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.

Projector's Friend

Projection screens are often overlooked, despite being looked at. Whether you're looking for a motorized screen or fixed screen, gray or white, matching your projector with the right screen can improve its performance, and perhaps the performance of your entire theater.

No matter what you're looking for, or how you shop, this guide will tell you everything you need to know to find the right TV for you.

Shopping for a new TV can be quite daunting. Countless models, countless prices, different technologies, and every store you go into telling you to buy something different.

With this guide, we'll help you navigate your way through all this, so that you can find the TV that suits your needs.

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.

When you turn off your flat-panel TV, it becomes a black hole in the wall. Here’s how to hide it away when you’re not watching.

My friend Steve just bought a large flat-panel TV and mounted it to the wall. He assumed his wife would love the sleek look, but she’s not happy with the way the TV becomes a “piece of black glass that’s just hanging there” when it’s not in use. It seems like she wishes the TV would just go away when they’re not watching it. Luckily for Steve, it doesn’t take any magic at all to make that happen.

It was just a short time ago that I was talking about Pioneer's decision to halt plasma manufacturing. This past week they showed their wares at the trendy (I’m told) Gramercy Park Hotel in New York City.

While one might expect some reduction in their products after such a huge announcement, they went the other way. They actually seem to be expanding their lines across the board with several new displays, Blu-ray players, and receivers.

Starting in July, Denon is launching 10 new receivers… though admittedly five are just different (somewhat de-contented) versions for different retail chains.

The coolest feature in all of these new receivers is the inclusion of Audyssy's MultEQ, DynamicEQ, and Dynamic Volume. Other Denon receivers have had MultiEQ, but they were more expensive.

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.