There are not many models that come close the Onkyo TX-SR605, when it comes to providing you with an extensive range of features and advanced specifications at a street price. One special feature that particularly sets it apart is the inclusion of integrated high-definition audio decoding. This is then aptly supported by the latest HDMI 1.3a connections, which is also easily compatible with most of the popular new HD audio formats used by Blu-ray players.

Then, each channel is powered by a reasonable 140W of amplification, which pleasantly enough, can be easily coupled with advanced set ups so that the audio performance can be enhanced by bi-amping the front two speakers. You should also love the fact that setting up the Onkyo TX-SR605 is hassle free and is assisted by advanced features like the advanced automatic calibration system, with further assistance coming in the form of the basic Audyssey 2EQ and clearly presented menu screens.

Meanwhile, the latest HDMI 1.3a connections give you the leverage to switch between compatible high-definition sources, consequently making it convenient for you to operate the unit while at the same time removing unwanted cable clutter. The HDMI feature included with the unit is not the ordinary type, as it made with the latest technologies and with the intention to last a long enough time without becoming outdated. It is compatible with a variety of contemporary formats like Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio, and also accepts Deep Colour picture enhancements.

On the downside, the automatic calibration system tends to be a bit time consuming, and the Audyssey 2EQ system also has the same problem. The good thing with the latter feature is however that it is pretty accurate.

The Cambridge Audio Azur540R (Version 3) is one the most fascinating receivers to have been released by the company, and, at an affordable price, it is also the perfect low-cost alternative that average consumers are really looking for. Actually the device is the third incarnation of the company’s Azur 540R receiver and consequently has undergone a lot of innovations and improvements from its earlier prototypes. The best part of all these is that there is no big difference in its price, despite the fact it offers you a more extensive and explosive range of possibilities.

The unit surprises you with its superior build quality, and comes with a highly responsive set of control options, though the overall design is a bit on the conservative side.

Coming back to recent up-grades, this modern-day gadget comes equipped with a redesigned amplifier stag which is rumoured to eliminate interferences. Digital connectivity is another new addition and comes with two HDMI inputs, which does unfortunately pale in comparison to many other receivers, such as the Onkyo TX-SR 806 with 5 HDMI inputs. Moreover, a single output located on the Azur540R will allow you to reap the benefits of basic video switching between compatible sources like a high-definition player and HDTV receiver.

Another positive of the device is that it has a very simple setup, with an attractive and protruding on-screen menu system ably supported by a rather tame looking but versatile remote unit. The menu apparently unimaginative but it does have a number of advanced adjustment features such as a comprehensive Bass Management system that gives you the discretion to customize the crossovers for a number of the customary surround decoding formats.

Moreover, each channel is provided with a claimed 80W of amplification that provides for a stimulating and resounding sound. The sound quality is further strengthened by the carefully controlled low frequencies, and also ensures that you get to have an undistorted and high-fidelity sound even at high volumes.

The Samsung HT-X710T is an excellent home theatre-in-a-box that comes integrated with DVD playback, while delivering a stimulating audio output. The device importantly enough has a 2.1-channel system, which means you have two speakers at your disposal; one subwoofer and the other a ‘head unit’ amplifier and disc player.

The device have an avant-garde design and gives the impression of a space-age look as each component of the device is complemented by a similar “Touch of Colour” shading which is normally found on high-end Samsung TVs. Almost the entire of the exterior is covered in a shiny plastic, which has its own downside as it makes the deck prone to fingerprints. Thankfully though, you are provided with a cloth shammy to remove any prints.

The feature list of the device is pretty solid as well and has a built-in slot-loading DVD player capable of upscaling video to 720p, 1080i and 1080p resolutions via the HDMI output. The feature is rather helpful when it comes to upscaling video contents to 720p, but what is rather disappointing is that it becomes pretty irrelevant for anything above 720p. In clear terms the image quality is nowhere near as comprehensive and vivid as those delivered by Blu-ray players.

Connectivity of the unit is elementary, and consists of the bare minimum features that you will frequently need. Apart from the standard composite feature, you can get the services of component and HDMI video outputs; however there is no provision of an S-video. The real panel includes two audio-only inputs that effectively make up for the unit’s stereo connection and optical audio input connectivity. Users should also take delight by the fact that the Samsung HT-X710T comes adorned with a USB port and headphone jacks as well which adds to the flexibility and ease with which they can manipulate the device.

For those of you who have yet to experience a PVR, you really missing out on an absolutely exhilarating television experience. With a PVR you can pause and rewind live TV, record your favourite shows when you’re away, and even fast forward through annoying adverts. Panasonic has already established itself as a formidable name in this field, and the new Panasonic DMR-EX88 PVR keeps that reputation intact, as it brings you an extensive range of features that include a DVD recorder along with an enormous 400 GB hard drive.

The design of the device is a real trend blazer as it takes the unconventional path and is a great choice to partner your existing AV partner in case the equipment is black.

Another versatile aspect of the device is its ability to competently play DivX and Xvid. You should also love the Panasonic DMR-EX88’s ability to play MP3s, JPGs as well as video files sourced from a USB device. The cross-product integration compatibility is also a pleasant addition, which nevertheless will go a begging unless you have all Panasonic hardware.

The picture quality of the EX88 is another plus, which however depends to an extent on the incoming broadcast signal. Moreover, what speaks volumes about the manufactures is that they have integrated the features and components in such a manner that allows you to get the maximum out of the device with the minimum fuss.

Oppo DVD players comprise a breed that is constantly on the look out for opportunities to beat the top electronics companies at their own game. These players do come with a good deal of impressive specifications that make them a sensible choice. The latest Oppo DVD player to make a mark is the Oppo DV-980H, which comes equipped with a host of high-end features at a reasonable price, making it a great value for your money.

Most of the Oppo players have a different design than the other, and the Oppo DV-980H is also no different. Customers would be especially impressed by the build quality and compactness of the device as they are made of the highest quality metal that have a nice feel to it.

The presence of DVD region coding has, however, failed to get the nod of the users, as it more often than not is restricted to Hollywood movie studios. In this manner the Panasonic DVD-S54 and other big name players prove themselves more capable. Moreover, the lacking feature in the Oppo player looks archaic and out of sync with the other specifications. On the other hand, the inclusion of analogue 7.1 audio outputs is a welcome move. In case you are looking for something that will give you more options to play audio tracks the unit is a must as it has on board Dolby Digital EX and DTS-ES logos, which supports multiple channels.

Then again like many others, the Oppo supports MPEG-4 playback in the form of DivX and XviD encoded video. You are also provided with the discretion to watch a slideshow of images or listen to MP3s from a USB stick.

Whilst the LCD television format continues to be the most dominate, plasma TVs are not giving up. Spurred on Pioneer and Panasonic, plasma TVs have made a comeback of sorts, and many of the format’s drawbacks have been addressed and corrected. Of course, other companies can also make quality plasma TVs, and LG has proven this with the launch of the LG 50PG6900. It won’t take you long to find out the strategy adopted by the makers as they have kept the price of the model pretty low, and if you take into account the presence of the Freeview+ PVR it is clear that LG is determined to cash in on the market resurrected by Panasonic and Pioneer.

Design wise the deck is adorable enough, with the only distractions being the power button and LG logo. Most other connections and flaps are well hidden from the public gaze. You also don’t get to see any speakers as well. The remote of the deck has an innovative design and is also easy to operate.

The deck depressingly doesn’t have a 1080p panel resolution which will prevent you from enjoying movies and programmes at the HD levels. The 720p resolution is however good enough to deliver a competent picture. The device makes up for the not so impressive resolution by incorporating the built-in Freeview+ recorder, which has 160GB of storage, making it the LG 50PG6900’s main attraction. The amazing storage capability ensures that you can record an unlimited number of your favourite TV programmes. The feature is not without its disadvantage though, as you are most likely to find yourself in a difficult position if the feature happens to break. On the brighter side, the feature helps you to save ower, reduces clutter, and renders recording of programmes ridiculously easy.

There are many amongst us who will gratefully welcome Samsung’s latest offering, the Samsung DVD-VR330 DVD recorder & HiFi VCR. This unique set will help customers give life to their VHS tapes, which otherwise would have died a natural death. With this unique DVD recorder/VCR combo, you can enjoy both the dying breed and modern DVD at the same time.

The device is well provided with standard accessories including remote, batteries for the remote, some rather short composite audio/video and RF “coax” cables, along with the customary user instruction manuals like warranty card, quick set-up guide. VHS playback of the device is bound to surprise you with its dual picture and sound quality, so is the compatibility demonstrated by the unit with the S-video and coaxial digital connections.

DVD playback can alone be a good reason why you buy this device as both the video and audio performance is on par with most of the stand-alone DVD players. There are a few minor issues concerning the DVD’s main menu, especially that of the button labelling on the remote. The peculiar thing here is that the button unlike in stand-alone players, doesn’t take you to the DVD menu, but rather to the device’s setup menu. The problem is nevertheless not that severe and may take time for you to adjust to it.

Moreover, you get to have high-quality composite video and S-video inputs as well, apart from RCA connections that deliver high-fidelity sound. Really the only thing missing is Blu-ray playback found in models like the Samsung BD-P1500; however, Blu-ray has been slow to catch on with consumers anyway. The recording capability of the device is fluent too, though the process takes a tad bit more time than expected. Further, the DVD-VR330 comes with a front-panel IEEE 1394 port hat can be used to dub home movies from a digital camcorder.

The LG LDA-731 Upconverting HDMI DVD Player is one particular model that I believe you should not regret buying. The player brings to the table a range of high-end features that are skilfully coordinated to give you an amazing movie experience. The one particular feature that will immediately attract your attention is the Up-Conversion feature, The Up-Conversion ability comprehensively upscales average DVD content to a Progressive source at the selected resolution of 480p, 720p or all the way back to an interlaced signal at 1080i. You can get the benefits of upconversion both via the Component cables as well as the HDMI connector.

The DVD player has been incorporated with the much in-demand Zoran’s Vaddis 8 chipset technology which plays a huge role in improving its performance. The technology, which in essence is a multimedia processor, is integrated with a state-of-the-art 8 channel Class D modulator that facilitates connectivity to HDTVs, like the LG 47LG6000, via HDMI and analog component HD-video with six 14-bit 165Mhz video DACs. The feature assists in the upconversion of SD-to-HD as well so that you can experience HD content from standard DVD discs. The display of high definition is further complemented by the HD-JPEG.

The Vaddis 8 apart from the above specialities offers support to DVD-Audio including decryption, decoding, and audio post processing functions. Moreover, playback of HD-JPEG content, backward compatibility with SACD1.3 or lower is possible only because of this feature.

The player also has on-board the Single Pixel Processing (SPP) Progressive Scan feature which ensures unparallel video quality for viewing on a progressive scan television. The SPP feature carries out pixel-by-pixel processing of the video, while the intuitive Vaddis 8 supplies it with superior quality deinterlacing to all areas of the scene, including areas with limited or fast motion.

Sanyo’s product lineup is set to increase by one with the launch of the LP-XTC50 Projector. The device has a number of achievements to its credit and ensures a great deal of flexibility along with quality performance. Towering high on the impressive features list is the unique `lamp selection system’ that makes maintaining the projector real easy. The technology allows the device to function for an astonishing 6000 hours without having to maintain or replace the lamp.

To add to that, the device comes equipped with a wide array of contemporary features that are designed to help you in effectively, and off course easily, maintain the projector. Prominent among them include the company’s indigenously developed Active Maintenance Filter’ (AMF) technology that plays a major role in easing your problems by automatically detecting clogs in the airflow to the system and scrolls the reel in the cartridge of filters to the next clean filter. This means the Sanyo projector will require far less maintenance than, say, an ordinary model like the Acer X1160 projector. Meanwhile, there is the revolutionary lens shifting feature as well that allows the device to perform important keystone corrections, which includes both horizontal and vertical, with a great deal of ease.

The device is also a remarkable improvement from the company’s previous models especially as it delivers an excellent brightness, and is now more than ever compatible with large halls and rooms with high ceilings and settings that are hard to reach.

The device in addition has on-board a highly durable optical engine that provides the projector with the quality of longevity, while its elegant but flexible design makes it a likely candidate to be used as a in-view ceiling installation projector. Lamp replacement option is there as well and is facilitated by the presence of a number of coin screws.

The latest projector from Dell, the M209X, is an extra dependable model. The projector is also rather inexpensive, and has a decent design that should appeal to you. The miniature dimensions of the device grant it a good deal of portability, which also adds to the product’s versatility.

The projector uses the contemporary digital light processing (DLP) technology to reflect light to each screen pixel, while high-fidelity colour reproduction is achieved by projecting light through a rotating colour wheel. This innovative arrangement achieves a contrast ratio that is higher than other contemporary 3LCD technology. The downside of the technology however lies in that it has slower refresh rates.

Connectivity of the unit is quite good, as it has a wide variety of input options at its disposal including VGA, HDMI, composite and S-video, which allows you the leverage to connect the projector to devices like computers, DVD players and other AV devices. You also get to have other important features like- audio in- and out-jacks in addition to a built-in, one-Watt speaker with the Dell M209X projector. The solitary Watt speakers however, cannot be taken as a remarkable addition considering that they make a lot of noise. The projector, then also comes equipped with a USB port that can be connected to a mouse to act its remote.

The image resolution capability of the projector stands at a not so impressive 1024×768 pixels. Moreover, the menu systems of the unit are another low point as they look messy and unimaginative.