YO U R C O M P L E T E G U I D E T O H O M E E N T E R TA I N M E N T T E C H N O L O G Y

TeAM iPod accessories

The hottest new add-ons for
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E!
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 Active Home
Welcome
From the
Editor According to a recent report by the
Office of Communications (Ofcom),
us Brits are leading the way in Europe
when it comes to digital TV. Almost 70 per cent of
households are now enjoying digital services – for the first time, there are
actually more people watching digital satellite than there are tuning into
terrestrial analogue broadcasts.
Add this news to the rapid take-up of HD Ready TVs, and the buzz
surrounding the next generation of DVD players, and the future of home
entertainment certainly looks exciting.
Of course, one drawback with all of this kit is the mess most of us make
connecting it together. The Spaghetti Junction of cables combined with the
small number of connectors on even the latest TVs can prove to be a right pain in
the posterior. Fortunately, help is at hand thanks to the good-old AV receiver.
Acting as a ‘central hub’ for your DVD player, CD player, set-top box, games
console, VCR, tape deck and more (yep, I’ve still got my Laserdisc), the
AV receiver can help bring order to chaos. Not only do these beauties let you easily
switch between components at the touch of a button, the latest products offer
multiple flavours of surround sound, and can improve video signals to give you the
best possible pictures. Throw in an integrated FM or even DAB radio tuner, and you
can see why receivers are the heart of many modern entertainment systems. Turn
to page 35 for our group test of the latest models, starting at just £170.
The Active Home team has also been busy comparing the latest Media Center
PCs. These designer systems are a far cry from traditional office computers, with
DVD recording, TV and PVR functionality. If you’ve never thought of adding one
to your system, turn to page 55 to see what all the fuss is about. We’ve also been
test driving the latest portable media players – Apple’s iPod is by far the most
popular, but is it still the best?
Other highlights in this issue include Panasonic’s heavyweight 65in plasma,
Yamaha’s outstanding DSP-AX757SE amplifier, and one of the best surround-
sound speaker packages we’ve ever heard from B&W. We also show you how to
perfect your surround-sound setup using THX DVDs, add Top Up TV to a
Freeview box and stream music, photos and video from a PC to an Xbox 360.

Chris Cain
Editor, Active Home

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w w w. a c t i v e h o m e . c o . u k 5
 Conte Issue 5 Spring 2006

EDITORIAL
Editor-in-chief Dylan Armbrust
Editor Chris Cain
Regulars
Production Editor Naomi MacKay
Art Editor Jon Ross
Contributing Editor Jonathan Parkyn
8 Home Comforts
Contributors Paul Allen, Anthony Next-generation plasma screens,
Dhanendran, Cliff Joseph, Luke Peters,
Will Stapley, Kelvin Taylor TVs that double as a mirror and a fitness
Editorial Assistant Anna Lagerkvist
Sorry, no technical or buying advice. system built around your favourite films
ADVERTISING – just some of the latest products designed
Sales Manager Paul Button to enhance your digital life
020 7316 9606
Strategic Planning Manager
Damiti Ward 020 7316 9420
Sales & Marketing Consultant
Stephanie Quist 020 7316 9723
77 Competition
Key Account Manager Enter the Active Home competition
Eve Daniels 020 7316 9416

WIN!
Client Manager Natalie Lue and you could be streaming audio
020 7316 9208
Sales Executive Akbar Ansari around your house with a fantastic
020 7316 9223
Philips WACS700 music centre
MARKETING AND CIRCULATION
Brand Marketing Manager Tim Webb
Marketing Executive Kieran Proverbs
Subscriptions Manager
Harriet Cumming
Newsstand manager Emma Smyth
Reprints & Buy It/Great Value
Awards Kieran Proverbs 020 7316 9180

PRODUCTION
Production Director Joanne Hurst
Production Manager Cathy Mahoney
Digital Production Controller
Hot new products
11 pages full of the very latest home entertainment and digital lifestyle products
Rebecca Yegliss
Production Controller Sacha Farnham

PUBLISHING
Reviewed this issue
Publishing Director Duncan Tickell
Chairman and Chief Executive, VNU
Plasma screen Panasonic TH65PV500 TV 16
Business Media Europe Ruud Bakker
AV amplifier Yamaha DSP-AX757SE 18
OVERSEAS LICENSING
Active Home is available for international Media streaming device Slim Device Squeezebox 3 20
licensing. Please contact Joanna Mitchell
at joanna_mitchell@vnu.co.uk for more LCD TV JVC LT-26DS6BJ 22
information

DISCLAIMER
DLP projector Samsung SP-P300ME 23
Readers are reminded that the
opinions expressed, and the results Home theatre system B&W MT-20 24
published in connection with reviews
and/or laboratory test reports carried
out on computing systems and/or
DVD recorder Hitachi DV-DS161E 26
related items, are confined to, and are
representative of, only those goods as Portable DVD player Toshiba SD-P2800 26
supplied and should not be construed
as a recommendation to purchase.
Whilst every precaution is taken to
Mini hi-fi TEAC TR-H255 27
ensure that reliability and good
business practices prevail, the Internet radio Acoustic Energy AE Wi-Fi 27
Publisher cannot be held responsible
for the overall trading activities of any LCD projector Hitachi PJ-TX200 28
supplier referred to, or advertising
within, this publication. All movie
and TV images copyright their
CD player Denon DCD-1500AE 29
respective owners.
DAB radio and CD player Nevada Genus PR1i 29
For issues regarding copyright,
call 020 7316 9180
VNU Business Publications Ltd,
32-34 Broadwick Street,
London W1A 2HG.
Telephone: 020 7316 9000
We cannot respond to any
correspondence personally.

A PUBLICATION
No materials may be reproduced in whole or
in part without written consent from the
copyright holder. ©VNU Business Publications
Ltd, 2006. Printed and bound by St Ives
(Andover) Ltd. Distributed by Marketforce (UK)
Ltd. ISSN 1746-9503
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6 w w w. a c t i v e h o m e . c o . u k
nts For news, reviews,
downloads, blogs
and more, go to
www.activehome.co.uk

SPECIAL FEATURES
12 iPod accessories
Now worth an estimated $300million,the iPod
accessories market is booming.We round up
and review the latest add-ons designed to get
more from Apple’s media player

30 Online gaming
Multiplayer games are no longer limited to family
and friends on the sofa – today you can challenge
players from all over the world via the internet.
Whether you’ve got a PC or a console,we explain
how easy it is to join in the fun

Group tests
35 AV Receivers
With surround sound,a radio tuner
and just about every connection
you'll ever need,an AV receiver
is the heart of a good home-
Workshops
COVERRY
entertainment system.We review
the latest models under £500 65 12 pages of easy-to-follow, step-by-step guides
STO to setting up your digital home and getting the most out of
technology. This issue:
45 Portable Add Top Up TV to your Freeview box
media players Upgrade your Sky+ hard disk
Offering far more than music on the Stream media from a PC to an Xbox 360
move,today’s portable media
players let you watch videos,play
Record TV with a Media Center PC
games and even surf the net.We Perfect your surround-sound setup
compare 10 of the hottest devices

55 Media
Center PCs
With designer looks and a
Buyer’s guide
customised version of Microsoft’s Games
console
PC in
bedroom
Laptop

Windows operating system,

Media Center PCs are set to
conquer the living room.We look
PDA

Wireless
router
Streaming device
connected to TV
or hi-fi
79 Our ultimate expert
guide to buying the right
Internet

at nine systems
Office
PC

Broadband
fridge
home-entertainment
Printer modem
equipment – full of valuable
The internet
advice and explanations of the
latest digital technologies
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w w w. a c t i v e h o m e . c o . u k 7
Home
comforts

Objects of
desire New and upcoming products
to enhance your digital life

Sony CyberShot M2
If your digital camera’s movie mode offers lights and camera but not much in
the way of action,Sony has a suggestion.Proffer £399 at one of its salesmen
and they will put the M2 in the palm of your hand.The M2 has a 5.1 megapixel
digital camera with a 3x optical zoom and,the company says,it will record
up to 50 minutes of video on a single battery charge.The Memory Stick
required to store your mini-masterpiece is not included,but you do get a
docking cradle and both still image and movie-editing software.Movies can
also be played back on Sony’s PlayStation Portable.
www.sony.co.uk

Philips MiraVision
Originally an Orwellian nightmare made of glass,the high-tech mirror is
a rather less threatening reality these days.Once the movie is over,this
32in LCD screen image dissolves into the perfect picture – your face.The
display is guaranteed not to crack even when entertaining less-
attractive friends and relatives,but support for vampires is not currently
standard.The MiraVision range should become available this year,and
we suspect it will cost slightly more than your average hall mirror.
www.philips.co.uk
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8 w w w. a c t i v e h o m e . c o . u k
 For more news on the latest products
visit the InterActive Home blog at Home
http://blog.activehome.co.uk comforts

JVC LT-26A61
With broadcasters gearing up for the launch of high-definition TV this year,the price of compatible devices is now falling within the
reach of the rest of us.JVC is now offering an HD Ready 26in LCD screen complete with a digital input for connection to a PC,and we
found it online for as little as £590.Expect a rash of good deals on LCD and plasma screens before David Beckham and co throw their
golden suitcases into the team coach on the way to Germany for the World Cup.
www.jvc.co.uk

Jamo R909
Audiophiles tend to come
over all peculiar at the sight
of a Jamo,and start saying
things like‘dipolar design’
and‘neodymium magnet
arrangement with
magnesium cone’.
While all this sounds like
gobbledegook,thankfully
the R909s don’t. In short,
these consist of a
freestanding set of speaker
cones without a cabinet,
which cuts out the
reverberation and other
distortions that can occur in
boxed speakers.Custom-
built in a choice of colours,
they cost £7,500 for a pair.
www.jamospeakers.com

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w w w. a c t i v e h o m e . c o . u k 9
Home
comforts

Pioneer PDP-5000EX
Ideal for those who really want to make
the most of new high-definition TV and
video formats,Pioneer’s latest screen is
one of the first plasmas to support the
1080p display standard.However,its
whopping 50in screen is also designed to
do justice to regular DVDs and standard
TV broadcasts.As usual,however,the
best toys don’t come cheap.While the
price has yet to be set,the screen is
expected to retail at between £4,000
and £6,000.
www.pioneer.co.uk

Onkyo BR-NX80
Like dust,hard disks get
everywhere these days.Onkyo’s
latest luxury hi-fi contains 80Gb
worth of disk space – enough to
store around 20,000 songs.
Support for Wi-Fi means you can
access music stored on a PC and
even download song information
from the internet.A USB socket and
a memory card reader complete
the PC connectivity options.Sadly,
at the moment the only way to get
hold of the NX80 is to import it
from the Far East,and even then
it will cost £400 before you buy
the speakers.
www.onkyo.co.uk

The EnterTrainer
If you’re concerned that all the benefits of the digital
home could lead to life as a couch potato,this gizmo
should help you get fit and save you money on bills.
It combines a wireless heart monitor and a universal
remote control that can be used with any type of fitness
equipment or activity.In response to exercise,The
EnterTrainer turns on any TV and maintains volume in
direct relation to heart rate.If heart rate goes below a
chosen workout target zone,the volume gradually
lowers and ultimately the TV turns off. The EnterTrainer
Cardio-TV-Trainer is available online for around £60
www.theentertrainer.com

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10 w w w. a c t i v e h o m e . c o . u k
YYePG Proudly Presents, Thx for Support
Special Feature
iPod accessories

The iPod
industry
iPods areeverywhere,so what are themust-haveaccessories for everyone’s favouritemusicplayer?
pple sold an astonishing 14 million iPods and, yes, even iPod underwear – we kid you not.

A over Christmas, bringing the total sales of

its music player to more than 42 million
since its launch in 2001. With so many of
the things floating around, it’s no surprise
that there’s a huge market for third-party accessories.
What is a bit surprising, though, is the sheer variety
of add-ons that are available. As well as cases and
Given all this, it seemed like a good time to take a look
at some of the best accessories that are currently
available. Just remember that Apple keeps changing
the design of the iPod, and this means that most
accessories will only work with a handful of specific
iPod models. We’ve tried to concentrate on products that
work with most iPod models, but you should always
cables, there are some superb speaker systems, check that anything you buy is compatible with your
radio receivers, sophisticated DJ mixing consoles particular player.

Altec Lansing iM3c £129

There are several sets of portable speakers available for the iPod,
but right at the top of our list is Altec Lansing’s iM3c.The speakers
are very light and compact,and they fold into a neat,flat little unit
that is easy to slip into a bag when you’re on the move.When
you’re ready to listen to some music,they unfold to reveal a
docking unit for the iPod and a set of stereo speakers that
produce a really nice sound – probably the best sound we’ve
heard from a set of speakers this small.A handy little remote
control rounds out this well-designed portable audio system.

#####
Contact: The Apple Store 0800 039 1010
Web: www.apple.com/uk

iPod AV Connection Kit £69

The AV Connection Kit rounds up a number of Apple’s own iPod accessories
and shoves them all into one box.You get a Universal Dock,which can be
used with most recent models of iPod,and which also has audio and video
connectors so that you can connect it to a TV set or speaker system.Also in
the box are a handheld remote control,a mains power adapter and an AV
cable.All these items are available separately for about £20 to £25 each,so
you don’t have to buy the complete Connection Kit if you don’t want to.
However,it’s about £10 cheaper than buying them all separately.

###
Contact: The Apple Store 0800 039 1010
Web: www.apple.com/uk

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12 w w w. a c t i v e h o m e . c o . u k
 Special Feature
iPod accessories

Numark iDJ £219

Now this is just totally over the
top – but it’s great fun anyway.
The iDJ console is a digital
mixing desk.It’s got two
docking slots for inserting a pair
of iPods,allowing you to mix
between the two.It works with
any iPod that has a docking
connector,and if you’ve only got
one iPod (shame on you!) there
are additional audio inputs for
connecting a CD player or
another audio source to either
channel.Other controls include
a three-band equaliser and even
a video output connector so
that you can play slideshows
along with your DJ sounds.

#####
Contact: 01252 341400
Web: www.numark.com

Artwizz ScratchStopper £10

There have been quite a few stories about how easily iPods can get scratched,and if you’re carrying yours
in your pocket while you go bungee-jumping or skateboarding then the chances are that it’s going to
pick up the odd mark along the way.For added protection you might want to buy a packet of
ScratchStoppers.Each pack includes two sets of protective films,and each set includes separate
films for the front panel and screen,the clickwheel and the back panel.The protective films are
tough,but very thin,so your iPod will still fit into an ordinary carrying case.

####
Contact: The Apple Store 0800 039 1010
Web: www.apple.com/uk

iPod Boxer Shorts £17

Tunewear Ambassador Case Is that an iPod in your pocket or are you just glad
£24.99 iPod Nano £29.99 iPod Video to be reading Active Home? Believe it or not
There must be more iPod cases to choose from than any other you can now actually buy boxer shorts that
type of accessory,but the one we’ve settled on is Tunewear’s have a little pocket in them for holding an iPod,
Ambassador.The snug-fitting leather case provides good so you can dance around in your undies
protection for the iPod – and that includes both the screen while listening to your favourite tunes.
and the clickwheel,which are covered with a transparent Available in ultra-masculine orange and
but quite thick plastic film.We also like the nice,strong turquoise,they’re available from
metal clip that holds it safely in place at all times.There popXpress,the new high-street store that
are versions of the Ambassador for most iPod models, specialises in selling iPod accessories.To
and it’s available in a variety of colours (our be honest,this has to count as one of the
preference is the black one with red trim),but they silliest iPod ideas we’ve seen so far,but
only fit the current iPod and Nano. they could make a nice little gift for the
man who has everything (six-pack
#### not included).
Contact: The Apple Store 0800 039 1010
Web: www.apple.com/uk ###
Contact: popXpress 020 7929 6556
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for Support
www.popxpress.com

w w w. a c t i v e h o m e . c o . u k 13
Special Feature
iPod accessories

Monster iCase Travel Pack £50

There are plenty of little carrying cases for the iPod,and
they’re fine for taking the player down to the gym or
listening to music on the train.But if you’re going on
holiday or on a business trip for a few days you may want
to take a few extra bits and pieces along with you.The
iCase Travel Pack is a compact carrying case packed with
little pockets designed for spare cables,a docking unit,
camera cards and other widgets.The price of the case
also includes a cable that lets you charge the iPod from a
car’s cigarette lighter.

###
Contact: The Apple Store 0800 039 1010
Web: www.apple.com/uk

Jamo i300 £300

Jamo’s i300 speaker system is the most expensive iPod accessory we’ve
come across – but also the most stylish.The system consists of two tiny
stereo speakers and a large,cube-shaped subwoofer – all with a classy white
enamel finish.They sound as good as they look,producing a very clean
sound and a lot more volume than you’d expect from such small speakers.
The system also includes a remote control and a docking unit handy dock
(complete with adapters for all type of iPod apart from the Shuffle) that has
an additional audio input so that you can connect your Mac or another
audio source to the speakers.

####
Contact: BBG 01923 205605
Web: www.jamo.com

Bose SoundDock £250

Like all Bose equipment,the SoundDock is a bit on the
pricey side (and it’s galling to note that the US price is
actually well under £200).But,again,like all Bose
equipment it really does deliver the goods in terms of
audio quality.The all-in-one design means that the
SoundDock lacks a separate subwoofer,but it still
produces a powerful,rich sound that is strong enough to
fill a good-sized room.It’s not meant to be portable like
the iM3c,but it is supplied with a carrying bag so you can
move it around easily enough if you want to take it to a
party or stick it in the boot of a car.

####
Contact: The Apple Store 0800 039 1010
Web: www.apple.com/uk

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14 w w w. a c t i v e h o m e . c o . u k
 Special Feature
iPod accessories

Belkin KickStand £20 Where to buy

This is a nice little idea.The new video-playing If you’ve seen something you
iPod may have a larger screen,but it's actually like,the next step is to make sure
the same size as previous iPod models (though the you don’t pay over the odds.
30GB model is a little thinner),so it will fit into any When looking for a bargain,
existing iPod case.However,Belkin’s Kickstand be sure to hunt down the best
has been designed specifically with this fifth- prices on the web.The best place
generation player in mind.The upper half of to start is www.activehome.
the leather case folds back so that it reveals co.uk/activeprices.Simply
the iPod screen and also acts as a stand so type in what you’re looking for
that you can prop the iPod up on any flat and the system will track down
surface and sit back while you watch your the latest deals.Always keep
video downloads.It’s available in a an eye out for delivery charges
variety of colours,including black, and make sure VAT is included in
white and pink. the price.Don’t forget to pay
using your credit card – you’ll
#### then be covered should
Contact: Belkin 01933 352000 something go wrong or your
Web: www.belkin.com/uk items don’t turn up.

Sennheiser PX200
£40
The iPod’s little white earbuds
have become an instantly recognisable
sight on high streets around the world,but
they don’t suit everyone.We’d rather have a
proper set of headphones,such as Sennheiser’s
PX200.The sound quality is excellent and the padded
earpieces do a good job of cutting out background
noise.They fold up really small so you can fit them into
a jacket pocket with no trouble at all.International jet-
setters could stump up an extra £60 for the 250 models,
which have a clever ‘noise cancelling’technology that is
designed specifically to cut out engine noise when
you’re travelling on a plane.

####
Contact: The Apple Store 0800 039 1010
Web: www.apple.com/uk

iPod Radio Remote £35

Apple’s latest little add-on for the iPod is this handy FM Radio receiver.
Plug it into the dock connector on the base of the iPod and you’ll see a
new ‘Radio’item listed on the iPod’s menu screen.You use the clickwheel
dial to tune into a radio station,and you can save your favourite stations
simply by clicking the centre button on the clickwheel.The only
drawback is that the Radio Remote only works with the current-
generation iPod Video and iPod Nano.It’s a crass marketing trick by
Apple designed purely to get owners of older iPods to cough up even
more cash for one of the latest models,but it might just work.

####
Contact: The Apple Store 0800 039 1010
Web: www.apple.com/uk

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w w w. a c t i v e h o m e . c o . u k 15
Hot New
Products All the latest kit
reviewed and rated

Panasonic
Viera TH65PV500
Start saving now,because the future of large-screenTV systems has just
arrived and it won’t be too long before it’s within the reach of us mere mortals

T here’s no getting away from it –

sometimes size really does matter.
A number of companies have
e say
Wesay
W protective travelling case and place it
onto the base unit.
Thankfully,the weightlifting chores were
announced plans to release 65in plasma GOOD POINTS Enormous 65in the only really difficult part of setting it up.
screens,but Panasonic’s Viera TH65PV500 screen,very impressive image quality There are three Scart connectors at the rear
is the first one to actually go on sale in the and HD Ready of the screen,as well as the all-important
UK.With a thumping £9,000 price tag it’s BAD POINTS Very expensive, HDMI connector for high-definition digital
ridiculously heavy,only one
tempting to dismiss the TH65PV500 signals.The TH65PV500 has a resolution of
HDMI connector,no DVI input,
simply as a‘proof of concept’– a product no 1080p support 1366x768,so it’s all ready for the high-
that’s merely meant to prove that such a definition broadcasts due from Sky this
large screen is technically possible.But,of Overall#### summer.Given the price and the size of the
course,the price will soon start to come It’s obviously too expensive for most people, screen,a resolution of 1920x1080 and
down,and in the meantime we’re sure but the TH65PV500 is still utterly desirable support for 1080p signals would have
there are plenty of millionaires out there and worth every penny, if you can afford it been nice – not that there’s anything to
for whom £9,000 will seem like a small Contact Panasonic 08705 357 357 watch in this format at the moment.
price for such a luxurious television set.We Website www.panasonic.co.uk Also present on the back panel is a VGA
wouldn’t be surprised if Posh and Becks Buy www.activehome.co.uk/activeprices connector for hooking up a PC,along with
were unwrapping theirs as we write this. stereo audio inputs and outputs.The
Mind you,David Beckham would need
to enlist a few of his macho Spanish
£9,000 control panel on the front of the unit has
S-video and composite video connectors,
colleagues to help him out with this as well as two slots for SD (Secure Digital)
goliath of a screen.The TH65PV500 it on its heavyweight silver-grey base unit, and PC Cards.Finally,the TH65PV500 has a
measures 155cm wide (61in),98.5cm high and attach the supplied stereo speakers.It digital TV tuner built into it,so you can
(39in) and a relatively slim-line 14.5cm also weighs a massive 84Kg (13.25 stone) receive the Freeview package of digital
(5.7in) thick – and that’s before you mount – we needed four people to lift it out of its terrestrial TV channels.
That might seem like a fairly
comprehensive set of input options,but
we were disappointed the screen only has
Big screen on a budget a single HDMI connector.That’s fine for
We loved watching our favourite films on the For about £1,500 you can buy an HD-Ready projector when you sign up to Sky’s HD service,but
TH65PV500’s 65in screen,but £9,000 is way beyond such as Epson’s TW520,which provides excellent you’ll have to start reaching round the
our humble budget.However,there is a less image quality,and has a high‘throw-ratio’– which back to switch cables if you also want to
expensive way of super-sizing your entertainment means that it can produce a very large image even use an upscaling DVD player with HD
system.A good projector can easily produce a 65in when it’s only a few feet away from your wall or output.There’s no DVI connector for
image for a lot less money – and you won’t need four screen.The big disadvantage with many projectors is hooking up a PC or other device,either.The
people to set it up either. that you have to watch them in a darkened room. TH65PV500 does have that VGA connector,
However,a projector such as the TW520,which has a but that won’t provide the same image
brightness rating of 1400 Lumens or above, quality as the digital signal.You do get
should be bright enough that you can watch it analogue component,though.Given the
in daylight.The image quality won’t have quite TH65PV500’s price it really ought to have a
the pinpoint sharpness of the TH65PV500,but more comprehensive set of connectors.
it’s still good enough to do justice to your DVD
movies and HD TV programmes. Picture perfect
We can’t fault the picture quality,though.
QxBig picture on a small budget: Many plasma screens suffer from flaws in
Epson’s TW520 is an HD-Ready projector their image quality that – to our mind –
often mean they really don’t justify their
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16 w w w. a c t i v e h o m e . c o . u k
B&W’s home Toshiba’s DVD Get a real‘world
theatre system player has some service’from
looks and sounds useful additional Acoustic Energy’s
great p24 features p26 internet radio p27

high prices.The smooth display of high-

speed movement can be a problem,and
The vast range of colours results in
some plasma screens can also suffer from
harsh,over-saturated colours – especially
perhaps the most natural-looking image
skin-tones – that can leave actors looking we’ve yet seen on a plasma screen
like they fell asleep on a sunbed.
Panasonic was clearly aware that it perhaps the most natural-looking image while you’re watching a film on DVD.And
needed to deal with those problems in a we’ve yet seen on a plasma screen. on a screen this size,both of those images
top-of-the-range model such as this,so it There’s not a lot of HD content currently will be about the same size as on an
has developed a number of special available,but the display produced ordinary 32in screen.
techniques designed to improve image extremely impressive results with our Admittedly,£9,000 is way beyond most
quality.To cope with fast-moving images upscaling Denon DVD player in both 720p people’s budget,but don’t forget that the
there’s the‘motion pattern noise and 1080i modes.Once you’ve seen that TH65PV500 is brand new and is currently
reduction’feature.We loaded up our copy sort of image on a screen this size it really the only 65in display on the market.Prices
of Spiderman on DVD to see how the is hard to go back to anything smaller. should start to come down as other
TH65PV500 would cope with Spidey’s companies release their own rival
high-speed rooftop acrobatics,and the In control products,and in a couple of years’time a
results were very impressive.The image The remote control unit is a bit bulky and 65in screen such as this will probably
remained clear and sharp at all times,with cumbersome – a common weakness with come in at around the £5,000 mark – like
no blurring or noise to mar the image. Panasonic products – but we still found it the current generation of 50-inch models.
The colours in the image were also relatively easy to set up and control.The That should give you time to start saving
pleasing – rich and bright,but not TH65PV500 is primarily designed for the for a deposit.
excessively so.Panasonic’s Viera Colour 16:9 widescreen format,but it’s easy to
Management System allows the
TH65PV500 to display no less than 8.6
switch aspect ratio,choosing either 14:9,
4:3 or a number of‘zoom’options that
T
Techspec
echspec
billion colours (compared with the allow you to increase the image size so
standard 16.7 million on a high-quality that it fills the entire screen.There’s also a G 65in Plasma display G 30001:contrast ratio G HDMI interface for digital
video signals G 1366x768 resolution G Supports 16:9,14:9,4:3 aspect ratios,
computer screen).That vast range allows nice split-screen option that allows you to
plus zoom option G Built-in digital terrestrialTV tuner G 3 Scart connectors G
the display to produce very subtle shades display images from two separate video Component,composite and S-video input G Detachable stereo speakers G
of colour – vital for the realistic display of sources side-by-side – perhaps checking Stereo audio input and output G PC Card and SD card slots
shadows and skin-tones.The result was on the half-time score in a football match
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w w w. a c t i v e h o m e . c o . u k 17
Hot New
Products

Yamaha DSP-AX757SE
Powerful and versatile AV amplifier that’s perfect for all occasions

RLack of HDMI aside,

the DSP-AX757SE is a
five-star performer

A s mentioned in our group test on

page 35,the only difference
between an AV receiver and an AV
amplifier is that the former includes an
integrated radio tuner.However,
e say
Wesay
W
GOOD POINTS Great sound;excellent
such as Concert Hall,and Jazz.
There are a couple of nifty features that
work well,though.The‘Dialogue Lift’
function raises the sound from the centre
channel to project it directly at the listener,
audiophiles often insist the additional set of audio features and enhancements; while‘Pure Direct’mode disables
up-conversion from composite and
circuitry has a real impact on sound quality. S-video to component
everything (including the LED display) but
If you don’t need a built-in tuner,Yamaha’s BAD POINTS No HDMI inputs the audio signal to leave the purest
DSP-AX757SE is a 7.1-channel amplifier reproduction of audio possible.This can be
that’s also available for around £500. Overall##### applied to stereo and multi-channel
Perhaps the best thing about any AV Packed with connections and an impressive modes and had a noticeable impact on
amp (or receiver,for that matter) is the range of audio options, the Yamaha is a worthy sound quality.The Yammy scores another
ability to hook up all of your equipment to five-star winner big thumbs-up for the option to up-
one unit,and then simply switch between Contact 01923 233166 convert composite and S-video to
each component as and when required. Website www.yamaha-uk.com component video,and picture quality on
With this in mind,let’s run through what Buy www.activehome.co.uk/activeprice all outputs is first class.
connections the DSP-AX757SE offers. In tests with both movies and music,the
At the rear are composite and S-video
inputs for connecting up to four video
devices,each with a stereo audio input,
£500 757SE with B&W MT-20 speakers
performed well above the level we’d

along with a further four stereo audio

inputs.On the digital audio side you get This is a superb amplifier with a
four optical and two coaxial inputs,plus a
single digital optical audio out.Two
good range of connections
component video inputs are also provided comes with Yamaha’s bespoke YPAO expect at this price point.Each channel
and there’s a multi-channel input to (Yamaha Parametric Room Acoustic projected clear,accurate and detailed
connect an SACD or DVD-Audio player. Optimizer) setup system – place the audio – even when cranking things up to
Sadly,there are no HDMI connections. supplied microphone in front of the higher volume levels.
The amp features binding post amplifier and it will automatically Switching on‘Dialogue lift’had an impact
terminals for a 7.1 speaker setup,plus two optimise the channel settings based on with movies,although this worked best
further ‘presence’terminals that can add the size of your room.It’s not perfect,and a when the centre channel was under theTV
an extra pair of‘surround’channels.The manual setup will yield more accurate rather than above it.The additional presence
front panel is home to an extra AV input results,but it’s a great feature,especially if channels do provide an extra element and
with S-video and optical audio,and you’re just starting out with home cinema. should be used where possible.
Yamaha supplies a‘learning’remote. The 757SE supports a range of surround- This is a superb amplifier with a good
Getting everything going has been sound decoding options including Dolby range of connections and sound quality to
made as easy as possible.The DSP-AX757 Digital EX,DTS-ES (Matrix and Discrete), match far more expensive models.The
DTS 96/24,DTS Neo:6 and Pro-Logic IIx. only negative point is the lack of HDMI.
Techspec
Techspec In addition,noYamaha amp would be
complete without a horde of DSP modes. PThe DSP-AX757SE offers plenty of connections
This latest model has
G 7 x 100W channel output G YPAO auto-setup feature G 14 DSP modes G
been updated with a 64-
Dolby Digital EX,DTS-ES (Matrix and Discrete),DTS 96/24,DTS Neo:6 and Pro-
Logic IIx decoding G 2 x component video inputs G 1 x component video bit chipset and provides
output G 4 x optical digital inputs G 2 x coaxial digital inputs G 1 x optical 14 fruity effects
digital output G Multi-channel inputs for connecting G 9 x stereo audio designed to boost
inputs G 3 x stereo audio outputs G 5 x composite video inputs G 2 x music and simulate
composite video outputs G 5 x S-video inputs G 2 x S-video outputs a variety of conditions,
including classics
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18 w w w. a c t i v e h o m e . c o . u k
the biggest brands at low low prices
Samsung LE40R51B 40"
HD Ready LCD TV
£1299.99
(£1106.38 ex vat)
inc vat
buy now
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customer
comments “ amazing “
David 22/03/06
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Ready, and I got it “
Phil 23/03/06

dabs.com has everything for

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Visit our website for • Enjoy DVDs, TV, video games or sports at home
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where people in the know go

Hot New
Products

Squeezebox 3
Slim Devices’supercool streaming box looks good and sounds even better

RSmall but perfectly formed:the

Squeezebox is the Rolls-Royce of
music streaming devices

I f there’s one thing you can say about

Squeezebox straight away,it’s that no
one has been anywhere near it with
the ugly stick.In terms of aesthetics,the
Squeezebox is to media streaming in the
e say
Wesay
W
GOOD POINTS Covers a wide range
handset.This gives you a unique visual
way of controlling the unit,allowing you
to browse through album art to select a
song,build up a playlist on the fly,
or access settings.Because it’s open
of music formats;open source server
living room what the iPod is to digital source,there are new plug-ins being
software;great sound
music on the move. BAD POINTS Can’t play DRM files;a created for it all the time,such as RSS news
Looking a million dollars is all very well, little pricier than other wireless media tickers that can be set to scroll across the
but not if it hasn’t got the gumption to streaming devices Squeezebox’s screen.
back up its beauty.The first major But with all these groovy features it can
disappointment is that the Squeezebox is Overall#### be easy to overlook more obvious aspects,
a music-only streaming device.So,while it The Rolls-Royce of media streaming is let down
can play many of the different digital only by its poor value for money With all these groovy
audio formats you might have stored on Contact (no UK phone number)
your PC (see the Tech spec below for a full Website www.slimdevices.com features it can be easy
list) through your hi-fi,and tune into
hundreds of internet radio stations,it
Buy www.activehome.co.uk/activeprices
to overlook more
obvious aspects like
can’t display photo or video files on
your TV screen.This isn’t necessarily a
flaw,but when you consider that
£230 sound quality
wireless multimedia streaming devices greater distances than single antenna
(such as Pinnacle ShowCenter 200) devices.The model we tested found our like sound quality. Thankfully,the
can be picked up for considerably less wireless network from several rooms away Squeezebox’s audio performance lives up
than the Squeezebox’s asking price,you as soon as it was switched on. to expectations,too.Compressed formats
might start asking questions. Part of the setup includes downloading like MP3 and WMA sound about as good
Additionally,the device isn’t compatible a server program from the Slim Device’s as they get and the unit’s ability to stream
with DRM (digital rights management) website and installing it on your PC.As it uncompressed formats means that you
music files,such as those you buy from turns out,the server software is one of the can really squeeze some really great
Napster and iTunes. most intriguing aspects of the sounds out of this little box.
The Squeezebox is simple to set up;just Squeezebox.Should you wish,you can
plug the device into your hi-fi (via either leave it on its default settings and stick
analogue,RCA,phono or digital optical or
coaxial connections) and connect it to
with using the Squeezebox’s remote
handset and bright liquid blue LCD screen Techspec
Techspec
your home network.There’s an Ethernet to control the device.The server client
socket available if your network is wired can,however,be opened in a browser G Supports MP3,AAC,Ogg Vorbis,WMA,AIFF,WAV,PCM,Apple Lossless FLAC
and a built-in 802.11g receiver for window of any device on your network and WMA Lossless audio formats GDigital optical and coaxial outputs G RCA
wireless setups.The Squeezebox has – your PC,laptop or PDA,for example.It phono analogue outputs G Wireless ready (802.11g and 802.11b compatible)
G Ethernet and headphone sockets G High fidelity Burr-Brown 24-bit DAC
two hidden antennae that make it can even be opened on a PlayStation
G Flash upgradeable firmware G 320x32 greyscale pixels fluorescent display
possible for it to pick up a signal at Portable or Wi-Fi-enabled mobile phone
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20 w w w. a c t i v e h o m e . c o . u k
YYePG Proudly Presents, Thx for Support
Hot New
Products

JVC LT-26DS6BJ
Jargon
buster
± 1080p A progressive high-
definition TV format with an image
resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels.
A future-proof 26in LCD display with great image quality
The highest quality available. analogue audio sockets,one each

±
for input and output.
802.11g Standard used for
The left-side houses the aerial
wireless networking devices.
socket and the all-important HDMI
Known as Wi-Fi.
connection for watching digital HD

± CAM Conditional Access Module.

An electronic device that works in
conjunction with a viewing card to
video.A further slot is situated here
and can be used to watch Top Up
TV broadcasts – it’s important to
note that you’ll need to purchase a
allow a set-top box or digital
CAM (Conditional Access Module)
television to decrypt scrambled
adapter to use along with your Top
programmes.
Up TV subscription card.You can

± Contrast ratio The measurement

of the difference in light intensity
between the brightest white and
find out more about extra channels
offered by Top Up TV by visiting
www.topuptv.com
the darkest black. We watched a variety of footage

±
on the LT-26DS6BJ and were
DAB Digital Audio Broadcasting. suitably impressed.Using a Denon DVD
Radio transmitted by a digital, player we supplied it with 720p and 1080i
rather than analogue signal. video (both upscaled) and found it
HWith great sound

± I f you want an HD Ready TV but don’t extremely hard to fault the image.Due to
DLP Digital Light Processing.A and excellent image want to spend a small fortune on a the relatively small size of the screen,it
display technology that works by quality,the JVC also large set,JVC’s LT-26DS6BJ may appeal. was hard to detect much difference
reflecting light off microscopic has good looks This 26in LCD model has a native between 1080i and 720p formats
mirrors. resolution of 1,366 x 768,and is therefore – we’ve found the latter usually provides a

±
fully capable of displaying high-definition superior image on larger displays,
Dolby Digital EX A surround signals.Although the benefits of HD are especially with fast-moving material.
sound format developed by Dolby. more pronounced on larger screens,you Colours were vivid,while the dreaded

±
can still notice a huge improvement in motion blur that hampers all LCD TVs was
DSP Digital Signal Processor. image quality barely noticeable even when watching a
Electronics that apply special
effects to digital audio to improve
its overall sound or to make it
e say
Wesay
W when supplying it
with either 720p or
1080i video.
fast-paced football match.
Using its own Digital Image Scaling
Technology,JVC applies a number of
sound like it’s in a certain GOOD POINTS Excellent picture On looks alone, enhancements to smooth edges and
environment,such as a concert hall. quality;HD-Ready;plenty of
the LT-26DS6BJ is a boost colours.As expected,you can

±
connection options
BAD POINTS Reasonably expensive; winner.The smart tweak the settings to suit the type of
DTS 96/24/DSP DTS-ES/DTS
poor onscreen menus silver and black content you’re viewing.
Neo:6 Various formats of surround chassis,neatly It’s not just the quality of the display
sound from DigitalTheatre Overall ##### integrated stereo that caught our attention.Although it
Systems.Used on soundtracks in If you want an HD Ready TV but aren’t fussed speakers and obviously can’t compete with a 5.1
cinemas and on DVD movies. about huge screen sizes, this latest model from curved stand surround-sound system,with the 3D

±
JVC would be a great choice combine to create sound mode activated the JVC speakers
DRM Digital Rights Management.
Contact JVC 0870 330 5000 a stylish TV. provide the next best thing,
Technology that controls the use of Website www.jvc.co.uk JVC has installed complementing the display admirably.
digital media such as music and Buy www.activehome.co.uk/activeprices both analogue and If we had one criticism,it would be that
movies,to protect copyright and digital tuners into the interface could do with a complete
illegal copying.
£1,099 the LT-26DS6BJ. overhaul.It’s not particularly difficult to

± DVD-RAM Oneofanumber
ofcompeting standards for
recordableDVD.DVD-RAM
When viewing
Freeview
broadcasts,you can browse programme
navigate through,but the rather tacky-
looking mouse-pointer and dated design
is at odds with the high-quality display
schedules for the next eight days. and classy chassis.
is really only of useinDVD-RAM
Two detachable covers at either side of In short,JVC’s LT-26DS6BJ has a lot
drives fittedincomputers,not
the rear of the case hide a variety of ports. going for it.You get just about every
DVDplayerS. On the right you’ll find two RGB Scart connection option you’d ever need,a

± DVI Socket that provides a

digital video connection.
sockets,component,composite and
S-video inputs.A VGA socket is provided
stylish-looking chassis and,most
important of all,a superb quality display.

±
for hooking up PCs.There are two sets of The HD Ready sticker gives it extra
Ethernet A type of computer credence – a 26in screen is just about the
network allowing a number of PCs
to be linked together.
Techspec
Techspec smallest you’d ever want to watch HD
content on – any smaller and the benefits
of HD would be lost.
G HD Ready G 1,366 x 768 resolution G Integrated digital and analogue
It’s not the cheapest 26in LCD TV
tuners G 20W RMS speakers G 2 RGB Scart sockets G S-video G Component
For more on Jargon Buster visit: around,but if you want a future-proof
G Composite G VGA G Analogue audio in/out G CAM slot G Contrast Ratio:
www.activehome.co.uk 800:1 G Brightness:500cd/m2 G Response Time:7ms model without having to splash out on a
large display you get a lot for your money.
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22 w w w. a c t i v e h o m e . c o . u k
 Hot New
Products

Samsung
Jargon
buster
± FireWire A super-fast link
between your PC and devices.

SP-300ME ± HDMI Combines video and audio

into a digital interface for DVD
players,digitalTV players etc.

±
The smallest projector we’ve ever seen ID3 Information stored in an MP3
file that identifies,the track name,
artist,album and so on.

W hile most of us love the idea

of watching our favourite
movies via a
projector,these devices can be
relatively expensive,cumbersome
± Kbps Short for kilobits per second,
which is a measure of data transfer
or modem speed.
and noisy.Thanks to work by Texas
Instruments,however,a new
breed of DLP projectors has
± LCD Liquid-CrystalDisplay.Used to
createlow-power,slimdisplay panels.

appeared that are far,far smaller

and quieter than ever before. ± Lumens A way of measuring the
light output (brightness) of a lamp.

±
This decrease in size is down to
one feature – the use of LED MMC MultiMedia Card.A solid-
technology instead of the lamps state memory card.
you’ll find in traditional projectors.We
can’t stress just how small this SP-P300ME ± MP3 A standard for compressing
digital audio.

±
from Samsung actually is – just 172mm
wide,95mm deep and 51mm tall,and it after watching a few films with low-light HSmall,but Open source Software that is
weighs only 70g. scenes we were left wondering just how incredibly effective: developed,released to and can be
Because LEDs use far less power than suited this projector is to a home- the Samsung modified by the public,free of
lamps,Samsung has managed to entertainment setup.Detail was soon lost SP-300ME charge.

±
enhance the portable nature of this and we reverted to our LCD TV.
projector by offering the option of a With an RRP of £549,the SP-P300ME is PDA Personal Digital Assistant.A
battery (£139),which will provide power comparable with standard lamp-driven palmtop computer about the size
for more than two hours. budget projectors in terms of price.If of a pocket calculator.
The low power requirements also
reduce the amount of heat generated
you’re looking for a quiet,portable
projector,it’s an ± Plug-ins A small program that
adds extra features such as
when in use.Although the unit doesn’t run
cool enough to be totally free of fans,
option,but we’d
recommend e say
Wesay
W streaming video to your web
browser or to other applications.

±
you’re unlikely to notice the soft whirring spending extra on a
when watching films.Thanks to the LED traditional GOOD POINTS Battery option;large RSS RDF Site Summary or Rich Site
technology,there’s also no need for those projector if you projection;very portable Summary – an XML format for
frustrating warm-up or cool-down periods want it to BAD POINTS Only watchable in near syndicating web content.

±
when turning the projector on and off. complement your pitch-black conditions;more suited to
However,it’s not all good news.LED surround-sound business than home cinema SACD Super Audio Compact Disc.A
high-resolution audio CD.
projectors such as this are miles behind speakers and,in the
Overall ####
traditional projectors in terms of
brightness.Rated at just 25 ANSI lumens,
future,make use of
high-definition ± Good if you’re after a small projector and don’t
mind pulling down the blinds during use, but
SD card Secure Digital card.Secure
variant of the MMC memory card.

±
the SP-P300ME struggles to display a broadcasts. the low brightness makes it unsuitable for most
decent-quality image if even a small Despite its home cinema setups Server client A computer on a
amount of light is creeping into the room. shortcomings,we Contact 0870 242 0303 network (such as the internet) that
What’s more,Samsung has had to do were blown away Website www.samsung.co.uk stores shared information.

£549 ±
away with features such as an internal when we first saw Buy www.activehome.co.uk/activeprices
speaker,height-adjustment feet or a the SP-P300ME.You Tweeter A loudspeaker designed
remote control.The native resolution is can expect to see to produce high audio frequencies.
also just 800 x 600,which means it won’t
be able to display high-definition video.
similar models
arriving on the ± USB 2 A standard that allows easy
connection of peripherals to a PC.

±
Connection options are limited to VGA shelves,and hopefully a year or so down the
and composite video.Using third-party line we’ll see LED projectors that can match VGA A standard monitor
adapters you can hook up Scart and traditional models in terms of brightness. connection for PCs.

±
S-video connections,but this also results As it stands at the moment,the SP-P300ME
in a fair tangle of wires. is more suited to the business environment Wi-Fi A catchier name for the
Projectors can’t compete with LCD or than the home-cinema arena. 802.11b or 802.11g standards used
plasma displays when it comes to clarity for wireless networking devices.
and brightness,but they win hands-down
on screen size.This tiny LED projector has a
maximum projector size of 63in.What
T
Techspec
echspec ± WMA Windows Media Audio.A
compressed digital music format.
surprised us was that we managed to get a G 25 ansi lumens G 1000:1 contrast ratio G 16:9,4:3 aspect ratios
whopping 83in display going. 12.5in - 63in quoted image size G 800 x 600 native resolution G Composite, For more on Jargon Buster visit:
In almost pitch-black conditions,the VGA input G 172 x 95 x 51mm (w x d x h) G 70g (without battery) www.activehome.co.uk
SP-P300ME coped admirably.However,
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w w w. a c t i v e h o m e . c o . u k 23
Hot New
Products

B&W MT-20
A compact,punchy and flashy 5.1 home theatre system for under a grand

QWhat a combination:style and

great sound from the B&W MT-20

B owers and Wilkins (B&W) is a

name synonymous with
cutting-edge audio.Its products
are a regular talking point among
audiophiles,and the Mini Theatre (MT)
e say
Wesay
W
GOOD POINTS Deep,detailed sound
front and rear of the speaker is key to the
final sound quality,and B&W has certainly
made the M-1s sound far bigger and
bolder than their size would suggest.The
company has also managed to feed each
range is no exception. and great looks driver with a single crossover circuit,which
BAD POINTS Subwoofer not quite as
The M-1 is the company’s newest aims to produce a purer sound than
impressive as the satellites
satellite speaker,and five can be speakers loaded with reams of circuitry.
purchased along with the AS2 subwoofer
to form the futuristic MT-20 system.This
Overall##### Naturally,the matching AS2 subwoofer
isn’t as elegant as the satellites,but it’s
A near-perfect example of how a compact
5.1 combination costs just shy of a grand, home-theatre system should be and proof that performance that counts.It can output a
but its performance is truly stunning. you don’t need big speakers for big sound. maximum of 150W and sports a 250mm
Regular readers of Active Home may Contact 01903 221800 ‘mica’cone driver,which is very stiff and
liken the look of the MT-20 to Bose’s Website www.bwspeakers.com can withstand high forces generated by
minimal Acoustimass range,and size-wise Buy www.activehome.co.uk/activeprice bass signals.
they’re very similar.Each of the five The sub is an active (powered) model
satellites measures just 24cm high,11cm
wide and 17cm deep.
Each unit is constructed from a curved
£975 and has dials on the top to control volume,
crossover frequency,phase and EQ
settings.The whole unit weighs 15.5Kg
aluminium shell and‘glass-loaded’ABS
(Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) plastic. A home-cinema system that can
The whole casing has one join,which
means it’s very strong,and the ABS
handle just about anything
provides very good sound damping. hidden away here,too.The connectors are and measures around 40cm square.
At 2.7kg a piece,these feel like designed for bare cable rather than The end result of all this technology is a
heavyweight speakers,too. banana plugs but everything is still kept home-cinema system that can handle just
The finished look is stylish,and the neat and tidy. about anything you throw at it.
design will satisfy those looking for a Each satellite contains a tweeter and a Considering this is a relatively compact
subtle array of surround speakers that bass driver,making it a two-way speaker.In system,dialogue is clear and
won’t dominate their living room.Each fact,the 25mm metal dome tweeter can encompassing,while the surround
unit can be stood on its chrome plinth, be found in many other B&W products and channels are meticulously detailed.Music
wall-mounted or attached to a floor stand. it contains elements found in more was also warm and rich with our test CDs,
Speaker connections are concealed in expensive speakers,such as the company’s and the entire package sounded rounded
the base of the stands,and cables can be wallet-busting Nautilus range. and well balanced.The subwoofer may
While audiophiles might prefer floor- lack the clout of bigger units but this is a
Techspec
Techspec standing units,which can house three
drivers and produce sound over a wider
compact system at heart and is designed
to fill a typical-sized living room.
G Two-way satellites G Active subwoofer 250mm‘mica’bass cone driver G range of frequencies,speakers are all In short,the MT-20 is easy to set up,
25mm tweeter,100mm mid/bass driver G 150W sub power output about moving air to spread sound across a offers great dynamic range across movies
room.How that air is channelled out the and music and looks fantastic.
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24 w w w. a c t i v e h o m e . c o . u k
YYePG Proudly Presents, Thx for Support
Hot New
Products

Hitachi DV-DS161E
More than just a DVD recorder,this latest offering from Hitachi offers playing options galore

D espite appearances,
Hitachi’s DV-DS161E is
more than your typical DVD
recorder.As well as a built-in hard
disk it boasts the option to play
content directly from a memory card
– a collection of appropriate slots is
hidden under a panel at the front of

Wesay the unit.The recorder can also

accept a digital camcorder input
through the FireWire port on the
the DV-DS81E,which comes with an
80Gb hard disk).The recorder can
write to all consumer recordable
come with an analogue tuner,which
limits the amount of channels,and
means that the quality isn’t quite as
GOOD POINTS Good quality; rear,allowing you to transfer footage DVD formats,including DVD-RAM. high as it would be with a digital
able to play plenty of formats straight to DVD or hard disk. Quality,both of playback and (Freeview) tuner.
BAD POINTS Copying recordings Playing and watching content, recordings,is impressive.Obviously, It’s possible to copy recordings
isn’t easy;only has an analogue tuner either from a card or a disc or from a recording quality drops as you go from disc to disk and vice-versa,
Overall#### broadcast,is very simple,and
recording it isn’t much more
down the modes from XP to SP,but
even SP-quality video is watchable.
but it’s not a quick process,which
is a let-down,and there are
Although it’s expensive,it’s worth the
money for the excellent quality and ease of difficult.Select a mode,either DVD Setting up the unit is easy,as it rudimentary editing facilities,
use.But the analogue tuner is a let-down or HDD,using the front panel has an automatic channel search although editing a video using a
Contact 0870 909 0760 buttons or the remote control,and function.However,it does only remote control is never pleasant.
Website then press record to get it going.
www.hitachidigitalmedia.com
Buy www.activehome.co.uk/
activeprices
There is a choice of formats,from EP,
which stores a whopping 6 hours on
a disc,to XP,which only stores 60
Techspec
minutes.The 160Gb hard disk is G 160Gb Hitachi hard disk G DVD-Ram,DVD-R/+R,DVD-RW/+RW support G Memory card

£360 large enough to store 48 hours at XP

quality (there is a cheaper model,
reader G DV-in G Progressive scan output G VideoPlus G Analogue tuner G 35w power usage

Toshiba SD-P2800
A portable DVD player that’s just a tad disappointing

W ith the Sony PSP and

various other portable
digital media players
taking the market by storm,it’s a
wonder that there’s still a demand
useful features,not least the ability to
playback compressed DivX video files
(see www.divx.com for details).It
takes a while for the player to work out
how to deal with the compression,but
Audio is provided by two stereo
speakers and a subwoofer.We’ve no
qualms with the sound quality,
especially when the 3D
mode is activated,but
for bulky portable DVD players. once up and running our files played we were disappointed
Toshiba clearly believes there is, without any hiccups. with the maximum
and has just launched the SD-P2800. A 4-in1 card slot lets you load volume level.It’s fine for use in
The player comes with a variety of video,music and photos via Memory reasonably quiet environments,but
Stick,xD Picturecard, MMC or SD you’ll need to switch to headphones

Wesay memory cards.

Although the 800 x 480 screen
has impressive 170-degree
(included) for the likes of in-car use.
As far as portability goes,the SD-
P2800 won’t burden you too much
both in looks and usability.The small
yet unintuitive remote does little to
help the situation.Toshiba would do
GOOD POINTS DivX playback; horizontal and vertical viewing at just 1.2kg.Add the battery,which well to give this a total overhaul.
memory card reader;viewing angles angles,we were less stirred with the provides enough juice for up to DivX playback,excellent viewing
BAD POINTS Sharpness actual quality of the video. 4.5hrs,and this increases to 1.65kg. angles and the lightweight nature
overdone;detail lacking during Sharpness levels appear to have AC and 12v in-car power adapters of the SD-P2800 are all impressive,
playback;unintuitive controls
been radically boosted,introducing are also supplied. but the poor-quality playback,and
Overall### annoying grain and losing real detail.
Sadly,there’s no way of adjusting
It's finally worth noting that the
menu system is poorly designed,
to a lesser extent the unintuitive
menus,ultimately let it down.
The array of features is impressive, but
we expected better picture quality from the sharpness,although it is less
noticeable during close-up scenes.
Toshiba’s latest portable DVD player
Contact 08704 424 424
Website www.toshiba.co.uk
Using the bundled component
cable,we tried hooking up the
Techspec
Buy www.activehome.co.uk/ player to a 26in LCD TV,and the
G 9in display (800 x 480) G 170degree vertical and horizontal viewing angles G Disc
activeprices display showed a marked compatibility:DVD,DVD-R,CD,CD-R,CD-RW G DivX,WMA,MP3,JPEG G DVD audio G S-video
improvement.But this unit is and component out G Dolby Digital compatible G Remote control G Headphones
£299 designed primarily as a portable
DVD player.
G 4.5hrs battery life G 261 x 179 x 37mm (w x d x h) G 1.2kg (1.65 including battery)
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26 w w w. a c t i v e h o m e . c o . u k
 Hot New
Products

TEAC CR-H255
A nice mini hi-fi with a USB port for recording

S elling a mini hi-fi with a mere

CD player and FM radio isn't
going to win the hearts of
today's multi-media savvy
consumers.With this in mind,TEAC
includes a DAB radio tuner and a USB
port for playing back MP3 and WMA
music files,and recording radio.
With its brushed aluminium facia
and all-in-one design,the CR-H255
are hundreds of
files on a player,
you’ve no way
of jumping to a
specific track.
has launched the CR-H255,which looks a lot like the Denon M35. The USB port
Naturally,it can play shop-bought also allows you to record music from

Wesay music CD but it also supports CD-R/RW

discs loaded with MP3 andWMA files.
The most original feature,though,
any source (CD,aux,radio) to a
plugged-in storage device,but you
can’t alter the recording bit-rate – it’s
a maximum of 25W per channel.
We tested it with TEAC’s own
LS-H255 speakers,which cost £70,
GOOD POINTS USB port lets you is the USB port on the front.Plug in set at 128Kbps. or £60 if purchased with the unit.
record to and play from storage any suitable storage device As mentioned,the CR-H255 has a Audio was rich and warm at normal
devices;DAB radio (portable media players,external DAB tuner and an FM/AM radio with listening levels,but at higher
BAD POINTS Can’t change hard disks) and you can play MP3 60 presets.There's an optical output volumes the sound stage became
recording bit-rate;sound becomes and WMA music stored on it.The and four inputs (three stereo,one a little entangled.Increasing the
slightly muffled at higher volumes; sound quality depends on how good 35mm line-in) for connecting bass level manually made for a
MP3 playback limited the source file is,but it’s a quick way additional AV devices.There are also punchier performance,though,
to listen to music you’ve just two stereo outputs and a subwoofer and,once adjusted,the player
Overall### downloaded from the internet.It output.The TEAC uses binding-post coped well with a variety of music
Modern features and good sound quality
make for a decent mini hi-fi, but the MP3
won't play DRM-encrypted music speaker terminals and can output at from all sources.
from Napster or iTunes,though.
playback features could be better
Contact 0845 1302511
Website www.teac.co.uk
However,although the CR-H255
will read the ID3 tag of each file,it
Techspec
Buy www.activehome.co.uk/ won’t see any folder structure;it G Supports CD,CD-R/RW,MP3/WMA discs G 25W + 25W output G DAB/AM/FM RDS tuner G
activeprices simply determines how many music 30 AM,30 FM station memory G 4 x audio in G 2 x audio out G USB port
tracks are on the device and plays Optical output G Subwoofer output G Binding-post speaker terminals G Headphone jack

£270 them one by one.You can’t browse

by album,artist or playlist,so if there
G Remote control G 215 x 110 x 359 mm G 4.4 kg

Acoustic Energy AE Wi-Fi

Internet Radio
Acoustic Energy delivers a true‘world service’with its latest radio

T here are an estimated 10,000

radio stations streaming
programmes over the web,
compared with the couple of dozen
that you can receive on most FM or
be tricky using a PC browser,but
Acoustic Energy’s Wi-fi Internet
Radio gives you near-instant access
at the click of a button.
The radio is designed to work in
You can configure up to 10
presets by tuning into a station and
holding down the button you want
to use for it.This is particularly useful
if you’re living away from your home
DAB systems.Finding them all can conjunction with a suitable Wi-Fi country as it gives you single-click
access point and broadband access to your familiar stations.

Wesay connection.It uses this to get on to

the internet,where it connects with
a computer holding details of all
The radio has other tricks,too.You
can point it to any PC linked to your
access point and it can play any music
GOOD POINTS Easy access to available stations. files in MP3,WMA or Real Audio
world stations Setting up the radio is only a little formats that it finds on the machine.
BAD POINTS Sluggish tuning more tricky than plugging it in. It can also play any major BBC
A menu knob presents a series of radio programme of the past seven on a standard radio and the sound
Overall#### options on the 6x2cm display; days by linking up to the catch-up occasionally drops for a couple of
Pricey compared with a standard choose Setup and you are given a feature on the BBC website. seconds.But these are minor
radio but worth it if you are an
exile or love world music. But be warned:
choice of the wireless links within It does have a couple of snags. compared with the joy of having the
it can be addictive range and you click your own.If you Tuning in takes a little longer than world at your fingertips.
have encryption enabled on your
Contact 01285 656890
Website
www.acoustic-energy.co.uk
Wi-Fi link,you’ll have to enter your
security key. Techspec
Buy www.activehome.co.uk/ Then,using the menu knob you
activeprices can see listings of stations by area or G Access to over 4,000 internet radio streams G 10-presets G Search by country or genre
genre:reggae from Jamaica,African G Stereo sound from twin AE drivers G Access to the BBC‘Listen Again’services G Real

£199 rock from Mali,country music from

the US bible belt.
Media,MP3 and WMA compatible G Play music stored on your PC or Mac

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w w w. a c t i v e h o m e . c o . u k 27
Hot New
Products

Hitachi PJ-TX200
A future-proof,quiet-running projector with fantastic image quality

R ight from the off,Hitachi’s PJ-

TX200 impresses.The stylish
curved chassis and imposing lens
fill you with a sense of anticipation.You
only need to look at the input connections,
We say
Wesay
GOOD POINTS Bright images;HD
Amazingly,the PJ-TX200 manages to
run its cooling fans incredibly quietly.The
standard cooling runs at a quoted 28dB,
while the Whisper Quiet mode drops this
to 24dB.However,switching to the latter
which include component video and an Ready;quiet drops the brightness to 960 ANSI lumens.
HDMI socket,to realise this is a projector BAD POINTS Colours sometimes a Along with the HDMI and component
little too vibrant
for those with an eye for quality. connections,you get S-video,composite
These inputs,combined with a native
resolution of 1,280 x 720 pixels mean the
Overall##### and a VGA for hooking up a PC source.
Both horizontal and vertical lens shift is
A high-quality HD projector that projects
PJ-TX200 is fully HD Ready,and is able to bright and crisp displays, while also minimising provided,so if you’re projecting the image
produce 720p high-definition images. the chicken-wire effect of other LCD projectors at a slight angle,you should still be able to
It can also accept footage recorded in Contact 0870 909 0760 produce a properly aligned display.
1080i format,which will be scaled to fit. Website www.hitachi.co.uk As for running costs,a replacement
Being an LCD projector,the rainbow Buy www.activehome.co.uk/activeprices 150W lamp will set you back around
effect that plagues DLP models isn’t an £180,and bulbs have a lifespan of about
issue.Hitachi also employs a variety of
advanced image techniques to boost
picture quality,including what Hitachi
£1,399 2,000 hours.
Hitachi clearly spent the design budget
on the chassis of the PJ-TX200,leaving the
calls a Super Focus ED x4 lens (a series of again,the PJ-TX200 more than lived up to remote control understated.Navigating
four separate lenses) and 10-bit Digital the challenge. through the various menus is easy enough
Video Processing. Brightness sits at 1,200 ANSI lumens though,and the usual array of tools,such
We can’t deny this projector is hugely (this drops to 960 ANSI lumens when used as digital gamma correction and vertical
impressive.We tested it with a variety of in Whisper Quiet mode – see below). keystone correction,are all present.
material and found it hard to fault.Even in Hitachi makes much of the fact that the PJ- In short,the Hitachi PJ-TX200 is a
low-light scenes it managed to maintain a TX200 has a contrast ratio of 7000:1,and stunning projector.Able to project 720p
stunning amount of detail.Perhaps the we can understand why.Traditionally,DLP high-definition displays and sporting a
only complaint would be that the colours projectors have always had the edge over variety of features to enhance the picture,
appeared a little too vibrant.Having said LCD when it comes to contrast ratios. it’s a wonder Hitachi has managed to keep
that,the array of controls lets you tailor However,the 7000:1 contrast ratio of the the price from spiralling out of control.
the image and save presets for different PJ-TX200 leaves the majority of DLP If you want a future-proof projector
sources of video,such as DVD,sports, models behind. that produces bright,crisp images,the PJ-
video games and so on. A common complaint of high- TX200 comes highly recommended.
Using a Denon AV receiver,we upscaled resolution LCD projectors is that you see a
a couple of DVD movies to 720p and, chicken-wire effect on the image.Thanks PThere are plenty of connection options
to the four separate lenses,this doesn’t

Techspec
Techspec affect Hitachi’s latest
projector nearly as much as
most other LCD models.If
G HD Ready G 1,280 x 720 native resolution G 30-300in display you get close up to the
G 150W lamp G Super Focus ED x4 lens G 10bit digital video processing image you’ll be able to
1,200 ANSI lumens G 7000:1 contrast ratio G 28-24dB G HDMI socket detect it,but if you sit that
G Component video,VGA,S-video inputs G 340 x 298 x 113mm (w x d x h)
close to the screen that will
G 4.7kg
be the least of your worries!
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28 w w w. a c t i v e h o m e . c o . u k
 Hot New
Products

Denon DCD-1500AE
Half a grand for a CD player? Sounds extraordinary

W hen we can replace our

CD players with all-in-
one DVD players that
can play audio discs in surround
sound,or simply plug an iPod into
want to spend £500 on a two-
channel CD-only separate? We road-
tested Denon’s new DCD-1500AE
CD/SACD player to find out.
The DCD-1500AE represents
our hi-fis to get access to all our Denon’s move back to pure hi-fi.In
digital music,why would anyone technical terms,the player employs
a specially designed 24-bit audio

Wesay processor that can improve the

quality of a standard audio CD by
interpolating the digital data on the
looks.It’s more than twice the height
of most DVD players and features
technologies to suppress resonance
and vibrations caused by things like
GOOD POINTS Sounds amazing; disc to produce something that Denon’s trademark industrial high-speed disc rotation,improving
Pure Direct mode;24-bit processing Denon claims is closer to the original stylings.It’s also immensely heavy the overall stability.
and D/A conversion analogue recording.This is backed and has a very chunky disc transport It’s a shame the DCD-1500AE
BAD POINTS Expensive;no-multi- up by a 24-bit digital-to-analogue system.In fact,the drive mechanism doesn’t support multi-channel SACD
channel SACD;bulky converter as well as a Pure Direct is allegedly one of the ways that the as well as stereo,and the price is
mode that allows you to turn off the DCD-1500AE keeps audio quality so likely to put off a lot of non-
Overall#### LED display and digital output high.The drive,designed by Denon audiophiles,but there’s no denying
Not for anyone on a budget. If you really circuitry in order to preserve the itself,uses several different it’s a real treat for the ears.
care about how your CDs sound, however,
you won’t be disappointed
quality of the audio signal.
Contact 01234 741 200
Website www.denon.co.uk
Sometimes,top-end
improvements in audio quality are Techspec
Buy www.activehome.co.uk/ difficult to discern.In this case,with a
activeprices good amplifier and stereo speakers, G SACD Super Audio CD player and CD player (2x channel only) G Denon S.V.H (Supress Vibration
the difference is easy to hear.The Hybrid) G ALPHA and AL24 Processing G Programmable Playback G 24-Bit 192 kHz D/A
Converter G DSD direct conversion G Analogue and digital (optical and coaxial) connections G
£500 stereo audio still sounds great.
One thing you probably won’t be
buying the DCD-1500AE for is its
SACD text G Remote control G Dimensions (w x h x d):434 x135x331mm G Weight:7.6 kg

Nevada Genus PR1i

A DAB digital radio with an integrated CD player

F ollowing on from the DU1

reviewed last issue,the
Genus PR1i provides yet
another choice for anyone looking
to embrace digital radio.
rewind live radio,and an FM
option for stations that don’t yet
transmit in digital format.
Completing the music lineup is a
slot-loading CD player.
some improvement
when listening to
specific genres
of music (or
talk radio)
This portable model offers all the Setup couldn’t be simpler;when but can be
features that we have come to switched on for the first time the accessed
expect from DAB devices.There’s radio automatically scans the digital only via the
automatic tuning to available airwaves and found all the stations credit card-
stations,the ability to pause and we were expecting.A backlit display sized (and
offers a choice of modes,showing eminently losable)
date and time,signal strength and remote control.We
Wesay any information that the
broadcasting station chooses to
also found that changing to
and from certain presets led to a
transmit,such as the name of the shocking rise in volume.The batteries and
GOOD POINTS Very easy to set
song being played. limitations of the Genus PR1i’s produces a clean sound that will
up and use;slot-loading CD
BAD POINTS Poor sound quality Five buttons on the front of the speakers mean that music from suit kitchen listening.But £130 is a
for the price;EQ settings can only be device provide one-touch access to the CD player lacks the gutsy feel lot of money to pay for this level of
changed using remote control stations,with the use of a shift key we have come to expect from sound quality.In fairness,the Genus
giving access to a further five. digital audio. PR1i is not unfairly priced against
Overall## Digital radio is all about sound The PR1i is not a bad product.It is comparable rival products,but
Not a bad DAB radio, but let down by quality,as DAB signals are not easy to set up and use,compact, listeners may not feel they have got
wimpy speakers prone to the static hiss that portable if used with eight C-sized value for money.
Contact 023 9231 3090 sometimes mars FM broadcasts.
Website www.nevada.co.uk
Buy www.activehome.co.uk/
activeprices
Genus has chosen to deliver
that superior quality through a set Techspec
of weedy speakers,however,and
the resulting sound is G DAB and FM radio G Backlit display G CD player G Remote control G Takes eight C-size

£130 unmistakeably tinny.

A choice of EQ settings offers
batteries G Adjustable EQ settings G Pause and rewind live radio

YYePG Proudly Presents, Thx for Support

w w w. a c t i v e h o m e . c o . u k 29
Special Feature
Online gaming

Over the net

Multiplayer games are no longer limited to a few mates in front of the telly – you can challenge
players from all over the world via the internet.We explain how easy it is to join in the fun

W
hile playing video games on your time of the day, and you can see why this is becoming
own can provide hours of enter- something of a global phenomenon.
tainment, nothing beats a spot of The good news is it’s now easier and more affordable
good old-fashioned multiplayer than ever to jump into online gaming. Here we reveal
action. Whether you’re facing an everything you need to get going.
alien army, racing at Silverstone or trying to win the
World Cup, it’s always better when other people join in Getting started
the fun. These days, however, there’s no need to limit the At the most basic level all you need to get started is a
challenge to family and friends on the sofa – many of game that supports online play, the hardware to run it on,
today’s titles let you take on the world via the internet. and a broadband internet connection. The first step is
Online gaming allows you to compete or join forces simply to choose your preferred gaming platform, and
with the people next door, in the next street, or even on here there are plenty of options.
the other side of the planet. With the right equipment By far the most popular way to play online is with a PC
you can actually talk to others across the net as you (or Mac). Most of the top PC titles can be played freely
play, and no one will mind if you’re still sitting in over the internet, and choices range from fast-paced
your pyjamas. Add to that the potential to host shooters to complex strategy games and massive
tournaments and find fellow gamers at just about any adventures set in virtual worlds. Some of the latest
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30 w w w. a c t i v e h o m e . c o . u k
 Special Feature
Online gaming
RThe Linksys Wireless G-Gaming
Adaptor and Microsoft’s Wi-Fi
adapter let you play online
without untidy wires

HMake plans with your team or

taunt your enemies while you play
with the Xbox Live voice headset.

games, such as Blizzard’s World of Warcraft and City of and online-ready version of the PS2 costs £105 – shop
Heroes, can only be played online, and carry a monthly around for bundles and you could get you a cheaper deal.
subscription charge in addition to the price of the disc. The Nintendo GameCube also lacks a built-in modem
Despite this extra cost they are staggeringly popular for connection to the net. Both dial-up and broadband
– Warcraft had more than 5.5million players at last count. adapters are available, but these can be difficult to find in
the UK. In addition, according to Amazon, the only game
Xbox Live currently compatible with the online service is the
If you haven’t got a computer, or prefer not to use one adventure Phantasy Star Online.
for gaming, the easiest way to get into the action is
with a games console. Of the main systems available, The right connections
Microsoft’s Xbox consoles have by far the most Although you can connect a PC directly to broadband
comprehensive online setup, thanks to the impressive using either a USB or Ethernet modem, to use any
Xbox Live gaming service. console online without an
To get online with an Xbox existing setup you’ll need a
– currently just under £100 – you’ll
need to buy an Xbox Live Starter
Once you’ve broadband modem / router with
an Ethernet connection. The
Kit for £40. The pack includes a plugged in your good news is that most internet
12-month subscription to the
service, a ‘communicator’ head-
hardware, finding service providers (ISPs) supply
the hardware needed to get you
set for talking to other players, other players online as part of their packages
and a copy of the superb Project but, if your deal didn’t include
Gotham Racing 2 to get you
couldn’t be easier one, or you’ve only got a USB
straight into the action. broadband modem designed solely for PCs,
Once you’ve plugged in your hardware and signed up then you’ll need to buy a suitable device.
to your Xbox Live account, finding other players to Models recommended by our sister
challenge couldn’t be easier. All Live-compatible games publication Computeractive inc-
can quickly search out opponents and will even attempt lude the Thomson Speedtouch
to find people of a similar skill level. 585(i) and the Ozenda 11g QThanks to Xbox
Those lucky enough to have a new Xbox 360 already Wireless ADSL Firewall Router, Live,Microsoft’s
have all of the software to get online built in. The system both £60. Another option is BT’s Xbox 360 lets you
also comes with free access to Xbox Live via an included Voyager 240 at £50. Check out challenge gamers
‘Silver’ membership. This allows users to download www.active home.co.uk/active from all over the
updates and explore other parts of the service, but not to prices for the best deals. Of world.The new
actually play games online. For this you’ll need an course, you’ll also need a slim version of the
upgrade to a Gold account, which again costs £40 for a standard Ethernet cable – simply PS2 (below) is also
12-month subscription. BT is currently offering a free buy one to suit the length you ready to go online
Gold account subscription to new broadband users. need. Those using a cable
The Xbox 360 version of Live offers a number of internet service should check
enhancements, including the incredibly popular Xbox with their provider about the best
Live Arcade. Here you can download and play versions way to connect a console.
of classic arcade games such as Gauntlet, Joust, and When it comes to actually
Robotron, along with puzzle, card and board games for choosing a broadband service,
those who prefer a slightly slower pace. The Xbox 360 all of the popular ISPs will offer
core system costs £210, while the deluxe version with a packages suitable for internet
variety of extras (including a headset) is £280. gaming. We’d recommend
choosing at least a 1Mb service to
Sony’s service
Sony’s PlayStation 2 also supports online play. Unfor-
tunately, the original version of the console wasn’t
built with the internet in mind, and so only the most
recent models have the necessary hardware built in.
Anyone with older systems can pick up a PS2 broadband
adapter for £20.
The good news is that there’s no subscription cost for
Sony’s online service, and the number of online-
compatible games is steadily growing. The latest slim
YYePG Proudly Presents, Thx for Support
w w w. a c t i v e h o m e . c o . u k 31
Special Feature
Online gaming

RSony’s Online range of adapters to suit other consoles – we’ve

Gaming Adapter had excellent results with its Wireless G-Gaming
lets PS2 owners Adaptor. Both products cost around £60.
take on the world Another add-on definitely worth considering
is a headset. Being able to chat to fellow players
makes a world of difference – whether you’re
discussing group tactics for tackling terrorists,
deciding which game settings to use, or taunting
the competition in the hope they’ll make
mistakes. You can pick up models suitable for
avoid lags in communication between you and both PC and consoles for around £30.
other players. Some providers may have gaming-
specific packages designed to deliver the best A whole new world
performance, so it’s worth asking. Whether you use a PC, PlayStation or Xbox,
Once you’ve got your system up and running, online gaming can literally open up a whole new
there are other extras worthy of investigation. If world of fun. As you can see, it’s easy to get
you’re using a router with wireless capabilities, going, and there really is no substitute for
for example, you can add a Wi-Fi link to a console storming the beaches of Normandy with your
to cut down on messy cabling – especially if your mates at midnight, racing around Toyko against
connection is in a study upstairs but you want to the people who actually live there, or playing
play on the big screen in your living room. Texas hold-’em poker with bone-fide Texans.
Microsoft has an official 802.11g wireless Just remember, though, at the end of the day, it’s
adapter for the Xbox 360, while Linksys offers a only a game…

Top games to play online

World of Warcraft
(PC/Mac)
With more than 5.5million players worldwide,Blizzard’s epic
fantasy adventure has plenty to offer the online gamer.Explore
the world of Azeroth,complete quests,trade goods,and battle
against the odds to develop the ultimate character.

Jargon Call of Duty 2

buster (PC/Xbox 360)
± 802.11g Standard used for
wireless networking devices.
Known as Wi-Fi.
Relive the horror of World War 2 through the eyes of the British,
Russian and American forces as you attempt to drive the Nazis
from Europe and North Africa.

± Broadband
modem/router A device
that connects several PCs SOCOM II: US Navy SEALs
together and to the internet (PS/2)
via a high-speed broadband One of the most popular online titles for Sony’s console,and
connection. available with or without a voice headset,SOCOM II casts you as

±
an elite US Navy SEAL commander.Join up with friends to
Ethernet A type of protect the free world in 12 sea,air and land-based missions.
computer network allowing a
number of PCs to
communicate.

± Firewall A system that City of Heroes (PC)

prevents unauthorised access Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No,it’s you! A PC online-only title,
to a computer over a network. City of Heroes lets you create your own unique super-being
and put them to the test.Defend Paragon City from aliens,

± USB Universal Serial Bus.

A standard that allows
easy connection of
madmen and even super villains as you attempt to make the
world a safer place.

peripherals to your PC or
audiovisual device. Project Gotham Racing 2

±
(Xbox)
Wi-Fi A catchier name for By far the most popular online racing title,Project Gotham sets
the 802.11b or 802.11g the standards by which others are judged.Race everything from
standards used for wireless compact and sports vehicles to the latest super cars around
networking devices. accurate reconstructions of 11 major cities,including Edinburgh,
Washington DC,and Tokyo.
For more on Jargon Buster visit:
www.activehome.co.uk
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32 w w w. a c t i v e h o m e . c o . u k
 WHO SAYS
YOU CAN’T 24,,576
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SPEED?
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Broadband is getting faster - fast. This router, armed with ADSL2+, gets you up to 24 Mbps (24,576 Kbps)
broadband i.e. 439 times the standard 56 Kbps dial-up connection. Feature-packed, it enriches every file
transfer, SkypeTM call, shared printing, online game or music download. Used with the wireless adapter it
creates a top of the range mainstream wireless network. Meanwhile, an industrial strength firewall keeps your
connections safe from hackers, wireless intruders and unwanted websites. The awards are hardly surprising.
OZENDA 11G WIRELESS ADSL FIREWALL ROUTER
OZENDA 11G WIRELESS USB ADAPTER NOW THAT IS SPEED – THE RECOMMENDED ROUTER! AND MORE...

proven ISSUE 171 ISSUE 126 NOV 2004

systems
Go to WWW.OZENDA.COM or call 0845 601 8525
YYePG Proudly Presents, Thx for Support
www.falcoenterprises.co.uk
• Integrated lithium ion
rechargeable battery 4
hours continuous use or
AC adaptor supplied £129.99 inc VAT
• Operating system:Palm
OS 5.2.1, 5.2.8, 5.4.5,
Windows Mobile 2003
4.20.1081 (Build 13100),
4.20.0 (Build 14053),
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•Short cut keys: Today,
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ORDER ONLINE
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Info: 01895 254600

YYePG Proudly Presents, Thx for Support

Group test AV Receivers

Well connected
Designed to sit at the heart of your home-entertainment system,an AV receiver can transform
your home-cinema pictures and sound.We look at eight models starting from just £170
nyone serious about home entertainment will undoubtedly work with composite video, S-video and even component

A already have a glut of AV equipment living in their front

room. Even amateur enthusiasts are likely to have a DVD
player and VCR, a radio, a set-top box, and probably a CD player.
sources, and support 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1 surround-sound speaker
setups. Finally, all AV receivers offer a built-in radio tuner.
Here we’ve rounded up eight AV receivers available for
Of course, that’s overlooking any games consoles, cassette tape under £500. Even the cheapest model on test supports a 5.1 speaker
recorders and other popular devices. setup, with some of the more expensive devices boasting the
With more and more boxes vying for space under or around the latest 7.1 Dolby Digital and DTS decoders (take a look at our box on
TV, connections are at premium, and plugging leads in and out of page 43 for a full explanation of this). Some receivers can ‘up
sockets to use different equipment can be a pain. One way to solve convert’ video signals to get better quality, and even set themselves
this problem is to connect everything up to an AV receiver. up using a microphone to get the best surround-sound experience
Designed to sit at the heart of your home cinema system, AV for your room.
receivers are special amplifiers that allow you to connect We tested each device with a set of stunning B&W MT-20 5.1
everything to one box and then easily switch between components speakers, which retail for around £1,000. To find our more about
while only using a single connection to your TV. Good models can these, see our review on page 24.
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w w w. a c t i v e h o m e . c o . u k 35
Group test
AV Receivers
Cambridge Audio
Azur 540R£280
Version 2 of the Azur 540R from height of
Cambridge Audio is an update most – but it
on a popular receiver that’s still manages
been around for a couple of to pack in
years. This new model is some quality
almost identical in build to its components.
older sibling, but now includes It also costs just £280, a bargain distance settings, or audio you’ll be able to notice that
an onscreen display (OSD) for for a 6.1-channel receiver. delay (as seen with the Yamaha much of a difference between
setup, a 6.1 pre-amp output, Underneath the LED are RX-V100D and others), the Azur 540R and the more
three digital inputs, and the more than a dozen buttons sound quality was very good in expensive receivers on test.
ability to automatically switch allowing you to quickly jump all surround modes and almost It loses marks with picture
between digital coaxial and to a specific source, or switch comparable to some of the more clarity, though. Although the
optical inputs. to a different expensive models here. unit supports component
The back isn’t It’s one of the surround-sound Speech in movies was dis- video output, to make the
as packed with smallest here, mode. Speaking tinctly clear, and the swirling most of high-quality sources,
phono inputs as of which, the Azur surround elements were the colour seemed slightly
others here, but
but still decodes most focused on the listener. Audio washed-out when lined up
it’s the only manages to Dolby Digital and CDs also sounded good, even against others.
model on test pack in quality DTS surround when listening to classical, The slimline remote control
with a digital components formats but can’t which contains a complex may appear inadequate to AV
output. It’s also process DTS variation of frequencies. purists but is easy to use and
got a 6.1 channel input for use Neo:6, DTS 96/24 or Dolby Pro- In short, unless you’ve got houses all the usual playback
with SACD and DVD-Audio Logic IIx (see box on page 43). canine-hearing, it’s unlikely and source-changing controls.
players. Everything is nicely Each of its six channels
laid out and colour coded, the produces 80W of power, which
OSD is simple to navigate and
the FM tuner supports RDS.
isn’t as powerful as some of the
bigger receivers here, but it’s
AT
G
A GLANCE
Small case that’s good for hi-fi shelf stacks and cabinets
Along with the Panasonic, good for such a small system. G 6-channel output/inputs for SACD and DVD-Audio players
it’s one of the smallest AV Although it lacks manual G Extra digital output for high-quality digital recording
receivers here – almost half the options for adjusting speaker

Denon
AVR-2106 £450
Denon has its finger in most this is a real boon.
home-entertainment pies and, The amount of
more often than not, its pro- input/output soc-
ducts offer outstanding value kets means that
for money. The AVR-2106 is a you’re spoilt for
seven-channel receiver that choice when con-
supports all surround-sound necting devices.
formats including Dolby Pro There’s also a
Logic IIx and DTS 96/24. Each collection of auxi-
channel can output 125W. liary inputs on the front for uencies but otherwise this is ponent inputs is a major selling
Even though the back of the hooking up camcorders and top-sounding receiver. It’s also point. It’s a shame to see a lack
unit looks like a telephone portable audio players. possible to manually tinker of HDMI connections, but the
exchange box, setting up the There’s a six-channel input with channel levels and delays AVR can still handle high-
receiver is a doddle. Sockets on the back for connecting multi- in each surround mode. These quality analogue signals
are clearly labelled and colour- channel audio sources, and settings can be assigned to a through component.
coded and the most options can button on the front (and the The Denon can also ‘up
manual is a good The price tag be adjusted using remote). Music performance is convert’ composite to S-video,
source of assis- may seem the remote control, excellent, and you pump stereo which means you can connect
tance if you get which also glows sources through each channel a composite video signal (from
stuck. The most
high but you in the dark. simultaneously to get the most a VCR, for example) and output
helpful feature, get a lot for Sound-wise, out of your seven channels. as a cleaner S-video signal.
though, is the your money the AVR-2106 is Video quality is sharp, and The price tag may seem high,
automatic audio among the best the inclusion of three com- but you get a lot for your money.
setup. Plug the supplied micro- here. Each channel is distinctly
phone into the front, connect independent, and the centre
your speakers at the back and
the AVR-2106 will do the rest.
channel strikes the right bal-
ance between spoken dialogue
AT
G
A GLANCE
Auto-setup feature makes it easy to get going
Although we found our own and other surround channels. G Three component inputs for connecting high-quality sources
ears to be more trustworthy Audiophiles may notice a G Dolby Pro Logic IIx,Dolby Digital and DTS,DTS 96/24 decoders
when fine tuning, for novices slight reverb with bassy freq-
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36 w w w. a c t i v e h o m e . c o . u k
 Group test
AV Receivers
Denon
AVR-1706 £250
Denon’s AVR-1706 may be
missing some popular features,
but at £200 less than the AVR-
2106, it still represents good
value. It’s a seven channel AV
receiver, but output is less, at
a maximum of 110W per
channel, which is still powerful
for a typical home setup. and S-video connections. as and when you need to. We were also impressed with
This unit is slightly smaller However, there’s still room to In tests, 5.1 movie sound- its ability in all areas of music;
than the AVR-2106 but, like its attach seven devices via tracks weren’t quite as cap- in fact there wasn’t much to
bigger brother, offers an phonos (including the one on tivating as those experienced distinguish it from the AVR-
automatic set-up function. the front auxiliary panel) and on the larger Denon and 2106, apart from its tendency to
Although a good tool for those three S-video connections. Yamaha receivers, but certainly struggle at really high volumes.
new to the world of surround A nice surprise was finding a nothing to quibble about. The quality of the component
sound, we found adjusting trio of component video inputs Considering this is one of the video feeds was also com-
speaker levels and balance on the back, which is more than cheapest models here, each parable with the bigger, more
manually had a some of the more channel was punchy and expensive systems here; rich,
better effect on We were expensive sys- refined. The front and surround vibrant and full of life.
sound quality. impressed with tems provide. channels sounded a little Although this receiver
The main diffe- The remote con- screechy at higher volumes but makes a lot of socket sacrifices,
rences can be its ability in all trol is compre- this was counteracted by the it’s affordable, easy to use and
found on the areas of music hensive and will beefy subwoofer output. sounds great.
back. There’s half let you change
the amount of digital optical and tweak most options.
inputs and no digital audio
output at all. The unit also lacks
The Denon decodes every
flavour of Dolby and DTS
AT
G
A GLANCE
Decoders for all Dolby Digital and DTS soundtrack formats
pre-amp out sockets (apart soundtrack, and can adjust the G Comprehensive remote controller with glow-in-the-dark keys
from to a subwoofer) and has audio delay, which is good G Audio delay adjustment for lip synching with video and DVD
fewer phono, composite video for tightening up lip-synching,

Panasonic
SA-XR55
£400
The SA-XR55 is another 7.1-
channel AV receiver and, in our
books, is the most modern-
looking device here. The front
fascia is curvaceous, while the
single row of buttons and dials native Dolby Digital and DTS attaching camcorders and producing crisp pictures and
scream minimalism. The LED options offer the best surround games consoles without fullness of colour. It’s should
screen is fairly compact, and effect for movies. Although, having to root around the back be ready to rock when HD
there’s not much room for dis- fancy effects sound enticing, for free sockets. broadcasts rear their heads
playing many variables at once we’d always recommend Although Panasonic isn’t a later this year.
– unlike some of the other sticking with the native deco- name you’d immediately think The remote control isn’t as
Starship Enterprise-inspired ding options. of in the AV receiver field, the cluttered as the higher-end
devices here. Once again we were very unit does a reasonable job with Denon, Yamaha and Sony devi-
Each channel pleased to see DVD movies. The balance ces but still manages to cram
outputs at 100W, It’s ready to rock three compo- between channels works well, all the essential controls into
and the unit can when HD nent video in- but precise sound detail can be its slight frame.
decode all popu- puts and four lacking at times, especially While the SA-XR55 has a
lar Dolby Digital broadcasts rear digital inputs when a lot of information is reasonable amount of features,
and DTS sound- their heads (two optical, two being processed. the price seems a little steep
tracks, including digital) on the The component video output when you consider what a little
the newer DTS 96/ 24, Dolby back of the slim-line case. gave a better performance, more money will get you.
Surround Pro Logic IIx and Unfortunately, there’s no digital
Dolby Digital EX formats. There output. There is a six-channel
are also six SFC (Sound Field
Control) cinema effects as well
audio input, though, for
connecting SACD and DVD-
AT
G
A GLANCE
14 built-in surround effects for movies and music
as half a dozen for music. Audio players. A basic phono/ G Decoding for all Dolby Digital and DTS modes and up to 7.1 speakers
The latter work reasonably composite video input panel G 6-channel input for connecting DVD-Audio and SACD players
well with music in stereo but the located on the front is ideal for
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w w w. a c t i v e h o m e . c o . u k 37
Group test
AV Receivers
Pioneer
VSX-1015-S £450
Pioneer’s £450 entry is another with a component out-
example of how the price of put, which will please
quality AV receivers has fallen fans looking to connect
over the past couple of years. HD sources once they
The 7.1-channel VSX-1015 become more common.
looks fantastic with its brushed There’s a 5.1 input for
metal sheen and high flip- attaching SACD or
down panel on the front. It will DVD-audio players, too.
decode every flavour of Dolby Only two optical digital
Digital and DTS surround and inputs can be found on
is the first AV receiver to the back, but another resides a little more bottom end. video feeds showed why no one
be certified to THX Select with the S-video, stereo phono Surround effects worked in their right mind whould opt
2 standard. There are also and composite video sockets well, as did the processing of for these as a first choice.
11 surround effects, and three behind a large panel that also stereo inputs into pseudo As a bonus, this receiver can
more specifically designed conceals a gaggle of fascia surround-sound. Orchestral decode WMA-9 files from a
for THX. buttons. music CDs suffered from the computer, allowing you to lis-
Like the Denon Let the clever Sound-wise, same harshness as the movie ten to stereo and multi-channel
devices, the VSX- sonic the VSX-1015-S soundtracks, but repetitive compressed audio files.
915-S has an performs very dance music and thrashy There’s also the option of video
automatic set-up positioning well. The 120W guitars came across very tight. up-conversion to S-video from
function; connect work out how per channel pow- Component video quality composite video sources. A
the microphone big the room is ered our typical was impressive, but dropping learning remote control is
and position it room setup com- down to S-video and composite bundled too.
where you’re going to sit, then fortably, and when watching
let the clever sonic positioning fast-paced action sequences,
work out how big the room is
and at what level each channel
each channel held its own and
projected plenty of detail.
AT
G
A GLANCE
Certified to THX Select 2 performance standards
should be projected. Epic soundtracks did sound a G Auto setup with microphone and learning remote control
The VSX-915-S has three little harsh at times, however, G Decoding of WMA-9 format video files from a PC
component video inputs along and could have done with

Sony
STR-DB895 £350
The STR-DB895 dispels the returning to the ma-
notion that all Sony’s products nual for help.
carry a price premium. As well Once speakers and
as being £100 cheaper than the AV sources are atta-
most expensive AV receiver ched, though, things
here, it’s also one of only two start to sound better,
that has a DAB tuner. It’s literally. DVD movies
missing some other features, sounded particularly
but the price and digital radio engaging, although we
bode well. found the surround
It’s a 7.1-channel receiver channels slightly overpower- higher volume levels. It seemed usual composite connections
and can output 135W per ing at times – a quick manual to lack conviction, and the cha- and three S-video sockets.
channel. The front fascia car- tweak of the levels and we got a nnel balance became decidedly This Sony is equipped to
ries an air of authority about it, more consistent performance. skewed. Compare it with the handle the latest surround-
with its profes- Music sounded higher-end Denon, Yamaha sound formats and comes with
sional-looking Mid-range a little over-satur- and Pioneer models, and the plenty of customisable cinema
brushed metal ated in higher tones, cracks really start to show. effects. It can also up-convert a
finish, and the
vocals sound which consequen- As expected, its rear end is composite feed to an S-video
slim-line remote is occasionally tly made mid-range home to a gaggle of neatly laid- output signal.
worthy of 21st flat vocals sound occa- out sockets. Notable points This is a good value DAB-
century status. sionally flat. How- include five optical digital audio enabled 7.1-channel receiver but
There’s no auto set-up fea- ever, fiddle with the channel inputs and two component its sound quality shows where
ture, so things have to be levels and it’s possible to reduce video inputs, along with the compromises have been made.
configured using the OSD. these annoyances. DAB, on the
Unlike most of the other recei- other hand, sounded great, and
vers, the Sony’s menus are
unwieldy and awkward to navi-
with a decent reception you’d
be forgiven for thinking a CD
AT
G
A GLANCE
Dolby Pro Logic IIx,Dolby Digital and DTS decoding options
gate. Those with an ounce of was playing. G DAB tuner for access to digital radio stations
AV nous will recognise familiar Our only criticism was the G Up-converts composite to S-video output for cleaner video
options but novices will be STR-DB895’s lack of calm at
YYePG Proudly Presents, Thx for Support

38 w w w. a c t i v e h o m e . c o . u k
YYePG Proudly Presents, Thx for Support
Group test
AV Receivers

Yamaha
RX-V100D £329
Along with the Sony STR- component video
DB895D, Yamaha’s RX-V100D inputs. The OSD
is the only other model here is easy to navi-
that sports a DAB tuner. gate around too.
It’s styled like most Yamaha This 7.1-cha-
AV equipment; an orange LED nnel receiver is
screen and a multitude of compatible with
buttons and dials on the front. all the latest
There’s also a pair of audio and surround sound
composite video inputs on the modes, such as
front and a 5.1 input on the back Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES, and watching TV in stereo, and of punch and clarity in our tests.
for connecting DVD-Audio or DTS 96/24. Movie soundtracks course Dolby Pro Logic IIx will A nice feature is the Silent
Super Audio CD devices. There sound rich in all modes and create a surround-sound effect Cinema mode, which attempts
are no optical or S-video inputs there are 14 ‘DSP’ surround from stereo sources. Each of to create a pseudo surround-
on the front, though, which effects to choose from. the six channels can produce a sound effect when listening to
won’t impress camcorder Video through component maximum of 95W. movies through headphones.
enthusiasts. also looked good Everything is customisable, Although not as competent as
Its rear is rea- Silent cinema and will support so if the subwoofer is annoying dedicated 5.1 headphones, it
sonably tidy and 720p and 1080i the neighbours, you can turn it still delivers an interesting
sockets are clea- mode creates HD signals, down a notch via the receiver. If effect. And, there’s an option to
rly labelled and surround-sound which should it sounds muddy, there’s an tweak audio delay for tight-
colour-coded. It effects through please Xbox 360 option to switch the ‘phase’ of ening up lip-synching issues
doesn’t offer as owners and any- the subwoofer, which improved with video if needed.
many connec-
headphones one planning to
tions as the Denon or Sony use Sky HD, when the first-
receivers, but all the usual
suspects are present, including
generation boxes arrive later
this year.
AT
G
A GLANCE
Integrated DAB receiver for listening to digital radio stations
three optical inputs, five pairs The direct stereo mode G 6-channel outputs and two component video inputs
of phono audio inputs for pumps out clear two-channel
G Audio delay for tightening up lip-synching with video and DVD
various sources and a brace of sound when listening to CDs or

Yamaha
RX-V357 £170
A couple of years ago, the mere video inputs
suggestion of buying a surround- but no sign of
sound receiver for £170 would S-video. You
have earned you a ribbing from do get a 6-
your mates. However, the RX- channel input
V357 is proof that this is an but there are
extremely competitive market. no auxiliary
Granted, compromises have sockets.
been made to lower the price; The two
it’s only a 5.1-channel AV recei- component video inputs are banana-plug compatible, the ces were vibrant, if a touch hazy.
ver, it can’t decode 7.1 or DTS compatible with HD signals, rest being spring clips. Unlike the Yamaha RX-
96/24 modes and, its connec- while an ‘Analogue Mixdown’ However, it performs well for V100D there’s no DAB tuner,
tivity is limited. However, it will feature lets you create a pseudo its price. The overall sound was but you do get FM with RDS
decode Dolby Digital (plus 5.1-channel sound effect from good, and movie soundtracks and also Yamaha’s ‘Silent
Matrix 6.1), DTS (plus Matrix only four speakers — two front were well balanced. There’s a Cinema’ mode for use with
6.1) and Dolby Pro Logic II. and two surround (the centre five-band centre graphic equa- headphones.
There are also nine Cinema channel and subwoofer are liser to adjust audio parameters The remote control skimps
DSP programmes mixed into the two if things sound off-kilter, which on more advanced features but
and five hi-fi DSP Unlike the front channels). is a handy tuning tool. for this kind of money you
effects, including Sound quality The only video outputs are won’t be tweaking too much
five-channel RX-V100D, was at the low end composite and component. anyway. Yamaha is also
stereo for music. there’s no of what’s on offer Suffice to say composite looked bundling a set of its AV 57 5.1
Like the cheaper DAB tuner here. Each chan- terrible while component sour- speakers for an extra £30.
Denon AVR-1706, nel can output
there’s no digital 105W but the
audio output for recording.
However, it does sport a brace
detail wasn’t there compared
with more expensive models.
AT
G
A GLANCE
Analogue Mixdown for creating a pseudo 5.1 effect with four speakers
of optical inputs and one digital In short, it didn’t really do our G Silent cinema for surround-sound headphone effect
coaxial. There are six stereo B&W speakers justice. Only the G Surprising lack of S-video – only composite and component
phono pairs and composite front speaker terminals are
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40 w w w. a c t i v e h o m e . c o . u k
 Antenna attachments for radio Audio and video inputs for connecting Component connections are used for attaching Additional AC outputs can power
analogue AV devices such as a CD player, and outputting to high-quality and other components
VCR and a DVD player high-definition video devices

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Multi-channel inputs for connecting Optical and coaxial digital inputs/outputs Multi-channel outputs for Terminals to connect 5.1,6.1 or 7.1
SACD and DVD-Audio players for connecting DVD players,games attaching power amps to surround-sound speaker systems
consoles,satellite/cable boxes boost sound output
Anatomy of an AV receiver
Group test

w w w. a c t i v e h o m e . c o . u k
41
AV Receivers
Group test
AV Receivers

Best on test
ith prices ranging devices. However, to be honest, connections, has two

W from £170 up to
£450, it was obvious
we were going to see some
we were mightily impressed
with just about every model
here. At the lower end of
component video
inputs and features a
digital audio output.
clear differences between the price spectrum, the Sound quality is
Cambridge Audio excellent for the price, and it’s AV receiver with THX Select 2,
Azur 540R V2.0 is ready for both SACD and DVD- and Denon’s budget 7.1-
a steal at £280. It Audio players. channel AVR-1706, which can
may not handle 7.1 With DAB and 7.1 sound, decode all Dolby and DTS
audio but it offers Yamaha’s RXV100D also gets a formats are also noteworthy.
a good range of Great Value award. Pioneer’s However, in our opinion, the

AV receivers
MANUFACTURER CAMBRIDGE AUDIO DENON DENON PANASONIC

MODEL Azur 540R V2.0 AVR-2106 AVR-1706 SA-XR55

PRICE £280 £450 £250 £400

TEL 020 7940 2200 01753 888447 01753 888447 0870 535 7357

INFO www.cambridgeaudio.com www.denon.co.uk www.denon.co.uk www.panasonic.co.uk

COMPOSITE VIDEO INPUTS 3 4 3 4

COMPOSITE VIDEO OUTPUTS 1 3 2 2

S-VIDEO INPUTS 3 4 3 3

S-VIDEO OUTPUTS 1 3 2 1

COMPONENT VIDEO INPUTS 2 3 3 3

COMPONENT VIDEO OUTPUTS 1 1 1 1

PHONO INPUTS (PAIRS) 5 7 6 5

PHONO OUTPUTS (PAIRS) 1 3 2 2

DIGITAL COAXIAL INPUTS 3 2 2 2

DIGITAL COAXIAL OUTPUTS 1 0 0 0

DIGITAL OPTICAL INPUTS 3 3 2 2

DIGITAL OPTICAL OUTPUTS 1 1 0 0

EXT/MULTI CHANNEL (PHONO) 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1

PRE OUT (PHONO): 5.1 5.1 Subwoofer only Subwoofer only

ANTENNA FM, AM FM, AM FM, AM FM, AM

SPEAKER 6.1 7.1 7.1 7.1

FRONT INPUTS Phono, video S-video, phono, video Phono, video Phono, video
(composite), headphones (composite), optical, (composite), headphones (composite), headphones
setup mic)
DECODERS Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital,
Dolby Digital EX, DTS, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Digital EX,
DTS ES, Pro Logic II Pro Logic IIx, DTS, DTS Pro Logic IIx, DTS, DTS Pro Logic IIx, DTS, DTS
96/24, Neo-6, DTS-ES, 96/24, Neo-6, DTS-ES, 96/24, Neo-6, DTS-ES,
DESIGN #### ### ### ####

SOUND QUALITY #### ##### #### ###

FEATURES #### ##### #### ###

EASE OF USE #### ##### #### ####

VALUE FOR MONEY ##### #### #### ###

OVERALL #### ##### #### ###

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42 w w w. a c t i v e h o m e . c o . u k
 Group test
AV Receivers
Denon AVR-2106 is unbeatable
in terms of sound, video and Decoding options
connection quality, and ease
of use. It may be the most exp- Today’s AV receivers are packed channels at the rear.Many of the AV compression,but this isn’t always as
ensive machine here but it’s with an incredible array of audio receivers here also support 6.1 clear-cut as it should be. DTS-ES
definitely a case that you really processing and decoding options. channels.Movie soundtracks that Discrete 6.1 delivers a separate extra
do get what you pay for. The list of Dolby and DTS (Digital have been encoded with Dolby back surround channel,creating a
Theater Systems) formats for Digital surround EX technology more refined surround effect.DTS-
movies is forever growing. reproduce a‘Surround Back’ ES Matrix 6.1 mixes the rear right
Essentially,Dolby Digital 5.1 is channel,producing an even better and left surround channels to create
the audio system found on most surround experience. the extra middle channel.
DVD movie soundtracks.This DTS is a rival system to Dolby DTS Neo:6 creates a pseudo 6.1
produces sound with a stereo pair Digital 5.1 and works in a similar effect from a simple stereo signal
and a dialogue speaker at the front, way.Technically,DTS should sound and can be optimised for cinema
plus left and right surround better as it uses less audio and music playback.

Jargon
buster
PIONEER

VSX-1915-s
SONY

STR-DB895D
YAMAHA

RXV100D
YAMAHA

RX-V357
± 5.1 Surround sound with a
pair each of front and rear
speakers,a centre speaker
£425 £350 £329 £170 and a subwoofer.

01753 789500

www.pioneer.co.uk
0870 511 1999

www.sony.co.uk
01923 233166

www.yamaha-uk.com
01923 233166

www.yamaha-uk.com
± 7.1 Similar to 5.1 surround
sound with pairs of front
and rear speakers,a
centre speaker and a
4 4 3 4 subwoofer – 7.1 adds two
2 3 2 2 centre rear speakers.

2
4

3
3

2
0

0
± 720p A high-definitionTV
format with an image
resolution of 1280 pixels wide
and 720 pixels high.

±
3 2 2 2
1080i A high-definitionTV
1 1 1 1 format with an image
resolution of 1920 pixels wide
6 7 5 6
and 1080 pixels high.

±
2 3 2 2
Coaxial Refers to a type
2 2 1 1 of connection for video
and both analogue and
0 0 0 0 digital audio.
2

1
3

1
3

1
2

0
± Composite video A type
of video signal in which the
red,green and blue signals
5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 are mixed together.

5.1

FM, AM
Subwoofer only

FM, AM, DAB

5.1

DAB, FM, AM
Subwoofer only

FM, AM
± HDMI A specification that
combines video and audio
into a digital interface for
DVD players,digitalTV
7.1 7.1 7.1 5.1 players and so on.
S-video, phono, video
(composite), optical,
setup mic)
S-video, phono, video
(composite), optical
Phono, video
(composite), headphones
Headphones
± SACD Super Audio Compact
Disc.A high-resolution audio
CD format.
Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital, DTS,

±
Dolby Digital EX, Pro Logic Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Digital EX, Pro Logic II
IIx, DTS, DTS 96/24, Neo-6, Pro Logic IIx, DTS, DTS Pro Logic IIx, DTS, DTS Set-top box A device that
DTS-ES, THX Select 2 96/24, Neo-6, DTS-ES, 96/24, Neo-6, DTS-ES, enables aTV set to receive
#### #### #### ### digitalTV broadcasts.

####

####
###

#####
####

####
###

##
± S-video A high-quality
video connection that carries
brightness and colour
information separately.
#### ## #### ####

#### ### ##### ####

For more on Jargon Buster visit:
#### ### #### ### www.activehome.co.uk
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w w w. a c t i v e h o m e . c o . u k 43
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Group test Portable
media players

Travelling
entertainers
It’s one thing having a great entertainment setup at home,but what do you do for sound and
vision when you’re out and about? We round up 10 of the best portable performers
ortable media players aren’t a particularly new idea. Portable store and play back hours of video footage, display slideshows of

P radios, cassette players and even televisions have been

around for ages. But, while the term ‘portable’ was once
used to describe all manner of hefty, hernia-inducing devices, the
your favourite photos, record television programmes and let you
play games. And they’re not just being used for entertainment on
the move. Some people are even ditching their home hi-fis in
digital era has genuinely made it possible to fit your entire CD favour of a neat iPod and speaker dock combination, like those
collection in your pocket. reviewed on page 12.
Things really kicked off a few years ago with the launch of the It’s clear that for anyone who loves music or movies, a portable
original iPod. Even Apple’s Steve Jobs must have been fairly media player is a must-buy item. But which one do you go for?
surprised by the rapturous reception that greeted his little white Do you want a dedicated music player that’s small enough to slip
mobile music centre. But that was only the start. The success of into a shirt pocket, or an all-in-one mobile multimedia hub to
the iPod has opened the floodgates, and now there are all manner handle all your entertainment needs?
of devices – some cheap iPod copies and others genuine This issue, we’ve rounded up a selection of 10 of the best pocket-
innovations – all competing for your cash. entertainment systems currently available to find out just who’s
And it’s not just music these days, either. Many devices can top of the pops.
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w w w. a c t i v e h o m e . c o . u k 45
Group test
Portable media players

Apple Apple
iPod £299 iPod nano £179
Often mistakenly referred to as your computer. Users need to Apple’s first foray into flash element of the nano is hardly
the ‘iPod Video’, the current download the latest update to memory music players, the its most impressive feature.
generation of Apple’s portable iTunes, which comes with a iPod Shuffle, didn’t have a So with music playback the
music player has, as the ‘convert selection for iPod’ screen and lacked the sophis- focus, it’s a shame that the nano
misnomer suggests, video option, but even this is very hit tication of the iPod proper in isn’t the best performer in
playback built in, along with and miss. And when you find terms of control and design. terms of audio quality. Music
music and photo capabilities. out that the battery life lasts Apple’s answer to this is the sounds marginally better when
It comes in either 30Gb or 60Gb only three hours when playing nano, a flash memory player encoded in Apple’s AAC format,
hard disk sizes, and is available video you may well ask yourself that looks and behaves just and a bit of tweaking with the
in either black or white. Since whether it’s worth the hassle. like a slimmed-down version of EQ settings answered some of
less is never more where sto- Given all of this, it’s easy to its sibling. our initial qualms. But the nano
rage capacity is concerned, we overlook the fact that the iPod In the flesh, the nano is, has nothing like the range or
tested out the 60Gb model. ‘Video’ is Apple’s best portable as Apple’s marketing people richness of sound of the
The disappointing fact is music player yet. Improve- will have you believe, ‘impos- 30/60Gb models, presumably
that the iPod doesn’t do video ments to audio processing are sibly small’ (™). Like its big because of the way that the
very well. Why? clearly audible, brother, it’s avai- audio circuitry
Well, let’s start It’s easy to for example, lable in two It’s a shame that has had to be
with the screen. overlook the with a richness, colours (black the nano isn’t squashed into
The iPod’s 320 x warmth and cla- and white) and in such a small
240 pixels colour fact that the iPod rity that is often two sizes (2Gb the best space.
LCD display is ‘Video’ is Apple’s absent from com- and 4Gb), though performer in Both the nano
bright and sharp best portable pressed music storage capacity terms of audio and the grown-
enough for view- format play- has no impact on up iPod come
ing at a com- music player yet back. Many pre- the device’s phy- quality with a distinct
fortable palmtop distance from vious niggles have been ironed sical proportions. lack of accessories, the most
your face, but it’s definitely out, too. Battery life for audio- Avid music buyers may find upsetting omission in both
nudging the boundaries in only use, for example, stands at it hard to whittle down their cases being a power adapter.
terms of acceptable size. Its 4:3 a healthy 20 hours. desert island albums to fit but, The iPod family can all be
aspect ratio is fine for material In a perfect world looks for many users, 500 (2Gb) or charged via USB, but this is not
intended to be viewed in that wouldn’t matter but they do, 1,000 songs (4Gb), is more than always convenient, and an
shape, but widescreen movies particularly when it comes to enough to have in your pocket official wall-socket adapter will
become unwatchable slivers in portable gadgetry. In this res- at any given time. set you back £20.
letterbox format. Not that it’s pect the iPod is still the fairest There’s no support for video The nano is a thing of beauty,
easy to get video onto the iPod of them all, with its trademark playback, but both photos and there’s no doubt about that. But
in the first place. There’s no AV retro-futuristic plastic fascia album art can be displayed on with rival players offering
input for recording video from and instantly scratchable meta- the 176 x 132 pixels colour better-quality sound and
an external source, and no llic underside. The click wheel LCD screen. Given that the higher storage capacities
proper software for trans- control system alone should display is only 1.5 inches in for less cash, it faces some
coding existing video files on win someone a Nobel Prize. size, however, the visual stiff competition.

AT
●
A GLANCE
60Gb storage capacity,plays music,photo and video
AT
●
A GLANCE
4Gb storage capacity,plays music and photos only
● Colour 2.5in 320 x 240 pixels LCD display ● Colour 1.5in 176 x 132 pixels LCD display
● Connects to PC or Mac via USB;works with iTunes software ● Connects to PC or Mac via USB;works with iTunes software
● Can be used for data storage,contacts list and calendar ● Can be used for data storage,contacts list and calendar
● Comes with stereo headphones,USB cable and carry pouch ● Comes with stereo headphones and USB cable
YYePG Proudly Presents, Thx for Support

46 w w w. a c t i v e h o m e . c o . u k
 Group test
Portable media players

Archos Creative
AV500 Mobile DVR £550 Zen Vision M £250
French company Archos was functions, media and settings Squint your eyes, hold the Also present is a micro-
one of the first manufacturers on the unit itself is extremely Creative Zen Vision: M at arms’ phone, which is handy for
to produce hard disk-based easy to get the hang of. length, and you could be recording voice memos or other
media jukeboxes, even though Nothing will get around the looking at the latest iPod. sounds. Video functions are
it has since had its thunder fact that the AV500 looks like a Eschewing previous indus- also better-implemented in
stolen by its competitors. big silver brick, but then most trial-looking designs, Creative the Vision: M than they are in
The AV500 is the latest of the time you’ll be looking at has thrown caution to the wind the iPod. You still can’t record
device to arrive from the Archos the bright, colourful 4in screen, this time round and headed straight from the telly, but
stables and it’s something of a so this hopefully won’t be much boldly down the ‘clone’ route. Creative makes it a little easier
brute. With a socking great of a problem. Video, photos and It’s not entirely unsuccessful, to transfer video material
100Gb hard drive, the AV500 is album art all look great on the either. The Vision: M is almost already on your PC, thanks to
obviously designed for lots high-resolution LCD display, exactly the same size and support for multiple formats
of high-quality media – up but should you ever hanker for shape as Apple’s flagship and some useful conversion
to 55,000 songs, 400 hours a larger screen, the supplied player, and has its display software. You can hook up the
of video or one million photos, TV docking pod can be used to and controls in exactly the Zen to your telly and/or hi-fi if
in fact. Video hook up the unit same place as you fork out for
can either be It’s clear that the to a telly. Video the correspon- Creative has the optional AV
converted from AV500 is looks surpris- ding attributes. thrown caution cable. Its own
material already ingly good on a Available in a screen is the
on your PC’s intended for big screen, dep- wider range of to the wind same size and
hard disk using people who are ending on its colours and with and headed resolution as the
a utility provi- serious about source. Sound, a cool blue hue boldly down the iPod’s but, if
ded, or recorded also, is pretty illuminating the anything, it’s a
directly from an portable media good. buttons, the Vis- ‘clone’ route tad brighter and
external video source, such as A vast stash of accessories is ion: M has just enough of its sharper, which makes it
a digital TV box or DVD player. supplied with the main unit, own style to pull the look off. slightly better for watching
Setting up the file converter to including the aforementioned The vertical touchpad con- movies. Still, the battery lasts
work properly is a bit of a pain, docking pod, lots of different trol system doesn’t have quite for only four hours of video
as you may have to down- cables and adapters, a carry the same instantly intuitive playback (14 for audio-only
load further applications and case and even a remote control appeal as Apple’s click wheel. use) which is a bit of a let-down.
codecs from the web in order to handset. It’s clear that the The Zen manages to go one Audio quality is pretty good,
get it working properly. AV500 is intended for people better than its rival in several with support for MP3 , WAV
Using the AV500 is relatively who are really serious about other ways, though. It has the and WMA, including DRM files
straightforward. Plug it into a their portable media, and useful addition of a built-in FM purchased from online stores
PC and Windows XP should this is reflected in the player’s radio for a start, and can digi- such as Napster. Apple fans
just recognise it, at which point price. For £550, you could buy tally record broadcasts straight may scoff, but the Vision: M
music, movies and photos can an iPod and a PSP, and still to its own hard disk. Apple’s is a great little device that
be synched using Windows have change left over for a night FM add-on costs £35 and does certain things better than
Media Player. Browsing the on the town. doesn’t allow you to record. the iPod.

AT A GLANCE AT
G
A GLANCE
30Gb storage capacity,plays music,photos,radio and video
G 100Gb storage capacity,plays music,photos and video
G Colour 4in 480 x 272 pixels LCD display G Colour 2.5in 320 x 240 pixels LCD display
G Connects to PC via USB,works with Windows Media Player G Connects to PC via USB;works with Creative MediaSource
G Can record video from external sources;features built-in microphone G Can be used for data storage;features built-in microphone
G Comes with stereo headphones,USB cable AV in-out dock G Comes with stereo headphones,USB cable and carry pouch
YYePG Proudly Presents, Thx for Support
w w w. a c t i v e h o m e . c o . u k 47
Group test
Portable media players

Creative Commodore
Zen MicroPhoto £180 PMC30 £275
If the Vision: M is Creative’s on the nano. Thanks to its hard Now, here’s a name you might and clarity of the image.
answer to the iPod, then the disk, the MicroPhoto has not have heard in a while. But In its favour, the PMC30 is
Zen MicroPhoto is clearly the double the storage space (8Gb) before you start to get all nos- very easy to use. The onscreen
company’s equivalent to the for the same price, for example. talgic for Chuckie Egg and interface is clear, and simple to
nano. It’s roughly the same It also has the useful built-in Elite, let’s just say that the name navigate, while the drag-and-
height and width, although it’s FM radio and voice recording itself is pretty much all that’s drop method of transferring
considerably deeper, mainly features of the Vision: M. left over from the Commodore media to the unit is far more
due to the fact that it’s based on Perhaps more importantly, you know and love. straightforward than using a
hard disk technology rather audio quality is better than The PMC30 is similar to the special program to mediate
than flash memory. The design the nano, with a pleasingly Archos AV500 in that it is a between your PC and the
is neat and incorporates the rounded, realistic sound. hard disk-based mobile enter- player. Windows Media Player
same vertical touchpad and But where simplicity is the tainment device with the ability will recognise the device if you
glowing blue button system as key to the iPod’s success, to record and view video, listen prefer to work that way, and the
the Vision: M. Compare it things get complicated when to music and browse photos. unit is compatible with DRM-
directly with the nano or the you plug the Creative Zen into The silver-brushed metal and encoded WMA files bought at
Sony Walkman (see page 52), your computer. Rather than the rubberised corners design isn’t online stores such as Napster.
however, and the one-stop shop unpleasant, but Recording
MicroPhoto is Things get that is iTunes, it feels unfini- The unit is big from TV or video
very much the complicated the MicroPhoto shed. The first and bulky, is as easy as
ugly duckling. requires a rather thing you’llnotice plugging in the
Like the nano, when you plug confusing bevy is that the unit is despite the fact supplied AV
the MicroPhoto the Creative of applications, big and bulky, that it’s only lead, selecting
can display pho- Zen into your including a despite the fact based around a the PVR func-
tos as well Media Explorer, that it’s only tion from the
as play music, computer Creative’s own based around a 30Gb hard disk main menu and
though the screen isn’t Media player, and a separate 30Gb hard disk. The screen is pressing record, and the
particularly suitable for doing online store such as Napster, larger than average, but smaller reverse is true when displaying
so. The colour LED display is should you wish to purchase than either the AV500 or the recorded video on a TV screen.
small (1.5in), has a fairly low new tracks. To confuse matters PlayStation Portable. At 3.6 Unfortunately we experien-
resolution (128 x 128 pixels) yet further, the Zen is also inches it beats the iPod’s ced a few operational issues
and has pretty weak contrast compatible with Windows display in terms of size if not while testing the PMC30,
levels, even when set to 100 per Media Player. resolution, which is the same though this may have been due
cent. Worse, the square screen The MicroPhoto has far more as the 2.5in displays of both to malfunctions specific to our
is completely the wrong shape added value than the other Apple’s video-capable device review unit. Either way, the
for displaying photos, which music players/photo viewers of and Creative’s Vision: M. The Commodore-branded media
become cropped in their tran- its size and price. It also sounds fact that the PMC30 stretches player feels like a prototype
sition from PC to player. good, but lacks the ease of its 320 x 240 pixels over rather than a finished product
In practical terms, Creative use and glamour factor of its an extra inch of screen only in both the way it looks and the
has certainly got the drop closest rivals serves to reduce the sharpness way it works.

AT A GLANCE
● 8Gb storage capacity,plays music,photos and radio
AT
●
A GLANCE
30Gb storage capacity,plays music,photos and video
● Colour 1.5in 128 x 128 pixels LED display ● Colour 3.6in 320 x 240 pixels LCD display
● Connects to PC via USB,works with Creative MediaSource ● Connects to PC via USB;works with Windows Media Player
● Can be used for data storage,features built-in microphone ● Can be used for data storage and recording from external sources
● Comes with stereo headphones,USB cable and carry pouch ● Comes with stereo headphones,USB cable,AV leads and carry pouch
YYePG Proudly Presents, Thx for Support

48 w w w. a c t i v e h o m e . c o . u k
 Group test
Portable media players

Philips Samsung
GoGear HDD6320 £229 YH-J70 £220
One of the nicer-looking Pod- dows Media Player, which Yet another black plastic/ video we transferred into com-
alikes, the Philips GoGear makes installation and setup brushed metal combo, Sam- pletely the wrong directory.
HDD6320 is a sleek black slab pretty painless. The GoGear sung’s attempt at helping itself Worse than any of these
with a silver-brushed metal shows up as a portable player to a slice of Apple’s pie is a bit of things is the YH-J70’s control
underside, and at first it in WMP and playlists, or entire a letdown. On paper it ticks all system. An up-down rocker
appears entirely devoid of libraries can be synched either the right boxes. It can cope with forms the central navigation
controls. In fact, there’s a manually or automatically. video, music and photos. It has tool, with Back, Forwards,
physical button on either side Photo libraries can also be a built-in FM tuner and a Play/Pause, Menu and Tool
of the unit (volume on the right, synched via Media Player and microphone for recording exter- buttons lined up underneath
power/hold on the left) and viewed on the HDD6320’s nal audio. It has wider-than- and to the right of the screen.
some touch-sensitive controls colour display.The built-in average support for music It’s not immediately obvious
on the front that only make their microphone and voice recorder formats (MP3, WMA, Ogg, WAV, how they combine to help move
presence felt – with a cool blue function is a thoughtful extra. ASF) and a 25-hour battery life if you around the different menu
glow, no less – as and when you Music sounds a little flat, you’re just listening to tunes. It screens. More confusing still is
need them. although this can quickly even has a version of Tetris pre- the menu structure. In order to
This takes a bit of getting be rectified by setting the installed. So, what exactly is not find a particular tune, for exam-
used to, since HDD6320’s EQ to like? ple, you don’t
their natural Touch-sensitive to SRS WOW. Well, firstly, the You’ll be just go to the
state of invisi- controls on the This is a version screen is a bit of a reminded of the ‘Music’ section
bility means that of the same disappointment. of the menu, you
you need to learn front only make audio enhance- The 1.8in, low- dark days need to go to the
which buttons their presence ment that’s often resolution (160 x before mobile ‘Navigate’
do what. It’s a felt as and when found on TV sets 128 pixels) colour phones became section and use
fairly logical lay- to give 3D virtual LCD is barely a file browser.
out, however, and you need them surround sound. big enough for easy to use Indeed, the YH-
doesn’t take too long to get the It’s used to good effect here, viewing photos, let alone video. J70 is so counter-intuitive,
hang of. The control system is providing deep bass and clear The display also has a very poor you’ll be reminded of the dark
similar to that of the Creative treble, while fleshing out the viewing angle. Tilt it ever so days before mobile phone
Zens, with a vertical touchpad middle ground considerably. slightly and actually it becomes handsets became easy to use.
down the centre and backward/ The one big drawback with unwatchable. Like the Philips GoGear, the
forwards play/pause menu/ the HDD6320 is its screen size. The software that comes YH-J70 sounds a bit flat unless
back buttons either side. The At only two inches, the display with the YH-J70 is another you tinker with the EQ. SRS
overall effect is easy to use and is disappointingly small and problem. It purports to come WOW enhancement features
nice to look at. not particularly well suited to with a file converter, but we had here again and really makes a
The HDD6320 has a good- photo slideshows. But if you’re little joy transcoding video difference. In fact, there are
sized hard disk (30Gb) and can not worried about anything files. More annoying was the quite a few options to play with
play music files in either MP3, other than tunes, then the fact that the Media Studio in the sound settings – if you
WMA and WAV formats. It’s Philips GoGear is definitely program randomly decided to ever manage to locate them,
designed to work with Win- worth considering. dump all the music, movies and that is.

AT
G
A GLANCE
30Gb storage capacity,plays music and photos only
AT
G
A GLANCE
20Gb storage capacity,plays music,photos,radio and video
G Colour 2in 220 x 176 pixels LCD display G Colour 1.8in 160 x 128 pixels LCD display
G Connects to PC via USB;works with Windows Media Player G Connects to PC via USB;works with Samsung Media Studio
G Can be used for data storage,features built-in microphone G Can be used for data storage,features built-in microphone
G Comes with stereo headphones,USB cable and carry pouch G Comes with stereo headphones and USB cable
YYePG Proudly Presents, Thx for Support
w w w. a c t i v e h o m e . c o . u k 49
Group test
Portable media players

Sony Sony
Walkman NW-A1000 £160 PlayStation Portable £180
Check your dictionary and a range of different colours, Like the PlayStation 2 before on PSP (www.x-oom.com) that
you’ll notice that we didn’t including black. it, Sony’s PlayStation Portable can help take the sting out of
always refer to portable music Although a 20Gb version is (PSP) knows the importance doing this. Unless you buy the
players as ‘iPods’. In fact, it available (for £199), the NW- of being able to multitask. So, new Giga Pack (£214), you’ll
wasn’t long ago that the word A1000 features 6Gb’s-worth of where the PS2 pioneered low- also have to add the cost of a
‘Walkman’ was synonymous storage space for around £20 cost DVD playback, the PSP USB cable and a good-sized
with music on the move. less than the 4Gb iPod nano. also features built-in support Memory Stick to transfer and
But a lot has changed since The comparison is a fair one for movies, either in shop- store a decent amount of
then, and in the wake of too, as neither the nano nor the bought UMD disc format, or music, movies and photos.
Apple’s domination of the Walkman offer video playback. transferred to a Memory Stick Even then, the PSP is still the
digital music scene, Japanese Given its monochrome dot Duo from your PC. Similarly, cheapest video-friendly media
giant Sony has been strug- matrix display, the NW-A1000 the PSP can be used as a music player on test.
gling to get its brand name lacks the nano’s photo func- player and is compatible with Some will despair at the
back into popular vernacular. tions but more than makes up MP3 and Sony’s own ATRAC3 emergence of yet another
With the launch for this in the plus formats, video format,
of the Walkman The NW-A1000 is sound depart- which can also The PSP is but none of the
NW-A1000, it a slick, sexy, ment. Audio be stored on a still the other devices
looks like the quality – par- Memory Stick, here even come
company may at digital media ticularly for along with any cheapest close to looking
last be able player that’s those tracks digital photos video-friendly as good as
to regain some sure to appeal encoded in you want to take media player UMD movies do
footing. The NW- Sony’s ATRAC3 with you. It also on the PSP’s
A1000 is a slick, to people plus format – is has built-in Wi- on test bright 4.3in LCD
sexy, digital media player truly excellent. The sound is Fi, which means you can surf screen. Audio quality is also
that’s sure to appeal to people crisp yet warm, with good the web wherever there’s a excellent, with a rich bass and
for many of the same reasons separation at the treble and wireless internet connection good detail, even with plain old
the original iPod did. bass ends. available. And let’s not forget MP3s. A decent set of head-
Rather than designing There’s no radio, no micro- that you can also use your PSP phones would probably make
something as close to the iPod phone and there aren’t even to play great games like Grand a good investment, though.
as possible, Sony has made a any free games. But great Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories It might be a little larger than
commendable stab at ori- audio quality, a 20-hour battery and Pro Evolution Soccer. some of the other devices here,
ginality with the NW-A1000’s life, an iTunes-like music store As with the iPod, getting and it can’t play back on a TV
outward stylings. The rounded and an elegant design make your own movies onto the screen (although an accessory
blob shape and the ‘invisible’ the NW-A1000 a very tempting PSP’s Memory Stick can be to do this is alleged to be in the
screen are neat touches and, if proposition for people who a bit of a faff but there are works), but it’s hard not to see
you’re not keen on Dairy Milk really care about how good commercially available pro- the PSP as the master of all
purple, the Walkman comes in their music sounds. grams such as X-oom Movies trades and the jack of none.

AT A GLANCE AT
●
A GLANCE
Up to 2Gb removable storage with additional Memory Sticks
● 6Gb storage capacity,plays music only
● Monochrome 1.5in dot matrix display ● Plays music,video,UMD movies and PSP games
● Connects to PC via USB;works with Sony CONNECT software ● Colour,4.3in 480 x 272 pixels LCD display
● Compatible with MP3,ATRAC3,ATRAC3plus formats ● Connects to PC via USB;features wireless web browsing
● Comes with stereo headphones and USB cable ● Comes with stereo headphones 32Mb Memory Stick,and carry pouch
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50 w w w. a c t i v e h o m e . c o . u k
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Group test
Portable media players

Best on test
he easiest thing to do at capability and players without
Gear HDD6320 and the 60Gb
iPod are the best players for
music, with the Walkman just
pipping the other two in terms
of audio quality.

T this point in our group

test is to divide our
subjects up into two categories
video capability.
If video isn’t important to
you, then the Sony Walkman
If moving pictures are a
must-have, then you should
carefully consider whether you
– media players with video NW-A1000, the Philips Go- want your device to be able to

Portable media players compared

MANUFACTURER APPLE APPLE ARCHOS CREATIVE CREATIVE COMMODORE
MODEL NAME iPod iPod nano AV500 Mobile DVR Zen Vision M Zen MicroPhoto PMC30

PRICE £299 £179 £550 £250 £180 £275

TELEPHONE 0800 039 1010 0800 039 1010 0870 609 1263 0800 376 7954 0800 376 7954 No UK phone
number
WEB www.apple. www.apple. www.archos.com www.europe. www.europe. www.commodore-
com/uk com/uk creative.com creative.com world.com
VIDEO Yes No Yes Yes No Yes
PHOTO Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
RADIO No No No Yes Yes No
MUSIC FORMATS SUPPORTED MP3, AAC, Apple MP3, AAC, Apple MP3, WMA, WAV MP3, WMA, WAV MP3, WMA, WAV MP3, G726,
Lossless, WAV, AIFF Lossless, WAV, AIFF ADPCM, WMA

STORAGE CAPACITY 60Gb 4Gb 100Gb 30Gb 8Gb 30Gb (plus SD

memory card slot)

DISPLAY Colour, 320 x 240 Colour, 176 x 132 Colour, 480 x 272 Colour, 320 x 240 Colour, 128 x 128 Colour, 320 x 240
pixels LCD pixels LCD pixels LCD pixels LCD pixels OLED pixels LCD

SCREEN SIZE 2.5in 1.5in 4in 2.5in 1.5in 3.6in

BACKLIGHT Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
CONNECTION USB USB USB USB USB USB
INPUTS None None Audio and video None None Audio and video
inputs inputs
OUTPUTS Headphone, Headphone Headphone, audio Headphone, audio Headphone Audio and
optional AV out and video outputs and video outputs video outputs,
cable available (with optional AV headphone
cable)
BATTERY LIFE 20 hours (audio), 3 14 hours 15 hours (audio), 5 14 hours (audio), 4 15 hours 9 hours (audio),
hours (video) hours (video) hours (video) 5 hours (video)
SOFTWARE iTunes iTunes Windows Media Creative Creative Windows Media
Player 10 MediaSource MediaSource Player 10
OTHER FEATURES Data storage, Data storage, Data storage, Data storage, Data storage, Data storage, voice
contacts, calendar contacts, calendar built-in built-in built-in recording
microphone, PVR, microphone, microphone,
direct connection contacts, calendar contacts, calendar
to digital camera
DIMENSIONS (W X H X D) 61 x 104 x 14mm 40 x 90 x 7mm 124 x 76 x 24mm 62 x 104 x 19mm 51 x 83 x 17mm 136 x 78 x 27mm
WEIGHT 157g 47g 300g 163g 115g 325g
DESIGN ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★ ★★★★ ★★★ ★
VALUE FOR MONEY ★★★ ★★★ ★★ ★★★★ ★★★★ ★★
FEATURES ★★★★ ★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★ ★★★
EASE OF USE ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★ ★★
PROS Great sound Small, beautiful Combines PVR Sharp, colourful Small, good value, Can record video
quality, excellent design functions with screen, includes includes radio and in VGA (640 x 480
design, sharp, jukebox features, radio and microphone pixels) resolution;
colourful screen, great screen, large microphone SD memory card
large capacity capacity slot
CONS Poor video Poor sound quality, Very expensive, Can’t record video Poor screen, Feels like a proto-
support, few extras few extras clunky build from external chunky build type rather than a
source, no AV cable finished product

VERDICT Still the best Extremely Only recommended The pretender to A neat little Bulky, slow and
looking. Great desirable, but for serious AV the throne does a player, but – fortunately
improvement on ultimately enthusiasts lot of things better not recommended – difficult to find in
previous models, disappointing than the ruler of for photo viewing the shops
but video imple- the roost
mentation is weak
OVERALL ★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★ ★★★★ ★★★ ★★

*Pixel resolution notYYePG

availableProudly Presents, Thx for Support
52 w w w. a c t i v e h o m e . c o . u k
 Group test
Portable media players
isn’t an issue, the best all-
rounder is, in fact, the Play-
Station Portable.
Media mobiles
With fantastic quality video, While some gadget lovers may device.Already many people listen
record video or just play it back. great sounding audio, wireless secretly enjoy trundling around to music on their mobiles.It makes
In this test, the Archos web access and some stonking with multiple mobile machines sense for media players to go down
AV500 was the best for video games, the PSP does every- about their person,many of us this route too.That way you can buy
recording, although this comes thing you need and more – and dream of the time when just one music online and download it
at a hefty price. If recording all for less than £180. device can handle all our various straight to your phone without
requirements.As we’ve seen in this going anywhere near a PC,or
*Toshiba could not provide us with a response time figure group test,a lot of convergence has stream video from TV-on-demand-
already occurred in the portable style mobile services that are
media world.Your portable hi-fi can beginning to spring up on 3G
now also be your portable photo networks such as Orange.
PHILIPS SAMSUNG SONY SONY album,games console,personal Apple’s initial foray into this area
GoGear HDD6320 YH-J70 Walkman NW- PlayStation organiser or video player. – the iTunes-ready Motorola
A1000 Portable But it could well be the mobile ROCKR – has been harshly
£229 £220 £160 £180 phone that eventually inherits all criticised,but many believe that
0906 1010 016 01932 455000 0870 511 1999 0870 511 1999 these capabilities and combines Apple has a proper iPod mobile
them into one handy portable phone somewhere in the pipeline.
www.philips.co.uk www.samsung. www.sony.co.uk www.yourpsp.com
co.uk
No Yes No Yes
Yes Yes No Yes Jargon
No Yes No No buster
➧ ➧
MP3, WMA, WAV MP3, WMA, Ogg, MP3, ATRAC3, MP3, ATRAC3plus,
WAV, ASF ATRAC3plus (WMA with AAC Stands for Advanced MP3 A standard for
firmware upgrade) Audio Coding.An audio compressing digital audio.
30Gb 20Gb 6Gb Up to 2Gb (with compression format. The sound quality of an MP3

➧
optional Memory file is close to that of CD audio
Stick Duo Pro) Aspect ratio A measure of
but requires only a fraction of
Colour, 220 x 176 Colour, 160 x 128 Monochrome, dot Colour, 480 x 272 the relative width and height
pixels LCD pixels LCD matrix LCD* pixels LCD the storage space.
of a display.Traditional

2in
Yes
1.8in
Yes
1.5in
Yes
4.3in
Yes
television screens,for
instance,have an aspect ratio
of 4:3 (meaning four units
➧ Pixels Short for picture
element,which is the
smallest part of an image
USB USB USB USB, Wi-Fi wide by three units high), displayed on a monitor or
Audio input via Audio in None None while modern widescreen sets captured by a scanner or
optional dock have 16:9 proportions.
digital camera.
Headphone (video
out available via
optional dock)
Headphone, audio
out (on optional
docking cradle)
Headphone, audio
out (via same
socket)
Headphone
➧ ATRAC3plus Stands for
Adaptive Transform Acoustic
Coding,which is Sony's
➧ Ogg Vorbis A free alternative
to the MP3 compression
standard for audio files.
15 hours 25 hours (audio), 20 hours 6 hours proprietary audio file-

Windows Media
Player 10
5.5 hours (video)
Samsung Media
Studio
CONNECT,
SonicStage
None
compression system,
similar to MP3 but with
additional security features
➧ USB Universal Serial Bus.
A standard that allows easy
connection of peripherals to
Data storage, Data storage, built- None Plays games and designed to prevent piracy of
built-in in microphone, UMD movies, your PC or audiovisual device.
copyright material.

➧
microphone, SRS text file viewer, SRS wireless web

➧
WOW sound WOW sound, browser, data UMD Universal Media Disc.
DRM Digital Rights
contacts, calendar storage An optical disc medium
Management.Technology
64 x 104 x 17mm 62 x 100 x 16mm 55 x 88 x 19mm 170 x 74 x 23mm developed by Sony for use on
that controls or restricts the
150g 135g 109g 280g use of digital media such as the PlayStation Portable.

➧
★★★★ ★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ music and movies,to protect Viewing angle A measure
★★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ copyright and illegal copying. of how off-centre you can

➧
★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★★ sit from a flat screen and still
EQ A type of sonic effect that
★★★★ ★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★ adjusts the timbre of a sound. see the image clearly.

➧
Good sound with Direct MP3 Sounds great, Amazing screen, Common forms of equalisation
SRS WOW recording; Tetris; cheap, looks great sound, WAV An audio file,used for
are treble and bass.
fantastic plays games recording music and other

Small screen, many Small screen, poor No extras

features, need to software, awkward
Needs accessories
to maximise media
➧ Hard disk A high-capacity
disk drive fitted in PVRs and
used to store programmes,
sounds to disk.Because they
are uncompressed,WAV files
can be very large.

➧
buy docking cradle control system player potential images,video and music.

➧
WMA Windows Media
A cool customer It looks promising The best audio We’re as surprised LCD Liquid-Crystal Display. Audio.A compressed
with disappointing on paper, but is let quality on test by a as you probably Technology used to create digital music format
display and a slim down by several long chalk and a are, but the PSP low-power,slim displays. developed by Microsoft.
selection of extras fundamental flaws pretty cool design is the best all-
too. Welcome rounder by far
back, Walkman For more on Jargon Buster visit:
★★★★ ★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ www.activehome.co.uk
YYePG Proudly Presents, Thx for Support

w w w. a c t i v e h o m e . c o . u k 53
YYePG Proudly Presents, Thx for Support
Group test Media
Center PCs

Media darlings
PC makers are intent on getting their systems into your living room.Enter the new generation
of good-looking,entertainment-based Media Centers.We put nine of them to the test
ow that you’ve bought a widescreen TV and a set of video, listen to music, and view photos stored on the PC’s hard

N surround-sound speakers, there’s just the little matter of

keeping your new home cinema supplied with interesting
content. While a DVD player, a Sky subscription and a Freeview
drive. You can even use it to play games. Everything is controlled
by an impressively intuitive interface, and the even better news is
that you can pick up a system for as little as £499.
box are obvious choices, what you may not have thought of is Media Center PCs come in a variety of forms (most are designed
bringing a PC into the mix. to sit neatly alongside your existing AV equipment) and can also
PCs built around Microsoft’s Media Center version of Windows run standard Windows applications just like a desktop PC. Here
are designed specifically for entertainment. Using a system like we’ve lined up nine systems, along with the latest Media Center-
this you can watch, record and pause live TV, play DVDs and equivalent from Apple.
YYePG Proudly Presents, Thx for Support
w w w. a c t i v e h o m e . c o . u k 55
Group test
Media Center PCs
Dell
Dimension 5150c £1,399
Dell kicks off our group test idea of what a home theatre
with its Dimension 5150c PC should consist of – a
system. Compared with the frustratingly vague statement
rest, it’s the one that looks most and one that’s got more to
like a PC – whether or not this do with marketing than
is enough to dissuade you from anything else.
placing it in your lounge is a Although you can output
matter of taste. images to your TV using the S-
It’s certainly not an ugly video socket, this system
duckling though, and at 31cm comes complete with a 24in
tall and 36cm deep it isn’t Dell 2405FPW widescreen
cumbersome, either. The white LCD monitor. In terms of style
livery is smart, it’s certainly a
as is the spring- It’s certainly winner, and it
loaded panel on not an also manages to as standard. This could argu-
the front that display sharp and ably be a good thing as it leaves esque looks, the Dimension
reveals a DVD
ugly duckling bright images. you to decide what sort of TV 5150c is worth considering.
writer, audio out- and it isn’t The supplied tuner you want, but you should Although the 24in monitor
puts, and USB cumbersome set of 2.1 Dell make sure you factor it in to is impressive, the price can be
and FireWire either speakers should the overall cost. It also means knocked down a fair whack
sockets for add- be first on your list you can’t use Media Center’s by removing it from the deal.
ing peripherals. for an upgrade – no home PVR functionality. Take a look at Dell’s website for
Running off a 2.8GHz Intel cinema system is complete If you don’t mind its PC- more information.
Pentium D processor, the Dim- without true surround sound.
ension 5150c ticks enough Of course, if you already have a
boxes to warrant one of Intel’s
new Viiv stickers. Viiv (rhymes
surround system you can pump
audio through your amplifier.
AT
G
A GLANCE
Large widescreen monitor but can also output to TVs via S-video
with five) is a standard Despite its Viiv certification, G Requires a separate TV tuner to make full use of Media Center
developed by Intel that basically the Dimension 5150c doesn’t G Small tower case and quiet cooling are ideal for the living room
means it meets the company’s actually come with a TV tuner

Evesham
e-box V £1,699
Evesham’s e-box has been fan went into overdrive.
around for some time now, The e-box is the only system
allowing it to benefit from in this test to come with a large
various revisions and tweaks. LCD TV as part of the package.
The system submitted for this Given this, our review model
group test is a Viiv model based had only a VGA video output at
on a powerful Intel Pentium 4 the back, allowing output to
920 (2.8GHz) processor, and this 32in screen or another
comes with 512Mb of RAM. compatible display. There’s no
When we turned on our e-box DVI, S-video or composite
for the first time, the racket alternative to enable you to
created by the top-mounted fan hook it up to a standard TV.
gave us quite a shock. However, Better news is that the sys-
this soon started to wind down. tem comes fitted with two TV
It does get louder during tuner cards that will work as
processor-inten- either analogue
sive applications, When we first or digital terres-
but in general turned on our trial (Freeview) graphics system. But for Media
use you won't models. These Center applications it’s fine. alternatives to the VGA output.
hear it over a film
e-box, the allow you to take There’s plenty to like about Should you want to choose
or music. racket gave us full advantage of the e-box, but it can be noisy your own display, this e-box is
Exhaust vents quite a shock Media Center’s at times, and we’d have available without the 32in
sit on either side PVR facilities, preferred to see one with screen for £999.
of the e-box to aid cooling. The and Evesham also supplies an
top fan actually sucks air into aerial splitter and booster to
the chassis, so it’s important to improve reception. AT
G
A GLANCE
Large fan on the top adjusts its speed according to the temperature
give it plenty of space. We Those wanting to play the
accidentally rested a piece of latest console-style 3D games G Available with and without 32in TV and in other configurations
paper on it during testing, and may be disappointed by the ATI G Twin tuners allowing two channels to be recorded at the same time
after a couple of minutes the Radeon Xpress 200 integrated
YYePG Proudly Presents, Thx for Support

56 w w w. a c t i v e h o m e . c o . u k
 Group test
Media Center PCs
Evesham
Mini PC Plus £699
Looking a lot like Apple’s Mac functions. A little
Mini, the Mini PC Plus from more concerning
Evesham will definitely appeal is the 80Gb hard
to people who don’t like the drive. Media Cen-
idea of a traditional PC in ters are designed
their lounge. to store disk-
To achieve this miniscule hungry video and
size, the company has built music files, and
the system around an Intel you’ll soon find
Pentium M processor. Usually yourself running out of
only found in notebooks, the space. Fortunately, two USB
Pentium M doesn’t have the connections and a FireWire
same clout as standard desktop port allow for additional
processors but it does have storage should you need it. Evesham also
one huge advantage – it runs Evesham has tried to keep offers a cheaper version ledge that you’ll have to
far, far cooler, which cuts down the Mini PC Plus as cheap of the Mini PC for £499 – you purchase some additional kit,
on any noise created by fans. as possible and, as a result, have to sacrifice the Pentium M the Mini PC Plus would be a
The Mini PC isn’t you don’t get for a slower Celeron model good choice. Although you
silent, but it is Evesham has niceties such (1.4GHz), while storage capa- might be tempted by the
very quiet and tried to keep the as a mouse, city is halved. cheaper version, the processor
you’re unlikely to keyboard, If you’re looking for a super- and 40Gb hard drive won’t
notice it ticking Mini PC Plus as monitor, wire- quiet miniature Media Center make the most of what Media
away. cheap as possible less adapter, and are happy in the know- Center has to offer.
While the 2GHz Media Center
processor and its supporting remote, speakers – the list goes
integrated graphics aren’t
designed for playing the latest
on. However, it does mean that
if you have a spare keyboard or
AT
G
A GLANCE
Incredibly small case and quiet in operation
games or running intensive Wi-Fi adapter from another PC G No TV tuner,keyboard,monitor,mouse or remote as standard
applications, the system is lying around you can put them G Relatively small 80Gb hard drive will soon fill up with recorded video
perfect for Media Center to good use.

Fujitsu-Siemens
Scaleo E £870
The Scaleo E from Fujitsu-
Siemens is one of the larger
Media Center PCs around. The
two-tone casing is reminiscent
of those old-style VCRs and
comes complete with a
reasonably large LED display
on the front. playing the
Two Scart sockets sit with latest 3D games. How-
an S-video port at the back of ever, Media Center doesn’t
the machine, along with DVI require super-fast graphics,
and VGA outputs for the latest and the hardware is more than featured in this
TVs and monitors. Meanwhile capable of playing and recor- group test, there’s no Wi-
a flap on the front of the case ding TV and video. Fi as standard, which means
houses an S-video input, 2 USB The graphics might not be you’ll need a direct connection benefits from a
sockets, a Fire- up to much, but if you want to use the internet. wide range of output options.
Wire port and a The Scaleo E isn’t the 3GHz Intel However, Fujitsu-Siemens does The lack of Wi-Fi goes against
memory card recommended Pentium 4 pro- offer a Wi-Fi USB adapter for a it and the integrated graphics
reader. The sys- cessor provides £30 fee. Alternatively, you can aren’t up to much, although the
tem also sports a for playing the enough raw choose to purchase a third- latter isn’t so important for
twin TV tuner latest 3D games power for most party adapter. Media Center use. It’s also a
card that pro- applications. In all, the Scaleo E is a reasonably expensive system
vides either two analogue This is supported by a healthy competent Media Center, and considering what you get.
or two digital inputs – sadly, 1Gb of RAM – you could
it’s not possible to set it to one downgrade to 512Mb and reap
of each.
Another system with inte-
a saving of £50 if you prefer.
You get a total of 250Gb of
AT
G
A GLANCE
Twin analogue and digital TV tuner options allow for TV recording
grated graphics, rather than a storage space provided by a G 250Gb hard drive should be adequate for most users’needs
more beefy expansion card, the single hard drive. G Wireless adapter available to purchase separately
Scaleo E isn’t recommended for As with some other models
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w w w. a c t i v e h o m e . c o . u k 57
Group test
Media Center PCs
Mesh
Cubex Media TV £1,499
Mesh has decided to house its hics card. As well as taking
Media Center PC in a good- care of the TV tuning side
looking Shuttle XPC case. of things, this card also
Thanks to its small dimensions handles all the graphics
the machine won’t look out of requirements for the PC. A
place in a home-cinema setup, single DVI connector sits
but in reality it’s probably a on the card while an
little too large to fit into a analogue output is found just
standard TV cabinet. to the right of it.
The front houses a DVD wri- Mesh ships a high-quality
ter and two small flaps – lifting Philips 20in widescreen moni-
these reveals a multi-format tor (not shown) with this
memory card reader, audio system, which explains the
sockets and a selection of USB high price. Thanks to a special
and FireWire ports for adding ATI connector block that also capable of
peripherals. attaches directly acting as a high-
Meanwhile, in The system is to the graphics end PC. The
terms of raw po- no slouch, card, you can also single tuner is
wer, the system is hook up a TV via something of a however, the
no slouch, thanks thanks to a Scart or S-video. disappointment, but Mesh Cubex Media
to a powerful dual- powerful dual- The downside the Cubex would suit a TV is perhaps more suited
core AMD Athlon core processor to the X800GT is study environment. to a bedroom or study than
X2 4400+ proces- that it only has As with Sony Vaio’s VA1, living room use.
sor and 1Gb of RAM. It also a single tuner. If you want to
comes complete with a huge record two channels or watch
400Gb hard drive.
To keep the number of cards
one while recording another,
you’ll need to purchase an
AT
G
A GLANCE
20in widescreen display – can also output to a TV via S-video or Scart
inside the PC down, Mesh has additional TV card or adapter. G Powerful processor and graphics card will play most 3D games
gone for an ATI Radeon What Mesh has done here is G 400Gb hard drive for storing plenty of video
X800GT All-in-Wonder grap- to create a Media Center that is

Passive Technologies
Passive HFX Extreme £1,899
The Passive HFX Extreme with 1GB of memory
stands out from the other- and a reasonably
models here, thanks largely pacey Radeon X1300
to what looks like two radia- graphics card. Unlike
tors stuck on either side of the many of the PCs here,
large case. the HFX Extreme
Indeed, the black jagged should be able to run
edges (be careful, we drew most games without
blood when unpacking the a problem, as well as
system!) perform exactly like a standard PC applications.
standard radiator that you’d There’s also a dual digital
find in your home – they tuner card for watching TV,
dissipate heat away from the and PVR functionality, plus a
main body. dual-layer DVD writer. At £1,899, Logitech Harmony all-in-one
These ‘heat- The obvious the system is also one of the universal remote control, a
sinks’ allow the The obvious draw of the HFX more expensive Media Centers wireless keyboard and mouse,
Passive HFX Ext- Extreme is the available at the moment. the excellent Creative X-Fi
reme to operate
draw is that it fact that it runs If you want the luxury of Xtreme sound card and a
without a cooling runs without without noisy silent cooling while also having whopping 400Gb hard drive.
fan, the result noisy fans fans. However, a powerful processor, that’s If you want to reduce the
being that it runs we would be the price you’ll have to pay. price, there are other options
in almost total silence. Press hard-pushed to call it stylish – That said, you do actually get a available – contact Passive
your ear against the case and the large heatsinks jutting out lot for your money, including a Technologies direct for details.
you might just be able to detect from either side might be a
the hard drive whirring away. point of conversation, but it
Inside are yet more heatsinks
surrounded by a set of copper
won’t sit too well alongside
your plush LCD or plasma TV.
AT
G
A GLANCE
Fanless design – the only noise is from the hard drive and DVD writer
pipes. These are needed to It’s also insanely heavy, G Powerful processor and graphics card allow it to play most PC games
handle the nippy AMD X2 so take care if you plan to place G It’s expensive,but you do get a lot for your money
4200+ processor, partnered it on a glass TV cabinet shelf.
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58 w w w. a c t i v e h o m e . c o . u k
 Group test
Media Center PCs
Shuttle
M1000 £1,299
Shuttle is renowned for pro- sockets and an LED display.
ducing stylish PC equipment Unusually, there’s also a
– and the M1000 is no slot for a removable 2.5in hard
exception. The company’s drive – a special caddy is
small systems aren’t always the provided as standard.
cheapest in town but in terms The Shuttle M1000 has a
of looks they’re hard to beat. decent selection of
The M1000 is Shuttle’s first inputs and outputs
complete Media Center system. sitting at the
As with the Evesham Mini PC back. You
(reviewed on page 57) it’s don’t get a
powered by an Intel Pentium Scart option
M processor, and therefore but you will
doesn’t require any sort of find S-video, composite,
noisy cooling. DVI, VGA and component
That’s not to outputs, making It’s also worthnoting
say it’s a comp- There’s no it ideal for that Shuttle is due to launch an M2000 is just
letely fanless getting away use with both updated version, the M2000, round the corner and you might
design, but the standard TVs and although a release date hadn’t do well to wait and see what it
bottom line is that from the fact the latest plasma been set at time of writing. has to offer. In the meantime,
you’re unlikely to that you pay a and LCD disp- While there’s plenty to like however, watch out for bargain
hear it in action. style premium lays. Our system about the Shuttle M1000, the M1000 deals.
In this case, also came with an
Shuttle has gone for a 1.73GHz Avermedia dual digital TV
Pentium M – one of the slower
chips available – combined
tuner as well as a single-layer
DVD writer.
AT
G
A GLANCE
Intel Pentium M processor,which makes it quiet during operation
with 512Mb RAM and a 250Gb Despite its good looks, G Choice of twin analogue or digital tuners
hard disk. there’s no getting away from G Lots of output options – DVI and component video for high-quality displays
The front of the case is home the fact that you end up paying G Slimline case will fit well in most TV cabinets
to a memory card reader, audio a style premium for the M1000.

Apple iMac
17in screen: £929, 20in screen: £1,229
Despite what Microsoft would arm.The processor works in
have you believe,there are conjunction with 512Mb of RAM.
alternatives to Media Center.If The iMac comes with a mini-DVI
you’re a Mac fan you’ll already output,but by purchasing an
know about Front Row – Apple’s additional adapter you can output
new media software that’s to a TV using S-video or composite
shipped free with new iMacs. cables.Of course,there’s no reason
Using Front Row and the why you shouldn’t use the built-in
supplied remote control you can 17in widescreen display to watch
watch videos and view photos your videos.If you want a bigger
stored on your Mac.You can also display,a 20in version is available
play any music stored in iTunes, for £300 extra – this model ships
and stream Podcasts and videos with a 2GHz processor instead of
to your home-entertainment the standard 1.83GHz chip.
system.However,since the iMac Wireless support comes as
doesn’t have a TV tuner,you standard,and optical digital audio
can’t watch,pause or record outputs let you hook it up to a
analogue or Freeview TV surround sound speaker system.
broadcasts out of the box. Apple ships a smart-looking
The iMac is now based around slimline infrared controller for
a chip called the Core Duo – the the iMac,which lets you navigate
new dual-core processor from the system from the comfort of
Intel.Like the Pentium M,it’s your sofa.
designed primarily for notebooks and If you’re not bothered about using a
runs relatively cool compared to desktop processors,which computer to handle your TV viewing,Front Row on the new
allows for quiet operation.What’s more,being a dual-core iMac is a good alternative to Media Center.It’s easy to use
processor,its performance has been given a real shot in the and comes oozing with Apple style.
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w w w. a c t i v e h o m e . c o . u k 59
Group test
Media Center PCs

Sony
Vaio VA1 £1,499
Sony clearly sees the Media If the small LEDs start If you don’t actually
Center market as having some to annoy you while you’re like the idea of watch-
potential, and the Vaio VA1 is watching a film, a switch lets ing everything on the
the first of two of the Japanese you turn them off manually. 20in display, you’d best
giant’s models in this group test. Sony has attempted to keep look elsewhere for your
Look at it straight on and this everything wire-free, but the Media Center. With a
all-in-one Media Center PC is decision to use an external grand total of zero
certainly impressive – although USB infrared receiver box (for output options, you are
from the side it looks par- the Media Center remote) is stuck with it. It’s a real
ticularly bulky. Given its bizarre – it would have been far shame that Sony
design, the VA1 is rather more better to have integrated it into couldn’t quite manage
likely to be used in a bedroom the chassis. to squeeze in an S-video
rather than as part of a main One huge oversight is that, or Scart output.
entertainment setup in your as Mesh did with its Cubex This is a product with
living room. Media TV, Sony has gone for a potential, but Sony
The integrated single tuner. It’s needs to iron out some of
20in widescreen Sony has able to receive the issues if it wants to make the
display uses Sony’s attempted to digital and ana- Vaio VA1 a serious contender.
impressive X- keep everything logue terrestrial Although the SRP is £1,499,
Black technology, signals, but you the SonyStyle website is
and is extremely
wire-free will only be able currently selling the Sony Vaio
bright and clear, to record one VA1 for £1,399.
while the integrated stereo channel at a time. If you want to
speakers perform perfectly well
– although they’re no substitute
switch channels, you’ll have to
cancel any recording first. AT
G
A GLANCE
All-in-one unit including 20in display and integrated stereo speakers
for a 5.1 surround sound sys- Quite why Sony didn’t opt for a
tem. Sitting under the display twin tuner, as seen in the G Single tuner only allows for one recording at a time
is a small unit containing a majority of Media Centers and G Stylish design includes DVD writer and memory card reader
DVD writer and card reader. PVRs, is a mystery to us.

Sony
Vaio VGX-XL 100 £999
The press release for the VGX- you won’t be able
XL100 proudly states that it to hook it up to a
runs in ‘total silence’. After standard S-video
testing it out for ourselves we or Scart TV
beg to differ – and we suspect without buying
the likes of Passive Tech- an adapter. Sony
nologies would have some- isn’t just sug-
thing to say about it as well. It’s gesting you use
not loud by any means, but this with a high-
neither is it silent. end display – it’s
Sony obviously sees the insisting that you do.
VGX-XL100 being used as The processor and graphics
part of a high-quality home- card combination of a Pentium
cinema setup. You won’t D running at 2.8GHz and an Sony always ships its PCs The VGX-XL100 would be a
find any computer monitor Nvidia GeForce 6600 is hardly with a decent bundle of soft- whole lot more appealing to
outputs, nor is there room for going to set the world alight, ware, and both the VA1 and users if Sony increased the
Scart, S-video or but it’s better VGX-XL100 come complete output options. However, if
composite con- Sony always than you usually with a range of quality titles you’ve got a high-end plasma
nections. ships its PCs get in a Media including Premiere Elements or LCD TV with HDMI or
Instead, Sony Center system, and Photoshop Elements from component inputs, this stylish
has gone straight
with a decent and it will let you Adobe, along with Norton Media Center is well worth
for the big guns bundle of play most 3D Internet Security. taking a close look at.
– component and software games.
HDMI outputs. Just as with
Although both of these will
make the most of the latest LCD
the VA1, only a single tuner is
provided, which is a shame.
AT
G
A GLANCE
Component and HDMI outputs for high-quality displays
or plasma TVs (the HDMI But at least Sony decided to G Wireless keyboard with touchpad
output will support encrypted integrate the infrared receiver
G Requires an adapter to be used with a non-component or HDMI display
HDTV broadcasts), it means into the chassis here.
YYePG Proudly Presents, Thx for Support

60 w w w. a c t i v e h o m e . c o . u k
 Active Home
reader survey

Reader Survey 2006

Help to shape the future of Active Home by taking part in our online survey

s a valued reader, we’d like to ask for your help

A in shaping the future of Active Home. With the

magazine approaching its first birthday, we’d
love to hear your views about the issues you’ve read
so far, and what you’d like to see in the coming months.
We take great pride in designing the content of
our magazine and its website to meet the needs of
readers, so to help us keep on hitting the target we
want you to tell us about the different ways in which
you use technology.

S
And we don’t want you to do it for nothing! Every
reader who completes our online questionnaire in
full will be entered into a draw to win a fantastic
digital photography package comprising a Canon
Ixus i5 digital camera and a copy of Microsoft Digital
Image Standard 2006, worth more than £300.
TELL U
The information you provide will be used to help
guide our editorial team’s choice of subjects for
features, workshops, buyer’s guides, reviews and
every other part of the magazine and website.
The survey covers your attitudes to each section

YO UR
S
of the magazine, as well as the products you use and

W
online services you’re interested in. It should take no

VIE
longer than 10 minutes to complete.
This research is being carried out according to the
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We hope you will take the time to help us keep
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Thank you for your help.
softw icroso
are w ft
Canon Ixus i5 over o
Sporting a 5-megapixel resolution and weighing just 100g,
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w w w. a c t i v e h o m e . c o . u k 61
Group test
Media Center PCs

Best on test
hen it came to we were after something that

W deciding which, if
any, of these sys-
tems was worthy of an Active
would sit well in a lounge
environment and do a good job
of exploiting the Windows
Home award, we concentrated Media Center environment. the idea of adding a
on the fact that this is a Media With this in mind, the Shuttle PC to your home
Center group test and not a M1000 receives our Best On entertainment setup.
simple roundup of PCs. Test award. Sleek, stylish and might want to wait and see Finally, we simply had to
Although some of the models ultra-quiet, it’s everything a what the forthcoming M2000 give a Great Value award to
housed impressive processors Media Center should be. The has in store, but it’s definitely Evesham's second entry, the
and other PC-related features, price is a little steep and you worth considering if you like Mini PC. Okay, it needs

MANUFACTURER DELL EVESHAM EVESHAM FUJITSU SIEMENS

MODEL Dimension 5150c e-box V Mini PC Plus Scaleo E
PRICE INC VAT £1,399 £1,699 £699 £870
TELEPHONE 0870 152 4699 0870 160 9500 0870 160 9500 08702 434 390
URL www.dell.co.uk www.evesham.com www.evesham.com www.fujitsu-siemens.com
PROCESSOR Intel Pentium D 820 (2.8GHz) Intel Pentium 4 920 (2.8GHz) Intel Pentium M 760 (2GHz) Intel Pentium 4 630 (3GHz)
MEMORY QUANTITY/ TYPE 1Gb 512Mb 512Mb 1Gb
HARD DISK SIZE 250 250Gb 80Gb 250Gb
MONITOR Dell 2405FPW Evesham n/a n/a
SCREEN SIZE 24in 32in LCD TV n/a n/a
NATIVE RESOLUTION 1,900 x 1,200 n/a n/a n/a
NO OF USB 2/FIREWIRE 6/2 6/2 2/1 6/2
WIFI AS STANDARD No Yes (via supplied USB adapter) No No
ETHERNET Yes Yes Yes Yes
CARD READER Yes No No Yes
TV TUNER n/a 2x Hauppauge WinTV n/a n/a

NO OF DIGITAL/ n/a 2/2 n/a 2/2**

ANALOGUE TUNERS
INPUTS: SCART/ 0/0/0 0/1/0 0/0/0 1/1/0
S-VIDEO/COMPOSITE
OUTPUTS: SCART/S- 0/1/0/1/0/0/0 0/0/0/0/1/0/0 0/1/0/1/0/0/0 1/1/0/1/1
VIDEO/COMPOSITE/DVI/
VGA/HDMI/COMPONENT
DIGITAL AUDIO OUTPUTS: 1/0 1/0 0/0 1/0
OPTICAL/COAXIAL
OPTICAL DRIVE Dual-layer DVD writer Dual-layer DVD writer Dual-layer DVD writer Dual-layer DVD writer
GRAPHICS CARD ATI Radeon X600 128Mb ATI Radeon Xpress 200 Intel 915 integrated graphics Intel integrated graphics
(on-board)
SOUND CARD Internal audio Internal audio Internal audio Internal audio

SPEAKERS Dell A525 (2.1) n/a n/a n/a

REMOTE CONTROL n/a MCE remote n/a MCE remote
BUNDLED PERIPHERALS Dell wireless keyboard Microsoft Cordless Keyboard n/a Wireless keyboard and mouse
and mouse and Mouse

SOFTWARE Microsoft Works 7, Windows Microsoft Works 8.5, Windows Microsoft Works 8, Roxio Windows Media Center
Media Center Edition 2005 Media Center Edition 2005 Creator 7, Windows Media Edition 2005
Center Edition 2005

CINEBENCH SCORE 246 246 267 260

FEATURES ### #### ## ####
PERFORMANCE #### ### ### ####
VALUE FOR MONEY ### #### ##### ###
OVERALL ### #### ### ####
PROS Stylish tower case; Twin tuners; 250GB Ultra-small case; quiet Twin tuner; range of outputs
large monitor hard drive; cheap
CONS Requires tuner; limted outputs Fan occasionally noisy Requires extra purchases No Wi-Fi; integrated graphics

VERDICT Requires a TV tuner. Would A good-quality twin-tuner The small case will fit A good overall system with
suit study use as opposed to a Media Center at a low price anywhere, but it requires twin tuners and a range of
lounge-based Media Center a TV tuner, remote control output options

YYePG
* Can be swapped for digital/analogue tuners at point of purchase Proudly
** Tuner Presents,
can be Thxanalogue
set to either for Support
or digital, not both

62 w w w. a c t i v e h o m e . c o . u k
 Group test
Media Center PCs
Jargon
buster
±Composite video A video
signalin which red,greenand
blue signals aremixed together.
± FireWire A super-fast link
between your PC and devices
such as digital camcorders.
± PVR Personal video recorders
store recordedTV on
hard disk.

± Dual-layer DVD A DVD that

holds twice as much data as an
ordinary disc.
± HDMI A specification that
combines video and audio
into a digital interface for DVD
± S-video A high-quality
video connection that
carries brightness and colour
additional purchases in order

±
players,digitalTV players etc. information separately.
to use it as a fully-fledged

±
DVI DigitalVideo Interface.A
Media Center, but if you’ve
already got a spare keyboard
and mouse lying around it’s a
video connection used for
digital video signals.
LCD Liquid-Crystal Display.
Used for slim display panels. ± VGA A standard monitor
connection for PCs.

quality PC in an equally imp- For more on Jargon Buster visit: www.activehome.co.uk

ressive miniature case.

MESH COMPUTERS PASSIVE TECHNOLOGIES SHUTTLE SONY SONY

Cubex Media TV Passive HFX Extreme M1000 VA1 VGX-XL100
£1,499 £1,899 £1,299 £1,499 £999
0870 046 47 47 0870 490 9603 n/a 0207 365 2947 0207 365 2947
www.meshcomputers.com www.passivetechnologies.com www.shuttle.com www.sony.co.uk www.sony.co.uk
AMD Athlon64 X2 4400+ AMD Athlon64 X2 4200+ Intel Pentium M 740 (1.73GHz) Intel Pentium D 820 (2.8GHz) Intel Pentium D 920 (2.8GHz)
1Gb 1Gb 512Mb 1Gb 1Gb
400Gb 400Gb 250Gb 250Gb 250Gb
Philips 200W6CS n/a n/a Sony X-Black (integrated) n/a
20in n/a n/a 20in n/a
1,650 x 1,050 n/a n/a 1,366 x 768 n/a
6/1 4/1 4/1 4/1 4/3
No Yes No Yes Yes
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
See graphics card Terratec Cinergy 2400i DT PCI-E Avermedia AverTV Avermedia Hybrid Avermedia Hybrid
Dual Digital Freeview TV Tuner
1/1** 2/0 0/2* 1/1** 1/1**

0/0/0 0/0/0 0/2/2 0/1/1 0/2/2

1/1/0/1/1/0/0 1/1/0/1/1/0/0 0/1/1/1/1/0/1 0/0/0/0/0/0/0 0/0/0/0/0/1/1

1/1 1/0 1/1 1/0 1/1

Dual-layer DVD writer Dual-layer DVD writer Single-layer DVD writer Dual-layer DVD writer Dual-layer DVD writer
ATI Radeon X800GT 128Mb ATI Radeon X1300 256Mb Nvidia Geforce 6800LE 256Mb ATI Radeon X700 256Mb Nvidia Geforce 6600
All-in-wonder
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Workshops
Just like theWorkshops section in Computeractive,the following pages feature a series of
handy step-by-step guides to help you master the technology around your digital home

Jargon
buster IN THIS ISSUE
± 5.1 True surround sound with
a pair each of front and rear
programmes,rather than
using videotape or DVD.

±
speakers,a centre speaker and
IDE Stands for integrated
a subwoofer.
device electronics,a standard

± 7.1 Similar to 5.1 surround

sound – with pairs of front
and rear speakers,a centre
interface for connecting
devices such as hard disks and
CD-ROM drives to a PC.

±
speaker and a subwoofer – 7.1
Jumper Little metal pins on
also adds two centre rear
hard disks and mother-boards,
speakers.
which allow you to change

± Browser The short name for settings manually.

±
a web browser – an
Operating system A
application that lets you view
crucial piece of software that
pages on the internet.
loads automatically when you

± Conditional Access Slot

A slot on a set-top box or
digitalTV designed to
switch on a computer.
Windows 2000 and XP are
operating systems.
Upgrade the hard disk in
your Sky+ box p66
±
accept a viewing card for
subscription-basedTV
Parallel ATA Parallel Do you keep running out of space on your Sky+ box?
advancedTechnology
services,such as Top UpTV.
Attachment.A disk drive
The solution is simple – just upgrade the hard disk

± Common Interface Slot A

slot on a digital television or
implementation that
integrates the controller on
the disk drive itself.
Add Top Up TV to a
set-top box into which a Freeview box p68
±
Conditional Access Module
(CAM) can be inserted to view
PVR Personal video recorder. Want more from your Freeview box?
Video recorders that storeTV It’s easy if you add on Top Up TV.We
encrypted broadcasts. shows on hard disk,rather

± than tape or DVD. show you how

Conditional Access
Module An electronic device
that works in conjunction
with a viewing card to allow a
± Router A device used to
connect more than one
computer together and/or to
Stream media from your PC
to an Xbox 360 p69
set-top box or digital the internet as an alternative
television to decrypt Microsoft’s latest console doesn’t just play games.You
to a modem.
can stream photos,video and music from a PC to aTV
±
scrambled programmes.

±
Serial ATA Serial Advanced
EPG Electronic Programme Technology Attachment or
Guide.Displays TV schedules SATA. A standard for Perfect your surround-sound
on-screen,and lets you point
and click at the ones you
connecting hard drives into setup with THX DVDs p72
computer systems. Get the best sound possible when watching DVDs by
±
would like to record.
using the THX Optimiser
±
Streaming When data flows
Freeview Free-to-view to your PC as needed.

±
digitalTV,accessed by
purchasing a Freeview box. Subwoofer A speaker Record TV
± Gb Gigabyte.A measurement
designed to reproduce deep
bass sounds only. Even on a
shows with a
of storage capacity – usually stereo system,only one is Media Center
for hard disks.1Gb is equal to
1,024Mb (megabytes).
required because human ears
can’t detect the direction of
PC p75
Make sure you never
±
bass frequencies.
Hard disk A high-capacity miss your favourite TV
disk drive fitted in PVRs and
used to store recordedTV ± Top Up TV A digitalTV
service that you pay extra for.
programmes again by
using your PC
For more on Jargon Buster visit:
www.activehome.co.uk
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Workshops
Step-by-step guides

Upgrade the hard disk

on your Sky+ box
Love Sky+ but keep running out of recording space?We show you how to upgrade your hard disk
here’s no doubt that Sky+ has changed the way hard disk yourself to increase your viewing pleasure.

T many of us watch TV. However, the biggest

drawback is the standard 40Gb hard disk on all
but the most recent units. This holds about 20 hours of
In this workshop we’ll show you how to upgrade a
second-generation Pace Sky+ unit. Hard disks can be
noisy, however, so it’s also important to buy one with a
TV, which for many people, especially families, simply reputation for silent or near-silent running. It’s also
isn’t enough to store all of their favourite shows. important to remember that attempting this upgrade will
The good news is that, although not recommended invalidate your warranty, and Active Home cannot be held
or endorsed by Sky, you can buy and install a bigger responsible for any problems you encounter.

STEP 1
First you’ll need to buy your hard disk.We used a 160Gb Seagate
U Series 9 ST3160022ACE (£55.21 from www.insight.com/uk),
which is optimised for consumer electronics products.
Good alternatives include the Seagate Barracuda range and
Maxtor’s disks, which have reputations for being quiet.Our
Seagate disk will hold about 80 hours of programmes, and the
final size you choose really depends on how much space you
think you need.Make sure you buy a Parallel ATA (Pata) drive
and not a Serial ATA (Sata) drive, as this won’t fit in the box.
You also need a Torx T10 screwdriver, which can be bought from
hardware stores, and a Philips screwdriver.Finally, before you
start, make a note of any programmes you’ve set to be recorded.

STEP 2
Before you disconnect the cables and open the Sky+ box, you need to
turn off its Instant Rewind feature.To do this, go to Sky Services> Sky+
Set up> Instant Rewind and select Off.Save your settings and exit.Now
turn off the box and, while it’s cooling down, note which cable goes
into which connection and then remove them.Using the Philips
screwdriver, unscrew the lid and slide it back and off – it will probably
need a little gentle persuasion.

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 Workshops
Step-by-step guides

STEP3
Using the Torx T10 screwdriver, unscrew the hard disk and
carefully lift it out.There will probably be a slight resistance
as you lift it off its rubber mounts.Now disconnect the flat
IDE and power cables from the back of the drive – at this
point it is much like disconnecting a hard disk from a PC.
The four thermal pads (inset) should remain in place in the unit
after the disk is removed.

STEP 4
The hard disk is housed in two L-shaped rails – use the Philips
screwdriver to unscrew each one and then fix them onto the
new disk.The rails can be removed without sliding out the four
shock pads.Check the jumper settings on the back of the old
drive, and match these settings for the new one.Once the
drive is in its mountings, it’s simply a case of reversing the
above process to fix it back into the Sky+ box.Be careful not to
over-tighten the screws.Once done, put the lid back on,
reconnect the cables and power up the unit.Give it time to turn
itself on and get a signal.

STEP 5
At this point you won’t be able to record any programmes – you
need to perform a Full System Setup.This is not obvious on the Sky
menu system, so follow these instructions carefully.Press the
Services button on your remote, and then select System Setup.Once
in this menu, ignore the options on the screen and instead type‘01’
on your remote’s keypad and then hit Select.You’ll now be in the
Installer Setup menu screen; select Full System Setup which takes
you into Housekeeping, and leave it to fully restore your box.
With our 160Gb disk this took eight minutes, but the time will vary
depending on the size of disk you have installed.Once this has
completed, press Services> Sky+ Setup> Instant Rewind, and select
the number of minutes you want it to be able to rewind.With such a
large hard disk fitted, we chose the maximum of an hour.Restore
your programmes and any series links that you plan to record, and
marvel at how much disk space is still available.

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Workshops
Step-by-step guides

Add Top Up TV to your

Freeview box
Want more than Freeview can offer? If you’ve got a‘box with a slot’you can extend
your choice of channels withTop UpTV. We show you how easy it is
ith more than 10 million receivers This subscription-based service offers 11 new

W sold, Freeview offers the easiest way

to watch digital TV in the UK.
However, while most digital terrestrial channels
channels for £7.99 a month, including TCM, UK
Gold, Cartoon Network and Eurosport, and more
are planned for the future.
are free to view once you’ve bought your box, Here we show you how to expand your viewing
some stations are only available via Top Up TV. choice by adding Top Up TV to your system.

STEP 1
The first step is to buy a Top Up TV Starter Pack that's designed to suit your particular
hardware.If your Freeview box features a built-in Conditional Access slot, you can buy a
basic pack for £28 from the Top Up TV website (www.topuptv.com), or via an online or
high street electrical retailer.The pack includes a viewing card and one month’s
subscription to the service. If your receiver, PVR or digital TV has a Common Interface
slot instead, you’ll also need to buy a Top Up TV-compatible Conditional Access
Module (CAM).Again, these are available from both online high street retailers, such as
Dixons or Comet, for around £40.Some stores will offer card and CAM bundles.

STEP 2
Once you’ve bought a viewing card, you need to activate your
subscription.First, make a note of the 14-digit number printed on the card
– you’ll need it later.Next, slot the card into your receiver (and the CAM
first if needed), taking care to make sure the gold chip is the right way up
for your model – check the manual
for your hardware if necessary.
Now you can either activate your
account via the web at
www.topuptv.com/activate.htm by
following the instructions, or by
calling 08700 855123.Note that
you’ll need to have your credit/debit
card details handy to set up
subscription payments.

STEP 3
Once your account has been activated,Top Up TV will send out a signal to update your viewing
card so that it will decrypt the scrambled channels.This can take between 30 and 45 minutes.
Prepare your box to receive the signal by switching it to Channel 5.Once this time has elapsed,
select UK Gold (usually Channel 17) to check that you can now receive Top Up TV channels.If
you can’t, switch back to Channel 5 and try again later.Happy viewing!

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 Workshops
Step-by-step guides

Stream media from a

PC to an Xbox 360
Microsoft’s latest console can stream photos,video and music from a PC to your TV
f you're one of the lucky ones who’ve managed to get stream video and control TV recordings to the computer's

I their hands on an Xbox 360, you'll no doubt appreciate

its excellent gaming capabilities. However, in an
attempt to bring the idea of media streaming into the
hard disk.
The only stipulation for both types of PC setup is that
you’ll need an internet connection, a home network and
mass market, Microsoft has also integrated a Media router in place before you get started. Depending on the
Center Extender into the unit. In short, this lets you use layout of your house and where each device is located, you
the 360 to access digital music and photos stored on a might find going wireless is the best bet. However, this
Windows XP PC somewhere else in the house. can cause problems when streaming video or watching
If you’ve got a PC with Windows XP Media TV through MCE (see Step 7), and you may find a wired
Center Edition 2005 (MCE2005) installed, you can also connection works better for this.

Setting up with Windows XP Media Center 2005

STEP 1
First, turn on the Xbox 360 and eject any disc in the
drive.After a few moments, the Xbox Dashboard will
appear onscreen.If you’re already in a game, press the
Guide button on your joypad and then the yellow Y
button to exit the game and return to the Dashboard.
Use the joypad to move across the various Dashboard
blades until you reach the Media blade.Here you’ll find
a Media Center icon.Select this with the green button
and a screen will appear asking you if you want to
connect your Xbox 360 to a computer.Agree and
an eight-digit number will appear.Make a written note
of this and continue.

STEP 2
Using your PC, go to www.xbox.com/pcsetup and click Setup.
The website will recognise that MCE2005 is installed on your
computer; click Next and save the 20Mb installation file
(XboxNCELite – ENU.exe) to the Desktop.At this point, ensure
the Xbox 360 is connected to the router or that it has a
wireless adapter plugged in.Click through the PC setup
screens until the software starts to install and update your
computer with the Media Center Extender software.The
update process should take a couple of minutes.When it’s
complete, click Next.

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Workshops
Step-by-step guides

STEP 3
The next screen deals with adjusting the settings on your PC so that it can talk
with the Xbox 360.However, unless you need to tinker with manual options (not
recommended), just click Next and everything will be done automatically.Now
you’ll be reminded about the eight-digit key you wrote down earlier.Click Next
and type the numbers into the two boxes (four in each).Click Next again and, if all
is well, the PC will display a screen stating that the Xbox 360 is now authorised for
use with Windows Media Connect.

STEP 4
Next,it's time to find any digital music stored on your computer and add it to
the Media Library.This utility will automatically search your hard disk,looking
for compatible digital music,collating it for use with the Xbox 360.Depending
on the size of your hard disk and speed of your computer,this could take some
time.Checking the Find Music Later tickbox will halt proceedings and allow
you to add music to the library at a later date.However,we’d recommend
making a cup of tea and letting it search automatically.

STEP 5
The next screen will highlight whether or not the computer has been
successful in connecting to the Xbox 360.Here, you also have the chance
of registering your Xbox 360 to be kept in the loop for future updates,
offers and information.However, it’s not essential at this time, so click Next
and the Network Performance Tuner will start.Essentially, this will test how
suitable your network is for streaming TV and Video.Ensure the Xbox 360 isn’t
playing any media and is displaying the Dashboard.Click Next and the
network test will begin.

STEP 6
If the network is deemed acceptable (fast enough), a screen will pop up
stating just that.However, if you’re using a wireless network, the speed
could vary depending on how many devices are connected to the router
and how busy the network is at the moment.If you run into problems, you
can automatically tune your connection again at a later date by clicking
Start > Programs Accessories > Media Extender Manager.Here you’ll also
find other options for managing your Xbox 360 network connection.

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Step-by-step guides

STEP 7
To use the Xbox 360’s Media Center Extender, go to the Media blade in the
Dashboard and click the Media Center icon.This will launch an exact replica of the
MCE2005 menu screen, allowing you to use all of these features as you would do on
the PC.This includes not only digital music, video and images but all the TV
scheduling and recording and Online Spotlight stuff too (if you’re connected
to the internet).However, if you’re using a wireless network, don’t expect it to
run as smoothly as a wired connection, which can transfer data much faster and
is more reliable.

Setting up with Windows XP

STEP 1
If you haven’t got a Media Center PC, you can still stream music and photos to
your 360 using a standard Windows XP system.First, point your PC’s web
browser at www.xbox.com/pcsetup and click the Setup button at the bottom
of the screen.This will detect which operating system you are using and ask
you to download the Windows Media Connect installation files for Windows
XP.Click Next and save the file (XboxXPSP2-ENU.exe) to your Desktop.It’s
about 8Mb in size, so shouldn’t take too long using a broadband connection.
When complete, double-click its icon and install the software.Unlike the
MCE2005 set-up procedure, you won’t need a code from your Xbox 360, so just
ensure your Xbox 360 is switched on and connected to the router.

STEP 2
Continue through the screens, including the licence agreement, and the
software will update your computer with the Windows Media Connect
software and perform a quick test to check that it has a valid connection
with the Xbox 360. Once this is complete, continue through the
information screens and click Finish.The Windows Media Connect
dialogue box will appear, showing which of your digital media files can
now be accessed from the Xbox360 – the edit button can be used to
change folder paths if you need to.You can return to the Windows
Media Connect menu at any time by clicking its icon in the Windows
System Tray.

STEP 3
Although the Media Connect software only offers a
cut-down version of MCE on the Xbox 360, you can still
access digital music and photos.Go to the Media blade in
the Dashboard and click on Music and then Computer.The
Xbox 360 will recognise all connected computers on the
network, so choose which one you want by clicking its
name.You can then browse through Albums, Artists, Saved
Playlists, Songs and Genres or Play All music.To view digital
photos, repeat the process within the Pictures option.

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Workshops
Step-by-step guides

Perfect your surround

sound setup with THX
In the last issue we showed you how to get the optimum picture when watching DVDs.This
time we turn our attention to getting the best sound possible using theTHX Optimizer
hile there’s no denying that a 5.1 or 7.1 speakers are set up correctly, using the

W surround-sound speaker system will

help you get the most from DVD
movies, setting one up can be very confusing.
THX Optimizer test included free on all
DVDs with the THX Certified logo on
them. The tests will work on any speaker
The cables and plugs may not be colour-coded, setup and with any audio system, from a
and the manuals aren’t always helpful. Moreover, simple stereo to a full 7.1 surround sound
when you've finally untangled everything and setup. All you need is the THX Certified
got it set up, it may not sound as good as you first DVD, your remote controls and your ears.
expected – especially if the sound effects seem to We used Disney's The Incredibles, but there
be coming out of the wrong speakers are dozens of suitable titles you can choose
Here we’ll show you how to make sure your from – there’s a full list at www.thx.com.

STEP 1
To start the THX Optimizer, go to the main opening menu of the DVD and
choose the Bonus Material or Set up option using your DVD’s remote control.
You should find in there an item called THX Optimizer, with the THX logo.
Highlight this and hit Select on your DVD remote to start the Optimizer.
Now choose the Audio Tests button, and you’ll see a screen like the one shown
here.This first test checks whether all your speakers are set up in the right
place in the room, so when you’re ready, hit Play Tests.

STEP 2
During the test, a short sound will be played through each speaker.
The picture on screen will show you which speaker the sound should
be coming from.If any of the pictures don’t correspond to the speaker
you hear the sound from, you'll simply need to swap the speakers
around until they’re all in the correct place.Note that if you have a 5.1
or 4.1 system, you’ll hear the‘surround back channels’signals (as
shown) coming from the left and right surround speakers
simultaneously: only a full 7.1 speaker system has surround back
channel speakers.When you’ve finished this test, hit Select on your
DVD remote to go to the next screen.

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Step-by-step guides

Understanding audio ‘phase’

Before we move on to Step 3,it's important to understand the difference
between what's known as ‘in phase’and‘out of phase’sound.It sounds
complicated,but it isn’t really.When the sound from two speakers is in phase,
each speaker is pumping the air in the same direction at the same time:so
when a sound makes the cone of one speaker move forward,for example,
the cone in the other speaker also moves forward.When you sit between the
two speakers,the sound is clear and sharp and appears to come from
midway between them.
When two speakers are‘out of phase’, one speaker cone moves forward
while the other one moves backward.If you sit between the speakers,
it’s very hard to tell where the sound is coming from,and bass notes
sound dull and fuzzy.
Speaker plugs and cables are usually colour-coded red and black like
those in the picture opposite (sometimes they can be red and white,and
some have + and – signs as well).It’s very important that all the red (+) cables
in your system are plugged into the red (+) sockets on your amplifier/DVD
player and speakers,and the black (– or white) cables into the black (– or
white) sockets.If even one cable is plugged in the wrong way round,you'll
get out- of-phase sound between some of the speakers.It won’t damage
your system,but it will sound awful.
There are lots of different types of speaker connections,ranging from
simple push-in connectors to the professional type of screwed post
connectors shown in our picture.On
some systems,the cables might be H These screwed post
wired straight into the speakers or connectors are the
have special connectors that you professional option for
can’t change around,and the speaker connections
connections at the amplifier end
might also be designed to stop
you plugging them in the wrong
way round.Even on systems like
this,it still doesn’t stop you putting
the speakers in the wrong place in
the room,so these tests are still a Q Speaker connections
useful check. are colour coded.Usually
The tests we’ll describe in this it’s black and red,
workshop will let you discover if sometimes it’s white
any of your speakers are connected and red
the wrong way round or located in
the wrong place.

STEP3
Once you’ve read the box above, it’s time to move on.
The next set of tests checks the phase of all the speaker
pairs by generating a sound that’s first in-phase for
five seconds and then out-of-phase for five seconds.
The test will start with the left and right front speakers,
then cycle through all the various combinations of
other speakers.When you’ve read the opening
screen, press Select to start the test for the front left
and right speakers.

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Workshops
Step-by-step guides

STEP 4
Our picture shows the first phase test for the front left and right
speakers, with the out-of-phase signal being played.Listen out
for the sound while taking note of the onscreen display – it tells
you what to do and what to listen for, but the first time around it
can be a little confusing.Take your time until you’re happy that
you can tell the difference between the in-phase and out-of-
phase signals – it’s quite easy for the larger front speakers, but
can be a bit trickier for smaller surround and centre speakers.
The bird’s-eye view on the screen shows the pair of speakers
being tested and the phase of the test signal.If a signal sounds
in-phase when you’re standing between the two speakers on
test, but the picture says Out of Phase, then the connections are
the wrong way round.Simply swap round the two connections
on the speaker that's highlighted in red on the screen and try
the test again.There are four test pairs to get through: front
left/right, centre/front right, surround left/right, and front
right/surround left.To move between the tests, press Select on
your DVD remote.

STEP 5
The final test, pictured right, checks that your
subwoofer is working correctly.Before
running it, check that the volume isn’t turned
up too high or you could damage the
speaker.What the test does is generate an
audio signal that descends smoothly from a
frequency of 200Hz (cycles per second)
down to 20Hz in order to check whether the
crossover circuits are working properly.In
normal surround-sound systems, the
subwoofer only handles the lowest
frequencies, which are electronically
separated out from the rest of the audio
signal by the crossover circuits.All you
should hear during this test is a smoothly
descending tone that starts in the main front
and centre speakers (see second picture
below right) and ends up coming from just
the subwoofer – you shouldn’t hear any
breaks in the sound as it descends.If you
don’t hear anything at all from the
subwoofer, check its connections and
whether it’s turned on: most integrated
systems let you adjust or turn off the
subwoofer volume, and those designed for
use with PCs often have an on/off switch and
a volume control on the subwoofer itself.

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 Workshops
Step-by-step guides

Record TV shows with

a Media Center PC
Media Center PCs can do more than play videos and manage your photos and music.Here we
show you how to make sure you never miss your favouriteTV programmes again
hile Media Center PCs can be used to manage channel and record any programme at the touch of a button.

W your digital photo collection, play games, watch

video files and listen to music, perhaps the
most exciting aspect is their ability to record TV and act
Systems with a digital tuner will get a full Freeview listing.
Recordings can be initiated simply by hitting the record
button on your Media Center remote at any time, but there
as a PVR (personal video recorder). are also advanced recording options on offer.
When combined with a broadband internet connection, a In this workshop, we’ll show you how to schedule future
Windows Media Center PC can download information into recordings, adjust the recording padding to make sure
an EPG (Electronic Programme Guide) that lets you browse you don’t miss the end of a late-running show, how to
the next two weeks scheduling for each available TV record complete series and more.

STEP 1
As you’ll find out later on, it’s possible to set up advanced recording options
with Media Center.However, it might be that you simply want to record what’s
currently airing on a particular channel.Once Media Center is up and running
(hit the green Start key on your remote control if it isn’t), highlight the My TV
option located in the Media Center main menu.Using the right arrow button
on the remote, select Live TV.After a short pause, the Live TV screen should
appear.If you get a blank screen, return to the main menu and, via the Settings
menu, run the Media Center setup.

STEP 2
If your TV signal is working, your next task is to select the channel you want
to record – use the program + and – buttons on the remote to quickly scan
through the available stations.When you’ve located the channel you’re after, press
the red record button on the remote.A new menu will appear with various
options.Here you can select the start and finish times, the frequency of the
recording and how long to keep it for – we’ll discuss these options in more depth
towards the end of this workshop.If you just want to start the recording
immediately, just highlight Record and press OK.

STEP 3
If the programme you want to record hasn’t started, you can use the EPG to
browse through the listings and set up a future recording.First, press the Guide
button on the remote control to bring up the EPG.Using the arrow buttons on the
remote, search through the listings to find the channel you want to record.If you
press the Guide button a second time, you can narrow the listings down to a
particular genre such as films, sport or news.If the guide doesn’t display any
programme information, it could be that Media Center can’t detect your internet
connection – head back to the Setup menu if this is the case.

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Workshops
Step-by-step guides

STEP 4
Once you’ve found what you want to record, highlight it and press the OK
button.You will now see detailed information about your chosen programme.
This screen includes a short synopsis along with the duration, channel number,
start and finish times, the original airing date, whether subtitles are available
with this broadcast, and more.When you’re happy the correct programme has
been selected, highlight the Record option and press OK on the remote to
complete the scheduled recording. Media Center lets you apply more
advanced recording settings – move on to the following two steps to find out
how to use these.

STEP 5
In the Record menu screen from the previous step, you may have noticed the
Record Series option.If this option is available, it signifies the selected
programme is part of an ongoing series – for example, shows such as EastEnders,
Lost or The Simpsons.To make sure you never miss an episode of your favourite
show, highlight this option and press OK on the remote.Media Center will now
automatically add all following episodes to your recordings list.Another option
in the Record menu is Other Showings.By selecting this, you will be able to see
repeat airing dates along with details of forthcoming shows in the series.

STEP 6
Should you wish to further tailor your recording, select the
Advanced Recording option from the Record menu.As well as
adjusting the recording times, you can also change the frequency of
the recording – daily or weekly, for example – or one that should
occur every weekday.Since TV schedules sometimes run late, it’s
also worth using the Stop option to add an extra five or 10 minutes
to the end of your recording.Finally, via the Keep option, you can
store the program until you manually delete it, allow Media Center
to delete the recording if disk space is low, or alternatively keep it for
one week or until you’ve viewed it once.

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 Active Home
competition

Competition Win a fantasticWACS700 wireless digital music centre from Philips

worth
£6 00!

Q TheWACS700 can stream music to up to five rooms

his month Active Home is teaming up with Philips WAS700 include a remote control for easy operation.

T to bring our readers a cracking competition.

Correctly answer the question below and you
could become the proud owner of a revolutionary Philips
Although the WACS700 uses the latest 802.11g
wireless technology, you don’t actually need a home
computer network or an expert to set it up for you. The
WACS700 wireless music system, worth £600! main unit will automatically detect each client in the
Part of Philips’ Streamium range, this stylish two- house, and even features a ‘music follow me’ option,
part system can convert your CD collection into MP3 which lets you seamlessly take your favourite music
files and store them on its built-in 40GB hard disk. Just from one room to another at the touch of a button. You
pop your albums in and the WACS700 does the rest – can also play the same song through all the wireless
there’s enough room for up to 750 discs. From there clients in your home simultaneously using the ‘music
you can play your music directly through the integrated broadcast’ setting.
speakers, or stream tracks wirelessly to the WAS700 – a In addition to storing and streaming music tracks, the
‘client’ receiver that can be placed in another room. The WACS700 also plays CDs directly and includes an FM
system fully supports ID-3 tags, and users can sort their radio for a complete audio package. In fact, you can even
music by genre, artist, album or playlist. plug the system into your PC to access any tracks you
The main package comes complete with one WAS700, already have stored there, backup your music, and
and you can add up to four more around the house to suit update the software in the system via the internet.
your listening needs. The wireless design makes sure To find out more about the WACS700 and other Philips
everything is neat and tidy, and both the WACS700 and home entertainment products, visit www.philips.co.uk

PHILIPS COMPETITION
How to enter Name: _______________________________________________________
For a chance to get your hands on a Philips WACS700 Wireless Music _____________________________________________________________
Centre,answer the following question below and return this form to
Address: _____________________________________________________
us before 9 June 2006 to: Philips Competition,Active Home
magazine,PO Box 10218,Sutton Coldfield,B76 1ZB.Alternatively, _____________________________________________________________
you can enter online at www.activehome.co.uk/competition. _____________________________________________________________
Terms and conditions apply.Winners will be notified by email. __________________________________ Postcode: __________________
Daytime phone no: _____________________________________________
Question Email:________________________________________________________
How big is the hard disk in WACS700?


This competition is open to readers of Active Home,except for employees (and their families) of VNU Business Publications and Philips.
a) 40MB I Active Home is the sole judge of the competition and the Editor’s choice is final.Offer applies to residents of the UK and the Irish Republic only.
Entrants must be over the age of 18 and only one entry per household will be accepted.Winners will be selected at random from all correct
entries received.No cash alternative is available in lieu of prizes.VNU will use all reasonable endeavours to notify the winner(s) within 14
b) 40GB I days of the close of the competition.VNU reserves the right to substitute the prize for one of greater or equal value if circumstances make this
unavoidable.Prizes will be dispatched by the competition sponsor(s) and the winner(s) name(s) and address(es) will be provided to the
c) 40KB I competition sponsor(s) for this purpose.No purchase of the magazine is necessary to enter the competition.VNU will use all reasonable
efforts to ensure that the prizes are as described on this page.However,VNU cannot accept any liability in respect of any prize,and any
queries regarding a prize should be taken up directly with the sponsor of that prize.
I Tick box to receive information about products and services from the VNU Group by email.I Tick box to receive information about
products and services from selected companies by email.I I Tick box if you do not want to receive information about products and services
from the VNU Group by post/telephone.I Tick box if you do not want to receive information about products and services from selected
companies by post/telephone.

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w w w. a c t i v e h o m e . c o . u k 77
YYePG Proudly Presents, Thx for Support
Buyer’s
guide
W
henever you purchase a new home-
entertainment appliance, you will
usually be making quite a big outlay
and you need to make sure you don’t
come home with an expensive white
elephant. But very often there are literally dozens of
factors to consider – new technologies, different
connections, future-proofing precautions and, of course,
quality. Things can get complicated fairly quickly… and
that’s where Active Home’s Buyer’s Guide comes in. Over
the next few pages, we’ll show you exactly what to look
out for, whatever it is you happen to be shopping for; be
it a new TV set, video recorder, home-cinema system,
hi-fi speakers or home-networking device.
So, before you head out to the shops, make sure you’ve
read our expert buying advice to find out precisely what
you should be looking out for and what to avoid.

Televisions p80
LCD,CRT,plasma and rear-projection
television technologies explained

Projectors p82
Go for that home-theatre feel with either
an LCD or a DLP projector and screen

DVD players p83

How to make sure you choose exactly
the right DVD player for your needs

Video recorders p84

We explain the various benefits of
VHS,PVRs and DVD recorders

Sound systems p86

How to make sure your home-entertainment
system makes all the right noises

Home networking p88

Connectivity is key – we show you how to
share music and movies around your home

Portables p89
What to look out for when you want to take
your music or movies wherever you go

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Buyer’s guide
Televisions

Televisions
Planning to splash out on a new goggle box? Follow our
guide to choosing a screen that’s really good to look at
he screen is without doubt the definition TV, at least in the UK, or screens, but are now

T most important part of any

home-entertainment system.
It’s used for viewing a vast array
has any kind of digital video inputs.
But it’s not all bad news. As the
most mature technology, CRT
proving a popular
option for TV sets.
They can be thin and
of material from movies and TV boasts the best-looking picture with light enough to hang on
programmes to games and digital the deepest blacks, great colour and any wall and are avai-
photo slideshows. Watched for smooth motion. Models are also lable in a wide range of
hours a day and expected to last at relatively cheap, with decent 32in sizes from 15in to 50in
least a decade, it is the most crucial widescreen sets sporting digital and beyond. The best
electronics purchase we are likely tuners costing less than £1,000. models feature a wealth
to make. But with new LCD and So if you are happy with a screen of connectivity and
plasma screens vying against tradi- no larger than 32in and have no need support for high-
tional tubes, not to mention for a thin box or HDTV capabilities, definition TV and, unlike plasma,
talk of high-definition TV, which CRT TVs can offer a great picture at there are no concerns over
technology is best for you? This is an equally great price. screen burn-in (see the plasma
where we reveal all. section, left).
Plasma LCD therefore sounds like the
Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) Plasma is the technology most ideal technology for flat-screen TVs
The Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) is by associated with hang-on-your-wall but, like its rivals, has several
far the oldest TV technology around. TVs. Available in sizes from 37in right downsides. Contrast and tonal
Employing large glass tubes, these up to 65in and beyond, while typically range on LCD screens is generally
TVs are heavy and often as deep as measuring around just four inches the poorest of all TVs, and some
they are wide. In terms of screen thick, they are physically very models also suffer from motion blur
size,the largest commonly available impressive. The on fast-moving
sets measure just 32in, which is best plasma sets LCD sounds like the action. The view-
relatively modest in an age of support high- ideal technology ing angle is also
home cinemas. You’re also unlikely definition video usually narrower
to find a model that supports high- and also feature for flat-screen TVs than plasma and
a wealth of both but has several CRT screens.
digital and ana- downsides LCD screens are
logue connectivity. maturing fast
Plasma sets may seem like the though, and picture quality is
ultimate TV technology but they’re improving all the time – indeed,
not without their faults. They may mass manufacturing should see
be thin but their front glass panel is LCD become cheaper than plasma
very heavy and can only be hung in the long term. Today, it is ideal
on strong walls. They can also for a thin, flat, stylish TV up to 40in,
consume lots of power, sometimes but plasma is currently a better
require cooling fans, and suffer the bet at larger sizes. You should be
most from burn-in, where stationary able to get a 26in set for about £800.
logos left onscreen for long periods
can be seen faintly all the time. Rear projection
Buying a plasma set is also no Rear-projection sets generate their
guarantee of quality. Cheaper or picture using tiny screens or
older sets can have restricted mirrors, which are then projected
connectivity and a picture that could onto a large screen using a bright
be worse than a CRT. So while bulb – they use LCD or DLP
budget plasmas sound tempting, we technologies (see the projector
would recommend spending bet- section on page 88).
ween £1,300 and £2,800 on a new They are typically available at
42in set. This should ensure an sizes of 40in to 60in and beyond and,
excellent picture with a wealth of while thicker than a plasma or LCD
connectivity, and at the higher-end, TV, can be much slimmer than a
support for future HDTV. If you want CRT. The best models sport a wide
a big screen but can’t afford a good range of connectivity, support high-
plasma one, rear-projection sets definition TV and, best of all,
represent better value. normally have an unbeatable picture
for the price.
Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD) The only real downside to rear-
HCRT technology may be old, Colour LCD displays are best known projection sets are that they are
but it offers a great picture as PC monitors and notebook deeper than plasma or LCD and
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 Buyer’s guide
Televisions

Digital vs analogue
Over the next five years,analogueTV broadcasts in the UK will be gradually
switched off in favour of digitalTV. Digital offers more channels and avoids
snow and ghosting interference.
Digital tuners are built into IDTVs (Integrated DigitalTVs),or are available in
set-top boxes for older sets starting at £30.If you’re buying a new TV,it’s
sensible to go for one with a digital tuner where possible.

QLCD TVs are great for

hanging on the wall,as
are plasma screens
RRear-projection screens are
not as slim as LCD or plasma
screens but make up for that
with bargain prices

cannot be hung on a wall. That said, it is best to buy a TV with two or

many plasma and LCD owners lose more Scarts equipped with RGB
the benefit of a super-slim set by capabilities. Composite and S-video
putting their screen in a corner or connections are also available, each
on a stand. You will also have to using a single round plug – most
replace the bulb, so always check TVs offer one of each for connecting
prices and lifespans. a camcorder.
Rear-projection may not be the An alternative high-quality conn-
sexiest TV technology but if you are ection is called component video,
after a big screen on a budget, they which uses three round plugs
will thrash cheaper plasma or LCDs. labelled Y, Cr and Cb. These offer
£2,000 could get you a 50in screen similar quality to an RGB Scart and
that looks great. are commonly offered by DVD
players. Better DVD players offer a
Connectivity progressive component option, but
There are many different sockets on to enjoy this extra picture quality
the back of a modern TV and it is you will need a TV with a corres-
crucial to have the right ones for ponding progressive component
both the best quality and long- input – again using three round
term flexibility. plugs but labelled Y, Pr and Pb.
Virtually every TV set has at least The latest TVs feature digital video
one Scart socket – these are large inputs for very high-quality connec-
rectangular plugs that carry both tions to new DVD players and future
audio and video. Scarts can, how- high-definition devices. There are
ever, deliver three different types of two types called DVI and HDMI; they
video quality. The most basic is offer the same quality video but
called composite and is offered on HDMI also carries sound. In order to
every Scart as standard. Some work with future high-definition
Scarts additionally offer S-video, DVD players and set-top boxes
which gives better picture quality. though, it is crucial to ensure that
Best of all are Scarts that support any TV with DVI or HDMI plugs also
RGB video. Since most set-top supports a copy-protection system
boxes, DVD players and even games called HDCP. Some older sets may
consoles have RGB output options, not support HDCP. High definition
High-definition video is up to four times more detailed than current DVD or
digitalTV broadcasts,allowing you to see a more realistic picture than ever
before.High-definitionTV broadcasts will begin in the UK with Sky and the
BBC this year,while the successors to DVD will deliver high-definition movies
on disc.To see high-definition video,you will need a screen with sufficient
HS-video offers better quality HMost TVs have SCART sockets HHDMI carries video and sound resolution and the right connectors.While early high-definition boxes may
offer analogue outputs,most will demand aTV with a digital HDMI or DVI plug
which also supports HDCP – see left. So if you are interested in watching high-
definition in the future,make sure you buy an HD-Ready TV with an HDCP-
equipped digital connection.
HComposite is a basic connection HComponent video sockets HThe latest TVs have DVI
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Buyer’s guide
Projectors

Projectors
If you’re looking for the nearest experience to being at the cinema without actually leaving
the house,a projector is the choice for the big-screen fan – just bring your own popcorn

HLCD projectors can have poor

contrast and black levels

othing beats a projector for what else can give you a 100in DLP projectors

N the ultimate cinematic expe-

rience. You can connect a
DVD player, set-top box or games
picture for less than £1,000?
We would recommend models
with true widescreen image chips to
Digital Light Processing, or DLP,
projectors employ a panel covered
with tiny mirrors. These reflect light
console as you would with any maximise the resolution of wide- onto the screen to make the picture.
TV set but enjoy a picture which screen material. And if you want This system can produce far greater
could measure up to 300in, all for an support for high definition, buy a contrast and deeper blacks, and
affordable price. Best of all, a model that has HD resolution and does not suffer from visible pixels or
projector can be relatively small and either a DVI or HDMI plug equipped the tiny gaps between them.
mounted discreetly on your ceiling. with HDCP. DLP does have
The picture size is dependent on There are two We’d recommend one big weakness.
the projector’s distance from the projector techno- models with true To generate a
screen – the further away, the bigger logies – they both colour picture, a
it gets. So you’ll need to measure up have pros and cons widescreen image spinning wheel
to see what can be achieved in your but ultimately the chips to maximise with coloured fil-
own home – most models should choice is down to resolution ters is placed in
produce a 100in image from about personal taste. front of the chip.
10ft away, though. For the best As a result, a rainbow effect can
results, the room should be dark. LCD projectors sometimes be fleetingly seen on-
Most projectors are noisier than LCD projectors are closest to slide screen, especially when you blink
TVs due to the cooling fans for their projectors in that a lamp shines quickly. Some people see this more
lamps, and the bulbs may only last through a coloured panel and into a than others, so always view a DLP
about 2,000 hours, costing £200 to lens. The coloured panel in this case model before buying. Three-chip
£400 to replace – always ask. But is a transparent LCD panel. The DLP projectors solve this problem
colour is normally very good but but they are prohibitively expensive.
contrast and black levels can be
Screen or wall? poor, while the individual pixels on
Since screens are effectively a large white area,you could be forgiven for lower-resolution models may
projecting straight onto a wall in your living room.While this will work,there be visible as tiny squares.
are many benefits to using a dedicated projector screen. Older LCD projectors
First,unlike a typical wall,it will be perfectly flat and evenly coloured.Second, employ a single colour
it will have reflective qualities designed for projection that will produce a panel, while most models
brighter picture;some even have tiny perforations,allowing you to hide sport three for red, green
loudspeakers behind the screen.Finally,don’t underestimate the importance and blue light. These so-
of a black surround to a screen,as it frames the picture. called ‘three-chip’ projec-
Projector screens can either be permanently fixed or rolled up when not in use; tors offer better quality and
some are even motorised.Prices vary considerably,from £200 to several are recommended.
thousand.Believe us though – even with budget screens,the picture will be
much better than projecting onto a white wall. RDLP projectors have a better-quality
picture but the rainbow effect is a strange quirk
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 Buyer’s guide
DVD players

DVD players
DVD offers far better picture quality thanVHS videos,and the shiny silver discs are easier to
store.But what sort of player should you choose to get the best for your money?

ince its launch, DVD has spend more to ensure that your DVD

S revolutionised movie viewing

at home. It delivers a far
superior picture to VHS tape and even
player has digital video connections.
Pricier players will also support new
DVD-Audio and SACD music
The coming of Blu-ray
and HD-DVD
Blu-ray and HD-DVD are new rival formats that
boasts the same formats, although can deliver high-definition video on DVD-sized
digital surround A DVD player or you will need a discs.Movies and the first few compatible players
sound systems as recorder is an good hi-fi system are expected by the end of 2005.These players
the top cinemas. to actually hear should also play standard DVDs but no one
Suffice to say, a essential part of a the difference. knows if one format will outlive the other or
DVD player or home-entertainment whether both will co-exist.
recorder is an system Region coding It’s just likeVHS versus Betamax all over again,
essential part of To control the so we would advise waiting a while to see if one
any home-entertainment system, distribution of movies around the looks like winning.If you are interested in
but with prices starting at less than world, Hollywood has imposed a connecting either to aTV set though,it will need
£50 in supermarkets, is there any regional coding system for DVD to be HD-Ready and have either a DVI or HDMI
point in spending more? discs and players in each country. plug with support for HDCP.
The world is split into six
DVD players numbered regions, with the
Every DVD player, whether it costs UK in Region 2 and the US in
£50 or £500, will play DVD video Region 1. A US Region 1 disc
discs and audio CDs. Spending will not work in a UK Region
more will get you better overall 2 player and vice versa, so
quality and features. For example, beware if you are shopping
budget players may not have for movies on holiday. HBlu-ray is a high-definition format to rival
RGB-enabled Scart plugs or Most DVD players can, DVD.Look out for players at the end of this year
component outputs, preventing however, be modified by specialist
you from enjoying the maximum dealers to be region-free for about
picture quality (see Connectivity £50, and therefore play movies
on page 81). You will also have to bought anywhere in the world; some
players are even sold region-free.
These can be beneficial for
Connecting your DVD player UK enthusiasts who can buy
Modern DVD players feature a wealth of sockets on the back and,likeTV sets, DVD movies in the US long
some offer better quality than others.For a full explanation see our before they are on sale in the UK.
connectivity section in theTV pages. Note that you will also need a TV
Most people will use a SCART cable to connect their DVD player to aTV as it that can display the American NTSC
conveniently carries both video and audio.If the SCART plugs on your DVD video standard, although this
player andTV both support RGB video,make sure you select this option in a DVD should include all recent sets.
set-up menu to ensure the best quality.Alternatively,if your player andTV have H SACD is a new format that offers better-quality
component video connections,these also deliver excellent quality.Best of all,if DVD Audio/SACD sound than a conventional CD...
your player andTV have DVI or HDMI digital plugs,use these.See page 81 for an DVD Audio and SACD are new
illustration of all these connections. rival audio formats that deliver
To enjoy full digital surround sound, better-quality sound than conven-
you will need to connect the digital tional CDs. They won’t work in
audio output on your DVD player to normal CD players but better DVD
your surround sound receiver/ players often have the facility to play
processor.There are two types:optical them. They can sound great but
or electrical/coaxial.Optical is less do be aware that there are not
prone to interference,but enthusiasts many discs available and you will
believe coaxial sounds a bit better. also need a very good hi-fi to hear H...but like DVD Audio,another new format,
the difference. there are not many discs available as yet
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Buyer’s guide
Video recorders

Video recorders
Being able to recordTV programmes offers so much flexibility. And these days there are lots
of different ways to record from the telly,fromVHS to PVR...you can even pause liveTV!

oday it seems hard to archiving purposes, or twin tuners, HThe good news is that DVD recorder prices have

T remember a time when we

couldn’t record TV shows.
After more than two decades of video
which let you record two different
channels at the same time.
One of the best features of modern
dropped – you can pick one up for about £150

Suffice to say, there is no support

tape though, we now have several video recorders is an Electronic for EPGs. With DVD recorders
alternatives for making recordings in Programming plummeting in
the home. DVD recorders are the Guide, or EPG. We find it hard price, we find it
natural successor to tape, allowing These display the to recommend hard to recom-
you to record several hours onto a TV schedules on- mend buying a
disc that can be removed and screen and simply buying a new VHS new VHS unless
archived or shared. let you point and unless your budget your budget is
Personal Video Recorders, or click at the ones is very tight very tight.
PVRs, dispense with tapes and discs you would like to
altogether, and record shows onto record, eliminating the need to enter DVD recorders
computer hard disks. These allow in times, dates and channels; most DVD recorders are the natural
massive recording capacities and can also be set to automatically successor to VHS. They use special
the facility to timeshift, where you record an entire series. recordable DVD discs, most of
can effectively pause live TV or start which will work in standard DVD
watching a show while it or another VHS players (see box, below left). Like
is still recording. Some PVRs also VHS is the familiar videotape DVD movies and CDs, you can
feature built-in DVD recorders for recording system first launched well instantly skip to different points on
over two decades ago. It is the the disc and they won’t wear out,
cheapest video recording system either. Prices have fallen consi-
Recordable DVD formats available with machines costing derably and budget models are
There are no fewer than seven different types of blank DVD discs on sale. from as little as £50. Tapes can now available for as little as £150.
Three are rewritable and called DVD-RAM,DVD+RW and DVD-RW. record around four hours in best Like normal DVD players though,
Then there are two types that can only be recorded on once,called DVD+R and quality and double that in longplay. spending more will get better quality
DVD-R,and both of these are also now available in dual-layer versions offering You can, of course, remove tapes for and features. A DVD recorder will
double the space. archival and sharing purposes, but also work as a normal DVD player.
Most DVD recorders these days can use several different formats,so which is VHS is looking dated in terms of Models with Freeview digital
best? Generally speaking,the write-once discs are more compatible with older quality and features. tuners should deliver an eight-
DVD players than the rewritable ones and are cheaper too,but you can,of The quality even in best mode is day EPG for easy scheduling.
course,only record on them once.The new dual-layer discs offer almost double noticeably below that of the original Some models may also boast
the space and are very compatible with players,but again can only be written broadcast and far worse in longplay. timeshifting, although this capa-
on once,and there are few machines that can It can be hard and time-consuming bility is best implemented on a hard
record on them.Of the rewritable formats, to find specific points on a tape and disk-based PVR (see right).
DVD-RAM is the least compatible with DVD they can also wear out or break. Probably the worst aspect of a
players but allows time-shifting capabilities
on some recorders.

HVHS recorders have had their day and unless your budget is really tight,we don’t recommend them
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84 w w w. a c t i v e h o m e . c o . u k
 Buyer’s guide
Video recorders

Sky subscribers can use the Combi systems

Sky+ personal video Combi systems feature two different recording technologies in a single box for
recorder,which gives options greater flexibility.There are machines that combineVHS and DVD recorders,or
for timeshift recording PVRs with DVD recording facilities.This might sound like a great option but in
many cases you may not use one of the technologies much or even at all.
Think carefully about what you want before buying.

shows on there for ages and still

have plenty of room for day-to-day
recordings. PVRs start with capa-
cities of 10 hours, but we would
recommend 20 as a minimum.

Windows Media Center/ TV

on your PC
It is possible for a PC to double up as
a PVR and still be used as a normal
computer. The benefit is having
a whopping great hard disk, power-
ful EPG and the facility to also
play photo slideshows and your
music collection.
The simplest option for existing
PC owners is to fit a TV tuner card
and software to control it, such as
Showshifter from www.showshifter.
com; you could buy a tuner, the
DVD recorder is the capacity of a with twin tuners and either 20 or software and the remote control for
disc. In best-quality mode you may 80-hour recording capacities. NTL about £100.
only squeeze on one or two hours of and Telewest are expected to have Alternatively, you could buy a
TV shows. Reducing the quality will PVRs dedicated to their digital new PC designed specifically as
increase the capacity, but surely one services soon. a PVR. The most powerful are sys-
of the reasons for buying a DVD The big downside with PVRs is tems running a special version of
recorder is for DVD quality? If you not being able to archive or share Windows XP, called Media Center
want massive recording times your recordings unless you have a Edition 2005, or MCE for short. MCE
without a compromise in quality, a DVD recorder or VHS to hand; PCs can have a two-week EPG, DVD
hard disk recorder is far superior, indeed, some PVRs come with built- archiving and the option of twin
although you will also need a DVD in DVD recorders, which are a great tuners. Most are quiet and designed
recorder or VHS if you’d like to option if you do not already own a to fit discreetly into a living room but
archive or share your shows. DVD player. That said, if a PVR has at around £900, cost far more than a
sufficient capacity, you could store traditional PVR.
PVRs
Personal Video Recorders or PVRs
represent the pinnacle of today’s
video recording technology. They
employ computer hard disks for
recording video that can store tens
or even hundreds of hours, while the
speed of the disk allows them to play
one show while recording another.
PVRs are available with analogue
or digital TV tuners. Those with
analogue tuners offer different
settings to trade quality against
recording time, whereas those with
digital normally record exactly what
is broadcast – while this fixes the
recording capacity, it does mean you
get perfect quality. Models with twin QPCs running Media
tuners can record two different Center Edition 2005 can
channels simultaneously. be used as PVRs and
Most PVRs with analogue tuners may have two-week
don’t feature an Electronic Prog- EPG and DVD archiving
ramme Guide, whereas all those
with digital tuners do – and once
you have used one you won’t
want to go back. If you
have Sky, there is only one
PVR available: the Sky+
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Buyer’s guide
Sound systems

Sound systems
OK,so you’ve invested in a great screen and the recording system that suits your needs
– but there’s no point having a fantastic-looking picture if the sound is not up to scratch...

urround sound is one of the corner of your room and one above on TV, for example, will work better

S most exciting parts of a home

cinema system, and today
it is possible to use exactly the
or below your screen, naturally
called the centre speaker.
A sixth channel of sound is used
than CD albums.
Delivering far better quality are
the digital surround-sound formats.
same digital soundtracks as leading to drive a special These take the
cinemas. To enjoy the full expe- loudspeaker called The subwoofer original surround-
rience, you will need a processor a subwoofer. This is used to sound signals from
box to decode the sound from your is used to gene- the Hollywood stu-
DVD player or set-top box and five or rate very deep generate very dios and encode
more loudspeakers placed around bass and rumbling deep bass and them into a single
your room. sounds – they’re rumbling sounds digital signal. This
Most surround-sound systems optional but make is decoded by your
employ five main channels of sound, a massive difference when watching processor or AV receiver at home
and so require five loudspeakers. action movies. Subwoofers may be and fed to the relevant speakers.
Ideally you will have one in each relatively large boxes but since it Since most movies use five main
can be hard to identify where deep channels and one for the subwoofer,
bass sound is coming from, the they’re said to have 5.1 soundtracks.
All-in-one home cinema systems actual position of this speaker is not There are different ways to encode
All-in-one home cinema systems include an AV receiver and all the as important as the main five. a 5.1 soundtrack, though. The most
speakers you need for surround sound;some of the receiver units even feature The surround-sound processor or common are Dolby Digital and DTS,
built-in DVD players.These clearly offer a very convenient way to buy and AV receiver does the hard work of the former delivered as standard on
install a surround-sound system but are normally targeted at the budget end decoding an audio signal and virtually every DVD movie, and even
of the market.As such,most will not offer the quality and flexibility of a working out what should go to each on some Sky TV broadcasts using
separate AV receiver and speaker system. speaker. There are several different Sky+. DTS uses less compression
types of audio signals that can and sounds a little better; you will
All-in-one home cinema decode into surround sound. The find it as an optional soundtrack on
systems are simple to set up simplest is analogue stereo, which some DVDs. Most processor and AV
can be turned into surround using Receivers can decode both Dolby
Dolby Pro Logic or Pro Logic II Digital or DTS soundtracks.
decoding. Pro Logic will produce If five speakers are not enough,
surround sound from any stereo how about seven around your room?
signal, although it does the best job So-called 7.1 systems use the same
when the material was meant to be three speakers at the front but swap
heard in surround – movies shown the pair in your rear corners for two
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 Buyer’s guide
Sound systems

PFive speakers and a

at the side and a further two on your subwoofer give you Hi-fi separates
back wall. This can sound great 5.1 surround sound Hi-fi enthusiasts, or audiophiles,
in large rooms. Dolby’s version of enjoy better-quality sound by using
7.1 is called Surround EX, and separate components for each job,
DTS’s is called DTS-ES. Again, rather than all-in-one hi-fi systems.
these can be found on some DVD For starters, it lets you cherry-pick
movies and you will need a com- the best individual components
patible processor or AV receiver to – CD player, amplifier, MiniDisc
decode the extra channels; luckily player, digital tuner – to build the
these discs are also compatible ultimate system that is tailored to
with 5.1 systems. your own needs, and which can
be added to or upgraded as time
AV receivers goes by.
AV receivers look like hi-fi This logic can be applied to home-
amplifiers but with one big cinema audio – that is, using a
difference; they will take the separate DVD player and AV receiver
audio signals from your rather than an all-in-one home
DVD player, set-top box and cinema system. True audiophiles
other devices, decode them tend to get a bit carried away
into surround sound, then here. Rather than use a single AV
power a number of loud- receiver, for example, a dedicated
speakers placed around audiophile might go as far as
your room. buying a separate surround
The price of AV sound processor and power
receivers ranges mas- amplifier. This probably isn’t
sively from models necessary for most users, but a hi-fi
costing less than £200, to monsters or home-cinema system built on
weighing in at more than £2,000. separates is going to give you more
Spending more on an AV receiver soundtracks, and has seven chan- flexibility – and often better quality –
will get you better-quality sound, nels of amplification. than the all-in-one systems.
support for more surround sound
formats (with the possibility of Speakers
upgrades in the future), greater Some companies claim to simulate
device connectivity and switching surround sound with two speakers
and, most obviously, more power- but to experience it properly, you
ful amplification. Some models really have to install five or more
also feature THX, which is a boxes around your room. A
certification of quality from George subwoofer is optional but makes a
Lucas’s audio company. huge difference to action movies.
We would recommend spending Obviously the more you spend on
at least £500 on an AV receiver and loudspeakers the better the sound
ensuring it has support for both quality, but crucially, try to ensure
Dolby Digital and DTS, along with they are as similar as possible – so
identical power amplification for the sound doesn’t change tone when
each channel for consistent sound; it goes from left to right or back to
note that subwoofers normally have front. Ideally go for identical
built-in amplifiers. speakers and ensure that any that
If you want a 7.1 channel system, will be placed close to your TV (such
make sure the AV receiver you as the centre speaker) are mag-
purchase is also capable of netically shielded so they do not HIf you want to spend the extra cash,buying separate components for your
decoding Surround EX and DTS-ES interfere with the picture. sound system will give you better quality as well as more flexibility

Connecting your sound system

To enjoy digital surround sound,you’ll need a digital audio
connection between your DVD player and the AV receiver or
processor.There are two types:optical and electrical/coaxial,
each using a single plug.The choice is ultimately made by which
you have on your DVD player and receiver – if you have both,an
electrical connection normally gives slightly better quality.
If your set-top box,PVR or games console also has a digital audio
output,connect it to your surround receiver for better-quality or
digital surround sound.Connect any analogue devices such as set-
top boxes without digital outputs using standard stereo cables.
Finally,we’d recommend dumping the cables supplied with
audio and video devices and upgrading to better-quality ones
from specialist hi-fi stores.Spend £20 to £50 for each cable and HDigital audio outputs on your devices will offer you a better sound quality
you will notice a big difference in sound and picture quality.

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Buyer’s guide
Home networking

Connecting the
digital home
A home network can do so much more than let you share a printer between computers.You
can play music stored on your PC around your home,and view photos and movies on your TV
he truly modern home is fully against players next door or on the them. There are even white goods

T connected to the internet and

by that we don’t just mean one
PC in the back bedroom. The num-
other side of the planet. Media
Center PCs and some set-top boxes
use internet connections to down-
such as fridges, ovens and washing
machines that can access recipes,
online grocery stores or even
ber of devices that can make use of a load updated TV schedules. upgrade their capabilities.
net connection is growing by the day. A new breed of hi-fi system can
Beyond PCs, laptops and hand- play foreign radio stations over the Home networking
held portables, modern games internet, and in the near future we Luckily, there is no need to have a
consoles can get online to battle will rent movies by downloading separate internet connection for

PC in
bedroom
Games Laptop
console

PDA
Streaming device
connected to TV
or hi-fi
Wireless
router

Internet
Office fridge
PC

Broadband
Printer modem

A wireless network can The internet

let you share media and web
access on a variety of devices
from your TV to your games
console or PDA
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 Buyer’s guide
Home networking

On the move
Thanks to the latest portable devices,it is possible to enjoy music,movies and
photos wherever you may be.While portable CD and DVD players have been
around for ages,the current revolution in portable entertainment are devices
that take files from your PC and play them on the move.Some are designed for
audio alone,whereas others feature colour screens and can also play photos
each device that wants it – it is HA wireless broadband router is the hub of a and videos.
possible for any number of devices digital home – pick one up for about £100 Some use your PC for downloading material or as a means to get CDs and DVDs
to share the same internet connec- into a more portable-friendly format,while others are designed as
tion by networking them together. using a device which is in a companions to media PCs and allow you to take existing music,photo and
In a home network, a single box completely different room. The video collections or TV recordings on the move.
connects to the internet and automa- device is plugged into your TV and There are many different formats for storing music and video files,and most
tically shares it between anything hi-fi and has a remote control, just portables are only compatible with certain ones.All will come with software
that wants access. This box could like a DVD player. The difference is that lets you convert files into the right format but if you wish to use an
be a PC or more commonly a small that it plays files stored on your PC existing collection without lengthy conversion,you should buy a device which
device called a router, which you using a home network, which again supports the required formats.
would leave switched on all the time. could be wired or wireless. It doesn’t
For this to work well, you will also need to copy or store the files, Portable music players
need a broadband internet as they are effectively played or The most common audio file format on PCs is MP3
connection, which is always on. streamed over the network connec- and virtually every portable audio device is
Each device that wants to access tion as and when you need them. compatible.Microsoft’s Media Player software can
the internet should then be con- Of course, you could just have a produce MP3 files but most versions produce the
nected to the router. This can be PC in your living room but most are company’s ownWMA format unless told
done using a special network cable big, noisy and ugly. The benefit of otherwise.WhileWMA can
or, if the router supports it, a wireless streaming the files is that you can match MP3 quality using less RMusic players
link. If the device in question doesn’t hide the PC in a back room and use space,there are far fewer store songs on
have built-in wireless capabilities, a good-looking consumer device to devices that can play them a hard disk or
small wireless adapters can be fitted play them in the comfort of your without conversion. flash memory
for less than £50 each. lounge. The clever bit is that you Portable music players can
Wireless broadband routers are at could have several such streaming use either flash memory
the heart of every connected home, devices throughout your home, all or a tiny hard disk to
yet can cost less than £100. They playing different (or even the same) store the files.Hard disk
will connect directly to the modems files from your PC at the same time. units have much greater
supplied with broadband cable TV Today there is a growing range of capacities,with the biggest
or ADSL services, while other devices that can stream media from storing up to 15,000 songs.In
models even include built-in ADSL a PC. They can cost anything from contrast,players with Flash
modems for the ultimate in single- £150 upwards and have different memory may only typically
box convenience. features. Some can play photos, store 500 to 1,000 tracks but
videos and music, whereas others have longer battery life,greater
Streaming are only for audio. Some have built- shock-resistance and can be
Home networking is not just about in DVD players and others are physically smaller.
giving internet access to designed specifically to work with
anything that wants it – it’s also Windows XP Media Center PCs. Portable video players
about sharing data between If you are connecting these A file format known as DivX is fast becoming
nearby devices. The most devices wirelessly though, be aware the MP3 of the video world,and most portable
exciting example of this is that you may only be able to watch video players will let you watch DivX movies.
called streaming. high-quality video on no more than If you want to watch theTV recordings made by a Microsoft Media Center
Streaming allows you to two devices at once. Cabled network though,you will need a special device that runs Microsoft’s Portable Media
access music, videos and connections allow more devices to Center (PMC) software;this won’t play DivX files without conversion.
photos stored on your PC stream video smoothly. Due to the large storage requirements of even highly compressed video files,
virtually all portable video players employ hard disks.Add a 3-4in screen and
you could be looking at a battery life of five to 10 hours when viewing video.
Portable video players can also be used for playing music and showing photo
slideshows.Some can be connected toTV sets,which can be great when you
are in a hotel room,and others can even record video.

HA streaming device lets you listen to music or

watch videos from your PC on your telly
RPortable video players can be handy when you
go away,as they can connect to a hotel room TV
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