Digital Theater System (DTS)

DTS (also known as Digital Theater Systems), owned by DTS, Inc. (NASDAQ: DTSI), is a multi-channel digital surround sound format used for both commercial/theatrical and consumer grade applications (with significant technical differences between home and commercial/theatrical variants: the latter being a traditional ADPCM compression system and the former a sophisticated hybrid perceptual and signal-redundancy compressor based on ADPCM called APTX-100). It is used for in-movie sound both on film and on DVD, and during the last few years of the format's existence, several Laserdisc releases had DTS soundtracks. History One of the company's initial investors was film director Steven Spielberg, who felt that theatrical sound formats up until the company's founding were no longer state of the art, and as a result were no longer optimal for use on projects where quality sound reproduction was of the utmost importance. Work on the format started in 1991, four years after Dolby Labs started work on their new codec, Dolby Digital. The basic and most common version of the format is a 5.1 channel system, supporting five primary speakers and a subwoofer, referred to as an LFE (Low Frequency Effects) channel. Note however that encoders and decoders support numerous channel combinations and stereo, four-channel and four-channel+LFE soundtracks have been released commercially on DVD, CD and LaserDisc. Other newer DTS variants are also currently available, including versions that support up to 7 primary audio channels plus 1 LFE channel (DTS-ES). DTS's main competitors in multichannel theatrical audio are Dolby Digital and SDDS, although only Dolby Digital and DTS are used on DVDs and implemented in home theater hardware. Spielberg debuted the format with his 1993 production of Jurassic Park, which came slightly less than a full year after the official theatrical debut of Dolby Digital (Batman Returns). In addition, Jurassic Park also became the first home video release to contain DTS sound when it was released on Laserdisc in January 1997, two years after the first Dolby Digital home video release (Clear and Present Danger on LaserDisc) which debuted in January of 1995. In theatrical use, information in the form of a modified time code is optically imaged onto the film. An optical LED reader reads the timecode data off the film and sends it to the DTS processor which uses this timecode to synchronize the projected image with the soundtrack audio. The actual audio is recorded in compressed form on standard CD-ROM media at a bitrate of 1103 kbit/s. The processor also acts as a transport mechanism, as it holds and reads the audio discs. Newer units can generally hold 3 discs, allowing a single processor/transport to handle 2-disc film soundtracks along with a 3rd disc containing sound for theatrical trailers. In addition, specific elements of the imprinted timecode allow identifying data to be embedded within the code, ensuring that a certain film's soundtrack will only run with that film. DTS and Dolby Digital (AC-3), DTS's chief competitor in the cinema and home-theater market, are often compared due to their similarity in product goals. In theatrical installations, DTS can deliver better audio fidelity (due to the higher data-rate afforded by CD-ROM media.) AC-3 audio is placed between sprocket holes, leaving the audio content susceptible to physical damage due to film aging and mishandling. However, AC-3 (and SDDS), are stored entirely on the 35 mm film itself, and do not require delivery of separate CD-ROM discs to theaters, simplifying distribution. Disregarding the CD-ROM as a potential point of failure in a cinema audio system, the CD-ROM media is not damaged/degraded by repeated screenings, and rarely require replacement during the theatrical run of a given movie title. In the consumer (home-theater) market, AC-3 and DTS are closer in terms of audio performance. When the DTS audiotrack is encoded at its highest legal bitrate (1.5 MBps), most technical experts regard DTS as achieving perceptual transparency (i.e. indistinguishable to the uncoded-source in a double-blind test.) At AC-3's maximum bitrate of 640 Kbps, Dolby claims similar transparency. However, the DVD format limits AC-3 audiotracks to 448 Kbps, and some publishers limit the AC-3 bitrate further (to 384 Kbps.) Even at 448 Kbps, (DVD) AC-3 operates at a higher bitrate than theatrical (35 mm movie) AC-3, therefore a properly-equipped home-theater already achieves surround sound superior to a cinema AC-3 installation. Likewise, DTS-audio on movie DVDs is commonly encoded at a reduced bitrate, allowing a single title to fit multiple 5.1 soundtracks (AC-3 + DTS.) At this reduced rate (769 Kbps), DTS no longer retains audio-transparency. It should be noted, that AC-3 and DTS use different coding tools and syntax to perceptually compress audio, and therefore, the raw bitrates of the two formats do not indicate an objective measure of sound-quality. Regardless, DTS proponents claim that the extra bits give higher fidelity and more dynamic range, providing a richer and more life-like sound. A DTS track is often louder with less hiss, even at the same relative playback volume. DTS as a codec DTS is an enhanced copy of a French patent called LC Concept, first used in 1990 for the movie Cyrano de Bergerac. On the consumer level, DTS is the oft-used shorthand for the DTS Coherent Acoustics codec, transportable through S/PDIF and used on DVDs, CDDAs, LDs and in wave files. This system is the consumer version of the DTS standard, using a similar codec without needing separate DTS CD-ROM media. DTS playback Both music and movie DVDs allow delivery of DTS-audiotracks. But DTS was not part of the original DVD specification (1997), so early DVD-players did not recognize DTS-audiotracks at all. The DVD specification was revised to allow optional inclusion of DTS-audiotracks. The DVD-title must carry 1 (or more) primary audiotrack of AC-3, MPEG-1, or LPCM format. The DTS-audiotrack, if present, can be selected by the user. Modern DVD-players generally rely on an external audio-receiver to decode DTS audiotracks. (DVD-players with integrated AC-3/DTS 5.1 decoders were built and sold in limited quantity.) Nearly all standalone-audio receivers and many integrated (home theater in a box) DVD-player/receivers manufactured today can decode DTS (in addition to AC-3.) For PC playback, many software players support the decoding of DTS. The VideoLAN project has created a decoding module for DTS called libdca (formerly libdts), which is the first open source implementation of DTS. DTS variants In addition to the standard 5.1 channel DTS Surround codec, the company has several other technologies in its product range designed to compete with similar systems from Dolby Labs. The primary new technologies are: DTS-ES (DTS Extended Surround) - includes two variants, DTS-ES Matrix and DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, depending on how the sound was originally mastered and stored.[2] DTS-ES Discrete provides 6.1 discrete channels, with a discretely recorded (non-matrixed) center-surround channel; in home theater systems with a 7.1 configuration, the two rear-center speakers play in mono. DTS-ES Matrix provides 5.1 discrete channels with a matrixed center-surround audio channel. DTS-ES commonly works on a Matrix system, whereby processors that are compatible with the ES codec look for and recognize "flags" built into the audio coding and "un-fold" the rear-center sound from data that would otherwise be sent to rear surround speakers. This is notated as DTS-ES 5.1. Less frequently, DTS-ES data can be encoded with a Discrete 6th audio channel (the rear-center), meaning that the audio data for the 6th channel is stored separately from the other information, and is not embedded or matrixed among other channels. This is notated as DTS-ES 6.1, as the center rear is completely discrete from the other channels. ES capable processors can recognize the discrete 6th channel, and play it back if connected to the necessary speaker(s). In contrast, Dolby's competing EX codec, which also boasts a center rear channel, can only handle matrixed data and does not support a discrete 6th channel. DTS-ES is backward compatible with standard DTS setups, so non-ES equipment which does not recognize the flags or with ES enabled equipment that lack the extra speaker connections, sound plays back in 5.1 as if it were standard DTS. Only a few DVD titles have been released with DTS-ES Discrete. DTS NEO:6 - Neo:6, like Dolby's Pro-Logic IIx system, can take stereo content and convert the sound into 5.1 or 6.1 channel format. DTS 96/24 - Allows the delivery of 5.1 channels of 24-bit, 96 kHz audio and high quality video on the DVD-Video format. Prior to the invention of DTS 96/24, it was only possible to deliver two channels of 24-bit, 96 kHz audio on DVD-Video. DTS 96/24 can also be placed in the video zone on DVD-Audio discs, making these discs playable on all existing DVD players. DTS-HD Master Audio - Previously known as DTS++ and DTS-HD, DTS-HD Master Audio supports a virtually unlimited number of surround sound channels, can downmix to 5.1- and two-channel, and can deliver audio quality at bit rates extending from DTS Digital Surround up to lossless. DTS-HD Master Audio is selected as an optional surround sound format for Blu-ray and HD-DVD. DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD are the only technologies that deliver compressed lossless surround sound for these new disc formats, ensuring the highest quality audio performance available in the new standards. (n.b. DTS Coherent Acoustics coding system has been selected as mandatory audio technology for both the Blu-ray Disc (BD) and High Definition Digital Versatile Disc (HD-DVD)[3]) DTS Connect - This is a function pack available on the computer platform only. It is found on soundcards with CMedia CMI8788/CMI8770 Soundcontroller. DTS Interactive This is a realtime DTS stream encoder. It is a part of DTS Connect, or can found on stand alone devices (e.g. Surround Encoder, HD DVD / BluRay Player). Nearly a dozen titles on the Playstation 2 feature the "DTS Interactive" realtime stream encoder, such as Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, and Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines DTS Virtual - A relatively new development. Intended for use in conjunction with a Dolby Headphone processor. It allows a virtual (as the name suggests) 5.1 surround sound to be heard through a standard pair of headphones. It provides a better spatial awareness than Dolby Headphone on its own (which is primarily intended to provide a surround sound effect from standard stereo sources). Source: Wikipedia article Digital Theater System DTS webiste: DTS Online

A Technical Introduction to Audio Cables

What is so important about cables anyway? One of the most common questions asked by consumers faced with purchasing cables for their audio or home theater system is, "What is so important about cables anyway?" They can cost as much or more than some of the hardware in the system and to many it is difficult to understand why wire isn't just wire. To begin to understand how audio cables work, we have to start with the two fundamentally different types of audio cables you are likely to have in your system. The first type of cable is called an interconnect, which is used to connect various components together (such as a CD player to a receiver). The second type of cable is called the loudspeaker cable (this is the wire going from the receiver or amplifier to the speakers). It is important to realize that both types of cables are carrying the same information, just with different amounts of energy. Interconnects carry a signal with very little energy. These cables only need just enough energy to convey the information from the source, for example a CD player, to the amplifier. The low energy requirement means that the signal in interconnects has very little current (usually in the range of thousandths of an amp). Loudspeaker cables on the other hand, carry a large amount of energy. All of the energy required to move the speaker cones and make sound must come through the loudspeaker cables. Because of the high-energy requirement in these cables the current is relatively high (currents can reach 10 amps or more). The very basic reason why audio cables are important is because they change the signal going through them. There are two different, fundamental ways that an audio cable can change the signal. The cable itself can change the signal, or the cable can allow outside sources of energy to change the signal. In order to understand how these two situations can occur, some basic background electrical knowledge is needed. Signals in all types of wires are conveyed by the combination of voltage and current. Every signal has some amount of voltage and some amount of current. The larger the difference in voltage between two places, say the beginning and the end of a cable, the larger the amount of current, and vice-versa. The direct analogy to voltage and current is the flow of water through a hose. The amount of water flowing through the hose is analogous to current. The water pressure in the hose is analogous to voltage. The higher the amount of water pressure, the more water will flow through the hose. The higher the amount of voltage, the more current will flow through the wire. Every cable has a set of electrical properties that can be measured using standard electrical testing equipment. The three most basic properties are resistance, capacitance and inductance. While a detailed description of these three different electrical properties is outside the scope of this article, a basic description of the relevant effects of these three properties can be given. - Resistance opposes current. The higher the resistance the greater the amount of energy that is removed from the current and turned into heat. - Capacitance opposes changes in voltage. If a voltage is increasing, capacitance will cause the voltage to increase more slowly. If a voltage is decreasing, capacitance will cause the voltage to decrease more slowly. - Inductance opposes changes in current. If current is increasing, inductance will cause the current to increase more slowly. If current is decreasing, inductance will cause the current to decrease more slowly. The final piece of background knowledge that is needed for this article is what the audio signal looks like. If one were to take the speaker cover off a speaker to look at the speaker cone while music is playing, you would see that it is moving back and forth. In order to move the speaker cone back and forth, the electrical signal must push and then pull the cone in rapid and repeating fashion. This is accomplished by having an Alternating Current, or AC. Alternating Current simply means that the voltage oscillates between positive and negative. Because the voltage drives the current, this means that the current also goes positive and negative. In other words, the current is going back and forth in the wire, just like the speaker cone. The subtle variations in how fast the voltage and current go back and forth creates the different sounds that we hear when listening to music. How a cable itself affects the audio signal Now, going back to the ways that the cable itself can change the signal going through it, let's consider both types of cables separately. As stated previously, interconnect cables carry a very small amount of current. Relative to the current the voltage is large. Because of that fact, capacitance is important, but inductance is relatively unimportant. As the voltage oscillates between being positive and negative, the capacitance slows the voltage changes down, and causes delays. This can cause audible distortion in the sound. Because interconnects have very little current, resistance is not much of a factor. Even an interconnect with extremely high resistance will only remove an infinitesimally small amount of energy. The signal in loudspeaker cables is essentially the opposite of the signal in interconnects. Both cables have the same information, but in loudspeaker cables, the voltage is small and the current is large, relatively speaking. Because of the high current, both resistance and inductance are important in loudspeaker cables. The higher the resistance, the greater the amount of energy that will be absorbed by the cables. The resistance will not cause any distortion, but it will decrease the volume of the sound. The inductance on the other hand, can cause distortion. As the current oscillates between being positive and negative, the inductance slows the current changes down, and causes delays. How a cable lets outside sources of energy affect the signal As stated previously, the second fundamental way of altering a signal passing through an audio cable is to introduce outside sources of energy. This outside energy is typically termed "noise". By definition, if any energy is absorbed by the signal, the signal has been distorted. There are many potential sources of noise around audio cables. Some of the more common sources of noise, such as radio frequency waves, are familiar to most people. When wiring up a radio, frequently a consumer must attach an antenna. Antennae are intentionally designed to channel radio frequency energy into a stereo. Just like an antenna, it is entirely possible for an audio cable to pick up radio frequency energy. If you are not intending to listen to the radio, this is not a welcome effect. Electronic components, electrical cords, sound waves, and even the sun, are all capable of creating noise. Electrical cords create electromagnetic fields around them that can transfer energy to a cable. Sound waves create mechanical vibrations that can be transformed into electrical energy that is added to an audio signal. Because there are so many different types of noise, there are many methods used to prevent a cable from picking up noise. Shielding, twisting of conductors, and mechanical damping are all common noise protection methods in cables. While noise affects both interconnects and loudspeaker cables, generally the effects are far more significant in interconnects. This is because the signals in the interconnects have far less energy. Since most forms of noise are inherently low energy to begin with, this means that it is far easier for them to modify the low energy interconnect signals than the high-energy loudspeaker cable signals. Macro vs. Micro The parameters discussed so far have been primarily "macro" effects. These are for the most part the top-level parameters that effect cables. These parameters as well as others not discussed here also exist at a "micro" level. Taking capacitance as an example, a given cable will have an overall capacitance that can be measured. This overall capacitance is a "macro" level parameter. The same cable can also be analyzed as 1000 separate but connected pieces. Each piece will have a local capacitance. These local parameters are "micro" effects and can have their own impact on the signal separate from the "macro" effects. The impact that the "micro" level parameters have on an audio signal is usually less than the impact of the "macro" level parameters. However, they do still make a difference in the signal transfer. The various ways that audio companies choose to either mitigate or ignore these "micro" level details is, in part, responsible for the vast array of different cable designs. From cryogenic treatments and precious metal wires, to fine silk insulation and fluid filled cable jackets; extreme cable designs abound. Will I hear the difference? The fact of the matter is that cables do alter the sound going through them, and that it is audible. You do not need to be an expert, or an audiophile, to hear the difference. To demonstrate this point, simply listen to your stereo. If you close your eyes, does it sound like the music is being played live right in front of you? This is what audiophiles strive for, and unless you have a very high-fidelity system, your answer to this question will most likely be no. You may have a hard time describing what exactly does not sound right about your system, but you know that it doesn't sound like a live performance. Of course, the reason why the music does not sound live cannot be blamed solely on the cables. The degradation of the sound occurs in every component of your system. However, the point here is that even a casual listener can detect the subtle distortions that can prevent music playback from sounding live. Improving the quality of your audio cables will improve the sound quality of your system. It is fairly safe to say that no matter what cable you use, the modifications to the sound will be small. Audio cables will never cause a listener to hear a piano when a flute is being played. However, it is the small detail that makes all the difference between good and bad quality sound. That is why very strong opinions are formed about various cables. As audio systems continue to improve in accuracy, listening to a "live" performance in your living room gets closer to reality. Cables are an enabling factor for advancements in audio reproduction and can play a remarkably important role in your system. Written by: Adam Blake CEO / Co-Founder Pear Cable, Inc. www.pearcable.com For a more detailed explanation of cable design theory that Pear Cable thinks is relevant, see the "cable design" white paper available on pearcable.com About the Author: Adam Blake is CEO and Co-Founder of Pear Cable, Inc., a manufacturer of high-fidelity audio cables. www.pearcable.com

Plasma Television Buying Guide by Microtek Lab Inc

Calculating the Correct Distance In setting up the environment for your plasma TV, a primary consideration is to determine the screen size to match the floor plan or available space where the plasma will be displayed. Plasma monitors are measured diagonally across the screen, just like any other television set. You can typically choose from the following sizes: 32", 40", 42", 46", 50", 61", or 63". Bigger is not always better, and a certain distance must be maintained between the plasma TV and the viewing area for optimal viewing experience. Sitting too far away diminishes the overall impact. Sitting too close, however, could also present its own problems - as when you start seeing the screen's "structure"; i.e., the dots or pixels that make up the plasma display. In determining the appropriate TV size for you, you should also consider the space required to install the unit itself. When recessing a plasma display unit, allow at least 3 inches of open space at the top of the unit and adequate ventilation space of at least 2 inches behind it as well. Remember, too, that most plasma displays do not have built-in speakers, so you'll need to allow space enough to attach speakers. What You Can Watch on Your Plasma TV You can choose between HDTV (High Definition TV) and EDTV (Enhanced Definition TV) for your choice of plasma display. Which type you prefer depends on the kind of material you intend to watch on the plasma. EDTV is the perfect entry point into digital television, with a widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio and an image resolution that is 200% better than today's analog televisions. On the other hand, HDTV has up to four times the resolution and colors compared to EDTV, offering the ultimate visual and sound experience. At present, only a limited number of programs are broadcast in true high-definition format (all major networks broadcast HD counterparts to their regular analog-signal broadcasts). In fact, if you plan to use a plasma HDTV for regular TV programming, you may be surprised to find that regular TV programming may even appear slightly worse, as the big screen exaggerates the flaws in standard TV programs. DVD images from most of the currently available DVD titles on the market today also do not fare as well on true HD plasmas. In fact, these DVD images appear better on EDTV plasma units, because the image resolution of a widescreen DVD (nominally 740 x 480) more closely matches the actual resolution (852 x 480) of the EDTV plasma display. Why bother with a High Definition TV at all, you may ask? Because HDTV, paired with a true High-Definition or high-quality source, can produce truly stunning images. With a progressive-scan DVD player paired with, say, any of the recently released HD-DVD or forthcoming Blu-ray DVD titles (encoded in true HD format), your plasma HDTV can come to spectacular life and bring out unrivaled image quality. And as more TV programming becomes available in High-Definition format with the looming of the FCC deadline for switching to all-digital broadcasting, plasma HDTV sets will have more TV content to show. One thing's for sure: Your HDTV won't be obsolete anytime in the next few years. Plasma TV Specifications When comparing plasma TV sets, it's important to know what to look for to make sense of the specifications you're presented with. Below is a quick rundown on the necessary specs that you need to weigh before making that all-important purchase decision. Resolution: Resolution is a determining factor in selecting a plasma TV. Do you want HDTV or EDTV? HDTV, with a resolution of at least 1024 x 720, is the ultimate visual and sound experience, but what is available for viewing on HD is currently restricted to a few HD channels on cable, as well as the newly emerging - and necessarily few - DVD titles from the HD-DVD and Blu-ray DVD formats. On the other hand, most of the currently available DVDs actually play better when viewed on EDTV, because the image resolution of a widescreen DVD (nominally 740 x 480) more closely matches the actual resolution (852 x 480) of the EDTV plasma display. Choosing the type of plasma TV that you want, therefore, is a question that should be considered along with the type of content you frequently watch or will be watching on your plasma. Inputs: A plasma television should work with any existing video component with standard A/V, S-Video, or Component Video outputs. In addition, most plasma TVs have DVI or HDMI connections for use with high-definition sources. Some plasma TVs also have VGA input connections that allow them to be used as monitors for a PC. At the minimum, look for the following specifications on a plasma connection: DVI-I or DVI-D, Component, RCA or Composite, and S-Video. Take into consideration your current component set-up - such as your satellite system, cable box, DVD player, and external stereo components - and see what kind of inputs or connectors they use. Tuner: Check your plasma to see if it is HD-ready or HD-integrated. An HD-ready plasma TV is essentially a monitor that needs an external tuner source before it can function as a TV. An HD-integrated panel has a tuner built into the set and is ready for use. If you receive your HDTV programming via cable or satellite instead of over-the-air, you may not need a tuner at all, as you will be using the set-top boxes provided by your cable/satellite service to receive HDTV programming. Check with your cable or satellite providers for more details. Some cable/satellite companies do away with set-top boxes and provide their subscribers with cable cards instead. Check with your cable/satellite provider if they provide cable cards and the cable-card type that they offer, and then check the specification on the plasma for cable card slots. Contrast Ratio: Contrast ratio is the measurement that determines the variation between the whitest and darkest parts of the image. This is an important specification, since plasma TVs with a low contrast ratio will make dark images look muddy and gray while making light images look washed out. A good measure of contrast ratio is 1,000:1 or higher. Anything less than 1,000:1 - especially on a set that is 42" or larger - may not provide optimal viewing experience. Brightness: Without sufficient brightness, your image will look muddy and soft - even in a dark room. Viewing distance, screen size, and ambient room light will also affect the need for more brightness capability. A brightness rating listed at 550 cd/m2 or higher is good, but don't get bogged down with the technical number listed. Instead, make sure that the screen is bright enough for your needs as you conduct your own visual inspection. Panel Life: Look for a minimum of 60,000 hours of panel life in your plasma specifications. This is the rating on how long it would take before your panel has half the brightness compared to when it was new. A 60,000-hour spec translates to approximately 20 years of viewing at 8 hours per day. (This approximation may vary, depending on the source and type of content, settings, environment, and use of your plasma TV.) Anti-burn-in/Pixel Shift: Burn-in refers to the remnants burned on to the screen after a static image has been left on the plasma for a long period of time. To minimize or prevent burn-in, determine if the plasma panel utilizes burn-in protection, such as power management settings, full-time picture or pixel shift (both vertical and horizontal) technologies, or automatic screensaver functions. Speakers: If you plan to use an external surround sound system, you won't need audio speakers, but most plasma TV sets include speakers that rated anywhere from 7-12 Watts Pre-amp - which is much better than that of conventional TVs and sufficient for most viewing. Check your plasma's specifications to see if it comes with speakers and if the speakers are removable. Universal Remote: A universal remote can take the place of having one remote, so that it controls all the various components of your TV system, such as the DVD player, audio, cable/satellite etc. If you plan on buying a universal remote, check to see if it's supported by the plasma set of your choice to make sure the plasma accepts universal remote devices. Power Consumption: Power consumption for plasmas range from 240 watts to over 500 watts, If you're concerned with how much energy a plasma set may use, check its specifications to determine power consumption. Units tend to have higher wattage requirements as the screen increases. A good rule of thumb is to compare similar-sized units together; units with higher wattages tend to use inferior components as a rule. Microtek Lab Inc. is a consumer electronics company focused on scanners, plasma and lcd televisions, digital projectors, lcd monitors, digital cameras, home theatre equipment, and accessories. You can view their online store at http://store.microtek.com Use of this article is permitted provided that the article is used in its entirety.

HD DVD and Blu-ray Transforming Media Market as High-Definition Content Becomes Key

The format battle for the next generation DVD, between Sony's Blu-ray and HD DVD led by Toshiba, continues to dominate digital media discussions. With no clear leader established, the market has become divided; camps on either side are fighting to control the primary digital format of the future. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the next generation DVD format, the growing consumer demand for high density media continues to strengthen the existing DVD and DVDR market, which has become the storage medium of choice for home entertainment. Participants such as DVDR manufacturer Infosmart Group, Inc. (OTC BB: IFSG), chip makers Broadcom Corp (NASDAQ: BRCM) and NECElectronics (NASDAQ: NIPNY), as well as industry giants Sony (NYSE: SNE), Toshiba and others within the consumer electronics industry, continue to take advantage of current DVD and DVDR demand while maintaining the flexibility to evolve and benefit from future developments regarding high density technology. As consumer demand for richer digital media continues to expand, the bar has been raised in terms of consumer electronic functionality and storage capacity. This has been the main factor behind the success of the DVD and DVDR format over its CD and CDR predecessor. Currently, most consumer needs have been amply fulfilled by the current DVD format. DVDR discs enable storage of up to 9 Gigabytes on double-layer DVDs, a nearly 13x improvement over the 700MB of storage space offered by CDs and CDRs. As Andy Kwok, Chief Executive Officer of Infosmart Group, Inc. (OTC BB: IFSG), a global DVDR manufacturing company, describes, "Consumers are always looking for better picture quality and sound effects (for movies) and bigger capacity (for data storage). CD/CDR is no longer able to fulfill this need. As a result, DVD has become mainstream digital storage media." While Blu-ray and HD DVD discs may have divided the market, both camps are working towards the same purpose, to provide reproduction and storage of high definition media with significantly improved visual and audio playback quality. Dual-layer HD DVDs can store up to 30 Gigabytes of data; Blu-ray discs have 50 Gigabytes of capacity. Because of this 20 Gigabytes advantage some observers are placing their bets on Sony's technology. However, HD DVD is less costly for manufacturers and consumers, a key point that has many siding with Toshiba. As the format rivalry continues between Blu-ray and HD DVD, most agree that content availability is critical to the success of the new formats. The growing availability of high definition content has created a potentially lucrative market for next generation DVDs and market participants are all vying for a piece of the pie. The increasing number of titles being released from various movie makers, such as Paramount Home Entertainment, Universal Pictures and Warner Home Video, is boosting the level of high definition content available to consumers. The more titles are made available in high definition, the faster the demand will rise for next generation disks, players and recorders. The HD DVD Promotional Group recently announced that 1.5 million HD DVD discs representing 110 different movie titles have been shipped since the format's launch; 30 more titles are expected to be released by year end. Market penetration of both HD DVD and Blu-ray is also expected to be boosted through next generation gaming consoles. Microsoft has begun shipping an HD DVD external drive for the Xbox 360 and the newly introduced Sony PS3 has Blu-ray technology built in. Together, these devices are bringing additional exposure and content to the blue laser media world. According to David Bunzel, Managing Director of SCCG, the leading provider of optical disc industry market research covering CD and DVD markets: "Currently the market seems to be preoccupied with the format battle between Blu-ray and HD DVD technologies; what is overlooked is the fact that a market is developing and the opportunity is huge. High-definition content will be a central focus for companies in the consumer electronic, gaming, entertainment, and PC industries for the next five years. Blue laser disc technology is a critical component to the development of these markets." Impacting the decisions of manufacturers are many key factors such as cost, time and probability of market share success by each format. On the HD DVD side, cost savings is a significant benefit for manufacturers choosing this direction. Infosmart's Andy Kwok explains, "As a media manufacturer, we are more than happy to push HD DVD format rather than Blu-ray for several key reasons. There is less re-tooling and capital investment. We can upgrade our existing production lines to HD DVDR production, which means less investment capital and a minimization of the new investment risk. Production cost is also lower than with Blu-ray; these savings can then be transferred to consumers. With price being a key decision making factor among buyers, HD DVD's cheaper market price becomes important. Price combined with a growing availability of high-definition content will lead to increasing consumer adoption." The NPD Group's, director of industry analysis for consumer technology Ross Rubin adds, "Most manufacturers have aligned themselves with one camp or another and very often they'll have some intellectual property invested in the standard as is the case with Sony and Phillips in Blu-ray. Impacting the decision as to which format to pursue, manufacturers are looking at positioning, consumer value proposition, and the availability of content. It is the chicken and egg scenario for the studios, but for the major brands that have aligned with Blu-ray it simply remains to be seen if they stick to that format exclusively or whether Toshiba and its partners can continue to drive momentum in the marketplace and encourage dual format drives." The ongoing format battle has brought high definition media further into the spotlight, but has also become a driver to additional growth within today's DVD world. Rubin explains, "Most significantly, the format war increases the allure of the previous generation of DVD where you have a single standard and abundant content and a mature ecosystem and you don't have to worry about buying someone a gift of a movie in the wrong format." This combined with the fact that DVDR volumes have picked up in the past few years as the prices have come down and installations of DVDR drives in personal computers continues to increase, bodes well for further growth within the global DVDR market. Infosmart's focus on the DVDR market has resulted in a manufacturing volume of 11 million discs per month from their Hong Kong facility. This number is expected to increase once the Company's new Brazilian plant comes online in early 2007, according to the Company. To take advantage of the demand for next generation DVD storage technology, Infosmart has the ability to upgrade a significant portion of their production lines in HK, enabling the Company to manufacture both DVDR and HD DVDR discs. "At this moment, no one knows who will win this format battle, but both formats will be co-existing in the market for a few years before either one format finally takes over the other or both are unified. As a media manufacturer, we will keep our eyes closely on developments and time our entry into this next generation high definition DVD market carefully," explains Kwok. The Road Ahead Many industry experts foresee dual format drives as likely to emerge, supporting both Blu-ray and HD DVD formats. The market is already seeing signs of this as chip makers such as NECElectronics and Broadcom announce chip systems that will work with both standards and ultimately cut the cost of building the necessary players. "It is going to be primarily a playback only market for the next year or two as prices come down and then if there isn't a clear winner at that point we will likely see dual format drives emerge much as we saw in the DVD recorder market and that will allay some consumer fears regarding compatibility. In addition, the two standards are very similar in many respects. They both use similar encoding mechanisms, they both use blue laser so that is why you are already starting to see companies talk about dual format drives," states Rubin. Ultimately the decision as to the overall success of the next generation of DVDs is in the hands of the consumer representing a key driver to the growth of the home electronics industry. Today's consumer is more informed and may decide to wait before taking the plunge into the next generation of DVD technology leading to further market growth for the existing DVD/DVDR market. Some may place their bets with one format rather than the other or, in what many believe to be the logical evolution, hybrid players and recorders may unify the market giving shoppers the confidence they need to begin to make such purchases. Despite many of the unknowns there is little denying that the future of the consumer electronics market is one that will embrace high density and rich media entertainment and this in itself will open many opportunities for companies that can adapt and evolve to provide consumers the means with which to experience movies, music, and games on a whole new level of sound and clarity. Price, quality and availability of high definition content will be key determining factors for purchasing decisions moving forward. Disclaimer: www.InvestorIdeas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp About the Author: Ann-Marie Fleming completed her MBA in the United States, where she attended Webster University. She also holds an Honors B.A from the University of Toronto. She has over sixteen years of experience within the financial industry to include retail banking and brokerage, investment banking, and mortgage brokerage within the United States and Canada, with a firm background in corporate research.

HDTV Tuner-Receiver | Get HDTV Broadcasts

An Hdtv tuner-receiver will be necessary to get local Hdtv broadcasts on your Hdtv if it does not have a built in ATSC tuner or you don't already have HD cable or satellite service. Without the ATSC tuner your tv is "Hdtv ready", meaning it is capable of showing high defintion images on the screen when connected to a digital tuner and source. However, all is not lost. Depending on your current configuration their are many tuner/receiver choices available. First, lets get this clear a tuner and receiver are the same thing, they are sometimes also called a decoder. Just more things Hdtv to cause confusion. The tuner is needed to receive digital signals for all digital sets and decode then transmit digital images and audio to your Hdtv. Receiver is most commonly used when referring to a satellite or cable set top box. Hdtv is the highest form of digital tv. There is also Enhanced Digital tv and about 16 other digital transmission protocals mandated by the FCC. HDTV's that don't have a built in (ATSC) tuner require a digital cable or satellite receiver to recieve HD channels and may still require the use of an Hdtv antenna to receive local Hdtv broadcasts over-the-air. An Hd ready tv is sometimes called Hd capable tv or Hd monitor. These sets when properly outfitted with a Hdtv tuner-receiver and Hdtv antenna will allow you to get local Hdtv broadcasts with startling clear images on your television. As prices continue to fall you may find a Hdtv tuner-receiver for as low as $100.00 depending on the requirements of your viewing. Your present analog hardware such as video games, your DVD, camcorders etc. will work with Hdtv sets in their current video formats not high definition. This is called being backward compatible. Be sure that the Hdtv inputs match the outputs of the Hdtv tuner-receiver you're choosing. Preferably the outputs of the tuner should be digital cable connection to the tv. The older DVI-D and HDMI are the standards most often used and they're compatible and can be used together with a simple small adapter. To prevent future headaches check to ensure that your present or future entertainment setup will be a accomadated by the new tuner-receiver. Account for your audio, Dvd player, games and any other equipment that you may wish to view on your Hdtv through the hdtv tuner-receiver. This will require some analog component outputs as well as the digital. Ironically there is a FCC requirement that "By March 2007, all TVs (and other devices that are designed to receive broadcast television signals) are required to have digital tuners built in." and "Analog TVs receiving over-the-air programming will still work after that date, but owners of these TVs will need to buy converter boxes to change digital broadcasts into analog format." You can get more information on the pending transition to digital tv from the FCC at http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/digitaltv.html. So when buying your Hdtv tuner-receiver make sure to check compatability for your Hdtv and your entertainment needs. Check with your cable or satellite provider to determine what Hdtv receiver-tuner is compatible for receiving Hd broadcasts from them. With just a little research, buying your new Hdtv tuner-receiver you can easily get Hdtv and local Hdtv broadcasts and and start enjoying the crystal clear pictures and cd quality audio that Hdtv provides. About the Author Get More HDTV information and articles on Hdtv at HDTV Reviews go to http://www.hdtv.totalinfoguide.com

Consumer Reports - Projection-TV

The least expensive--and most common--type of jumbo TV is a rear-projection set. Some projection sets have three cathode-ray picture tubes (CRTs), smaller versions of the tubes used in conventional sets. The images from those small tubes are projected onto the back of a 42- to 70-plus-inch screen, hence the name rear-projection TV. Microdisplay sets use liquid-crystal display (LCD), digital light processing (DLP), or liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) technology in place of CRTs. These TVs are slimmer, lighter, and more expensive than comparable CRT-based sets. More of them are appearing in stores, and their prices are starting to drop. WHAT'S AVAILABLE Major brands include Hitachi, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Philips, RCA, Samsung, Sony, and Toshiba. The smallest sets, measuring about 42 inches diagonally, offer only a few more inches of screen than a conventional 36-inch set. Rear-projection sets with 50- to 60-inch screens are the best sellers. The largest of these TVs have screens measuring 70 inches or more. Keep in mind that a set with a 57-inch screen could be overwhelming in a modest-sized room. CRT-based sets are floor-standing units about 24 to 30 inches deep that take up about 8 square feet of floor space. They weigh about 200 pounds and are mounted on wheels. Microdisplay models may require a stand. Most are about 15 to 20 inches deep and weigh about 100 pounds. Most rear-projection sets now on the market are digital (HD-capable) sets, but there may still be a few analog models. Both types can accept regular TV signals, but HD-capable sets can best display the superior images you get from DVD players and from HD sources (antenna, satellite, digital cable, or digital-video players/recorders). HD-capable sets generally cost a few hundred dollars more than comparably sized analog models. Most have a wide-screen 16:9 aspect ratio that resembles a movie-theater screen. Within the HD category, there are three types of TV sets. HD-ready sets. Also called HDTV monitors, these sets can display standard-definition analog programs (which still account for most non-prime-time TV broadcasts) on their own. To display digital programs, they require a digital tuner to decode those broadcasts. If you're getting your HD programming from cable or satellite, your digital cable box or satellite receiver has the appropriate digital decoder built in. All you have to do is connect your HD-ready TV to the box and you're all set. Cable companies charge a small rental fee for digital or HD-capable boxes. To receive HD via satellite, you need an HD receiver and special dish antenna(e). Together, these cost about $300, but you may be able to get them from the satellite company at little or no charge as part of a promotion. You can also get digital broadcasts, including HD, over the air, via an antenna. To do so, you'll have to buy a digital tuner called an ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committee) tuner--the external box costs a few hundred dollars. However, there's no charge for service as there is with cable or satellite. Some satellite receivers also offer a built-in ATSC digital tuner. To receive digital programming via antenna, you must be fairly close to a transmitter, with an unobstructed view. With digital signals, you'll either have a clear, strong signal or none at all. Integrated HDTV sets. Also called HDTVs, these have the ATSC digital tuner built in, which enables them to decode any digital signals, including HD, with no additional equipment when used with a roof antenna. You may be able to receive the major networks' HD offerings transmitted over the air in your area, but not the premium channels available on satellite and cable. To get HD via cable or satellite, integrated sets require an HD-capable cable box, CableCard, or satellite receiver--the built-in digital tuner only works for off-air digital broadcasts. Starting in July of 2005, all new TVs with 36-inch or larger screens --a category covering virtually all projection TVs--were required to have a built-in digital tuner to comply with a government ruling. Digital-Cable-Ready (DCR) sets. Some new integrated models, called digital-cable-ready (DCR) or plug-and-play sets, can receive digital-cable programming without using a set-top box. For HD and premium cable programming--and possibly for any digital programming--you must insert a CableCard into a slot on the set. You usually have to pay a few dollars a month to rent the card from the cable company. Current DCR TVs are not interactive, so even with a CableCard in the slot they can't provide features such as an interactive program guide, video on demand, or pay-per-view ordering via remote. Second-generation DCR TVs and CableCards should be here soon, and they're expected to have two-way capability, allowing for interactive features. Integrated sets typically cost more than HD-ready sets, with digital-cable-ready models costing the most. IMPORTANT FEATURES Virtually all projection TVs have the features that are now standard on regular 27-inch and larger TVs, plus some features that aren't so common--such as dual-tuner picture-in-picture (PIP) or a variant side-by-side picture mode. Most TVs have several types of inputs that handle varying levels of quality. An antenna/cable, VHF/UHF or radio frequency (RF), input is the most basic connection, and it can be used with almost any video source. A composite-video input will give you slightly better picture quality and is often used with a VCR or regular cable box. An S-video input lets you take advantage of the still-better picture quality from a digital-cable box, a satellite-dish system, a DVD player, or a digital camcorder. A component-video input offers superior quality, making this a good choice for progressive-scan DVD players, high-definition satellite receivers, and HD digital-cable boxes that have the corresponding output. Most HDTVs have DVI or HDMI inputs, which provide a high-quality digital connection to devices such as DVD players, digital-cable boxes, and satellite receivers. DVI signals carry only video; HDMI signals carry audio and video on one cable. The digital-to-digital connection may ensure optimal picture quality. These connections allow the content providers to control your ability to record certain programming. Many sets have more than one of a given type of input. Having two or three S-video or component-video inputs is a plus. For a camcorder or video game, front-panel A/V inputs are helpful. Audio outputs let you direct a TV's audio signal to a receiver or to self-powered speakers. Integrated digital TVs also include a Dolby Digital audio output for surround sound (available from some digital broadcasts). An automatic volume leveler compensates for the jarring volume jumps that often accompany commercials or changes in channel. Auto convergence provides a one-touch adjustment to automatically align the three CRTs' images to form an accurate picture. It's much more convenient than manual convergence, which can require time-consuming adjustments. Manual convergence does allow finer control, though. The best bet is a set that has both manual and automatic convergence. (Convergence is not necessary on LCD, DLP, or LCoS models.) Stretch and zoom modes on wide-screen sets will expand or compress an image to better fill the screen shape. This helps to reduce the dark bands that can appear above, below, or on the sides of the image if you watch content that's not formatted for 16:9 screens. (The picture may be distorted or cut off a bit in the process of stretching and zooming.) Those bars make the picture slightly smaller. On CRT sets (but not LCD, LCoS, or DLP models), the bars can leave "burn in" ghosted images on the screen over time, as can any images left on the screen for long periods--say from a stock ticker. If you watch many movies, look for a film mode feature on HD sets. This feature is also called 3:2 pulldown compensation or brand-specific names such as CineMotion. This can make moving images that were converted from film to video look less jerky, with less jaggedness around the edges. HOW TO CHOOSE Here are some points to consider in choosing a rear-projection TV: Consider space before settling on screen size. Most rear-projection TVs have screens measuring 42 to 65 inches. You might be tempted by the biggest screens, which can span as much as 70 inches or more, but take a breath--and some measurements--first. Figure out how much floor space you can spare, and plan to view the TV from about 7 to 9 feet away for optimal picture quality. Weigh depth and price in choosing a display type. Once you know how much room you have, decide whether size or price is more important. CRT-based sets are floor-standing models with deep cabinets mounted on casters. Some take up as much space as an armchair or loveseat. Most microdisplays are tabletop units. You buy a stand separately for a few hundred dollars or more. Would you prefer to save money with a bulkier CRT set or spend more for a slimmer microdisplay? Consider reliability. CRT technology has been used in rear-projection TVs for years and has generally been quite reliable. Note, though, that any pattern left on a CRT screen for long periods--such as a stock ticker or video game--can burn into the tubes of a CRT-based model, producing a permanent ghosted image on the screen. Most warranties don't cover burn-in. This problem doesn't affect other types of rear-projection TVs. Microdisplay technologies are newer and haven't established a track record for long-term reliability, but they're not vulnerable to screen burn-in. They may require lamp replacement, however, which can cost a few hundred dollars. Factor these considerations into your decision. Focus on picture quality. It's a little harder to find top picture quality in rear-projection TVs than in plasma TVs, so you'll have to be choosy. The best sets can deliver very good picture quality with HD content and good picture quality for DVDs and regular TV programming. Microdisplays are likely to provide better picture quality than CRT-based models. Within the microdisplay category, we haven't found that any one projection technology was consistently better than another. Check the viewing angle. Some new models display a better image from off-center than older sets did--a must if a TV will be watched by several people at once. Some sets have wider viewing angles than others. Before buying one, see how the picture looks if you step off to the side or move up and down. With some, you'll see a dimmer, somewhat washed-out image as your viewing position angles away, particularly in a vertical direction. Expect fine sound quality. Many people connect big-screen TVs to an audio system to provide surround sound, so the quality of the TV's speakers may not be an issue. It may reassure you to know that virtually all the sets we've tested recently produced excellent sound. That's largely because projection sets have bigger speakers than direct-view TVs and bigger cabinets with superior acoustical properties. Consider installation. Because rear-projection sets are floor-standing units, installation is easier than with front-projection systems or wall-mounted plasma TVs. Still, rear-projection sets are larger and may be somewhat harder to set up than regular TVs, so consider having a professional install your TV. Weigh the merits of an extended warranty. While extended warranties aren't worthwhile for most products, they may be for high-priced devices using new technologies. Because microdisplay TVs are costly items that haven't yet established a track record for reliability, check into the cost of a service plan. Find out whether in-home service is covered and whether a replacement is provided if a set can't be repaired. Copyright © 2002-2006 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc. For the latest information on this and many other products and services, visit www.ConsumerReports.org. Find More Projection TVs with Easy Deal at ShopNdeal.com

Home Theater Surround Sound Basics

Major movie houses, theatres, home entertainment environments, gaming, arcade and other public and in-house presentation areas today use surround sound systems for enhanced audio entertainment. Surround sound is basically when you increase the dimension of your sound (or sound waves), sort of like on the Twilight Zone. In other words you take the standard one dimensional audio production, referred to as mono / Left-Right, and turn it into multiple dimensions; two or three. Sound Systems To create surround sound, you can go any one of several different directions. The simplest and probably the oldest way, would be to set up a bunch of speakers surrounding the audience, so that the sound comes in to the listeners from all over, from the different directions. A different method is to combine the use of headphones with localized audio production with psychoacoustics. The result is a simulated three-dimensional effect. And another way to create surround sound is with ambisonics where you reconstruct the sound at a central point. However, you get a gradual decline in quality as you move outward. Still another way is to use wave field synthesis (WFS), with multiple loudspeakers and a computer aid. Popular today are everyday devices like stereo, PC soundcards, some camcorders and AV receivers. These feature digital signal or audio processors that create surround sound via stereo sources, or have add-ons, as in some camcorder cases. Formats Just as nothing stays the same, ditto with sound formats. Top ones have included discrete 5.1 Surround sound format with DVD-Audio, also known as DVD-A and SACD which stands for Super Audio CD. Moving on you have ambisonics, quadraphonic then Dolby 5.1 Surround sound. And later are: DTS, DVD-Video or DVD-V and the latest MP3 Surround. Surround Sound Specs 3.0 Surround (matrixed): 3 audio channels: 2 for speakers front - left, right; 1 rear 4.0 Surround (matrixed Quadraphonic): 4 audio channels: 2 for speakers front - left, right; 2 rear 4.1 Surround (matrixed Prologic): 4 audio channels: 3 for speakers front - left, center, right; 1 rear (.1 = subwoofer) 5.1 Surround (matrixed Prologic II): 5 audio channels: 3 for speakers front - left, center, right; 2 at rear or side (.1 = subwoofer) 5.1 Surround (discrete Dolby Digital, DTS): 5 digital audio channels: 3 for speakers front - left, center, right; 2 at rear or side (.1 = subwoofer) 6.1 Surround (discrete Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES): 6 digital audio channels: 3 for speakers front - left, center, right; 3 for the rear / side (.1 = subwoofer) 7.1 Surround (discrete SDDS): 7 digital audio channels: left, right, center, left surround, right surround, left rear, right rear positions (.1 = subwoofer) About the Author Hyun Kim is a freelance writer who writes about home audio & home theater topics. He loves to visit Stereo|411 to discuss home theater audio & he uses turntables.

Home Theatre - What Difference Do Cables Make?

If you go to your local home theater store, you may be confronted by a variety of “extreme” sounding names for cabling: Mega Cables, Monster Cables, Uber Cables… the proliferation of “boutique” cabling is always a source of controversy in home theater and audiophile circles. The question is, how much difference do they make, and are they worth it? Well despite the perils involved in even mentioning this topic, I’m going to attempt to add something to the discussion. The most important thing to recognize is that a cable cannot improve the sound of a home stereo system any more than an electrical wire can create extra electricity when you plug it into the wall. That’s actually a very good example, because when you’re listening to audio for instance, what we’re hearing is an electronic representation of acoustic sounds – that is to say, the actual sounds have not been captured and stuffed into a compact disc like fireflies in a child’s jar – they have been copied, imitated, and a representation stored on the disc as a series of numbers. These numbers are then read and translated into electronic signals, which are sent to the speakers in order to approximate the actual sounds. With that in mind, it makes sense that poor quality wires don’t physically change the sound – instead it’s like a game of ‘telephone’, in which the band tells the CD, the CD tells the player, the player tells the wires, and the wires tell the speakers, with something being lost at every step so that the message “Aunt Betty baked a pie” is altered to “Fat Eddy wants to cry” or what should be a great live recording sounds tinny, distant, or otherwise just plain wrong. A good cable will change the signal as little as possible, but all cables do damage your signal a bit – it’s simply a matter of degree. As far as which cables are the best? That’s up to you or your local audio guru to decide – much is up to personal preference, with the rest probably being left up to your budget to decide. About the Author: Warren Thompson is fanatic about his new home theater system. He is also a contributing writer for http://www.hometheaterfocus.com – an immensely informative guide to home theater technology. Article Source: www.iSnare.com

The History Of Dolby Audio

These days, Dolby is a household name. The infamous "DD" symbol can be found on almost every piece of modern audio equipment out there. This includes gaming consoles, HDTVs, home theaters, both home and car stereos, cinemas, and personal computers. It all started in 1949 when a man named Ray Dolby went to work for Ampex Corporation part-time while still in high school. He worked on an assortment of ventures in correlation with audio instrumentation. He continued to work for Ampex while attending college at Stanford University. During this period, he branched off to unite with a small team of Ampex engineers who were determined to invent the world's first video tape recorder. Dolby centered in on the electronic aspects of the project. The team succeeded with their introduction of this new technology in 1956. Ampex then sold its first video tape recorder for $50,000. Dolby graduated from Stanford in 1957 and was awarded the Marshall Fellowship at Cambridge University, England. He studied at Cambridge for 6 years, earning a Ph.D. in physics. In 1965, Ray Dolby started his own company, Dolby Laboratories, Inc. His first product from this new and innovative company was identified as Dolby A-type Enoise reduction. It significantly reduced the amount of background noise or hissing sounds found in professional tape recording without jeopardizing the original content of the material being recorded. This was the beginning of the many advances Dolby would make in the complex world of audio compression and expansion. Ray Dolby developed an ingenious method of noise reduction by separating soft signals from loud ones, then simply not processing those loud signals. He then split up the spectrum into several bands to avoid clashing or pumping, therefore generating white noise. This method would become integrated in numerous aspects of society's rapidly growing fascination with electronic entertainment. Early on, consumers weren't satisfied with the 'flat' mono sound ordinary radios and cassette players emitted. Everyone wanted to hear music in stereo. This new sound also found its way into movie theaters. Dolby sound made its debut in the original recording of Star Wars, and continues to revolutionize the audience's experience even today. The sound is both more spectacular and more natural at the same time. Because of this technology, even video games are more realistic; the sounds are more powerful as they are not only heard, but also felt. The sound is so tangible it is as if fantasy has in fact become reality. More people are staying home instead of going to movie theaters since Dolby surround sound was introduced into the home theater system. Recent advancements include Dolby 5.1, 6.1, 7.1, and 9.1 (that's right, nine full-range channels), Dolby Digital Surround EX, Dolby SR, Dolby TrueHD, and countless others. It is obvious that Dolby is the reigning “King of Sound” and most likely will be for generations to come. About the Author: Mitchell Medford is an author and product development consultant for several consumer electronics manufacturers. Visit his website for more information on home theater, LCD TVs, and plasma televisions: http://www.newtechnologytv.com Article Source: www.iSnare.com

Plasma TV Wall Mount

For those who want their home theatre to imitate the cinematic experience, a plasma TV wall mount is a good investment to save space and to give a great effect. A plasma TV wall mount is easy to install yourself, but if you prefer, you can hire a professional to do the job for you. The price of a typical plasma TV wall mount can range from $60 to $350, and it is a good idea to invest in the best plasma TV wall mount you can afford, since plasma TVs are quite delicate and you cannot risk having your plasma TV fall to the ground. However, most plasma TV wall mounts do the job sufficiently well. Your plasma TV wall mount should contain at least the following items: • Wall plate • Rails • Arms The wall plate attaches to the wall and the rails are for the back of the television. There should be two perpendicular arms with devices to connect to the back of the plate. The rails enable you to move the TV to the right or the left across the wall and enable you to lift the TV off, if necessary. You need to select a plasma TV wall mount suited to the type of plasma TV that you have. The average size is 26-41” and weighs up to 100 pounds. A typical plasma TV wall mount can handle this type of set. However, if you plasma TV is larger than this and weighs more than 100 pounds, you will need a two stud wall mount. It is possible to install your plasma TV wall mount on a concrete wall, although you will need a different type of plasma TV mount. Cement anchors are needed to keep you TV in place on a concrete surface, and you can also find long belts and other devices specially designed for concrete. As with any type of Plasma TV mount, ensure that your cement anchors are sturdy enough to hold a heavy unit. When you install your plasma TV, you might not be certain about what height you want. If you have a typical, flat plasma TV wall mount, you will need to put your plasma TV at the correct height. However, many people like to have their plasma TV’s a little higher. One reason is that, since plasma TV are so vulnerable to damage, those with children prefer to put their plasma TV as high up as possible to avoid stray balls from hitting the screen. If you want to put your plasma TV up high, you will need a special plasma TV wall mount that tilts so your set can face downward at an angle. You will also need a tilt plasma TV wall mount if your set is not completely flat, but has a gentle curve at the back. You can purchase a plasma TV wall mount with fixed arms or with articulating arms that move along a 90 degree swivel. The articulating wall mounts may cost a bit more, but are worth the investment if you like to view your television from different angles. They are not much more difficult to install than fixed arm wall mounts, and are just as durable. Ensure that your plasma TV wall mount is sufficiently durable. It is a good idea to install your television along with a friend who can help you take your plasma TV on and off the mount while you are testing it for durability. A partner can also see if there is any “giving” or wobbling, and this second pair of eyes might just save your set. If you are unsure of your abilities, it is worthwhile to hire a professional to install your plasma TV mount. About the Author: Marcus Grant http://www.SigK.com www.lcd-flat-screen-tv.net Article Source: www.iSnare.com

High Definition DVD

Definition of high definition DVD High definition DVD is like an evolution in DVD format rather then just an outright revolution. If we compare the audio and video quality the difference just like what was in DVD and VHS Tapes. Now day’s television sets are compatible to display high definition pictures quality. If talk more precisely high definition DVD offers about 1080 lines of video resolution then compare to 576 or 480 lines offered by other DVD. Need of High Definition DVD The answer is very similar to the reason for choosing DVD rather then VHS Tapes. Not only high quality audio and video, the increased capacity of High definition DVD is the major advantage over DVD. You can store one full movie in one single disc rather than using multiple disks as earlier. However using High definition DVD no where means that your existing DVD media gone obsolete. Almost all the latest high definition DVD is fully compatible to the older DVD media. In fact most of latest High Definition DVD formats also capable of increasing the resolution of old DVD to upwards which means you can still enjoys your old collection in latest High definition DVD format. This feature will sooner or later be found in almost all-High definition DVD players. This up scaling not equals to real high definition movies but this can provide you high resolution without loss of quality. Various format of High Definition DVD Two major competing formats are HD DVD and other is Blu ray disk or simply BD. Other formats are also there but all these are based in Asia these includes EVD, FVD etc. Playing High Definition DVD on Computer As of now there is no fully compatible system is available to play real high definition DVD. To display highest audio/video resolutions there is requirement of high-speed processor and dedicated audio decoding hardware. Cyberlink the maker of PowerDVD has taken some initiatives by demonstrating playing some HD DVD with PowerDVD on Intel Pentium D processor in September 2005. Cyberlink is also demonstrated paying of Blu Ray disks with PowerDVD. The latest versions of PowerDVD deluxe support various High definition DVD formats including H264 etc. Other players in market are makers of winDVD, another High definition DVD player software. Blu-ray Vs HD DVD format of High Definition DVD Blu ray is one of two most popular high definition DVD format. It uses blue-violet laser for reading and writing data that is why is called Blu ray or BD. On the other hand HD DVD is another most popular High definition DVD format. HD DVD is not synonymous to High Definition DVD but it’s just a format of High definition DVD. HD DVD and Blu Ray both comes in three different formats one is readable only called ROM second is Writable and third is Rewritable. About the Author: Hyun Kim is a freelance writer who writes about home audio and home theater related topics. He loves to visit Stereo|411 to discuss Home Audio topics and he loves to talk about Turntables. Article Source: www.iSnare.com

How To Locate A Home Cinema Projector

Much time is spent on helping you select the right projector for your home cinema which is great as it is an expensive purchase. Unfortunately little time is given to location, and this is critical to achieve a great cinema experience. The following describes the different ways of locating a projector successfully. There are three ways a projector can be set up. These are table top, wall mounted or ceiling mounted. One of your considerations when selecting a projector will need to be where is it going to live. If you are deciding to mount your projector on the ceiling make sure that one of the modes available is ceiling, otherwise you will probably be watching a movie that is upside down. When you have decided on the location of the projector you will need to look at the relevant requirements for the chosen set up Table top. Does the projector go well with the décor? Is the noise output low enough? – This should typically be less than 35db Is the position the projector will need to be placed in the room acceptable for the screen size that you want? Ceiling mount When mounting on a ceiling thought should be given to: Is it easy to install the cables and power required? Is the ceiling vaulted or flat? Make sure the mount fits your ceiling type Do you need a mount with quick release for transportation of the projector Can the mount be adjusted for pitch and roll? (Can you move the mount up and down left and right) How low from the ceiling will the projector be? Mounts vary in drop height from base. Wall mount Wall mounted can be either a special mount similar to a ceiling mount or a special AV rack. Things to bear in mind when wall mounting are: With a specific wall mount: Can it support the weight of the projector? Is it adjustable for height and sideways movement? Is there anyway of tidying the cables? Will it fit in with the room décor? Will the chosen location produce the desired screen size with the projector? *For AV rack mounted: Does the rack allow enough airflow?(Has it been designed for Audio Visual (AV) equipment) Will cables be out of the way? Will the rack fit in with the décor of the room? Does the location of the rack give the screen size required with the projector About the Author: Ray Johnson - A Home Cinema Fan http://www.homeprojectoruk.co.uk Article Source: www.iSnare.com

Buyers Guide To Home Theater Projectors

Over the years, I have grown really attached to my home theater system. I must say, of all the rooms in the house, my own little movie theater is the one I could not live without. I am absolutely in love with my home theater system and, if you are anything like me, I am sure you will love yours too. I found, when I was initially building my system, that there was so much information to absorb. Every product out there seemed better than the next, and I found myself unsure about which to buy. Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a new home theater projector. There are two main types of projectors on the market; DLP and LCD. DLP stands for digital light processing. It was invented by Texas Instruments, and utilizes a microscopic array of over 2 million mirrors. DLP has a higher contrast than LCD, but there are some unfavorable consumer reports that note something called the "rainbow effect". The "rainbow effect" is noticeable when looking from one side of the screen to the other, and is characterized by a sudden burst of color. LCD stands for liquid crystal display. These projectors have three distinct glass LCD panels inside; one for each component of the video signal (red, green, and blue). While DLP chips reflect light, the LCD panels allow light to pass through them. LCD projectors produce brighter images, and they are known for having excellent color saturation. In the end, you will be hard-pressed to notice a great difference between the two types of projection systems. When shopping for a new projector, keep your particular needs in the forefront of your thoughts. As I mentioned above, it is really easy to lose yourself in the minutiae of each particular system. Connectivity is a definitely something to be mindful of. Make sure that you are able to connect all of your components, including your gaming system. Nothing beats playing Halo in real-life size! Contract ratio is another important factor; the higher the ratio, the better the picture will be. The brightness of your projector is another thing to consider. Light output is measured in ANSI (American National Standards Institute) lumens. You will want to avoid a projector that produces anything shy of 1000 lumens. As you are likely aware, the projection resolution is extremely important. This refers to the number of pixels that can be displayed on the screen. Go for something that is no less than 1024x768, as this will allow you to fully appreciate the depth and quality of HDTV. In the end, you should buy the projector that is in line with your needs and your budget. Soprano's is coming on right now! Time to go! About the Author: Warren Thompson is like a kid in a candy store, when it comes to home theater products. When he can drag himself away from his miniature movie theater, he writes for http://www.hometheaterfocus.com Article Source: www.iSnare.com

The Benefits Of The Blu-ray Disc.

This article will give you an overview of the benefits that the next-gen blu-ray format will offer over conventional formats such as DVD. The blu-ray format is going to push forward the limits of current media substantially which allow you to enjoy a host of great benefits which include: • Improved Capacity, • High-Definition Video, • Enhanced Interactivity, • Enhanced Copy Protection, and • Being Future Proof. The most obvious benefit is the larger capacity. With 25gb/50gb to use, movie and game studio's will be able to offer much more in terms of extra features and longer gameplay. Also many new DVD titles require 2 discs for added features whereas only one will be needed for blu-ray which will lower the prices for you. High-Definition (HD) video playback is perhaps the most useful aspect of the next-gen formats. As HD becomes more mainstream (Sky launched there HD offering recently and more households are buying HD ready TV's) the ability for disc formats to support it is imperative. Blu-ray offers space for 2hrs/4hrs respectively of HD video (different encodings will allow more and less) with space for interactive features still available. The enhanced interactivity features are another step forward compared to DVD. By incorporating the java platform (called BD-J), blu-ray players can have dynamically changing interactive menu's that can be updated via an internet connection built into the player. These updates can include extra subtitles tracks and promotional features not available at purchase. This could effectively eliminate the 'special editions' studios tend to use as users could simply download all the extra features they wanted though its not clear if this will be free. The enhanced copy protection is one aspect you won't notice as much but is very important. Blu-ray utilizes a variety of copy protection methods such as Digital Rights Management (DRM) and Advanced Access Content System (AACS). The DRM method used on Blu-ray is called BD+ which creates dynamically changing keys to protect the discs. This means that if a key is cracked only a select portion of the discs are compromised. The AACS can effectively disable players which are deemed 'bad'. i.e. if copied discs are used frequently, the AACS could disable the player for the user and stop it working even if bought by someone else. The final copy protection which may affect you is the Mandatory Managed Copy System (MMCS) which limits users to a set number of copies of discs by making the user register the 'right' to copy the disc. Finally the blu-ray disc has been designed to be future proof. This means that by buying all the new equipment needed, you will not need an upgrade in the near future (5 yrs) as these next-gen formats evolve. Also TDK has announced work on a 200gb blu-ray disc (6 x 33gb layers) which will future proof the format even more. This is just an overview of the benefits that blu-ray offers. There are many smaller improvements but the benefits listed above are the ones that you are most likely going to affect you. About the Author: Josh Biggs is the founder of http://www.blu-ray-review.co.uk which aims to give the visitor all the information on blu-ray such as news, product reviews and community discussion they need. Article Source: www.iSnare.com