http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/rss.xml Check out our tips and tricks that'll make going out to the movies a thing of the past. hourly 12 2006-12-01T00:00 http://www.audioholics.com/static/logo.jpg http://www.audioholics.com/ http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/digital-still-camera-types There 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. Eric Shelton 2008-06-09T10:56:56+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/schumakubins 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. ken 2008-05-07T21:39:16+00:00 Pro Review http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/calibrate-your-system/hdmi-black-levels-xvycc-rgb When trying to get the most performance out of your home theater, few things are more important than proper display calibration. It has come to our attention that many of you utilizing an HDMI connection might have your black levels incorrectly set. Why the sudden confusion? Options have changed with the introduction of HDMI 1.3 and its tag-along partners: Deep Color and the new xvYCC color space. Read on. clint 2008-04-16T10:43:39+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/connecting-your-system/connecting-home-office-theater Thousands of words have been written about, and thousands of hours of labor devoted to, marrying our computers with our home theater and audio installations. On the Audioholics site alone there are 78 results from a search for "HTPC" (home theater personal computer). The problem with the concept of the HTPC is that, at its core, it’s a dedicated computer for multimedia applications. What happens if your computer is in your home office and your theater is elsewhere? What if you don’t want an HTPC? How do you combine your home office with your audio/video installation? It’s a question that’s seldom discussed in this industry. Joe Cornwall 2008-03-20T10:12:19+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/connecting-your-system/get-high-definition-hdtv Many people bring home a new HDTV and look forward to the excitement of viewing a true high definition picture. But is it really that simple? Well it can be - if you follow a few guidelines and understand the nature of real HD content and where it comes from. An HDTV doesn't give you high definition content - it simply means that you have the pixels to display high definition sources in all their glory. We'll take a look at four types of high definition sources most commonly received by HDTVs... clint 2008-02-25T08:19:31+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/get-good-bass/subwoofer-connection-guide 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. Gene 2008-01-24T12:05:45+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/in-wall-speakers 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. Gene 2007-12-06T23:24:44+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/installing-surround-sound-speakers 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. clint 2007-09-27T10:43:40+00:00 Video Spotlight http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/calibrate-your-system/basic-television-setup-tips 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. clint 2007-09-03T16:07:45+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/home-wiring-construction/whole-house-wiring-basics-4 Welcome to the fourth installment of our continuing exploration of signal distribution for the residential installation. In part one, we explored various aspects of multi-room and/or multi-zone media design and implementation. Part two expanded our examination to include quality transport of analog video signals. Part three explored the distribution of digital video signals; HDMI and DVI-D. In this installment, we’ll examine one of the oldest of the distribution disciplines – and one that can give you the most trouble.... joe 2007-07-17T00:00:00+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/building-a-pc-as-a-high-performance-digital-stereo-source.html 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. Dan Banquer 2007-06-25T23:40:43+00:00 News http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/home-theater-prewire-basics 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. ray 2007-06-05T11:28:29+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/reducing-hvac-noise-in-theater-rooms 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. Gene 2007-05-08T23:42:18+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/home-wiring-construction/heat-buildup-and-your-components If you want to ensure that your expensive electronic components enjoy a long and full product life cycle, you must make sure to keep them operating at a comfortable, cool temperature. The number one factor that kills electronic components is overheating. Even short of an outright meltdown, excessive heat causes electronic components to function less reliably and reduces their overall life span. Bo Dragsdahl 2007-04-14T21:57:27+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/home-wiring-construction/whole-house-wiring-basics-part-3 In part one of Whole House Wiring Basics we explored various aspects of multi-room and/or multi-zone media design and implementation. Part two expanded our examination to include quality transport of analog video signals such as component, s-video and composite from point-to-point. There are three more disciplines we must master if we are to be able to create a useful, high-performance audio/video installation; digital video distribution, control system infrastructure and MATV/CATV design and installation. Let’s save the best for last, shall we? In this installment we’ll focus on the burgeoning need for digital video signal distribution. joe 2007-02-01T09:58:05+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/multifunction-theater-seat-riser 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. Gene 2007-01-22T17:07:47+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/building-a-home-theater-pc-a-targeted-guide 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. clint 2006-12-05T16:09:33+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/lets-build-a-home-theater-pc-2003 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. Rob Dykens 2006-12-05T16:09:33+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/powerstrip-program-guide-a-user-manual 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. Thomas Steves 2006-12-05T16:09:33+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/calibrate-your-system/home-theater-set-up-basics-101 Recently, at the Audioholics Showcase Home we've been able to survey some of our neighbors' home theater systems. Despite the fact we don't openly disclose to our neighbors what we do, we've been branded as the "go to" place for any questions related to home theater, speakers and even iPods. Gene 2006-06-21T00:00:00+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/building-a-windows-mce-2005-pc-part-4 This 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. Chris Tham 2006-02-13T00:00:00+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/building-a-windows-mce-2005-pc-part-3 This 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. Chris Tham 2006-02-13T00:00:00+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/building-a-windows-mce-2005-pc-part-2 This 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. Chris Tham 2006-01-16T00:00:00+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/get-good-bass/an-easy-solution-to-subwoofer-calibration "To shine or glow, to appear or expand suddenly." This is how Webster defines bloom. I think this definition will work just fine for audiophile use of the word as well. Bloom is a good subjective description of the way that musical performance fills a space, interacts with the volume of the room and provides the rich, emotive communication we, as audio and video enthusiasts, spend so much time and money pursuing. joe 2006-01-01T00:00:00+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/ipod-mini-hard-drive-upgrade All 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. stanton 2005-12-01T00:00:00+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/building-a-windows-mce-2005-pc-part-1 This 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. Chris Tham 2005-11-03T00:00:00+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/home-wiring-construction/whole-house-wiring-basics-part-2 In our last installment of Whole House Wiring Basics we explored the hottest business sector in entertainment electronics today: the implementation of multi-room and/or multi-zone media functionality in the home or office. What is multi-room? Simply put, it is a system that can deliver one source to multiple locations simultaneously. In contrast, then, a multi-zone installation is a system that can deliver more than one source simultaneously to multiple locations. joe 2005-09-01T00:00:00+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/connecting-your-system/connecting-a-cabletv-or-satellite-system Over-the-air (OTA) broadcast television may be making a comeback with major networks now sending HDTV signals capable of being picked up by the humble rooftop antenna. But subscriber TV services from cable and satellite providers are here to stay. wayde 2005-07-23T00:00:00+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/get-good-bass/subwoofer-placement-the-place-for-bass-part-1 Where it comes to fine-tuning a home theater sound system for peak performance, finding those locations within a typical home listening space where a subwoofer can provide the most satisfying response - across every seat in the designated listening area - is one of the perennial challenges facing both enthusiast and pro alike. mark 2005-06-03T00:00:00+00:00 Tech Article http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/do-it-yourself-diy-topics/diy-absorbers-for-the-less-than-handy-man-part-2 So 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. tom 2005-04-22T00:00:00+00:00 Tech Article