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Yamaha Introduces neoHD Media Controller Product Line
 If you are intimidated by the traditional home theater receiver with its inputs, outputs, and extensive setup and operating options, Yamaha may have an answer for you. Its new line of neoHD Media Controllers is designed to be as simple to use as possible, while still providing the necessary audio/video flexibility for today's user. There are two models: the MC500 ($599)and the MC700 ($799). Both units offer 5.1 channel audio processing (including Dolby TrueHD decoding), Three HDMI inputs, analog to HDMI video conversion, and USB, iPod docking station, and bluetooth docking station ports. In addition, the MC700 is also WiFi enabled, allowing the user to connect to a home network for accessing media content stored on a PC or Rhapsody content directly streamed from the internet.  However, the key to Yamaha's new media controllers isn't so much the inputs, outputs, and audio/video features, but its unique onscreen menu-driven navigation system. The only control on the front panel are the on/off and master volume control. Instead of a remote control filled with buttons, the only direct access buttons on the remote are for power, volume, channel (when using with a TV), and Mute. The menu navigation buttons provide access to all of the rest of Media Controllers functions. In addition, using IR extenders, the user can control up to six additional components usiung the neoHD's menu system (four IR extenders are provided).
I must say, looking at the photos and feature information provided by Yamaha, their media controller concept is certainly interesting. However, the proof is in real world performance, stay tuned for more on whether this new concept is on the right track... For now, check out Yamaha's Official neoHD Product Pageas well as the user manualprovided with both the MC500 and MC700 Media Controllers. Stay tuned for more indepth details on performance as they become available. Blog Photos (c) Yamaha Electronics Corporation. Click on photos for larger view. Home Theater Term of the Week - Home Theater Receiver
The Home Theater receiver is the heart of a home theater system and provides most, if not all, the inputs and outputs that you connect everything, including your television, into. An AV Receiver provides a way of centralizing your your home theater system.A Home Theater Receiver usually combines the functions of three components: 1.A radio tuner for AM/FM and, in some cases, HD (High Definition Radio) or XM-Satellite Radio. 2.A Preamplifier that switches and controls which audio and video source is selected (such as a DVD player, VCR, CD player, etc...) and processes the incoming stereo or surround sound signals and distributes them to the correct amplifier channels and the subwoofer output. The preamp in an AV receiver can also route video signals coming from source components (such as a DVD player) and direct the video signal to the television. 3.A built-in Multi-channel amplifier (5.1, 6.1, or 7.1 channels) that sends the surround sound signals and power to the speaker system. For additional terms and definitions, check out my Home Theater Glossary U.S. Supreme Court Strikes A Blow For TV Viewing Freedom
The Movie Studios and TV Networks are hopping mad over this one - The U.S. Supreme Court has decided not to hear a case involving a suit against Cablevision's new remote-DVR systemthat allows its subscribers to store recorded Cable TV programs and movies on a centralized server for latter viewing. The advantage of this system is that the subscriber has all the advantages of owning a DVR, without actually having to own or rent their own DVR box. The Copyright Alliancehad claimed that such a system violates existing copyright law. For the full story, check out the report posted by NAB365. Seagate FreeAgent Theater HD Media Player - Product Review
 Seagate is a familiar name in the PC world as makers of hard drives that are used in PCs, DVRs, and DVD Recorder/Hard Drive Combos. Now, Seagate is offering its own media playback solution: the FreeAgent Theater. The FreeAgent Theater is a hard-drive based media player that allows you to play back audio, video, and still image files stored on specially designed portable hard drive and also from USB flash drives and many Digital Still cameras. To find out more about the Seagate FreeAgent Theater and if it is right for you, check out both my Product Reviewand Photo Gallery. Photos (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com. Click on photos for larger view.  Transferring Old 8mm Film Movies To DVD or VHS
It is Summertime, and for many, that means there is extra time to clean out the garage or attic. Although this can be a laborious process, sometimes one can stumble upon valuable treasure. One treasure may be old 8mm films (not to be confused with video tape) that haven't been seen in years. With the technology that is available today, you can actually take those old films and transfer them to video for renewed family enjoyment and future preservation. For some useful tips on how to get started transferring old 8mm films, check out my article Transferring Old 8mm Film Movies To DVD or VHS.
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