Tom suggested I take the time to let all you AV Rant readers/listeners know about a record project I have just finished work on. Healing 4 Haiti, a compilation of 15 songs, was released last week by Integrity Music on iTunes. All net proceeds from the sale of this album will support relief efforts in Haiti including clean water, shelter, medical care and other critical aid from Samaritan’s Purse. It will also support the work of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s Rapid Response Team, who had chaplains on the ground within 24 hours of the earthquake providing emotional and spiritual comfort to survivors. Read the rest of this entry >>

Take 2 of this week’s podcast. No video this week. Wanna be on the show? You might get your chance sooner than you think. Tom has computer problems and it is all Dina’s fault. A bit on Shifty Schifter. Doug has a theory on speaker break-in. Eric thinks Tom should reconsider. Alan agrees. Justin, Henry, John, and Lance – you all got airtime in version 1 but missed the cut in version 2. Look for a response when Tom gets his email back (for those he hasn’t responded to yet). Herb’s mics are WAY more affordable than Tom had assumed. Tom is waiting by the mailbox for his new headphones. Tom’s going to try and stop by AXPONA on Saturday. Leave a message at the Rant Line if you are going to be there and want to meet up. Thanks for listening and don’t forget to vote for us at Podcast Alley. To see our (mostly) complete collection of show videos, click here. To get our iPhone app, visit the iTunes store.

 

 AVR 170: Dina Killed My Computer [48:29m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Because of a technical malfunction with the Tom and Dina podcast, we’re coming to you today with an interview with Dave Bales of Pioneer Electronics. They are releasing their new line of Pioneer branded AV receivers and want to get the word out. The VSX-520-K and 820-K you already know about. The new ones (just announced today) are the 920, 1020, and 1120-K. These receivers offer unparalleled features for their price point. What can you look forward to? How about HDMI 1.4 and Dolby ProLogic IIz in their entry level VSX-520-K receiver at a $229 price point! As the price goes up you get 1080p upconversion, iPhone/iPod Touch control apps, and a host of other features. Once again bringing you the latest and greatest, this is an AV Rant episode that you’ll not want to miss. For those looking for their weekly fix of Dina, we’ll be recording “Take 2″ of this week’s podcast on Friday. Look for it late Friday night or Saturday afternoon. Thanks for listening and don’t forget to vote for us at Podcast Alley. To see our (mostly) complete collection of show videos, click here. To get our iPhone app, visit the iTunes store.

 

 AVR 169: Interview with Pioneer [25:44m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Tom gives you a preview this week of his Salk Veracity HT2-TL and Boston Acoustics RS 334 speaker reviews. A few listener questions from Jim (speaker break-in), Steve (first HDTV advice), Jason (bi-wiring), and Herb (who buys Tom’s love). Michael Bay tries to scare you. Tom admits he was wrong (but it was Dina’s fault). If you are a Logitech employee, Tom would like you to listen to this episode. Separates vs. receivers – what’s Tom’s advice? Thanks for listening and don’t forget to vote for us at Podcast Alley. To see our (mostly) complete collection of show videos, click here. To get our iPhone app, visit the iTunes store. Read the rest of this entry >>

 

 AVR 168: Impressions of Salk and Boston [47:00m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Welcome to the third installment of AV After Dark. Tom had childcare issues this week so we have this for you instead of a normal Tom/Dina offering. This time they guys discuss the Olympics and how it differs from market to market. What sport are Ara and Tom fans of? You’ll never guess (or maybe you will). Is there a future for OLED? What is Hulu doing right, what are they doing wrong? What about Netflix? They guys weigh in. Panasonic black levels are addressed as are recommendations for displays. Ara went to Mecca… we mean Macworld. Thanks for listening. You can find the HT Guys at their website and AV Rant right here. We really enjoy these collaborations and hope you do too. Thanks to listener Ted for both the Intro and Outro music. Check out more of his work at www.thesysmusic.com. To see our (mostly) complete collection of show videos, click here. Click here to get the HT Guys iPhone app, and here for the AV Rant version.. Read the rest of this entry >>

 

 AV After Dark 3: St. Ara of Macworld [43:05m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download