ShowStoppers -
Series 3
Bel Canto is on a roll with its newest
products, and the new PRePro digital processor ($7900) doesn't change this. It includes a
full-color TFT video monitor for easy access to programming menus as well as Dolby Digital
EX and Pro Logic II processing. Its high-end preamp section includes 7.1-channel analog
throughput functionality and eight balanced outputs.
The Teac/Esoteric DV-50 ($5500) may represent
the current state of the art in universal audio/video players. It plays all stereo and
multichannel discs, upsamples, and offers progressive-scan video. It's built to very high
standards and weighs 47 pounds. Marc Mickelson and Jeff Fritz both want one.
Another universal audio/video player is
Yamaha's DVP-S2300 ($1000), which uses Faroudja DCDi video and progressive-scan
processing. After discovering the inclusion of the Faroudja chipset, Doug Blackburn
remarked, "I think I might have found my next digital player."
The Pioneer ES1000DV system includes a control
unit with amplification and universal audio/video player, five speakers, powered
subwoofer, and separate color display. The cost of such functionality and high-tech
luxury? $1500.
Thiel's aptly named ViewPoint speakers are
powered models that mount seamlessly on the sides of even thin LCD video displays.
They use the same coaxial driver as that in the company's popular PowerPoint speaker. The
ViewPoint costs $2200 each and is custom matched for color and height to the display with
which it will be used.
PLUS Corporation's new Piano Avanti DLP
projector ($3299) is the replacement for the company's popular Piano HE-3100 and includes
HDTV compatibility, a zoom lens, and progressive-scan support. The image is far better
than you would think given the modest price. |
