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.Fri, 22 Mar 2013 05:00:00 -0000http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/improve-center-channel-performanceNo matter how good of a loudspeaker system you have, it's inconsequential to how it will perform in your room if it isn't properly placed and set up. It is imperative to ensure there is a direct path of sound from all of the drivers of your center channel to the listening seats without any obstructions such as theater chairs or people's heads. This article discusses how to tweak the positioning of your center channel speaker and also improve the base or stand it sits on to eliminate harmful resonances. We highly recommend you take the time to properly place and set up all of your speakers, and give some extra attention to the center channel as it will repay you in dividends when trying to understand what Bane is saying while crushing Batman's back.Fri, 22 Mar 2013 05:00:00 -0000/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/improve-center-channel-performanceDo-It-Yourself (DIY) AV Setuphttp://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/tip-of-the-day-ask-for-help-heres-where-to-lookWe know, we know...you are an expert in everything. Mounting a TV, wiring an outlet, framing a wall, programming a home automation system, or building a DIY speaker—you've got it covered. If only that were true. The truth is, we all need help. Coming from the custom install world, I can attest to the horrible mistakes that can be made when someone chooses not to ask for help. Depending on what you're doing, the consequences of guessing could be minor (having a speaker a few dB too loud/quiet) to all-out catastrophic (having a TV fall down, which scares the cat who then darts off and knocks over a candle, which then catches the curtains on fire, and then your entire home burns down, but the fire spreads over a clothes line and burns down the entire city block, which causes a local chemical factory to catch fire and explode, leading to a toxic cloud floating across the world and hurting millions of people). Seriously, don't create a toxic cloud, ask for help.Sun, 10 Feb 2013 23:05:00 -0000/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/tip-of-the-day-ask-for-help-heres-where-to-lookDo-It-Yourself (DIY) AV Setuphttp://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/pimp-moms-car-pioneer-jeep-libertyAt Audioholics we love audio. We love it. Wait, scratch that... we love GOOD audio. And with that said, it's with great pain that we ride in a vehicle that doesn't live up to the standards of an audioholic. And believe me when I say that MOST vehicle sound systems don't live up to those standards. But even taking into account that most vehicles will never sound as good as a well-tuned home theater system, there was one car that was absolutely horrendous. This car was the worst. It had boomy bass that didn't play low, nor did it know enough to call it quits when it received frequency content it had no business trying to reproduce. A car with high frequencies that used to attract cats in heat from across the neighborhood and cause bleeding in the ears of small children. A car who's audio system could turn even your favorite song into a poisonous cacophony of grating chord-filled agony.Thu, 10 May 2012 20:00:00 -0000/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/pimp-moms-car-pioneer-jeep-libertyDo-It-Yourself (DIY) AV Setuphttp://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/hdtv-installationWe have reached a marvelous time where HDTV is not only affordable, but also low profile enough to get the green light from our wives to hang on a wall in the comforts of our own bedrooms. This article provides useful tips on how to hide cabling connected to your HDTV to ensure the cleanest looking install possible. This is a quick and easy method for cleaning up that cable mess for a more aesthetically pleasing installation that will also improve the enjoyment you get out of your system.Tue, 02 Feb 2010 20:25:00 -0000/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/hdtv-installationDo-It-Yourself (DIY) AV Setuphttp://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/new-home-theater-pc-2In our last article The New Home Theater PC – Part 1, we explored the past failures of HTPC to attract consumers en masse, and also discussed the various deficiencies that lead to the decline of the HTPC as a viable consumer product in the CE marketplace. More importantly, however, we touched upon what consumers want and what the NEW Home Theater PC looks like in this day and age of downloadable content. In this final installment, we'll walk through several scenarios and configurations and talk about using the laptop as the New Home Theater PC to enable streaming content and fulfill the promises of the original HTPC – but without the hassle or configuration problems typically associated with the genre.Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:10:00 -0000/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/new-home-theater-pc-2Do-It-Yourself (DIY) AV Setuphttp://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/new-home-theater-pc-p1I think it's pretty safe to say that the traditional Home Theater PC is dead... at least it's dead insofar as it has completely failed to reach the mass market in an accessible and easy-to-use way. There are many reasons for this, but let's just touch upon a few before we present some of the solutions for those wishing to get Internet content on their televisions without having to incur a ton of hassle or purchase a brand new set with integrated network features.Tue, 25 Aug 2009 13:00:00 -0000/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/new-home-theater-pc-p1Do-It-Yourself (DIY) AV Setuphttp://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/simply-speakersThere is an old axiom I love to live by, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. Just because your speakers are old, doesn’t mean they can’t still perform as good and sometimes better than the models that replace them from the very same company. When I noticed my JBL Pro III speakers weren’t sounded as good as I remembered, I realized it was time to take some action. My beloved little speakers fell victim of aging so I elected the services of a company called Simply Speakers to restore them to their original working condition. Not only did they oblige, but they took it to the next level by doing a first rate job while also offering a modification to improve their performance. They proved to me that it’s hip to be vintage. If you’ve got some old speakers lying around that you’re fond of in need of a little TLC, I highly recommend Simply Speakers as your #1 choice for the task. Mon, 03 Aug 2009 12:00:00 -0000/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/simply-speakersDo-It-Yourself (DIY) AV Setuphttp://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/star-wars-home-theaterIn “Star Wars III: Revenge of the Sith,” Chancellor Palpatine invites Jedi warrior Anakin Skywalker into his impressive office overlooking the capital Galactic City. Home theater owner Steve Simon had a pivotal moment as well, though his likely didn’t involve Jedi forces and dark sides. Simon wanted to convert part of his garage into a home theater, and he thought he’d decorate it with the Star Wars memorabilia he had collected over the years.Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:45:46 -0000/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/star-wars-home-theaterDo-It-Yourself (DIY) AV Setuphttp://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/building-basement-theaterIt’s one thing to hire an installer to create the ultimate home theater dream room. It’s an entirely different story (and a fun one) to create that room all by yourself—for less than five grand. While many home theater creations flaunt wealth in our faces, Stephen Hopkins was all about making us jealous for what he didn’t spend. "Budget was a definite concern," Stephen says. "Since we were building the house (our first) there was very little budget available for the theater itself."Mon, 15 Sep 2008 20:38:47 -0000/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/building-basement-theaterDo-It-Yourself (DIY) AV Setuphttp://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/two-approaches-whole-house-audioLike most home amenities, electronic systems can be as stripped down or beefed up as you want. As the owner of two adjoining brownstones in Dallas, TX, Tony Chiarello had the unique opportunity to explore both methods. That’s quite an accomplishment in a home that towers four stories tall. Add whole-house music, sophisticated lighting, a home theater and a robust home-management system, and it’s clear that Tony’s decision to go beyond the basics was a good one.Tue, 26 Aug 2008 17:17:28 -0000/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/two-approaches-whole-house-audioDo-It-Yourself (DIY) AV Setuphttp://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/digital-still-camera-typesThere is nothing like the daunting task of buying a new camera. From the number of choices to the fanboy salesman at your local big box retailer it's hard to not only commit to buying that first camera, but also to figure out the type of camera you need. The photo enthusiast may remember with fondness shooting on film and waiting patiently for those photos to be developed. Today, the work of an entire darkroom or processing machine can be recreated, albeit not of the same quality, on your desktop. Today's photographer shooting in digital can nearly replicate the quality of film productions at a fraction of the cost.Mon, 09 Jun 2008 15:56:56 -0000/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/digital-still-camera-typesDo-It-Yourself (DIY) AV Setuphttp://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/schumakubinsAs 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. Wed, 07 May 2008 22:39:16 -0000/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/schumakubinsDo-It-Yourself (DIY) AV Setuphttp://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/in-wall-speakersIn-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. Fri, 07 Dec 2007 04:25:00 -0000/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/in-wall-speakersDo-It-Yourself (DIY) AV Setuphttp://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/installing-surround-sound-speakersWe 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.Thu, 27 Sep 2007 15:43:40 -0000/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/installing-surround-sound-speakersDo-It-Yourself (DIY) AV Setuphttp://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/building-a-pc-as-a-high-performance-digital-stereo-source.htmlWith 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. Tue, 26 Jun 2007 04:40:43 -0000/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/building-a-pc-as-a-high-performance-digital-stereo-source.htmlDo-It-Yourself (DIY) AV Setuphttp://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/home-theater-prewire-basicsPre-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. Tue, 05 Jun 2007 15:30:00 -0000/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/home-theater-prewire-basicsDo-It-Yourself (DIY) AV Setuphttp://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/reducing-hvac-noise-in-theater-roomsHVAC 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. Wed, 09 May 2007 04:42:18 -0000/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/reducing-hvac-noise-in-theater-roomsDo-It-Yourself (DIY) AV Setuphttp://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/multifunction-theater-seat-riserAs 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. Mon, 22 Jan 2007 23:07:47 -0000/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/multifunction-theater-seat-riserDo-It-Yourself (DIY) AV Setuphttp://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/building-a-home-theater-pc-a-targeted-guideI 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.Tue, 05 Dec 2006 17:09:33 -0000/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/building-a-home-theater-pc-a-targeted-guideDo-It-Yourself (DIY) AV Setuphttp://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/lets-build-a-home-theater-pc-2003Not 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.Tue, 05 Dec 2006 17:09:33 -0000/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/lets-build-a-home-theater-pc-2003Do-It-Yourself (DIY) AV Setuphttp://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/powerstrip-program-guide-a-user-manualPowerstrip 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.Tue, 05 Dec 2006 17:09:33 -0000/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/powerstrip-program-guide-a-user-manualDo-It-Yourself (DIY) AV Setuphttp://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/building-a-windows-mce-2005-pc-part-3This is Part 3 of a set of articles summarizing my experience choosing the components and building a a custom-built Home theater PC running Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 (or "MCE2005" for short). Part 1 is an introduction, Part 2 shows a step by step pictorial guide to assembling the hardware, Part 3 details the software installation steps, and Part 4 contains some objective and subjective impressions of the result.Mon, 13 Feb 2006 01:00:00 -0000/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/building-a-windows-mce-2005-pc-part-3Do-It-Yourself (DIY) AV Setuphttp://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/building-a-windows-mce-2005-pc-part-4This is Part 4 of a set of articles summarizing my experience choosing the components and building a a custom-built Home theater PC running Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 (or "MCE2005" for short). Part 1 is an introduction, Part 2 shows a step by step pictorial guide to assembling the hardware, Part 3 details the software installation steps, and Part 4 contains some objective and subjective impressions of the result.Mon, 13 Feb 2006 01:00:00 -0000/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/building-a-windows-mce-2005-pc-part-4Do-It-Yourself (DIY) AV Setuphttp://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/building-a-windows-mce-2005-pc-part-2This is Part 2 of a set of articles summarizing my experience choosing the components and building a a custom-built Home theater PC running Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 (or "MCE2005" for short). Part 1 is an introduction, Part 2 shows a step by step pictorial guide to assembling the hardware, Part 3 details the software installation steps, and Part 4 contains some objective and subjective impressions of the result.Mon, 16 Jan 2006 01:00:00 -0000/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/building-a-windows-mce-2005-pc-part-2Do-It-Yourself (DIY) AV Setuphttp://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/ipod-mini-hard-drive-upgradeAll right, I confess: I don’t go anywhere without my iPod Mini. Because it holds my contacts, calendar, and other work-related information, I carry it like a PDA at work everyday. Of course, the fact that it holds nearly every favorite jazz tune I’ve ever heard (not to mention all of my Steely Dan) doesn’t hurt.Thu, 01 Dec 2005 01:00:00 -0000/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/ipod-mini-hard-drive-upgradeDo-It-Yourself (DIY) AV Setuphttp://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/building-a-windows-mce-2005-pc-part-1This is Part 1 of a set of articles summarizing my experience choosing the components and building a a custom-built Home theater PC running Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 (or "MCE2005" for short). Part 1 is an introduction, Part 2 shows a step by step pictorial guide to assembling the hardware, Part 3 details the software installation steps, and Part 4 contains some objective and subjective impressions of the result.Thu, 03 Nov 2005 01:00:00 -0000/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/building-a-windows-mce-2005-pc-part-1Do-It-Yourself (DIY) AV Setuphttp://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/diy-absorbers-for-the-less-than-handy-man-part-2So the big question - How do they work? In my opinion - great. The difference in my room is dramatic. I don't have any fancy measuring devices (only my SPL from radio shack) so I can't do a before and after room measurement (though if someone would like to come over and do one for me I'd be happy to oblige). My wife is happy with how they look, I'm happy that I successfully built something, and the sound in our home theater room is much improved.Fri, 22 Apr 2005 05:00:00 -0000/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/diy-absorbers-for-the-less-than-handy-man-part-2Do-It-Yourself (DIY) AV Setuphttp://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/diy-absorbers-for-the-less-than-handy-man-part-1I don't profess to be an acoustical engineer or some sort of sound guru. I'm a normal guy, married with a kid, who has recently purchased my first house. I've been an audio nut for years with very little money to invest. Tue, 19 Apr 2005 01:00:00 -0000/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/diy-absorbers-for-the-less-than-handy-man-part-1Do-It-Yourself (DIY) AV Setuphttp://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/revamping-a-vintage-yamaha-t-80-tunerRecently I acquired a Yamaha T-80 tuner. This tuner was manufactured in the mid 1980’s, probably in 1985 from what I can tell. I proceeded to put the unit in my system and connected it to a standard FM dipole antenna. My initial impression was that this had some potential, but was going to need a lot of work. This appeared not to be your usual consumer toy tuner.Sat, 01 Jan 2005 01:00:00 -0000/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/revamping-a-vintage-yamaha-t-80-tunerDo-It-Yourself (DIY) AV Setuphttp://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/madisound-solist-diy-speaker-kitIn this article it is hoped that some of the risk factors of building speakers is removed (i.e. investing time, effort, and money without ever knowing how the speakers will turn out.)Mon, 14 Jun 2004 01:00:00 -0000/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/madisound-solist-diy-speaker-kitDo-It-Yourself (DIY) AV Setuphttp://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/building-do-it-yourself-loudspeakersThrough the years I listened to as many speakers as I could in the area and what I found in general was that I didn't like hard dome tweeters. Although there were a few speakers with hard domes that I did like I decided to stick to building speakers with a soft dome tweeter. So after studying speaker design books through the years I was ready to build speakers with Dynaudio drivers. I don't claim to be an expert at speaker design but I learned that it is a combination of science and art.Wed, 01 Oct 2003 01:00:00 -0000/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/building-do-it-yourself-loudspeakersDo-It-Yourself (DIY) AV Setup