AVRev.com News and Reviews

Harman Kardon BDP 1 Blu-ray Player

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:46:14 +0000

With their signature two-tone, slick yet simple aesthetic and a penchant for quality in the audio / video spectrum, especially with a range of excellent receivers, Harman Kardon have always had a way with throwing together capable machines that also project a certain electronic sex appeal. It’s only natural that their flagship Blu-ray player, the BDP 1, carries along the same blend of sharp looks and capableness in the quality department. Though lighter on features when compared to other models within its price range (namely the OPPO BDP-83) and fairly skimpy on personal adjustment, Harman Kardon have justly taken their stronger qualities into consideration and built a proficient 1080p/24, Profile 2.0 Blu-ray / upscaling DVD player with an eye for streamline design.Out of the Box:Coming equipped in a sturdy standard cardboard box, Harman Kardon’s unit impresses out of the gate with its aesthetic looks. Sporting clean, Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-video-players/blu-ray-players/harman-kardon-bdp-1-blu-ray-player.html)

Pioneer Elite Receivers Gets iPhone / Satellite Radio Functionality

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:18:01 +0000

The four new models in the Elite series A/V receivers from Pioneer have received upgrades. They are all now certified Works with iPhone, and two models can connect to the Internet and play music-subscription services from Sirius and Rhapsody. The four new models, all 7.1 channel, include the VSX-21 (SRP: $700), the VSX-23 (SRP: $900), which ship in July, and the SC-25 (SRP: $1,700) and the SC-27 (SRP: $2,000). Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-news/av-receiver-news/pioneer-elite-receivers-gets-iphone-satellite-radio-functionality.html)

Vizio Announces Vudu / Facebook Connectivity

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:13:58 +0000

The newest line of TVs from Vizio, the XVT series, will enjoy several new content partners through the VIA Internet Apps feature. By integrating dual-band wired and wireless networking, the XVT series can connect to a variety of internet applications and offer content to viewers. Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-news/lcd-hdtv-news/vizio-announces-vudu-facebook-connectivity.html)

Sirius Radio iPhone App is a Hit

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:11:00 +0000

The free trial of Sirius Radio for iPhone is the 7th most popular free app in the app store. Reaching over 1 million downloads within the first two weeks, this is one of the fastest-selling apps to date. The app allows users to stream up to 120 Sirius radio stations for one week. Users can purchase a song while it is playing, or add it to favorites to purchase later on iTunes. Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-news/xm-satellite-radio-news/sirius-radio-iphone-app-is-a-hit.html)

I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (1998)

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:13:36 +0000

I know what you are all thinking, "how could he give this film even three stars?" Well, the answer is simply nostalgia. In the mid-90s, the horror genre was resurrected and modified for the generation of the day. It all began with "Scream" in 1996. Writing/Directing team, Wes Craven and Kevin Williamson brought teen horror back to life. This film was the start of Friday night college horror night. The duo followed up "Scream" with two sequels. While none of the three films were truly awe-inspiring, they paved the way for other films in the genre to come along. Most notably, in 1997, one year after "Scream," Kevin Williamson departed from Craven and created, "I Know What You Did Last Summer." The film was only moderately successful, but the studio provided it a sequel. Just one year later, in 1998 "I Still Know What You Did Last Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/blu-ray-movie-disc-reviews/horror-thriller/i-still-know-what-you-did-last-summer-1998.html)

Public Enemies (2009)

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:30:14 +0000

"I like baseball, movies, good clothes, fast cars...and you. What else do you need to know?"John Dillinger (Johnny Depp)I’m not going to lie. I never thought robbing banks would be so boring. When I heard that Michael Mann (director of Miami Vice, Collateral, and the classic crime drama Heat) was going to be making a film about infamous criminal John Dillinger, with perpetual chameleon Johnny Depp in the role, I was psyched. When I heard that Christian Bale would be playing Melvin Purvis, the FBI agent who hunted Dillinger, I was ecstatic. Sure, the footage looked a little rough, due to the choice of shooting on digital cameras, but what the hell, there’s no way it could really be bad.As mentioned, Johnny Depp plays John Dillinger, one of the most notorious bank robbers in the history of the United States. As the film opens, Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/theatrical-movie-reviews/theatrical/public-enemies-2009.html)

Hurt Locker, The (2009)

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:25:24 +0000

The conventional wisdom of the day says that Iraq War movies can’t succeed until the troops come home. Hollywood spit them out anyway and one by one, down they went. Anything that mentioned Blackwater, Basra or the Green Zone was box office poison. “See?” they said. Folks have war fatigue. They don’t want to escape to the movies only to see the misery they can find at home on CNN. Well. The conventional wisdom is about to be smashed to pieces because The Hurt Locker is an excellent use of celluloid and people are going to want to see this thing.The film opens with a quote by journalist/author Chris Hedges that ends with these four words: war is a drug. Like any drug, some succumb to its seductions, some can take it or leave it and some, after one taste, don’t ever want to go near it again. Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/theatrical-movie-reviews/theatrical/hurt-locker-the-2009.html)

HDTV Manufacturers Going Solar

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:00:00 +0000

LG has announced that it will begin producing solar electric systems – thin-film solar cells that could potentially battle the high prices associated with traditional solar panels. The production process for solar cells is similar to FTF-LCD panels, and LG will be upgrading its Paju display complex in Korea to test this new venture. Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-news/lcd-hdtv-news/hdtv-manufacturers-going-solar.html)

Yamaha Launches New Receiver

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:00:00 +0000

Yamaha’s newest A/V receiver, the RX-V1065, offers a new on-screen display interface and an increase in HDMI inputs over its predecessor. It features 7.1 channel sound, 7x105 Watts, HD radio, the ability to decode all Blu-Ray sound formats, video upscaling to 1080p, connections to an optional iPod dock, Sirius/XM-ready capabilities, four HDMI inputs and a front-panel USB port. Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-news/av-receiver-news/yamaha-launches-new-receiver.html)

Audio-Technica Release Details on New Headphones

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:00:00 +0000

New noise-cancellation headphones from Audio-Technica have been announced. Offering 85% noise reduction, the ATH-ANC7b headphones will be available for purchase this August for a suggested retail price of $219. Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-news/audio-sources-news/audio-technica-release-details-on-new-headphones.html)

Sony Announces a Compact DVD Recorder

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:00:00 +0000

The latest DVDirect Recorder from Sony is 60% smaller than previous models. It is able to transfer videos (high- and standard-def) from a camcorder or camera to a DVD without a computer. The files are transferred at up to 1080i resolution and 5.1 channel sound, and are playable on Blu-Ray players and PS3s. Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-news/dvd-hardware-software-news/sony-announvces-a-compact-dvd-recorder.html)

I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry (2007)

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:49:02 +0000

I'm not sure exactly why other reviewers tend to critically pan this film. Sure, it isn't deep or thought provoking, but it is fun and entertaining. It ranks right up there with Adam Sandler's other silly films. Having grossed more than $100 million at the box office, the film is definitely a success in the eyes of moviegoers. I happen to agree with movie fans rather than the critics on this one. "I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry" stars two of the funniest actors around – Adam Sandler and Kevin James. Throw in Steve Buscemi and Jessica Biel and this film is half way there to great success. Unfortunately, the plot is a bit weak. But let's be honest, we are not really watching this film for a plot. We are watching for laughs. And in that regard, the film delivers. In this Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/blu-ray-movie-disc-reviews/romantic-comedy/i-now-pronounce-you-chuck-larry-2007.html)

Princess Protection Program (Royal B.F.F. Extended Edition) (2009)

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:14:34 +0000

Disney has been hyping "Princess Protection Program" for quite some time. If you ever tune into the Disney channel every other promotion is for this film. I even caught promotions for the made-for-TV on the A&E and HGTV channels. The promotions actually worked as I became at least semi-interested in seeing the film. I have been a fan of Disney Channel Original movies for quite some time. The Halloweentown series, "Cadet Kelly" and "Right On Track" are just a few of my favorites. Unfortunately, "Princess Protection Program" doesn't quite live up to the Disney Channel Original standard. The film is entirely predictable. This is usually to be expected of a Disney film as to keep it in the reach of children. However, normally there is something in the Disney films that can keep adults interested. This film however is purely for the tweenies. Pre-teen girls will adore Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/dvd-movie-disc-reviews/drama/princess-protection-program-royal-b.f.f.-extended-edition-2009.html)

Proposal, The (2009)

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:39:54 +0000

I have a proposal for you. I’ll give you, say, twelve of my hard earned dollars and two hours of my time. I’ll even let you try and sell me a car and some soda pop before we get down to business. All I ask for in return is some fresh romantic comedy entertainment – a storyline that hasn’t been sewn from the scraps of ones that came before it (and that isn’t based on a lie or misunderstanding – I am SO over that), two affable main characters with chemistry that makes me root for them to be together and some clever bits along the way. Why is it so FREAKING hard for you to hold up your end of this bargain???The creators of The Proposal came through for us on only one of these counts. With two lesser actors (like, oh, I don’t know – Matthew Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/theatrical-movie-reviews/theatrical/proposal-the-2009.html)

HD Radio Prepares New Campaign

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:24:45 +0000

On June 29th the HD Radio Alliance began its latest campaign to increase consumer awareness about the benefits of HD radio. Their focus is on higher sound quality, the ability to tune in to a wider range of local stations, and the expected release of the first portable HD radio players in the end of Q3. Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-news/music-technology-news/hd-radio-prepares-new-campaign.html)

Apple CEO Steve Jobs Back at Work

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:18:30 +0000

Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple, is easing back into work after a nearly six-month medical leave. He will be working from home for a few days a week, for the first few weeks in order to maintain his health. During his absence, the pancreatic cancer survivor underwent a liver transplant. Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-news/industry-trade-news/apple-ceo-steve-jobs-back-at-work.html)

Yamaha Shows Off a neoHD Controller

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:16:43 +0000

Yamaha has taken the lid off of its latest device, which could simplify any home theater setup: the neoHD. This Media Controller not only offers HD performance for both audio and video, but it also controls all home theater components, Internet components, and devices connected to the home theater AV setup. It can control six devices at a time, and the remote control has embedded codes for most brands and devices on the market. Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-news/audio-sources-news/yamaha-shows-off-a-neohd-controller.html)

Bang & Olufsen 103-inch Plasma Preview

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:00:31 +0000

Last month, we visited the Aston Martin dealership in Beverly Hills to get a peek at the Bang & Olufsen 103” Plasma high definition television. They had to schedule the demonstration in a car dealership due to the impressive weight. The massive behemoth of a HDT V weighs 584 pounds (TV only) and over 1200 pounds if the motorized stand is included. It requires five movers to deliver and install the television, only if the house’s foundation & structure passes muster from a qualified house inspector. It’s no wonder that they needed the flooring support capable of handling the various Aston Martin vehicles in the immediate area. The viewing area was framed by a couple BeoLab 5 speakers on the sides and rear of the room. As we sat down for the demonstration, the TV went in the opposite direction; lifting upwards on the motorized stand as it Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-feature-articles/video-related-articles/bang-olufsen-103-inch-plasma-preview.html)

LessLoss Dynamic Filtering Power Cable

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Cables have always been a subject of skeptical scrutiny for me. Many, many years ago, cables were simply cables; absent of any dissection of quality. My weekly discussions with fellow installers were always spent on vehemently arguing over equipment performance rather than the cables running said components. These days, cables are the subject of rampant discussion and choosing the correct cables often means wading through lengthy manufacturer diatribes to let your ears make the correct choice. Liudas Motekaitis (aka Louis Motek), the managing director of LessLoss, was kind enough to send us over a batch of 10 dynamic filtering power cables (DFPC) in a variety of lengths. Packaged tightly in plastic bags, the cables made the overseas trip from Lithuania safely and landed on my doorstep the following week. The cables are generally tough to damage to begin with and tightly wound in a twisting black sheath (presumably Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-ac-power/ac-power/lessloss-df-power-cable.html)

No Way Back (1996)

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:41:37 +0000

There is no denying it, this is just a crummy film. I was surprised when I learned that the film was released in 1996. Despite starring Russell Crowe, I had never heard of this film. It has been lost in obscurity since its inception. I'm not sure how Sony came about releasing this film on Blu-ray. I still think the studio has a giant wall of movie title names and they just throw darts at the wall. It just so happens that this time the dart landed on "No Way Back." The plot of the film is a complete joke. The audience is not privileged to any more information than the actors are. That is not the issue. The issue is that the audience is able to figure out the entire film from about five minutes into the film, yet the actors take wrongs turns from beginning Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/blu-ray-movie-disc-reviews/action-adventure/no-way-back-1996.html)

Spaceballs (1987)

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:47:10 +0000

Mel Brooks is the father of parody films. He created the genre and turned them in laugh riots. Brooks struck it big in 1974 with "Blazing Saddles." The film has become iconic in cinematic history. Brooks followed up his successful feature with "Young Frankenstein," "Silent Movie" and "History of the World: Part 1." In 1987 Brooks turned out another classic, "Spaceballs." "Spaceballs" is the most memorable parody on the beloved Star Wars saga. The film is full of inside Mel Brooks' jokes and terrific acting by some top-notch actors. Rick Moranis, Bill Pullman and John Candy lead this comedic cast. In "Spaceballs," Planet Druidia is in trouble as Spaceball City plans to suck all the fresh air from the planet and transfer it to Spaceball City. President Skroob (Mel Brooks) hires Dark Helmet (Rick Moranis) to capture the princess of Druidia. On the day Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/blu-ray-movie-disc-reviews/comedy/spaceballs-1987.html)

Sharp TVs, Monitors Banned from Entering U.S.

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:01:52 +0000

Samsung has won a legal battle with Sharp over patent infringement in Sharp’s US LCD displays and computer monitors. In a ruling yesterday, a trade agency declared that Sharp’s displays which violate this ruling should be immediately banned from the US. Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-news/lcd-hdtv-news/sharp-tvs-monitors-banned-from-entering-u.s.html)

Naim launches the NaimUniti

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 23:58:26 +0000

The NaimUniti “all-in-one” unit includes a CD player, integrated amp, FM tuner, iPod dock, Internet radio, network stream player, music file player and DAC converter. This unit can play a wide range of audio files, from the standard WMA, MP3 and WAV to FLAC, AAC and Apple lossless. Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-news/music-servers-mp3-players-news/naim-launches-the-naimuniti.html)

Michael Jackson Dies at Age 50

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 23:48:23 +0000

Michael Jackson, the aptly named "King of Pop", was taken to the UCLA Medical Center today and pronounced dead at approximately 3 p.m. PT. Los Angeles paramedics arrived at Jackson's Bel-Air home at 12:30 p.m. after Michael was found not breathing and in a coma by a family doctor. Paramedics discovered Jackson in full cardiac arrest and performed CPR as they traveled to the hospital. Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-news/music-general-news/michael-jackson-dies-at-age-50.html)

Study: Twitter Users Buy More Music

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 23:19:42 +0000

NPD released stats from a recent study that claims that those who use Twitter purchase more digital music than those who are not users. Active Twitter users purchase 77% more music than non-users, and 12% of those who report buying music in the past 3 months have used Twitter as well. Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-news/music-general-news/study-twitter-users-buy-more-music.html)