Why You Can Trust CNET
Spring Tech Preview: Home theater
Spring is the season of renewal and that applies to home theater, too, with major manufacturers typically rolling out their new lines in March and April.
Simple.TV
Simple.TV won CNET's Best Of CES 2012 in the home theater category for its innovative, app-based approach to recording over-the-air TV. At only $150, the initial buy-in price is low and there are no monthly fees for standard program guide data. Simple.TV says it's looking to release the product in "late spring," so cord-cutters will likely have to wait a while before getting their hands on this next-gen DVR.
Onkyo TX-NR515
If you just can't get enough HDMI ports in your AV receiver, keep an eye on the the Onkyo TX-NR515. It has an incredible eight HDMI inputs with a list price of $600, although I'd bet the street price dips under $500 if Onkyo's pricing trajectory is similar to previous years.
Panasonic DMP-BDT220
Last year Panasonic's DMP-BDT210 was awarded CNET's Editors' Choice Award and the DMP-BDT220 is its successor. Not much has changed, with the DMP-BDT220 featuring built-in Wi-Fi, 3D, and a solid suite of streaming-media services. Even better, it looks like it will cost significantly less this year, with street prices already showing up at less than $150.
Dish Hopper DVR
Dish made a splash at CES 2012 with its kangaroo-themed press conference, but the actual product announcements were pretty cool, too. The Dish Hopper DVR sports all kinds of impressive specs, including a 2TB hard drive and the ability to record six (!) programs at once. The Hopper has already started rolling, so if you're a Dish subscriber, it's worth checking out.
Sony NSZ-GS7
Sony was an early proponent of Google TV, and the company is continuing to support the platform with the NSZ-GS7. It will be the first Google TV-powered set-top box since Logitech's (now discontinued) Revue, and Sony's remote looks a lot less intrusive than a full-blown home theater keyboard. I'm still not sold on Google TV's software, but this looks like a step in the right direction in terms of the hardware. Look for it later this spring.
More Galleries
My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?