Free Mystery Gift with any order of $25 at AudioVideoComponents.com

Get even more bang for your buck at AudioVideoComponents.com!

From now through February, all orders of $25 will come with a FREE MYSTERY GIFT. We will hand-select a gift that complements your order.

Lovan USA's Matrix Series of Modular A/V Racks & TV Stands Now Available!

Lovan USA's popular Matrix line of modular Audio/Video Racks and TV stands are now available at AudioVideoComponents.com.

The Matrix line's signature light cherry wood boards and metallic silver finish posts work great for the decor of a lot of homes, and the cherry wood provides a "warmer" touch.

Remember, we still have the 10% coupon promotion going on for all of our Lovan products! This coupon is good until August 31, 2008, and to use it, simply enter coupon code "Lovan10" in the coupon code box on the checkout page.

AudioVideoComponents.com is now accepting PayPal

We've setup AudioVideoComponents.com to accept payments made via PayPal.

You can use PayPal to pay for your purchases at checkout.

AudioVideoComponents.com is now an Authorized Lovan USA Dealer + Get 10% off ALL LOVAN USA Products!

We're very, very, very happy to announce that we are now a Lovan USA authorized dealer.

We will be adding Lovan's line of A/V racks, speaker stands, TV stands, accessories and more to AudioVideoComponents.com...we now have have Lovan's Classic series of A/V racks and their Affiniti series of TV Stands, A/V racks and speaker stands available for sale.

And to cap off this celebration, we're giving you a 10% off coupon for your purchase of Lovan USA products from AudioVideoComponents.com. This coupon is good for 10% off either a single or multiple/mixed purchase of Lovan USA's products. To take advantage of this special promotion, simply enter this coupon code, "Lovan10" in the coupon code box at the checkout page. This coupon is only good from now until August 31, 2008, so hurry!

Check-out the Lovan USA goodies available at AudioVideoComponents.com now:

http://www.audiovideocomponents.com/Lovan-USA-s/211.htm

Exciting changes at AudioVideoComponents.com

We're busy working on some exciting new additions and tweaks to AudioVideoComponents.com...these will be rolled-out over the course of summer.

New Store Additions: Apple iPod & iPhone Accessories

Keeping-up with the trend of audio/video on-the-go, we now have "iAccessories" for your Apple iPods (including the Apple iPod Touch and newest 3rd Generation Apple iPod Nano) and iPhones available at AudioVideoComponents.com.

Check-it out at:
http://www.audiovideocomponents.com/Apple-iPod-iPhone-Accessories-s/191.htm

These accessories not only make thoughtful gifts for folks on your nice list this holiday season, they're also very affordable and will not eat a hole in your wallet. Plus, all the accessories are now on SALE!

Happy Shopping!

Shipping Destination Problem Resolved

It's been brought to our attention that some customers were unable to checkout on orders to the United States.

We are happy to say that this problem has been fixed, and the checkout page should be able to process orders to the United States.

Thanks for your patience and understanding.

Special 5% Discount Coupon for AudioVideoComponents.com

As a special thank you to readers of this blog, AudioVideoComponents.com is offering a special discount coupon that is only listed on this blog:

Starting today, you can get an extra 5% savings off any order (that's right...no minimum order amounts!) when you check-out using Google Checkout.

Simply enter the coupon code: "extra5percent" within the Google Checkout page.

Happy Shopping!

Vongo: Free 14-Day Trial + $10 Brookstone eGift Card

If you got some spare time during the upcoming Thanksgiving season in-between family get-togethers, turkey hangovers, shopping mall-hopping, and the like,...why not get entertained in the meantime?

Vongo has a new promotion: they're offering a FREE 14-day trial AND a FREE $10 eGift Card from Brookstone.

Besides having a wide selection of movies and films to choose from with a just few clicks of your mouse, you can save some gas by not having to drive to your local DVD rental place whenever you have a craving for a "movie night."

Be sure to use the link below to take advantage of this special promotion:

Vongo Free eGift Card Promotion

Enjoy!

Blu-Ray Emphasizes High-Definition

For the past couple of weeks, we've noticed a change to Blu-Ray TV commercials (including their recent TV commercials for the Surf's Up movie) and print ads (such as the posters you may see at your local Blockbuster store)....

Nowadays, the term "High Def" and/or "High Definition" is included.

It seems like a lot of consumers still don't really know what Blu-Ray is (even the normally understocked local Blockbuster store seems to have a relatively large Blu-Ray inventory...there's just not a lot of folks using it yet), and putting the terms "High Def" or "High Definition" with it let folks know what it is.

For as long as we recall, ever since Year 2005's CES show, we've always thought that HD-DVD would become the more popular choice among the masses.

Why???

Simply because of the "HD" with the DVD.

Blockbuster's Online DVD Rentals

Speaking of renting DVDs in my previous post, I thought I might share a link to getting a Free 1st Month Trial to Blockbuster's online DVD rentals:

http://www.blockbuster-specialoffer.com/



- A/V Gadget Gal

The Sad State of Movies in Commercial Movie Theaters

Ever since I got my personal home theater/media center setup and a steady supply of DVDs from my Blockbuster online subscription, I rarely venture out and watch movies at the movie theaters.

Granted, there are many times when I feel tempted by the trailers and other ads around me (including missing-out on some watercooler talk), but I've been pretty good at resisting the many temptations,...even for the big blockbuster films.

I haven't really watched a movie at a commercial movie theater for at least over a year, and finally ended the dry spell when I watched the 3rd installment of the Resident Evil saga, Resident Evil: Extinction, last weekend.

The movie was awesome (I have sooooooooooo been waiting for it since the 2nd installment ended).

The movie theater, unfortunately, was not.

Before I sound-off about this, what do you think about paying $9.25/$10 for each movie at the theaters?

Is it worth it,...or not?

Going to the movies,...or wait to catch it on DVD (or HD-DVD or Blu-Ray) months later?

Thoughts???????


- A/V Gadget Gal

All 3 CSI Shows are FINALLY BACK!!!!

This week marks the return of the CSI trifecta on the CBS channel with the new season premiers of:

1. CSI: Miami
2. CSI: New York
3. CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

Ever since the last seasons' finales since...what seems like years ago...I have been waiting anxiously for this week.

Needless to say, my Monday nights, Wednesday nights, and Thursday nights are just not the same without CSI.

This week's CSI premiers was capped off with tonight's 7th Season's premier of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (the Original) which aired at 9 p.m. PST, and I think that I'll be able to have a good and happy night's sleep tonight.

For those that have never seen a full episode of either of the 3 CSI shows, you are totally missing out. Trust me...try it out, and,...you're welcome (you can thank me later). :-)

All of the CSI shows are written, performed, produced, filmed like a full-feature major movie. It's like a "mini movie," but the only thing that's mini about it is just the running time (which is 40-something minutes).

Despite being snubbed (again!) by the Emmy's this year...the CSI franchise is still a winner with a loyal and growing fan base, whom happens to have impeccable taste. :-)

It's because of QUALITY. It's not lousy, waste-of-your-time, another-run-of-the-mill TV shows (like SOOOOOO many other shows on TV these days...MTV and Sci-Fi channels, anyone??)...viewers quickly become fans, and these fans become devoted fans because it's just darn-good entertainment that's intelligent, thrilling, suspenseful and action-packed all nicely put together.

The CSI shows are also presented in High-Definition on TV, which really tops off what is already a whole bunch of yummy goodness. Sure,...you can play catch-up when it comes out on DVD after the seasons ends, but that's just too much time lost, my friend. You're also missing out on major awesome water cooler talk. HDTVs are getting larger, better, and CHEAPER! You probably don't want to wait decades until the HDTVs now get dirt cheap, though. Now is a great time to get one so that you can experience CSI in all its glory (as well as a lot of other great TV)...you can check-out AudioVideoComponents.com for our HDTVs, and we even have the Toshiba REGZA 42" 1080p Flat Panel LCD HDTV as the current Monthly Super Deal! (Psst...we're also working hard...but after watching CSI...on getting more Flat-Panel HDTVs, so visit us often to check-out new additions)

So,...be sure to check-out CSI and get a HDTV. If you're new to CSI, get started with the 1st Seasons of the 3 shows, which are all available on DVD. Although I watch all 3 CSI shows on TV, I still watch the DVDs to not only re-live the experience, and also to know more behind-the-scenes stuff with the commentaries, interviews, featurettes and other bonus features on the DVDs.

Bon Appetit, and stay tuned for more posts about CSI and other great TV shows and movies!

New Store Additions: Remote Controls

We've added a new "aisle" to our store: Remote Controls.

We're picky folks, and we only pick products that we like, and that we think our customers will like.

So,...even though there is a limited selection of products, it's a limited selection of goodies. :-)

We're looking at some more remote controls now, and so some more will be available at AudioVideoComponents.com soon.

In the meantime, check-out our Logitech universal remote controls:
http://www.audiovideocomponents.com/Remote-Controls-s/178.htm

Free Gift with Purchase: Free Comects HDMI Cable with Purchase of Neptune HDMI Switcher

If you're in the market for an HDMI Switcher, our Free Gift promotion for the Neptune Switchers by Comects is still going on.

This HDMI Switcher comes in real handy when you need to hookup additional components, such as your Sony PS3, XBox, or even an additional DVD player, such as your HD-DVD and/or Blu-Ray players.

Comects' Neptune Series of Enhanced HDMI Switcher complies with HDMI's Version 1.2 specifications and has 1080p support.

There are two (2) models in Comects' Neptune Series: the 3-in by 1-out model (Neptune 3x1) and the 5-in by 1-out model (Neptune 5x1).

If you take advantage of our promotion that's going on now until September 30, 2007, you'll get Comects' 6-feet long HDMI-to-HDMI cable free with your purchase of either the Neptune 3x1 or Neptune 5x1.

For more information about Comects and their Neptune Series of Enhanced HDMI Switchers at AudioVideoComponents.com, click the link below:

http://www.audiovideocomponents.com/Neptune-Enhanced-HDMI-Switchers-s/39.htm

Digital Media Centers

Digital media centers have been getting more popular, perhaps due to the fact that people are accustomed to conveniently storing, cataloging and playing their music collections from their MP3 players and cell phones.

Along with its rising popularity, more companies are making digital media centers, giving consumers more options and price ranges. Now, you can get one for several hundred dollars (compared to the thousand-dollar range not too long ago).

Having a digital media center may seem like having yet another piece in the smorgasbord of components, cables and gadgets in the cozy destination of the home called the home theater, but it's actually a pretty nifty thing to have. For one thing, it'll take up much less space than a large pile of DVDs and CDs. It's also a great conversation starter and Show+Tell for when you have guests/parties at your place.

So, what do you think about digital media centers? Do you already have one or plan to get one soon?

Or, do you think it's just a waste of money,...an unnecessary thing,...what???

We want to hear from you....

HDTV News ... Sony KDS-R70XBR2 HDTV

Although some may argue that there's already too many HDTV choices available (just take a stroll around your nearby big-box retailer and you'll see what we mean...), making it even more confusing for most consumers to make a decision, we think that it's a good thing.

Besides, who wouldn't want better High Def?

Anyhoo...here's the buzz about Sony's new XBR-2 series of HDTVs:

The successor of the highly-acclaimed XBR-Series, Sony’s flagship Grand
WEGA XBR Series projection televisions carry on the legacy of its predecessor.
Equipped with the same SXRD technology, the XBR2-Series picture captures
movement with unprecedented accuracy, and the Advanced Iris function provides
superior contrast (up to 10,000:1).

The XBR Series has WEGA Engine HD video processing technology for refined
high definition picture quality. The XBR-Series now offers a detachable speaker
design on the 70″ model, and includes three HDMI inputs (1080p) for uncompressed audio/video interface between TV and compatible external components. Bigger,
brighter and better than ever, Sony’s Grand WEGA SXRD XBR2 Series provides the full HD 1080p experience with stunning detail, film-like images, and crisp, smooth motion.

With the KDSR70XBR2, Sony offers a television capable of delivering a
“film-like” image with exceptional clarity, industry-leading contrast ratio, and
unsurpassed color reproduction. The development of the SXRD panel allowed Sony
to achieve this objective through a reflective display technology that’s totally
different from traditional micro display devices. With 0.35 micrometer
inter-pixel spacing and a 92 percent panel fill factor, SXRD boasts the highest
pixel density possible for unprecedented picture brightness and clarity, coupled
with world-class black level and color stability.

The KDSR70XBR2’s optical engine features three separate SXRD panels — one
each for red, green and blue. All three colors appear on-screen simultaneously
for greater stability and accuracy. So color is consistently vivid, flesh tones
remain lifelike and flicker is never a problem.

SXRD technology is the latest display technology developed by the legendary
television engineers at Sony to meet and exceed the demands of a high definition
image at its full 1080 line resolution. Digitally transmitted high definition
signals can contain over two million individual detail points that need to be
displayed accurately and rapidly. SXRD displays those two million detail points
per SXRD panel accurately since the three SXRD panels actually contain enough
pixels to fully display a 1080 line picture without interlacing it. SXRD has the
speed to create a smooth, film like image with a blistering 2.5 ms response
time, which exceeds the demands of even the most rapidly moving high definition
images. And SXRD creates highly accurate, natural colors because the three-panel
design displays all the colors, all the time.

WEGA Engine HD Video Processor is the latest generation of Sony’s exclusive
WEGA HD Engine fully Digital signal-processing path. It includes video
processing functions that are designed to improve overall picture quality. The
WEGA Engine HD has similar functions to the WEGA Engine — a green, blue, and
white color enhancer circuit for a vivid image, digital MPEG noise reduction
circuit to reduce annoying MPEG artifacts, and the digital contrast enhancer
circuit to deliver crisp and vivid images with high contrast. The WEGA Engine HD
adds the following: DRC-MFv2.5–Sony’s exclusive video signal processing that
improves video signals to a realistic and clean picture quality according to
signal types, CCP-XA–generates high purity, high signal-to-noise ratio and
enables the generation of wide bandwidth and stable digital component signals,
IFP2–has functions that optimize contrast and remove noise in the signal to
reproduce video with little noise and blur.

The Advanced Iris function is a special Sony function designed to improve
Contrast expression especially in darker scenes. The Advanced Iris function is
enabled by using either one of two modes, Auto and Manual. The Auto Mode has two
settings designed to work best with video content such as movies that vary
between bright scenes and dark scenes. Auto 1 is for programs that have a wide
range of brightness from scene to scene. Auto 2 is for programs that have less
variation between brightness levels from scene to scene.

If you’re a cable subscriber, the KDSR70XBR2’s CableCARD slot provides you
with access to digitally encrypted cable channels without the need for a set-top
box. The CableCARD, which is provided by your cable TV provider, is inserted
into the TVs rear panel CableCARD slot. After the service is activated by your
cable TV company, the card replaces the need for an external box.

Designed for maximum versatility, Sony’s Grand WEGA XBR line is equipped
with a comprehensive range of input interfaces. The HDMI (High-Definition
Multimedia Interface) is the first industry-supported, uncompressed, all-Digital
audio/video interface. HDMI technology supports enhanced or High Definition
video, together with multi-channel Digital audio to provide matchless image and
sound reproduction. The PC input (D-Sub 15) offers easy connection to your PC,
allowing you to use your high resolution Grand WEGA XBR TV as a computer
monitor.

Considering the remarkable picture quality, its audio has a lot to live up
to. And it does. Sony’s top-of-the-line audio delivers powerful, rich, detailed
soundscapes that fully complement the screen. With MTS Stereo decoding and SRS
TruSurround XT, you’ll get outstanding stereo sound as well as virtual surround
sound.

Source:
http://www.hdtv-news.co.uk/2007/09/14/sony-kds-r70xbr2-hdtv/

Speaker Stands: What are they for anyways?

So what are Speaker Stands anyways?

For those of you who are wondering what a speaker stand is used for, the kinda-short answer is:

To control the flow of vibrations away from the speaker, and to not let the speaker's own vibrations (or the vibrations from surrounding items, including the woofer) muffle itself.

So,...aside from using speaker stands to neatly "seat" your speakers like the top photo at the left,...it's necessary because it gives the "space" for your speakers to do its job.

You can check-out all the speaker stands available at AudioVideoComponents.com here: http://www.audiovideocomponents.com/Speaker-Stands-s/130.htm

Sony to launch new models of Blu-ray recorders in November

Here's the latest news from Forbes.com about the upcoming Blu-Ray Recorders from Sony:

TOKYO (Thomson Financial) - Sony Corp, the world's second-largest consumer electronics maker, said Wednesday it will start selling four new models of Blu-ray disc recorders in early November. Sony (nyse: SNE - news - people ) said it aims to produce 40,000 units of the Blu-ray disc recorders a month.

The high-definition machines will hit the market in time for the crucial year-end holiday shopping season with a price tag ranging from 140,000 yen to 200,000 yen, depending on the disk drivecapacity.

Source:
http://www.forbes.com/markets/feeds/afx/2007/09/12/afx4107818.html

Fun + Games ... Jeopardy! Goes Interactive on DVD

The Jeopardy! loving fans here at the Audio/Video Buzz team are very excited about the new Jeopardy! interactive DVD game.

While you may think that it's just a DVD that you pop into your DVD player and play along by talking out loud in front of your screen while using your remote to navigate about, this new Jeopardy! game takes it a step...actually,...several steps further: this game tries to take you in a live experience, with Alex Trebek asking the questions, and wireless buzzers for players to use. Here's what's said on the press release:

Hosted by the show’s very own Alex Trebek, the Jeopardy! DVD game system uses exclusive interactive technology to recreate the live experience of America’s Favorite Quiz Show®. Up to three players compete in 20 original “episodes” and answer over 1200 challenging questions -- all read by Alex Trebek. Wireless buzzers allow players to navigate an interactive game board and respond to clues that appear on the TV screen.

Jeopardy!, Sony Pictures Consumer Products and MGA Entertainment worked together throughout the year-long production to ensure that the Jeopardy! fan was considered in each and every element of the game. In addition to Alex hosting, some of these elements include digitally recreating the set, players using individual buzzers and the voice of Johnny Gilbert introducing the game. Many categories also feature video clues by the fan-favorite “Clue Crew” -- a first for a Jeopardy! home game!

With real-time scoring and the chance to wager on Daily Doubles and Final Jeopardy!, the Jeopardy! DVD game is the next best thing to being an actual contestant on the show!

You can check-out the full article here:

http://www.smartbrief.com/news/cea/industryBW-detail.jsp?id=184676EC-6814-4568-9C3B-0DD64A32CB79