Which is better, or more precisely, which isn't worse

It's not that I hated Time Warner Cable. In fact, in a lot of ways I kind of liked them. For several years, I had the Scientific Atlanta 8000HD DVR box, which, after many updates, was a pretty decent piece of equipment. Then, after my second one died (as hard-drive based equipment is bound to do), they gave me the 8300HDC. This is the worst consumer electronics product I've ever used, and my days with TWC were numbered. And along came AT&T.

How well do the new compression schemes from Dolby and DTS stack up against uncompressed audio? We buff up our golden ears to audition and compare the latest Blu-ray audio codecs, in the design labs that developed them.

Compared to DVD, the tremendous increase in storage capacity of the Blu-ray disc format, necessary to carry the increased high definition video data payload, also provides for expanded audio options, including the ability to carry so-called lossless audio formats such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.

Launching today, Disney's new Innoventions Dream Home has the kind of toys that adults will want.

Where once robots touted magical machines like microwaves and dishwashers, now it is all about the smart home. Key to the interaction of all the various bits is Life|ware, makers of extensive home automation gear.

Each room in the "house"(really just the center of the old rotating Carousel of Progress exhibit) has touch panels, and all interact with streaming HD feeds and HP media servers running Microsoft's Media Center.

Don't get stuck with low quality MP3s. This quick guide will take you through step by step how to rip your CDs the audiophile way.

When "ripping" a music file from a Compact Disc the audiophile way, there are two goals. First, extract a bit-perfect copy. Second, obtain the corresponding album cover image and meta data—the album title, song titles, artist and genre. Luckily, iTunes (and similar programs) helps on both fronts, as long as you choose the following correct settings.

Bringing a Splash of Art Home

ArtScreen, from Vutec are more than just pieces of artwork.

In fact, each one serves a dual purpose. ArtScreen products transform and cover everything, including LCDs, video projection screens, plasma TVs and speakers with beautiful art. They add a splash of color and flair of to any home’s décor palette.

But which one to choose?

Our 10 Best Design Award winners

The year's best designs, from electronics to furniture. 

Our 10 Best Software Award winners.

Nothing less than our picks for the best demo material of the past year.

The Best Articles of the Year

A year of reviews, of theaters, a year of features. So many to chose from.

So on this last day of the year, here's a look back at our most popular features, reviews, and custom installations of the year.

All in one convenient place!

All the links after the jump.