Pioneer Elite N-30 Networked Audio Player

The HT Guys love music and when a product comes along that lets us enjoy it, we want to take a look. The Pioneer N-30 is just such a device. It’s a networked device that lets you listen to your favorite music whether it’s on a computer, iPad, or on one of over a thousand Internet radio stations from around the world. The N-30 will have a MSRP of $499 when it becomes available. At the time of this writing we could not find available from the usual outlets.

Setup

Setup is super simple but you do need network access. In our case we have a physical Ethernet port but don’t worry if you don’t. Pioneer has a wireless adapter (AS-WL300) that plugs into the back of the unit. We found setting up the wifi kind of convoluted. You have to connect the wifi adapter to a PC and connect it to the wireless network then connect it to the N-30. The setup screens on the N-30 are very basic. Our testing was done with a hard wired Ethernet connection.

The unit has Optical and Coaxial outputs for digital audio as well as left and right RCA connections. You can connect the N-30 to an amplifier/receiver or a set of powered speakers.

Performance

Since the N-30 supports a digital output we wanted to listen to the highest quality music we had. In our case that was 256Kbps AAC, which to most is indistinguishable to the original CD. There are a couple of ways to stream the music over to the N-30. First the N-30 is DLNA 1.5 certified so if you have a computer that supports DLNA you are good to go. Second the unit supports Apple’s Airplay so you can send your music over from your iPad, iPhone, or iTunes. The front of the unit has a 2.5 inch color display that shows album art and other information about what’s playing. Its a nice touch, but in reality, unless you are close to the screen you really can’t see what’s on it.

The listening results were pretty amazing. But to be fair, we were listening to the music on some pretty nice KEF Speakers. Regardless, the music sounded fantastic! The N-30 recreated every nuance of the classical music we listened to as well hard pounding sound of Van Halen. We even listened to some techno music with a heavy bass track that allowed us to FEEL the music. In all we were quite pleased with the sound.

The N30 also allows you to listen to Internet radio stations. Here the quality of the music is dependent on how much data is in the stream. A station that sends out its stream at 64Kbps is never going to sound as good as even 128Kbps mp3s. There are literaly thousands of stations out from all over the world. If you can’t find something you like, its because you stopped looking.

Odds and Ends

Pioneer has an iOS and Android app for control of the player. You can use the app to see what’s on your server and make your music selections. If you are using Airplay, there is no real reason for the App. There is also a Bluetooth adapter that allows you to send music to the device from your smartphone.

Conclusion

The N-30 is a nice device that bridges your digital library and online radio stations with your home theater. But with many companies, Pioneer included, making much of this functionality available on mid-range receivers, one wonders if people would rather spend the $500 on upgrading their receiver instead of buying this device.

Download Episode #515

CES 2012: Part II

It’s never enough to just talk about CES, we have to put eyes on all the goodies for ourselves. This year we did a whirlwind, one day, Vegas and back, Consumer Electronics Show supertrip. We hit the show on the final day and it was awesome. All the technology was the same, the TVs didn’t look any different than they did on Monday, but all the crowds had left and there were almost no lines for any of the demos.

Mitsubishi

Our first stop was Mitsubishi where we saw the LaserVue. There was a ton of hype about this TV when it first came out but we didn’t see what all the fuss was about. Good enough picture though. It just didn’t blow us away.

JVC

We also stopped at JVC and where was sat through a JVC 4K projector Demo. The DLA-X90RBU (MSRP $12,000) really impressed us. It has a ton of features but what blew us away was how good 1080p Blu-ray discs looked when upconverted to 4K!  Although most of the 3D demo on the projector was pretty rough, there was one part that was simply amazing. We’ll tell you about it on the show.

LG

Then it was on to LG where we saw really good passive 3D, the only example we saw at CES of really good passive 3D. The best thing about passive 3D technology is the prices of the glasses are dirt cheap! All active glasses demonstrations at other vendors were pretty much locked down. We also saw the LG OLED TV. Very nice but we felt the Samsung produced a better picture.

Dish Network

At the Dish Network booth we saw this cool Gizmo called the Tailgater. It has been out for a while but when you see it in person you really see how cool of a device it is. It goes for about $350 and only weighs 10 pounds.  The big message at Dish, however, was their new whole-house DVR system called the Hopper and the Joey.  They’re a bit late to the game, but add some cool features to the offering. We’re hoping to get a demo setup to review.

Panasonic

You can’t really call the Panasonic booth just a booth, it’s more on par with a small shopping mall.  They were showing a bunch of stuff but we zeroed in on the VT50. The VT50 finally has blacks on par with the Kuro demo we saw three years ago. No pricing yet.

Toshiba

At Toshiba we checked out some glasses free 3D. There were spots marked on the carpet where you were supposed to stand to optimize the effect. We have seen this technology for the last five years now with little improvement. We are still a few years away.  The “face tracking” technology isn’t exactly what you’d expect.

Sharp

Onwards to Sharp where we saw an 8K LCD. It was quite impressive. Kind of like looking through a window on the world. The scaled down picture does not do it justice, but imagine that the scene is just on the other side of a pane of glass!  Watching 3D gets old pretty fast, your eyes get tired and you just want to be done, but we could stare at this 8K screen for days.

But what really caught our eye at Sharp was their line of Elite LED LCDs. In the order of quality we would probably say it was Samsung and LG OLEDs then the Sharp Elite and Panasonic Plasma were nearly identical. Of course the plasma is something mere mortals can own. The Elites come with an Elite price tag. A 60 inch Elite goes for about $5K. We are estimating the 65 inch Plasma to come in at about half the cost.

Samsung

There’s a great HD video of the Samsung OLED display at HTGuys.com

In our mind the Samsung OLED stole the show as far as picture went.  Surprisingly, the video we shot shows off the TV quite nicely.  The pictures don’t do it justice but the TV is incredibly thin.  This was one area of the show that always drew a big crowd.  The displays certainly lived up to the hype.  Samsung also showed some other interesting ideas, like vaccuum tube amps in their Blu-ray home theater systems for the audiophile and the “dual” HD experience for those with attention span issues.

Sony

And no trip to CES would be complete without a stop by the Sony superbooth. We were mostly there for the Crystal LED display. And while the TV looked very good, it didn’t have the wow factor of OLED. For our eyes, we’d put it on par with the Panasonic Plasmas and Sharp Elite LCDs. Sony also had glasses-free 3D that was pretty rough. We really enjoyed the Personal 3D Viewer, though.  while there aren’t a million applications for it, when you put it on, you really feel like you’re in a private movie theater. It’s pretty fun.

Other stuff

Of course we walked through a bunch of other booths while we were at the show, including Intel, Microsoft, Dolby, DTS, and many more. All of them were great, but not earth shattering. We also took a stroll through the North hall where all the automotive technology is. There were some cars in there you could easily drool over.

There are a lot more pics of the adventure, including the parking lot at CES, at HTGuys.com

Download Episode #514

CES 2012: Part I

CES 2012: Panasonic HDTV Lineup for 2012 Announced

• 17 new models, ranging in screen sizes from 42-inches to 65 inches, Panasonic expanded its 3D line-up for 2012 (including 3 passive 3D LED LCDs 42”/47”/55”)
• Also new for 2012 is a cloud-based architecture to increase the VIERA Connect IPTV platform to an unlimited number of apps
• The six VIERA Plasma series, VT50, GT50, ST50, UT50, XT50, U50, feature self illuminating panels with ultimate black levels, NeoPlasma technologies(VT/GT/ST) providing a black filter with a higher efficiency panel that generates the best balance of black and white under brighter environments.
• Infinite Black Ultra Panel

CES 2012: Dolby Digital Plus on more devices for 2012

• Dolby is announcing that HBO Go® will adopt Dolby Digital Plus to deliver content to connected TVs and Blu-ray™ players.
• Samsung™ will use Dolby Digital Plus to support its Acetrax™ application for Smart Blu-ray players and Smart Blu-ray home theater systems in Europe.
• Portable devices with Dolby technologies—including tablets from Acer®, Samsung, and ZTE®, and Ultrabook™ devices from Acer, HP®, and Toshiba®—are shipping into major markets. For a higher-quality movie experience on iPad®, iPhone®, and iPod® devices, Dolby is showing the first mobile application with Dolby Digital Plus, the CineXPlayer video player from NXP®.

 
CES 2012: Sony Develops Next-generation “Crystal LED Display”

• Sony announced that it has developed the next-generation self-emitting display, “Crystal LED Display,”
• The “Crystal LED Display” is a self-emitting display that uses Sony’s unique methods to mount ultrafine LEDs in each of the Red-Green-Blue (RGB) colors, equivalent to the number of pixels (approximately six-million LEDs for Full HD).
• Compared to existing LCD displays, the 55-inch prototype exhibited at CES is boasting approximately 3.5 times*1 higher contrast in light environment, approximately 1.4 times wider color gamut, and approximately 10 times faster video image response time (all values based on current Sony models). Sony envisages a wide range of applications for its “Crystal LED Display”, ranging from professional to consumer use.

CES 2012: HomePlug Powerline Alliance Announces AV2 Specification for Next-Generation Broadband Speeds over Powerline Wires

• The HomePlug® Powerline Alliance announced the availability of the HomePlug AV2 specification. This new HomePlug technology enables significant performance and coverage for broadband networking over powerline wires while remaining fully interoperable with existing HomePlug AV / IEEE 1901 compliant products used in millions of consumers’ homes and widely available worldwide from service providers and retail stores.
• Gigabit-class PHY Rate (physical interface rate)
• Whole home coverage with inherent repeater functionality

 
CES 2012: IOGEAR Announces 4-Port HDMI Switcher that converts 2D to 3D

• IOGEAR announced the 4-Port Super Switcher with Advanced 2D/3D Video Processor (GHDSSW4), which allows the connection of four HDMI source devices to the HDMI input of a 3D HDTV or 3D-ready HD video projector.
• The GHDSSW4 also converts all of your flat DVDs, HD videos, and photos to 3D, with user controls that allow you to adjust the pop-out and depth effects for the optimal three-dimensional experience.
• The IOGEAR 4-Port Super Switcher with Advanced 2D/3D Video Processor (GHDSSW4) will be available April 2012 for a suggested retail price of $229.95.

CES 2012: Always Innovating Innovates again with the HDMI Dongle.

• Always Innovating announced the HDMI Dongle, a portable set-top box. The HDMI Dongle is a device of the size of a USB stick that can be plugged into any HDMI port to transform a dumb TV into a smart Internet-connected screen. The HDMI Dongle enables Internet browsing, movie watching and games.
• The HDMI Dongle can stream and decode from the Internet 1080p H.264 video.
• The device is compatible with popular services such as Netflix, Hulu or Amazon video-on-demand.
• The user interface is controlled with a 9-button remote control for easy navigation, and voice recognition for text input. The accelerometer located in the remote control enables a set of gravity-based games. The remote control also features a NFC chip to offer a tap-to-share experience.

CES 2012: Dish Introduces Next Generation Whole Home DVR Entertainment System

• Features two-terabyte hard drive for up to 2,000 hours of entertainment
• Never miss a primetime network show with PrimeTime Anytime. PrimeTime Anytime™ allows customers, with one click, to record using a single tuner all of the primetime TV programming from ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC – the networks that deliver the most popular shows during primetime. Once activated by a customer, PrimeTime Anytime records network programming in high definition, where available, every night and stores them for eight days after they have aired.
• Records up to six programs in HD simultaneously, including PrimeTime Anytime
• Hopper and three small Joeys let viewers watch HD and control DVR in four rooms

CES 2012: Sharp 2012 LED Lineup

CES 2012: LG 2012 HDTV Line Up Announced

CES 2012: Toshiba 2012 LED HDTV Lineup
(“Toshiba is at CES showing off a TV line that adds more new Internet TV features, including full Web browsing and support for Vudu apps, and it’s dropping active 3D by moving all its 3D models to passive technology.”)
CES 2012: Samsung Unveils the Super OLED TV – The Ultimate in Picture Quality

• It features unmatched vivid and true-to-life picture quality in both 2D and 3D, with significantly improved color accuracy compared to conventional LED TVs. Since light output on the Super OLED is controlled on a pixel-to-pixel basis, the truest blacks and purest whites can be achieved.
• Further, the Samsung Super OLED offers faster response times than LED, virtually eliminating motion blur even in the fastest-moving scenes.
• Because Super OLED technology features self-emitting RGB sub-pixels which do not require a backlight, the TV weighs significantly less than a standard LED TV.
• When powered on, a bright, vibrant picture illuminates the screen from edge to edge.

 
CES 2012: Simple.TV Launches DVR for the Connected TV World

• The Simple.TV DVR ($149) consists of a high-definition TV tuner that converts broadcast television into streaming MPEG-4 for the most popular connected devices. With the addition of a USB 2.0 hard drive or network-attached storage, Simple.TV users can store thousands of hours of their favorite TV shows and HDTV videos and watch them on their mobile devices or connected TVs.
• Unlike most DVRs, Simple.TV has no traditional analog or HDMI video outputs. Once connected to a home network, Simple.TV streams content directly to a web browser or to dedicated applications that users launch on their favorite connected platforms. For users who want expanded features, Simple.TV offers a Premier Service subscription ($4.99 per month) that adds an electronic program guide, automatic TV series recording, in-depth information on content, and unlimited remote streaming for up to five users.

 
CES 2012: VIZIO Takes Home Entertainment Beyond TV With New Blu-ray Players, a Stream Player, Audio Products and Accessories

CES 2012: Samsung 2012 Smart TVs get Boxless support for DirecTV

• DIRECTV and Samsung Electronics Co, Ltd. unveiled their plans to offer DIRECTV’s more than 19.7 million customers the ability to watch live broadcast and stored content from a compatible DIRECTV DVR on Samsung’s 2012 line of Smart TVs without the need for additional set-top boxes.

Download Episode #513

What’s Hot Right Now (2012 Time Capsule)

We often look back at the technologies and prices of years gone by with shock and amazement. Instead of simply trying to remember what things were like “back then” we thought it might make sense to put together a snapshot of the current HDTV landscape we can refer back to in the future.

As we do periodically we’ve decided to take some of the top sellers at Amazon across a variety of categories and get their prices. This will give us a good indication of what is hot right now and also what their prices are.

Televisions

3D TVs

LG Infinia 55LW5600 55-Inch Cinema 3D 1080p 120 Hz LED-LCD, $1282
The first 3D TV in the top 100 at Amazon is this top of the line 55” model from LG. Overall it ranks at #4 on the list. It has an LED light source, 120 Hz refresh rate and Internet apps built in. It is a passive 3D model that includes 4 pairs of glasses.

The 47” version of essentially the same TV, the LG Infinia 47LW6500 47-Inch Cinema 3D 1080p 240 Hz LED-LCD HDTV, $1077, is a few spots down the list at #12.

Samsung UN55D8000 55-Inch 1080p 240Hz 3D LED HDTV, $2058
Samsung holds the next TV on the list at #11. Feature for feature it is nearly identical to the LG that is nearly half the price. Sure the Samsung looks a bit cooler with the nearly nonexistent bezel, and it is an Active 3D unit and includes 2 pairs of glasses, which might account for a bit of the price premium, but it’s certainly on the pricey side.

We found 34 3D TVs in the top 100 made by LG, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba, and Sharp. There were 27 Active sets and 7 Passive (LG, Toshiba). They ranged in size from 40” to 70” and ranged in price from $699 to over $3400.

Plasma TVs

Panasonic VIERA TC-P50S30 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV, $799
This the first plasma in the top 100; it comes in at #22 overall. It is a 1080p plasma, but not a 3D model. It includes Internet apps and DLNA support.

Panasonic VIERA TC-P60ST30 60-Inch 1080p 600 Hz 3D Plasma HDTV, $1400
Sliding down to #30 on the list, this unit, also from Panasonic, steps up to 60” screen size and adds 3D. It also gets to double as the first 3D plasma on the list. It is an active 3D model but it doesn’t appear to include any glasses at all. It is also an Internet app loaded set and supports DLNA.

Samsung PN43D450 43-Inch 720p 600 Hz Plasma HDTV, $492
Again moving down a few spots to #35 we find our first non-Panasonic plasma set. This is a bargain unit for sure. It is a strange screen size at 43”, is only 720p, doesn’t include Internet apps and is not a 3D unit. Basically none of the new features, but a great price at under $500.

Overall we found 14 plasma TVs in the top 100, not a bad showing. They were mostly made by Panasonic and Samsung, with one LG unit in the list. They ranged in size from 43” to 65” and ranged in price from under $500 to over $2500.

LCD TVs

Of course the vast majority of sets in the top 100 list were LCD.  Some of the notable sets were:

TCL L40FHDF12TA 40-Inch 1080p 60 Hz LCD HDTV, $319
This was the #1 TV on the list at the time we built this time capsule. Who knows where they brand came from, or where they’ll be in a couple years, but right now they’re flying high. The set is 1080p, but otherwise lacks any of the “newer” features. But that’s what you’d expect from a 40” TV for $319. It has 4 stars at Amazon so it must be pretty decent, and it includes a 2 year warranty in case anything goes wrong.

Sharp LC-70LE732U, $2389
This is the biggest set in the list, but not the most expensive by more than $1000. It slots in at #75. This full array LED LCD doesn’t do 3D, but it has Quad Pixel Technology, 120 Hz refresh, a USB port for media playback and Connected TV services with Built-in Wi-Fi. Seems like quite a deal for under $2500. Can’t wait to see what the price is like in a few years.

Sharp has a 3D version of this set in the list at #33. The AQUOS LC-70LE735U 70″ 3D LED-LCD TV is $2864 to upgrade to Active 3D.

Samsung UN65D8000 65-Inch 1080p 240 Hz 3D LED HDTV, $3488
This Samsung, on the list at #88, has the distinction of being the most expensive set on the list. We aren’t sure what exactly justified the cost premium, other than the Samsung badge on the front, but it does provide nearly every feature you can imagine.

Coby LEDTV2226 22-Inch 1080p HDMI LED TV/Monitor, $179
On the list at #46, this set from Coby isn’t the smallest, but it is the least expensive. Although it is only a 22” screen, it still sports 1080p resolution. No 3D or Internet apps.

The smallest set on the list is actually the Samsung UN19D4003 19-Inch 720p 60Hz LED HDTV, $181. It ranks in at #18.

Media Streamers

The Internet Apps and Movie Streaming services could shift a bit this year, so we thought we should also snapshot the top 10 media streamers. Roku dominates the top 10 with 4, Sony has 2, followed by Apple, WD, Logitech and TiVo all with 1 each. Yes all you haters, the Logitech Revue with Google TV is still on the list.

1. Roku LT Streaming Player, $49.99
2. Apple TV MC572LL/A, $98.00
3. Roku 2 XS 1080p Streaming Player, $99.99
4. Roku 2 XD Streaming Player 1080p, $77.09
5. Western Digital WD TV Live Streaming Media Player, $89.99
6. Sony SMP-N100 Streaming Player with Wi-Fi, $49.99
7. Roku 2 HD Streaming Player, $69.99
8. Sony SMP-N200 Streaming Media Player with Wi-Fi, $60.86
9. Logitech Revue with Google TV, $140.99
10. TiVo TCD746320 Premiere DVR, $75.64

Download Episode #512

HT Guys Predictions 2012

2011 was in some ways a wild year for HDTV and home theater, but in many other ways, fairly uneventful. We didn’t fare so well in our 2011 predictions, so we’re back this year with a vengeance. A lot of thought, research and soul searching went into these and we’re really hoping for a better than 50% score this year. Without further ado, the HT Guys HDTV and home theater predictions for 2012.

Prediction #1: The world will not end in 2012.

Braden’s Predictions

Wal-mart and Vudu will make a big play
Wal-mart has a ton of money, a gazillion customers and the highest quality streaming service available today. They are going to use that clout to make a big play in the new release streaming market this year. This could go one of two ways, either they will push into the realm of Ultraviolet and give away streaming versions of movies if you buy the disc at the store or online, or they will finally introduce a subscription service for new releases. Either way, they will shake things up a bit.

Netflix will remain fairly quiet
Trying to bounce back from a dismal 2011, Netflix will try to quietly rebuild the brand that once was.  No more crazy announcements of billions of dollars spent on pointless content, no more doubling prices over night, and especially no more Qwikster, we’re one service, no we’re two services, no we’re one service again goofiness.  Netflix will spend 2012 trying to erase 2011 from our memory by staying out of the spotlight and just doing business.  This means announcements like new releases or a live TV service in 2012.

The 3D market will evolve significantly
Realizing that consumers simply don’t care about Active 3D technology, manufacturers will try to reinvent the 3D TV market in 2012.  Many manufacturers will switch to passive technology and give away glasses by the truckload.  Several companies will attempt to release glasses-free 3D at prices consumers would actually consider.  Active 3D will start to fade away, like the CRT and DLP TVs of yesteryear.  Consumer priced Passive 3D projectors will come to market that either don’t require a special screen, or the special screens will be available from all the standard screen companies for the same prices as the standard screens today.

Still no live TV via streaming
Despite the fact that Google, Apple, Dish, Verizon, {insert company name here} are talking about making all your favorite broadcast TV networks available for a fraction of the cost over your home Internet connection, it won’t happen this year.  The Broadcasters and established distributors are still too powerful.  We’d be elated if it did happen, but 2012 is still a bit too soon for this.  Sure you may see pockets of “test cities” but for the vast majority of us, we’ll still need Cable or Satellite.

Ara’s Predictions

Apple will stop calling the AppleTV a hobby
Its a safe bet that a new AppleTV set top box will be introduced this year. Odds are that it will support 1080p and will have the same chip that’s in the iPhone 4S. What I claim that will set the AppleTV 3 apart is apps. My prediction is that Apple will open up the platform to application developers and that’s when the platform will really thrive. While you can do many of these things on a Roku its the iTunes eco-system that sets iThings apart from other devices.

Video On Demand Systems from Cable Companies will significantly hurt Netflix’s business
We’ve all seen VOD offerings on every cable or satellite service. This year they will have more and better titles sooner than they do today. I am predicting that some companies will offer subscription services similar to Netflix with titles that Netflix can’t obtain. The fact that the service fees will be rolled into the monthly fee will make it simple for subscribers to say yes. Consumers will continue to drop Netflix in droves which will cause a major management shakeup.

Forget about 3D, 4K is where its at
Its pretty clear that 3D did not spur the higher margin TV sales that manufacturers were hoping for. As a result, manufacturers are looking for a new technology that will separate consumers from their money. A 4K TV could just be that technology. At last year’s CES we saw a 4K TV that looked quite good with 1080p content being fed to it. I am predicting that we will see a 50 inch 4K set on sale for $2,500 or less. And with this TV hitting the streets video scaler companies will rejoice. They now have a reason to sell you hardware that will scale and process 1080p video into glorious 4K video!

A Studio will stop selling Stand alone DVDs
With Blu-ray players below $100 for more than a year now market penetration of the players is at about 25%. That number will hit 75% in about three years (side prediction). To make that happen faster look for at least one studio (probably Sony) to offer a combo Blu-ray/DVD package as the only option for a new release movie. The thought here is that some will spend the $75 or so to buy a Blu-ray player and watch the same movie in glorious HD.

Download Episode #511

HT Guys 2011 Prediction Results

Every year in late December or early January we look into our crystal ball to see what the coming year will bring in the way of HDTV and Home Theater. Each year we struggle to get a score of 50%, and in many years we fall way short. So let’s take a look at 2011 and see how we did.

Braden’s Predictions

Designer 3D Glasses
This was a somewhat busted prediction. As was pointed out by our audience, there were already designer passive 3D glasses on the market by such companies as Oakley and others. My prediction was more along the active 3D glasses line, but even that was a failure. With 3D being the somewhat “meh” flop that it has been, and that it’s difficult to produce a “universal” set of glasses, there’s just no demand for any glasses, much less designer glasses.

Pico Projectors will build a niche
I’ll be generous and score this as partial credit. Pacific Media Associates (PMA) says that total pico projector sales (including all battery-powered, or battery-powerable models and embedded light engines) reached about 830,000 units in the first half of 2011 – up from 270,000 units in the first half of 2010. The market grew by more than 3 times in one year.  That’s great growth, but we haven’t really seen a “niche” develop – especially not a home entertainment niche.

New releases via streaming
This is another partial credit because we got close, or at least closer, than we were before.  If we say that VOD is the same thing as streaming and that DirecTV is the same thing as the Internet and that 60 days after theatrical release is stall considered a “new” release, then I nailed this one.  If you don’t agree with any of those assertions, you might deduct some points from the total score.  But DirecTV pushed the issue, so there’s hope for more movement in that direction next year.

I’ll take Google FTW
Not quite.  Google didn’t gain any significant ground in home entertainment, but nobody else did either.  It was pretty much a stalemate this year when it comes to new technology in the home theater.  No wow factor, no winners and really no losers.  Sure the Logitech Revue flopped, but Google TV is still built into Sony TVs and they’re in talks with Samsung and other companies as well.  Eric Schmidt, Google’s Executive Chairman is quoted as predicting that, “By the summer of 2012, the majority of the televisions you see in stores will have Google TV embedded.”  So maybe I was just 1 year early in my prediction.

Ara’s Predictions

LCD TVs hit 600Hz refresh rate
Well this was completely incorrect. At this point in time the fastest refresh rates I can find are 480Hz. So maybe I’m a year off in this.  We are of the opinion that once you get past 120Hz it really doesn’t improve your viewing experience unless you are watching test content designed to specifically look better at 240 or 480Hz.

Automobile Based Mobile Video will become a reality
For this prediction I was counting on using data not satellite signals for the video. I got close on this one but I may be a year or two away. The following except is from MotorAutority.com:
OnStar will offer such features as cloud-based streaming of information and entertainment, rear-seat infotainment management and video chat.

While it doesn’t get into the specific configuration, the pictures make it appear as though the car itself is equipped with a 4G modem that provides Internet connectivity and services throughout. In the rear, we see two tablet computers that look hardwired directly to the car.

An LCD TV will be demonstrated that is 1mm thick or less
OK, this was a pipe dream. TV’s measuring 1mm thick are really the realm of OLED technology. A company called AOC announced a 3D 1080p LCD that was 9.6mm. So I was off by a factor of 10. For what its worth, Samsung announced a 7 inch LCD that was 1mm thick.

Google TV will Flop
As far as 2011 goes I will claim that I got this one right.  After all, Logitech lost $100 million in operating profit part of which was due to the Revue. And their chairman Guerrino De Luca is on record saying that it was a “Big Mistake”

However, with that said, the latest version of GoogleTV has some excited about the product’s future and when you consider that Google will license the software to TV manufacturers, there is life left in it. So while I’ll say it flopped in 2011 I won’t count GoogleTV out just yet. We’ll have to revisit this again in the future.

Download Episode #510

Home Theater “In a Box” 2011

As you know, we typically are not big fans of Home Theater in a Box (HTIB) systems. In years past we’ve decided to put our own “box” systems together, complete with TV, Blu-ray player and the audio system as well. Last year we had a $10,000 system and a $5,000 system. This year, with prices going the way they have, we decided to be even tougher on ourselves and try to produce a complete system for $1,500 or less.

Braden’s System

We didn’t have to look any further than the 2011 HDTV buying guide for the LG 42LV4400 42-Inch 1080p 120Hz LED-LCD HDTV. It’s a great bargain TV with all the features you need from an LCD. It wasn’t too long ago that a 42” TV was considered big in any Home Entertainment room. Sure, now it might be competing with the bigger sizes, but not for that price. But at $499, we’ve just swallowed up one third of our budget, leaving only $1000 for everything else.

Next step in the process is audio; we need a receiver. For that, we’re going to go with the Onkyo TX-NR609 7.2 Channel Network THX Certified A/V Receiver. It is one of the best bang for the buck receivers on the market. Impressive features, easy to use and it sounds great too. It is Network capable, THX Select 2 Certified, supports HDMI 1.4 in case you want to go 3D some day, and even has apps available for iPod and Android. All that for only $390.

Of course a receiver is pointless without speakers. The general rule of thumb is that you want to spend half of your total budget on speakers. After the TV and receiver, we can’t do that anymore, and we still have to leave enough room for a Blu-ray player. So we’re going to have to scale it back just a bit. Instead of half our budget, we’re going to spend about one third, or $481 on the KEF KHT1005.2GB 5.1 Subwoofer Satellite System with KUBE-1 (Gloss Black). Legendary KEF performance and technology in a small package and a small price.  Excellent option for our box setup.

Now we’re left with around $130 to spend on our Blu-ray player so that we have content to play back on the awesome audio and video system we’ve assembled. We want to make sure it supports internet apps so we don’t have to add a dedicated streaming box in the future. With that much budget, we’re sure to find something, and we decided on the LG BD670 3D Wireless Network Blu-ray Disc Player with Smart TV. It comes in just under budget at $109.  It has wireless built right in, streams everything you need and supports 3D. Great price for all those features.

Total cost for the components is $1479. Of course this doesn’t cover cables, a box for Cable or Satellite TV, a universal remote, etc. But we did leave enough room in the budget for some popcorn!

Ara’s System

I went with the solid but budget minded 42 inch Vizio E420VA. Its a classic 1080p LCD with no real bells and whistles. It will run you $540. A little on the steep side for the $1500 limit we put on ourselves but a TV that will give you many hours of pleasure watching it.

For the receiver I chose the Yamaha RX-V671 at $500. This is a very capable 7.1 unit sporting all the next generation features you would want:

• HD Audio
• iOS integration
• HDMI 1.4a (3D and Return Channel)
• Pandora, Sirius, Rhapsody, DLNA
• 6 HDMI inputs

I typically have a JBL speaker system that I recommend for this segment each year. But for this year I changed it up because I have heard so many good things about the Energy Take Classic 5.1 speaker system. These speakers are normally priced at $600 but they are available now for $400 on Amazon or our store. They have an unheard of 5 star rating from 173 consumer reviews on Amazon. Both CNET and Audioholics have given the speaker high praise. Although I have not heard these particular speakers I have listened to other Energy products and have quite happy with the results. On a side note their parent company is Klipsch which we both have high regard for.

Since my TV didn’t have network connectivity I decided to go with a Blu-ray player that did. The Panasonic DMP-BDT210 has integrated WiFi so you can do Skype, Netflix, Vudu, and a bunch of other applications that are supported on Panasonic’s VieraCast. The Blu-ray player will set you back $130.

So there you have it. Ara’s complete home theater in a box for $1570. Oops! I went over by $70. If you want substitute Braden’s selection for a TV and I’m still over but by only $30. As Braden said don’t forget cables and remote control. So in actuality your $1500 system will actually cost you close to $2000. A great deal when you consider my first Home Theater in a box cost me $1100 and that was just the receiver and speakers! Just for completeness my first system cost me:

• 50 inch Samsung DLP $4,400
• Yamaha HTIB system $1,100
• Sony DVD Player $300

Total cost $5,800!
Within three months I swapped out the speakers for another $900 so the actual cost was close to $7,000!

Download Episode #509

Home Theater Projector Buyer’s Guide

This is our first time doing it, and we’ll admit, it presents some unique challenges, but we did it anyways. This is our first ever HT Guys Projector Buyer’s Guide. Of course no projector is complete on its own, it still needs a screen, and the screen plays a large role in how the projector will perform, but the same could be said of receivers and speakers as well. Instead of lumping them into cost categories, we just picked our fave 6 (couldn’t use that other number due to trademark infringements).

Panasonic PT-AE4000U (Street price: $2039)
The Panasonic PT-AE line of projectors has long been considered by enthusiasts and owners alike as the gold standard in price vs. performance. The Panasonic PT-AE4000U continues that tradition beautifully. It is an all-around stellar performer with a great price point at just over $2000.

• LCD Projector
• New Red-Rich Lamp
• Full HD Optimized Optical System
• Pure Contrast Plate Delivers 100,000:1 Contrast
• Pure Color Filter Pro for Rich Vibrant Colors
• 16-Bit Digital Processing – Faithfully reproduces even subtle hues and brightness variations.

See also: Panasonic PT-AE7000U (Street price: $3025)

• Better features, better performance (400,000:1 contrast ratio, etc.), 3D

Epson Home Cinema 8700 UB (Street price: $2140)
Epson pushes the envelope with dark, inky blacks at a price mere mortals can afford with the Home Cinema 8700 UB. It will impress you across the board with picture quality and performance, but what really gets you are the black levels. When you can’t tell where the screen starts and the bezel ends, life is good.

• Deep, dark blacks; crystal-clear detail – 1080p D7 chip with C2Fine technology
• 3LCD, 3-chip technology and a contrast ratio up to 200,000:1
• State-of-the-art Fujinon lens with a 2.1x zoom ratio
• Built-in Silicon Optix HQV Reon-VX processor

See also: Epson Home Cinema 8350 (Street price: $1099)

• Lower cost, great projector but not quite the same black levels

See also: Epson Home Cinema 5010 (MSRP: $2999)

• 3D model, if you want 3D, this is a beast, and a great deal for under $3K

JVC DLA-X3 (Street price: $3599)
If you want top of the line without spending lottery-winner money, check out the JVC DLA-X3. It is the entry level D-ILA projector in the almost current lineup, so you can pick it up for a good price. The new model, the DLA-X30BU, looks even more impressive and has a reduced MSRP, but we had trouble actually tracking one down. That should change soon.

• Remarkable 50,000:1 Native Contrast Ratio
• 3D Enabled Viewing with 3-chip 0.7-inch 1920×1080 D-ILA devices
• Supports Frame Sequential 3D, side-by-side 3D and top-bottom 3D methods
• Upgraded 24p capable 120Hz Clear Motion Drive
• No Special Screen Needed for 3D Playback

See also: JVC DLA-X90RBU

• This is the lottery-winner version, an impressive animal, it weighs in at MSRP $11,999

See also: JVC DLA-HD250 (Street price: $2649)

• Consumer version of the X series, most of the great performance with less of the investment.  Also not a 3D model.
• Full HD D-ILA front projector with 25,000:1 native contrast ratio, three D-ILA devices, 2x motorized zoom lens with motorized focus, HQV Reon-VX video processor, on-screen gamma control, flexible set-up and more

Sony VPL-HW30ES (Street price: $3169)
Ever since we snuck into a secret back room at CES a few years ago to see one of Sony’s early 1080p SXRD projectors, we’ve been hooked. They just seem to do everything well, not just well, but really, really well. The picture looks so natural it’s uncanny. You will be the envy of all your friends with this model from Sony. And when it comes down to it, isn’t that what we’re all looking for?

• 1300 ANSI Lumens Brightness
• 70,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio
• 240Hz panel drive improves 3D picture
• Whisper-quiet fan: Only 22db emitted
• Convert standard 2D HD content to 3D

Mitsubishi HC4000 (Street price: $1085)
This is our value model on the list at a price just a hair over $1000. It really comes down to splitting hairs between this one and the similarly priced Epson 8350 mentioned above. In general, the Mitsubishi has a slight edge on color, but the Epson is very smooth and more flexible on placement options. The Mitsubishi would probably just barely beat the Epson in terms of overall video quality, but that assumes you can get it installed just right to get that performance out of it.

• Native 1080p, HDMI connectivity, Manual Focus & Zoom Lens (Zoom Ratio 1.5:1)
• DLP DarkChip3
• DDP3021 Full 10-bit panel driver built in for smooth expression of dark gradations
• Contrast Ratio: 4,000:1
• Color Wheel: 6-segment (RGBRGB),
• Brightness/Lumens: 1300 ANSI Lumens,
• Decibels: 31dBA (standard mode)

See also: Mitsubishi HC9000D (Street price: $5005)

• A big step up in features, quality and price.  Also adds 3D.
• Silicon Optix ReonVX Processor Next-gen 10-bit chip for fast processing, HQV noise reduction, high quality picture
• 3D in Full 1080P SXRD technology for amazing contrast, color accuracy & 3D compatibility, maximum input resolution 1920×1200 (scaled to 1920×1080)
• 1.8X Power Zoom Lens
• SXRD technology for high 150,000 contrast ratio and expansive color pallet

LG Electronics CF181D (Street price: $2029)
This might be the one real curve ball on the list.  LG isn’t a brand that one would expect to find among recommendations for home theater projectors, but the SXRD model stands here on reputation alone. For full disclosure, we’ve never seen the projector first hand. But we have a lot of experience with SXRD technology and it has never let us down. Couple that with the overwhelming number of positive reviews for this unit, and we had to put it on the list. Our goal for the near term is to find a way to see it for ourselves.  If you have it, we want to hear about it.

• Delivers very high brightness (1,800 ANSI Lumens)
• LCOS; 0.61″ SXRD (120Hz Full HD resolution)
• Contrast of 35,000:1

Download Episode #508

HDTV Buying Guide

If we didn’t spend enough of your money with the Receiver Buying Guide on Episode 505 and you still have some budget left, you’re in luck.  Today we’ll give you our choices for what HDTV to buy in several different price categories.  Of course screen size goes up as prices go up, just as you’d expect. And similar to the Receiver Buying Guide, this guide isn’t about getting the latest and greatest. Its about getting a good value for your money and something you’ll enjoy for years to come.

Before we get going we want to recap last year’s list. In our greater than 60 inch we had a non 3D Sharp Aquos for $1695. Under our Ultimate Christmas gift we had the Panasonic 65 inch VT25 coming in at a whopping $4,500. Today that same TV can be had for $2750. In one year it goes from Ultimate to affordable. Likewise the 58 inch VT25 Ara bought set him back $2700 last year and now it can be had for $2500. Not nearly as big a decline. Lastly we had one DLP from Mitsubishi on the list. A 82 inch that came in at $3,200. Today it goes for $2,800.

Less than $500

Magnavox 19ME601B/F7 19-Inch 720p LCD TV (Street Price $149)
If you missed Black Friday but still need a small TV for your kitchen, garage or maybe a bathroom, this Magnavox is priced pretty close to the door-busters some stores were running.  You can save yourself the hassle of the crowds and avoid being pepper sprayed by just grabbing this HDTV instead.

• LED Backlight High Definition LCD Display
• Convenient Side Input Panel with HDMI
• Stereo Speakers / 5 Band Equalizer / Auto Volume Leveling
• USB for JPEG Playback

Sony BRAVIA KDL32BX320 32-Inch 720p LCD HDTV (Street Price $348)
Sure this is 720p, but at 32 inches, you really don’t need more resolution.  The TV has excellent picture quality and will do a wonderful job wherever you need a TV of this size, be it a bedroom, dorm room or bonus room.

• Five separate HD inputs (two HDMI, two HD component, one PC)
• USB port for enjoying photos or MP3s from your USB devices
• Light Sensor adjusts picture brightness based on ambient light

LG 42LV4400 42-Inch 1080p 120Hz LED-LCD HDTV (Street Price $499)
Can you believe a 42” 1080p, LED 120Hz TV for under $500?  Neither can we.  But it’s for real.  Sure it barely makes the list, but that’s impressive in itself.

• LG’s LED technology provides a slim profile and delivers amazing brightness, clarity and color detail, as well as greater energy efficiency compared to conventional LCD TVs.
• TruMotion 120Hz technology lets you see sports, video games and high-speed action with virtually no motion blur
• Full HD 1080p gives it superior picture quality over standard HDTV. You’ll see details and colors like never before.
• Image Contrast Ratio: 100,000:1

$500 – $1000

LG 50PT350 50-Inch 720p 600Hz Plasma HDTV (Street Price $599)
As a general rule in life, if you have the opportunity to pick up a 50” plasma for under $600, do it.  Don’t ask questions, just pull the trigger.  You’ll be glad you did.  Sure this is a 720p TV, but that’s why you can get it for such a steal. It’s going to be an amazing picture, and for the price, you simply can’t go wrong.

• 50-inch Plasma HDTV panel with Full HD 1080p resolution and 3,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
• 600Hz Sub Field Driving virtually eliminates motion blur, for crystal-clear motion video in sports, games, etc.
• Enjoy media from connected USB devices with support for a wide range of video, music, and image files
• Intelligent Sensor automatically optimizes the picture for the lighting and color conditions in the viewing room
• TruSlim Frame is less than an inch wide, for viewing without the distraction of a larger frame

Samsung UN46D6003 46-Inch 1080p LED HDTV – Black (Street Price $799)
We’ve been fans of Samsung HDTVs since they dominated DLP back in the day.  Now they are hitting it out of the park with LCD and this set is no different.  It has enough specs to keep you happy for a long time, as long as 3D isn’t your thing.

• 1080p resolution
• 5.0 Energy Star rating
• Smart TV ready
• Contrast Ratio: 4,000,000:1

Greater than $1000

Westinghouse VR-6025Z 60-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV (Street Price $1219)
This set made the list because, first of all, it’s a good set.  Secondly, 60” HDTV for $1200?  Really?  It has 4 or 5 stars at Amazon (Best online review quote: “TV was as advertised, easy to hook up and looks awesome. Very clear picture and sound is good. Now if only it would make the BEARS WIN!!!!”)

• Ultra slim design (4-5/8″ deep)

LG 55LW5300 55-Inch 1080p 120Hz Cinema 3D LED-LCD HDTV with 3D Blu-ray Player and Four Pairs of 3D Glasses (Street Price $1369)
We had to throw at least one 3D TV in the list, and LG is one of the few manufacturers selling passive 3D, so we had to go with theirs.  This set not only gets you the 55” 1080p LED HDTV but also includes the Blu-ray player and 4 pairs of glasses in the bundle.  And if 4 isn’t enough, don’t worry, these glasses are really inexpensive.

• LG’s Cinema 3D technology delivers flicker free, wide angle viewing through use of lightweight, inexpensive, battery free glasses (included: four pairs of glasses).
• Enjoy amazing depth along with smoother, crisper images, and a clear picture from virtually any angle.
• Enjoy your favorite 2D movies and shows in immersive 3D with LG’s 2D to 3D conversion feature.
• LG’s LED Plus back-light technology provides even greater control of brightness through local dimming that delivers better contrast.
• TruMotion 120Hz technology lets you see sports, video games and high-speed action with virtually no motion blur

Panasonic VIERA TC-P65GT30 65-Inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV (Street Price $2,349)
If you really want the Mac Daddy of HDTVs, Panasonic Plasma is still the way to go.  Sure the VT30 has better features and slightly better specs, but you can save $800 by buying this one and get a nearly identical viewing experience.  This one is 3D also, but let’s be honest, that’s not why you’re buying it.

• Infinite Black 2 Panel
• VIERA Connect Wi-Fi Ready
• THX Mode
• DLNA Certified

HT Guys Ultimate Christmas Present

Panasonic VIERA TC-P65VT30 65-inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV (Street Price $3,000)
This TV has everything Ara loves about his plasma and more. Word we hear is that this TV uses some of the technology Panasonic bought from Pioneer to create the deepest blacks around. Panasonic calls it the Infinite Black Pro 2 Panel. If you are buying it for 3D be warned Panasonic cheaps out and only provides one pair.

• One Sheet of Glass Design
• VIERA Connect WiFi Ready
• THX 3D Certified Display

 
Sharp AQUOS LC-80LE632U 80″ LED-LCD TV – 16:9 – HDTV 1080p – 1080p – 120 Hz (Street Price $4,430)
At 80 inches who needs a projector! The TV only weighs 121 pounds (55 Kgs) and can easily be mounted on a wall. It uses as much energy as three 100W light bulbs. It has built in Wifi and supports Netflix, Vudu, and CinemaNow streaming services. A built-in media player allows for playback of video, music, and photos via the USB port.

Mitsubishi WD-92840 92-Inch 1080p Projection TV (Street Price $4680)
What list would be complete without a DLP. We keep wondering if this will be the last year that a DLP makes the list. The previous TV is a great candidate to replace a projector for those with limited room. If you have a large space then this TV may be the way to go. It supports 3D and has a built in 16 channel sound bar and supports Vudo online streaming. From a size perspective the TV measures 81 inches wide by 55 inches high and 25 inches deep and it only weighs 194 pounds. It uses less energy than the 80 inch AQUOS, by one 100W light bulb

Download Episode #507

Black Friday 2011

Best Buy:
Samsung 32″ Class 720p LCD HDTV – $277.99
Panasonic 46″ Class 720p 600Hz Plasma Smart HDTV – $399.99
Sharp 42″ Class 1080p LCD HDTV – $199.99 *
Sharp 60″ Class 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV – $799.99
Sony 55″ Class 1080p 120Hz LED Smart 3D HDTV w/1000-Watt Home Theater System – $1,698.99
Sony BDPS185 Blu-ray Disc Player – $79.99
Samsung Blu-ray Disc Player – $99.99
Pioneer 625-Watt Receiver – $199.99 Model 821K
Logitech Harmony 650 Advanced Remote – $39.99
All kinds of DVDs and Blu-rays

Target:
Samsung 32″ 60Hz 720p LCD HDTV – $277.99
Westinghouse 46″ 60Hz 1080p LCD HDTV – $298.00
Element 40″ 60Hz 1080p LCD HDTV – $265.00 *
Sony WiFi Enabled 3D Blu-ray Player – $109.99
All Kinds of DVDs and Blu-ray movies $2 – $13 New titles too!

K-Mart:
Seiki 40″ 1080p LCD HDTV – $299.99 *
Hitachi 32″ 720p LCD HDTV (Model # LE32H405) – $299.99 *
LG 47″ 1080p, 120Hz, LED HDTV (Model #47LV4400) – $679.99 *
Panasonic 50″ 720p 600Hz Plasma HDTV (Model # TCP5032C) – $499.99 *
Sony Wi-Fi-Ready Blu-ray Disc Player – $79.99
All kinds of DVDs and Blu-ray $3 – $13

Sears:
Panasonic 42″ 1080p LED Smart HDTV (Model #TCL42E3) – $599.99 *
Panasonic 55″ 1080p 600Hz 3D Plasma Smart HDTV (Model # TC-P55ST30) – $1,099.99
Sharp 70″ 1080p 120Hz LED HDTV (Model # LC70LE632U) – $1,999.99
Sharp 60″ 1080p 120Hz LED HDTV (Model # LC60LE6300U) – $999.99 *
Samsung BD-D5700 Blu-ray Disc Player w/Built-In Wi-Fi – $99.99 *
Sony BDP-S380 Wi-Fi Ready Blu-ray Disc Player – $79.99 *
Panasonic 5.1 Channel 1000 Watt 3D Blu-ray Home Theater System – $299.99
Samsung HT-D5300 5.1 Channel 1000 Watt 3D Blu-ray Home Theater System – $259.99 *

Receiver Buying Guide

Its that time of year again where the HT Guys get to spend your money. We start of our buying guides with receivers. BTW, this guide is not necessarily about getting the latest product. Its about getting a good product at a great price so you may see some of last year’s gear on the list. All these receivers are readily available online or at a big box store. This year there are some fantastic deals to be had! Enjoy!

Less than $500

Yamaha RX-V671BL AV Receiver (Street Price $499.95)
OK so at the time of this writing this receiver barely makes the price cut off. We used to pay well over a $1000 for a receiver like this when we first got into the game. This bad boy has 6 HDMI inputs, supports next generation audio, supports 7.1, and an iOS app for remote control. There are many more features but we don’t have time to get into them all. This is perfect for someone just starting out or someone ready to move up. The 671 is priced for higher end of the entry market but can compete with receivers in the mid tier.

Denon AVR-1612 5.1 Channel A/V Home Theater Receiver (Street Price $349)
We are big fans of Denon and are happy to have such a capable receiver at this price. The 1612 is a 5.1 system that supports HDMI 1.4a. So if 3D is important to you you might want to consider this model. The 1612 has four HDMI inputs, iPod Connectivity and support for Audyssey MultEQ for optimal sound.

$500 – $1000

Pioneer Elite Vsx-53 Av Network Receiver – 7.1 Channel 3D (Street Price $765)
You can’t go wrong with a Pioneer Elite especially at this price! The VSX-53 is an Airplay capable receiver that supports HDMI 1.4a which means that its 3D capable. There are 7 HDMI inputs and two outputs, iPod support, iOS Air Jam app for control of the unit, and its network capable just to name a few if its features. As far as video processing goes, the VSX-53 scales both analog and digital signals up to 1080p/24fps with the Marvell QdeoTM Video Scaler.

Harman Kardon AVR 3650 7.1-Channel, 110-Watt Audio/Video Receiver with HDMI v.1.4a, 3-D, Deep Color and Audio Return Channel (Street Price $999)
Making this category by $1 the HK 3650 is a tough competitor in this price range. The unit has 6 3D capable HDMI inputs and one output, network connectivity, iPod Support, and Dolby Volume.

Onkyo TX-NR809 THX Certified 7.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver (Street Price $689)
Each year we have at least one Onkyo on the list. Onkyo typically has great value for some higher end features. The 809 continues in that tradition with 8 HDMI Inputs and 2 Outputs with support for 3D and Audio Return Channel, remote apps for both Android and iOS, support for both Dolby Volume and Audyssey Dynamic Volume, THX Select 2 Plus, and so many more! This is truly a bang for the buck receiver!

Greater than $1000

Marantz SR7005 Audio Video Receiver (Street Price $1699)
Besides having a cool design that would look great in any one’s equipment rack, the Marantz SR705 is loaded with features:

• Ver.1.4 3D ready 6 HDMI inputs(including 1 front input) 2 selectable outputs
• USB input for music playback with iPhone/iPod and USB memory
• Bluetooth capability with option RX10
• Network player function for music/photo streaming, Compatible with Windows7,
• Audyssey Dynamic Volume, Dyamic EQ, DSX and MultEQ XT room acoustic calibration
• Airplay Compatibility

Integra DTR 80.2 9.2 Channel Network Receiver (Street Price $2800)
When you are ready for some serious AV processing power look no further than the 80.2. Again this unit is loaded with features including Dolby Volume, 8 HDMI inputs capabale of 3D, Network capability, front USB port with iPod support, DLNA certified, Audyssey Dynamic Volume and HDMI Video Upscaling to 1080p/24 with HQV Reon-VX. The DTR 80.2 also has plenty of features for the custom integration crowd including:

• Bi-Directional Ethernet and RS232 Port for Control
• Powered Zone 2/3/4 and Zone 2/3 Pre Outs for Distributed Audio Playback in Multiple Rooms
• Zone 2 and Zone 3 Subwoofer Outputs
• Zone 2 Monitor Output (Component and Composite Video)
• Independent Zone 2 and Zone 3 Bass/Treble/Balance Controls
• Max & Power On Volume Settings for Main Zone & Zone 2/Zone 3
• Dealer Settings Memory Store & Recall with Lock/Unlock
• Permanently Stored Settings
• 2 IR Inputs and 1 Output
• 3 Programmable 12V Triggers (with Adjustable Delay)
• Optional Rack Mount Kit Available (IRK-180-4)
• RIHD (Remote Interactive over HDMI) for System Control*

Download Episode #505