Getting irritated by changing volumes across different sources (CD to DVD to XBox to PS3… etc.)? Gefen just announced their GefenTV Auto Volume Stabilizer. This device has analogue and digital (TOSlink, S/PDIF) inputs and outputs with a selector control for which audio is stabilized (read – compressed). It is Dolby compatible (yea?) which pretty much excludes DTS and any of the high def audio formats (no HDMI). It equalizes the volume from the source plus between the different sources connected to the device. It is meant to go between a source (or sources) and either the speakers, receiver, or display (depending on your situation). Knowing Gefen it is probably expensive and it doesn’t sound like something most of us would be interested in. Look for this device coming to a custom installation near you. Full press release below Read more…
I have this theory, or belief really, that your movie collection says something about you as a person. When I was younger, I would buy any movie that struck my fancy as long as the price was right and I had the money. I’d even pick up movies that were on sale based on the actor or the preview. But as I matured I noticed two things, first I would go to other people’s homes and glance over their movie collection and suddenly jump to conclusions about them and second, I noticed people doing the same to me when they looked over my movies. I think the breaking point for me was when a girlfriend bought me Legends of the Fall. Read more…
I’ve heard a lot of stuff floating around (some of it written by me) about the buyout of NBC Universal by Comcast. While there are conspiracy theories aplenty (as long as NBC remains in Obama’s pocket it’ll go through no problem) let’s take a more realistic, less dramatic view here:
Comcast is in league with or at least a subcontractor for the Devil.
As a long time Comcast subscriber (because I have no other viable options that don’t require clear-cutting my yard) I’ve had intimate experience with the company. They have a long history of doing whatever is best for them at the user’s expense. Read more…
So, I’ve just about had enough of the Facebook “I’m thankful for…” posts. You people are freakin’ killing me. “I’m thankful it’s a sunny day,” “I’m thankful I heard my alarm and wasn’t late for work,” “I’m thankful my dog took a dump.” Please, get over yourself. If you don’t have anything REAL to be thankful for, well, just shut the hell up.
Of course, publications are getting into the act as well. The number of 10 BLANK things to be thankful for lists out on the interwebs is absolutely nauseating. This is the kind of nonsense that you can’t help but click on just to read the “I can’t believe you didn’t mention X” comments underneath. Fanboys and forum trolls rejoice – this is your season. Reveal in ruining it for everyone else. Which has got me thinking… Read more…
Got a system? Proud of it? Maybe you’re just looking for suggestions. Here’s your chance. We’ve opened a new page called Listener Systems. Here we will display your system for all the world to see. Come on, guys, you know you can’t help bragging about your huge display, massive speakers, or VW Bug sized subwoofer. Bring them on! Email me at tom at avrant and I’ll post them when I can.
