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Features, Reviews and a Blog by John Sciacca
Links
Links
Product Reviews
Product Reviews
Links to different products that I have reviewed.
www.digitaltrends.com/home-theater/prima-cinema-brings-hollywood-inside-your-home/
An exclusive look at the PRIMA Cinema system which lets you watch first-run Hollywood films in the comfort of your own home!
www.residentialsystems.com/new-products/0019/marantz-av8801-pre-amp/mm8077-amplifier/84206
Ever wonder what pre-amp and amp combo I use in my own theater? It's these two. And they sound frickin' amazing! Great dynamics, amazing surround, and the ability to go to 11!
www.residentialsystems.com/new-products/0019/d-box-technologies-motion-platform-and-motion-controller/83910
Want to take your home theater to an 11? Add a D-BOX motion platform! I guarantee that movies will *never* again be the same!
www.residentialsystems.com/new-products/0019/martinlogan-motion-vision-soundbar/84114
I take a look -- and listen! -- to Martin Logan's high-end foray into the soundbar market. Verdict: Impressive!
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/test-report-dish-network-hopper-and-joey-multiroom-dvr-package
DISH Network housewide DVR system may very well reinvent the way that you watch TV. With 3 HD tuners and 2 TB of storage, this might be the last DVR you'll ever need!
www.residentialsystems.com/new-products/0019/control4-automation-system-additions/83549
The latest additions to Control4's automation system. These new controllers feature more power and HDMI outputs. Plus you can do video intercom on the color touchscreens. Tres cool.
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/test-report-pioneer-elite-n-50-audiophile-network-audio-player
This plays high-res audio and sounds every bit as good as it looks. Which is awfully good.
www.residentialsystems.com/new-products/0019/omnimount-actionmount-play40/83651
Yes. It's true. This is the mount that punched me in the face and sent me to the doctor. But, I hold no animus towards it. It's still a revolutionary step in TV mounting technology.
www.residentialsystems.com/product-reviews/0036/lutron-sivoia-qs-honeycomb-shades/82175
Want to impress the crap out of your friends and family? Get motorized shades. That you can retrofit into any home. Cause they run on battery power. And tie-in to your automation system. The Awesome!
www.residentialsystems.com/product-reviews/0036/russound-airgo-outdoor-speaker/81939
Combine a great sounding speaker, with a built-in amplifier and Apple AirPort and you've got the makings for one cool, entertainment hub!
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/review-autonomic-controls-mms-2-mirage-media-server
Why would you consider buying a dedicated music server? Read about this and maybe you'll understand.
www.residentialsystems.com/product-reviews/0036/kanexpro-wireless-and-hdbaset-hdmi-extenders/81622
Two ways -- wired and wireless -- to get HDMI from your source to your display.
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/review-ps-audio-perfectwave-system
A combo -- especially DAC -- that performs nothing short of sonic magic!
johnsciacca.webs.com/apps/blog/show/7726427-exclusive-hands-on-review-kaleidescape-s-m700-disc-vault
My exclusive hands-on review on Kaleidescape's new 300 disc combo vault/player!
www.soundandvisionmag.com/arti... (more)
A minimalist listening dream! This combo gives amazing audio performance in a teeny-tiny footprint!
www.residentialsystems.com/article/61902.aspx
OK. TV mounts are rarely cool. But, this one is! Trust me. If you have a TV that needs to go in a slightly off-center location, this could be the *perfect* solution!
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/runco-d-73d-3d-projector
After great skepticism of the whole "3d thing" I spend a whole day with Runco's double-stack projector solution...
www.residentialsystems.com/article/57882.aspx
Industrial grade surge protection at the panel level. Probably one of the most surefire surge elimination systems on the market.
www.residentialsystems.com/article/63450.aspx
Lexicon's new 8-channel, digital power amplifier proves big things can come in tiny packages!
www.soundandvisionmag.com/tests-reviews/miscellaneous/2010/11/review-meridian-sooloos-control-15-music-server
The first product collaboration following the Meridian-Sooloos purchase. And even sweeter music server!
www.residentialsystems.com/article/56006.aspx
A review of Audyssey's professional calibration suite for maximizing your room's sonic performance.
Kaleidescape Modular Disc Vault
www.resmagonline.com/article/52462.aspx
The missing link in the Kaleidescape Blu-ray streaming chain is no longer missing. I give the Disc Vault a thorough vetting...
Disney WOW! System Optimization Disc
www.resmagonline.com/article/51686.aspx
I take a thorough look at the new Disney WOW! Blu-ray for system calibration. Is it a "Wow!" or a "Whoa!"?
Panamax BlueBOLT IP enabled surge
www.resmagonline.com/article/50416.aspx
Why would you ned to have IP control over your surge protector? Why indeed!
www.soundandvisionmag.com/2010/08/olive-4hd-music-server
A relatively inexpensive, audiophile music server that can support 96/24 high res music files.
Yamaha YID-W10 Wireless iPod Dock
www.resmagonline.com/article/50424.aspx
Yamaha's YID-W10 is one of the coolest accessories to come along for the iPod
www.resmagonline.com/article/49106.aspx
Lutron's brand new wireless, lighting control system, RadioRA2
NuVo Renovia Distributed Audio System
www.resmagonline.com/article/48630.aspx
NuVo's powerline audio distribution system, with a name that sounds like a skin regenerator!
Russound Collage Powerline Audio System
www.resmagonline.com/article/41760.aspx
My review of Russound's new housewide audio system distributed over your home's existing electrical cabling.
www.soundandvisionmag.com/tests-reviews/media-players/2010/05/kaleidescape-m500-player
A link to the review I did for Kaleidescape's new M500 Blu-ray player.
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/sony-bdp-cx7000es-blu-ray-disc-changer
A detailed review of Sony's latest ES-Series 400-Disc Blu-ray Changer.
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/marantz-is301-wireless-ipod-dock
My review of Martantz's IS301 Bluetooth Wireless iPod Dock.
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/sunfire-tgm-100
Sunfire's entry into the movie/music server category.
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/kaleidescape-mini-system
Kaleidescape's latest system update---the Mini System!
Linksys by Cisco Wireless Music System
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/linksys-cisco
Linksys by Cisco's Premier Wireless Audio kit for distributing music around your home.
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/vudu-xl2-internet-movie-player
A super cool way to stream High Def movies.
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/sooloos-music-storage-and-server-system
One of the coolest music servers out there....Sooloos!
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/niles-audio-zr-6-multizone-audio-system
A review of Niles new ZR-6 iPod friendly multi-room audio system.
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/review-acoustic-research-hdp100
HDMI signals run over your home's powerlines.
Universal Remote Control MX-980/MSC-400
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/universal-remote-control-mx-980-remote-control-and-msc-400-master-controller
A powerful remote control combo from URC.
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/niles-ic2-home-theater-automation-control-system
The replacement to the long-heralded IntelliControl from Niles is here.
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/elan-system-86av-multiroom-audiovideo-controller
Elan's System 8 multi-room audio/video distribution system.
Fusion Research Genesis Movie server
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/fusion-research-genesis-media-server-and-vr-vcp2-cinema-player
Fusion Research serves up the Genesis for movie and music distribution.
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/sonos-bundle-150-wireless-multiroom-music-system
The Sonos 150 music bundle might be one of the most powerful DIY music systems ever!
Universal Remote Control MX-450
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/mx-450-remote-back-future
Universal Remote's computer-less programmable remote.
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/soundcast-outcast-all-weather-wireless-speaker-system
Outdoor audio made easy.
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/we-give-critical-eye-high-definition-glasses
An Internet Spam offer just too good to pass up!
Qsonix Wurlitzer Digital Jukebox
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/qsonix-qjb110-nostalgic-digital-jukebox
The coolest looking music server around.
Crestron Adagio Entertainment System
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/crestron-adagio-entertainment-system
My review of Crestron's Adagio system.
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/speakercraft-mode-multiroom-audio-system
SpeakerCraft's MODE audio distribution system.
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/russound-compoint-intercom-system
An ingenious intercom system from Russound.
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/lutron-aurora-wireless-lighting-control-system
Lutron's new, low cost lighting solution.
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/test-report-s1digital-es400-and-p250-entertainment-server
A high-end media-center solution.
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/logitech-harmony-one-advanced-universal-remote-control
Is Harmony's latest remote really, The ONE?
Custom Installer Columns
Custom Installer Columns
Links to my monthly "The Custom Installer" column.
Getting the Best Bass Out of Your Sub.
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/best-place-put-your-sub
Part of a series I wrote on improving bass performance.
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/6-cost-saving-tips-maximize-your-home-theater
6 Tips for getting the most out of your current system with spending little or no money.
www.soundandvisionmag.com/blog/2008/12/03/showing-your-cards
Sharing your budget can help your system designer get the best system for your buck.
www.soundandvisionmag.com/blog/2008/09/12/microsoft-achieves-complete-home-domination
Why Microsoft's Media Center can be the hub of your A/V and automation system.
Two Screens are Better than One!
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/now-showing-two-screens
Why having two screens can be the perfect solution.
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/recession-tips-home-sellers-and-installers
Recession tips for both installers and home owners.
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/custom-installer-little-cable-can
All the handy-dandy things that you can do with a $.20 cent a foot piece of Cat5 wire.
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/7-ways-hide-your-subwoofer
Nobody likes that big, black, bass cube. Here's some tips on hiding it!
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/custom-installer-it-all-adds
The potential high-price of change orders mid-job.
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/custom-installer-lost-art-demo
Many stores are losing the fine art of giving a killer demo.
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/custom-installer-put-it-there
Finding the right cabinetry for your A/V gear can make all the difference.
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/custom-installer-are-you-ready-retrofit
Retrofitting new technology into an existing home can be tough. These are some things an installer will look at.
Distributing Audio for Audiophiles
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/custom-installer-distributing-audio-audiophiles
There's no reason why distributed audio can't sound great.
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/custom-installer-keep-it-moving
A project manager can insure that your job goes smoothly.
Feature Stories
Feature Stories
Links to feature stories that I have written.
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/tech-trends-09-licensed-thrill
My feature story of my weekend spent with the new Aston Martin DBS.
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/my-diy-home-theater-makeover
Ever wonder what my personal system looks like? Wonder no more...
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/ear-headphone-face
Four Sound + Vision editors weigh-in on different headphones.
www.soundandvisionmag.com/blog/2008/10/07/gear-hall
The first 10 inductees into CEDIA's Gear of Fame.
Walt Disney's New Theater Furniture
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/theo-and-walt-genius-you-can-sit
I attended the launch party of Theo Kalomirakis's new theater furniture line for Walt Disney.
Making of The Force Unleashed Video Game
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/behind-scenes-making-new-star-wars-videogame
My trip out to Lucas Ranch to go behind-the-scenes of the new Star Wars video game.
Theo Kalomirakis: The Man Who Invented Home Theater
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/now-playing-man-who-invented-home-theater
My interview and profile of Theo Kalomirakis, one of the most respected theater designers in the world.
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/how-choose-custom-installer
A step-by-step guide to choosing the right installer for your job.
www.soundandvisionmag.com/features/582/top-6-av-urban-legends-exposed.html
6 of my favorite Audio/Video Urban Legends debunked.
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/high-seas-home-theater
My overnight adventure aboard the USS Truman aircraft carrier.
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/day-life-custom-installer
A typical day in the life of a custom installer....me!
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/picture-perfect-tv-calibration-demystified
Ever wonder what exactly goes into calibrating a TV?
Trinity Wall Street Audio Remodel
www.soundandvisionmag.com/blog/2007/11/06/installations-higher-power
Following the events of September 11, the Trinity Wall Street Church, located just a block from Ground Zero, needed to totally redo their pipe organ system.
How To...
How To...
Links to a series of "How to..." articles that I have written.
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/step-step-how-mount-flat-panel-tv
A step-by-step on mounting your new flat panel.
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/step-step-how-program-universal-remote
Programming a smart remote.
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/step-step-how-install-music-server
Getting your music onto a hard drive is just a few steps away.
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/step-step-how-run-wire-through-wall
Getting wire from A-to-B is the toughest part of most installs.
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/step-step-how-set-av-receiver
The A/V receiver is the quarterback of your system and properly setting it up is imperative to proper performance.
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/step-step-how-install-ir-repeater
Ever wish you could control your gear behind closed cabinetry?
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/how-calibrate-your-hdtv
With a test disc and a little time, you can have your TV looking its best.
Position Your Home Theater Speakers
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/step-step-how-position-your-home-theater-speakers
A little care in placing your speakers can yield big rewards.
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/step-step-how-run-wire-pro
Some tips for running wire the right way.
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/step-step-how-soundproof-your-home-theater
Want to keep sound in (or out) of your theater? Follow these steps.
Create a Video Distribution System
www.soundandvisionmag.com/article/step-step-how-create-video-distribution-system
Routing video around your home might be easier than you think.
Blogs
Blogs
Links to various blogs that I have written for other sites.
www.resmagonline.com/section/john-sciacca.aspx
A link to all the brilliant blogs I've written for Jeremy G over at Resi Systems
theosroundtable.com/category/john-sciacca/
A link to blog's I've written at Theo's Roundtable
bitstream.soundandvisionmag.com/blog/john_sciacca/
A link to blogs that I have written for Sound + Vision's Website.