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ReQuest Adds HD TV Interface and Sirius Radio to iQ Whole House Music System

Ballston Spa, New Yorkâ€"July 9, 2008â€" ReQuest, the preeminent manufacturer of digital media servers has added two important new features to its acclaimed iQ Whole House Music System. An all-new on-screen HDTV GUI (graphical user interface), and Sirius satellite-radio compatibility, arrive together in a new software update v4.6.3, which will be released the week of July 14th.

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SAMSUNG LAUNCHES POWERFUL COMPACT CAMCORDER WITH YOUTUBE CONNECTIVITY

RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J., July 9, 2008 â€" Today, Samsung Electronics America, Inc. unveiled the SC-MX20, the successor to the company's popular SC-MX10 compact digital camcorder.  The ideal camcorder for the exploding generation of consumers uploading video content to the Internet, the SC-MX20 features a customized recording mode optimized for YouTube or multi-media devices, further simplifying the way users integrate the camcorder into their digital lifestyles.

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NuVo Technologies Announces Training Dates for CEDIA EXPO 2008

Hebron, KY â€" July 8, 2008 â€" NuVo Technologies will be hosting three training courses at the CEDIA Expo 2008, in Denver, CO. The courses will focus on NuVo's complete “Suite” solutions to multi-room audio and provide valuable insight to understanding and maximizing the benefits of the system. This is a great class for seasoned installers to understand the Suite concept as well as for Rookie's who are just learning about the NuVo product offerings.

Movie Renter’s Guide – July, 2008

The Ruins (Blu-ray), Drillbit Taylor (Blu-ray), Mad Men (Blu-ray), Batman: The Movie (Blu-ray), The Bank Job (Blu-ray), Patriot Games (Blu-ray), Belly (Blu-ray), High Noon (SD DVD), Clear and Present Danger (Blu-ray), The Sum of All Fears (Blu-ray) . . . more coming.

Toshiba Regza 46RV53OU 46″ 1080p LCD HDTV

If an HDTV like this had been available three years ago, it would have been spectacular. However, this is mid-2008, and there are lots of excellent 1080p units out there. In short, although the contrast ratio on the Toshiba 46RV53OU was exceptional, the overall performance was disappointing.

Canton Chrono 5.1 Home Theater Speaker System

The Canton Chrono speaker system proves that you cannot judge a book solely by its cover (although I thought the front baffle lacquer finish was pretty slick looking anyway). It provides a realistic soundstage, with imaging that is particularly well-suited for film reproduction. If you're looking for a 5.1 system in this price, you'll definitely want to put the Canton Chrono series on your audition list.

Music Reviews – July, 2008

 

Exquisite is a word I once reserved for the subtle beauties of classical song. Then I began to listen to ECM Grammy Award-winning producer Manfred Eicher's jazz recordings, and my perspective changed. I can't vouch for yours, but I feel confident that the rarefied atmosphere of opening five trackson this CD may very well take your breath away. And that includes the trio's cover of Prince's 1991 "Diamonds and Pearls," as well as sublime renditions of music by Gary Peacock, Ennio Morricone, contemporary trumpeter Tomasz Stanko, and pianist / trio founder Marcin Wasilewski.

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HTPC: The Pieces

  When I first started to think about building an HTPC I was faced with an enormous number of choices.  What HTPC case should I buy?  What motherboard should I...

Jazz Great Karrin Alysson Talks with Secrets

It's the special qualities of Karrin Alysson's instantly recognizable, slightly hoarse vocalism that set her apart. Her careful attention to words, the phrases molded with an intelligence that declares her total involvement, the impeccable pianism that illuminates a good share of her performances, and her overarching desire to tell a story all unite to pull listeners into her songs. Whether she's singing about poet Robert Frost or a lover's embrace, the warmth, depth, and honesty of Alysson's artistry catapults her into the same august company as three of her jazz idols, Carmen McCrae, Nancy Wilson, and Dinah Washington.