Feature News Stories (669 Posts)

The Death Of The Dedicated Media Room and Why What Comes Next Is Even More Exciting

There are those who say that watching films on a home theater system is an anti-social experience. When you get together with friends, you simply sit together in a dark room and stare at the screen. This may be changing now with the advent of new technology that makes things a lot easier for those setting up a room in their house dedicated to home theater. Continue Reading

Even Facing Doom Borders Missed The Boat on AV Software Value

You might think that in the middle of a "store chain closing - gigantic discounts" sale that it would be easy to move something as desirable as Blu-ray discs. You might think that, but you'd be wrong, at least in the case of how Borders handled the discs in the chain's final days. Continue Reading

Selling HD Content To A Generation of Thieves That Honestly Don't Know Its Wrong To Steal

There is a dynamic at work with audio and video content that might be funny if it wasn't so alarming. A lot of users haven't figured out the equation that if they obtain all of their entertainment for free, the entertainers don't have the money to make anything else. Continue Reading

How Bose Can Teach The AV Business How To Sell More Systems For More Profit

All highs no lows it must be Bose has been an adage used among audiophiles for years and while Bose may laugh at the notion it's not because the saying is funny-no Bose is laughing all the way to the bank for they remain one of the most prolific and profitable brands in all of AV. Continue Reading

How To Avoid Internet Dependence In Your Home and Home Theater

Today's hot, new A/V products all have Internet connectivity and a host of Web-oriented applications. Of course we're all addicted to the Internet, but is it a good idea to get our home theater and home automation systems addicted, too? Continue Reading

AV Retailers Aggressively Push For The Upsell Despite The Down Economy

HomeTheaterReview.com publisher/editor Jerry Del Colliano weighs in on the various methods audio/video retailers are employing to move product, even in an economy where most consumers are feeling the pinch and are consequently reluctant to spend money. Continue Reading

Has Netflix Dug Its Own Grave?

Not everybody wants to watch movies on their computers. Netflix, however, seems to believe that their consumer base desires to watch films online, because the company has announced that it is moving away from renting hard copies in favor of streaming downloads. Continue Reading

New Home Theater Trend - 2.1 Speaker Surround Sound

The latest trend in home theater technology is 2.1 speaker surround sound. This allows audio and video enthusiasts to bring investment grade audiophile gear to an audio video system. Previously, the equipment was practically considered disposable. Continue Reading

Is 3D Laying Down On The Job? Why 3D Is Only One Reason To Buy an HDTV Today

In this HTR exclusive, Dr. Ken Taraszka talks about what can be expected from these new sets, both benefits and demerits, including how the glasses work, the best and worst physical positions for viewing, and what type of monitors best display this format. Continue Reading

Whale Hunting In The Desert - $20,000 Plus AV Components Are Everywhere At CES

Many of the products at the January 2011 Consumer Electronics Show indicate that despite the poor state of the economy, companies are still looking to make sales of big ticket items. The market for these products is getting smaller and smaller due to the economy, but that doesn't appear to be stopping companies from trying to sell these high priced items. Continue Reading

Deflowering the Myth and Mystery of the CES Trade Show

The Consumer Electronics Show that happens every year in Las Vegas doesn't get quite the media blitz that occurs every July at Comic-Con in San Diego, but there is still a lot of hype surrounding CES. HomeTheaterReview.com is here to help you decode the buzz. Continue Reading

Big Box Stores Finally Figured Out How To Make Money Selling Video - Can Mom & Pop Keep Up?

As flat-screen televisions become ever more affordable for the consumer, they become ever less profitable for the retail chains that sell them. However, Vizio has found a way to put together stores and home video distributors, helping both without hurting us. Continue Reading

CES 2011 Trade Show Coverage

Every year, the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas is where all the top-flight electronics manufacturers display and demonstrate their new products and projects. The staff of HomeTheaterReview.com was on hand to report on everything there worth knowing about. Continue Reading

Is Blu-ray Better Than Streaming or Pay-Per-View For Your Hard Earned Home Video Budget?

Depressingly enough for those of us who value artistry in both our hardware and our software, market forces are often dictated by those who want things that come quickly and easily, even if these things are not as good as products that may call for a little more time and effort. Continue Reading

Movie Studios Are Thinking Of Asking Consumers What Blu-ray To Put Out Next

Rather than mass-producing Blu-ray discs for every theatrical film title released, whether the film hits, gets a cult following or outright bombs, there is now some thought being given to trying to gauge how a disc will sell via presales or early commitments before copies are made. Continue Reading

Cheap Is The New Trendy When It Comes To Today's Specialty Audio Video

Jerry del Colliano recounts the story of a friend's recent home theater upgrade and questions the state of specialty A/V retail. Has the commoditization of A/V products made it impossible to convince shoppers to step up to the next level of performance? Continue Reading

Today's Headphones Are The Key To Ultimately Wooing Kids To Love Audio

With so many people, especially younger generations, listening to music from their iPods, the secret to welcoming in the new wave of audiophiles may lie inside the speakers of a good set of headphones. Continue Reading

Form Factor Woos Consumers To Today's Ultra-Thin HDTVs

When the time comes to upgrade your TV, what will most influence your decision? Price? Performance? Web features? For many consumers, a TV's form factor (most importantly, its depth) plays a larger role than ever before. Jerry del Colliano describes his recent TV upgrade. Continue Reading

Building a Reference Grade Media Room on a Budget - Part 2

Andrew Robinson continues his guide to building a home theater on a budget. In this installment, he covers the process of building the room from planning the design to hanging the acoustic panels to sliding the speakers in place. Continue Reading

Can The Adult Industry Continue To Call The Shots For Consumer Electronics Going Forward?

Is it a coincidence that the Consumer Electronics Show and the AVN Show occur at the same time, in the same city, each year? There has long been an interesting link between these two industries, but it looks like the ties that bind may be loosening. Continue Reading