Unique Wiring Solutions

Few things to know about new 3D capable HDMI cables:

1) HDMI 1.4a offers extreme resolution capabilities (about 6x the resolution of 1080p)
2) Supports 3D video at 1080p with compatible Blu-Ray Players, Set-top Boxes, PCs and TVs.
3) Audio Return channel that passes audio back from an HDMI 1.4 TV to the receiver
4) Ethernet link channel – all of HDMI 1.4 devices are able go online using 1.4a HDMI, as long as one of the devices is connected to the network, either via wired connection, or through WiFi (Nice)

Are you wondering where to get HDMI 1.4a? We carry a full stock of HDMI 1.4a with lengths ranging from 3FT to 50FT.

As far as I remember, we have always recommended Onkyo TX-SR607 as a mid-level A/V receiver solution. The main reason for this was that the receiver is the only in its price range (around $420.00) that is literally packed with a bunch of amazing goodies. It was the absolutely the best receiver we could find for the price, up until now, at least.

New Onkyo TX-SR608 is a 2010 model of the popular model, and it features even more good stuff than its older brother. Sound quality is truly amazing, featuring THX Select2 Plus Certification, in addition all high quality audio modes, including TrueHD/DTS-HD.  6 HDMI 1.4a inputs, 2 LFE subwoofer outputs, and much more. In addition, it features an awesomely designed menu and option display, previously available only on high-end models. the receiver also features an RGB input, which will allow for connecting and up-converting any PC via HDMI and Faroudja DCDi Cinema™. Did I mention it is 3D certified, also? Nice.

TX-SR Features

Six 1080p capable HDMI inputs (V1.4a repeater) including 1 front HDMI input

THX Select2 Plus Certification

HDMI 1080p video upconversion by Faroudja DCDi cinema

WRAT technology and discrete amp construction for cleaner sound

TrueHD/DTS-HD decoding to support the latest Blu-ray technology

PC Input

Optional iPod Dock / HDradio module via U.Port

4 DSP Gaming Modes: Rock, Sports, Action, and Role Playing

Audyssey 2EQ w/ Dynamic EQ & Dynamic Volume

In the last few weeks URC has introduced a new IP-based keypad KP-4000. A
hard-wired in-wall keypad sporting a 3.5″ 320×240 color touchscreen display
is live on the network and can directly control IP-based components. The
KP-4000 fits into a standard dual-gang box and uses regular Cat5 cable for
communications. The KP-4000, like the MX-5000 and MX-6000, is optimized for
IP network applications, while still working both with traditional A/V gear
and URC’s RF controllers. The KP-4000 can control virtually anything on an
IP home network-including A/V components like multi-zone A/V receivers,
energy management devices, PCs, iPods and whole house lighting. A new
touchscreen will be available in white for $599 MSRP. Black and light almond
versions will be available in late May. For more information about KP-4000
please visit www.universalremote.com

A new speaker from Definitive Technology combines an ultra-thin profile and
elegant styling. Ultra thin high performance speakers are the perfect
solutions for all ultra thin TVs with small and poorly placed speakers,
usually on the bottom or on the back of the set, not even facing the
listener. XTR-50 is shallow enough to look good next to these impossibly
thin TVs. The speaker is only 1.5 inches deep and is the world’s thinnest
on-wall home theater loudspeaker. The XTR-50 can be mounted directly to the
wall using the key-hole slots on the back of the enclosure and well-anchored
screws. The XTR-50 can be used as the Left, Center or Right speaker. A new
Definitive Technology is ready to look terrific and sound astounding.
The Mythos XTR was honored with the Best of Innovations award for the High
Performance Audio category at CES 2010. For more information about Mythos
XTR-50 please visit www.definitivetech.com

Panasonic has acquired all Kuro patents and technology in May of 2009. Pioneer was forced to remove all Plasma TV’s from the market due to huge losses, but was able to negotiate a deal with Panasonic. . Pioneer stated: “The Company resolved to transfer its patents for plasma display panels and modules to Panasonic Corporation at the Board of Directors’ meeting held on April 28, 2009. The two companies had executed the agreement on May 15, 2009. This constitutes part of the business restructuring effort in accordance with plans for a full withdrawal from the display business.” Despite the fact that the TV is almost  no longer obtainable, many enthusiasts consider it the best plasma TV ever made, in regards to its rich color pallet and ridiculously rich black levels. Panasonic has re-worked Kuro technology to accommodate for 3D content, and has successfully launched their redesigned Kuro with 3D technology as a series of Viera VT models. And let me tell you, they sell like freshly baked buns. Check out the review by C-Net editors, as well as the original videos and highlights of the new 3D enabled Panasonic TVs from this year’s CES show HERE

Ever heard of X-Box Media Center (XBMC)? It is an amazing piece of software that piggybacks to your X-Box, Apple TV, even your PC, to turn any of the mentioned into a full-blown media organizer.  We have tested  XBMC thoroughly for the past few months, and we absolutely love it.  If you already have all your movie collection stored on a hard drive, and an Apple TV or an X-Box, all you need is this piece of software installed and your media server is ready to go. It is complete with meta-data support, like actor information, movie summary, ratings etc.

See a few screen shots below, and tell us how you like it:

Visit xbmc.org for more info on the software.