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.

The Onkyo TX-SR576 AV Receiver has come as a real blessing for those who are looking for an inexpensive arrangement that is equipped with the expertise to handle the latest formats. Blu-ray players may still prove to be a rather costly proposition, particularly when you are on a tight budget. The TX-SR576 apart from being pretty affordable, gives you instant and uninterrupted access to HD audio.

The best thing about the unit is its built-in Dolby Digital Plus decoding feature, which allows you to connect a Blu-ray player to one of its three HDMI v1.2a inputs so that you can enjoy some enthralling sound that has been intrinsically enhanced. Quite interestingly, if your Blu-ray player can internally decode HD audio formats to uncompressed multichannel PCM, then you can use it as a source for the Onkyo TX-SR 576 via HDMI and enjoy the benefits of Dolby True HD, DTS HD and DTS HD Master Audio. Moreover, it has onboard Dolby Digital EX, DTS ES, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, DTS Neo:6 and DTS 96/24 decoding features.

Meanwhile, it also supports full 1080p HDMI video switching, which means that can pass up to three hi-def video sources through the unit to your display. The lack of an upscaling option is, however, quite glaring. The unit is also generous as far as video socket is concerned and provides you two component video inputs and one output, three S-video inputs and one output, apart from three composite inputs and two outputs.

The audio socket section, on the other hand, is decorated by two optical and two coaxial digital audio inputs, four analogue stereo inputs and a set of colour-coded 7.1-channel analogue inputs. The last feature, in particular, is quite significant as it allows you to feed in decoded audio signals from Blu-ray, DVD-Audio or SACD players.

Onkyo is a real giant when it comes to Home Cinema Systems and has been consistently delivering one quality product after another. The company has recently come up with the world’s first true one-box, high definition (HD) surround system and consequently has managed to outwit it rivals in the continuing battle for supremacy. To be precise, the unit seeks to add a new dimension to the typically unimpressive sound quality that has been the bane of the latest flat screen TVs.

The unit at its core is a 2.1-channel digital home cinema system and involves a “one-box” A/V amplifier with built-in subwoofer and comes with front satellite speakers. Moreover, it has also been inscribed with the latest built-in Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoders that allow you to literally replicate the high definition surround sound from the source. This impressive quality has contributed in the unit’s rising fortune as it has found a great deal of acceptance among the latest generation of Blu-ray and DVD players, gaming consoles and digital television receivers.

That’s not all, since the HTX-22HD has made a record of sorts be becoming the first unit to incorporate the innovative DTS Surround Sensation feature. In the meantime you will feel absolute bliss once the unit starts delivering a virtual 5.1 surround sound experience from two speakers, supported by the long-awaited new software algorithm. Moreover, another significant aspect of the Onkyo HTX-22HD system is that you can transform the unit into a full-fledged 5.1 system. All you have to do is purchase an optional add-on package of centre-speaker and two rear surround speakers! The unit has all the necessary speaker terminals to accommodate the same.

Other priorities of the unit include providing you a superior sound quality, and the inclusion of Audyssey 2EQ room calibration feature is a firm step in that direction. The calibration is meant to precisely match surround sound to your home.

Despite being in the TV production for a pretty long time, Akai has failed to achieve what it had set out to achieve: become a household name in the TV market. It has always been found lurking around the fringes with brands like Samsung, Sony, and Panasonic taking the charge. This distracting trend is, however, on the verge of a makeover with Akai coming up with one of the most impressive units to have from its ranks: the L482DDFD. The L482DDFD also marks the company’s latest foray into the flat panel TV market and delivers quite a devilish performance that should put things into perspective.

The single most impressive point of the unit is its superb HDMI connectivity, which makes it a really exciting prospect for the entry level market. The resolution of the screen is static at 1080p. The television is also far larger than those other tiny Akai models, like the Akai DLC-D1502L, that consumers have become accustomed to. However, those who are looking for quality images will be disheartened as the image quality of the unit is not comparable to those generated by high-definition compatible units. Another one of the unit’s flaws is the accompanying noise that steals a great deal of excitement and enjoyment away the performance. The images, by contrast, display a good deal of detail and have a positive overall impact, even if it is softer than your average Full HD panel. The flaws visible in sound can also be avoided by adjusting the viewing distance.

The unit’s black levels are one another of its weak links and are nowhere near what you are accustomed to. Weak black levels mean that you will be hampered while watching your movies and playing games. The colour combination thankfully though, is pretty well balanced and radiates a good deal of vibrancy and liveliness.

High definition is truly in style and it is therefore fitting that Pioneer, a reputed name in the electronics good sector, has come up with its latest HD innovation, the PDP435FDE Plasma TV. Bundled with a range of advanced display features, it is HD–Ready and is developed to provide the goods.

Pioneer is arguably the leader of the plasma market with its high standards and other quality models that include the Pioneer PDP-LX5090 KURO plasma. This Pioneer PDP435FDE’s image quality is taken care of by the unique wide-screen feature that produces an amazing horizontal resolution of 1024 pixels and a vertical resolution of 768 pixels. The brightness level of the Pioneer PDP435FDE plasma TV is fixed at 1100 lumens, which is enough to create a vivid and lively image. You will also be impressed by the fact that the unit can be rotated by up to 160 degrees, horizontally and vertically; thereby giving you the luxury to try different angles.

Like most of its ilk, the unit has a range of built-in integrated tuners including NTSC, PAL, and SECAM. These tuners go a long way in ensuring that the wide quality is optimum with minimum level of distortions. You can also make use of these tuners to effectively handle artifacts and consequently improve the image audio-visual output.

It supports a couple of broadcast formats including 720p, 480p, and 480i, and displays 1080i and 720p. Moreover, there are other features like Adjustable colour temperature, Picture-in-picture, Parental control, and Sleep timer. You can carry out colour adjustments, apart from using them to have a complementary effect on the overall picture quality. The audio part of the unit, on the other hand, is managed by two integrated speakers capable of delivering a total power output of 26 watts.

Connectivity, as expected, remains consistent with most of the popular and standard connectivity options today. The important ones include one Component, one HDMI, RF, and three pin SCART as rear input connector.

There is a cliché that says Pioneer has single-handedly reignited the interests of would-be HDTV buyers in plasma televisions. It is actually not too far from the truth, if you consider the impact the company’s Kuro line in 2007 had on customers. This innovative series has played a vital role in redeeming the gradually fading fate of plasma television under the serious challenge posed by LCDs, who have all but dominated the flat screen HDTV market over the past couple of years. Maintaining its unrelenting quest for supremacy, the company has recently come up with the PDP-LX5090. Just like its predecessor Kuro models, this one sports a clutter-free glossy black bezel, which is adorned only by Pioneer’s logo along the bottom border. Another one of the unit’s interesting aspects is how its supplied as a standalone panel, and is bereft of complementary accessories such its undermount or sidemount speakers, pedestal stand, and a wall mount, which you have to purchase separately.

It is thoughtfully emblazoned with a pair of recessed handgrips at its back, in order to make lifting the device easier. Connectivity wise it has 3 HDMI ports, which appear to face backwards rather than downwards. This unique layout, however, effectively means that the owner has to bear quite a difficult time while mounting their plasmas flush to the wall, as they have to bend and stress the unit’s HDMI cables to some degree; even though the compartment housing the HDMI inputs, is somewhat recessed relative to the rear plane of the panel. Another one of the Pioneer PDP-LX5090’s advantages is the abundance of connectivity options you have at your disposal, including one HDMI port, one Scart interface, among many others. Meanwhile the side USB port allows you to view JPEG photos. Although there is no S-video input, it is in no way a hindrance to this versatile product.

The standard bearer and leader in the Plasma TV market, Pioneer, is at it again. That is to say the company is continuing to deliver high-end plasma TVs and give its more illustrious LCD counterparts a run for their money. One of its most recent innovations, the 42-inch 427XD has all the positive ingredients to deal a killer blow to the fortunes of LCDs, which outpaced and outshined plasma televisions in recent times. To start with, the 427XD has great looks, a sleek black bezel finish and a swivel stand that adds to its durability. It is well endowed with an array of connectivity features, including two HDMI ports, three Scart, a component, S-Video and an analogue RGB PC input. Apart from a multitude of new digital picture processing technologies included in the Pioneer unit, there is also an integrated digital tuner, and all of these factors together have potential to deliver the best performance you can ever conceive of.

The integrated tuner or Sky+ option makes low-resolution pictures appear really pleasant and soft to the eye. It’s sister model, the Pioneer PDP428XD, on the other hand, includes a DVB-T tuner. Otherwise, the two televisions share many similarities and you can also reap the benefits of the TV by tweaking the settings to improve colour reproduction. You will feel absolute bliss when you see the images in motion as they truly recreate the HD experience. It also has an HDMI connection installed in it, that makes it all the more enjoyable apart from enhancing the digital audio of the unit. The audio component delivers some soul stirring pseudo-surround, especially if you wire a sub up to the subwoofer output to round things off. Though the screen only accepts 24Hz 1080p signals, you won’t be able to establish 50/60Hz 1080p signals if your hardware allows it.

Are you looking forward to trying something different, that is to say, add something innovative and vibrant to your home cinema system? It is, after all, not unusual to get bored watching your old system day in and day out delivering not so stunning images. I am pretty sure that there is immense peer pressure and other related issues that instigate you into brushing up your system. Finally all the pressure becomes unbearable, and you decide on doing something to set the record straight. You make the choice of purchasing a high-end projector to resolve your problem. If you find yourself in such a scenario, then you are in luck as Sony has recently launched the Sony VPL-VW70 SXRD Front Home Cinema Projector, one of the best projectors to have ever hit the market. The product is an even more advanced successor to the already high-end full HD Bravia Sony VPL-VW60. Amongst the VPL_VW70’s many stunning features the most prominent is the advanced 24p True Cinema technology, which unconditionally offers a magnetic cinema performance accompanied by larger than life visuals and clear sound.

One great aspect of the projector is that it is tailor made to meet the special needs of the home cinema enthusiasts. When you go through the product specifications, such as a 60,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 800 ANSI lumens Brightness, along with its unique 1920×1080 class-resolution, you cannot help but get impressed. Then there is also the unique ability to accept an external anamorphic lens, which, when exclusively paired with the Sony’s Anamorphic Zoom Mode, allows the user to enjoy panel resolution and screen size while watching a movie at the 2.35:1 aspect ratio. It is also designed in a manner to permit custom installations, such as with the panel adjustment function, which allows users to regulate the pictures. Then there are also other customary features like noise reduction, colour enhancement, and brightness maintenance. These features augment the end product in such a way where you will be barraged with enticing, vivacious, sharp and glorious high definition images.

Anyone looking for a decent DVD player to brush up their home cinema system would do well to have a peek at the newly launched DVP5982 1080p Upscaling DVD Player by Philips. It is abundantly clear from the name itself that unit’s main focus is to upscale average image quality into the HD standard, by optimally increasing the picture resolution. Upscaling as a concept is really gaining ground, as it can make otherwise outdated resolutions look modern and great again. HD images are invariably full of life and you can also enjoy every frame with a great deal of detail. The player is really almost identical to the Philips DVP5980, and both include an upscaling feature. Apart from this intriguing aspect, the device is also DivX Ultra certified and supports video downloads from your PC in Mpeg4 format.

The unit is compatible with a large number of formats, including DVD, DVD-R/+R, CD, CD-R-RW, and MP3/WMA. The 192kHz/24 bit audio DAC feather enhances the analogue sound input, whereas the High definition JPEG playback feather ensures that the images are in true HD resolution. The player’s image quality is further optimised by the newly incorporated Progressive Scan component video feather. To add to that, it also has a USB port, which can be used to directly play photos or music from USB flash drives. The unit also boasts a comprehensive audio setting that efficiently merges with the HD images, to provide the most fulfilling audio-visual performance comprehendible.

Projectors play an integral role in determining the visual output of your home cinema system, and, as such, it is essential that you pay attention a projector’s various specifications before making your purchase. It is also because, unless you have a compatible projector your dream of experiencing HD images will remain a far fetched dream, regardless of what brands and models the other home cinema components are made of. Sony’s recently launched Bravia VPL-HW10 HD SXRD projector has some great points going for it and also comes at a pretty decent price. All of Sony’s SXRD projectors are very high end, and even the least expensive ones, like the Sony VPL-VW40, starts at over £1000. What the VPL-HW10 manages to do with great aplomb is deliver images that are reminiscent of commercial cinema and also packed with 1080p HD viewing. Another important aspect of the projector is how it is built around Sony’s Bravia 2 signal processing engine that, going by the company’s claims, includes eight separate stages of image enhancement.

The unit also incorporates some of the most popular and intriguing features developed by Sony, such as SXRD technology and Advanced Iris 2 dynamic contrast adjustment technology, which offers a range of 30,000:1. The company describes latter feature as the difference between dead black and pure white. Then there is the All Range Crisp Focus (ARC-F) lens feather, which offers a 1.6x zoom, and both vertical and horizontal adjustment option that can be manually operated. The Real Colour Processing feather, on the other hand, allows you the leverage to adjust specific colors without changing the whole image. The unit also boasts of twin HDMI connectors, which are surprisingly quiet and easy to operate.