March 2009 Consumer Reports - Best TV's

So the new Consumer Reports is now on the newsstands. Here is a brief listing of the top televisions in each category from Consumer Reports March 2009. The full story offers advice for the movie lover, budget buyer, sports fan, and techie. The 7 page article proves to be a good resource for those who may not be tech savvy and those who have seen and used many models first hand. It is not too technical but still offers sound advice from people who do know this stuff.

Plasma review:
58"and larger range
#1 Samsung PN58A550 ($3,200 list)
#2 Pioneer PDP-6020FD ($5,500 list)
50" range
#1 Samsung PN50A550 ($1,600 list)
#2 Pioneer Elite PRO-111FD ($5,000 list)

LCD review:
52" and larger range
#1 Samsung LN52A650 ($2,200 list)
#2 Samsung LN52A750 ($2,600 list)
46" range
#1 Samsung LN46A850 ($2,240 list)
#2 Samsung LN46A550 ($1,500 list)
40" range
#1 Samsung LN40A630 ($1,400 list)
#2 Sony Bravia KDL-40XBR7 ($2,700 list)


Informative video offering a basic understanding can be found on the CR website by following the link below: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine-archive/march-2009/electronics-computers/tvs/overview/tvs-ov.htm



Marc
http://www.hometheaterintegrators.com/

AV receiver froze (locked) up

This is a new one for me, went on a service call earlier and arrived to find the client's new Yamaha RX-V563 receiver was just completly locked up. I have owned Denon, Yamaha, and Onkyo receivers, all in the $600 - $1000 price range and have never had one freeze up to the point where it would not respond to pressing any of the front panel buttons.

Can this happen from overheating?

BTW, once I un-plugged it and waited about 10 minutes before plugging it back in, it was fine....

Marc
www.HomeTheaterIntegrators.com

HDMI signal loss after 40 ft - true or false?

Everyone has heard the HDMI disclaimer; if your HDMI cable run is longer than 40 ft, you will need a booster to avoid signal loss. If this is entirely true, then why do manufactures even make lengths over 40 ft?

I have not personally seen any data supporting this or disputing this, but I will say I do in fact avoid using HDMI in any length beyond the 40 ft mark.

I am just curious if any one has actually seen any data supporting the 40 ft rule?


Marc
www.HomeTheaterIntegrators.com

AV receiver metadata

I just purchased a new Onkyo TX-SR806 AV receiver. I love the features. However, I was a little disappointed with it not offering to display artist and song title across the front display. My two year old car displays the artist and song title, but not my new $900 receiver. I'm guessing my car radio did not cost $900.

Displaying the artist and song info is actually know as RT (radio text) which is a subcategory of RDS (radio data system). From what I have read in the instruction manual, this technology was developed in the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). It can also be used to categorize the FM station genre. Although not real important to me to have this on the new AV receiver, it seems like a nice feature which was left behind.


Marc
www.HomeTheaterIntegrators.com

Home Theater in-wall speakers, the winner is......

First blog, I am interested in discussing which in-wall flush mount speakers perform / sound the best to you?

Being an audiophile, I may never install these for my own system, but I realize the in-wall design has a place for those not driven to seek high performance.

For those who have used them, what manufacturer did you like? What manufacturer didn't you like?


Marc
www.HomeTheaterIntegrators.com