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.Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:25:00 -0000http://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/netflix-1080p-5.1-surroundA flurry of activity went on today as Cnet broke a story about Netflix adding 1080p and 5.1 audio to its entire streaming library later this year. Since all of the three major game consoles - Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii support Netflix, the Wii's addition of this feature would alone be crippled by the lack of support for HD and surround sound. Existing televisions, DVD players and other media streaming devices (like Roku) would fare just perfectly with an update. Turns out we may have to wait a while.Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:25:00 -0000/news/industry-news/netflix-1080p-5.1-surroundIndustry NewsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/av-rant-166-all-about-mp3sEver wonder what you are missing when you compress something into an MP3? Maybe you have a friend that thinks there is no difference. Maybe you always wanted proof positive that there is not only a loss in "lossy" compression but that the loss would be important not only to you, the self-styled Audioholic, but to the general public. Well, this is the podcast for you. Tom and guest co-host Austin of Studio B, Ltd. out of Omaha take you through not only the specifics of what MP3 is, but give you real world examples - tracks to listen to - of exactly what you are missing. Interested? You know you are. Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:28:44 -0000/news/editorials/av-rant-166-all-about-mp3sEditorialsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/htib/onkyo-ht-s5200Prices for home theater systems have absolutely plummeted over the past decade. The Onkyo HT-S5200 7.1-channel system is just one example of affordable surround sound. This home-theater-in-a-box includes a full A/V receiver and complete 7.1 speaker package. While clearly marketed as an entry level package, the price of the HT-S5200 makes it a compelling buy for those looking to move their way into the surround sound experience. The package includes the dedicated A/V receiver, a 10-inch powered subwoofer, Front speakers, a Center channel, and two pairs of smaller Surround and Surround Back speakers. It's a highly upgradable system, though there are some things you'll want to watch out for, and we indicate those below.Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:05:00 -0000/reviews/htib/onkyo-ht-s5200Home Theater in-a-BoxPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/floorstanding/klipsch-icon-wfKlipsch has taken slim-line to a new level with their WF-34 Floorstanding loudspeaker system designed to take up less floorspace while still delivering the dynamic and detailed sound they are known for in their bigger boxed speakers. With three 4 1/2" woofers and dual rear ports, this tower has usable bass extension down into the low 50Hz range, perfect for blending with a pair of subwoofers to get fullrange sound for music and movies. If you are looking for a great combination of performance and aesthetics for a very modest cost, the Klipsch Icon WF series looks promising though we reserve final judgment until we can get in a pair for review. Sat, 06 Feb 2010 20:55:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/floorstanding/klipsch-icon-wfFloorstandingSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/superbowl-xlivSuper Bowl XLIV will be transmitted to CBS in pristine, compression free HDTV thanks to Level 3 Communications Inc. Unfortunately, thanks to re-compression, most Cable and Satellite TV subscribers won’t get to see all of its pristine glory. It’s enough to make you want to put up an antenna and go over-the-air for the cleanest digital video signals possible.Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:25:00 -0000/news/industry-news/superbowl-xlivIndustry NewsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/htib/onkyo-ht-s3200The prices for surround sound have absolutely plummeted over the past decade. If we were proving this in a court of law, Exhibit A would have to be the Onkyo HT-S3200 5.1-channel system which includes a full A/V receiver and full suite of 5.1 speakers. The only thing entry level about this receiver is its price. The receiver features three HDMI pass-through inputs for high-definition video up to 1080p. This is a super-convenient solution that allows you to connect all of your HD video sources into the receiver for simplified switching. Since the HDMI inputs are pass-through, this means they do not retrieve the audio from the HDMI signal. With no analogue inputs, that means you'll be limited to Dolby Digital and DTS audio signals for Blu-ray discs. This also means that you'll need to run separate audio cables into the HT-R370 to get surround sound.Fri, 05 Feb 2010 11:00:00 -0000/reviews/htib/onkyo-ht-s3200Home Theater in-a-BoxPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/furniture/speaker-and-display-mounts/atdec-quick-shift-donut-display-mount-first-lookWant a nearly tool-less display mount with nearly unlimited adjustments? Atdec has what you want with the new Quick Shift Donut. An integrated level moves the display up and down and side to side. A wrench releases a ball joint to move 40 degrees plus rotate. A button releases the display from the mount. Adjustable? We'd say so. As more and more men are stepping up and demanding their own "man-cave", setups are getting more and more varied. While a dedicated home theater should (as far as we are concerned) be first and foremost on the man-cave checklist, there are often secondary (and tertiary) displays. These displays may live on a wall near a pool table or perhaps in a kids room. Often you are forced to place these displays so that the maximum number of areas have some sort of unobstructed view. With lower end LCD viewing angles, this can be a tricky proposition at best.Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:35:00 -0000/reviews/furniture/speaker-and-display-mounts/atdec-quick-shift-donut-display-mount-first-lookSpeaker and Display Mounts & AccessoriesFurniturehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/satellite/polk-audio-wireless-surround-f-x-rear-speaker-first-lookThe Wireless Surround F/X builds on the SurroundBar technology Polk has be using for years but puts it in the back of the room. We are very intrigued with the Polk Audio Wireless Surround F/X rear speaker. With four 2.5" drivers, a 5.25" woofer, small transceiver that connects to a transmitter that is connected to your receiver's surround channels, powered by a multichannel digital amplifier, and a switch to indicate placement (and adjust the DSP) of the speaker - floor, table, or shelf, Polk looks to have a winner on its hands with this one.Wed, 03 Feb 2010 10:50:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/satellite/polk-audio-wireless-surround-f-x-rear-speaker-first-lookSatellite and Sound BarsSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/hdtv-installationWe have reached a marvelous time where HDTV is not only affordable, but also low profile enough to get the green light from our wives to hang on a wall in the comforts of our own bedrooms. This article provides useful tips on how to hide cabling connected to your HDTV to ensure the cleanest looking install possible. This is a quick and easy method for cleaning up that cable mess for a more aesthetically pleasing installation that will also improve the enjoyment you get out of your system.Tue, 02 Feb 2010 20:25:00 -0000/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/hdtv-installationDo-It-Yourself (DIY) TopicsTips & Trickshttp://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/reviewing-home-theater-reviewsIn light of our recent review of the Lexicon BD-30 and some of the subsequent A/V publications trying to ride the wave of controversy surrounding it by publishing their own so called "reviews", we are republishing this classic article originally authored by the late Tony Federici. When re-reading this article, its amazing how many online A/V websites fit the mold laid out herein which gives one pause to wonder if they actually have product in hand when conducting their reviews. Did they conduct any objective analysis or measurements? Did they discuss the inner details of how the product functions? Did they furnish their own images of the product under review? As a reader this is something you must decide for yourself. Food for thought. Tue, 02 Feb 2010 02:50:00 -0000/news/editorials/reviewing-home-theater-reviewsEditorialsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/apple-ipadApple’s iPad announcement has been met with disappointment among tech-press. The biggest disappointment with iPad, besides its unfortunate name, is not just about features but that Apple failed to bring its User Interface magic to the tablet form-factor. Apple’s new upsized iPhone seems symptomatic of a ground-breaking tech company coasting on past success.Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:40:00 -0000/news/industry-news/apple-ipadIndustry NewsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/digital-media-servers/zaggbox-media-server-previewWhat is the ZAGGbox? While it hasn't been released yet and details are a little sketchy, it looks to be a recording device with universal remote and streaming capabilities. With a terabyte of storage, 4 USB ports for more, 3 HD and 2 SD inputs, and the ability to stream to your phone, it's got a lot of people talking. But will it have a lot a people buying? For us the real problem is the complete lack of HDMI inputs - likely due to the limitations of HDCP copy protection. Without them, the ZAGGbox can never receive HD audio and most Blu-ray players don't upconvert over component. If the ZAGGbox doesn't have a guide (and we don't think it will), then how interested is the public going to be in having both a DVR and a ZAGGbox? We're not sure.Mon, 01 Feb 2010 12:35:00 -0000/reviews/digital-media-servers/zaggbox-media-server-previewDigital Media ServersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/receivers/rotel-rsx-1560-flThe Rotel RSX-1560, with class D amps, 4 HDMI inputs, and dual sub AND center channel outs certainly has a lot of bells and whistles for a more esoteric brand. With a few omissions that may scare off some, he question that needs to be answered is whether or not the RSX-1560 does what you need.Mon, 01 Feb 2010 06:00:00 -0000/reviews/receivers/rotel-rsx-1560-flA/V ReceiversPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/floorstanding/elemental-designs-el8.3t-el8.3c-el6.3b-flThe new Elemental Designs EL speakers (headed by the EL8.3t Towers) represent a new direction for eD. With a higher price-point, top notch components, and solid construction, their price very well may be justified. Also in the line are the EL8.3c Center and EL6.3b bookshelf. Fri, 29 Jan 2010 11:10:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/floorstanding/elemental-designs-el8.3t-el8.3c-el6.3b-flFloorstandingSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/televisions/flat-panels/westinghouse-ld-55f970z-led-lcd-hdtv-first-lookThe 55" LD-55970Z is about an inch thick and has all the usual accouterments including full 1080p resolution, 6ms response time, 120 Hz refresh rate, selectable color temperatures, 3D noise reduction, 3:2 pulldown, and 3 HDMI inputs. Unfortunately, other than the slim design and LED buzzword, a lot of the newer technologies are missing.Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:25:00 -0000/reviews/televisions/flat-panels/westinghouse-ld-55f970z-led-lcd-hdtv-first-lookFlat PanelsTelevisions & Displayshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/bookshelf/snell-acoustics-phantom-center-loudspeaker-first-lookAt last year's CES, Snell Acoustics announced their $25,000 a pair near-flagship loudspeaker, the Phantom B7. You know it was only a matter of time before they came out with a matching center. Apparently, it only took them a year to bring out their new Phantom Center. At $7,500, it's actually quite affordable compared to the larger brethren. What remains to be seen is what surrounds they'll come out with for this line. Snell is obviously not interested in being slowed down by the economy. Instead they've got higher ambitions with this uncompromising loudspeaker system aimed at the most serious audiophiles that have big enough wallets to match their aspirations. Time will tell if their strategy will pay off.Wed, 27 Jan 2010 06:00:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/bookshelf/snell-acoustics-phantom-center-loudspeaker-first-lookBookshelfSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/subwoofers/elemental-designs-a7-700-subwoofer-first-lookThe A7-700 is the newest in the line of eD's tall-boy subs. It stands a towering 45" tall while taking only a bit over 25" square on the floor. Sporting an overbuilt cabinet, dual 15" drivers, a forward-facing, front-firing, slot-style port, and a 1300 watt, B&O powered ICE amp, this one should have bass-heads slobbering.Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:45:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/subwoofers/elemental-designs-a7-700-subwoofer-first-lookSubwoofersSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/oppo-bdp-80-universal-first-lookThe BDP-80 is the new universal player from Oppo positioned below their venerable BDP-83 model. That means that not only does it play Blu-rays and DVDs but also SACDs and DVD-As. With just a few corners cut, the BDP-80 comes in at only $289. That's right, while others are trying to charge multiple of thousands for universal Blu-ray playback, Oppo keeps dropping their prices. If you're looking for a Universal Blu-ray player for a bedroom system or small den, the BDP-80 may just be your ticket.Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:35:00 -0000/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/oppo-bdp-80-universal-first-lookBlu-ray and High-Definition DVD PlayersDVD/Blu-ray Playershttp://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/tv-technology-innovations-ces-2010New innovations emerge every year at CES, but this year seems especially flush with big news from the major television manufacturers. And the big news isn’t about size. Panasonic did show a whopping 152-inch 4K2K plasma, but it wasn’t the company’s biggest news. After years of “my TV is bigger than your TV” battles on the CES floor, this year’s show was a refreshing change. So in an effort to ease digestion of all this complicated food for thought, we’ve rounded up some of the best new TV innovations from CES 2010. We also throw in some predictions on how these innovations will impact the market.Sat, 23 Jan 2010 00:05:00 -0000/news/editorials/tv-technology-innovations-ces-2010EditorialsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/receivers/nad-t-747-a-v-receiverThe NAD T 747 A/V receiver exemplifies their principle of simplicity, form and function while also providing the raw power to sonically please its listeners and satisfy the speakers it powers. The T 747 is fully capable of decoding all of the latest HD formats such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD, while also supporting legacy connections and Faroudja DCDi processing and upscaling to full 1080p resolution. With 4 HDMI inputs and 3 Component video inputs, the T 747 should provide enough connectivity to all but the most sophisticated installations. Fri, 22 Jan 2010 17:45:00 -0000/reviews/receivers/nad-t-747-a-v-receiverA/V ReceiversPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/home-wiring-construction/103-inch-plasma-video-gamingWhat happens when you have three grade school kids and want a whole home audio video system that can handle a variety of entertainment needs, with ease-of-use and durability? Simple - you call in the pros. Patrick Calderone is the owner of Audio Video Experience (AVX), the custom electronics design and installation firm hired to rig a home with a variety of family-friendly electronic systems. At last count, the home had: two Microsoft Xbox 360s, two Sony PlayStation 3s, two Nintendo Wiis and one Nintendo Game Cube.Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:55:00 -0000/tweaks/home-wiring-construction/103-inch-plasma-video-gamingHome Wiring & Custom InstallationTips & Trickshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/satellite/boston-acoustics-tvee-model-20Boston Acoustics is offering an incremental upgrade to their TVee Model 2 with the TVee Model 20. This new model has upgraded drivers but most importantly sports a lower price. Now that's what we call an upgrade! The system was different from what others were trying to bring to market. At the time (as now) surroundbars were all the rage. Everyone was trying to push out pseudo-surround using multiple drivers bouncing sound around a room or by using digital signal processing (DSP). While these often sounded good to consumers, what didn't was the price. Sticker shock was a huge problem. Sure, you want surround but if you are going to pay all that money, why not get the real thing?Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:00:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/satellite/boston-acoustics-tvee-model-20Satellite and Sound BarsSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/magicjack-cell-phonesThe wizards at YMAX Corporation, the company that created MagicJack, have a new trick up their sleeve – they want to turn it into Skype. The way MagicJack works is simple: A USB device not much bigger than a thumb drive connects your PC and telephone, then presto, an instant VoIP connection. When people first started seeing the product on late-night infomercials they snapped it up in droves. The company says it’s sold in excess of 5-million units so far. Wed, 20 Jan 2010 13:20:00 -0000/news/industry-news/magicjack-cell-phonesIndustry NewsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/lexicon-bd-30-blu-ray-oppo-cloneIt's an Oppo BDP-83. Normally we'd launch into a statement like this with more tact. We may, for example, wax eloquent about the Lexicon BD-30's beautiful chassis or it's billet aluminum front face. We could tell you about the heft of the unit, or the fact that comes double boxed with enough padding to warrant throwing it off the FedEx or UPS truck while it's still moving. While all of that is true, the Lexicon BD-30 is still an Oppo BDP-83 Blu-ray Player. And what's more, it's not just using the same parts - they actually stuck the player inside - chassis and all. This would be OK, were it not for the $3000 premium and THX certification. As Sherlock Holmes would say: The game is afoot!Fri, 15 Jan 2010 20:30:00 -0000/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/lexicon-bd-30-blu-ray-oppo-cloneBlu-ray and High-Definition DVD PlayersDVD/Blu-ray Playershttp://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/nintendo-wii-netflixNintendo Wii picks up a new feature, Netflix streaming. The biggest question here is ... why? We hope Mario and company hasn't changed the gaming first philosophy that made Nintendo the most successful console game system of the current generation. Perhaps Nintendo is just bending to market realities and seeks to be more competitive.Thu, 14 Jan 2010 19:30:00 -0000/news/industry-news/nintendo-wii-netflixIndustry NewsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/architectural/klipsch-lightspeaker-system-architectural-speakerKlipsch has introduced the LightSpeaker System Architectural Speakers at this year's CES. This speaker system consists of two LightSpeakers, a transmitter, and a remote. The installation is as brainless as it is brilliant - just screw the speakers in to existing5- and 6-inch recessed light fixtures, plug in the transmitter, and enjoy the music!Wed, 13 Jan 2010 13:55:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/architectural/klipsch-lightspeaker-system-architectural-speakerArchitectural & OutdoorSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/receivers/yamaha-rx-v565This past year we reached a place where almost anyone can enjoy surround sound. There are two paths to home theater nirvana - or at least the start if it: a home theater-in-a-box system, or building a 5.1 or 7.1 system from quality entry level components. Yamaha's RX-V565, with its typical selling price of just $429.95 gives consumers a very inexpensive way to get into an HDMI-equipped AV receiver. The receiver has four HDMI inputs, each of which are capable of reading and decoding the new high resolution audio formats. This provides a great way to feed four components into a newer HDMI-equipped HD television. Because these HDMI inputs decode the latest HD audio formats, you can all but say goodbye to optical or multi-channel 5.1 analogue audio sources. You can also say goodbye to switching inputs on your television, should you decide to use the 1080p up-conversion that comes with this receiver.Tue, 12 Jan 2010 20:20:00 -0000/reviews/receivers/yamaha-rx-v565A/V ReceiversPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/cables/sanus-elements-elm803-in-wall-low-voltage-box-first-lookThe new Sanus Elements ELM803 In-Wall Low Voltage Box provides 56" cubic inches of space behind your new wall mounted flat panel. Of course, the box provides a triangular space in your wall that is a total of 2.5" deep so don't be confused by the cubic measurement - not all of that will be usable. Still, at $25 this is a solution that may be too convenient and too economical for even the most ardent of DIYers to pass up.Tue, 12 Jan 2010 09:55:00 -0000/reviews/cables/sanus-elements-elm803-in-wall-low-voltage-box-first-lookCables & SwitchersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/subwoofers/microvee-subVelodyne has once again demonstrated it could provide the most amount of bass per square inch that the laws of physics would allow. I love seeing the reaction in my friends' and family's faces when they sit down to hear my computer system - not realizing there is a MicroVee sub hidden behind my trash can providing all the low end boom. It blended well with my desktop system, transforming its sheer depth and soundstage by providing the much needed low end extension my small speakers were incapable of producing. If your crammed for space and need some bass, give the Velodyne MicroVee a try. Tue, 12 Jan 2010 03:24:40 -0000/reviews/speakers/subwoofers/microvee-subSubwoofersSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/receivers/marantz-sr6004Marantz just put the rest of the industry in checkmate when they unveiled their new SR6004 Dolby TrueHD/ DTS HD PLIIz A/V receiver. Their claim is the performance of separates components in a single box. Given their strong history towards the audio side of the A/V equation, we have little doubt that the SR6004 would disappoint. If you are a Marantz fan and are looking for the latest in A/V receiver technology in this price range, you owe it to yourself to take the SR6004 for a test drive in your own home theater system to see and hear if its the right solution for you. Mon, 11 Jan 2010 21:45:00 -0000/reviews/receivers/marantz-sr6004A/V ReceiversPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/receivers/yamaha-rx-v465This past year we reached a place where almost anyone can enjoy surround sound. There are two paths to home theater nirvana - or at least the start if it: a home theater-in-a-box system, or building a 5.1 system from quality entry level components. Yamaha's RX-V465, with its typical selling price of just $299.95 makes it one of the least expensive ways to get into an HDMI-equipped AV receiver. The receiver has four HDMI inputs, each of which are capable of reading and decoding the new high resolution audio formats. This provides a great way to feed four components into a newer HDMI-equipped HD television. Because these 1080p-compatible HDMI inputs decode the latest HD audio formats, you can all but say goodbye to optical or multi-channel 5.1 analogue audio sources.Mon, 11 Jan 2010 20:20:00 -0000/reviews/receivers/yamaha-rx-v465A/V ReceiversPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/denon-upgrades-avr-3310ci-and-avr-990-to-dsxThe AVR-3310CI and AVR-990 (both retailing for $1500) join the ranks of the AVR-4310CI and AVR-4810CI with Audyssey DSX. The upgrade will be available on Feburary 1st at a cost of $100. DSX will give the receivers the ability to add either height of expanded width channels by assigning other speakers or analogue output terminals to the additional speakers. No word yet on whether the upgrade will be applied to future offerings of the receivers or if it will remain a firmware upgrade option only. Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:00:00 -0000/news/industry-news/denon-upgrades-avr-3310ci-and-avr-990-to-dsxIndustry NewsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/cables/sanus-elements-hdmi-1.3b-pivoting-connectorThe new Sanus Elements ELM4 series 1.3b HDMI cables has a connector on every cable which swivels a full 180 degrees. This means that you cable not only will make a 90 degree turn without a problem, but can make lesser turns if necessary to allow access for other cables. The end of the connector is only an inch to the swivel hinge so you should have little problem getting that flat panel right up on the wall.Mon, 11 Jan 2010 07:45:00 -0000/reviews/cables/sanus-elements-hdmi-1.3b-pivoting-connectorCables & SwitchersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/portables/bheestie-bag-personal-electronic-water-removal-systemWe've all had that sinking feeling when we hear the plop of an electrical device hitting the water. The Bheestie company decided to do something about this problem by inventing a bag with little pellets in it. This bag is compact enough to be taken nearly anywhere. The directions are simple - place waterlogged device in bag, seal tightly, wait. While they didn't add "pray" onto the end of that, you probably won't need to be reminded to do so (especially if it is your brand new iPhone).Fri, 08 Jan 2010 13:15:00 -0000/reviews/portables/bheestie-bag-personal-electronic-water-removal-systemPortables & MediaPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/denon-covers-olympicsWhen you are looking for audio quality control, who do you look to? Well, if you are NBC Universal and you are covering something as important as the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, you look to Denon Electronics. This marks the 6th straight Olympics that Denon has provided Audio Quality Control products to NBC Universal during their coverage of the Olympics. This year's winter games will be held from February 12th through the 28th.Fri, 08 Jan 2010 12:45:00 -0000/news/industry-news/denon-covers-olympicsIndustry NewsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/wireless-power-electricity-1Chinese manufacturer Haier decided to steal the show at CES this week by showing off a 32-inch TV set at CES that is running completely wirelessly. And when we say completely... we mean COMPLETELY. In addition to wireless HDMI transmission the 32-inch TV is also receiving wireless POWER. Look, Ma, no wires. No, seriously.Thu, 07 Jan 2010 19:27:19 -0000/news/industry-news/wireless-power-electricity-1Industry NewsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/monster-noise-power-conditioning-plugMonster is introducing a power line conditioning home theater plug that may actually make a little of its own digital noise as a power line networking device. On the Monster PowerNet 1G, you can clearly see the Clean Power status indicator light on the device itself, as well as the various network status lights. Of course, the primary purpose of the device is to provide network communications over electrical wiring while ensuring that your sensitive home theater equipment is isolated via power line conditioning. What struck us as funny was the fact that a device like this actually makes its own digital noise, which it then has to filter away from your delicate analog gear. After so many years of Monster touting the importance of eliminating noise, and selling expensive gear to do just that, they finally came up with something that makes its own noise... and then eliminates that as well.Thu, 07 Jan 2010 14:05:00 -0000/news/industry-news/monster-noise-power-conditioning-plugIndustry NewsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/receivers/denon-s-5bd-bd-receiverDon't be confused by Denon's new receiver/blu-ray integrated, this is no Home Theater in a Box. The Denon S-5BD is an audiophile grade 5.1 channel surround sound receiver with advanced Profile 2.0 Blu-ray player sporting HDMI 1.4 ports, small form factor, and extreme flexibility. As you'd expect from Denon, the S-5BD is packed with all the latest technology. Aside from the HDMI 1.4 ports already mentioned the S-5BD includes support of Dolby Pro Logic IIz front height effects channels (you'll need to use the pre-outs for the surround back speakers for this feature). Onboard decoding of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio is practically a given these days and it would make no sense for an integrated unit like the S-5BD not to have it. The Denon S-5BD BD/Receiver is scheduled for availability in March 2010 with a suggested retail price of $1,799.Thu, 07 Jan 2010 09:35:00 -0000/reviews/receivers/denon-s-5bd-bd-receiverA/V ReceiversPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/receivers/yamaha-rx-v365This past year we reached a place where almost anyone can enjoy surround sound. There are two paths to home theater nirvana - or at least the start if it: a home theater-in-a-box system, or building a 5.1 system from quality entry level components. Yamaha's RX-V365, with its MSRP of just $249.95 makes it one of the least expensive ways to get into an HDMI-equipped AV receiver. The receiver has two HDMI inputs, and while each are merely switched inputs and don't read the new high resolution audio formats, they do provide a nice way to feed two components into a newer HDMI-equipped HD television. Because these 1080p-compatible HDMI inputs don't strip off the audio, you'll need to grab audio from either an optical or multi-channel 5.1 analogue audio source.Thu, 07 Jan 2010 08:20:00 -0000/reviews/receivers/yamaha-rx-v365A/V ReceiversPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/satellite/yamaha-yht-s400-soundbar-htib-first-lookHow compact can Home Theaters in a Box (HTiBs) get? Yamaha is pushing those limits with the new YHT-S400 Soundbar, receiver, and subwoofer solution. Yamaha has combined its thinnest soundbar with a combo receiver/subwoofer. That's right a receiver and subwoofer in one box.Mon, 04 Jan 2010 08:00:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/satellite/yamaha-yht-s400-soundbar-htib-first-lookSatellite and Sound BarsSpeakers