Onkyo
If you want to hear the back surround channel in 6.1-channel movie soundtracks, but don't want to shell out a lot of coin, Onkyo's TX-SR502 receiver will get the job done for a song.
PDF: What's on Free TV
Here's what the major broadcast networks have to offer.
PDF: What's on Pay TV
Blockbuster movies, mega sports events, and premium-channel series are just the tip of the high-def
The world's first movie server, a new kind of rear-projection HDTV, three
stylish on-wall speaker systems, a satellite service dedicated to HDTV, and
15 more exceptional products.
When we select gear to review at Sound & Vision, we shy away from stuff that seems inferior or merely mimics what's already available. We look for products that represent an important trend or new development - whether a technological breakthrough, a leap in performance, or a bold design statement.
MitsubishiNot only does Mitsubishi's WD-62825 rear-projection HDTV have a big, 62-inch screen for high-definition shows to stretch out in, but it also has a built-in 120-gigabyte hard disk for recording them. The disk has room for 12 hours of high-def programming or 72 hours at standard-def.
Toshiba
Connect Toshiba's RD-XS52 DVD/hard-disk recorder to your TV by its digital HDMI output, and it'll upconvert standard-def video from TV programs, DVDs, and even camcorder footage to the 1080i or 720p HDTV formats.
The Consumer Electronics Show is all about firsts, but some of this year's bordered on the freakish. Samsung unveiled a flat-panel TV with a 102-inch screen - that works out to 31 square feet of plasma real estate. Or how about $75,000 for LG's 71-inch plasma set?
PioneerEvery listening room has its own shape, size, and furniture - all of which affect sound. With the supplied microphone, Pioneer's thrifty VSX-815 receiver will automatically adjust its five-band equalizer to customize sound to best match your digs.
Samsung
The latest DLP big screens from Samsung are led by the HLR5688W, which measures 56 inches (diagonal) and boasts a native resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels. Yep, that's enough for ultra-high 1080p (progressive-scan) resolution, folks.
Sony's about to launch of its new ES-series speaker line, a more affordable speaker based on the company's acclaimed AR-series speakers. To celebrate, the company's joining forces with Sound & Vision to offer a gift card to a lucky recipient.
You can't buy Emotiva gear like the UMC-200 pre/pro and UPA-700 amp we just reviewed in retail stores, but if you're in the Chicago area this weekend, you can see it and hear it for yourself, on Saturday, April 13 from 9 am to 5 pm.
