SECRETS Home Theater Q&A

I currently have a Windows 7 PC connected to my TV via VGA and stereo audio. I use this setup to watch Netflix and Hulu. I would like to be able to get 5.1 sound, which Netflix (and maybe Hulu) says they support if the hardware in the PC supports it. Are there graphic cards that have HDMI output that also include 5.1 audio over the HDMI cable? I should then be able to connect it to say a Yamaha RX-V375 receiver and have 5.1 audio.

- Ken L
Boston, Mass

I want to use two subwoofers and keep the bass stereo for recordings that, in fact, have phase differences in the low frequencies. So I am looking for a processor or receiver that, when all the main speakers are set to "small," sends the left-side bass to the left subwoofer, the right-side bass to the right subwoofer, and splits the center-channel bass. Also, if any product actually does this, what happens when you run the auto EQ/room correction? Would the auto EQ make the subwoofers mono?

- Richard Severance
St. Paul, MN

I am considering buying the Klipsch Reference II 5.1 home-theater speaker system, Aperion Audio Verus Grand Tower XD system, or GoldenEar Technology TritonCinema Two system. Which is the best choice? Or what would you recommend around the $4000 - $4500 price range?

- Arnel Balatbat
Auburn, WA

I am thinking about the Panasonic ZT60 plasma, but I hear that Panasonic and Sony are going to make OLED TVs. Also, Netflix will start 4K streaming. What is a person to do, wait for OLED or buy 4K? Is the ZT60 worth getting?

- Paul Rothman
Miami, FL

Monoprice sent me an email about HDMI cables with RedMere technology in them. Near as I can figure, this technology allows longer runs with thinner wire. What is RedMere technology?

- David Eckard
Durham, NC

Do the DACs (digital-to-analog converters) in mid-priced AV receivers perform as well as standalone DACs such as the Peachtree Audio DAC-iT or Musical Fidelity V-DAC II?

- Ed Wood
West Chester, PA

I have a JBL Synthesis AV2 processor with HDMI 1.1 and eight RCA analog-audio inputs. I want to buy a new Blu-ray player, but I've been told conflicting info about what outputs the player needs to send 7.1 channels of HD audio to the AVP. I have been told that HDMI 1.1 will only accept 5.1 channels from a player, and to get all 7.1 channels, I need a player with eight RCA outputs. Other sources say the AVP should be able to handle 7.1 channels via HDMI 1.1. Which true?

I am looking at the Sony BDP-S790 player, which doesn't have eight outputs, only HDMI 1.4, versus the Oppo BDP-103 and 105. Which do you like best?

- John Baldino
Orange, CT

I would like to get the 58-inch Vizio XVT3D580CM CinemaWide HDTV with a 21:9 aspect ratio. I'm sure it will be great watching Blu-ray discs, but I'm concerned that it might be a disappointment with 16:9 content from my HD cable provider and over-the-air local channels. Can you give me the advantages and disadvantages of this TV, and if you've reviewed it, can you tell me what you think?

- Jay Nesbitt
Chula Vista, CA

I enjoy movies in 3D with Dolby Atmos sound, such as Live of Pi, but the only local cinema showing in this format is the ArcLight Cinema in Sherman Oaks, CA, which uses active glasses for 3D. Does this make the movies too dark to enjoy?

- Barry Operman
Santa Monica, CA

What do you think of bipolar speakers? Are they worth the price, and do they perform well while playing movies and music? Crutchfield has a special on Definitive Technology bipolar speakers—when you buy the front two, you get the center and two surround speakers. Would this be a good value at $2000? Would you put these in your home system?

- Paul Schneider
Garden Grove, CA

I recently purchased a Marantz NR1602 receiver and Pioneer SP-PK52FS speaker package. I am really excited and pleased with the performance, but I now have a new problem—way too many remotes! I hear a lot of endorsement for the Logitech Harmony remotes, but I also have seen a lot of professional installers recommend URC and RTI remotes. I am not afraid to dive in and spend a few hours programming my own macros, and I prefer a remote based on physical buttons. My current system includes an Apple TV, Marantz NR1602 receiver, Dish Network Hopper, Panasonic TC-P50ST50 plasma TV, and a Sony PS3, which I know I'll need an added dongle to control. Can you recommend a particular model? Price is not an issue.

- Cory Hack
Hollis Center, ME

I bought a Denon AVR-1913 AV receiver. It's a 7.1-channel unit, but I am planning to use only two speakers initially. Is it okay to do so? What speakers do you suggest?

- Aji A
Austin, TX

I'm looking at getting an LG 47LM7600 because I like the passive glasses. Also, I really like the Vizio XVT3D474SV, but it's hard to find a new one, not a refurb. I've heard you say that you don't think LG Blu-ray players are that good. So my first question is, will an LG TV work with, say, a Samsung Blu-ray player, since they are different 3D systems? Also, should I spend $200 more and get the Vizio XVT3D474SV? I don't have $499 to spend on an Oppo Blu-ray player, but I'd like a nice one.

- James Isom
Frankfort, IL