Featured Reviews & Articles

Document Actions

Bass Management Basics – Settings Made Simple

Is your bass management set up properly on your processor? If you wish to optimize the bass performance of your home theater, read this article. Learn how to configure speaker size, crossovers, delay and more in this basic guide to bass management.

You've finally done it. You saved your money and finally purchased that beautiful flat panel or rear projection television you've had your eye on for the past year. While some may look at this as the final step in the process of getting a better display into the home, in truth, you've just begun. Certainly you could open the packaging, set up the television and plug in some cables, but there’s more. With a few key tips, you can be among the top 25% of HDTV owners who really tweak out the best from their new displays.

Recent DIY Articles

Pro Review: Audiologic Schumakubins Loudspeaker Review
by Ken Stein — last modified May 07, 2008 18:12

As a Do-it-yourself speaker builder I have found myself wondering many times as I perused the internet’s vast sea of home speaker builder’s selections as to what some of the DIY speaker kits would sound like. Hence I decided to check out the Schumakubins which were born on the Parts Express forum utilizing their very own Dayton drivers. The Schumakubins shined with their smooth midrange and tight bass. If you are interested in building speakers but a little reluctant the Schumakubins are a great opportunity. I recommend buying the kit with the precut front baffle. You will be on your way to getting the best sound for the least amount of money and work. Kit speakers are a great and fun way to get some really good sound enjoyment and the Schumakubins are a great way to start.

Read More… Discuss…

Tech Article: In-Wall Speaker Selection & Installation Basics
by Gene DellaSala — last modified December 06, 2007 18:50

In-wall speakers are becoming more popular these days with aesthetics playing a major role in dictating the theater system components. This article explores some basic fundamentals for choosing in-wall type speaker products along with divulging some useful installation tips in efforts to realize their maximum performance and yield the best possible experience to the end users. If you’re goal is to achieve the level of fidelity previously only reserved for the finest box type speaker systems in an unobtrusive in-wall solution this article is a must read. The goal for any good home theater system is to be so connected with the experience that the equipment literally disappears. There is no reason why this goal cannot be achieved with a properly executed in-wall system.

Read More… Discuss…

Video Spotlight: Video: Installing Surround Sound Speakers
by Clint DeBoer — last modified September 27, 2007 06:44

We know you're out there. Yes, you. The guy who bought that 5.1 surround sound system in Christmas of 2006 but still hasn't hooked up the rear speakers. It's too hard, you say! There, there, we feel your pain. But it's not really all that bad. In fact, we decided to put our money - uh, make that our bodies - where our mouths are. Audioholics takes itself up into the attic... in the middle of summer... in Florida... to help YOU learn how to install your surround sound speakers. Yeah, we love ya.

Read More… Discuss…

News: Building a PC as a High Performance Digital Stereo Source
by Dan Banquer — last modified June 25, 2007 19:45

With the CD as we know it today starting to go into obsolescence, I figured it was high time to build myself a back up media to store and playback all of my music. Most PC's simply aren't up to the challenge sonically for delivering high performance playback on a serious hi-fi system. This article details the process I took at building a PC suited for this purpose while at the same time not breaking the bank and satisfying the needs of a critical music lover like myself.

Read More… Discuss…

Tech Article: Home Theater Prewire Basics - Introduction
by Ray Adkins — last modified June 05, 2007 07:44

Pre-wiring homes for today’s complex home theater systems can often times be a very frustrating task even for the highly skilled A/V professional. There are many factors that need to be considered before a home is wired for video and sound. This basic tech tip article may help guide you through the rigorous process, thus turning this project from daunting to fun and educational. We will give you guidance on how and where to route your cables, as well as tips on the proper cables to use for your installation.

Read More… Discuss…

Tech Article: Reducing HVAC Noise in Theater Rooms
by Gene DellaSala — last modified May 09, 2007 07:50

HVAC noise is usually the #1 problem in home theater rooms. Minimizing the source of the noise is one of many steps in the pursuit of a state of the art theater room. These external noise influences have deleterious masking effect on the audio reproduction much like light pollution does with display devices. A simple tweak such as replacing the bi-fold doors that contain your HVAC air handler with an acoustically treated solid core door is about the easiest and more noticeable sonic upgrade you can make to your system. This in turn can extend listening sessions at reduced SPL levels which lessens the susceptibility of listening fatigue.

Read More… Discuss…

Tech Article: Building a Multifunction Home Theater Seat Riser
by Gene DellaSala — last modified February 14, 2007 08:00

As a home theater enthusiast, there can be nothing more exciting than planning out your theater room. It’s more than just a place to indulge in sonic and visual bliss. It’s a sanctuary - a place to escape the real world, at least temporarily.

Tech Article: Building a Home Theater PC - A Targeted Guide
by Clint DeBoer — last modified May 30, 2007 21:05

I have always had a fascination with computers - I think it started in second grade when we were allowed to design simple ASCII art programs on a Commodore Pet. With the advent of current technology, and the inevitable merging of the computer with the entertainment system, my fascination has recently manifested itself into a near-obsession with the Home Theater PC, or HTPC. The idea for this article came from talking with lots of people who weren't familiar HTPCs and what they meant in terms of entertainment devices.

Tech Article: Let's Build a Home Theater PC (2003)
by Rob Dykens — last modified May 30, 2007 21:04

Not that long ago, having a full featured, cinema-quality home Theater in your home was a new concept. This hobby has expanded and become more popular over the last several years.

Tech Article: Powerstrip Program Guide - A User Manual
by Thomas Steves — last modified May 30, 2007 21:04

Powerstrip is indeed "the killer app" of the HTPC world. It is possibly the most important program today in the "convergence" market between computers (PC only unfortunately!) and the high definition television (HDTV) or Projector marketplace. With it you can craft a custom resolution and sync timings to enable the best possible display of your computer Desktop, DVD's and other video sources from an HTPC to an HDTV or Projector.

Tech Article: Building a Windows MCE 2005 PC - Part 4 — by Chris Tham — last modified February 12, 2006 19:00

Tech Article: Building a Windows MCE 2005 PC - Part 3 — by Chris Tham — last modified February 12, 2006 19:00

Tech Article: Building a Windows MCE 2005 PC - Part 2 — by Chris Tham — last modified January 15, 2006 19:00

Tech Article: iPod Mini Hard Drive Upgrade — by Stanton Zeff — last modified November 30, 2005 19:00

Tech Article: Building a Windows MCE 2005 PC - Part 1 — by Chris Tham — last modified November 02, 2005 19:00

Tech Article: DIY Absorbers for the Less-Than-Handy Man - Part 2 — by Tom Andry — last modified January 31, 2007 14:44

Tech Article: DIY Absorbers for the Less-than-Handy Man: Part 1 — by Tom Andry — last modified April 18, 2005 20:00

Editorial: Revamping a Vintage Yamaha T-80 Tuner — by Dan Banquer — last modified May 30, 2007 22:48

Tech Article: Madisound Solist DIY Speaker Kit — by Ken Stein — last modified June 13, 2004 20:00

Tech Article: Building Do It Yourself Loudspeakers — by Ken Stein — last modified September 30, 2003 20:00

Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Topics

The following sub-folders are contained in this folder:

There are currently no sub-folders in this folder.

Sections

Featured Reviews & Articles

Document Actions

Bass Management Basics – Settings Made Simple

Basic Television Setup Tips

Recent DIY Articles

Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Topics