Showing posts with label dts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dts. Show all posts

6/27/2012

Onkyo HTS590 5.1 Channel Component Home Theater Audio System Review

Onkyo HTS590 5.1 Channel  Component Home Theater Audio System
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I purchased this system based on reviews I read at a major retailer's website and here at Amazon. I wanted a home theater system without a DVD player which would offer flexibility. This system certainly offers performance and flexibility for the price. Many features and easy setup.
There are some easy and economical things we did to improve the sound. First, because this system allows you to upgrade the speaker wire, we bought 16 gauge speaker wire from a major discount chain for the center, front and rear channel speakers. We got 14 gauge speaker wire for the subwoofer (thicker wire passes more current to the sub and has improved the performance of the 8-inch woofer). We spent $14 for a coaxial cable at another discount store which carries the digital signal from the DVD player to the Onkyo receiver--this improved EVERYTHING--movies and music. We found speaker stands at a major discount chain for $78--speakers sound much better when they have a strong/rigid support. This may sound like stuff an audiophile would do to a $5000 audio system, but it all is cheap, easy and effective. Sound improved by about 45%.
We were surprised at the tuner in the Onkyo receiver--we're using a small Terk powered FM antenna and getting very good FM stereo reception in our hilly river community. All in all, for the small cost of this system, we're enjoying home theater greatly. We might spend a little to get a new sub at some time, but for now we're really happy.

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Onkyo 6 Channel HTIB HTS590

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3/03/2012

Popcorn Hour C-200 Networked Media Tank (Black) Review

Popcorn Hour C-200 Networked Media Tank (Black)
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BUYER BEWARE!!! I bought the C-200 back in December 2009, it worked well for a while but died in August 2010, I had to send it back to popconhour for a new motherboard :( The device does play everything you throw at it and is faily versatile in that it can take an optional bluray drive and more internal store etc. Unfortunately it is an ugly addition to a home theatre setup. There is no offical support that I can see, most of the problems people have with playback seem to be addressed with firmware updates. It is NOT worth the price, there are many alternactive devices available now which do just as good a job, WDTV, PlayOn, ASROCK ION 330 etc. Trust me, it is a hassle to keep this thing working well. The forums over on networkedmediatank shows many uswers having problems which are NEVER resolved. Best steer clear of this box and all other popcornhour devices folks.

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It's Time to Unleash Your TVThe Popcorn Hour C-200 is the most powerful and versatile Networked Media Tank yet. It's blazing-fast processor, Blu-ray capability and storage options make the C-200 an ideal addition to your home theater or high-definition entertainment system. All Your Media in One BoxWith Popcorn Hour you can stream or playback digital media content from a variety of sources, such as your PC, network-attached storage, digital camera or USB storage (flash drive, hard disk, and DVD drive). Popcorn Hour also makes it easy to download and stream content directly from popular Internet sites like SHOUTcast' Radio, Blip.tv, Revision 3 and dozens of others. Popcorn Hour even has a built-in download utility, eliminating the need to rely on your PC to download files from the Internet.Expand Your Possibilities' The C-200 includes the most expansion options with a total of 5 USB ports and 2 SATA ports for all your storage needs.' You can add a Blu-ray drive** to turn your Popcorn Hour C-200 into a full-featured Blu-ray player.' You can add a hard drive to create a central library of all your digital media files, ready to play on your HDTV at any time.**Requires at least 1GB storage space (USB or Hard Disk) for full playback.

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Yamaha HTR-6090BL 7.1-Channel Digital Home Theater Receiver Review

Yamaha HTR-6090BL 7.1-Channel Digital Home Theater Receiver
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I was a previous owner of the Yamaha 5990 and recently purchased the 6090 as a replacement for it. I wanted to highlight a few of the differences between the two in features so that you can make an informed product buying decision. In the next few weeks 5990's will be going on clearance in order to make room for this new piece. Maybe you'll decide to go higher up on the Yamaha product line to the RX-V series, or try a different company. You decide
- Specifications -
As it sounds right now, just listening with my ears there seems to be no audible difference, but there are a few specs that a different inside from the last model to this model.
Dynamic Headroom 1.1 dB on the 6090. The 5990 had 1.03dB
Dampening Factor (IHF) 150 or More on the 6090. The 5990 had 140 or more
Maximum Input Signal on the PHONO is 60mV on the 6090. The 5990 has 100mV
The total weight of the product from the 5990 to the 6090 has dropped by 1 pound. From 37 lbs. to 36 lbs.
- Features -
The 6090 does have a couple of impressive new features which were the main reason I decided to purchase it.
Full pass through of 1080P video signals. The 5990 can only do 1080i.
Yamaha's proprietary iPod docking system. Using Yamaha's YDS-10SL iPod docking system you can connect your iPod to the receiver, control it, and charge it all at once. It works flawlessly and charges even when the unit is turned off (Although you can turn that off).
- Losses -
With all those new items older features have to go in order to make room and keep the pricing bracket.
The 6090 looses THX Select 2 Certification. As I said, the system seems to sound on par with the 5990 so I think this may have simply been used to save money by forgoing the expensive process of getting the branding. But if you see some of the slight differences above in specifications these maybe where the receiver fails to pass (I'm technical but not THAT technical).
The Front Speaker "B" Channel is gone.
Advanced Install Controls are gone. This included RS-232 input for advanced remote control systems, and the 12V triggers used to trigger other electronics in the room to turn on or off (such as a drop down screen, or lighting controls).
Those are the major differences between the two pieces. I hope this helps you out when attempting to decide what to purchase.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Yamaha HTR-6090BL 7.1-Channel Digital Home Theater Receiver

Make an investment in your surround sound home theater set-up that you'll enjoy for years with the Yamaha HTR-6090BL 7.1-channel receiver with 840 watts (120 watts x 7) of total amplification. The receiver is built around Yamaha's digital ToP-ART (Total Purity Audio Reproduction Technology) design concept, which maximizes digital signal quality and minimizes analog circuitry to ensure the best possible sound. ToP-ART receivers include such defining attributes as ultra-high-current amplification, high-performance 192 kHz/24-bit digital-to-analog converters, an upgraded Pure Direct listening mode that provides terrific signal purity, and an impressively wide frequency range of 10 Hz to 100 kHz that helps digital audio sources like DVD-Audio and Super Audio CD reach their full potential.
This receiver incorporates the HDMI 1.2a specification, which transmits pure, crystal-clear digital audio and video via a single cable as well transmit a 1080p signal from any 1080p component. And with the upconversion feature, your S-Video and composite video signals will be converted into higher quality HDMI/component signals to ensure the highest-quality picture on your HD monitor from any source. No more switching inputs according to which source you're using--rather, they can all go through the same HDMI/component connection. The receiver also offers the ultra-convenient Yamaha Parametric Room Acoustic Optimizer (YPAO), which employs an optimizer microphone at the listening position to pick up test tones from your speakers. The HTR-6090BL then analyzes the test tones to let you know which speaker configuration is best. It's like having a professional audio engineer tweak your system.
What really makes the HTR-6090BL special, however, is its number of high-end functions, such as the 480i to 480p de-interlacing, the superior multi-zone control for listeners with multi-room speaker systems, the assignable amplifiers for users who want to create bi-amped speaker connections, and the pair of HDMI inputs for high-quality digital audio and video data handling. Plus, the HTR-5990 not only includes a standard AM/FM tuner, but it's also XM satellite radio ready, making it fully compatible with any separately sold XM antenna.
Additional features include an accurate touch-volume control, an enhanced dialogue mode for movies, a selectable nine-band subwoofer crossover, a night listening mode that helps you clearly hear all the surround programs at low volumes, and a full-function learning remote control.
With a bevy of digital and analog inputs, the HTR-6090BL can accommodate a ton of digital sources such as DVD players, CD players, video game consoles, digital satellite systems, and much more. The rear panel options include the aforementioned pair of HDMI inputs and one output, four optical digital audio inputs and two outputs, two coaxial digital inputs and one output, three component video inputs and one output, five S-video inputs and three outputs (two assignable), five composite video inputs and three outputs (two assignable), and four analog audio inputs and two outputs. Also present are a 5.1 multichannel input, a full 7.1 surround pre-out, and a set of front-panel A/V inputs for quick connections.
The HTR-6090BL measures 17.1 by 6.75 by 16.7 inches (W x H x D) and is backed by a two-year warranty.
What's in the Box HTR-6090BL receiver, remote control, four AAA batteries, power cable, speaker terminal wrench, optimizer microphone, AM loop antenna, indoor FM antenna, user's manual

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1/26/2012

Onkyo HT-RC260 7.2-Channel Home Theater Receiver (Black) Review

Onkyo HT-RC260 7.2-Channel Home Theater Receiver (Black)
Average Reviews:

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I want to start off by saying that i'm no audiophile and that i don't have super fantastic speakers so this review won't be commenting on the nuances of sound quality of this receiver. But lets face it, if you are only spending $350.00 on a receiver, you are looking for a good receiver, not one that is going to blow you out of the water. That being said...
The Onkyo was delivered in one day (thanks Amazon Prime) and came well packaged. There was a serious dent in one side of the box, but nothing was harmed inside. The receiver is quite heavy (which i hope indicates decent internals). Set up was VERY easy. The 5 HDMI ports on the rear (plus one on the front) are, of course, the easiest to hook equipment up to. The speaker terminals are clearly indicated and there are two subwoofer pre-outs. Additionally, if you don't want to run a true 7.1 set-up, you can run either an extra pair of fronts or bi-wire your front speakers (if you have that option). This was unexpected at this price point.
I have the following hooked up to the receiver. Sony PS3 slim, Xbox 360 (1st generation / component + toslink cables), WD TV (media player), and a comcast (motorala brand) cable box. Everything, other than the xbox 360, is hooked up via HDMI. The optical and coaxial audio inputs are assignable (once you get into the systems menu which is on-screen). I have everything running via a single 35 foot hdmi cable to my ceiling mounted Epson 8100 projector (which is a 1080p 3-lcd unit). I use a harmony remote, so i can't comment too much on the included onkyo one, but i did use it for setting up the receiver and it's fairly comfortable to hold and seems to have a complete set of function buttons on it.
Just a few random notes:
- the display on the receiver is very bright, but the remote has a dimmer button on it which can dim the display until it is almost off.
- the microphone set-up was VERY easy. Just place it in 3 locations and hit a few buttons. It does the rest of the calibration for you.
- the sound (even through my old sony speakers) is better than what my old sony and denon receivers could produce.
- hdmi pass-through is available, as is on board up-scaling and analog to digital up-converting to 1080p out via HDMI (a very nice feature at this price point)
Keep in mind that I'm no expert, but i have set up a number of systems (from cheap home-theaters-in-a-box up to $50,000 custom home theater rooms) and this product really impresses me on its feature set as well as its ease of set up. If anyone has any questions, please don't hesitate to ask via amazon.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Onkyo HT-RC260 7.2-Channel Home Theater Receiver (Black)

While we may define it as an entry-level A/V receiver, the HT-RC260 gives you performance and features that leave class-competitors gasping in its wake. Six of the latest HDMI 1.4a inputs provide easy connection for all your high-def sources and compatibility with the eye-popping new 3D video format. Another connectivity highlight is a handy Universal Port that allows you to hook up Onkyo peripherals such as a Dock for iPod/iPhone. Meanwhile, if you want to distribute music to another room, the HT-RC260 provides Zone 2 line-outs and speaker outputs. Regardless of their resolution, all video sources can be upscaled to stunning 1080p via HDMI and Faroudja DCDi Cinema . High-quality Burr-Brown DACs work alongside jitter-cleaning technology and three-stage inverted Darlington circuitry to minimize distortion and deliver extremely realistic audio for movies, music, and games. The HT-RC260 also offers compatibility with lossless Dolby and DTS codecs, as well as the expanded surround formats of Audyssey DSX and Dolby Pro Logic IIz. Quality home theater has never been more affordable.

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10/31/2011

Yamaha HTR-6180BL 735 Watt 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver Review

Yamaha HTR-6180BL 735 Watt 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver
Average Reviews:

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After a month, still belive it is everything that was promised. Wanted an HD radio. And so far, every San Fran FM station I can find comes in in HD and has a 2nd HD channel with it!
Agree with other posting at other sites, the remote control is a little confusing, but getting yourself a Harmony RC seems to be the only way to go these days!


Click Here to see more reviews about: Yamaha HTR-6180BL 735 Watt 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver


Channels: 7
RMS Output Power (20Hz - 20kHz): 105W x 7
RMS Output Power (1kHz)
Total Power (20Hz - 20kHz): 735W
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Digital EX/ Dolby Pro Logic IIx (Plus)
DTS-HD Master Audio
DTS-ES Discrete 6.1
DTS 96/24 / DTS Neo:6
Pure Direct
HD Radio Tuner
iPod Compatibility (With Optional YDS-10)
Bluetooth Compatibility (With Optional YBA-10)
Compressed Music Enhancer
Neural Surround
XM HD Surround
SRS (Circle Surround II)
THX Processing
Sirius Satellite Radio Ready
XM Satellite Radio Ready
HDMI (In/Out): (3 / 1) Ver. 1.3
i.Link (IEEE 1394)
Component Video (In/Out): (3 / 1)
A/V Inputs (S-Video) 5 (All S-Video)
Digital Inputs/Outputs [O: Optical, C: Coaxial] (O: 4, C: 2 / O: 1)
Front A/V with Digital Input (S-Video / Optical)
Front Mini Input for Portables
Front USB Input For Flash Memory Drives
LAN Terminal RJ-45

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10/10/2011

Yamaha RX-V863BL 735 Watt 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver Review

Yamaha RX-V863BL 735 Watt 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver
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I've had this receiver & its ipod dock for about 45 days. Picked this one over the 663 for its video upscaling. I use it mainly for watching dvds and ipod videos, streaming netflix, and listening to ipod and HD radio music.
Pros: Quality of sound and video output met my high expectations. (I'm biased toward Yamaha already FWIW). Surround fields are versatile & distinct. The enhancer modes are fantastic for low volume listening. Headphone listening is stellar. Config menus are straightforward. YPAO was easy to set up, though I wound up tweaking rear speaker adjustments up a bit as personal preference. The remote runs all our gear. I dusted off old concert and movie DVDs and this receiver makes them seem new again.
Cons: No macro mode on the remote to power everything on & off with one button. HD radio control is not intuitive. So far I haven't figured out if I can navigate a docked ipod's menus with my TV osd which would be nice.
Bottom line: I saved up and looked at a LOT of receivers before choosing this one, and I'm not disappointed at all. The RX-V863 is everything advertised and lives up to Yammy's top shelf reputation.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Yamaha RX-V863BL 735 Watt 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver

The Yamaha RX-V863BL 7.2-channel digital home theater receiver delivers 735W powerful surround sound over 7 speakers (105W x 7).Full support for HD audio formats ensures maximum enjoyment of all high definition sources. Other advantages include full HD 1080p video upscaling with 3 HDMI inputs, an HD Radio tuner, as well as exclusive Yamaha features such as Pure Direct for the highest possible signal purity, YPAO sound optimization and 4 SCENE buttons for quick and easy browsing, selection, and automated setup of audio sources.

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