Feature News Stories (662 Posts)

The Impact of Trump's Tariffs & Tax Cuts on the CE Industry

We don't make a habit of discussing politics here at Home Theater Review, but new tariffs and tax cuts stand to have an enormous effect on our industry. Continue Reading

Video Games Outsell Music and Movies, So Why Don't AV Stores Embrace Them?

Video games are outselling movies and music by a large margin. So why is the AV industry so reticent to embrace interactive entertainment for demo material? Continue Reading

Food Porn Has Lost Its John Holmes in Anthony Bourdain

Anthony Bourdain may have given birth to the modern food porn phenomenon that fills our TV screens so regularly, but he was so much more than that. He was a journalist. A social commentator. A rock star. And ultimately a victim of his own brain chemistry. Continue Reading

Five Questions to Ask Before Shopping for a Streaming Media Player

Do you feel like the only person left on the planet who doesn't already own a Roku, Amazon Fire TV,... Continue Reading

With Prices Falling, Why Aren't More People Getting Into Specialty Audio?

You can get higher-quality audio products for less money than ever before. Why then, wonders Jerry Del Colliano, isn't that increasing demand? Continue Reading

Why We're Embracing Amazon Affiliate Links

The world is changing, and we're changing along with it. After much thought and discussion, we're embracing affiliate links to help keep our site up-and-running and free-to-read. Continue Reading

Getting Started With Basic Home Automation: Control4 Edition

What does a basic professionally installed home automation system look like? What hardware is involved? What can it control and automate? We've got your answers here. Continue Reading

Vinyl's Revival Is Already Fading

Jeff Berman examines the state of vinyl's mini renaissance. While there are still some positive signs, there are also signs that the revival has peaked. Continue Reading

Shopping for Smart Home Products? Here's What to Expect.

Adrienne Maxwell hits the major retailers in her area--Best Buy, Home Depot, and Lowes--to assess the state of DIY smart home automation. Continue Reading

What AV System Would You Buy for a 14-Year-Old?

Jerry Del Colliano reminisces about the first stereo system he got on his 14th birthday and asks this question: what AV components would you choose for a kid today to get him or her excited about our hobby? Continue Reading

Behind the Scenes at Netflix's AV Lab

Adrienne Maxwell pays a visit to Netflix's AV Lab, where audio and video specialists help Netflix filmmakers make the best use of advanced technologies like HDR and Atmos. Continue Reading

Random Thoughts and Observations From Axpona 2018

On a whim, Jerry Del Colliano decided to attend Axpona this past weekend. It was his first trip to this particular audio show. Find out what he thought in this week's featured news story. Continue Reading

What OPPO Digital's Goodbye Means to Your AV System

In a sad development, OPPO Digital has announced that the company is winding down all of its product production and manufacturing. Jerry Del Colliano discusses what this means for AV enthusiasts. Continue Reading

What I Learned During My Trip to Technicolor

Find out what Adrienne Maxwell learned during her recent tour of the Technicolor facility in Hollywood. Continue Reading

Before You Cut the Cord, Pick Up the Phone

It's easy to understand why people "cut the cord" on their cable or satellite TV bill these days. I just... Continue Reading

Understanding Dolby Vision Calibration, Part One

Adrienne Maxwell discusses the Dolby Vision calibration process--how it's similar to and different from HDR10 calibration--and walks through the steps using VIZIO's P Series UHD monitor. Continue Reading

Promising Signs for UHD Blu-ray, But Challenges Remain

Jeff Berman discusses where things stand with the Ultra HD Blu-ray format: the many promising signs, as well as the challenges that remain. Continue Reading

The Last Days of THIEL Audio

They say, if you wanna become a millionaire in the wine business, start with $20,000,000. The same can be said... Continue Reading

Going Inside the HomeTheaterReview.com Reference System

Looking for some inspiration for your home theater and whole-home AV system? Jerry Del Colliano describes how he transformed his 1950s home into a modern AV lover's paradise. Continue Reading

Looking for 4K Content? Here Is What's Available Right Now

If you think there's not enough 4K content to justify buying a 4K TV, think again. Adrienne Maxwell provides an overview of the 4K sources that are currently available, as well as what's coming soon. Continue Reading