AVRev.com News and Reviews

Audioengine AW2 Wireless iPod Adapter Review

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:06:08 +0000

In the first quarter of its fiscal year 2009, Apple reported selling an astonishing 22,727,000 iPods. That was a new Apple record. Long before quarterly sales were approaching 23 million, it seemed like every company with a toe in the consumer electronics pool was producing some gadget to charge, protect, link, sense or sync iPods. On Amazon.com, alone, there are more 10,000 iPod Accessories and Supplies for sale. I can't think of another product with such second-hand “support.” But most of all people want to play iPods, and there are similarly hundreds of options for getting sound out of the 'Pod. Portable digital music systems such as Bose's SoundDock were soon the rage, letting users dock iPods directly into an integrated speaker system for playback with sound quality ranging from fair to pretty good. Still, the best way to get the best sound from an iPod is through Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-audio-sources/mp3-players/audioengine-aw2-wireless-ipod-adapter.html)

Requirements for Managed Copies on Blu-rays Delayed

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:35:55 +0000

Though it’s not likely to surprise anyone, the AACS has pushed back the December 4th deadline which would have required all Blu-ray disc makers to include a managed copy option on every disc. Part of the licensing agreement for the Advanced Access Content System (AACS) back in June was that all Blu-ray discs produced would be managed copy compliant by December 4th. Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-news/blu-ray-software-news/requirements-for-managed-copies-on-blu-rays-delayed.html)

ASUS Reveals O! Play HDP-R3

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:34:25 +0000

No matter how good a device is, there’s always something that can be improved. The well received ASUS O! Play HDP-R1 was missing a few finishing touches, and ASUS has answered the call with the HDP-R3.While not leaps and bounds different than its predecessor, the HDP-R3 does add one function which is becoming an absolute essential when it comes to set-top devices – wireless networking. Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-news/home-theater-media-center-pcs-news/asus-reveals-o-play-hdp-r3.html)

Answer Man, The (2009)

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:23:02 +0000

“The Answer Man” is an official pick of the 2009 Sundance Festival. For an independent film it is quite good. However, it is filled out with a weak subplot and an annoying redundancy of emotions and actions. The film has great cast. Unfortunately, it seems that the script tries the patience of the actors. Jeff Daniels is Arlen Faber, the writer of “Me and God,” a book that changed spirituality and owns 10 percent of the God market. No one knows who Arlen is. He is a hermit that is tired of people coming to him for all the answers. Apparently, the questions and answers in his book came from a direct conversation with God. Lauren Graham, formerly of the “Gilmore Girls,” stars as Elizabeth, a single mom that is trying to run a chiropractor shop. By chance, Arlen throws his back out and Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/blu-ray-movie-disc-reviews/romantic-comedy/answer-man-the-2009.html)

California Postpones Energy Standards Vote on Plasmas

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:23:03 +0000

The much anticipated decision by the California Energy Commission has been delayed two weeks until November 18th. Consumers, retailers and manufacturers will all have to wait a full fortnight for the vote on a highly controversial proposal from the California Energy Commission. This much maligned effort would put the kibosh on larger LCD and plasma displays. Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-news/plasma-hdtv-news/california-postpones-energy-standards-vote-on-plasmas.html)

Internet Radio to Revitalize Home Audio Market

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:21:40 +0000

It’s increasingly rare these days to find someone with a dedicated setup just for audio. Home theater setups for movie watching are more and more common, but listening to music gets relegated to the iPod and a cheap pair of in-ear headphones. According to a study conducted by Futuresource Consulting – a firm specializing in the consumer electronics market – the saving grace of home audio may be internet radio. Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-news/music-technology-news/internet-radio-to-revitalize-home-audio-market.html)

Myka Releases ION Web-to-TV PC

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:19:21 +0000

Skirting the line between an HTPC and a set top solution, Myka’s ION is (according to Myka) able to play most media formats, and view web based video content. The ION sports a 1.6 GHz Intel Atom processor and NVIDIA’s MCP7A-ION chipset and GeForce 9400M graphics processor, allowing for full 1080p playback with 7.1 channel audio. Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-news/home-theater-media-center-pcs-news/myka-releases-ion-web-to-tv-pc.html)

Blu-Con 2.0 Conference Coverage

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:54:06 +0000

This Tuesday, the second Blu-Con conference was held in Beverly Hills, California. Blu-Con is entirely dedicated to the topic of Blu-ray and its potential future within the movie, hardware, software, gaming and retail industries. We jumped at the chance to attend, especially with all the underlying conversations about digital delivery versus Blu-ray adoption. We were very interested in hearing how the current state of the economy had altered the adoption rate of Blu-ray and what the industry experts expected to see in the coming months / years.The conference kicked off with an opening from the DEG (Digitial Entertainment Group) president about what he expected to see this holiday season; namely $99 Blu-ray players and a higher attach rate of Blu-ray disc purchases. There are currently 12 million U.S. homes with Blu-ray players and title sales have already risen about 83% over the past quarter. He also discussed Blu-ray Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-feature-articles/other/blu-con-2.0-conference-coverage.html)

Wisdom Audio Adds Three Models to the Sage Line

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:43:41 +0000

A trio of new models has been added to Wisdom Audio’s Sage Series of loudspeakers. At the behest of customers and installers alike, the new speakers have been designed specifically for use with large displays and for situations where in wall speakers just won’t do the trick. Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-news/on-wall-loudspeakers-news/wisdom-audio-adds-three-models-to-the-sage-line.html)

BodySound Offers Personal Surround Sound Theater Seating

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:42:00 +0000

Ever wanted a full 7.1 surround sound experience all built into one leather recliner? No? What if we told you it vibrated? Still no, huh? Well, BodySound has announced their new line of surround sound furniture anyway. The BodySound refers to their furniture as Experiential seating, meaning that not only will users hear the audio, but they’ll feel it as well. Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-news/furniture-racks-news/bodysound-offers-personal-surround-sound-theater-seating.html)

Roca Designs Brings Entertainment to the Bath

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:39:28 +0000

The daily ritual of showering is one that has long presented man with the problem of entertainment. Standing under hot water is only novel for so long, and shower radios have lost their appeal to a jaded consumer market. The bath isn’t much better, for each time a book, an iPod or personal media player is brought out, there’s the chance that it’ll end up under water. Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-news/general-news/roca-designs-brings-entertainment-to-the-bath.html)

Boston Acoustics Introduces Reflection Series

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:37:06 +0000

“With the introduction of our new Reflection Series speakers,” says Boston Acoustics’ Eli Haray “our 'good, better, best' component speaker strategy is now complete.” The Reflection Series (RS) constitutes what Haray would call the ‘better’ line of speakers, taking its position right between the CS and VS lines. Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-news/bookshelf-monitor-loudspeakers-news/boston-acoustics-introduces-reflection-series.html)

Up (2009)

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:40:42 +0000

I must be out of it, but I disagree with every review out there on this film. I find this to be, by far the worst of the Disney/Pixar presentations. It just doesn’t live up to the standard set forth by “Finding Nemo,” “Cars,” “The Incredibles,” etc. One of my biggest issues with the film, and the reason why I never went to see it in theaters, is that the story is simply pedestrian and outright silly. While other Pixar films are not exactly routed in reality, the have an incredible story that makes you overlook the fundamentals. However, that is not the case with this film. The film starts out promising. But then the best part of the film is the several minute montage of Ellie and Carl’s life together. After that, the film is not very engaging. The characters are not memorable. And that folks Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/blu-ray-movie-disc-reviews/animation/up-2009.html)

ZVOX IncrediBase 575 Review

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:02:08 +0000

It wasn’t too long ago that the only way to watch a movie was to journey to the local movie theater or drive-in. For many, “going out” meant “going to the movies.” Then VCRs were introduced, and soon folks were buying and renting their favorite flicks to enjoy in the convenience and comfort of home. Something was missing, though, and I’m not talking about $8 buckets of popcorn and chairs still sticky from soda spilled two matinees ago. The VCR tapes had a tendency to jam or suddenly self-destruct mid-movie, unfurling celluloid into a linguine-like tangle. You grabbed a #2 pencil, stuck the eraser in the tape roller and hoped it wind back for one more showing. TVs were big and boxy with limited audio and visual playback capabilities that often turned even the most stirring soundtracks and special effects into hollow artifacts. There had to be a Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-loudspeakers/speaker-systems/zvox-incredibase-575.html)

Best Buy to Embed CinemaNow in Nearly All Connected Devices

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:14:58 +0000

It’s interesting to see the clout that a company like Best Buy has. According to their recent press release, they’ll be embedding Sonic’s Roxio CinemaNow technology into a majority of the connected devices they sell, including TV Sets, PMPs, set-tops, mobile phones and Blu-ray players. This integration is hitting nearly every capable product they sell, regardless of brand. Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-news/industry-trade-news/best-buy-to-embed-cinemanow-in-nearly-all-connected-devices.html)

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen – Now Available on USB

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:13:20 +0000

Some companies really get digital distribution. Netflix for example. They know that some consumers are willing to sacrifice quality of picture and sound for an inexpensive and convenient way to view content. Kingston on the other hand, seems to be missing something. Combining the inconvenience of physical media with the low quality video of streaming media, Kingston and Paramount have teamed up to deliver Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen on a USB drive. Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-news/what-is-on-in-hd-news/transformers-revenge-of-the-fallen-now-available-on-usb.html)

Sonos ZonePlayer S5 - Now Shipping

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:11:18 +0000

The ZonePlayer S5 from Sonos may be what the doctor ordered for our still lagging economy. In a sales environment where even audiophiles are spending less on their gear, if convenience is king, then economy is that creepy advisor always whispering in his ear. The ZonePlayer is able to play a wide variety of files, including MP3, AAC, WAV, AIFF, and FLAC. Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-news/music-servers-mp3-players-news/sonos-zoneplayer-s5-now-shipping.html)

Monsters, Inc. (2001)

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:34:00 +0000

At long last, “Monsters, Inc.” makes its way onto Blu-ray after one or two delays. And it is definitely worth the wait. The film is another one of Disney’s best. While there are a few lulls in the film, it is certainly entertaining for kids. “Monsters, Inc.” is about the human world versus the monster world. We all grew up fearing that there were monsters under our beds (though I was fortunate to have a bed with a solid bottom - no monsters there). In this film, the monsters have a closet door system that allows them to access children’s bedrooms and scare them. The monsters collect these screams to use as power for their city. However, lately there has become a scream shortage, as children are desensitized. The only thing that the monsters fear is all things from the human realm. There is Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/blu-ray-movie-disc-reviews/animation/monsters-inc.-2001.html)

Brothers Announces Wall of Sound iPod Speaker

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:42:54 +0000

Brothers is a company that while apparently having no concept of the word overkill has still managed to provide the perfect definition. Measuring three feet high and four feet wide, the Wall of Sound is an iPod speaker that goes above and beyond the call of duty. Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-news/speaker-systems-news/brothers-announces-wall-of-sound-ipod-speaker.html)

Ultra-High Definition 8K Resolution Television Coming In 2017

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:40:31 +0000

So you’re finally set. You’ve got a solid receiver that handles 7.1 channel audio and decodes all the high definition formats. You’ve got a nice 1080p display. Your surround speakers are set and tuned to the room, and you’re ready to experience the very peak of the consumer electronics line. For a few years anyway. According to In-Stat, we could be kicking our current resolution for 4K or 8K in around eight years. Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-news/industry-trade-news/ultra-high-definition-8k-resolution-television-coming-in-2017.html)

Triad Expands with In-Wall and In-Ceiling Speakers

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:37:38 +0000

Increasing the amount of options available to consumers and custom installers, Triad has expanded their line by offering new DesignerSeries invisible loudspeakers. Designed to be completely hidden behind walls and ceilings, Triad’s new speaker line is made for those rooms where traditional speakers just aren’t an option. Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-news/in-wall-loudspeakers-news/triad-expands-with-in-wall-and-in-ceiling-speakers.html)

Viewsonic Releases VMP70 HD Media Player

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:35:27 +0000

Known better as a manufacturer of monitors and projectors, Viewsonic has entered the digital media player race, boasts the most complete codec set on a media player to date. The VMP70 will run around $100 when it is released later this month. The various MPEG formats are all represented, as are Divx and Xvid. WMV, H.264, MKV and Real Media files are all playable, as well as other file types not listed. Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-news/home-theater-media-center-pcs-news/viewsonic-releases-vmp70-hd-media-player.html)

Love Actually (2003)

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:43:05 +0000

“Love Actually” is a little known British romantic comedy. This is about as good as it gets for modern romantic films. There is something in this film for everyone. It is truly the perfect holiday date movie. The film’s basis lies in the connections among strangers. The story follows several British individuals that are seemingly all linked. This is a film of joy, happiness and belief in loving mankind. Aside from the intricate storylines, the film boasts a tremendously talented cast. Some of the lead performers are Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Laura Linney and Keira Knightley. In addition to the leads, there are numerous cameo spots by actors such as Elisha Cuthbert, Denise Richards, and Shannon Elizabeth. The list goes on and on. The film deals with finding love, maintaining love and repairing love among several couples. This Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/blu-ray-movie-disc-reviews/romantic-comedy/love-actually-2003.html)

LG’s Details OLED Roadmap – OLED Cheaper than LCD in 2016

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 19:25:06 +0000

Benjamin Franklin once said that there were only two things that we could be certain of: death and taxes. It’s something worth keeping in mind when companies start announcing their plans for the future. Won Kim, the VP of OLED sales and marketing over at LG laid out the company roadmap for the next few years, and it all seems pretty feasible. Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-news/industry-trade-news/lg-s-details-oled-roadmap-oled-cheaper-than-lcd-in-2016.html)

Sleek Audio Releases Entry Level SA-1 Headphones

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:11:19 +0000

Sleek Audio made a pretty solid impression with their $249 SA-6 earbuds, and are hoping to do the same with their new entry level SA-1 . You can tell that something’s different about the SA-1 at first glance. It’s stylish to be sure; the rosewood and silver colors make these a classy looking set of buds. Surprisingly, that’s not a wood finish, the SA-1s are constructed of real Siam rosewood. Read more... (http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-news/speaker-systems-news/sleek-audio-releases-entry-level-sa-1-headphones.html)