It was almost ninety years ago, back in 1922, that the first 3D film was shown to a paying crowd.  They used red and green glasses at the time, but the idea was the same.  Add a third dimension to film – a field of depth – and give viewers an experience they’ve never had before.  The Great Depression made it difficult to conduct expensive experiments like 3D film, and the technology lay dormant for thirty years.  In the 1950s, 3D film exploded back onto the scene and was on its way to becoming the primary form of theatrical entertainment.  High installation prices and another slumping economy meant that 3D would once again have to wait.Since then there have been numerous 3D resurgences.  Theatergoers are always on the lookout for something new.  For younger generations, three dimensional films are a ...

The Basics:With a cabinet measuring 59” H x 20” W x 25.5 D and weighing in at 412 lbs., sound is the only big thing that Thor’s Hammer from Wilson Audio brings. At its core, Thor’s Hammer has two 15” woofers with a dual-spider cone design (based on long-throw woofers) that lowers distortions and delivers dynamic audio. It has a generous frequency range of 15Hz-70Hz. An optional outboard crossover means easy integration to your full range system.It can support other popular Wilson Audio components like MAXX version 3, WATT Puppy version 8, and Alexandria loudspeakers with its very capable 93 dB speaker. In addition, Thor’s Hammer includes an essential and unique Wilson Audio Controller that integrates all this advanced technologies into your whole music system, acting as both a crossover and equalizer. Therefore, you can faultlessly get a hybrid music ...

The Basics: The TX Series is Westinghouse’s top LCD line, yet these HDTVs are still an outstanding value in the 1080p market. This new 2008 model is the company’s first 52-inch LCD, and it boasts a slightly faster response time of 6.5ms, a higher stated contrast ratio of 5,000:1 and a slightly different (and more attractive) aesthetic, with a glossy black frame and brushed titanium accents. The TX-52F480S has the same generous input panel found on last year’s models. The four HDMI inputs, two component video inputs and one PC input all accept 1080p. Westinghouse puts a priority on convenience and ease of use. The side-facing input panels make it easier to connect your sources, the cable-management system makes it easier to hide the cables, and the AutoSource feature conveniently switches you to the right input when you power up a source. ...

The Basics: The TX Series is Westinghouse’s top LCD line, yet these HDTVs are still an outstanding value in the 1080p market. This 2007 model has a generous input panel, with four HDMI inputs, two component video inputs and a PC input, all of which accept 1080p. Westinghouse puts a priority on convenience and ease of use. The side-facing input panels make it easier to connect your sources, the cable management system makes it easier to hide the cables, and the AutoSource feature conveniently switches you to the right input when you power up a source. For the hi-def newbie, the Quick Install Matrix explains the different connection options. A single RF input provides access to the internal NTSC, ATSC and ClearQAM tuners, and an electronic program guide is included. The TX-42F430S’s aesthetic is fairly basic, with a two-tone black/dark-silver finish and ...

AV Education on RHT What Is DVD-Audio? Written by Jerry Del Colliano What Is DVD-Audio? DVD-Audio is one of the two competing pre-recorded audio formats positioned to replace the Compact Disc after the CD’s 20-year reign as the ruler of the world’s music stores. DVD-Audio is derived from the same DVD disc that DVD-Video movies are recorded on. However, with DVD-Audio, the space on the disc is configured to optimize high-resolution audio, surround sound and added value features.