 | from Robert Silva
Welcome to my Weekly Home Theater Newsletter! This week's newsletter is a little bit of a departure from the usual fare, but two important stories surfaced this week that may have a big impact on consumers. You are welcome to through in your "two-cents" as well!
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In the Spotlight | California Restrictions Loom For Large Screen TVs
In a recent Blog post on this site, I touched on the possibility that one of the factors contributing to the decline of the Plasma television is the increasing move to place more power consumption restrictions on such products. Now it appears that in California such a move may becoming closer to reality as legislators may be targeting all televisions over 40-inches in screen size for possible restriction or elmination from the marketplace due to "excessive" energy consumption. For more details, check out the report from The Orange County Register. My Perspective: Since this site is focused on issues revolving home theater and related products, my purpose is not to address political issues. However, any proposed restrictions that may impact what home entertainment options are available to the public is an issue that directly affects both the home theater enthusiast and mainstream consumers alike...read more
| | Best Buy Embroiled in Possible Price-Matching Scandal
According to both credible anecdotal reports and the possible revelation of an internal communication, Best Buy is being accused of not honoring their own posted price matching policy. As a result, a branch of the U.S. District Court is allowing a class action lawsuit to proceed against Best Buy for "false and deceptive trade practices". For all the details, check out the report from HD Guru. My Perspective: First, let's keep in mind that it is yet to be determined if Best Buy is indeed guilty of the charges that have been made; that will be resolved either in court or via a settlement. However, looking at a larger picture,...read more
| Using More Than One Subwoofer - From About.com Stereos
Some of the latest home theater receivers now offer connections for two subwoofers. Is this added feature really necessary? How does this benefit the consumer? To find out,...read more
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Top Picks - DLP Video Projectors from your Home Theater Guide | ![]() | | The video projector has long been used as a presentation tool in business and commercial entertainment, as well as in some very high-end home theater systems. However, video projectors are becoming more available and affordable for the average consumer. For a sampling of DLP video projectors, check out some of my current suggestions. | | 1) NEC NP4001 720p DLP Video Projector
At an MSRP of $5,999 (not including the lens), the NEC NP4001 DLP Video Projector is not for the bargain hunter, but is a great value for the high-end home theater enthusiast. With a native pixel resolution of 1280x768 (720p), and dual lamp output of 3,600 to 4,500 lumens, this projector provides excellent image brightness and resolution, especially in large room settings. Also, features include powered focus and zoom, as well as powered horizontal and vertical lens shift. For more details, check out my my Short and Full Reviews. In addition, after reading my review, also check out even more details and close-up look at my NEC NP4001 Photo Gallery. 2) Vivitek D326WX Compact DLP Video Projector
At an MSRP of $1,199, the Vivitek D326WX DLP Projector is a great value. With its extremely compact design this projector can be placed just about anywhere, and with its included carrying case, you can take it with you to the office or grandma's house. With its native 1280x800 native pixel resolution (approx - 720p) and impressive 2,600 lumen output capability, the video quality is very good. Flesh tones and overall color saturation produce a very natural looking image. Another bonus is that the D326WX has a very quick turn-on and cool down shut off time. For more details, check out my Short and Full Reviews, as well as a Photo Gallery and results from a series of Video Performance Tests. 3) Optoma HD80 1080p DLP Video Projector
The Optoma HD80 provides true 1920x1080 (1080p) native resolution capability via DLP technology, at a very reasonable price. The HD80 has a 16x9 aspect ratio in combination with a 3,000 hour light source, which generates 1,300 lumens of brightness. The HD80 also has an impressive 10,000:1 contrast ratio, as well as all necessary analog and HD video inputs, including both DVI and HDMI. Whether you are buying your first video projector, or replacing an older projector, don't settle for the bargain basement, low resolution units - jump up to full 1080p without breaking the bank with the Optoma HD80. |
Product of the Week | ![]() | Cerwin Vega CVHD 5.1 Home Theater Speaker System
 There are literally thousands of loudspeakers on the market, and many times the choice, despite all the technical specs, is determined by how they sound to you. I found that the Cerwin Vega CVHD 5.1 Channel Home Theater speaker system, although lacking in physical style, sounds great for home theater applications, but does have a few shortcomings. For more details, check my Full and Short Reviews. Photo (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com |
Best Moves in a Bad Economy | ![]() | Save & Invest the Right Way
Find out how to beat a bear market, make smart choices, and keep your cool even when the economy is unpredictable.
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