Introduction While even the most hardcore movie enthusiast would be hard-pressed to rattle off more than a handful of DVD or music titles in DTS ES (6.1 Surround) or THX EX (7.1 Surround), Anthem believes that 6.1 and 7.1 channel formats will eventually be the norm. DVD-Video mastering is exploring exciting new territory with surround mixes, as are the engineers mixing the first generation DVD-Audio and some SACD titles, yet it is the emerging market of video gaming that offers the most hope for advanced surround sound formats – both discrete and matrixed formats. To prepared for the future, Anthem has created the PVA 7, a power amplifier that will allow you to use all of the capabilities available in the most advanced audio/video receivers and AV preamps. The Anthem PVA 7 is a seven-channel, single-chassis power amplifier rated at 105 watts x 7 into 8 ohms and 140 watts x 7 into 4 ...

Introduction It was only a few years ago that a great separation was drawn between those who indulged in the passions of music reproduction, and those with a passion for video and movies. Rarely did the hardware for the two combine at a level of ultimate performance. The new millennium has ushered in a whole new breed of consumer electronics enthusiasts, passionate about watching movies or listening to music, but also enjoying the prodigious world of complete home entertainment including video games, music in multiple formats and more. At the core of any multi-channel audio/video system is the Surround Sound Processor (SSP) or AV preamp, responsible for providing digital signal processing for multi-channel movies, music and games. The Anthem AVM20 is a high-performance Surround Sound processor, preamplifier and tuner that retails for a competitively priced $3,199, available in either silver or black finished front plates. The most typical configuration for surround processing comes in the form ...

Introduction The first thing I noticed about the Apple iPod when I cracked open the box was a sticker right on the screen saying, "Do not steal music!" It dawned on me that this may be the best use of reverse psychology I have ever witnessed. The Apple iPod is Steve Jobs' latest attempt at wooing Apple loyalists with yet another unbelievably sexy product in an entirely new product category specifically designed for Apple’s target market – Generations X and Y. The Apple iPod is an MP3 storage device, created by the Apple industrial design team led by Jonathan Ive. These are the same people who were the creative power behind the groundbreaking iMac. As a study in design, The iPod is no slouch when compared to the iMac, especially considering that at $399, it has a larger hard drive than my Apple iBook laptop, yet still fits easily in my palm and/or slides ...

Introduction Life is full of compromises. There is always a situation when you wished that you had paid the extra money, or waited a bit longer for something that would have been more satisfying had you stuck to your guns, instead of bowing to the pressure of other influences. When it comes to consumer electronics, the strongest influence is predictably cash. Another can be what I call "Spousal Acceptance Factor," or "SAF." In my case, statements like "you’re not putting that in my living room" can be common. Aesthetics play a big part. You want to make a physical statement to yourself and those around you with your speakers. Then there is size. Speakers have to fit into your existing environment without detracting from your living space. With all of this in mind, you are ready to start shopping for real loudspeakers. One option that can please a fairly wide range of tastes and ...

Updates To The AudioRevolution.com Best Of Format In 2001 we decided to list all of the best current products in a specific category which we are continuing for 2001. This year you’ll note we have more liberally added in accessory and auxiliary products that AudioRevolution.com reviewers use in their reference systems. For example: because of space and editorial limitations we are unlikely to do a full feature review on a product like the Terk TV55 antenna but we did mention it significantly in the Sony HD100 review. In this year’s Best of, the Terk is eligible for an award.