DVD Recorders
The VCR is on its last legs. VHS beat BETA but, analog video tape is no match for digital 1s and 0s. The prices for DVD recorders have reached a point where a DVD recorder is [...]
Projector Screens
In most home theatre applications, a permanent screen solution is used. Manual pull-and-release screens will protect the screen from being damaged by crayon-toting children, pets, and over-refreshed guests. This type of solution will allow the screen [...]
Video Game Consoles: Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360 and Sony PlayStation 3 (and how to connect them properly)
I may not have any real-life combat training but if aliens ever attack our planet, I'll be more than happy to fight them; just hand me the latest blaster rifle. After all, I've saved the world [...]
Speaker Buyer Guide (2-channel and Home Theatre)
Speakers are the windows to our sonic landscapes. Choosing speakers is the most personal decision that you'll have to make when putting together a stereo or a multi-channel home theatre system. Every speaker has different sound [...]
Surround Sound Component Buyer’s Guide (A/V Receivers, Speakers, HTIBs)
What separates great home theatre sound from mediocre sound is the right balance between all the audio components. Matching a $2000 A/V receiver with a $500 multi-channel speaker system simply doesn't make sense. The receiver's performance [...]
Outdoor Speakers (Choosing and Installing)
Now that the wintery weather is behind us, it’s time to get outside. And like many Canadians this summer, you’ll probably be soaking in the sun on your patio in the city or at the cottage. [...]
3:2 Pulldown Explained
You've probably encountered the phrase '3:2 pulldown' in a description of an audio video product. DVD players perform it, projectors perform it and even televisions perform it. So what exactly is 3:2 pulldown? To fully understand [...]
DIY Hockey Puck Record Clamp
In the August/September issue we provided an introduction to do-it-yourself (DIY) audio and touched upon several DIY ideas - one of them being system tweaks. In this issue we well take a closer look at some [...]
The Art of Turntable and Vinyl Maintenance
Come close, I’m going to let you into the secret for keeping your vinyl collection clean. Are you ready? Don’t let them get dirty in the first place. After building a large collection of records over [...]
Home Theater in a Box Advice
Setting up a home theater can be complicated, there's no doubt about it. Many high-end setups require the services of a custom installer. But most people that purchase audio video equipment set it up by themselves. [...]