Technical Articles and EditorialsTechnical Articles and Editorials
How a Hole-in-the-Box Works
- Written by Colin Miller
- Published on 30 November 2007
Even though loudspeakers utilizing bass reflex techniques (i.e., ported or passive radiator designs) are quite common, or maybe even the norm if you carouse the average audio/video retailer. There are, however, many misconceptions about how a bass-reflex system works . . .
Understanding Contrast Ratios in Video Display Devices
- Written by Darin Perrigo
- Published on 30 November 2007
When we shop for a projector, one of the specifications that we really want to be aware of is the Contrast Ratio (CR). In general, we know that it is the relationship between the black and white levels that a projector can show ...
The Secrets SSP (Surround Sound Processor) Benchmark Specifications
- Written by Staff
- Published on 30 November 2007
The Secrets DVD Benchmark has been remarkably popular, but in an of itself not all that remarkable or unexpected. What took us off guard is that it has been equally popular with our readers and manufacturers of the equipment.
Using the Auto Set-up and EQ Features in an SSP or Receiver
- Written by Brian Florian and Colin Miller
- Published on 30 November 2007
The Misunderstood 0.1 LFE Channel in 5.1 Digital Surround Sound
- Written by Brian Florian
- Published on 30 November 2007
In 5.1 digital surround sound, the 0.1 channel is called the LFE or Low Frequency Effects channel. While in the commercial system it is referred to as the subwoofer channel, this is not necessarily true for home theater setups.
DVI and HDMI Connections and HDCP Explained
- Written by Brian Weatherhead
- Published on 30 November 2007
Recently I have had a barrage of e-mails from friends and readers asking why HDTV connectivity is so complicated. I found myself sending out the same advice and comments over and over, so I wanted to share some of this advice. DVI (Digital Video Interface) . . .
Stereo Imaging, Amplitude Differences, Time Arrival Differences, and the Precedence Effect
- Written by Colin Miller
- Published on 30 November 2007
When humans hear two simultaneous arrivals of the same sound from different directions at the same amplitude, the "stereo" illusion is that the source is not from two different directions (i.e., from two separate speakers), but from a "phantom" location between those speakers.
Video Resolution . . . Simplified
- Written by Brian Florian
- Published on 30 November 2007
Even though we've discussed video resolution in the pages of Secrets more than once, a real understanding of it still eludes a large number of people that I've encountered recently . . .
Rebuilding an A/V System with House-Wide Networking
- Written by Colin Miller
- Published on 30 November 2007
I will start out by saying that this is a feature article primarily for fellow geeks interested in the process of building or rebuilding an A/V system. My home isn't exactly a showcase in design or high fashion, and the A/V system that's going back in is aiming for function ...
THX-Certification
- Written by Brian Florian
- Published on 30 November 2007
THX is almost a quarter century old, and its Consumer Branch has been around since 1990, yet people still do not have a proper understanding of THX. Maybe that's THX's fault, maybe it's ours (the press) . . .
Negative Feedback - Fact and Fantasy
- Written by Colin Miller
- Published on 30 November 2007
