"The Wrap
Will the Atlantic Technology AT-2 usher in a new age of bass-hip smaller speakers? Due to the challenges of its complex enclosure design, probably not. But if you’re thinking of eliminating the sub from your stereo or surround system—or would like to enjoy the better-integrated bass feel of a sub-equipped rig with a lower crossover—the AT-2 deserves a listen. It’s sold in odd-numbered lots, so you can buy a set of five to seven if you care to outfit a home theater. I had weeks of fun with just two." ...

"As technology continues to evolve, and we become increasingly dependent on minute-to-minute connectivity with friends, family, and co-workers, it can be quite a shock to the system when we’re asked to put away our smartphones. Whether we’re at a family dinner, seated on an airplane, or stuck underground on a stalled subway train, these days, most of us get a little antsy when we’re cut-off for too long. However, does that mean that we should throw common courtesy out the window?


According to a Deadline report, Regal Entertainment CEO, Amy Miles, addressed the possibility that her theaters could, in the near future, ease-up on texting enforcement (at least during certain movies) – in an effort to win-back younger moviegoers who might be down on seeing films in theaters" ...

"ESPN, CBS Interactive properties GameSpot and Last.fm, Manga Entertainment and MUZU.TV are the latest companies to advertise 15- and 30-second spots on Xbox Live.

Microsoft launched the advertising platform for Xbox 360 TV applications in December.

“With the growth of Xbox Live, advertisers no longer have to choose between digital and TV advertising — we’re offering the impact of TV and the interactivity and addressability of digital in one platform,” said Ross Honey, GM of Xbox Live entertainment and advertising at Microsoft. “As more and more industry leaders like ESPN work with us to help monetize their content on Xbox Live, TV media buyers win with the ability to extend their standard TV spots to this highly engaged consumer audience.” ...

"To keep all of the ones and zeros in line when transmitting digital audio you need a really accurate clock, and no clock is more accurate than an atomic one. So a company called Antelope Audio is introducing the first digital preamp for high-end audio systems that uses an atomic ticker. ...

"Walmart’s cloud-based disc-to-digital transfer program enjoyed good news during its first week, adding current and catalog titles from DreamWorks Animation and earning high praise from analysts. Still, there were hiccups, with reports that some stores weren’t ready to offer the service.

The addition of DreamWorks Animation’s major franchises, including “Shrek,” “Madagascar” and “Kung Fu Panda,” came April 16, the first day of the service, adding to the 4,000-plus titles available from Paramount Home Media Distribution, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, Universal Studios Home Entertainment and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. ...

"One of the side effects of both Blockbuster closing stores and Netflix starving its disc rental business is the continued rise of Redbox.

While Redbox won’t reveal its final first-quarter financial report until April 26, parent Coinstar began to show its hand earlier this month, saying both profit and revenue would exceed expectations despite Redbox raising daily DVD rental prices from $1 to $1.20.

How many businesses can say raising prices didn’t hurt revenue or profit in these difficult economic times? Perhaps Apple with its higher-priced, uber-cool products can push higher margins on consumers, but not many other businesses have had that kind of price elasticity." ...

"Regal Entertainment Group announced today that it's partnered with Sony Entertainment to bring the company's Access Glasses to "practically ...

"Conclusion
There’s so much to love about the RX-A1010, including its build quality, audiophile prowess, and wonderful iDevice app—but it’s not without its issues. Its lack of third-party licensing (THX and Audyssey) may be bothersome to some, although sonically speaking, I can’t fault it for that, as the Yamaha is second to none I’ve heard in its price class. Its video processing abilities don’t quite meet the standard of some other $1,000-and-up AVRs, and its somewhat unfriendly GUI falls victim to this same criticism. In the end, spending a bit more to step up to Yamaha’s RX-A2010 (a $1,600 model that I’d bet sounds as good or better and uses the respected HQV video processor) or the recently tested Onkyo TX-NR1009 ($1,399), or even going with the Pioneer Elite VSX-52 ($900), may get you a best-of-all-world’s solution ...

"Market conditions are prompting manufacturers of LED-backlit, LCD TVs to cheapen their products by developing new sets that will halve the number ...