http://www.audioholics.comWhere audio and video equipment undergoes rigorous objective and subjective tests by our staff, ensuring that marketing slogans aren't the only guidelines for your home theater choices.Thu, 12 Apr 2012 22:15:00 -0000http://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/center-channel-designsThis article takes a broad look at center channel design and discusses the prior two articles we've already written on the topic and compromises associated with horizontally arranging drivers. The subject of proper center channel speaker design is not a simple one. There are many considerations—price, desired coverage area, aesthetics, and others. A manufacturer has a daunting task trying to balance many seemingly conflicting requirements, while for the consumer, education and information are the keys. Being aware of the strengths and weaknesses of the various design types gives the consumer the best opportunity to make the most satisfying choice.Thu, 12 Apr 2012 22:15:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/center-channel-designsLoudspeaker BasicsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/how-audition-speakersShopping for and auditioning speakers can be a daunting experience for newcomers to home theater, and even some veterans for that matter. There are a myriad of brands, styles, price points, and plenty of people willing to give their opinions. For many, the most exciting part of shopping for speakers is sitting down and demoing them. We have to agree. Unfortunately, walking into a HiFi shop and asking to listen to some speakers probably won’t get you very far. Sure, the sales person will be happy to crank up some Pink Floyd from their iPod to ear bleeding volume levels and ask if it is the most amazing thing you have ever heard (yes, this happens quite often), but how do you know what you are hearing is because of the speakers and not the receiver, room, iPod, etc. This article helps weed out the variables in hopes to help you achieve a good demo experience on the showroom floor or in your own listening space.Thu, 01 Mar 2012 23:00:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/how-audition-speakersLoudspeaker BasicsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/subwoofer-measurement-dataBy now you’ve seen the numerous subwoofer reviews we’ve published using our new Powered Subwoofer Test and Room Size Rating protocol. Audioholics.com has invested a great deal of resources measuring and analyzing subwoofers over the last few years. As a result we have created the industry’s most comprehensive testing procedure and database of tabulated measurement results. Our tests adhere to our strict testing methodology which is also compliant to the CEA-2010 Subwoofer Measurement Standard whenever practical. In this article, we will take you on a tour of our Excel Spreadsheet measurement results called “Audioholics CEA-2010 Subwoofer Measurement Data”. It is our hope that the reader can achieve a better understanding of what all the data means for a more informed purchasing decision by making objective apples-apples comparisons between various tested products. Fri, 13 Jan 2012 22:25:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/subwoofer-measurement-dataLoudspeaker BasicsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/detailed-look-proper-loudspeaker-cabinet-bracingA recent Audioholics article about loudspeaker cabinet bracing posited that one measure of quality is in a well-braced cabinet. Poorly or improperly braced loudspeaker cabinets vibrate unduly, coloring the overall acoustic output and lowering fidelity. In this article, we will explore the reasons that a stiff cabinet is a desirable feature of a well-designed loudspeaker based on established engineering mechanics using Finite Element Analysis to illustrate modal behavior of a cabinet under load with and without bracing. We will also discuss how improper understanding of this subject matter and a limited amount of measurement of a test mockup could falsely lead one to believe that using fewer braces, thereby lowering the panel resonance of a cabinet, is desirable. Simply adding more braces to a cabinet may not be the most effective way to reduce vibration IF those braces are not stiff enough to force higher modal behavior in the panel under time varying loads, such as music. As you will see in this analysis, the stiffer the cabinet, the lower the resonances become which will greatly reduce unwanted colorations of sound.Mon, 02 Jan 2012 22:30:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/detailed-look-proper-loudspeaker-cabinet-bracingLoudspeaker BasicsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/crossoversThe loudspeaker crossover can be considered the brain of the loudspeaker. It directs the bandwidth of frequencies each driver is optimized to reproduce while it also level matches each driver and can help to stabilize the load impedance the amplifier will see. No matter how much science a loudspeaker company may tout leading them to certain design choices, without careful observation of their "science" one cannot be sure of its accuracy. It's easier and often more profitable to justify using cheaper parts or less elaborate design practices than to take the time to do it right. This article explores some of the myths and facts about crossover design. It also discusses some of the mistakes often made by loudspeaker manufacturers done either as cost savings or design incompetence. It is our hope that the reader will gain a better understanding of the mechanics of loudspeaker crossovers so they can make a more informed purchasing decision. Thu, 29 Dec 2011 23:25:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/crossoversLoudspeaker BasicsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/why-tvs-brighter-projectorsA front projection system is very different, fundamentally, than a flat panel TV. A front projector is sending light to a passive screen from the front. This has two very important implications: 1) the only way you can get "black" is by the absence of light, and 2) any light hitting the screen also reflects back into the room and causes the potential for true 'black' to decrease. On top of that, a third factor would be that you are also measuring light output from a reflected surface, rather than from the emitted source itself.Wed, 09 Nov 2011 12:40:00 -0000/education/frequently-asked-questions/why-tvs-brighter-projectorsFrequently Asked QuestionsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/loudspeaker-cabinetsThe cabinet is a big expense in the total budget of a loudspeaker system. Cost cutting is an easy area for some manufacturers to rationalize by using pseudo science and also knowing most consumers won't take a peek inside the box to see what’s going on. This article explores some of the common myths we've uncovered and discusses how poorly executed decisions can ultimately compromise the quality of the product. The sum of the parts really does matter in loudspeakers, as does the engineering behind making all of the parts work together as one unit. Take the time to research the mechanics of the enclosure if the manufacturer is willing to espouse the information. Pay close attention to our reviews where we often dissect the speakers to give an inside look and analysis. If you are seeking out truly high quality loudspeakers, don't settle for mediocre or even average build quality, especially if the price tag doesn't justify it.Wed, 19 Oct 2011 22:05:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/loudspeaker-cabinetsLoudspeaker BasicsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/amplifier-technology/the-high-instantaneous-current-specWe've all seen amplifier companies tout that their amps are "high instantaneous current". Using the very basic principle governing electricity called Ohm's Law (V=I*R), how could it be possible that 100 watt amp has "higher current" than another 100 watt rated amplifier? This very subject has come up on numerous audio forums including the Audioholics forum, and this article explores that topic as well as the history of how the term "high current" became popularized by some manufacturers. We do some basic calculations to illustrate just how nebulous this specification often really is.Tue, 18 Oct 2011 19:00:00 -0000/education/amplifier-technology/the-high-instantaneous-current-specAmplifier TechnologyAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/surround-sound/summit-industrySummit Wireless has announced a low cost speaker module design and companion amplifier targeting entry level home theater systems with its Summit Wireless technology. The new speaker module design is said to represent a 53% reduction in size over the current implementation, while still retaining the robust high definition link performance with built-in four antenna diversity allowing placement of a speaker anywhere in a room without signal loss or interruption. An OEM manufacturer can implement this technology into their speakers to provide a fully amplified and wireless hi-definition experience to their consumers. Summit Wireless is working on dongle that can connect directly to USB to pull audio from all sources attached to an HDTV display for surround decoding wirelessly to Summit enabled speakers. We saw a demo and and like of their prior demos, we were most impressed. Fri, 09 Sep 2011 06:35:00 -0000/education/surround-sound/summit-industrySurround SoundAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/subwoofer-room-sizeAs part of our new powered subwoofer measurement protocol, we will be offering a room size recommendation for each subwoofer tested based on the data gathered from our exhaustive CEA SPL vs frequency and distortion output testing. It is our hope that the methodology we chose in determining the room size capability for subwoofers can be a useful general rule of thumb for an end user attempting to determine which model is right for their listening space. Of course we always recommend multiple subwoofers for more overall output and smoother bass response from seat to seat. The goal for a great A/V system is lots of clean output and a similarly good listening experience for all listening seats in the room, NOT just the money seat. See what "Bassaholic" rating recommendation your favorite subwoofer will earn or how many identical subs you will need to add in your room to achieve it.Tue, 30 Aug 2011 15:45:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/subwoofer-room-sizeLoudspeaker BasicsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/high-fidelity-loudspeakersThis article explores the economics behind the speaker business and some of the cost cutting approaches loudspeaker companies make to maximize profits while still keeping the products affordable to the consumer. It is our goal to help the reader decide if loudspeakers from their favorite manufacturer are built for serious sound or serious profit. Speaker building, especially during the design phase, is, if nothing else, an effort in compromise for all but those most expensive systems. A good designer must weigh every choice in light of its cost, as well as its relative contribution to the overall performance of the system. It does so with a historical perspective considering what has come before, and the changes which have occurred in the marketplace over the last three decades. We will briefly delve into the shortcomings that arise resulting from these cost cutting techniques used, especially when poorly applied. Wed, 24 Aug 2011 11:00:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/high-fidelity-loudspeakersLoudspeaker BasicsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/cables/redmere-active-hdmi-mea1689There are a lot of things wrong with HDMI. For one, the technology keeps pushing the limits of what a standard non-active cable can handle - this is especially true when HDMI is used over long distances. Some manufacturers have turned to making extra-thick, well-shielded solutions that utilize 22 gauge cables. The results of that method have been tragic - cables don't bend easily and they are generally unwieldy and impractical for most uses. So what's next? Well, almost any cable will work over a 2 meter or less distance, but beyond that things start to get dicey. That's where active HDMI cables come into play. While active EQ on HDMI cables isn't new, possibly the most advanced use of it is coming out of RedMere, who has shrunken down the technology to a point that it's all but negligible.Fri, 29 Jul 2011 13:03:19 -0000/education/cables/redmere-active-hdmi-mea1689Cables and InterconnectsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/2010-subwoofer-shootout-roomBased on our new Subwoofer Room Size Protocol for determining subwoofer room size capability, we went back to our 2010 Subwoofer Shootout and tabulated the data below to see how each model ranked. All of the subs in this shootout earned our Large certification except the mighty Rythmik FV-15HP which earned our Bassaholic rating. If an end user is considering any of these subs other than the Rythmik and wishes to reach the 123dB reference level in a very large room, they are advised to purchase two of their chosen subwoofers. Unfortunately this would make the purchase more costly than a single sub solution. However multiple subs are always a good idea if your objective is to ensure smoother and more consistent bass for every seat in your theater, NOT just the money seat.Fri, 22 Jul 2011 22:15:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/2010-subwoofer-shootout-roomLoudspeaker BasicsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/powered-subwoofer-testing-outline-and-procedures-overviewAudioholics is gearing up to do a slew of subwoofer measurements and comprehensive test reports. This article takes a quick look at the equipment and software used, the various measurements recorded and the purpose of the particular measurements used for our up and coming subwoofer evaluations. Results will be condensed and summarized in a consistent and efficient manner for each product tested. This article will serve as the demarcation point for all subwoofer tabulated test results. Check back regularly for the most recent copy of our downloadable Excel spreadsheet for all subwoofers tested under this new test protocol.Thu, 07 Jul 2011 04:00:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/powered-subwoofer-testing-outline-and-procedures-overviewLoudspeaker BasicsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/aperion-audio-design-philosophyIn preparation for our up and coming article that discusses what's in a truly high end speaker and the common cost cutting approaches some companies often make to deliver a high value product, we sat down with the well established and revered brand Aperion Audio to get their views. They discuss the importance of using high quality drivers in conjunction with a properly executed crossover network for achieving accurate tonal balance and power response. Aperion Audio loudspeaker engineer Ken Humphreys discusses the care that must be taken in ensuring the cabinet is free from unwanted resonances to not hinder the design objectives of making a truly accurate loudspeaker. Take a tour of how Aperion Audio approaches the humbling art and science of loudspeaker design. Mon, 04 Jul 2011 16:55:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/aperion-audio-design-philosophyLoudspeaker BasicsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/atlantic-technologyIn preparation for our up and coming article that discusses what's in a truly high end speaker and the common cost cutting approaches some companies often make to deliver a high value product, we sat down with the well established and revered brand Atlantic Technolgy to get their views. They discuss the importance of using high quality parts with tight tolerances and even more importantly having clear and solid design objectives. Budget vs non-compromised designs are discussed focusing on the importance of proper design execution and solid engineering in crossover design, parts selection and cabinet construction and bracing. Take a tour of how Atlantic Technology approaches the humbling art and science of loudspeaker design. Mon, 13 Jun 2011 18:05:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/atlantic-technologyLoudspeaker BasicsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/cables/power-cablesWe are sometimes asked our opinion of exotic power cords and cables and whether or not they are beneficial or worth the added cost over the stock power cords that come with A/V electronics. With the help of Blue Jeans Cable, we explore the importance of properly designed power cords while simultaneously debunking the myths and bogus claims perpetuated by many exotic cable manufacturers and A/V review magazines. Always remember the Audioholics.com mantra "only poorly designed cables can be sonically distinguishable" and you will never make a bad purchasing decision. Once all of the nonsensical claims are peeled away, only three very basic and essential metrics are left to ensure quality power transfer from your wall outlet to you’re A/V gear which we discuss in detail herein. Fri, 29 Apr 2011 20:05:00 -0000/education/cables/power-cablesCables and InterconnectsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/audio-measurementsLet's face it we all like things to run smooth. It's every audiophiles dream to own a loudspeaker that measures ruler flat from 20Hz to 20kHz. Many audio magazines love to regurgitate the manufacturers claims either in text or their own measurements to emphasize product positives. It's my belief that most of the manufacturers and audio magazines aren't flat out lying or being deceptive as much as they aren't giving you the whole story likely because of incompetence or lack of proper measurement facilities at their disposal. It's easier to furnish pretty graphs because quite frankly to paraphrase Jack Nicholson "you (consumers) can't handle the truth". In most cases these measurements do have a grain of truth, if you place a lot of conditions and caveats on them. This is often not disclosed, but it's my goal to do so in this article where we explore various measurement and graphing techniques. Can you handle the truth? If so, read on...Thu, 07 Apr 2011 19:50:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/audio-measurementsLoudspeaker BasicsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/audio-formats-technology/wolfson-wm8860-hd-audioWolfson Microelectronics plc announced the release of its new HD Audio product line for PCs and laptops. Wolfson's latest innovative technology brings exceptional High Definition (HD) Audio performance to PCs and laptops, modernizing a sector of the consumer electronics market where audio quality has often been overlooked. Wolfson's innovative new multi-channel HD Audio devices, the WM8850 and WM8860 deliver the best audio experience available in the PC market, enabling consumers, as well as music industry professionals, including producers, musicians and DJs, to experience audio through their PC or laptop as never before.Thu, 06 Jan 2011 14:49:25 -0000/education/audio-formats-technology/wolfson-wm8860-hd-audioAudio Formats & TechnologyAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/display-formats-technology/led-vs-lcd-tvsToday, there are more options than ever before when it comes to purchasing a flat panel HDTV. The newest, hottest technology in HDTV are the super thin and lightweight LED TVs. But how is LED different from LCD? Should you expect to pay more for an LED TV? What are the benefits of LED vs LCD? We went to Westinghouse Digital and got some input on them regarding their take on this common question. While all manufacturers have their different opinions on the ideal TV, Westinghouse is really pushing hard on LED backlit technology, and in particular, edge-lit models.Thu, 30 Dec 2010 11:05:00 -0000/education/display-formats-technology/led-vs-lcd-tvsDisplay Formats & TechnologyAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/2010-subwoofer-shootoutThe goal of our most recent subwoofer shootout is to give us as consumers, a reliable and quantifiable way to purchase home theater subwoofers with some confidence that the products we hear and read about are in fact well designed and capable of sufficient output at low frequencies to reproduce both music and movies with the impact and realism that you expect from a well designed and executed product. The products in this comparison were chosen based on a box size of 6 cubic feet or less, and a maximum retail cost of $2000. This article discusses our testing methodology for measuring all of the subwoofers. It also defines what the new CEA 2010 Subwoofer Measurement standard is all about and why we are using it for testing the subwoofers in this up and coming shootout.Thu, 23 Dec 2010 08:10:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/2010-subwoofer-shootoutLoudspeaker BasicsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/amplifier-technology/basic-amplifier-measurement-techniquesThere has been much discussion on the major audio forums lately regarding A/V receivers and multi channel amplifier power output 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. As a result, we have come up with a standard for measuring amplifier performance that deals with various types of power tests as well as other metrics that directly affect sonic performance and how the amplifier can sound powering various types of speaker loads.Tue, 05 Oct 2010 22:00:00 -0000/education/amplifier-technology/basic-amplifier-measurement-techniquesAmplifier TechnologyAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/frequently-asked-questions/moving-overseas-voltages-and-format-conversionsImporting gear from other countries or taking your gear out of your home country requires a bit of patience and research on your part. It'll take a bit of time to figure out what will work with a plug adapter and what will require a transformer of some sort. You'll have to decide if importing the gear is worth the time and expense. If you move out of the county, you're going to find that a lot of what you have will work with little expense on your part. You may find that it is simply cheaper to sell what you have before you leave and re-buy it in the new country. Regardless, paying attention to the power required and a few other tidbits and you won't be throwing your money away on a piece of gear that won't work in your country.Mon, 20 Sep 2010 02:05:00 -0000/education/frequently-asked-questions/moving-overseas-voltages-and-format-conversionsFrequently Asked QuestionsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/acoustics-principles/haa-ii-workshopIf you are a Home Theater Specialist I urge you to take HAA Level II training. If you are a theater enthusiast and want your system to sound better, don’t throw money at the equipment, put it into an HAA certified professional. The same goes if you are a two-channel stereo audiophile. Audiophiles always seem ready to purchase better and better equipment to perfect their sound system, which I am not trying to discourage, but they tend to disregard the proper room setup and calibration. Whatever place you take in this ever-changing audio world the one thing that stays the same is the physics of acoustics and HAA is the avenue for optimizing small rooms. Mon, 16 Aug 2010 02:30:00 -0000/education/acoustics-principles/haa-ii-workshopAcoustics PrinciplesAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/amplifier-technology/impedance-selector-switch-1This article explores why the impedance switch exists on some A/V receivers and its intended purpose, including tradeoff’s when following the manufacturers recommended settings. Know the facts when purchasing and setting up home theater equipment. Most importantly, step back and evaluate how you are using your system and make adjustments accordingly to avoid robbing your speakers of power. Tue, 03 Aug 2010 04:50:00 -0000/education/amplifier-technology/impedance-selector-switch-1Amplifier TechnologyAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/display-formats-technology/idt-hqv-vida-processingWe've been very familiar with HQV video technology for some time, but when they released their new Vida chipset last year it was only a matter of time before it began to show up in new products. One of the newer products to feature this is the new line of Yamaha RX-A Aventage A/V receivers. The new chip, the IDT HQV Vida processor, takes the current high-end Hollywood Quality Video processing technology to a new level of performance, significantly improving the viewing experience for the consumer.Wed, 28 Jul 2010 08:05:00 -0000/education/display-formats-technology/idt-hqv-vida-processingDisplay Formats & TechnologyAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/surround-sound/summit-wirelessSummit Wireless™ is an audio integrated circuit solution that will be embedded in speakers, audio/video receivers, digital televisions, gaming devices, Blu-ray players, and set-top boxes, enabling them to broadcast high-definition surround sound wirelessly and simply. It has the potential to deliver where other wireless audio solutions have failed. It can be installed in less than 30 minutes and generates interference-free, low latency, uncompressed HD quality audio that today’s A/V systems are capable of decoding. Summit seems ideally suited for the retrofit and retail markets opening the door for new business models while taking home theater experience to a new level. Thu, 08 Jul 2010 03:00:00 -0000/education/surround-sound/summit-wirelessSurround SoundAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/cables/locking-hdmi-cables-connectorsAnyone who has read any of my articles long enough here at Audioholics knows the love-hate relationship I have with HDMI. Mostly hate, since I believe HDMI should have been more focused on protocol, and less on form-factor. Regardless, one of the most frustrating aspects of HDMI is the tendency for lower gauge (thicker) cables to weight down the connector and pull out of their sockets. With the complexity of the signal coursing through an HDMI cable, even a little tension can result in signal loss, especially over longer distances. So what's a custom installer to do? Well, for starters there are several solutions that provide a locking HDMI connection for HDMI - something the format surely lacks.Fri, 04 Jun 2010 07:30:00 -0000/education/cables/locking-hdmi-cables-connectorsCables and InterconnectsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/display-formats-technology/the-truth-behind-hdmi-1.4aWay back on May 28, 2009, HDMI Licensing released the HDMI 1.4 spec. But wait, it's less than a year later (March 4, 2010) and here comes HDMI 1.4a. The big change from 1.4 was that 1.4a mandated two new 3D formats for broadcast on top of game and Blu-ray content. While some manufacturers would like you to believe that only their receivers/products sporting HDMI 1.4a will handle these formats, is it true? Depends.Wed, 05 May 2010 12:30:00 -0000/education/display-formats-technology/the-truth-behind-hdmi-1.4aDisplay Formats & TechnologyAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/cables/hdmi-cable-speedConsidering that an HDMI cable is, at bottom, nothing more than an arrangement of wire, foil and plastic, the purchase of HDMI cable has become awfully confusing. Everywhere one turns, there are all sorts of specification version numbers being tossed around, claims about HDMI cable "speed," and representations about support for 3D, 2K by 4K video, 1080p, Deep Color, and a host of other features. What does it all mean? Read this article to separate the fact from fiction.Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:00:00 -0000/education/cables/hdmi-cable-speedCables and InterconnectsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/audio-formats-technology/0dbfs-blu-rayWe've recently bench tested the HDMI and analog outputs of several Blu-ray players and noticed not all DVD/BD source devices handle 0dBFS in a similar matter. Our research thus far has revealed that there really is no standard 0dBFS reference level used in DVD / BD players. Some players will scale a 0dBFS signal back before summing it so the subwoofer output will not distort under this test condition while others will not. According to THX there does seem to be more care taken with multi channel movie mixes than music mixes to avoid this problem. At this point, we will adhere to the Dolby recommendation of testing at -20dBFS levels when evaluating the multi channel performance of DVD / BD players analog outputs. We do plan on investigating this topic further both with recording engineers and our own empirical measurements of source material to get a better picture on how this affects real world applications. Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:45:00 -0000/education/audio-formats-technology/0dbfs-blu-rayAudio Formats & TechnologyAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/center-channel-speakerWe've noticed lately that horizontally placed MTM speakers used as center channels have been getting a bad rap mostly because of their limited off-axis performance. But just how far off axis does one have to get until this does become problematic? Some consumers have alternatively chosen two-way bookshelf speakers in-lieu of using an MTM to get around this alleged issue while others chose W(T/M)W dedicated center channel designs or placing an identically matched speaker from their front channels behind a perforated screen. Not everyone has the luxury of the later option so this article discusses the tradeoffs of different center channel designs and their applications. Wed, 23 Dec 2009 18:50:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/center-channel-speakerLoudspeaker BasicsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/the-loudspeaker-crossoverEver wonder why some higher end manufacturers utilize top notch parts in their crossovers? This article explores the differences between capacitor and inductor types utilized in the crossovers of your loudspeakers and how the use of a non-linear materials can affect the sound of the music we hear. If we are looking to improve our systems, and purchasing upgrade crossovers, we need not only be informed about the specifications of the parts used in them, we also need to consider the PCB layout as well. While perhaps the simplest electrical circuits in use in audio today, crossovers can play a major role in the sound we hear coming from our speakers, and our speakers are the most important link in the audio chain in the vast majority of systems in use today.Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:00:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/the-loudspeaker-crossoverLoudspeaker BasicsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/cables/hdmi-1.4-and-through-the-agesKey Digital had an interesting newsletter that got sent out this week. In it they had a table which went through the various iterations of HDMI, from version 1.0 through the newest 1.4. We thought it was a good chart, though we disagreed (slightly) with some of their assessments on the importance of each of the versions. As I hinted at in my article on The Twelve Biggest Industry Mistakes of the Digital Age I believe that HDMI is really more of a stop-gap interface whereas it could have been a new standard. Instead, we have a largely "stupid" new cable system that merely carries data. HDMI 1.4 does little to change this reality.Thu, 03 Sep 2009 10:20:00 -0000/education/cables/hdmi-1.4-and-through-the-agesCables and InterconnectsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/cables/alternatives-for-av-home-networkingThe ongoing convergence of AV and computing is inevitable, rooted in the dawn of digital media with the advent of the CD, and nurtured by the Internet. Media servers, multimedia gaming consoles, HTPC, networked AV receivers, mp3 player docks, IPTV; digital entertainment is becoming as at home on computers as it is on traditional AV gear. However, all of this crosspollination between the two often leaves entertainment stored in disparate locations so a reliable connection is required to transfer the entertainment files between devices. For those who find the shortcomings of Wi-Fi make it less than an ideal solution, there are other methods available that are not as onerous as pulling Ethernet cable through walls and attics by making use of existing home wiring systems. These methods also provide connections that are more secure with better data throughput and reliability. There is a reason that mission critical business systems and servers are primarily hardwired and not connected by Wi-Fi.Mon, 17 Aug 2009 00:05:00 -0000/education/cables/alternatives-for-av-home-networkingCables and InterconnectsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/surround-sound/7-1-surround-soundAlmost everyone loves surround sound, (except for an eccentric actor whom I know who actually prefers mono!) and what’s not to love? Our ears are on each side of our head, canted forward, but we hear sounds from every direction with almost equal precision. For that reason multi-channel sound reproduction is intrinsically more realistic and believable. But how many surround speakers are required to present a plausible illusion of the real thing?Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:15:00 -0000/education/surround-sound/7-1-surround-soundSurround SoundAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/acoustics-principles/listening-room-acoustics-1Room modes cause standing waves that can cause three acoustical problems: a level boost at some frequencies, an extent of the duration of sound at those same frequencies (resonance) and some profound dips at other frequencies. This article explores methods of reducing the problems of standing waves in your home theater room and also works real world examples for greater clarity. Don’t settle for acoustical compromises. Learn the facts, and arm yourself with the right tools to enhance your movie watching and music listening experiences.Tue, 30 Jun 2009 01:00:00 -0000/education/acoustics-principles/listening-room-acoustics-1Acoustics PrinciplesAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/surround-sound/audyssey-dsx-10.2Audyssey as a company is sort of a brain trust that creates and licenses signal processing solutions. They employ the sciences of psychoacoustics, acoustics, signal processing and use highly complex mathematical algorithms to put those Mega Flop DSP chips to work to do dynamic equalization and derive extra channels for surround sound. Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:26:35 -0000/education/surround-sound/audyssey-dsx-10.2Surround SoundAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/crossoverHave you ever wondered how the tweeter and woofer have their responses combined in a speaker system, or what the crossover network is and how it works? This article sheds some light on the least seen and perhaps most undervalued part of the speaker system, the crossover network. While passive crossover components and materials and construction have changed over time, the underlying theory and practice has not. In the real world, capacitors, inductors and resistors exhibit behavior which is neither ideal or perfect. In this article, we considered the importance of real loudspeaker impedance, and how it acts as a monkey wrench to complicate and frustrate the function of constant resistance type crossover networks. Wed, 10 Jun 2009 03:30:00 -0000/education/loudspeaker-basics/crossoverLoudspeaker BasicsAV Universityhttp://www.audioholics.com/education/acoustics-principles/bass-trapping-ideasBass traps control low frequency issues in rooms. Simply, they are the single most effective investment toward a quality audio experience that is rarely made by the home theater enthusiast. The information contained within this article may not allow you to unleash your own plan for optimal bass trapping, but it may point you towards that result. Proper bass trapping is a 100% guaranteed investment and is worth a close look for those serious about achieving the best bass response their home theater systems have to offer.Wed, 27 May 2009 04:01:06 -0000/education/acoustics-principles/bass-trapping-ideasAcoustics PrinciplesAV University