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<rss version="2.0"><channel><title>Audioholics Reviews and News from Audioholics</title><link>http://www.audioholics.com</link><description>Where 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.</description><lastBuildDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:30:00 -0000</lastBuildDate><item><title>CEDIA Bashes CA Ruling on Big TVs... So Do We</title><link>http://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/cedia-bashes-ca-ruling-big-tvs</link><description>CEDIA (The Custom Electronic Design &amp; Installation Association) is outraged by the adoption of the unnecessary and harmful regulation regarding the California TV energy efficiency standard the CEC chose to adopt yesterday. Us? We're just amused. Despite continued efforts and data outlining the negative ramifications of the ruling provided by CEDIA and the Californians for Smart Energy coalition, the CEC chose to adopt regulations on the energy consumption of televisions sold in California.  This regulation will have a significant negative impact on the sale and installation of flat-panel displays and the businesses in the residential electronic systems industry.  Fear not as Audioholics has a solution for manufacturers - implement SCAM.</description><pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:30:00 -0000</pubDate><guid>/news/editorials/cedia-bashes-ca-ruling-big-tvs</guid><category>Editorials</category><category>News &amp; Opinion</category></item><item><title>Elemental Designs A5-450 Kit Subwoofer First Look</title><link>http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/subwoofers/elemental-designs-a5-450-kit-subwoofer-first-look</link><description>The A5-450 is a DIY sub kit. What you get when you order it is a driver, an amp, the wire to connect the two, and a flat-packed EFS enclosure. You'll be responsible for all the tools you'll need to put the sub together plus any veneer you may want to apply. Those afraid of veneer, wood glue, or just moving a 100 lbs+ sub from your workshop to your home theater need not apply. For the rest, you're getting an eD sub at a serious discount (not including what you'll spend on shipping, veneer, and chiropractic adjustments) that you can custom finish. We're sure this is going to to be a popular product with a select group. All we have to say is - Pics please!</description><pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:40:00 -0000</pubDate><guid>/reviews/speakers/subwoofers/elemental-designs-a5-450-kit-subwoofer-first-look</guid><category>Subwoofers</category><category>Speakers</category></item><item><title>Sanus Elements ELM805 PowerBridge First Look</title><link>http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/cables/sanus-elements-elm805-powerbridge-first-look</link><description>When I see all those lovely installs of flatscreens on HGTV or DIY Network usually two things come to mind - first, where are the speakers and second, how did they run the power. For those that want to install a flatpanel like a pro, the Sanus PowerBridge might be the product for you.</description><pubDate>Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:15:00 -0000</pubDate><guid>/reviews/cables/sanus-elements-elm805-powerbridge-first-look</guid><category>Cables &amp; Switchers</category><category>Pro Reviews</category></item><item><title>OPPO BDP-83SE Special Edition Blu-ray Disc Player First Look</title><link>http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/oppo-bdp-83SE_FL</link><description>The Oppo BDP-83SE is a "Special Edition" version of the Oppo BDP-83 Universal Blu player. For an extra $400 (yes, that almost doubles the price of the original) you get upgrades only a connoisseur could love. Namely, you're getting an upgraded audio section, a better power supply, RS-232 support, and a faceplate with the words "Special Edition" on the front. This player should surely be a hit with the esoteric crowd. </description><pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:10:00 -0000</pubDate><guid>/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/oppo-bdp-83SE_FL</guid><category>Blu-ray and High-Definition DVD Players</category><category>DVD/Blu-ray Players</category></item><item><title>Microsoft Bans 1 Million Xbox 360 Pirates</title><link>http://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/microsoft-bans-xbox-360-pirates</link><description>Over 1 million Xbox Live players around the world lost their ability to access their online accounts when Microsoft dropped the bomb on suspected "pirates". Microsoft stated the banned consoles were modified to allow them to play bootleg games, many of which were downloaded from pirate sites and burned onto disc. Tech bloggers drew an immediate link to the release this week of blockbuster Xbox 360 game Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.</description><pubDate>Fri, 13 Nov 2009 07:25:00 -0000</pubDate><guid>/news/industry-news/microsoft-bans-xbox-360-pirates</guid><category>Industry News</category><category>News &amp; Opinion</category></item><item><title>  EMP VT-40.2  Tube Amplifier &amp; 41-SE/B Speaker System Review</title><link>http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/emp-tek-vt-40.2</link><description>The EMP VT-40.2 hybrid tube amplifier and 41-SE/B Beryllium cone speaker system was truly a delight to review.  Its ability to transform your PC desktop into a high end audiophile rig on a shoestring budget is without peer.  The 41-SE/B speakers alone are worth the full price of admission of this system.  The EMP sound continually seduces me to work longer at my desktop PC which is good for Audioholics but not so good when I am late to dinner.  With my love of food equaling that of audio, that speaks volumes for just how good this system is.  Considering their very liberal return policy, FREE 30 day home trial program and FREE shipping I can’t say anything else other than “hearty appetite” as this is the meal your PC has been waiting for you to feed it.  Once you dine on this system, you won’t settle for fast food or crappy mediocre sound again. </description><pubDate>Fri, 13 Nov 2009 04:05:00 -0000</pubDate><guid>/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/emp-tek-vt-40.2</guid><category>Lifestyle, Desktop and Portable</category><category>Speakers</category></item><item><title>10 Manliest Man Caves</title><link>http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/home-wiring-construction/10-manliest-man-caves</link><description>Some guys love power tools. Some love cars. Some are happy with a comfy chair, a remote and something to nosh on. Then there are those who need to go above and beyond—to create a space that most men only dream about. Today, we call these spaces "man caves." In these caves, though, the only things being fired up are amps, Blu-ray movies, video games and gigantic TVs (sometimes multiple ones). They are places where a guy can play with his toys without worrying about prying eyes or greasy kid fingerprints.</description><pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:45:00 -0000</pubDate><guid>/tweaks/home-wiring-construction/10-manliest-man-caves</guid><category>Home Wiring &amp; Custom Installation</category><category>Tips &amp; Tricks</category></item><item><title>Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, Sicker Than H1N1</title><link>http://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2-sicker-than-h1n1</link><description>The economy is dicey and NPD analysts say video game revenue is down 13 percent. But when the going gets tough, Activision Blizzard gets going – with what could be the top grossing entertainment blockbuster of the year, despite all odds. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is the most hotly anticipated video game of the year. Some predict Modern Warfare 2 will break records as the top grossing piece of entertainment ever – period, beating out The Dark Knight’s $155 million weekend opener while topping sales of Grand Theft Auto IV.</description><pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:55:00 -0000</pubDate><guid>/news/editorials/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2-sicker-than-h1n1</guid><category>Editorials</category><category>News &amp; Opinion</category></item><item><title>Don't Like Your Job at Blockbuster? Stab Yourself!</title><link>http://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/blockbuster-employee-stabs</link><description>According to an article at The Smoking Gun, Aaron Siebers, a 27-year-old Blockbuster employee, decided that it would be better to stab himself than go work at Blockbuster Video. While in principle I can sympathize, it was a little odd to see someone actually carry out something like this in real life. Aaron was apparently skateboarding Wednesday afternoon when he fell and ripped his work pants. Since he knew he would be "written up" by Blockbuster for having ripped pants (or for wearing non-standard pants), he decided to stab himself in the leg and show up claiming he had been attacked by three Hispanic males.</description><pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:10:00 -0000</pubDate><guid>/news/editorials/blockbuster-employee-stabs</guid><category>Editorials</category><category>News &amp; Opinion</category></item><item><title>iMac 21.5" and iMac 27" Mini DisplayPort to DVI Converter</title><link>http://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/imac-27-mini-displayport-dvi-converter</link><description>Last month Apple released its new 21.5" and 27" iMacs. On their newest 27" iMac, Apple introduced the ability to use the included mini DisplayPort as a video INPUT such that the iMac could be used as a display for digital video sources such as Blu-ray players or other devices. Of course, immediately it was discovered that this simply didn't work with any known cables or configurations on the market. Mini DisplayPort to DVI adapters didn't work. Neither did mini DisplayPort to HDMI. This brought some calls of false advertising, but others seemed to largely insist that it was simply a compatibility issue that was going to be resolved with the proper connections.</description><pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:19:55 -0000</pubDate><guid>/news/industry-news/imac-27-mini-displayport-dvi-converter</guid><category>Industry News</category><category>News &amp; Opinion</category></item><item><title>JVC XV-BP11 Blu-ray Player First Look</title><link>http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/jvc-xv-bp11-first-look</link><description>JVC's new XV-BP11 entry level Blu-ray player has many of the bells and whistles you'd expect from a current generation Blu-ray player except for BD-Live. While $200 may seem like a lot to pay for a Profile 1.1 player, that doesn't mean it isn't without its merit - like our supposition that the price will drop like a stone come Black Friday.</description><pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:40:00 -0000</pubDate><guid>/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/jvc-xv-bp11-first-look</guid><category>Blu-ray and High-Definition DVD Players</category><category>DVD/Blu-ray Players</category></item><item><title>Game Demos Included on Future Blu-ray Releases</title><link>http://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/god-of-war-iii-district-9-demo</link><description>Sony has decided to start offering game demos on Blu-ray movie releases playable only on the PS3. First first movie/demo combo will be the sci-fi flick District 9 paired with the game demo for God of War III. Enthusiasts have long suggested to their family and friends the PlayStation 3 as one of the better and most affordable Blu-ray players. Lately, prices of Blu-ray players have been coming down but the PS3 is still one of the better options out there. While these demos will only be playable on the PS3, it is a value added offering which may help drive sales.</description><pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:00:00 -0000</pubDate><guid>/news/industry-news/god-of-war-iii-district-9-demo</guid><category>Industry News</category><category>News &amp; Opinion</category></item><item><title>AVRant #150: HT Guys on AV Rant</title><link>http://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/avrant-150-ht-guys-on-av-rant</link><description>AV Rant co-host and Audioholics Associate Editor Tom Andry had the opportunity recently to pair up with Braden and Ara of the HT guys for a joint podcast. Tom talks with the guys about them, their gear, and their show. If you’re not already listening, you should. </description><pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:05:00 -0000</pubDate><guid>/news/industry-news/avrant-150-ht-guys-on-av-rant</guid><category>Industry News</category><category>News &amp; Opinion</category></item><item><title>Boston SoundWare XS 5.1 Review</title><link>http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/satellite/boston-soundware-xs-5.1</link><description>Boston Acoustics is attempting to out-cube the masters of cube with their SoundWare XS system. At a very reasonable $500, the system comes complete with five cubes, a sub, and a very innovative design and mounting system. Designed to be the perfect system for parents, friends, children, and even your bedroom, the SoundWare XS is looking to impress.</description><pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0000</pubDate><guid>/reviews/speakers/satellite/boston-soundware-xs-5.1</guid><category>Satellite and Sound Bars</category><category>Speakers</category></item><item><title>eD Upgrades Classic Subwoofers</title><link>http://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/ed-upgrades-classics</link><description>eD takes two of their classic subs (the A2-250 and A3-250) and adds new construction materials and design, new amps, and new finish options. They are switching from the standard MDF to their new favorite material EFS (Environmentally Friendly Substrate), increasing the internal volume of the two subs slightly providing slightly more low end extension. The A2 and A3 will also be offered in not only a matte finish (rather than the bumpy "ruggedly handsome" finish that really looked like it was designed for the back of a truck) but also can be wood veneered at a premium.</description><pubDate>Fri, 30 Oct 2009 08:35:00 -0000</pubDate><guid>/news/industry-news/ed-upgrades-classics</guid><category>Industry News</category><category>News &amp; Opinion</category></item><item><title>Hands On Xbox 360, Facebook, Twitter, Last.Fm, Instant Streaming</title><link>http://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/hands-on-xbox-360-facebook-twitter-last.fm-instant-streaming</link><description>There is a lot to be excited about with this new Xbox Live update scheduled... um... sometime (they keep changing it - currently slated for Autumn 2009 which, by my calendar, is right now). Is you are really hooked on social networks, Facebook and Twitter functionality is for you. If you've been looking for a way to stream Internet Radio into your home theater, you'll love Last.Fm. If you are an avid downloader of video content, you'll be excited not only by the 1080p resolution of the new Zune Marketplace, but also the ability to start the video while you are downloading (called Instant Streaming).</description><pubDate>Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:10:00 -0000</pubDate><guid>/news/editorials/hands-on-xbox-360-facebook-twitter-last.fm-instant-streaming</guid><category>Editorials</category><category>News &amp; Opinion</category></item><item><title>Da-Lite Tensioned Cosmopolitan Electrol Projection Screen Review</title><link>http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/projectors/projector-screens/da-lite-tensioned-cosmopolitan-electrol</link><description>While it may be hard for some enthusiasts to get excited about a projection screen, the fact is that they can play a huge part in making (or breaking) your viewing experience. The Da-Lite Tensioned Cosmopolitan Electrol screen was quiet, wrinkle and blemish free, and frankly a breeze to set up. With the number of options at your fingers and Da-Lite's ability to provide custom screens in short order, they are a company that we have no problems recommending.</description><pubDate>Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:50:00 -0000</pubDate><guid>/reviews/projectors/projector-screens/da-lite-tensioned-cosmopolitan-electrol</guid><category>Projector Screens</category><category>Projectors</category></item><item><title>Boston 2.4GHz Wireless-Ready Subs First Look</title><link>http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/subwoofers/boston-2.4ghz-wireless-ready-subs-first-look</link><description>The new subs are in the Classic line and have 8, 10, and 12" drivers (the CPS 8Wi, CPS 10Wi, CPS 12Wi at $399, $499, and $599 respectively) and are wireless-ready. This means that you'll need to purchase the transmitter separately for $79. Consumers surely will be interested in this wireless offering as it has a more traditional look than the discontinued model from Boston. But we're betting they are going to want the transmitter included in the purchase price.</description><pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2009 02:00:00 -0000</pubDate><guid>/reviews/speakers/subwoofers/boston-2.4ghz-wireless-ready-subs-first-look</guid><category>Subwoofers</category><category>Speakers</category></item><item><title>EMP Tek Impression Series E5TiR Floorstanding Loudspeaker Review</title><link>http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/floorstanding/emp-tek-impression-e5tir</link><description>By now, you've probably heard of the EMP Impression Series E5Ti speakers, they are the ones going for the incredibly low asking price of $400 a pair. There must be something wrong with them, right? That's what our reviewer thought at first too. But after hearing the E5Ti speakers, his mind wasn't just changed, it was blown.</description><pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:10:00 -0000</pubDate><guid>/reviews/speakers/floorstanding/emp-tek-impression-e5tir</guid><category>Floorstanding</category><category>Speakers</category></item><item><title>PS3 Gets Netflix</title><link>http://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/ps3-gets-netflix</link><description>Microsoft has been touting their exclusive relationship with Netflix ever since the partnership was announced at E3 2008. But that's about to change. According to a post on the Playstation blog, the PS3 will get the popular streaming service via a disc. The real question for the PS3 version of Netflix is whether or not HD streaming will be offered and the user-friendliness the interface.</description><pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:50:00 -0000</pubDate><guid>/news/industry-news/ps3-gets-netflix</guid><category>Industry News</category><category>News &amp; Opinion</category></item><item><title>Hulu - Its Own Worst Enemy</title><link>http://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/hulu-vs-hulu</link><description>One doesn't have too look too hard to find examples of businesses mismanaged into oblivion. Circuit City's recent inexplicable demise is a textbook example. Is Hulu next? It very well may be and here's why. So why is Hulu their own worst enemy? We all know the reason. Fear. They are afraid of losing advertising dollars. So now their solution is to monetize Hulu through subscriptions? Whatever marketing genius came up with that plan needs to return their degree to the Crackerjack box they got it out of.</description><pubDate>Mon, 26 Oct 2009 08:25:00 -0000</pubDate><guid>/news/editorials/hulu-vs-hulu</guid><category>Editorials</category><category>News &amp; Opinion</category></item><item><title>New Roku XR Promises Upgrades</title><link>http://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/new-roku-xr-promises-upgrades</link><description>While there has been no official announcement, Roku is releasing a new box soon dubbed the Roku XR. Engadget (who we swiped the picture from - we think the dust lends it that air of authenticity) has revealed that it will have 802.11n wireless support and a USB port (probably for streaming movies/music/pictures). Over on Revision3, they let slip that not only will their content be available on the new box, but a glance at the video revealed possible support for Flickr, ROKU Channel Store, TWIT, and Pandora. This adds to the already available streaming services from Netflix, Amazon OnDemand, and MLB.com.</description><pubDate>Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:05:00 -0000</pubDate><guid>/news/industry-news/new-roku-xr-promises-upgrades</guid><category>Industry News</category><category>News &amp; Opinion</category></item><item><title>Denon DVD-A1UDCI Universal Blu-ray Player Review</title><link>http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/dvd-a1udci</link><description>The Denon DVD-A1UDCI Universal Blu-ray player exemplifies flagship performance and status from a company that continually strives to be the leader in high performance audio gear and transports.  It flawlessly plays every disc format currently relevant in the marketplace.  The fact that every output is always active on this player gives an end user and/or installer almost endless configuration options on how one could utilize this player.  Whether I played back a Blu-ray, SACD, DVD-A or standard DVD, I was always in shock and awe at the end result.  During this review process, I got a glimpse of a feeling professional car reviewers get when they have the opportunity to test drive that $300k Ferrari, only I didn’t have change my pants at the end of the test drive.  Awesome product!</description><pubDate>Wed, 21 Oct 2009 04:00:00 -0000</pubDate><guid>/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/dvd-a1udci</guid><category>Blu-ray and High-Definition DVD Players</category><category>DVD/Blu-ray Players</category></item><item><title>Trick or Treat - We Vote Treat!</title><link>http://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/trick-or-treat-we-vote-treat</link><description>Halloween is just days away. Goblins, skeletons, and strange people in bright yellow Pikachu outfits will soon be the norm walking around your neighborhood begging for candy along the moonlit streets. It is with that pleasant thought that we thought we'd bring you what we feel are some of the best Halloween "treats" you're likely to see all year. </description><pubDate>Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:55:00 -0000</pubDate><guid>/news/industry-news/trick-or-treat-we-vote-treat</guid><category>Industry News</category><category>News &amp; Opinion</category></item><item><title>JVC Ultra Thin Speaker System to Debut in Japan</title><link>http://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/jvc-ultra-thin-speakers</link><description>Thin is in. It's in displays, it's in super models and now it's in speakers thanks to Victor JVC. At a stunning 31mm (1.2 inches) thick, these speaker promise to maintain those clean lines with your new uber thin flat panel display. How do they sound? Who cares? Did you see how thin they are?</description><pubDate>Mon, 19 Oct 2009 07:50:00 -0000</pubDate><guid>/news/industry-news/jvc-ultra-thin-speakers</guid><category>Industry News</category><category>News &amp; Opinion</category></item><item><title>BluFocus is Certified by the Blu-ray Disc Association</title><link>http://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/blufocus-certified-by-blu-ray-disc-association</link><description>Have you ever stuck a brand new Blu-ray title into your player and instead of movie watching bliss; you’re thrust into the darkened hell of system-menus and firmware-updates? Welcome to the ugly world of Blu-ray incompatibility. A company called BluFocus has just achieved recognition from the Blu-ray Disc Association as a Blu-ray Movie Play Verification and Testing Center. Hooray!</description><pubDate>Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:10:00 -0000</pubDate><guid>/news/industry-news/blufocus-certified-by-blu-ray-disc-association</guid><category>Industry News</category><category>News &amp; Opinion</category></item><item><title>Eviant T7 Portable 7" LCD TV Review</title><link>http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/portables/eviant-t7-portable-7-lcd-tv</link><description>Very few of the portable LCD TVs available on the market are from what we would refer to as mainstream manufacturers. As a result, we are greeted with an influx of new names with which to familiarize ourselves. Eviant is a name I had not been familiar with, and indeed the company only seems to make two portable LCD TV products – the T7 7" and T4 4.3" models. That's a considerable amount of specialization and, with the wide product availability we've seen in many retailers, products need to stand out in order to be selected from the sea of available models. </description><pubDate>Thu, 15 Oct 2009 08:15:00 -0000</pubDate><guid>/reviews/portables/eviant-t7-portable-7-lcd-tv</guid><category>Portables &amp; Media</category><category>Pro Reviews</category></item><item><title>Toshiba REGZA 46SV670U LED LCD Television Review</title><link>http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/televisions/flat-panels/toshiba-regza-46sv670u-led</link><description>Quite some time ago we predicted to death of plasma technology, albeit a tad early than was comfortable for most of our readers. The large reason behind this prediction was the advances being made in LCD technology. With the introduction of LED backlighting, LCD monitors have overcome one of the final hurdles that sets them apart from their plasma counterparts – black levels. Toshiba's REGZA 46SV670U capitalizes on this equalization of technologies and maximizes the viewing experience, bringing LCD into the realm of plasma and rendering blacks like you've never seen them before.</description><pubDate>Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:00:00 -0000</pubDate><guid>/reviews/televisions/flat-panels/toshiba-regza-46sv670u-led</guid><category>Flat Panels</category><category>Televisions &amp; Displays</category></item><item><title>Human Touch PC-095 Perfect Chair Review</title><link>http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/furniture/accessories/human-touch-pc-095-perfect-chair</link><description>Since perfection can be pretty hard to attain, we figured we definitely had to take a closer look at the Perfect Chair, as it is called, from Human Touch. The PC-095 Perfect Chair is either a perfect crossover or a decent compromise between comfort and home theater seating, depending on your point of view.</description><pubDate>Tue, 13 Oct 2009 07:50:00 -0000</pubDate><guid>/reviews/furniture/accessories/human-touch-pc-095-perfect-chair</guid><category>Seating and Chairs</category><category>Furniture</category></item><item><title>Oddly Shaped Room is Just Right for Home Theater</title><link>http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/home-wiring-construction/oddly-shaped-room-home-theater</link><description>These homeowners had an odd shaped room, one that wasn’t built to be a dedicated theater like a basement ... but an old entertainment system that really needed an upgrade. After finding custom electronics pro Union Place, of Excelsior, Minn., they turned it into a gem of a theater, complete with constant image height screen setup for really immersing in CinemaScope aspect ratio films. The challenge was to create a room that functioned as a cohesive theater, without giving up space and in needed to blend with the other rooms of the home it was open to.</description><pubDate>Sat, 10 Oct 2009 21:35:00 -0000</pubDate><guid>/tweaks/home-wiring-construction/oddly-shaped-room-home-theater</guid><category>Home Wiring &amp; Custom Installation</category><category>Tips &amp; Tricks</category></item><item><title>Wal-Mart Shrugged – DVD and Blu-ray Fell</title><link>http://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/wal-mart-dvd-blu-ray</link><description>Never underestimate the power of Wal-Mart! The retail juggernaut has the power to destroy a product line’s sales by deciding not to sell it - or simply pushing it to the bottom shelf. Wal-Mart recently trimmed down its DVD shelf to free up space for better selling items. Now tremors are being felt across the entertainment industry. But is Wal-Mart contributing to a consumer paradigm shift or simply responding to one?</description><pubDate>Thu, 08 Oct 2009 08:05:00 -0000</pubDate><guid>/news/editorials/wal-mart-dvd-blu-ray</guid><category>Editorials</category><category>News &amp; Opinion</category></item><item><title>Westinghouse TX-42F970Z LCD First Look</title><link>http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/televisions/flat-panels/westinghouse-tx-42f970z-lcd-first-look</link><description>The Westinghouse TX-42F970Z LCD has a lot going for it, 120Hz processing, slimish size, and (most of all) a $750 asking price. Regardless of what you think of Westinghouse's previous offerings, the fact is that $750 for a 42" display is pretty outrageous. Add in dealer discounts and sales and you're looking at the display your parents and friends will be asking you about. At this price, you might even pick up a TX-42F970Z for the bedroom or office.</description><pubDate>Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:30:16 -0000</pubDate><guid>/reviews/televisions/flat-panels/westinghouse-tx-42f970z-lcd-first-look</guid><category>Flat Panels</category><category>Televisions &amp; Displays</category></item><item><title>Panamax MX5102 UPS Review</title><link>http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/power-conditioners/panamax-mx5102-ups</link><description>The Panamax MX5102 delivers exactly what it claims - battery backup and voltage monitoring. While there are other choices out there, the Panamax has its own feature set that may make it perfect for your application. On looks alone the Panamax MX5102 is a winner. The black brushed aluminum case just begs to be shown off. The Panamax MX5102 would make a great addition to any home theater.</description><pubDate>Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0000</pubDate><guid>/reviews/power-conditioners/panamax-mx5102-ups</guid><category>Power Conditioners</category><category>Pro Reviews</category></item><item><title> Paradigm Reference Signature SUB 1 and SUB 2 First Look</title><link>http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/subwoofers/paradigm-sub-1-2</link><description>When we checked out Paradigm's new sub offerings, we couldn't help but be reminded of a classic children's story well loved by us from our childhood. While lacking colorful illustrations and more talented writing, we tried to keep the spirit of that author alive through this first look of Paradigm's Reference Signature SUB 1 and SUB 2. So take this first look with a grain of salt, for the rhyming idea is really Paradigm's fault.</description><pubDate>Mon, 05 Oct 2009 15:05:00 -0000</pubDate><guid>/reviews/speakers/subwoofers/paradigm-sub-1-2</guid><category>Subwoofers</category><category>Speakers</category></item><item><title>Axiom Audio Epic Accent M0 On-Wall Speaker System Review</title><link>http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/architectural/axiom-audio-epic-accent-m0</link><description>From the magnetic grills to the innovative (if quirky) wall mounting bracket system, the Axiom Audio M0s are a speaker unlike any other. Of course, coming from Axiom you'd expect them to deliver sonically - and they do. If you are looking for an unobtrusive on-wall system for a smaller room, the M0s are a very good choice and deserve to be on your short list. At $135 each and with a free 30day in-home trial, you've got little to lose except your preconceptions about what a small speaker can do.</description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2009 19:00:00 -0000</pubDate><guid>/reviews/speakers/architectural/axiom-audio-epic-accent-m0</guid><category>Architectural &amp; Outdoor</category><category>Speakers</category></item><item><title>Squeezebox Gets Apps</title><link>http://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/squeezebox-gets-apps</link><description>Logitech really seems to be stepping up to the plate with this newest firmware update. Everything from the graphics and loading screens down to the wallpapers available are new. Not to mention the apps. Users will probably spend a lot of time rediscovering their Squeezeboxes.</description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:50:00 -0000</pubDate><guid>/news/industry-news/squeezebox-gets-apps</guid><category>Industry News</category><category>News &amp; Opinion</category></item><item><title>Gaming with a 3D Vision</title><link>http://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/gaming-3d-vision</link><description>The 3D Entertainment Summit held in Universal City California was about all things 3D. That included Ubisoft's new game based on the James Cameron 3D movie which should delight 3D gamers. Through panels and discussions, ways and means were talked through in order to find insight and a reality for creating 3D among the viewing public. Also discussed were methods for extending the 3D experience so as to go beyond that of just the movies. One of the ways that 3D can be extended is in its use in video games - but in a way that is different than the type of technology that has gone on before. Just as 3D has improved its over time, so too are the latest elements in producing 3D seen as impacting the overall gaming experience at home through stereoscopic 3D gaming.</description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:45:00 -0000</pubDate><guid>/news/industry-news/gaming-3d-vision</guid><category>Industry News</category><category>News &amp; Opinion</category></item><item><title>3D Heart Attack</title><link>http://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/3d-heart-attack</link><description>We've been hearing more and more about 3D for the last few years. The real driving force behind 3D has always been to rake in more money. Will people pay a premium for a movie in 3 dimensions? Apparently yes. But for how long? 3D movies have inundated the public consciousness over the summer. Releases such as "Coraline" and "Up" have met with rave reviews while movies like "My Bloody Valentine" made money arguably only because of the format. The public is definitely aware of the format and is willing to pay extra for it. For now.</description><pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2009 05:15:00 -0000</pubDate><guid>/news/editorials/3d-heart-attack</guid><category>Editorials</category><category>News &amp; Opinion</category></item><item><title>eD Considers WAF</title><link>http://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/ed-considers-waf</link><description>Elemental Designs, the company that has arguably caused more spousal conflicts than any other single online subwoofer manufacturer, has finally decided to give their customers finish options over the standard black. Say hello to veneers on select subwoofer offerings.</description><pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:17:54 -0000</pubDate><guid>/news/industry-news/ed-considers-waf</guid><category>Industry News</category><category>News &amp; Opinion</category></item><item><title>The Loudspeaker Crossover Part II: The Brains of your System </title><link>http://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/the-loudspeaker-crossover</link><description>Ever 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.</description><pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:00:00 -0000</pubDate><guid>/education/loudspeaker-basics/the-loudspeaker-crossover</guid><category>Loudspeaker Basics</category><category>AV University</category></item></channel></rss>