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, 19 Nov 2009 22:30:00 -0000http://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/cedia-bashes-ca-ruling-big-tvsCEDIA (The Custom Electronic Design & 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.Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:30:00 -0000/news/editorials/cedia-bashes-ca-ruling-big-tvsEditorialsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2-sicker-than-h1n1The 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.Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:55:00 -0000/news/editorials/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2-sicker-than-h1n1EditorialsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/blockbuster-employee-stabsAccording 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.Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:10:00 -0000/news/editorials/blockbuster-employee-stabsEditorialsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/hands-on-xbox-360-facebook-twitter-last.fm-instant-streamingThere 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).Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:10:00 -0000/news/editorials/hands-on-xbox-360-facebook-twitter-last.fm-instant-streamingEditorialsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/hulu-vs-huluOne 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.Mon, 26 Oct 2009 08:25:00 -0000/news/editorials/hulu-vs-huluEditorialsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/wal-mart-dvd-blu-rayNever 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?Thu, 08 Oct 2009 08:05:00 -0000/news/editorials/wal-mart-dvd-blu-rayEditorialsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/3d-heart-attackWe'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.Thu, 01 Oct 2009 05:15:00 -0000/news/editorials/3d-heart-attackEditorialsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/ca-energy-commission-televisionsTwo weeks ago, the California Energy Commission released regulatory language aimed at reducing electricity usage of television sets in the state. This news was greeted by modest media coverage, much of it hailing the commission for targeting Californians’ energy consumption. Soon thereafter, it was announced that California’s unemployment rate jumped three-tenths of a percentage point to 12.2 percent in August. What the media – and California’s regulators – fail to realize is that these are not two distinct stories, one involving environmental regulation and the other relating to California’s sputtering economy. Instead, they are two pieces of the same overarching narrative: Government over-regulation of California’s businesses is hurting an economy that is already suffering.Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:20:00 -0000/news/editorials/ca-energy-commission-televisionsEditorialsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/fcc-under-fire-for-net-neutralityThe fight for net neutrality is ON! Soon after the Federal Communications Commission announced it will formalize net neutrality rules – the FCC immediately drew fire from all sides. Republicans in Congress want to pull funding to the FCC while Comcast and AT&T promise an apocalypse of Internet traffic congestion and unsafe service will be the true cost of new regulation.Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:00:00 -0000/news/editorials/fcc-under-fire-for-net-neutralityEditorialsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/apple-event-9-9-09-ipod-vs.-zune-round-twoSomeone call 911! Apple’s keynote invitation image looks like a crime scene victim’s chalk outline. Apple’s annual meeting tomorrow has a name that may invoke images of the Beatles, the band that loved the number nine but doesn’t like digital distribution. While blog-o-sphere rumors of what’ll be in store at the Apple event tomorrow are more elaborate than the Da Vinci Code, one thing is for sure: It’s Apple’s turn to strike back in the war to be your next MP3 player.Tue, 08 Sep 2009 19:15:00 -0000/news/editorials/apple-event-9-9-09-ipod-vs.-zune-round-twoEditorialsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/biggest-industry-mistakesWhen I think back through some of the more recent technology inventions and innovations that we are enjoying in this digital age I am often reminded of the somewhat ridiculous nature of who brings forth these products and services. After all, you'd think the market leaders would continue to lead, or that those involved in a particular industry would remain on the forefront and bring that industry to repeat pinnacle achievements and advances. But this is simply not the case for many companies. In fact, more often than not, large companies tend towards stagnation and are thus greatly reduced in size from large megaliths to mere shadows of their former glory.Tue, 28 Jul 2009 06:00:00 -0000/news/editorials/biggest-industry-mistakesEditorialsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/midnight-express-blu-ray-review-1Midnight Express is one of those rare films that doesn’t just get better but becomes more poignant and resonates louder with age. The film earned six Golden Globes and two Oscars including: Best Music for Giorgio Moroder and Best Screenplay for Oliver Stone. It’s based on the true story of a young American’s journey through the Turkish penal system in 1970. The movie stars Brad Davis, John Hurt and a very young Randy Quaid. We’re soon introduced to colorful co-stars like Randy Quaid and John Hurt. The starring role is covered by then up-and-coming star Brad Davis as Billy Hayes. Davis’s own life was one of drugs and terrible, terrible tragedy.Wed, 22 Jul 2009 07:05:00 -0000/news/editorials/midnight-express-blu-ray-review-1EditorialsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/lcd-specs-routinely-inflated-2013-plasma-still-betterPlasma still gives a better picture than LCD, even after all these years. That's the lofty finding of thorough testing conducted by DisplayMate.com and Insight Media, plasma scored consistently higher ratings than LCD. The test also exposed the revelation (that may come as no surprise to some) that many of your LCD display specifications are highly exaggerated.Sat, 18 Jul 2009 06:30:00 -0000/news/editorials/lcd-specs-routinely-inflated-2013-plasma-still-betterEditorialsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/thin-tvs-some-dont-get-itPeople, at least the gotta-have-it tech-at-all-costs bleeding-edge gimme-my-iphone-now cowd are always looking for the next best thing. And despite the lagging economy, they are driving the market and the media to tell others what's cool and what's the next evolution in products. Steve Jobs and Apple may come out with the next big thing, but if it's not adopted by the elites, and praised by the media elites, it won't make it very far. Now let's apply that to flat TVs. Sure, you may think your new flat panel, measuring in at a scant 3-4 inches thick, is... well... flat. But it's not. Not really.Thu, 09 Jul 2009 07:00:00 -0000/news/editorials/thin-tvs-some-dont-get-itEditorialsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/downloads-vs-discsThere seem to be two camps in the AV field in regards to content - downloads or physical media. The download camp says that physical media is quickly becoming a thing of the past. The other side holds their discs up high and scream, "You'll take my disc from my cold dead hands!" So, who will be right? An analysis.Thu, 25 Jun 2009 06:10:00 -0000/news/editorials/downloads-vs-discsEditorialsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/environmentally-friendly-tvs-its-easy-being-greenEarth Day’s over, but if you were a little negligent on your roadside cleanups or incorporating hemp clothing into your wardrobe, there are still things you can do to green up your image – starting in your living room with the energy consumption of your TV. Mon, 15 Jun 2009 06:10:00 -0000/news/editorials/environmentally-friendly-tvs-its-easy-being-greenEditorialsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/news-paperless-societyBeing a part of an online publication like Audioholics probably doesn't give me the least biased position on the sate of the newspaper and print magazine industry. Obviously, I have a lot invested in maintaining the viability of the online medium. So I can't help but feel a little bit of validation when I read that the parent company of Stereophile is filing for bankruptcy. Of course, I don't want anyone to lose their jobs or have any desire to see any of my fellow reviewers suffer but we've believed for years that the Internet is the future of news and information.Mon, 04 May 2009 23:50:00 -0000/news/editorials/news-paperless-societyEditorialsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/av-rant-interview-auralexIn this special Monday edition of AV Rant, Tom interviews Gavin Haverstick of Auralex Acoustics about getting the most out of your room. You had questions and Gavin is one of the best in the business. Topics covered included the differences between soundproofing and treating, suggestions for no/low cost room treatments, and why use diffusion and where you should place it.Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:20:41 -0000/news/editorials/av-rant-interview-auralexEditorialsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/lord-of-the-rings-blu-ray-i-want-my-extended-editionsWhen Amazon add its pre-order page for the Lord of the Rings Trilogy on Blu-ray – Fans of the House of Elrond quickly became a house divided. It’s great news that Warner is finally getting around to giving us Rings on Blu-ray. But many of us are disappointed that the films available will only be the theatrical versions. Here are the rumors around the Internet regarding the Blu-ray release of Lord of the Rings.Mon, 20 Apr 2009 19:57:46 -0000/news/editorials/lord-of-the-rings-blu-ray-i-want-my-extended-editionsEditorialsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/best-buy-adopts-circuit-city-success-planImitation is the best form of flattery they say, so I suppose the now defunct Circuit City should be flattered. While it was only two years ago we were reporting on Circuit City cutting jobs and hiring lower paid staff, it seems the last big boy on the block is doing the same. Maybe someone should send a memo to the big wigs at Best Buy that Circuit City's policy pretty much killed them. Wed, 15 Apr 2009 22:50:00 -0000/news/editorials/best-buy-adopts-circuit-city-success-planEditorialsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/home-theater-on-a-budgetThese days, everyone is looking for ways to save a bit of scratch, but that doesn’t mean you have to scratch your plans for a decent home entertainment experience. A few simple adjustments in your purchases will soothe that home theater itch with surprisingly high quality results.Tue, 14 Apr 2009 11:10:00 -0000/news/editorials/home-theater-on-a-budgetEditorialsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/monster-distractions-in-3dMitsubishi debuts a new line of 3D HDTVs. Meanwhile as theaters across North America prepare for another salvo of movies featuring video’s third dimension - studios and movie theater chains are squabbling over who pays for those plastic glasses handed out before the show. It’s part of the growing pains of the entertainment industry’s latest frontier. But there’s a serious philosophical question that just isn’t part of the dialogue on 3D cinema. Is it really even necessary?Mon, 13 Apr 2009 10:20:00 -0000/news/editorials/monster-distractions-in-3dEditorialsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/hulu-vs-time-warnerAt least I hope. Last month, Time Warner CEO Jeff Bewkes unveiled his "TV Everywhere" plan. This is designed to keep paying cable subscribers from jumping ship to Hulu (or other sources) by allowing them to access their TV programming on a multitude of platforms. Comcast apparently will be testing a similar program this summer. But do the cable providers really have your best interest at heart? What do you think?Wed, 08 Apr 2009 09:20:00 -0000/news/editorials/hulu-vs-time-warnerEditorialsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/punisher-war-zone-blu-ray-reviewThe Punisher has been played by three actors now: First Dolph Lundgren in the campy 80s Punisher movie. Then Thomas Jane gave us a brooding Punisher in 2004. It’s my opinion that the best Punisher was saved ‘til last. Ray Stevenson is a Punisher like no other – and Lexi Alexander gives us the look and feel that is just right for the material. The 2008 film didn’t exactly set records at the box-office, but nobody expected it to. But like the 2004 film, this version might just find its true following on home video. You won’t find a better representation of this gritty, violent action thriller than this two-disc set on Blu-ray.Tue, 17 Mar 2009 02:46:01 -0000/news/editorials/punisher-war-zone-blu-ray-reviewEditorialsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/is-zilliontv-the-future-or-a-pipe-dreamZillionTV is one of those ideas that sounds almost too good to be true. Buy the box (with an estimated $100 startup fee) and with no monthly charges you get nearly unlimited access to shows on demand. Too much of what I'm reading about ZillionTV screams "Marketing BS, Ahoy!" and not actual functionality. The more I look at it, the more it sounds like big brother that you have to pay to get. Mon, 09 Mar 2009 23:25:00 -0000/news/editorials/is-zilliontv-the-future-or-a-pipe-dreamEditorialsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/killzone-2Killzone 2 is the most anticipated PlayStation 3 exclusive since Metal Gear Solid 4. It finally arrived last Friday, February 27 to fanfare and glowing reviews. But after a few days message boards started lighting up with complaints about the controls. Demand has been so loud to fix the controls that the game’s developers have even come forward with a statement – don’t expect a KZ2 control patch anytime soon.Thu, 05 Mar 2009 08:55:00 -0000/news/editorials/killzone-2EditorialsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/microsoft-storeYou may have heard that Microsoft now plans to open a chain of retail stores. It’s a sure way to present your products and encourage Windows shopping at the same time. But, given the economic uncertainty almost nobody thinks it’s a good idea to open a new retail electronics chain. But it worked for Apple! Hasn’t Microsoft made a living copying its fruit flavored nemesis?Wed, 25 Feb 2009 13:35:00 -0000/news/editorials/microsoft-storeEditorialsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/digital-tv-conversion-how-do-you-spell-snafuWe’re only a day into the new Digital TV age and things just haven’t gone right so far. The switch to Digital TV has been confusing enough for the average consumer. Only a year ago the switch was officially announced that Feb 17th 2009 would mark the dawning of a new age of DTV. Things haven’t worked out as planned – leading even the most seasoned TV experts to scratch their head in wonder.Wed, 18 Feb 2009 20:53:55 -0000/news/editorials/digital-tv-conversion-how-do-you-spell-snafuEditorialsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/sony-dmx-wl1-wireless-hdmi-link-vs-gefen-ext-whdmiWireless HDMI could be the perfect fit for your custom Home Theater installation. Or it could be a serious compromise compared to hard wiring your HDMI cable. The latest wireless HDMI solutions, including Sony’s DMX-WL1 and the Gefen EXT-WHDMI, are pricey and not quite the panacea many would hope.Wed, 04 Feb 2009 15:14:08 -0000/news/editorials/sony-dmx-wl1-wireless-hdmi-link-vs-gefen-ext-whdmiEditorialsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/super-bowl-xliii-party-ideasAudioholics has long had a history of throwing incredibly technologically-advanced Super Bowl parties. We like to divulge our plans to readers before the big game, in the hope that we can give you some tips on throwing a successful, and memorable, party of your own. When throwing a Super Bowl Party there are some basic guidelines to all but guarantee everyone has a great time. If you follow these guidelines you're sure to have a momentous party and provide lots of food, fun and festivity for all.Fri, 30 Jan 2009 03:35:00 -0000/news/editorials/super-bowl-xliii-party-ideasEditorialsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/gizmodo-kicks-belkinA recent Gizmodo article published a tell-all letter from an alleged employee of Belkin. The letter runs down a litany of dirty tricks allegedly perpetrated by the ailing tech company. But it reads like a catty inter-office email from a disgruntled employee. Have the boys at Giz provided consumers valuable inside info or are they just stirring the pot with a dash of controversy?Wed, 21 Jan 2009 21:39:05 -0000/news/editorials/gizmodo-kicks-belkinEditorialsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/playstation-3-xbox-360Fresh jabs were delivered from the Sony camp directed squarely at Microsoft’s jaw. Sony Computer Entertainment chairman Kazuo Hirai did his best Nikita Khrushchev impersonation in a talk to PlayStation Magazine. He expressed his view that PS3 has history on its side and will be around to bury the Xbox 360 after it’s long forgotten. Ironically, he also stated his company’s position that the Wii isn’t even a competitor to PS3. So, if Wii isn’t a video game console what does Hirai propose it is - a sort-of gamey-machine-toy-with-a-stick? Tue, 20 Jan 2009 20:12:22 -0000/news/editorials/playstation-3-xbox-360EditorialsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/blu-ray-09Blu-ray has become one of the most successful new consumer electronics products to come along in recent history. So says Andy Parsons, Blu-ray Disc Promotions Group chairman. He says the format made huge strides in the final weeks of '08 and shows no sign of slowing down. The only real competitor on the horizon for Blu-ray are digital downloads and all I can is - don’t hold your breath.Thu, 15 Jan 2009 12:38:08 -0000/news/editorials/blu-ray-09EditorialsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/electroncs-bad-economyHappy New Year Audioholics! It’s a brand new year and with it comes new announcements from the tech industry. From Macworld to CES we’re in the midst of a bombardment of new cool stuff to buy. But this January finds us in the midst of one of the biggest economic slowdowns since the early 80s. Does a bleak economic outlook curtail your enthusiasm for the latest gadget? Sat, 10 Jan 2009 09:55:00 -0000/news/editorials/electroncs-bad-economyEditorialsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/av-rant-109-ces09Live from the show, Clint and Tom report on the press events so far, some of the overarching themes, and how CES is changing. Before you start groaning, don't worry, Dina participated in the podcast as well and offers her unique perspective. Some of the topics include Panasonic's partnership with James Cameron. LG's wireless TV. Monster Cables admits they are wrong... sort of. Oh, and Toshiba's definition of what the customer wants and why we think they are asking the wrong people. Listen in for all this and much more.Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:45:36 -0000/news/editorials/av-rant-109-ces09EditorialsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/steve-jobs-im-not-deadWith all of the talk that emerged last year about the health of Steve Jobs (the iconic and dynamic figurehead/CEO of Apple Computer, in case you were living under a rock or just beamed here from the planet Quigzmar) - it's no wonder his absence from this year's MacWorld Expo sparked a fresh round of speculation is circling the nets. Steve Jobs missing a MacWorld Expo? That's like Santa Claus skipping Christmas. Well, this week Steve emerged to inform his adoring fans that he's not dead yet.Mon, 05 Jan 2009 15:23:06 -0000/news/editorials/steve-jobs-im-not-deadEditorialsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/online-news-overtakes-printFor years the common response to an introduction about Audioholics would include some form of the following: "Oh, are you a print magazine?" Um, no. You see, we can actually publish articles in real-time instead of having to line them up 3 months in advance and then being behind the curve in terms of what's going on in the industry. I mean seriously... If Onkyo makes a new product announcement we can post it the same day. A print mag has to beg for the info early (which isn't always possible, or they get the specs wrong) or consumers need to wait up to 2 months to get that info from the print magazine. Well, 2009 seems to be the year that online news has finally overtaken print - at least in the US.Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:09:10 -0000/news/editorials/online-news-overtakes-printEditorialsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/holiday-home-theaterIt's the holidays, and 'tis the season to get cozy around the fireplace with the ones we love. Except that fireplaces are hazardous and non-PC these days – this year, we recommend gathering around the TV and checking out three great holiday flicks. Tue, 23 Dec 2008 13:30:29 -0000/news/editorials/holiday-home-theaterEditorialsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/resident-evil-degenerationThe new Resident Evil film dubbed: Degeneration will whet your appetite for the upcoming Resident Evil 5 video game. You're forgiven for thinking you're watching a video game while viewing the movie, it’s a departure from the live action movies that came before it. This installment of the film is taken into the universe of the original video game. Gone is Milla Javovich’s Alice for Claire Redfield and Leon Kennedy, names that fans of the video game series will find familiar. Fri, 19 Dec 2008 09:05:07 -0000/news/editorials/resident-evil-degenerationEditorialsNews & Opinionhttp://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/monsterMonster Cable drops lawsuit against Monster Mini Golf. Battle "won, but war not over yet." Even though they have dropped the suit, they are still opposing our marks with the USPTO. Thus, that remains an ongoing matter which requires ongoing legal fees (in addition to the $200k we already incurred), time and effort. On the flip side, Monster Cable has offered to license the Monster trademark for $100/mo to each Monster Mini Golf facility (23 total) and will also donate and match the royalty proceeds to the Elf and Seg4Vets charities. Mon, 15 Dec 2008 19:16:37 -0000/news/editorials/monsterEditorialsNews & Opinion