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Understanding the Differences between HDMI Versions

HDMI has changed versions so many times it's been hard to keep up for most people. We've talked about the versions as part of other articles and documents, but it seemed fitting that we'd formulate and maintain a definitive document outlining the changes in a straightforward and easy-to-digest manner for all concerned. Hopefully this article helps you understand the format differences and aids in your ability to discern what features are important to you as you shop for HDMI-equipped products.

We are always preaching the more subs the better in a home theater system. So now that you've decided to purchase two subs, its time to show you how to correctly connect them up to ensure you achieve the maximum benefits of a multi sub system. Following the guidelines set forth in this article will help you integrate a multi-subwoofer system into your home theater. If done properly, using two or more subs will yield significantly better and smoother bass response for all of the seats in your theater room.

Tech Article: The All Channels Driven (ACD) Amplifier Test
by Gene DellaSala — last modified March 13, 2007 20:57

Can Your Amp Truly Deliver What It Claims? Just how valid is the ACD test most home theater publications use to measure amplifier power? This article cuts through the nonsense of this hotly debated (and often misunderstood) topic.

Tech Article: Switching Amplifiers: The Technology and the Issues
by Dan Banquer — last modified March 06, 2007 17:46

This article started because a good friend of mine dropped a Panasonic SA-XR50 switch-mode amplifier to me for some basic bench test. This article will NOT be a review of that unit, but an investigation into some of the issues that are happening with this technology.

Tech Article: Switching Amplifier (Class D) Basics
by Bruno Putzeys — last modified March 01, 2006 19:00

Just today I read on an internet forum a post by a "hot" new manufacturer of class D amplifiers saying that "the only way to solve the interference problem is to put the amplifier in a completely sealed metal enclosure". Apparently they were trying to excuse the fact that their product renders any nearby tuners useless. This begs the question: why didn't they do so then? Answer: because it doesn't help.

Tech Article: The High Instantaneous Current Spec
by Dan Banquer — last modified December 05, 2007 05:30

This very subject came up recently in the Audioholics forum and I would like to expand on this subject further, but before I do I think it's important to go into the history of how this specification became popular.

Tech Article: Basic Amplifier Measurement Techniques
by Gene DellaSala — last modified December 05, 2007 05:26

There has been much discussion on many of the audio forums lately regarding mid priced A/V receivers power capabilities as well as their abilities to drive low impedance loads. Much of the controversy steams around the infamous " All Channels Driven Test " which simulates a best case test load in a worst case environment and by all intents and purposes an unrealistic real world scenario. For more information on this, the reader is encouraged to read the following articles: The All Channels Driven Test Controversy and Product Managing Receiver Platforms.

Tech Article: Product Managing Receiver Platforms & Power Ratings
by Gene DellaSala — last modified November 08, 2004 19:00

Stereo reproduction in the fifties morphed from separates built by small high-end manufacturers like Saul Marantz to entrepreneurs like Sidney Harman who is credited with marketing the first receiver. Throughout the early sixties Harman-Kardon was joined by other American companies like H.H. Scott, Lafayette and Fisher until, toward the end of the decade, the Japanese joined the receiver category with lower cost receivers touting "innovations" like my (first receiver) JVC with a 5-band equalizer built-in.

Tech Article: The All Channels Driven Amplifier Test Controversy
by Gene DellaSala — last modified July 01, 2007 09:08

There has been a lot of controversy on many of the Internet forums regarding power capability of receivers when driving multi-channel speaker systems. Some argue that when a receiver is rated at 100wpc x 7, it should be able to deliver this power to all channels simultaneously. But is this a realistic test condition and requirement to place on such a product whose aim is to provide the highest price/performance in a compact box for the typical consumer?

Tech Article: Damping Factor: Effects On System Response
by Dick Pierce — last modified October 18, 2007 11:33

Much ballyhoo surrounds the concept of "damping factor." It's been suggested that it accounts for the alleged "dramatic differences" in sound between tube and solid state amplifiers. The claim is made (and partially cloaked in some physical reality) that a low source resistance aids in controlling the motion of the cone at resonance and elsewhere.

Tech Article: The Truth About Digital (Class D) Amplifiers
by Bruno Putzeys — last modified August 29, 2004 20:00

Firstly I'd like to point out that "digital amps" is a misnomer. There are two categories: Analog-controlled class D. Switching amplifiers…

Tech Article: Audio Amplifier Classes
by Gene DellaSala — last modified August 29, 2004 20:00

There are several basic classes of amplifiers in use today. Three of the more "audiophile of these are Class A, Class B, and Class AB. With the advent of additional digital amplifier technology this section will continue to be updated. Please stay tuned...

Amplifier Technology

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Understanding the Differences between HDMI Versions

Subwoofer Connection Guide For A Multi Subwoofer System

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