Feature News Stories (677 Posts)

Why Are Some Audiophiles Scared of Bob Hodas?

Bob Hodas does something mysterious and powerful, which can cause fear, but really it is helpful and wonderful and can make your system sing if you take what he does for what it is and embrace it. Continue Reading

Can Burnt Bridges Be Mended Between Audiophile Retailers' Scorched Customers?

Audiophile retailers and consumers are in a bit of a battle, but it doesn't have to be that way. Jerry Del Colliano presents a few ideas that both groups can put into practice to get things back on track. Continue Reading

The Power of Twitter

Andrew Robinson made a simple, honest request of Audyssey via Twitter, and was met with something he not only didn't expect, but something that is inexcusable from a customer service point of view. Continue Reading

No Active 3D Standard Leaves Door Open For Passive 3D HDTVs

It happened with HDMI and now it seems that video companies have done it again with 3D. With their rush to launch a new product featuring the very latest technology, the manufacturers forgot to work together to agree to a standard that was meaningful and mindful of the needs of the consumer. Continue Reading

The Best Seat in the House Isn't in Your House: A Look at Bowers & Wilkins' Jaguar Sound System

Unless you are actually in the industry, and perhaps even then, chances are that you spend much more of your music-listening time in your car than you do in your home. Bowers & Wilkins designed their Jaguar sound system with this in mind. Continue Reading

What California's Retroactive Sales Tax Means to Online and Out-of-State AV Retailers and Consumers Alike

When it comes to our nation's tax code it reads more like a choose your own adventure than a how-to and California's tax code isn't exactly better for their retroactive sales tax code is among the hardest to understand. Home Theater Review publisher, Jerry Del Colliano, weighs in on this rather unknown tax code. Continue Reading

DirecTV's Premium VOD To Launch This Thursday For $30 Says Industry Source

According to Engadget.com, an electronics Internet site, DirecTV is taking a gamble that home entertainment enthusiasts are willing to spend more than the price of two movie tickets, as the company's premium VOD service launches this Thursday at $30 per download. Continue Reading

DirecTV Partners With Movie Studios to Take on Theater Chains with Unimpressive Results

In a move that has caused motion picture distributors to strenuously object, a number of major studios, including Universal, Fox, Sony, Warner Brothers and Universal, have joined forces with DirecTV to bring major film titles to VOD sixty days after theatrical release. Continue Reading

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