Canon, which has an enviable reputation as one of the most reliable names in manufacturing digital cameras, also happens to produce projectors that target the business segment and A/V enthusiasts with equal enthusiasm. Staying true to this latest trend, the company has come up with two high-end projectors, the REALiS WUX10 and REALiS SX80 models, each of which is outfitted with an abundance of features.

The company claims that the former model is one of the world’s first WUXGA-resolution widescreen projectors to incorporate the revolutionary LCOS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) technology, which the Canon Xeed SX50 also possesses incidentally. Meanwhile, its twin brother the REALiS SX80 multimedia projector has a realistically high SXGA+ (1400 x 1050) resolution and is being rumoured to be the first of its kinds to offer PictBridge support.

Each of the models is incorporated with the latest new LCOS reflective LCD panels which is independently developed by Canon, with the WUX10 incorporating a 0.71-inch WUXGA, while the REALiS SX80 settles for a 0.55-inch SXGA. The performance level of the projectors is well managed by the company’s proprietary Aspectual Illumination System Optical Engine which enhances the performance of the LCOS panels by effectively equalising the light emanating from the projection lamp. You can thus assure yourself of an image that is high on fidelity, brightness, contrast and impressive resolution.

That’s not all, as both the projectors come equipped with the radicalized Canon 1.5x Powered Zoom/Focus Lenses technology that further improves the resolution, suppresses lens abnormality, and optimizes the 10:0 lens offset, thereby removing the necessity to manually carry out tilt or keystone correction.

Pioneer has recently revealed not one, but four New LX AV Receivers that it believes will go a long way in revolutionising amplifier technology by bringing studio-sound quality to your home cinema. The models in question are the SC LX81, SC-LX71, VSX-LX51 and VSX-1018AH, and are all fine tuned to deliver a soul-stirring audiovisual experience that is unlike what you normally come across.

Each of the receivers have been provided with the ability to work seamlessly in sync with Pioneer’s 2008 KURO TVs and Blu-ray Disc players so that your dream of enjoying the finest quality picture and sound becomes a reality. All the models, including the Pioneer VSX-1018, continue to incorporate the tried and tested ICEpower direct energy HD amplification technology, along with the company’s renowned sound-tuning, which is the result of its collaboration with AIR Studios in London, to produce the an impeccable sound quality.

Entertainment enthusiasts can take heart from the fact that the device comes equipped with internal decoding features such as DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus that will facilitate to realize their desire of watching movies in a high-definition setting. The sound quality is further improved by the inclusion of the Advanced MCACC tuning feature. The surround-effect in the meantime is delivered via the 7.1 channel surround sound technology assisted by the Neural-THX, which is another unique supplement to this versatile product.

Connectivity of the device is uncomplicated and provides you with most of the features that you will normally need. The picture quality is influenced by the HDMI 1.3a feature with support of 12-Bit Deep Colour and provides the same with a wide variety of shades and natural hues.

Onkyo has already proved its mettle as far as low-end entry-level receivers are concerned, with the much appreciated Onkyo TX-SR576. The company is now ready to take the plunge into the high-end range with the highly anticipated Onkyo TX-NR906 AV Receiver. The AV receiver is actually an updated version for the universally adored TX-NR905 and it is therefore natural that this unit is also hotly anticipated. The one thing that will surprise you is its outstanding ability to decode movie soundtracks, while simultaneously performing a wide a host of essential functions with a great deal of finesse.

The networking ability of the unit is simply flawless and ranks among one of its most lovable features. The unit also provides you the platform to stream MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC, and Ogg Vorbis audio tracks from a networked PC, along with listening to internet radio stations using the vTuner portal with the minimum of fuss.

The upscaling capability from the unit stands at 1080p, which is basically the norm with most high-end players. The Onkyo Tx-Nr906 is however unlike them; because the technology has been developed using the world’s most advanced video processors, viz. the HQV Reon-VX chipset from Silicon Optix. Moreover, the AV receiver features video calibration abilities. This feature will now entrust you with the ability to play with functions like brightness, contrast, hue, saturation and gamma levels on each video input until you get satisfied.

Another grand improvement it has done over its predecessor, the TX-NR905, is that the sound quality has become much more sharp and clear. You can easily comprehend the sound quality when it is supported by 7 x 230W of power. Further, outfitted with three Texas Instruments Aureus 32-bit DSP chips the player is a master at decoding any format that you might throw at it, including Dolby True HD, DTS HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS HD.

Most people tend to get cold feet when the time arrives to make the digital crossover, as there is a misconception that this transition is very expensive. The truth however is not that bitter as it is made out to be, and it is not at all mandatory to dump your old analogue TV for a brand new flat-panel set to access the Freeview experience in its full glory. Moreover, Freeview PVRs and HDD/DVD recorders are also no perquisites to enjoy this spectacular experience. All you need to do is pick up a cheap, easy to use Freeview receiver, and connect it to your existing system, and the programmes burst into life.

It is however important that you follow discretion while buying a receiver set so that it consists of the features and functions you are looking for. Considering the situation one model that should fit the bill is the DTR220/05 from Philips, which is replete with a number of user friendly features apart from being delightfully compact.

The back panel of the unit has been inscribed with customary features like RF input/output and twin SCART outputs, in addition to coaxial digital output for piping stereo sound to your amp digitally. More importantly, the unit is endowed with the capacity to send raw bitstream to your receiver in case Dolby Digital broadcasts is included in the Freeview fold. The Philips DTR220 is bereft of an RF modulator, connoting that you can’t watch digital TV pictures through your TV’s RF input. This is however, not a problem with present generation TVs which are capable of doing without this archaic feature.

There are two SCARTs as well that can be simultaneously connected to TV and video recorder, thereby opening the floodgates of various possibilities. Now, you can have a choice between RGB, S-video (Y/C) and composite (CVBS) from the ‘TV’ SCART, and S-video or composite from the ‘VCR’ SCART, each of which is selectable via the setup menu.

Onkyo over the last couple of years has been consistently dishing out some memorable receivers, especially on the lower end of the price scale, which are all high on sound fidelity. It consequently has acted as an encouragement for the discerning public who by now are increasingly beginning to have high expectations from the company. They are actually filled with excitement and anticipation regarding the high-end products that the company has lined up for the customers. The excitement stems from the deduction that if the company can deliver such amazing stuff via its low end products, then they in all likelihood will bring the house down with their high-end products!

The latest from the company’s high-end bandwagon is the Onkyo TX-NR906 AV Receiver, and is the follow up to the universally acclaimed TX-NR905. As a high-end product, the Onkyo TX-NR 906 will cost you a fortune, but what is impressive is that its specifications are absolutely staggering, and gives a virtual demo of how contemporary AV receivers have evolved and progressed beyond our imaginations. The unit is not only game to decoding simple movie soundtracks, but is much more in the sense that it performs a whole lot of other activities, not all of which are audio related.

Going through the product specifications, the networking capability of the unit simply stands apart and allows you to stream MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC, and Ogg Vorbis audio tracks from a networked PC, in addition to providing you the leverage to listen to internet radio stations, all thanks to the vTuner portal feature that has also been included.

The video upscaling capability at 1080p compares favourably with its contemporaries. The unique aspect of this upscaler is that it utilizes technology, recognised as one of the most advanced video processors. Meanwhile, the TX-NR906 to put into perspective also happens to be the world’s first AV receiver to feature video calibration facilities.

The Panasonic SA-BX500 AV receiver is one of those models that you either hate or love, but still simply can’t ignore. This is because it is one of those rare models whose fortunes have fluctuated like no other. Derided by a section of critics, it is also given the thumbs up by the other section. You will therefore find yourself sandwiched between two opposing camps! I thought it to be my duty and obligation to throw some light on the model to overcome this confusing situation.

Basically a budget AV receiver, it is ridiculously talented but also have a number of issues that you need t be aware of. Almost similar in size to the Sony STR-DG 820, however, it is weirdly lightweight, and comes without a disc in feature. An aspect that had the critics up in arms is there is a superfluous amount of air underneath the lid which unfortunately gets reflected in the modest features count. The situation gets even more drastic when you discover that it doesn’t have such cotemporary features like RoomEQ, onscreen display, and video upscaling. You will also find that the model doesn’t liveup to its claimed specifications, and notably lacks in muscle amplification.

Then again rising like a phoenix, it manages to keep you entrapped particularly because it has an array of operational tie-ins and one-button features it and Panasonic’s latest BD players and Viera plasma TVs. Moreover, it is stuffed with wireless rears that should come in handy if you decide on buying the company’s digital transmitter option.

Integra as a brand is still legions behind prominent names like Sony, Panasonic, and Samsung, but brands like Integra nevertheless play an important role in balancing the market and standing against the hegemony enjoyed by the more popular brands. These brands not only give you an alternate option, but since they are more often than not economically priced, their products can be a great value for your hard earned money. You will yourself acknowledge that many times companies churn out products that are simply crass, and it is here that the smaller companies can make their mark with solid products.

The Integra DTR-8.8 7.1-Channel Receiver is one such solid product and it is the ideal option for someone looking to upgrade their entry-level receiver to provide more features and functionality. These additional ornaments don’t mean that the unit lacks in its main objective as it delivers a resounding performance. Moreover, the set-up of the unit is very simple. The unit incorporates the intuitive Audyssey MultEQ XT room acoustics correction feature that automatically adjusts the audio taking into consideration the dimension of your room for optimal performance.

There are other high-definition features as well to keep you interested and these include four HDMI 1.3 inputs and three component video inputs. Apart from that, the receiver is a master at decoding most of the high-resolution surround sound formats found on Blu-ray discs, including Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio.

The inclusion of the integrated AMX and Crestron control systems, along with bi-directional RS-232, three programmable 12-volt triggers, dual IR inputs, and three unique assignable IR code sets, and multi-zone capabilities make light of its not so famous brand name. So the Integra unit can easily compete with a brand name heavyweight device like the Denon AVR-4306. The Integra unit’s only visible weaknesses are its remote which looks somewhat obsolete, and you will also find switching on and off the unit a little inconvenient.

A prerequisite to experiencing a cinema-style surround sound in the comfort of your home is a reliable receiver set that can faithfully reproduce the content received from the source. Receivers, to speak the truth, are a dime a dozen these days, starting from the lower end to the higher end of the spectrum. The criteria for selecting a receiver on many a occasion ultimately boils down to the home cinema system you have at your home, as it is essential that the two are at harmony with each other, and not the other way round. The Onkyo TX-SR875 should be a great buy for anyone looking for a middle option.

One aspect that will immediately catch your attention is its enormous size, and is also incredibly heavy. The logistics involved makes it daunting prospect to move it around, and should be well of if placed in a particular location.

A major advantage of the unit over its predecessors is its amazing support for the latest audio formats. Contemporary formats such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio that are used on HD DVD and Blu-ray are also supported. The subtext of this arrangement is that as long as there is a high definition disc player that supports HDMI 1.3a, you can be rest assured of having access to an optimized digital sound, with minimal level of distortion and data loss. Thankfully enough, the Onkyo TX-SR875 supports the more standard DVD sound formats as well, so that you can get the most out of Dolby Digital and DTS soundtracks.

The remote control of the unit looks drab, but contains all the features that you normally require. It also has a backlight meant to come in handy when there is complete darkness.

The unit in hindsight appears flawless, but its price may still cause customers to head the other way, as Onkyo offers a whole range of cheaper AV receivers that might be more appropriate, such as the TX-SR605.

Did you know earlier that you can get free HDTV replete with surround-sound audio by means of a regular old antenna and tuner! Probably not. After all, there are not many people who are aware of this versatile concept, and this unawareness can be attributed to the cable and satellite companies who don’t want you to know about it. They do have to look after the welfare of their business! The saying that every dog has its day, however, has come true with the Samsung SIR-T451. It is has all the manifestation of a utilitarian product and is also simplistic in its design.

The SIR-T451, one of Samsungs most revered products, is already catching people’s fancy and is quickly establishing itself as one of the most in-demand tuners available. People can now use the unit to get their free HD fix. You only need to have an HD tuner, as you can literally use the same antenna you used to pull in analogue over-the-air stations, to pull in the digital signals. This means that even if you manage to set an outdoor antenna you are almost there.

The SIR-T451 also has other things going for it, like its decent price, which makes it a viable option. It delivers a high-def image to any HDTV or HD monitor, and even to most PC monitors. Analogue TV owners can also reap the benefits as they can use the unit to view any of the digital channels at DVD-quality standard-definition resolution.

Moreover, the unit has a comprehensive connectivity network. Unfortunately it lacks the rather vital HDMI port included in other HDTV tuners, like the Goodmans GFSAT200HD. It offsets this absence by offering a DVI output with HDCP, so it will work with HDMI components, as long as you have an adapter. The component-video outputs and an RGB output feature are also onboard. The back panel, on the other hand, includes a stereo analogue output and two digital audio outputs, apart from an RF out in case you want to pass the antenna’s reception on to a second device.

Sitting firmly at the top of the colourful ranks of Onkyo products is the TX-NR905. The unit dazzles with an unprecedented number of connectivity options only found on much-more expensive models, and is every bit a users delight festooned with some of the most sophisticated and state-of-the-art technology.

Under its not so impressive plain black fascia, lie the high-resolution Dolby and DTS audio decoding and 1080p video up-conversion for all sources. Then there is also an Ethernet connection meant for accessing networked audio content and internet radio stations, apart from a USB port that comes into play when you decide to read from an external channel. An Audyssey auto-setup feature alongside a microphone is there as well, that can be used any time you want to optimise speaker levels.

Hardcore cinephiles should love the amp option that offers THX Ultra2 post-processing.

The unit also has a well structured connectivity network including Four HDMI inputs and two outputs, which are some of the best you will come across. What is even more impressive, is that all of them are version 1.3a compliant, and consequently are compatible with 1080p video and bitstreamed multichannel audio.

Using the Silicon Optics HQV Reon-VX video processor the unit can upscale S-video, composite and component sources to 1080p which will eventually go a long way in ensuring that you can enjoy your movies in true cinematic-style. When it comes to sound reproduction, the Onkyo TXNR905 proves to be a powerful amplifier that generates high impression sound that would really suit high volume levels and large rooms. The unit has on board the modern THX processing feather and can quite clinically load a really large space - greater than 3,000 cubic feet to be precise.