Features

e-Life on the Go
Can the latest high-tech portables survive a weekend of sun and fun in Miami?

Shopping Made Simple: DVD Recorders
Of course you should replace your VCR — but which DVD recorder is right for you?

Ready, Set, Record!
DVD recorders from Toshiba, Yamaha, and LiteOn make it easy to burn your own DVDs.

Back to Basics: How to Set Up Your New HDTV
Everything you need to know to get your new high-def set hooked up right and looking great.

liveTunes!
On the prowl for new bands at the South by Southwest Music Festival.

Test Reports

Spotlight: Plasma Cool
HDTVs from LG, Panasonic, and Sony that set the standard for 42-inch flat panels.

Sony Exclusive!
DVP-NC685V DVD/SACD changer

Denon
AVR-3805 digital surround receiver

KEF Exclusive!
KIT100 home theater system

Artison
Portrait home theater speakers

Sharp
SD-HX500 wall-mountable DVD/receiver

Infinity Exclusive!
Beta home theater speaker system

JVC Exclusive!
CU-VH1 high-def video player/recorder

Entertainment

Movies
The Return of the King, The Matrix Revolutions, The Last Samurai, Something's Gotta Give, more

Music
Loretta Lynn, Avril Lavigne, Usher, Prince, Black Sabbath and Judas Priest boxes, more

Games
The Chronicles of Riddick, Red Dead Revolver, Van Helsing, a talk with Danny Elfman, more

Departments

Track One Bob Ankosko
A note from the editor

Random Play
Copying DVDs, high-def Olympics plans, 15 minutes with director Stephen Sommers, more

Feedback
Readers sound off

New Products
The latest home-entertainment gear

Q&A Ian G. Masters
Ask the expert

Tech Talk David Ranada
Golden anniversaires

Digital Horizons Ken C. Pohlmann
No place to hide

The Custom Installer John Sciacca
Irreconcilable differences

S&V Picks
Five drive-ins that are well worth a look