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Understanding the Differences between HDMI Versions

HDMI has changed versions so many times it's been hard to keep up for most people. We've talked about the versions as part of other articles and documents, but it seemed fitting that we'd formulate and maintain a definitive document outlining the changes in a straightforward and easy-to-digest manner for all concerned. Hopefully this article helps you understand the format differences and aids in your ability to discern what features are important to you as you shop for HDMI-equipped products.

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Subwoofer Connection Guide For A Multi Subwoofer System

We are always preaching the more subs the better in a home theater system. So now that you've decided to purchase two subs, its time to show you how to correctly connect them up to ensure you achieve the maximum benefits of a multi sub system. Following the guidelines set forth in this article will help you integrate a multi-subwoofer system into your home theater. If done properly, using two or more subs will yield significantly better and smoother bass response for all of the seats in your theater room.

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Recently Published Articles

Tech Article: Loudspeakers & Power Ratings: What's the Deal Part I?
by Paul Apollonio — last modified August 14, 2008 07:50
Loudspeakers & Power Ratings: What's the Deal Part I?
There are two basic ways in which you can destroy a loudspeaker with power; thermally or mechanically. Everyone is familiar with the concept of being able to burn a loudspeaker. It gets too hot, and the voice coil wire burns, or worse, something else (like the cone) catches on fire and burns. We all go shopping with “How many watts can it handle?” This is like living in a vast desert with only a few filling stations and wanting to know your cruising range in miles. We ask how big is the tank, and not how many miles we get to the gallon. (What is the efficiency?) In part I of this series, we examine a few very simple concepts regarding power handling and common misconceptions surrounding them.

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Tech Article: Long HDMI Cable Bench Tests - Monster Cable Shootout
by Clint DeBoer — last modified July 08, 2008 06:50
Long HDMI Cable Bench Tests - Monster Cable Shootout
I decided to write this article the first time I saw another writer say "HDMI is digital - it either works or it doesn't." Then I saw that statement get repeated over and over. The problem is that HDMI isn't like a digital coax audio cable - it can degrade partially and produce sparkles and snow. We'll illustrate some of this below. It took nearly 6 months to research and prepare for this experiment. I intended to acquire as many HDMI cables as possible and focus on empirical testing of mostly longer lengths to show the differences that abound when you exceed 5 meters. The exercise, I believed, would save many consumers from losing lots of money and time - on a number of levels.

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Tech Article: Sound Bars with Chip-Based Technology Bridge Gap
by Claus Neesgaard — last modified June 26, 2008 04:52
Sound Bars with Chip-Based Technology Bridge Gap
High-quality audio is a critical part of creating a compelling home theater product line. With the availability of six- and eight-channel surround sound systems, consumers expect movie theater quality sound in their living rooms and bedrooms from their televisions. New Silicon-on-Chip Designs promise better and cheaper sound bar technology to fill the gap for those who can't build out full 5.1 systems.

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Tech Article: Pear Cable Redux: How to Combat Scam with Science
by David Waratuke — last modified May 13, 2008 08:43
Pear Cable Redux: How to Combat Scam with Science
A Case Study in Applying an Audioholics A/V Education to Identify Marketing Drivel. In this follow-up to our initial article, we will look at Pear Cable as a case study in evaluating exaggerated marketing claims about the audio performance improvements attributed to cables. We will use known science, established engineering principles, and the educated opinions of well known audio engineering practitioners to look for contradictory statements, mistakes and misuse of engineering knowledge, and exaggeration of the audible significance to certain aspects of audio performance.

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Tech Article: Ask Dr. A! Too Many HDMI Outputs
by Clint DeBoer — last modified May 06, 2008 05:31
Ask Dr. A! Too Many HDMI Outputs
Jim from Iowa asks us how in the world he's supposed to make use of all the new HDMI-capable components he has when his TV and AV receiver don't have enough inputs. It's a good question, and one that many people are asking as more and more manufacturers place HDMI into their products. We tackle it a couple of ways to give you options for maintaining a great picture and also retaining the ability to get the best audio quality possible.

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Editorial: THX Certified Display Program Interview
by Gene DellaSala — last modified May 07, 2008 12:45
THX Certified Display Program Interview
THX Display Certification primary goals are to drive quality in manufacturing and help simplify consumer buying decisions. According to THX, having a single testing methodology and specification enables display manufacturers to standardize on one benchmark that is recognized by both industry insiders and consumers alike. We put THX to the test with a series of questions we had about this program to ensure it wasn't just another logo branded on a product to pimp sales.

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Tech Article: No HDMI Output with Component Source
by Clint DeBoer — last modified April 25, 2008 06:04
No HDMI Output with Component Source
A reader asks Dr. A why he can't view some of his material on the TV he bought. Lots of people run into this problem, so we figured we'd take it to Dr. A for a solution.

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Pro Review: Dayton Audio WT3 Woofer Tester Review
by Mark Sanfilipo — last modified April 17, 2008 19:07
Dayton Audio WT3 Woofer Tester Review
The WT3 Woofer Tester by Dayton Audio is a fast, accurate and affordable measurement tool that’s about as easy to use as it gets. Just load the included software, plug the probe into the nearest USB port, calibrate, and you’re good to go. It’s that simple! It’ll measure driver impedance and derive the all-important Thiele/Small parameters - critical to the loudspeaker design process. It will also measure the impedance of various components commonly used in the construction of passive crossover networks such as resistors, caps & inductors. Rounding out this feature set, the WT3 sports some useful extra utilities you’ll likely find handy. All in all, this is one item likely to be a favorite of the DIY community for a long time to come.

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Tech Article: Audioholics Subwoofer Measurement Standard Part I
by Mark Sanfilipo — last modified March 06, 2008 13:24
Audioholics Subwoofer Measurement Standard Part I
When it comes time to size up a subwoofer's performance, the proof is in the measurement! Audioholics takes a hard look at the science of subwoofer measurements in a two-part series covering a broad spectrum of measurement methods, useful to both pro and enthusiast alike. The purpose of both documents are to present a set of measurement guidelines by which a comprehensive objective assessment of a subwoofer’s performance can be developed. Included within this document’s definition of a subwoofer are: single & multiple driver subwoofer systems; powered and passive systems; systems featuring vented or totally enclosed cabinets; along with less common items such as dipole subwoofers. Let the science begin!"

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Tech Article: Understanding the Differences between HDMI Versions
by Clint DeBoer — last modified February 26, 2008 04:44
Understanding the Differences between HDMI Versions
HDMI has changed versions so many times it's been hard to keep up for most people. We've talked about the versions as part of other articles and documents, but it seemed fitting that we'd formulate and maintain a definitive document outlining the changes in a straightforward and easy-to-digest manner for all concerned. Hopefully this article helps you understand the format differences and aids in your ability to discern what features are important to you as you shop for HDMI-equipped products.

Read More… Discuss…

Tech Article: Speaker Cable Gauge (AWG) Guidelines & Recommendations — by Gene DellaSala — last modified January 21, 2008 11:15
Tech Article: Toshiba Cell Broadband Video Processor — by Clint DeBoer — last modified January 14, 2008 06:56
First Look: THX Media Director — by Tom Andry — last modified January 08, 2008 07:32
Tech Article: Twenty Questions Toward a Correct Home Theater Room — by Jeff Hedback — last modified December 09, 2007 09:17
Tech Article: Subjective Loudspeaker Reviews - All About Price? — by Clint DeBoer — last modified December 04, 2007 03:38
Tech Article: Ask Dr. A! Does Speaker Cable Gauge Matter? — by Clint DeBoer — last modified November 29, 2007 06:32
Tech Article: CD Compression Depression Music Industry Idiocracy — by Dan Banquer — last modified November 12, 2007 13:28
Tech Article: Subwoofer Measurement Tactics: A Brief, Topical Overview & Method Comparison — by Mark Sanfilipo — last modified November 12, 2007 06:57
Tech Article: Epson's D7 Panels with C2 Fine Technology — by Clint DeBoer — last modified October 24, 2007 07:21
Video Spotlight: Video: Dolby Interview at CEDIA 2007 — by Clint DeBoer — last modified October 01, 2007 09:05
First Look: DLP DarkChip4 Technology - First Impression — by Clint DeBoer — last modified September 20, 2007 06:31
Tech Article: Speaker Spikes and Cones – What’s the point? — by Jim Lesurf — last modified September 18, 2007 12:28
Tech Article: LIFI Lamp Technology Primer — by Clint DeBoer — last modified October 22, 2007 06:11
Tech Article: HDMI 1.3 and Cables Part 1: It's All in the Bitrate — by Clint DeBoer — last modified February 12, 2008 00:37
Tech Article: Vertical vs Horizontal Center Speaker Designs — by Chris Seymour — last modified July 20, 2007 09:34
Tech Article: Glossary of Electronics Terms — by Clint DeBoer — last modified May 25, 2007 10:43
Editorial: Building Great Bass Response In Your Home Theater — by Jeff Hedback — last modified May 22, 2007 08:31
Editorial: What's the Matter with HDMI? — by Kurt Demke — last modified May 18, 2007 19:04
Editorial: Early Reflections in Home Theaters: A Different Perspective — by Jeff Szymanski — last modified April 11, 2007 06:18
Editorial: HDMI Audio Transmission for Blu-ray and HD DVD — by Gene DellaSala — last modified April 04, 2007 08:12

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