Podcast #596: ZyXEL 500 Mbps Fast Ethernet Powerline Adapter

Just about everything we add to our home theaters need an Internet connection. Sure you can use WiFi but nothing beats a hardwired connection. If you have an older home it may be difficult to string wire yourself or costly to hire someone to do it for you. One option that is dead simple and as easy as plugging a device into a socket is Ethernet over Powerlines. We have reviewed many over the years but as technology improves we like to test newer products to see if data rates are getting faster. On this episode we take a look at the ZyXEL 500 Mb/s Fast Ethernet Powerline Wall-Plug Adapter.

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Podcast #576: One Week with a Tablet Remote

We are on record of being huge fans of the Harmony remote control. Why not, before the Harmony our coffee tables had four remotes and practically required a user’s manual just to turn the home theater on. With a good universal remote, buttons labeled “Watch TV” or “Watch Blu-ray” make using the system as simple as pressing one button.

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Podcast #542: Traveling with all your Media

Summer vacations have changed quite a bit since we were kids. We used to have to invent games to play to pass the time while in the car or on a plane. But nowadays there are so many options for media, there’s never a dull moment. You can even pull your devices out when you arrive to make sure you have something to watch if you need a little down time in front of the television

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Podcast #538: Pioneer VSX-1122-K Review and Z-Wave Automated Door Locks

We love getting new toys to play with so when the Pioneer VSX-1122-K ($599.99) showed up at the HT Guys HQ we couldn’t wait to put it through its paces. The 1122 is a 7.2 receiver that packs 90 watts per channel. It measures 17.13 x 6.63 x 14.29 in inches (43.5 x 16.8 x 36.3 in centimeters) and weighs 22 pounds (~10 kilos) and looks pretty much like all other receivers from the outside.

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Podcast #464: Pioneer VSX-1120-K Audio/Video Receiver

We recently switched our go-to value receiver to the Pioneer VSX-820-K.  For under $300, it packs in a great deal of features.  But it also makes some sacrifices to get the cost down that low.  So for those who want to step up to a 7.1 receiver, we decided to check out the Pioneer VSX-1120-K.  Right now it’s just over $200 more at a street price of $535.

Check out our sponsor TheaterInvite.com

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Podcast #420: iPad Review

Everyone must be aware by now that Apple has released a new product called the iPad.  It's selling pretty well and, according to some, may become the next big thing in technology. We've had a chance to play with it for a while, so we'll give you our take on it. Our biggest question: How does it apply to the HDTV and Home Theater market?  There have big some huge fads in the past, and some have been huge duds.  We'll let you know if the iPad makes the grade.

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