From 240 Hz to "LED" TVs to some hi-fi that proves what's old is new, to our annual Installation of the Year Awards, here's November 2009 all wrapped up, no lines, no waiting.

240 Hz and Beyond
With claims of decreased motion blur, better detail, world peace, and smoother motion, LCD manufacturers are drastically increasing refresh rates. But why?

First it was 120 Hz. Now it’s 240 Hz. Already manufacturers are talking about 480 Hz. I mean, 60 Hz is so 20th century. Are there really any advantages to these faster refresh rates? If so, how do they work? more...

PRODUCT REVIEWS

Samsung UN46B8000 LCD TV Review
240 IS GO! Samsung lights up the sides and slides into 240 Hz with the svelte UN46B8000.

This thing is gorgeous, and I haven’t even turned it on yet. Über-thin—I think it’s two dimensional.

Amazingly, the attractiveness of this set is only one of its claims to fame. more...

Marantz SC-7S2, MA-9S2, and SA-7S1 Reviews
Marantz goes for truth in nomenclature with their new Reference series.

The Reference Series is Marantz's no-holds-barred line of audio components, which includes several amps, preamps, integrated amps, control amps and disc players.

The flagship components in my review system are two MA-9S2 monaural power amplifiers, the SC-7S2 Control Amplifier and the SA-7S1 CD/SACD player. more...

McIntosh 60th Anniversary Special Edition System Review
The 60th Anniversary Limited Edition C22 Tube Preamplifier and MC75 Tube Monoblock Power Amplifier aren't exact replicas of the originals—they're better!

McIntosh is commemorating its 60th anniversary with 120 sets of its legendary C22 stereo preamplifier and MC75 monoblock power amplifiers for the U.S. market. Like the re-born, retro-styled, Mustang, Camaro, and Challenger, these components look the part and seduce the eye with classic styling, but inside, they feature modern design touches. more...

Installation of the Year Awards 2009

Power Saving TV Features
Have you embraced your TV’s power-saving features?

It seems like every TV manufacturer is trying to sell us on its products’ energy efficiency, mostly by touting the TVs’ power-saving features.

Be warned, though: Not all power-saving modes are created equal, so it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the different options to know exactly what you’re getting.

more...

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