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.Mon, 11 May 2009 13:25:00 -0000http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-disc-reviews/passengers-on-blu-rayPassengers on Blu-ray is set to be released on May 12, but we'd be very surprised to see copies of this relatively unknown film rushing off the shelves. The hype around Passengers was minimal at best, which is surprising, given Hollywood "It" girl and every woman's favorite leading lady Anne Hathaway has the starring role. Mon, 11 May 2009 13:25:00 -0000/reviews/software/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-disc-reviews/passengers-on-blu-rayBlu-ray Disc and HD-DVD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/game-reviews/simcraft-apex-SC830-SC320-racing-simulatorThe APEX SC830 and APEX SC320 are patent-pending, military-grade simulators from SimCraft. The APEX SC830 is developed for the training of professional racers (and ultra-competitive gamers) and offers three degrees of freedom (roll 40º / pitch 25º / yaw 40º). The APEX SC320 was designed for the hardcore gamer and offers two degrees of freedom (roll 20º / pitch 20º). If you have to ask, you can't afford it. Really, basically, you can't afford it. But it sure was fun to play!Fri, 09 Jan 2009 07:15:00 -0000/reviews/software/game-reviews/simcraft-apex-SC830-SC320-racing-simulatorGame ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/game-reviews/warbeast-ps3-wireless-guitardreamGEAR's newest video game accessory (which garnered an Innovations 2009 Design and Engineering Award honoree status) is the WarBeast PS3 Wireless Guitar. The WarBeast is a full-size wireless guitar controller compatible with the PS3 that is fully licensed by iconic heavy metal guitar manufacturer B.C. Rich. It is designed to bridge the gap between professional guitars and gaming equipment.Wed, 07 Jan 2009 20:05:00 -0000/reviews/software/game-reviews/warbeast-ps3-wireless-guitarGame ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/dvd-reviews/rush-snakes-arrows-live-dvd-review“Thanks to epic songs, fantastical lyrics and extravagant drum solos, [Rush] rocks on through the 21st century…the scope of [their] achievements is undeniable…” –Rolling Stone Surely this is a misprint, right? Rolling Stone magazine has something positive to say about the band Rush? Snubbed by the publication for years, it seems someone finally saw it fit to do a decent story on the band earlier this year during their most recent tour supporting Snakes & Arrows. The first leg of this tour began in 2007 and Rush has just released Snakes & Arrows Live on DVD.Fri, 19 Dec 2008 18:08:05 -0000/reviews/software/dvd-reviews/rush-snakes-arrows-live-dvd-reviewDVD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/game-reviews/gta-4-behind-the-hypeAfter all the hype and "best game in a million years" talk, I just couldn't resist. This is the first GTA game I've played mostly because of timing. I was out of gaming for all of the other GTA games so I'm looking at this through "virgin" eyes. First of all "The Best Game Ever?" Um... No. No it isn't. So far it is cool and I'm enjoying it but it is far from the best game. The sheer size of it it staggering and the thought put in to all the characters is great but the best game... sorry. Mon, 05 May 2008 20:23:50 -0000/reviews/software/game-reviews/gta-4-behind-the-hypeGame ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/game-reviews/army-of-two-game-reviewIf you are an adult, especially one that is looking for a great co-op experience, Army of Two does not disappoint. While this seems like a hold over while we wait for Gears of War 2 to come out, it is a pretty good game in its own right. If nothing else, I applaud them for releasing a game that focuses on co-op play. While the story is a bit weak (if you pay attention to such things) and the ending blows, it doesn't distract from the gameplay. If you like co-op games, this one is a buy. If you are more into the solo missions, rent it and make a friend. You never know, it might be for you.Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:38:29 -0000/reviews/software/game-reviews/army-of-two-game-reviewGame ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-disc-reviews/into-the-wild-hd-dvdInto the Wild is among the last round of Paramount HD DVD releases. The Golden Globe winning movie tells the story of a young man who tried to escape civilization. It turns out to be one of the great road movies with a captivating musical soundtrack.Mon, 10 Mar 2008 20:38:46 -0000/reviews/software/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-disc-reviews/into-the-wild-hd-dvdBlu-ray Disc and HD-DVD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/cd-reviews/ravels-greatest-hit-ultimate-boleroRavel’s Bolero is a composition that rose from the depths of nonchalant dismissal by Ravel’s contemporaries to being one of the few truly recognizable melodies in classical music. Sadly, you rarely seem to see it on the concert bill these days. Perhaps it’s too disciplined for today’s classical conductors who struggle to maintain their freedom of self-expression while they pander to a diminishing audience of aging donors.Mon, 25 Feb 2008 19:01:06 -0000/reviews/software/cd-reviews/ravels-greatest-hit-ultimate-boleroCD & SACD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-disc-reviews/eastern-promises-hd-dvdAcademy Award Nominee Viggo Mortensen teams up for second time with director David Cronenberg for Eastern Promises a hard hitting crime thriller. This HD DVD review contains no spoilers! I highly recommend this film to anyone who likes action movies, thrillers, mystery or even art-house cinema, this film fits somewhere between them all. The HD transfer is brilliant and the multi-channel surround sound is well done.Tue, 22 Jan 2008 18:13:10 -0000/reviews/software/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-disc-reviews/eastern-promises-hd-dvdBlu-ray Disc and HD-DVD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/game-reviews/new-games-at-cesNot that we had any time to demo them, but CES 2008 had a slew of new games on display. We couldn't help but be amazed by some of the graphics. First Person Shooters seemed to dominate but RPGs, driving, and more made their presence known. Hopefully, this will be the year when we can finally stop making fun of the PS3 for its lack of games (and with MGS4 and GT5 on the way, all signs point to "yes").Mon, 14 Jan 2008 18:22:52 -0000/reviews/software/game-reviews/new-games-at-cesGame ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/game-reviews/tn-games-3rd-space-vest-and-helmetFirst person shooter games are arguably the most popular on the market today. Halo 3 alone is evidence and that. TN Games has taken a technology that was originally built to be used in the medical field and adapted it to games. The 3rd Space Vest and Helmet are designed to be used with specific PC games in order simulate the effect of getting shot. Cool? Oh yeah!Tue, 08 Jan 2008 17:49:08 -0000/reviews/software/game-reviews/tn-games-3rd-space-vest-and-helmetGame ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/game-reviews/neural-thxTHX Ltd., Neural Audio Corp. and Sierra Entertainment, a division of Vivendi Games, today announced that Prototype, the first-person shooter (FPS) for next-gen gaming consoles and PCs, will be the world’s first video game to feature Neural-THX Surround extending the surround sound experience from 5.1 to 7.1.Tue, 08 Jan 2008 17:19:58 -0000/reviews/software/game-reviews/neural-thxGame ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/game-reviews/call-of-duty-4Have you been murdered recently? I mean, like actually shot in the face or blown up by a nuclear holocaust? If so, then I doubt you are reading this right now. But, if you would like to experience those things without real pain or the sting of death, then you should be playing Call of Duty 4! My statement might seem a little tongue-in-cheek, but it’s closer to the truth then you can realize from just reading a review. If you have a good home theater, then your time spent with CoD4 is beyond gaming entertainment, it’s a moving emotional experience.Wed, 21 Nov 2007 00:35:46 -0000/reviews/software/game-reviews/call-of-duty-4Game ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-disc-reviews/transformers-hd-dvdOnce upon a time there were plastic Japanese toys that changed from cars into robots. Now we have huge blockbuster movies that change our childhood toys into reality! Ok, maybe not reality, but the latest Transformers movie does a pretty good job with the flashy animation and popcorn flick thrills. Drop in a kid, a hot girl, some good one-liners, and Michael Bay as the director and you'll get this summer's biggest movie on a plastic disc that's sure to please. Thu, 25 Oct 2007 19:19:25 -0000/reviews/software/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-disc-reviews/transformers-hd-dvdBlu-ray Disc and HD-DVD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/game-reviews/lair-ps3-gameLair is a game which received much fanfare. It is, in fact, a game which has already been reviewed by several primary gaming magazines. While those sources focused on gameplay, we felt that the elements of audio and video quality were sorely lacking – at least in any sort of objective sense. As we unwrapped the Blu-ray packaging and inserted the game into the PS3 we realized we were going to be in for one heck of a sensory experience.Wed, 24 Oct 2007 13:00:21 -0000/reviews/software/game-reviews/lair-ps3-gameGame ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/game-reviews/orange-box-reviewWelcome to the Orange Box! The box is actually the standard Xbox green with a very orange label. If you actually want an orange box, you'll have to buy the PC version for $10 less. Now that the colors are out of the way, the "Orange Box" contains not just one or two titles, but five! Half Life 2, Half Life 2: Episode 1, Half Life 2: Episode 2, Portal, and Team Fortress 2 are all part of this deluxe game package. It really feels more like 3 games, as all of the Half Life 2 games follow the same story. Mon, 22 Oct 2007 19:46:46 -0000/reviews/software/game-reviews/orange-box-reviewGame ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/game-reviews/halo-3-legendaryOk, there are a hundred other reviews out there that are surely very informative as to the content of this game. I am a home theater enthusiast so I want to touch on the good and bad of the game from an audioholic perspective. I know, when you look at my mini blog up there, it looks like I am some kind of fanboy, but rest assured that I am as critical as the next guy...Fri, 28 Sep 2007 00:59:08 -0000/reviews/software/game-reviews/halo-3-legendaryGame ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-disc-reviews/we-were-soldiersI nabbed the We Were Soldiers HD DVD early on since it was a pairing of Randall Wallace and Mel Gibson. That's as good as calling it Braveheart II as far as I'm concerned. It turns out the HD DVD video quality wasn't all I had expected (OK, it was downright disappointing), but we'll get into more of that that below.Wed, 29 Aug 2007 14:09:25 -0000/reviews/software/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-disc-reviews/we-were-soldiersBlu-ray Disc and HD-DVD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-disc-reviews/batman-begins-hd-dvdIf ever a movie was created to tap into the depths of just how far a DLP or LCD projector can go with regard to black levels you would think it was Batman Begins. Full of scene after scene of dark, detailed imagery, this movie is a veritable smörgåsbord of test clips for just how low your projector will go. Combined with an audio track that will throw you back in your seat, Batman Begins is a wild ride for both sight and sound.Tue, 28 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0000/reviews/software/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-disc-reviews/batman-begins-hd-dvdBlu-ray Disc and HD-DVD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-disc-reviews/miami-vice-hd-dvdMiami Vice surprised me by being a "straight shooter" in the midst of a series of campy remakes that poked fun at their counterparts. As far as the technological side of the DVD, this is by far the most advanced HD DVD I've yet encountered. If you want to know what the menu system of an HD DVD can do, Miami Vice shows off quite a few of the features. The picture is beautiful, even though much of it is dark and shot in the evening when grain tends to creep into the film.Mon, 04 Jun 2007 20:47:20 -0000/reviews/software/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-disc-reviews/miami-vice-hd-dvdBlu-ray Disc and HD-DVD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-disc-reviews/departed-hd-dvd-reviewThe Departed is a film that captured our attention for several reasons. First off, as an Academy Award winner it stood out for its apparent merit as a film. Secondly, the number of A-list actors in the film are mind-blowing and I knew the film would be enjoyable regardless of plot due to the sheer presence of the talent on the screen. The last reason we chose this disc was due to the fact that surely for such an eventful film as a Scorsese masterpiece the audio and video quality must have been meticulously attended to in the mastering process to HD DVD.Tue, 29 May 2007 12:40:49 -0000/reviews/software/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-disc-reviews/departed-hd-dvd-reviewBlu-ray Disc and HD-DVD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-disc-reviews/audioholics-hd-dvd-review-methodologyThere are plenty of places reviewing HD-DVDs* these days, so why should Audioholics even bother? Well, we cruised around the web and the usual sources and found a distinct lack of technical information on the various discs with respect to audio and video quality. Since the entire point of HD DVD and Blu-ray Discs is to provide audio and video that far exceeds that of standard definition DVDs, it's important to focus on those aspects when reviewing the new format discs.Fri, 04 May 2007 15:03:59 -0000/reviews/software/hd-dvd-and-blu-ray-disc-reviews/audioholics-hd-dvd-review-methodologyBlu-ray Disc and HD-DVD ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/dvd-audio-reviews/toy-matinee-dvd-a-dts-reviewI can remember a few years back hearing a song on the radio from time to time that I absolutely loved, but never knew the name of it or artist who sang it. All I could remember was a few lyrics that stuck in my head. The style of this song reminded me of a cross between Steely Dan and the Alan Parson Project.Fri, 08 Dec 2006 02:54:30 -0000/reviews/software/dvd-audio-reviews/toy-matinee-dvd-a-dts-reviewDVD-Audio and DTS ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/dvd-audio-reviews/steely-dan-gauchoThis CD masterpiece from Steely Dan was originally recorded in 1980. It has recently been remastered by DTS into a 20 bit multi-channel surround format for use with DTS decoders in a 5.1 speaker system set-up.Fri, 08 Dec 2006 02:54:30 -0000/reviews/software/dvd-audio-reviews/steely-dan-gauchoDVD-Audio and DTS ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/dvd-audio-reviews/sting-ten-summoners-tales-dtsThis CD was produced by Sting in 1993 (former singer of the Police) and DTS Encoded by Jeff Levison & Ric Wilson. One thing I really respect about Sting is his attention to detail and quality of sound in his recordings. Just about every one of his CD's are recorded with the highest fidelity currently available at the time.Fri, 08 Dec 2006 02:54:30 -0000/reviews/software/dvd-audio-reviews/sting-ten-summoners-tales-dtsDVD-Audio and DTS ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/dvd-audio-reviews/alan-parsons-on-air-dtsRecorded at Parsonics, London between December of 1995 and June of 1996, "On Air" represents the latest CD from Alan Parsons. What makes this CD stand out from their previous recordings is that it was mastered in multi channel high definition surround sound.Fri, 08 Dec 2006 02:54:30 -0000/reviews/software/dvd-audio-reviews/alan-parsons-on-air-dtsDVD-Audio and DTS ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/dvd-audio-reviews/eagles-hell-freezes-over-dtsFourteen years ago, the Eagles said they would get back together for a tour when "Hell Freezes Over". I can't recall if 1997 was a cold year, but it I remember it marked the day when the Eagles united for a tour. What made this tour especially nice was that the concert was performed unplugged and recorded in DTS 5.1 Channel Surround Sound.Fri, 08 Dec 2006 02:54:30 -0000/reviews/software/dvd-audio-reviews/eagles-hell-freezes-over-dtsDVD-Audio and DTS ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/dvd-audio-reviews/esteban-enter-the-heart-dtsRecorded in 1998, legendary Jazz-Latin guitarist Esteban embarked upon creating a new listening experience for his fans by encoding his latest CD with the best current multi channel surround sound scheme available.Fri, 08 Dec 2006 02:54:30 -0000/reviews/software/dvd-audio-reviews/esteban-enter-the-heart-dtsDVD-Audio and DTS ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/dvd-audio-reviews/porcupine-tree-in-absentia-dtsPrior to writing this review I had never heard of the quartet Porcupine Tree. Where I live in New Hampshire , the selection of FM stations is limited unless you have a large outside antenna or live closer to Boston . I have digital radio with my DIRECTV package, however, I never find myself listening to it.Fri, 08 Dec 2006 02:54:30 -0000/reviews/software/dvd-audio-reviews/porcupine-tree-in-absentia-dtsDVD-Audio and DTS ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/dvd-audio-reviews/kaje-dvd-audio-disc-cd-review KAJE, pronounced "Kay-Jay" is probably a disc I would not have typically selected on my own, but man am I glad it came across my desk. KAJE wrote, recorded, mixed and mastered the stereo tracks and 3Bone Audio, Inc did the 5.1 mixing and mastering for the DVD-Audio 5.1 mixes (the stereo audio CD version is included on a separate disc).Fri, 08 Dec 2006 02:54:30 -0000/reviews/software/dvd-audio-reviews/kaje-dvd-audio-disc-cd-reviewDVD-Audio and DTS ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/dvd-audio-reviews/blue-man-group-the-complex-dts I was quite excited when I opened the package containing this DVD and saw its contents. I've never been to a Blue M an Group performance, nor have I heard one of their recordings. I knew, however, from their Intel commercials, that their Industrial/Tribal/ Techno sound would be a perfect match for the 5.1 format.Fri, 08 Dec 2006 02:54:30 -0000/reviews/software/dvd-audio-reviews/blue-man-group-the-complex-dtsDVD-Audio and DTS ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/dvd-audio-reviews/queen-2013-the-game-review-dts One of the aspects of Queen that excited me the most when reviewing this DVD-Audio disc is their predilection to use unusual sounds in their compositions. To me, 5.1 surround is a perfect venue for some of the more esoteric of Queen's songs.Fri, 08 Dec 2006 02:54:30 -0000/reviews/software/dvd-audio-reviews/queen-2013-the-game-review-dtsDVD-Audio and DTS ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/dvd-audio-reviews/queen-a-night-at-the-opera-dts After reviewing Queen's The Game in DTS , I was cautiously optimistic that this disc would be an improvement over the slightly disappointing The Game. Queens esoteric style I still believe could lend itself well to the 5.1 format and I was hoping that this disc be the one to do it. I'm sorry to report that this was not the case.Fri, 08 Dec 2006 02:54:30 -0000/reviews/software/dvd-audio-reviews/queen-a-night-at-the-opera-dtsDVD-Audio and DTS ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/dvd-audio-reviews/don-henley-end-of-the-innocence-dts Boy, I have to say that I wasn't exactly excited to see a Don Henley DVD on my doorstep, ready for my review. Not exactly my cup of tea. But then I started thinking about it and I realized that I knew at least three songs on the album and that Don Henley was a part of the Eagles Hell Freezes Over 5.1 disc that is well regarded for its audio performance.Fri, 08 Dec 2006 02:54:30 -0000/reviews/software/dvd-audio-reviews/don-henley-end-of-the-innocence-dtsDVD-Audio and DTS ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/dvd-audio-reviews/graham-nash-2013-songs-for-survivors-dts Of course we all know Nash from Crosby , Stills, Nash, and Young fame, but, not knowing what to expect from this DVD, I cracked the case and looked inside.Fri, 08 Dec 2006 02:54:30 -0000/reviews/software/dvd-audio-reviews/graham-nash-2013-songs-for-survivors-dtsDVD-Audio and DTS ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/dvd-audio-reviews/sheryl-crow-the-globe-sessions-dts I was thrilled to be presented with a DTS-ES 6.1 Discreet DVD for my review. I'm always happy to let my 7.1 setup get the full workout. Like most people, I've heard most, if not all, of Sheryl Crow's popular releases, seen some performances on TV, and have been generally impressed with her talent.Fri, 08 Dec 2006 02:54:30 -0000/reviews/software/dvd-audio-reviews/sheryl-crow-the-globe-sessions-dtsDVD-Audio and DTS ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/dvd-audio-reviews/mutter-beethoven-concerto-romances-sacd When one begins listening to classical music, one of the most logical composers to start with would have to be Ludwig van Beethoven. Even the most novice listener knows Beethoven's most famous four notes. Aside from his symphonies, Beethoven also composed several other types of music. In 1806 he composed the Violin Concerto in D major.Fri, 08 Dec 2006 02:54:30 -0000/reviews/software/dvd-audio-reviews/mutter-beethoven-concerto-romances-sacdDVD-Audio and DTS ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/dvd-audio-reviews/the-moody-blues-days-of-future-passed-dts Okey Dokey - yet another groundbreaking '60's album translated into the surround format. Past reviews have shown that such undertakings are risky at best. Many times the original recordings are not up to the conversion into the digital realm or the "groundbreaking" nature of the album is lost in its translation.Fri, 08 Dec 2006 02:54:30 -0000/reviews/software/dvd-audio-reviews/the-moody-blues-days-of-future-passed-dtsDVD-Audio and DTS ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/dvd-audio-reviews/diana-krall-love-scenes-dts You know who you are. You are out there on the web typing "Of course…" as we speak. I see you all the time in the forums just waiting for someone to post a question about what DVD's best show off your system and immediately 57 responses start with "Of course Diana Krall's… .(fill in the blank)."Fri, 08 Dec 2006 02:54:30 -0000/reviews/software/dvd-audio-reviews/diana-krall-love-scenes-dtsDVD-Audio and DTS ReviewsMusic, Movies, Softwarehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/software/dvd-audio-reviews/crosby-nash-another-stoney-evening-dts Another Stoney Evening is a recording of a live performance given by the duo of David Crosby and Graham Nash on October 10 th , 1971 . Unfortunately, I couldn't make the performance that day because I was… oh… all of five DAYS old at the time.Fri, 08 Dec 2006 02:54:30 -0000/reviews/software/dvd-audio-reviews/crosby-nash-another-stoney-evening-dtsDVD-Audio and DTS ReviewsMusic, Movies, Software