The Basics: The 7 Series is one of the higher-end series in Olevia’s LCD lineup. This 47-inch, 1080p model has an 8ms response time and employs Silicon Optix’s Realta HQV chip to handle its video-processing duties. The 747i has a healthy connection panel, with two HDMI inputs that accept 1080p/60 and 1080p/24, two component video inputs, one PC input and two RF inputs to access the internal tuners. There’s also an RS-232 port for integration into an advanced control system, plus a USB port that allows you to load firmware updates obtained from the company’s website. Instead of using common picture presets like vivid, natural and movie, the 747i’s picture modes are set up based on the type of sources you connect, such as progressive DVD, high-def TV, or gaming console. The menu includes a limited three-step adjustable backlight and direct access to ...

Introduction The Mod4 speaker system from Orb Audio is the Internet-based company’s attempt at a no-holds-barred home theater loudspeaker solution pointed directly at today’s design-conscious consumer. The system is rather compact and retails for a manageable $1,999 for a complete 5.1 system and comes straight from the factory to you via Orb’s website, as well as offering a 30-day money-back guarantee. For years, Orb Audio has been famed the world over for their stylish designs and quality sound at affordable prices, all made right here in the good ol’ U. S. of A., and their latest concoction, the Mod4 system reviewed here, is consistent with that tradition. The Mod4 speaker system was delivered to my office personally by Orb Audio president Garry Pelled. I was able to chat with Garry about the Mod4 system for a bit, as well as Orb’s manufacturing ...

Introduction My grandparents would often attribute greatness to the presence of “something in the water.” If there is something in the water, then the designers of today’s modern home theater receivers are a hydrated bunch. The latest crop of receivers from the likes of Denon, Yamaha, Integra, Sony and Onkyo has not only been rather exceptional but measurably better than their costlier rivals, separate home theater components. They’ve been more up to date with the changing marketplace (some, like the Onkyo TX-SR805, boast HDMI 1.3 specs), they’re less expensive than ever and even easier to use. Oh, and they sound freaking great. Add it all up and it’s no wonder why so many consumers and enthusiasts hip to the latest trends are snatching up receivers like candy from a piñata. Receivers make sense, and the latest offering from Onkyo, the TX-SR805 reviewed here, is no exception. At $999 retail, the TX-SR805, at the time of ...

Introduction A growing trend in high-value audio video retail sales is to actually remove the physical retail store from the buying process. In recent years, speaker companies like Aperion and Orb Audio have made headway against the brick and mortar entrenched brands, leaving their customers with a glowing feeling when they open the boxes to realize just how much speaker they got for the money. On the electronics side, Outlaw Audio has become an AVRev.com staff favorite, with their powerful yet affordable amps, truly competitive subwoofers, feature-packed receivers and, in the case of this review, a $999 flagship AV preamp that comes loaded with many of the latest bells and whistles found on state of the art AV preamps, at one-tenth the price. Among factors tempting consumers to buy are an in-home 30-day guarantee, a five-year warranty, 800-number tech support and ...

Introduction We’ve all been there. Stuck at a red light trying to enjoy our music in the comfort of our own vehicles. Maybe you play a bit of air guitar, or sing along, whatever your inner child wants, it’s okay because you’re in your car. Your bubble. Your sanctuary. That is, until, the jerk in the three thousand dollar Honda Civic with the grapefruit shooter for a tailpipe rolls up next to you and assaults you with what I can only describe as an amplified fart trapped within a soda can. Sure, he’ll call it bass. I call it automotive flatulence. That trunk rattling, muffler busting sound isn’t bass. It’s distortion. It’s noise. And if you’re one of these people…do the world a favor, turn it down. The only person you’re impressing is yourself which judging by the slapdash way you’ve snap-tightened your car isn’t saying a whole lot. If you want bass - ...