Feature News Stories (626 Posts)

What is the Magic Price Point for Top-Performing AV Components?

Walk around any of the growing number of audiophile and/or consumer electronics trade shows like CEDIA Expo, CES, or Munich... Continue Reading

Apple Makes Waves in the 4K Market

Apple's new Apple TV 4K media player faces a tough road, but the company's entry in the 4K software market is already making waves. Continue Reading

Is Cord Cutting Really Killing Traditional Pay TV?

There's no doubt that cord cutting has gained steam over the past few years, but is it really a serious threat to the cable and satellite providers? Jeff Berman asks the experts. Continue Reading

HDMI 2.1 Is Coming Soon to AV Gear Near You

We should begin to see AV gear with HDMI 2.1 hit the market soon. What does the latest HDMI spec offer, and how will it affect your current system? Adrienne Maxwell answers those questions in this week's featured news story. Continue Reading

Are AV Manufacturers Finding Success Via Crowdfunding?

Is crowdfunding the best way for a small or new AV manufacturer to finance a product? Have crowdfunded AV products enjoyed success? Jeff Berman explores the topic in this week's featured news story. Continue Reading

Room Correction Revisited

Dennis Burger revisits the topic of room correction, expanding on some of the original explanations from his 2013 primer and providing an updated look at the major room correction systems in use today. Continue Reading

CEDIA 2017 Show Wrap-up

The annual CEDIA Expo--which celebrates high-end home theater, whole-house AV, and all things custom-oriented--took place recently in San Diego. Adrienne Maxwell and Dennis Burger discuss the latest trends and new products on display. Continue Reading

Do You Own an AV Boat Anchor?

AV technology is always advancing (sometimes quite quickly), and that means some pieces of gear inevitably get left behind. Do you own a product that became obsolete far sooner than you would've preferred? Continue Reading

Why Aren't There More Negative AV Reviews?

One question we get from some of our most loyal readers is, "How come there aren't more negative reviews on the website?" Jerry Del Colliano answers this question and gives more insight into our review process. Continue Reading

Have You Attended a Listening Event Recently?

Looking for a pressure-free way to audition the latest AV gear? Check to see if your local specialty retailer hosts regular listening or AV demo events. Adrienne Maxwell describes a recent event she attended at Colorado's ListenUp store. Continue Reading

Should AV Retailers Worry About Amazon Smart Home Services?

Amazon has launched its Smart Home Services to provide in-home setup and tech support in limited markets. Should specialty AV retailers be worried? Jeff Berman asks industry analysts for their take. Continue Reading

Making the Case for Wireless Headphones for Audiophiles

The headphone category is booming, and wireless headphones are the way of the future. But can audiophiles embrace them? Jerry Del Colliano makes the case for why they should. Continue Reading

AV Receivers vs. AV Separates: Which Is Right for You?

Dennis Burger tackles the age-old question: Which is better, an AV receiver or AV separates? Most audiophiles will quickly cast their vote for separates; but, as Dennis explains, the answer isn't quite so straightforward. Continue Reading

What's So Irresistible About a Single-Ended Triode (SET) Amp?

Single-ended triode (SET) amplifiers have a cult-like following in audiophile circles, but their limited power output has limited their usability. Terry London discusses the appeal and challenges of SET amps and puts three high-quality options to the test. Continue Reading

The Top Mistakes That Electronics Retailers Keep Making

Why are so many CE retailers failing? Jeff Berman asks industry analysts to discuss the top mistakes the CE retailers are making. Continue Reading

Disney Finally Embraces Ultra HD Blu-ray

With the news that Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 will be available on Ultra HD Blu-ray disc, we see that Disney has finally lined up with the other major studios in embracing the higher-resolution format. Continue Reading

Understanding the Music Mastering Process

Do you understand the difference between remixing and remastering music? Mark Smotroff delves into the intricacies of the mastering process, be it for analog or digital, with five recording industry veterans. Continue Reading

Inventory Matters in Specialty AV

There are many challenges facing specialty AV dealers as they try to compete with online retailers. Jerry Del Colliano discusses the importance of proper inventory management to help give brick-and-mortar stores an edge. Continue Reading

Are Home Theater Owners More Likely to Embrace Day-and-Date Movie Releases?

Day-and-date movie releases, when the film is available on home video at the same time it hits theaters, are slowly becoming more common. Adrienne Maxwell wonders if home theater owners are more or less likely to embrace this trend. Continue Reading

How to Pull Off a Great AV Demo at a Show

Regional AV shows are growing in number and importance, and they might be the key to attracting younger enthusiasts. Jerry Del Colliano offers some tips on how exhibitors at these shows can make the most of their AV demos. Continue Reading