TECHNOLOGY BUZZ: My Home, My Theatre

Published September 5, 2008

Hard facts

Product Home theatre system

Brand Sony DAV-DZ777

Dimensions (LxWxH) 430mm x 385mm x

66mm; Weight (kg) 4.2

Number of speakers 5.1

Surround sound type Dolby digital, Dolby pro  logic II, DTS

Total audio output power (Watts RMS) 1000

DVD Progressive scan support Yes

Home theatre components Amplifier, Standard

DVD player

Wired terminals/ports Audio (RCA) input,  component video output, composite video  output,

HDMI output, headphone jack

Features

S-Master digital amplifier

FM/AM tuner with 30 presets

BRAVIA sync

Digital cinema auto calibration (D.C.A.C)

Bass boost function

USB connectivity

HDMI output

S-AIR ready

Digital media port

Movie/Music mode

Night mode/Dialogue enhancer

Portable audio input with portable audio  enhancer

DVD/CD/SA-CD/VCD/DIVX/MP3/JPEG

AV sync

Universal remote control

Progressive scan (PAL/NTSC)

Magnetically shielded

Bass reflex design

Energy star compliant - Less than 0.3w in standby

Compared to Sony home theater system

DAV-HDX265 (Rs26, 500); Sony DAV-DZ270

(Rs21, 500)

Price Rs34, 600

Pumping with 1000W of power, and a 5.1 channel amplifier, Sony`s new offering of the DZ777 home theatre is just what the interior designer orders. The system includes centre speaker, four adjustable-height floor-standing speakers and S-AIR wireless rear speaker compatibility, for surround sound without any mess of wires. The system looks stylish, and the `tower` speakers come with stands for both the front pair and the surrounds. The sound that emanates from these speakers is sublime which struck us personally as being limited. Sony does not publish the sensitivity specification for these units, but they did not strike me as particularly loud, even with sthe 143 watts digital amplifier provided to each of them. For most people, however, it would be enough.

No matter what the size or shape of your room is, Sony`s Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (DCAC) eliminates the

guesswork for the best placement of your speakers, and gives optimal surround sound to your movies and music.

You can put your speakers in the most convenient position and get professional sound quality that is ideal for your room.

Connecting portable music to this system is also a breeze with a range of connectivity options. USB plug and play

lets you playback your music or photos directly from your walkman or other USB device, while a digital media port connector allows convenient hook-up of a walkman, iPod or Bluetooth-enabled media player (with optional adaptor).

The included BRAVIA Sync technology gives you full control over your Sony home entertainment system, with a new remote control that controls TV power, theatre mode and `one touch play` for all BRAVIA sync television sets. The HDMI output for DVD, and up scaling to 1080p makes connection to an HDMI-equipped display as simple as connecting one cable for spectacular high definition entertainment.

Conclusion

The system quite comfortably justifies its price with its outstanding audio performance. A high-powered sub and excellent levels of definition and clarity throughout the entire audio range, make the DZ777 one of the best 5.1 packages we have heard, while only a few minor faults hold it back from perfection.

Overall

After our first look at the Sony`s home theatre system we expected to find its cost really high. So when we looked

at the specifications, we were greeted with a very attractive price tag, and were extremely impressed. This package is one of the best values for home theatre systems on the market, offering exceptional sound quality along with the great style and HDMI support. Your home will look stylish and sound superb! -U.M.

COOL GADGETS

Back To Oldies

The Xi Jukebox is not your typical jukebox; it plays music from your iPod, which makes it an upgraded version of a retro music player. The look, however, is all original from the `50s. It has two very powerful speakers, and it looks just like your classic jukebox, but has an LCD screen for your iPod videos along with a remote control. You can also change the pattern of the LED lights on the exterior of the jukebox.

USB In Disguise

This USB drive looks like a cassette with funky stickers on it, until you press the sliding button on top. It then pops out the USB connector. It has 1GB worth of space, and comes adorned with cool stickers, which makes it a great present for a tech savvy friend or loved one.

Made For The Tweens

The TXT8010, better known as `Blitz` is a smart phone directed towards tweens, that is, children between the ages of eight to 12. The phone is very basic in its features, and comes with a 1.3 megapixel camera, Bluetooth capability and a memory card slot. The QWERTY keyboard makes it a `smart phone` for all the children out there.

No Strings Attached

The highly anticipated PlayStation3 Wireless Keypad is set to be released  this fall. It is made to fit into the shape of SIXAXIS and DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controllers, making it easier for gamers to key in characters and play interactive internet-based games. The keypad is equipped with Bluetooth functionality, and also has a Touch Pad button, which allows the whole surface of the keypad to be used as a touchpad.

Sleek Bubble For The Ear

With a cool look and colour, Sony Bubble ear-buds are due to be released in September. They are prettier than your average ear-bud, and are available in several sparkling shades. These ear-buds guarantee great sound quality at an affordable price.

Gamers` Zone

Here is the new range of gaming chairs for every type of gamer. The wireless Pyramat S1500W Deluxe has A43 Powersub Subwoofer and twin directional, and includes full range speakers with amazing sounds and vibrations. The Pyramat Game Bag 2.1 is a bean bag which is also incorporated with sound and vibration technology and is for the lazier gamers, who crave for comfort while playing games. However, the Pyramat PM4200w goes a step further, and folds into half for storage purpose.

Dancing Round The Clock

Ever wondered about the importance of alarm clocks? Without them, half of us would not manage to haul ourselves out of bed to start another gruelling day. But when it comes to their alarm tone, it is always boring. Enters the Room Tech Beingz Alarm Clock, which opens its `mouth` and shouts out three different alarm sounds, so you never know what sound it will make. It can also play music and dance, includes an FM radio and can be connected to your PMP. It is rather funky too, and hence a great accessory for lazy bums.

Dear Digital Diary

The Secret Diary is a gadget that caters to the female market. As the name suggests, this diary come with with a four digit password, suitable for those who want to keep a diary, but find the typical pen and paper style tedious in this digital age. If anyone tries to hack the Secret Diary, it destroys the information within itself. It also comes with interactive features including My Stars, Dream Catcher, Thinking Deep, and Mood Art.

The `N` Fever

The Nokia N96 seems to correct some of the design `flaws` for which its predecessor the N95 was criticised. It was said to be too bulky looking, although it came with very impressive specifications.

The N96, however, is sleek and equally impressive. It comes with 16GB worth of memory on board, which can be increased thanks to the memory card slot. Apart from that, it has all the features of the N95 in its outstanding design.

Contributed by Sanna Jatoi

Source Internet