home-theater

Transcription

home-theater

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CNET’S
HOME-THEATER COUNTDOWN
It’s time your Super Bowl party
turned pro. With these 21 smart
plays, you can get your home
theater in shape for the big game.
By John Morris
Editor, Home and Entertainment
for CNET.com
We’ll get ‘em next year. That adage of
disappointed sports fans everywhere could
apply equally well to high-definition television.
That is until now. For this truly is the year that
HD goes all the way.
Among the fastest-growing market for
consumer electronics devices, sales of digital
TVs reached $10.7 billion last year, according
to the Consumer Electronics Association.
In the coming year, sleek plasma and LCD
flat panels and affordable rear-projection
microdisplays will entice even more consumers
to make the switch to HD. Equally important,
high-def programming is now everywhere,
including for the big game, Super Bowl XXXIX
on February 6 (check out our regularly updated
HDTV World schedule for more details on this
and other events broadcast in HD).
CHOOSE A PLAY
1. TiVo rip-it-right bootleg
2. Big-screen bingo-screen in the seam
3. Surround sneak
4. A/V receiver waggle right X in
5. The catch HD DVR left-slot-sprint-right option
6. Wireless surround split-right scram-left
7. Recordable DVD double reverse
8. DLP draw-bob sweep
9. Plasma play-action pitch strong
10. Budget projector bomb 4 middle
11. Wireless headphones hooks all long
12. Bedroom TV in the flat
13. Budget HDTV counter right curl
14. Virtual HD-DVD stop-and-go up-and-back
15. Double split towers deep
16. All-in-one under-400 zone blitz 5.1
17. Pro right Y zoom wireless TV screen
18. Low-buck DVD quick hitch
19. Pro right 10 power sub
20. TiVo double-back sweep left
21. Dolby pro right 5-channel R-swing
Of course, you can’t get in the game if you
don’t have the right moves. Digital TV, and
home-theater equipment in general, has
become simpler and more affordable. But the
blitz of TV types; resolutions; and options for cable, satellite, and over-the-air broadcasts can still be
tough to pick up. That’s where we come in. In this booklet, you’ll find 21 smart but simple plays, not
only for drafting a top HDTV, but also for building an entire roster of home-theater equipment. Think
of us as your head coach for home theater.
So what are you waiting for? There’s still just enough time to get your
home theater in shape for the big kickoff (or for the half-time show,
if that’s more your speed). Print out this booklet and swing by your
local electronics retailer or jump online at CNET.com, and start putting
together your fantasy home theater.
Visit CNET.com for personal technology reviews, buying guides, and videos.
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CNET’S
1. T I VO RIP-IT-RIGHT BOOTLEG
When to call it: When you want the easiest and most flexible way to record your favorite TV shows.
Play description: Every armchair head coach knows you can use a standard TiVo to call your own
instant replays during the game. But even the largest DVR hard drive will strain under a whole
season’s worth of games. The solution: get a combo recorder that pairs a TiVo with a built-in DVD
burner so that you can permanently archive every play of that winning season.
BEST OPTIONS FOR THIS PLAY:
Humax DRT800 (80-hour TiVo)
What’s it for: Time-shifting your TV viewing; recording your favorite
shows and home videos to DVD.
Who’s it for: Couch potatoes who never want
to miss an episode of their favorite shows.
The bottom line: The Humax DRT800 is an
excellent combination of TiVo and DVDrecorder functionality, but it’s a bit overpriced
compared to nearly identical competitors.
Editors’ rating:
8.3
Very good
Toshiba RS-TX20 (140-hour TiVo)
The bottom line: The Toshiba RS-TX20 offers
the best combination of TiVo and DVDrecorder functionality at a more affordable
price than the competition.
Editors’ rating:
Final review
pending
Pioneer DVR-810H (80-hour TiVo)
The bottom line: The DVR-810H is a nearly
perfect marriage of TiVo and DVD-recorder
functionality.
Editors’ rating:
8.3
Very good
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CNET’S
2. BIG-SCREEN BINGO -SCREEN IN THE SE AM
When to call it: When you have a large room and are hankering for the biggest television possible.
Play description: Throw the ball out wide, real wide, and you’re bound to break one off for a big gain.
These wide-screen big screens make perfect fits for a stadium-size space, utilizing the width of the
field--a.k.a. your living room--to lay out all of the detail of high-definition images.
Sony KDF-60XBR950
What’s it for: Displaying standard TV, DVD, and HDTV on a
huge screen.
Who’s it for: Big spenders who demand the
high style and aren’t afraid to pay for it.
The bottom line: Like other expensive Sonys,
this XBR needs professional help to look its
best, but its best is quite impressive.
Editors’ rating:
8.1
Very good
Samsung HLN617W
What’s it for: Displaying TV, DVD, HDTV, and computer sources.
Who’s it for: Cutting-edge TV shoppers who don’t mind spending
a little extra.
The bottom line: This set is perfect for the
bleeding-edge TV shopper who doesn’t have
20 grand for a similarly sized plasma.
Editors’ rating:
7.6
Good
RCA HD61THW263
What’s it for: Displaying TV, DVD, and HDTV sources.
Who’s it for: Big spenders who put a premium on style but don’t
want a 60-inch plasma.
The bottom line: While this set is a tour de
force in industrial design, its performance
leaves something to be desired when you
consider its hefty price.
Editors’ rating:
7.5
Good
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CNET’S
3. SURROUND SNE AK
When to call it: When you want a surroundlike effect from just one or two speakers.
Play description: Cramming a full 5.1-speaker surround system into a small room is a sure way to
garner a penalty flag from a style-conscious spouse--too many ugly speakers and unsightly cables.
Consider calling the surround sneak: get a compact faux surround system that simulates a full
multichannel effect from just one or two speakers.
KEF KIT100 Instant Theatre
What’s it for: Playing movies and music.
Who’s it for: Style-conscious fans of music and DVDs.
The bottom line: KEF’s luxurious Instant
Theatre makes believable surround from a
pair of speakers.
Editors’ rating:
8.0
Very good
Denon D-M71DVSXP
Who’s it for: Style-conscious fans of music and DVDs.
The bottom line: Denon’s stereo HTIB rolls
out luxurious sound from a tiny package, but it
won’t rattle the windows.
Editors’ rating:
7.3
Good
Niro Reference
What’s it for: Reproducing surround movie soundtracks and music.
Who’s it for: Style-conscious buyers who
have smaller rooms and value easy setup and
fewer wires.
Editors’ rating:
The bottom line: This system produced the
most convincing illusion of surround we’ve yet
experienced from a single-speaker HTIB.
Very good
8.0
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CNET’S
4. A/ V RECEI VER WAGGLE R IGHT X IN
When to call it: When you want a high-end receiver at a midrange price.
Play description: All-in-one home-theater-in-a-box systems (HTIBs) may work for cash-starved
expansion teams or--gulp--NFL Europe, but serious home-theater aficionados need to have an all-star
receiver at the center of their A/V systems. Separate components require a higher budget, but you’ll
still be able to assemble a play-off-worthy roster without busting the salary cap.
Harman Kardon AVR 630
Denon AVR-2805
Editors’ rating:
Editors’ rating:
8.0
8.0
Very good
Very good
What’s it for: Amplifying audio on up to seven
speakers and switching between A/V sources.
Who’s it for: Audiophiles who are willing to pay
a premium for the latest features and superior
quality.
Who’s it for: Budget audiophiles who value the
latest features yet can’t spend a fortune.
The bottom line: This higher-end receiver packs
the latest futuristic features and great sound into
a stylish package.
The bottom line: Equipped with lip-sync delay,
Denon’s loaded AVR-2805 trumps the opposition
in the feature wars.
Yamaha RX-V550
Pioneer VSX-D914-K
Editors’ rating:
Editors’ rating:
Good
Good
7.4
7.4
What’s it for: Amplifying audio on up to six
Who’s it for: Home-theater buffs who aren’t
satisfied with all-in-one HTIBs.
Who’s it for: Home-theater buffs who aren’t
satisfied with all-in-one HTIBs.
The bottom line: Pioneer’s most affordable
automatic-calibration A/V receiver delivers
hassle-free setup.
The bottom line: Yamaha’s midline receiver
sounds especially fine on music but doesn’t
neglect its home-theater gusto.
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CNET’S
5. THE C ATCH HD DVR LEF T-SLOT-SPR INT-R IGHT OP T ION
When to call it: When you want to time-shift your favorite high-definition shows--not just watch them live.
Play description: Your old VCR, TiVo, and DVD recorder are already bound for the Hall of Fame. But if
you want a future-proof way to record and play back shows that are in high-def, you’ll need to draft this
year’s rookie sensation: the HD DVR. Just be sure to choose a model that’s compatible with your cable
or satellite service.
Dish Network Player-DVR 921
What’s it for: Recording standard and high-definition TV.
Who’s it for: Dish Network subscribers with HDTVs.
The bottom line: Dish Networks’ DVR 921 is
an excellent all-in-one solution for recording
satellite and over-the-air HDTV.
Editors’ rating:
8.0
Very good
DirecTV HD DVR (HD TiVo)
Who’s it for: DirecTV subscribers with HDTVs.
The bottom line: The HD TiVo is the best highdefinition DVR of 2004--but it works only for
DirecTV subscribers.
Editors’ rating:
8.3
Very good
Sony HDD250
Who’s it for: Digital-cable subscribers with
HDTVs.
The bottom line: Sony’s cable-friendly DVR
records high-def and includes a free onscreen
programming guide.
Editors’ rating:
Final review
pending
{7}
CNET’S
6. W IRELESS SURROUND SPLIT-R IGHT SCR AM-LEF T
When to call it: When you don’t want to run cables from your A/V system to a pair of surround
speakers in the back of your room.
Play description: The same technology that puts a wireless headset in the quarterback’s helmet can
eliminate some of those pesky cables from your surround-sound setup. Sure, these “wireless” hometheater systems still have a spiderweb of connections, but eliminating the longest yard to the rear
speakers makes the surround sneak really popular--especially with spouses.
Sony DAV-FR10W
Pioneer HTD-630DV
Editors’ rating:
Editors’ rating:
Very good
Very good
8.0
8.0
What’s it for: Playing DVDs, CDs, and SACDs in
surround sound or stereo without buying other
equipment.
What’s it for: Playing music and movies in
equipment.
Who’s it for: Style-conscious buyers who have
rooms up to 500 square feet and don’t mind
paying a bit extra for wireless speakers.
Who’s it for: Style-conscious buyers who want
fewer wires and cables.
The bottom line: This is simply the best-sounding
wireless HTIB we’ve ever tested.
The bottom line: This tricked-out HTIB doubles
your pleasure with a wireless surround speaker
and SACD/DVD-Audio playback.
Samsung HT-DB390
Philips LX-3750W
Editors’ rating:
Editors’ rating:
Fair
Good
6.7
7.0
What’s it for: Playing movies and music in
surround sound.
Who’s it for: Space-conscious fans of music
and DVDs.
The bottom line: Samsung’s HT-DB390 miniHTIB is a mixed bag of hits and misses.
What’s it for: Playing music and movies in
equipment.
Who’s it for: Style-conscious buyers who want
fewer wires and cables.
The bottom line: This HTIB’s “wireless” speakers
actually plug into a wall socket, but at least the
system delivers sweet DVD sound.
{8}
CNET’S
7. RECORDABLE DVD DOUBLE RE VERSE
When to call it: When you want to get the best deal on a DVD recorder.
Play description: Sadly, the league’s salary caps and revenue sharing do little to contribute to your
home team’s bottom line. But you can maximize your home-theater budget by opting for bargain DVD
recorders. They may not be play-off-worthy superstars, but since they’re widely available for less than
$250, they’ll easily replace your VCR without breaking the bank.
Philips DVDR615
What’s it for: Recording video on DVD+R/RW discs.
Who’s it for: TV watchers who want to record their favorite shows;
camcorder owners who want to preserve their
recordings.
Editors’ rating:
The bottom line: This entry-level DVD
recorder offers a FireWir
FireWire input, but its
confusing menus and useless remote will
confound beginners.
6.7
Fair
Lite-On LVW-5005
What’s it for: Recording TV or camcorder videos onto DVD.
Who’s it for: Anyone looking for a basic DVD
recorder.
The bottom line: The Lite-On LVW-5005
provides no-frills DVD recording at an
affordable price.
Editors’ rating:
6.9
Fair
Panasonic DMR-E55S
What’s it for: Recording DVDs from TV or other video sources;
playing back DVDs.
Who’s it for: People on a budget who want
a basic DVD recorder and don’t need “for
dummies” operation.
The bottom line: Panasonic’s least-expensive
DVD recorder is a good choice for basic TV and
video archiving.
Editors’ rating:
7.0
Good
{9}
CNET’S
8. DLP DR AW-BOB SWEEP
When to call it: When you want to view big-screen computer images alongside the game.
Play description: Digital Light Processing (DLP) HDTVs are becoming a bread-and-butter play for just
about every team considering a high-def upgrade. They offer crisp HD images, durable light engines,
and every-down versatility: you can run up the middle with video, juke outside and display computer
images, or split the defense--er, screen--with both.
Samsung HL-P5085W
Who’s it for: Rear-projection TV shoppers who put a premium on
unique style.
The bottom line: This uniquely designed DLP
HDTV is capable of producing an excellent
picture.
Editors’ rating:
8.3
Very good
Mitsubishi WD-52525
What’s it for: Displaying TV, HDTV, DVD, and computer
video signals.
Who’s it for: Cutting-edge TV shoppers who
don’t mind spending a little extra.
The bottom line: Overall, this is one of the
best-performing HDTVs of its kind we’ve seen.
Editors’ rating:
8.1
Very good
RCA HD61THW263
Who’s it for: Big spenders who put a premium on style but don’t
want a 60-inch plasma.
The bottom line: While this set is a tour de
force of industrial design, its performance
leaves something to be desired when you
consider its hefty price.
Editors’ rating:
7.5
Good
{10}
CNET’S
9. PL A SMA PL AY-AC T ION PITCH STRONG
When to call it: When you can afford to get the biggest, thinnest TV money can buy.
Play description: The most popular fake in the book and extremely effective if performed correctly,
this play puts a framed picture on the wall when everybody’s expecting a big black box on the floor. Our
favorite plasma TVs may even fool the cameraman or your guests into thinking they’re wall art.
Panasonic TH-42PD25U/P
What’s it for: Viewing TV, DVD, HDTV, and computer sources.
Who’s it for: People who want plasma but don’t have a
fortune to spend.
The bottom line: Delivering true blacks and
splendid shadow detail, this EDTV plasma is
the king of the home-theater hill.
Editors’ rating:
8.3
Very good
Pioneer PDP-4340HD
What’s it for: Viewing TV, DVD, HDTV, and computer sources.
Who’s it for: Big spenders willing to pay extra for a quality
HD plasma.
The bottom line: Offering very good
performance in almost every respect, this
plasma outdoes its high-res peers.
Editors’ rating:
8.3
Very good
RCA HD61THW263
What’s it for: Displaying TV, DVD, HDTV, and computer images.
Who’s it for: Big spenders who already have a tuner and a sound
system and just want a good picture.
The bottom line: This pure-picture panel is far
superior to Panasonic’s consumer models and
smokes every other 50-inch plasma available.
Editors’ rating:
8.2
Very good
{11}
CNET’S
10. BUDGE T PROJEC TOR BOMB 4 MIDDLE
When to call it: When you want to get a really big screen and are willing to dim the lights.
Play description: These light cannons won’t put a big dent in your wallet, but they require cooperation
from the defense (that is, a dark room and a big patch of wall or screen). Run one of their pictures
across the middle of your wall, and you’re bound to sustain a big hit--the kind that’ll have your friends
coming back to watch more.
Sony VPL-HS20
What’s it for: Projecting TV, DVD, HDTV, and computer sources.
Who’s it for: People who want a midrange projector for
home theater.
The bottom line: Although not up to videophile
standards, this budget model is among the
best HDTV-capable LCD projectors we’ve
tested.
Editors’ rating:
7.3
Good
Sony VPL-HS3
Who’s it for: People who want a big picture but can’t
spend a fortune.
The bottom line: This entry-level LCD delivers
good black levels, but don’t expect miracles.
Editors’ rating:
7.0
Good
Panasonic PT-AE500U
Who’s it for: People who want a moderately priced projector
for home theater.
The bottom line: The Panasonic PT-AE500U is
one of the few budget projectors worth buying
for a home theater.
Editors’ rating:
7.3
Good
{12}
CNET’S
11. W IRELESS HEADPHONES HOOK S ALL LONG
When to call it: When you want to use a pair of headphones--preferably a wireless model--to keep your
head in the movie without disturbing others.
Play description: Wireless headphones come in radio-frequency and infrared versions, as well
as stereo and pseudosurround, varying in price from $70 to $500. Higher-end models come with
rechargeable batteries.
Sony VPL-HS20
What’s it for: Wirelessly listening to music and movies, either on
your home stereo or your portable audio player.
Who’s it for: Movie fanatics and music
lovers who don’t want to be tethered to an
A/V receiver.
The bottom line: Sennheiser’s affordable,
comfortable wireless headphones sound
Editors’ rating:
7.4
Good
almost as good as corded ‘phones.
Sony VPL-HS3
What’s it for: Wirelessly listening to music and movies at home.
Who’s it for: Movie fanatics and music lovers who don’t want
to be tethered to an A/V receiver.
The bottom line: Sony’s entry-level wireless,
surround-sound headphones are an attractive
option for late-night movie watchers who
don’t want to wake the neighbors.
Editors’ rating:
7.4
Good
Panasonic PT-AE500U
What’s it for: Wirelessly listening to music and movies, either on
your home stereo or your portable audio player.
Who’s it for: Movie fanatics and music lovers
who don’t want to be tethered to an A/V
receiver.
The bottom line: These extremely lightweight
wireless headphones are easy on the ears but
sound a little too mellow for our taste.
Editors’ rating:
7.1
Good
{13}
CNET’S
12. BEDROOM T V IN THE FL AT
When to call it: When you can’t afford the room for a bulky direct-view set where you sleep, going slim
will get you those precious inches you need to get into the HDTV zone.
Play description: You’re gonna take a hit--well, your wallet is, anyway--but a 26- or 30-inch LCD TV
makes an ideal bedroom set. Of course, if you can afford to go bigger and have the distance, stepping
up to a 42-inch LCD or plasma is always a possibility.
Sharp LC-32GD4U
What’s it for: Displaying TV, DVD, HDTV, and computer signals.
Who’s it for: Big spenders who want a flat-panel television.
The bottom line: This big-bucks set
represents the cutting edge of flat-panel LCD
technology and image quality.
Editors’ rating:
8.3
Very good
JVC LT-26WX84
What’s it for: Displaying TV, DVD, and HDTV signals.
and movies at home.
Who’s it for: Big spenders who want a flat TV
for the bedroom.
The bottom line: This attractive LCD TV
produces extremely sharp pictures, and its
relatively low price sweetens the deal.
Editors’ rating:
7.4
Good
Dell W2600
What’s it for: Displaying computer, TV, DVD, and HDTV signals.
Who’s it for: People who want a flat TV that can also handle
computer sources.
The bottom line: A good choice for casual
viewing, this versatile flat-panel LCD is a
strong value.
Editors’ rating:
7.4
Good
{14}
CNET’S
13. BUDGE T HDT V COUNTER R IGHT CURL
When to call it: When you don’t have enough dough to sign a big-time free agent, you have to go with a
budget player that delivers good bang for the buck.
Play description: Contrary to popular belief, not every HDTV costs a fortune, especially if you’re willing
to get a bulkier direct-view model with a modest screen size. This isn’t a flashy play, but it’ll get you
the yards you need to advance the chains.
Sony KD-34XBR960
What’s it for: Watching TV, DVD, and HDTV.
Who’s it for: Viewers who don’t mind a tube if it delivers
the best picture.
The bottom line: This is the reference
standard for picture quality among direct-view
HDTVs and also happens to be a great value.
Editors’ rating:
8.8
Very good
Sony KV-30HS420
What’s it for: Watching TV, DVDs, and high-definition television
and movies at home.
Who’s it for: Buyers on a budget who want
high-def but can’t afford a huge screen or a
flat-panel set.
Editors’ rating:
The bottom line: Sony’s entry-level 30-inch
wide-screen HDTV delivers a lot of bang for
your buck.
Good
7.5
Samsung TXN2670WHF
Who’s it for: Shoppers looking for HDTV on a budget.
The bottom line: Despite its budget price,
this small wide-screen HDTV can produce a
surprisingly good picture.
Editors’ rating:
7.0
Good
{15}
CNET’S
14. V IRTUAL HD-DVD STOP-AND-GO UP-AND-BACK
When to call it: When you want the best DVD picture for your new “fixed-pixel” plasma, LCD, or DLP
HDTV.
Play description: Many new HDTVs are equipped with new, “cleaner” digital video connections (DVI or
HDMI) that an increasing number of DVD players can exploit. These players upconvert the DVD player’s
video signal to a higher resolution that matches the native resolution of your HDTV.
Sony DVP-NS975V
What’s it for: Playing DVDs at high-definition resolutions.
Who’s it for: Owners of fixed-pixel HDTVs who want to squeeze out
every millimeter of video quality.
The bottom line: Sony’s digital deck has a
slick design and makes a great complement to
fixed-pixel displays that have digital inputs.
Editors’ rating:
7.7
Good
Samsung DVD-HD841
What’s it for: Playing DVDs at high-definition resolutions
and movies at home.
Who’s it for: Owners of fixed-pixel HDTVs
who want to squeeze out every millimeter of
video quality.
The bottom line: Samsung’s latest upscaling
DVD player displays video at HD resolutions
and plays DVD-Audio and SACD discs
Editors’ rating:
Final review
pending
Samsung DVD-HD931
What’s it for: Playing DVDs at high-definition resolutions.
Who’s it for: Owners of fixed-pixel HDTVs
who want to squeeze out every millimeter of
video quality.
The bottom line: Great video and high style
make this DVI deck shine, but make sure you
have a compatible TV.
Editors’ rating:
7.4
Good
{16}
CNET’S
15. DOUBLE SPLIT TOWERS DEEP
When to call it: If you have a lot of room and want the full power that floor-standing speakers can
deliver.
Play description: Compact, decor-friendly speakers are all the rage these days for surround sound,
but a stealthy, pip-squeak lineup is no match for tall boys. We like to call them the Terrell Owens of
speakers: big and loud yet full of finesse.
Aperion Intimus 522D-PT
What’s it for: Home-theater and music listening.
Who’s it for: Audio lovers who can appreciate better sound quality
than that delivered by most HTIB systems.
The bottom line: Aperion’s empowered towers
boast the build and sound quality we expect
from far more expensive speakers.
Editors’ rating:
9.0
Excellent
Infinity Primus 360
What’s it for: Home-theater and music listening.
Who’s it for: Audio lovers who can appreciate better sound quality
than that delivered by most HTIB systems.
The bottom line: Infinity’s supersize tower
offers great sound, but it won’t win any
beauty contests.
Editors’ rating:
8.0
Very good
Sony DAV-FR9
What’s it for: Playing DVDs, CDs, and SACDs in surround sound or
stereo without buying other equipment.
Who’s it for: Style-conscious buyers with
rooms up to 500 square feet.
The bottom line: The DAV-FR9 offers the best
combination of value and performance in
Sony’s 2004 Dream System lineup.
Editors’ rating:
8.1
Very good
{17}
CNET’S
16. ALL-IN-ONE UNDER- 40 0 ZONE BLITZ 5.1
When to call it: When you have a relatively small room and a tight budget for surround sound.
Play description: Sometimes you just don’t manage the salary cap quite right, overspending for a flatpanel HDTV and leaving yourself short on cash to fill out your audio roster with all-pro talent. Fear not.
Though a little undersize, there are some serviceable home-theater-in-a-box options out there to be
had at bargain prices.
Panasonic SC-HT05
Who’s it for: Those who want to equip a small to medium-size room
with an inexpensive home-theater system.
The bottom line: This is hands down the best
cheap ‘n’ easy HTIB you can buy.
Editors’ rating:
8.0
Very good
Sony HT-DDW660
Who’s it for: Those who want to equip a small to medium-size room
with an inexpensive home-theater system.
The bottom line: No excuses are required
for Sony’s entry-level HTIB; its slamdunk receiver, potent subwoofer, and
feisty satellites deliver more than credible
performance.
Editors’ rating:
7.7
Good
Yamaha DVX-S120
Who’s it for: Those who want to equip a small
to medium-size room with a reasonably priced
home-theater system.
The bottom line: It may not deliver exceptional
sound, but this nicely styled Yamaha hometheater system certainly is decor-friendly.
Editors’ rating:
7.3
Good
{18}
CNET’S
17. PRO RIGHT Y ZOOM W IRELESS T V SCREEN
When to call it: When you want to take the game outside--like to the back patio.
Play description: Going deep into the hammock with your cable TV show used to be an impossible
dream, but with wireless technology, suddenly you can tote that set anywhere inside or outside the
house. If the TVs themselves seem too short-yardage, Belkin’s wireless transmitter will let you set up
another room for watching the game--no size limit on the TV.
Sharp LC-15L1U-S
What’s it for: Watching TV, DVD, and VHS anywhere in the house or
outside.
Who’s it for: People who don’t mind spending
a lot of extra money for a portable television.
The bottom line: This expensive gadget works
well to deliver TV without wires, as long as it
remains close to the base station.
Editors’ rating:
7.1
Good
Sony LF-X1
What’s it for: Watching TV from any location.
Who’s it for: Technophiles who can’t stand to be away from
the boob tube.
The bottom line: Sony’s Location-Free
technology takes TV viewing to the next level-wirelessly.
Editors’ rating:
Final review
pending
Belkin Pure AV RemoteTV
What’s it for: Wirelessly sending audio and video from one room in
the house to another.
Who’s it for: Anyone who wants to extend their
cable, satellite, or home-theater system into a
second room without running wires.
The bottom line: While expensive, Belkin’s
RemoteTV delivers flawless wireless video
reception from any standard video source.
Editors’ rating:
7.7
Good
{19}
CNET’S
18. LOW-BUCK DVD QUICK HITCH
When to call it: When you need another DVD player quick and don’t want to spend a wad of cash.
Play description: The game is over, and your friends are still around, itching to get a demo of your
home-theater system. Problem is, that ancient DVD player you bought as an “early adopter” looks
positively embarrassing on the shelf and won’t even play CD-Rs, let alone DivX movies. Spare yourself
the embarrassment by picking up a utility deck that looks good and can play both offense and defense.
Panasonic DVD-S47S
What’s it for: Playing DVDs, CDs, and other media.
Who’s it for: People who want a little more than an inexpensive,
no-name player can offer.
The bottom line: High style and disc
compatibility make this inexpensive player
worth the extra couple of bucks.
Editors’ rating:
7.7
Good
Sony DVP-NS575P/S
What’s it for: Playing DVDs, CDs, MP3s, and digital photos on
standard and progressive-scan-capable TVs.
Who’s it for: Quality-conscious 4:3 TV owners
and current Sony TV owners who want a
matching player.
The bottom line: Sony’s budget model makes
up in style and 4:3-friendliness what it lacks in
progressive prowess.
Editors’ rating:
7.4
Good
Philips DVP642
What’s it for: Playing DVDs, CDs, MP3s, and JPEGs, as well as DivX
and other video formats.
Who’s it for: Rampant downloaders and
bargain hunters who want to match their
Philips TVs.
The bottom line: A good choice for DivX
aficionados, but everyday DVD watchers can
do better for the price.
Editors’ rating:
7.4
Good
{20}
CNET’S
19. PRO RIGHT 10 POWER SUB
When to call it: When your sound system needs some serious punch.
Play description: If you want bass that hits harder than John Abraham, there’s nothing better than a
gutsy powered sub. Feel every flying tackle and sick sack and turn it up when they play that sounds-ofthe-game segment. Especially in a time when NFL games are almost all in 5.1 surround with plenty of
bass, sub-less systems are like the West Coast Offense: they don’t go deep enough.
Outlaw Audio LFM-1
What’s it for: Delivering bass to a home-theater system.
Who’s it for: Those looking to add hard-core bass to their hometheater system.
The bottom line: The LFM-1 is simply the
biggest, baddest, and best-performing
midpriced subwoofer we’ve ever heard.
Editors’ rating:
8.0
Very good
Infinity PS 10
Who’s it for: Those looking to add hard-core bass to their hometheater system.
The bottom line: Infinity’s midline woofer can
rock your world and still sculpt high-definition
bass lines.
Editors’ rating:
7.8
Good
Klipsch RW-10 Speaker
Who’s it for: Those looking to add hard-core
bass to their home-theater system.
The bottom line: Klipsch’s midline subwoofer
delivers room-shaking bass.
Editors’ rating:
7.7
Good
{21}
CNET’S
20. T I VO DOUBLE-BACK SWEEP LEF T
When to call it: If you want the easiest way to record all of your favorite TV shows.
Play description: Why wait for the guys in the Fox control booth? Roll your own instant replays at the
touch of a button with any one of these TiVo digital video recorders. In addition to being able to pause
and rewind live TV, TiVo provides a trouble-free method to record all of your favorite shows without
the need to deal with videotapes (or even consult the TV Guide). And thanks to TiVo’s ample (and
expanding) networking options, there are plenty of great bonus features as well, including the ability to
stream music from your PC and archive shows using your computer’s DVD burner.
TiVo Series2 DVR (40 hours)
What’s it for: Time-shifting your TV viewing.
Who’s it for: Couch potatoes who never want to miss an episode of
their favorite shows.
The bottom line: The best interface on the
planet and cool network options make TiVo the
standalone DVR of choice.
Editors’ rating:
8.0
Very good
TiVo Series2 DVR (140 hours)
What’s it for: Time-shifting your TV viewing.
Who’s it for: Couch potatoes who never want to miss an episode of
their favorite shows.
The bottom line: The best interface on the
planet and cool network options make TiVo
the standalone DVR of choice.
Editors’ rating:
8.0
Very good
Humax T2500 (300-hour TiVo)
What’s it for: Time-shifting your TV viewing and pausing live TV.
to miss an episode of their favorite shows and
who can’t bear to erase old episodes.
The bottom line: Humax takes the already
great TiVo and enhances it with a colossal
300-hour capacity.
Editors’ rating:
8.0
Very good
{22}
CNET’S
21. DOLBY PRO RIGHT 5 -CHANNEL R-SW ING
When to call it: If you want a spouse-friendly surround speaker package.
Play description: Surround sound doesn’t require speakers the size of Lambeau Field. Plenty of
speaker packages offer full 5.1 (or even 6.1) solutions with speakers that will stealthily blend in to their
surroundings. That means your sweetie’s carefully crafted decor is maintained, but you still get to be
fully enveloped by the sound of bone-crunching tackles (on Sundays) and window-rattling DVD effects.
Onkyo SKS-HT240
What’s it for: Listening to audio from home-theater and music
sources.
Who’s it for: People with small rooms who
want a stylish system that also sounds good.
The bottom line: Onkyo’s affordable, flat
speaker ensemble sets the standard for style
and sound.
Editors’ rating:
8.3
Very good
Harman Kardon HKTS 14
sources.
Who’s it for: People with small rooms who
want a stylish system that also sounds good.
The bottom line: That formidable, 12-inch
powered subwoofer is this high-style 5.1speaker package’s not-so-secret weapon.
Editors’ rating:
8.0
Very good
Hsu Research VT-12
sources.
Who’s it for: Audiophiles who want a flexible
6.1 system with advanced setup options.
The bottom line: Hsu Research’s mini speaker
package serves up a big, even, lush sound.
Editors’ rating:
8.2
Very good
{23}

home-theater

Transcription

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