How to Get the Best Picture From Your HDTV
The New York Times runs through exactly how to tweak your set. Here are the key steps:
THX posts
The New York Times runs through exactly how to tweak your set. Here are the key steps:
Audio/Video, Computers, Video Games
Razer and THX Preview the Mako 2.1 Sound System
We were given an early look at Razer / THX's new Mako 2.1 sound system. This marks the first time that video game accessory maker Razer has worked with sound gods THX, and their offspring sounds quite impressive. The Mako is, on the surface, your standard two speaker, one subwoofer computer speaker setup. The similarities end there, however, and Razer wants you to know that the company isn't just about games anymore.
Using what THX calls "Ground Plane" and "Slot Speaker" technology, the Mako's two main speakers appear to just be solid objects. Inside each unit are two speakers -- a midrange and a tweeter -- that face down toward the surface on which the speakers sit. This, in essence, turns your desk (or wall, if you wall-mount them) into what's called a "reflective" surface, opening up the sound field.
When on a flat surface, the Mako produces life-like sound effects and music with some impressive dynamics for such a small setup. However, when lifted off of the flat surface, it's as if half the sound disappears. Imagine getting a giant speaker out of a small little disk, and you're halfway to understanding how the Mako works. If your desk is extremely cluttered or not very flat, this system won't really work for you.
A small, shiny, touch-sensitive remote rounds out the sexy black package. The remote controls not only volume but also tone control (bass, treble). It also includes a line-in and headphone-out, which is perfect for desktop computer installations, in case your computer is tucked away somewhere.
All isn't perfect in Mako-land, however. Inputs are limited -- there is only a line-in on the remote and base unit along with an RCA plug set on the subwoofer/bass unit. If you're looking for digital inputs, move along. Also, Razer has priced the Mako at $399, a pretty steep price in the world of 2.1 computer sound systems. Finally, if your setup doesn't involve a nice, clean, flat surface, a more conventional satellite setup is probably the answer for you.
Keep an eye out for a November launch through online retailers and January 2008 in brick-and-mortat stores.
Gallery: Razer THX Mako
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Cheaper TiVo HD Out Now
That rumored budget HD TiVo box we discussed earlier, it's here! And carrying the moniker TiVo HD, it ditches the previous naming scheme of 'TiVo Series X.' It seems the previously-reported specs, and even the photo, turned out to be accurate.
Here are some of the features the entry-level Tivo HD will lack:
- No OLED
- No fancy remote
- No THX
What do these feature omissions mean? For most people, not much. The lack of OLED simply means you won't get an on-console read-out of whatever the Tivo is recording unless you have your TV on -- a cosmetic advantage at best. The fancy remote is really just a glorified regular remote (besides, you'll probably be using a universal remote, anyway). Now, the lack of THX can be a bummer for those who have compatible, high-end A/V receivers or sound systems, but chances are that most non-audiophiles won't notice the difference.
The box does come with dual Cable Card slots, with M Card support, which allows the use of two tuners with one card (great feature). The box also includes an ATSC tuner for watching digital broadcasts and an analog NTSC tuner, in case you're buying a TiVo for your 10-year-old tube. TiVoToGo, and downloading Amazon.com movies and TV shows, among other Internet offerings, are also supported.
Now, if only Tivo could get its fantastic interface to scroll faster through the 200-plus channels most satellite and cable companies offer, it would have a real winner. (We hate to say it, but the otherwise glitchy DVR boxes from your cable company do a better job of quickly scrolling through channels.)
From Engadget and Tivo.
Related Links:
Budget-Priced HD TiVo Specs Revealed?
Say Goodbye to the Ugly Cable Set-Top Box
Transfer Your TiVo Lifetime Service
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