Pioneer's Elite DVR-7000 is a DVD
player/recorder that can record up to two hours of video per disc. It will retail for
around $2000 when available later in the year.
Pioneer showed three all-in-one home-theater
systems that impressed us with their functionality, styling and prices. From top to bottom
are the HTD-510DV ($499), HTZ-77DV ($799) and HTS-910DV ($999). Each includes receiver
with tuner, DVD player and five speakers with powered subwoofer. The two more expensive
systems can also play back MP3-encoded discs.
Pioneer's new Elite VSX-49TX receiver ($4200)
is positively loaded with features, the most novel of which is its MCACC circuit that
measures the acoustic characteristics of the listening area via an add-on microphone and
neutralizes "the ambient characteristics that can 'color' the original source
material." A lower-powered, less expensive model, the Elite VSX-47TX ($3000) also
includes the MCACC circuit.
Thiel's new CS1.6 loudspeaker uses a newly
developed aluminum-cone woofer and will be available soon at under $2500 per pair. Jim
Thiel said that the CS1.6's sensitivity is 90dB.
The Nagra MPA integrated amp ($14,500) can
also be ordered as a power amp ($12,000). The control area can be mounted either
horizontally or vertically -- and so can the unit itself.
Toshiba's 34HF81 HDTV had Doug Blackburn
drooling over its impressive picture and more affordable price -- $1999.
