  Nov 08, 2011
Home Theater editor Rob Sabin and I answer questions from the chat room, including the new Sharp Elite flat panel, cheap versus expensive HDMI cables, home-theater-in-a-box systems, 4K, how much to spend on a home-theater system, projectors versus direct-view TVs, LED LCD TVs, rear-projection TVs, THX versus Dolby and DTS, and much more.

Run Time: 1:02:27

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Cable Box Output Resolution
Scott Wilkinson  |  Nov 07, 2011
I have two plasma TVs, an older Philips 1080i/720p and a newer Panasonic 1080p. I have Verizon FiOS with HD DVR that lets me choose 720p or 1080i output. Which should I choose for the best picture for watching sports? I seem to remember reading somewhere that 720p is best for sports and 1080i is better for movies, but I'm not sure if that still holds true.

Also, I'm considering getting a new 1080p set, and I see you have the Panasonic TC-P50ST30 rated as one of your Top Picks. I can get a good deal on the 60-inch version of this TV and was wondering if your review holds true for that size. I see you review a lot of 50-inch TVs, but not the 60-inch versions. Do the 60-inch versions lose picture quality because the screen is 10 inches bigger with the same number of pixels? Do they just make the pixels bigger?

Jay P.

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