With the launch of the STR-DA1200ES, Sony has come up with a rare breed of an AV product that in all likelihood will stand the test of time. The popularity of the model is apparent due to the fact that even after spending a long time on the market, the AV device continues to post strong sales. Moreover, replete with a strong array of imaginative features, it easily fulfills any home cinema requirements and blends in seamlessly with any home entertainment centre.

The device doesn’t have any integrated decoding for high-definition audio formats; instead the same is done by carefully arranged compatible players. The design of the Sony STR-DA1200ES, on the other hand, is an epitome of aesthetic beauty, and has a minimalist approach. Build quality is also pretty robust making you almost drool over it.

The feature list of the unit is quite solid and consists of seven channels of 100W amplification, while you can also avail yourself of the luxury of indulging in some HDMI video switching options supported by 1080p signals. Then video up-conversion from composite and S-Video to component facility is there as well and plays an important role in improving the picture quality from your analogue sources to that of high definition levels. Meanwhile, the automatic calibration system plays its part in giving the device a definite edge over its contemporaries as it sets up the receiver much quickly and accurately than you can ever imagine.

When it comes to sound quality, it simply outshines many a famous names and compares favorably with Sony’s sensational sound quality. You can really get into some sensuous groove as the receiver creates an almost three-dimensional sound stage assisted by an innovative range of far-reaching dynamics.

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.

Home theatre aficionados are having a field day with Fujitsu’s latest offering, the LPF-D711 3LCD Projector. This projector is carefully designed to fire up home cinema system with a seamless blend of high-definition images. The picture quality of the this all new LCD projector has already been rumoured to be among the best and is helped in its cause by three 1920 x 1080 true high-definition LCD panels coupled with 1,200 ANSI lumens, which actually unfortunately falls behind other Fujitsu projectors like the Fujitsu LPF-B211. All these factors combine together to produce an image that is sharp, bright and clear giving you the impression of watching movies in a commercial set up.

The device is equipped with the breakthrough AVM-II digital video processor technology and with its 12-bit processing is capable of generating an awe inspiring 68.7 billion colors. Moreover, LPF-D711 is provided with the institution to conveniently elevate both SD and HD contents to superior levels for a more fulfilling movie experience. The projector is also one of its kinds in that it is one of the few projectors that accept a true 1080p signal.

The Fujitsu projector has a well designated unit, the LPF-QSD1, which houses the system’s multiple audio and video inputs including component, HDMI, and S-video, so as to ensure that the projector remains compact and lightweight making for a seamless installation. What’s even more impressive is the realization that the device is designed keeping in mind the aesthetic appeal of your home décor, and is all set to intensify it even further. After all, the device bears a contemporary outlook and is sleekly designed.

Pioneer’s latest gift to discerning customers is the PDX-Z9 SACD Receiver, which is made to assist you in receiving all the system has to offer via more advanced media connectivity. The unit is the perfect embodiment of a sophisticated design replete with the latest technology and top-quality construction that virtually brings the essence of music to life. The device has been fine tuned at London’s renowned AIR Studios and has be manufactured using component parts of the highest quality thereby ensuring that you get to listen to the purest digital sound. A feature that immediately grabs your attractions the Super Audio CD Playback and advanced digital media connectivity which opens the door for unlimited possibilities.

The device is also designed clearly bearing in mind contemporary requirements and convenience issues. The device delivers a powerful performance supported by the two-channel digital amplifiers and also features first-class Super Audio CD playback. You will have little difficulty regarding the compatibility of different disc formats with the device as it handles MP3, WMA and MPEG-4 AAC compressed audio formats, along with playback of high-quality FLAC files with equal ease.

That’s not all as you can benefit from its capability to receive terrestrial FM/AM radio stations as well as those from the internet. There are separate ports where you can directly connect your iPods and USB devices and control them with the Pioneer PDX-Z9’s remote. Further, the device is DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) certified signifying that it seamlessly integrates into a home network system and provides simple, easy-to-control access to digital music.

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.

Londoners can finally lay their hands on the critically acclaimed Pioneer LX010BD Blu-ray Home Cinema system, as the company has decided to exploit the potential of the UK market. The decision is quite a significant one as it has been proved, over and over again, that even if the market is over flooded with similar products, a quality product can still carve a niche out for itself. Moreover, users are always ready to accept a genuine and quality product with open hands. The product in question, the Pioneer LX010BD is aware of these realities, and is aimed at becoming the ideal counterpart to the Award winning Kuro range of televisions.

The system starts in the right earnest and is of profile 1.1, and boasts of a native resolution of 1080p. You can enjoy a wide range of color tones and fluid transitions facilitated by the HDMI Deep Colour technology. You will also feel at ease by the fact that there are two HDMI connections, both in and out, which provides you the leverage to connect other devices such as a Sony PlayStation 3 or Sky HD. Sound quality of the system is quite vibrant supported by an integrated 5.1 channel amplifier. The amplifier makes use of the latest dodecahedron technology derived satellite speakers which unswervingly proliferates sound fields in all directions. You are also provided with a subwoofer-receiver with dual-drive subs that will assist you to handle lower frequencies with more precision.

That’s not all as the system is also capable of processing the latest audio formats DTS-HD and Dolby TrueHD. Further, it supports KURO LINK as well which can be controlled either via an LCD touchscreen remote or the system itself.

One of the latest home cinema systems to have come out of Philips, the HTS6515, is a very decent bet if you by its specifications. The product offers you the appealing prospect of listening to some soothing music via the 2.1 speaker system that is imaginatively connected to a central DVD player and controller.

Special care also been taken to ensure the aesthetic appeal of the unit, and is replete with a wall mountable solution thereby doing away with the more conventional boxy under-the-TV systems. The focal point of the Philips unit is the innovatively designed central controller unit which acts as a sleamline top-loading DVD player.

Other important specifications of the system include a large subwoofer and two front “horizontal” speakers. It is however a bit disconcerting to find the system covered in wires, especially considering the amount of emphasis given on design, which on a few occasion create a repelling effect.

Another peculiar situation you may encounter is the system is bereft of any optical connectivity option, which is a necessity to connect the controller unit to the TV and bring back the audio from the TV. Nevertheless, you are saved of facing a nightmarish situation by the incorporation a 3.5mm jack. Moreover, the Philips HTS6515’s video quality is also something to look forward to, as it has been provided with the capacity to upscale average DVD contents to high-definition levels.

Connectivity of the system is rather solid with the prominent among them being an HDMI input, Component video or Scart which comes is handy for old TVs.

The Optoma HD70 is not making waves for nothing, as it has enough ammunition in its arsenal to firmly establish its credentials. Aimed at the entry level projector market, the HD70 is a 720p-native DLP projector and comes at a very competitive price, which only adds to its desirability.

To start with the unit has a silent fan system. Once you switch on the Bright Mode “on”, the fan operates at full blast and measures 52dB from 6-inches away. The noise levels of the DLP projector come down even more drastically when you go for the Bright Mode ‘off’, and is just enough to be measurable on the Radio Shack SPL meter.

The contrast ratio by automatically adjusting the lamp output in accordance with the available luminance at the input at any given time. The feature apparently does the job of a “dynamic iris”, in that it facilitates the lamp to output less lumens when the scene is darker, and vice versa.

The Optoma projector has also been inscribed with the latest BrilliantColor Colour Processing technology, and plays a pivotal role in improving the image quality to high-definition levels. The feature adjusts the gamma settings of the unit so that colour combinations appear to be in sync to the given condition by effectively taking into account factors like lighting and brightness.

Other important specifications of the unit include a brightness level of 1000 ANSI lumens, contemporary image resolution of 1280×720, and an on/of contrast ratio4000:1. Connectivity of the unit is quite solid and includes an HDMI (w/HDCP) input, a dedicated ComponentVGA input (HD15), et al.

Mitsubishi has come up with its latest home cinema projector, the HC7000, which incidentally also happens to be first in the company’s new range of “Diamond Series”. The model is all gloss and boasts a sexy design, in addition to having a record contrast ratio of 72,000:1. With specifications like a higher native panel contrast and an auto iris feature, the HC7000 is already head and toe about the likes of the HC6000 and HC5500. Add to this the excellent colour quality, and near-silent operation, then you can easily understand why the HC7000 is by far the best projector to have come out of the company’s ranks.

The HC7000 is endowed with an ANSI contrast ratio of 409:1, giving it a head start over its rivals. The innovative and refined iris features is more responsive to stimuli and adjusts more quickly and tightly and firmly. The inference being enhanced black levels, which are more visible in light-controlled rooms. The effect is however somewhat diminished where there is mild to moderate amount of light. Colour compatibility is another nice aspect of the Mitsubishi HC7000, and there are a number of colour adjustment features as well that allows you to manipulate the colour combination to suit the situation. The unit should especially appeal to those users those who have colour calibration features and likes to experiment with colours, as the specifications of the HC7000 are entirely suited for the purpose.

To achieve optimum light output you have to ensure the widest setting of the lens. Then, the unit has also been incorporated with powered zoom/focus lens, in addition to the now customary vertical and horizontal lens shift option.

An impressive lamp life combined with a low heat output adds to the appeal of the unit. The unit has a lamp that is rated for 2,000 hours in Normal mode and 5,000 hours in Eco mode.

The BenQ MP512 ST has been launched with the clear objective of targeting the unexplored terrain of the budget projector market. The projector is simply something to take note of, especially considering its unexpectedly low price. It goes without saying that you cannot expect the high-end features that are associated with products from the other end of the price-spectrum from the budget MP512 ST. The unit has a relatively low resolution of 800×600 (SVGA), but users can take heart from the fact that it delivers quite a dramatic and encouraging video quality. Company sources claim that the unit is specially designed for use with the Nintendo Wii in mind.

The unit’s design is vary basic, which is understandable, and it also has a small size making it easy for you to tuck it away on a ceiling or the like. Moreover, its size combined with its lightweight nature endows it with a great deal of portability and mobility.

Feature list of the unit is another area that you would like to have a look at. To start with, the BenQ MP512 ST is no way inundated with features, featuring only the bare minimum. The manufactures however have ensured that you can have enough entertainment via these bare minimum features which are imaginatively structured and designed. The picture quality for one is really augmented, and though you may not get to enjoy high-definition images it is rewarding enough.

Two different categories of picture modes are there as well, Picture Mode and Reference Mode the functionalities of which appear a bit confusing. The Reference mode gives you choices like Dynamic, Standard, and Cinema, but do not allow you to manipulate any of the picture parameters like contrast, brightness, et al. you have to follow the tedious route of selecting either User 1 or User 2 in Picture Mode in case you want to maneuver the DLP projector’s picture. The unit, in addition, also has a number of selectable color temperatures including T1, T2, and T3.