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"The Elektra Theatron was another piece of equipment I had heard a lot about on the forums. While the Yamaha 3800 powers the Neuphonix and Epicentrix quite well, a dedicated power amp really makes them sing. The Elektra is a high-performance 7-channel power amp, which weighs in at just under 30kg. It has an 1800-Watt power supply, which gives each channel plenty of power, even when all channels are being driven. If you want a reasonably priced upgrade to your current system then a power amp can really make your system shine.

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(Credit: Michael Cox)

The Yamaha RX-V3800 acts as a pre-amp in this system by decoding and switching between the different sources.

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(Credit: Michael Cox)

The SVS PC-Ultra Subwoofer is a cylinder-based sub, which houses a downward-firing 13-inch driver and 750-Watt BASH amp. It is quite a different shape, measuring 16 inches in diameter and standing almost 4 feet tall. It keeps the unit lighter and it's much easier to move while still having near-identical output to its 'boxed brother'.

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(Credit: Michael Cox)"

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"The Krix Neuphonix front speakers flank a fully-fledged system which boasts a Krix Epicentrix centre channel, the Panasonic plasma and Blu-ray player, TiVo, PS3, Yamaha receiver and Theatron power amp.

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(Credit: Michael Cox)

The Krix Epicentrix centre channel features the same driver configuration as the Neuphonix floorstander for better consistency.

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(Credit: Michael Cox)

The Krix Neuphonix (detail)

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(Credit: Michael Cox)"

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Google Reader (1000+)

"Is your system connected to the net: and if so is it wired or wireless?

I have the TiVo, Blu-ray player, AV receiver and PS3 wired to the net. Obviously the PS3 and TiVo need to be hooked up to get the most of them, while the Blu-ray player updates its firmware when needed.


Want to submit your gear? If your system is featured you'll win the Fast & Furious Box set including Digital Copy with thanks to Universal! Send us an email at cnetmedia@cnet.com.au and include a small picture of your system. It doesn't have to be a home theatre, it can be a modified PC, photography studio or any other tech-related hobby.

(Credit: Michael Cox)"

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Google Reader (1000+)

"What do you most want to change?

The room that the equipment is in. A dedicated home theatre room is next on the agenda.

Which is more important to you: watching movies and TV or playing music?

While both are important, I watch a lot more movies than I listen to CDs. Saying that, I have quite a few music Blu-rays ... why not have the best of both worlds?

What's your favourite movie or album to play on this system and why?

Transformers 2, mainly for the surround sound and great visuals. My favourite music Blu-ray would be The Killers: Live From The Royal Albert Hall (gotta love HD Audio).

How important are looks when buying new equipment?

While it is nice to have matching equipment, at the end of the day when the lights are turned off for a movie then the picture and sound are all that matter. In a dual-purpose room the line is blurred a little. I love the look and finish on the speakers, and although the sub is quite large, it has a small footprint. While they blend into the room nicely, they are still somewhat of a feature and an interesting talking point."

Google Reader (1000+)

"Michael Cox: My set-up consists of a 50-inch Panasonic TH-50PZ80A plasma, TiVo PVR, Panasonic DMP-BD35 Blu-ray player, Sony PS3, Yamaha RX-V3800 AV receiver, Elektra Theatron Power Amp, Krix Neuphonix floorstanders, Krix Epicentrix centre-channel speaker and Krix Dynamix rear speakers.

I also have an SVS PC-Ultra subwoofer and a Mitsubishi HC-3800 projector. I control all the devices with a Logitech Harmony One remote.

I frequent a few AV forums, and normally grab as much information from them as possible. Reading reviews, people's opinions and suggestions led me to investigate and purchase quite a few pieces of my equipment. If you are starting out in home theatre I can't recommend these forums enough - they are full of helpful info and great people. You can then take the ideas and suggestions to a specialist dealer to hear a demo for yourself.

What's your favourite piece of gear?

My Krix speakers, they never fail to put a smile on my face. They form a detailed front soundstage while still being able to deliver truckloads of punch when it's needed.

How much did your system cost?

Around AU$15K."

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"MyGear: Michael Cox's home theatre
by edit@cnet.com.au (Ty Pendlebury)
Welcome to the first part of a new series, where we bring you an in-depth look at the best entertainment systems from around the nation.


Michael Cox and the SVS PC-Ultra subwoofer
(Credit: Michael Cox)

To kick it off, we'll start with Adelaide's Michael Cox who recently won a 'best system' photo competition from speaker manufacturer Krix. Looking through the photos below you can see why. Cox has amassed himself an impressive-looking system that features not only Krix speakers but Panasonic audio-visual gear and some high-end electronics.

CNET Australia: Tell us about your set-up, and include surround speakers, disk players, docks, recorders, set-top boxes, consoles and any other unusual gear you might have connected to your TV/system."

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Google Reader (1000+)

"Overall

With Google's Honeycomb in place, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1v is an outstanding device for personal media and web consumption. There isn't much Samsung can do about the sub-par app support for Android tablet so far (but this is bound to improve), though we do think not including HDMI or DLNA in the out-of-the-box experience is missing a trick, to say the least. On top of this, the lack of micro SD card support and a user-replaceable battery isn't going to win favour from those who refuse to buy an iPad for the same reasons.

But our strongest reservation comes from Samsung's own announcement of updated Galaxy Tab models arriving in Q3 2011. Boasting a thinner profile and the possibility of larger storage, good things may come to those who wait."

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Google Reader (1000+)

"Performance

Our review of the Galaxy Tab 10.1v marked two firsts for our reviews team, it was our first Honeycomb device in the labs and it was also our first device making use of the Nvidia Tegra 2 dual-core processor. The results, comparatively speaking, were out of this world. The 10.1v flew past last year's best smartphones for in-browser benchmarks, and added well over 50 per cent to the Android-specific benchmarks we've run. But then, you'd expect this from dual-core 1GHz processors.

BrowserMark benchmark

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1v
HTC Desire HD
Apple iPhone 4
Samsung Nexus S
Longer bars equal better performance 91507 41121 38010 36458
In real-world scenarios this resulted in outstanding multitasking performance, with instantaneous transitions between active tasks, and great performance in the 3D games we tested. Battery life was also solid, with about nine or 10 hours of use over two to three days, with a continuous 3G connection and two active push email accounts."

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Google Reader (1000+)

"Media and the web

With all the possible use cases for a 10-inch tablet, Samsung has whittled it down to focus on two important uses; web browsing and multimedia, and in both cases the 10.1v is a real stand out. With the power of the dual-core processor behind it, the web browser renders even complex pages like grease lightning and it handles HD video superbly. The 16GB of storage on-board will be enough for most users, though the lack of expandable memory will infuriate others.

Surprisingly, the tablet's 8-megapixel camera is also a fantastic feature. With auto-focus and an LED photolight, plus a range of pre-set white balanced settings and photo filters, we managed to take some sharp, colourful pics with the 10.1v.

Our only real concern is the lack of a direct HDMI connection or some sort of wireless media sharing option, like DLNA. This year a majority of the top-shelf smartphones and tablets will ship with these features and we'll expect to see them as we'll use these devices as much for sharing media as for consuming it. Not to have one or both of these options is a real oversight in this product like this."

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Google Reader (1000+)

"Not quite 'appening

The only disappointment we've had with Honeycomb so far is the way that a majority of apps render on the larger screen. When Apple launched the iPad it had the forethought to add an app scaling tool, doubling the size of iPhone apps to fit the iPad's display. Google only goes halfway in this endeavour, with some apps filling up the whole screen, while others look ridiculous boxed into a corner of the viewing area.

But even those that do use the entire screen mostly fail to resize the content in the apps for optimal viewing. Facebook and Twitter, for example, open in full screen mode, but each entry is almost too small to read without squinting. Here's hoping these major apps get a tablet-focused update quick smart.


Many important apps, like Facebook, are yet to receive a tablet makeover.
(Credit: CBSi)

The pre-installed apps is a good cross-section of tools, however. There is the standard suite of Gmail, Google Maps (with turn-by-turn navigation) and a very sexy-looking new music player. You also get a full copy of Quickoffice HD, allowing you to create office-compatible documents, edit those stored locally or on a number of cloud-storage services, like Dropbox and Google Docs."

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Google Reader (1000+)

"User experience

Samsung has done a fine job delivering an attractive tablet that is comfortable to use, but the real star of this experience is Google's Honeycomb operating system. Those familiar with Android will see similarities with the software of their phones, but it also feels like a completely new experience, for the better.

The stock Honeycomb experience offers five user-customisable home screens with a persistent notifications bar along the bottom. In the bottom left of the screen, regardless of orientation, you'll find software navigation keys; Back, Home and Multitasking, plus a fourth Menu key within apps that require one.

Unlike the iPad version of iOS, Honeycomb takes full advantage of the screen real estate, with quick access to messages and settings in the bottom right of the screen. Navigating the home screens and app drawer is made even easier, just touch the left and right sides of the screen rather than swiping your finger across it."

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Google Reader (1000+)

"The basic shape and size isn't all that's borrowed from the iPad, however; like Apple, Samsung opts for a sealed device with no replaceable battery, no microSD card slot and no HDMI or micro USB ports. In fact, there are only three ports on the 10.1v: a headphone socket, a slot for a SIM card and a 30-pin charging port.

The 10.1-inch LCD display looks brilliant, even though it doesn't share the AMOLED tech of Samsung's Galaxy S phones. Its 1280x800 (WXGA) resolution looks crisp and sharp, and the colours are bold and vibrant. We've even found the screen mostly visible in sunlight, though the ultra glossy glass over the panel can make it difficult not to see yourself reflected along with your email."

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Google Reader (1000+)

"Design

As with the iPhone before it, Apple's iPad shot to instant success when it was released last year, prompting a quick reply from competitors like Samsung. Apple's success defined consumer expectations for what a tablet computer would look and feel like. Samsung has taken Apple's template and added its own flavour to it; keeping the iPad's 10-inch display and glossy black bezel, but covering the rear of the device with a textured plastic and moulded this grip to best fit your fingers when holding the tablet in landscape view.


The curved rear-facing grip on the Galaxy Tab feels fantastic.
(Credit: CBSi)"

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Google Reader (1000+)

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1v
by edit@cnet.com.au (Joseph Hanlon)

The good
Lightweight for a 10-inch tablet
Android Honeycomb is a joy to use
Outstanding performance even for 3D games
Solid battery life
The bad
No HDMI or DLNA for media sharing
No microSD card slot
Not many Android apps are designed for tablets yet
Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1v is a Vodafone exclusive variant and includes different features and specifications to the recently announced Galaxy Tab 10.1."

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"Earth Hour in photos: before and after
by edit@cnet.com.au (Alexandra Savvides)
(Earth Hour image by Nigel Howe, CC2.0)

When the lights dim each year for Earth Hour, most people are huddled over candles or singing Kumbaya around a camp fire (or is that just wishful thinking?).

Fortunately for those who missed the sights of major cities around the world switching off the lights for an hour, this collection of photos will most certainly tickle your fancy.

Whatever your thoughts may be on the merits of Earth Hour, you can't deny that these photos are rather spectacular. You can see before and after shots of some of the most iconic landmarks from around the world: the Strip in Vegas, the Parthenon, the Brandenburg Gate and even our own Opera House gets the photographic treatment."

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Google Reader (1000+)

"Editorially, we've added two new sections: Travel Tech and Music and Movies. You'll find some of the content from our other categories blended with news and new features that bring a greater lifestyle and entertainment focus to CNET, something we think is logical and content that our readers need and will enjoy.

This video will introduce you to many of the new features, but dive in yourself and tell us what you think. There are many more features we'll be introducing in the coming weeks, but ultimately everything we do will be based on feedback from you. So tell us what you like and what you don't in the comments section below, as all of your thoughts are most welcome."

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Google Reader (1000+)

"New look, new features for CNET Australia
by edit@cnet.com.au (Pam Carroll)
With the consumer tech world constantly changing, CNET Australia has always striven to keep pace by updating our site to reflect what readers are interested in and how they want to read, watch and share the information we provide.

Our latest redesign focuses on these objectives, with a cleaner layout and better access to our videos and other related information. We've added the ability to let you customise your news feed and tap into the CNET community network by following your favourite editors, topics of interest and your friends."

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Google Reader (1000+)

"Phone specifically for in-flight calls
by edit@cnet.com.au (Kent German)

(Credit: Aircell)

A US company called Aircell is launching a smartphone specifically for making that all-important call from 35,000 feet.

It's designed for travellers on private business jets to make and receive calls just as they would while on the ground. It is compatible with the company's forthcoming GoGo Biz service, which will supply in-flight internet access and voice call service for corporate aircraft customers. Aircell also operates the GoGo in-flight Wi-Fi service that many commercial airlines currently employ.

The Android-powered Aircell Smartphone will offer Bluetooth, a wired headset jack, an alphanumeric physical keypad and a 3.8-inch colour touch-screen. The design looks pretty standard, though in its press release Aircell notes that the device 'exceeds the size of most consumer smartphones on the market today.'

Full availability is planned for late this year with pricing details also to come, but the handset won't be available to commercial airline passengers anytime soon."

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Google Reader (1000+)

"Wheee

Like the M3 sedan, coupe and convertible, the ute features a 309kW V8 engine. According to BMW it weighs about 50kg more than the convertible and has clocked 300km/h on the Nurburgring track.

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(Credit: BMW)

Air time

The Pickup seats two, has a tray bed lined in aluminium sheeting and can carry a load of up to 450kg. The targa roof lifts off to save 20kg and to give you true wind-in-the-hair driving."

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Google Reader (1000+)

"BMW M3 ute
by edit@cnet.com.au (Derek Fung)
Unlike many April Fool's news stories this car actually exists, but we doubt it'll ever go on sale, which is a shame really.




Unlike many April Fool's news stories this car actually exists, but we doubt it'll ever go on sale, which is a shame really.

(Credit: BMW)

Pick me up now

On a day when fantastic photoshopped news pieces rule, BMW has decided to roll out one of the coolest and cruellest April Fool's Day jokes, an M3 ute, or officially the M3 Pickup.

Unlike our Apple iBiz, Aussie airports using Kinect and screenless BlackBerry, the M3 ute actually does exist - it's been seen doing testing runs on Germany's famous Nurburgring track.

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(Credit: BMW)"

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Google Reader (1000+)

"Google Cloud Print now native on all HP printers
by edit@cnet.com.au (Justin Yu)
Google announced its cloud-based printing service last year to much anticipation, but the last development version of Google Chrome required a proxy solution for printers that didn't carry native support.


(Credit: HP)

To update users, Hewlett Packard (HP) announced that all HP ePrint-enabled devices will now support Google Cloud Print apps on a range of mobile devices. Cloud Print makes it easy to produce printed copies of word processing documents, websites and articles without the need for a mobile printer. The service temporarily hosts the files you attach on its own servers, then sends the document to your printer for output.

Users can also combine the functionality of Cloud Print with HP's ePrint technology (also added to the entire product line) by adding their printer's uniquely assigned email address to their Google account for printable access from any of the Cloud Print apps, including Gmail for Mobile, Google Docs for Mobile and Chrome.

Via CNET"

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Google Reader (1000+)

"BMW first to offer digital radio
by edit@cnet.com.au (CNET Staff)
BMW Australia has announced that it would be the first manufacturer in Australia to offer digital DAB+ radio tuners in its cars as an optional extra.


The 5 Series sedan can be upgraded to DAB+ for AU$900. (Credit: BMW)

DAB+ will be available on 5 Series and 7 Series from May 2011, and the new 6 Series upon launch later in the year, the company said.

The optional extra will cost AU$750 on all 7 Series, and AU$900 on 5 Series Touring and Sedan vehicles.

'Today's announcement by BMW to offer DAB+ digital radio as an option in a number of models is a great step forward for drivers wanting to access digital radio in cars. Our research shows 33 per cent of commercial radio listening is in the car and with leading brands like BMW making digital radio available in their vehicles, the technology can only move from strength to strength,' Joan Warner, chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia said.

Digital radio is currently available in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth with test broadcasts occurring in Canberra and Darwin."

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Google Reader (1000+)

"How do you deal with jet lag?

To be honest, I try my best to tough it out as much as I can during my journey to a destination. The way home is a different story though, sleep assistance on the plane helps a lot!

What, if any, travel websites do you use?

While I don't use travel websites specifically, I am in the enviable position of having a wide and varied network of local Citrix offices across both Australia and New Zealand and throughout Asia. That has meant that when I'm travelling I have access to some fantastic local guides who can show me the best hotels, restaurants and locales with a true personal touch.

To be honest, I try my best to tough it out as much as I can during my journey to a destination. The way home is a different story though, sleep assistance on the plane helps a lot!

What (if any) travel websites do you use?

While I don't use travel websites specifically, I am in the enviable position of having a wide and varied network of local Citrix offices across both Australia and New Zealand and throughout Asia. That has meant that when I'm travelling I have access to some fantastic local guides who can show me the best hotels, restaurants and locales with a true personal touch."

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Google Reader (1000+)

"What's your favourite phone app for travelling and why?

For business productivity, I mostly use my Citrix Receiver app, which gives me secure access to my corporate desktop and apps from wherever I am. Not only does it give me a working desktop, but it also provides peace of mind when it comes to security. If I manage to leave my smartphone in a hotel room or in a taxi, for example, I know for certain that the confidential information I was working with on the device is safe in the datacentre rather than on the BlackBerry.

What was your most memorable travel experience?

My favourite recent travel experience was a trip up the East Coast of Australia. A number of friends and I loaded up a van with our supplies and surfboards and toured a few of this country's beautiful beaches. It was fantastic to turn off my BlackBerry and my iPad and really concentrate on relaxing; looking forward to the next wave rather than anything else."

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Google Reader (1000+)

"What tech do you miss from home?

My 27-inch desktop is what I miss the most, it makes it easier for me to multitask documents while I'm working at home. My BlackBerry, iPad and laptop are ideal for travelling but the screen-size of each can only do so much for me.

What tech do you love from abroad - where and why?

I was in China recently, and it was a fantastic experience seeing a country so geared toward innovation and rapid technological development. The pace of change and the proliferation of ideas is really inspiring to see in action.

Otherwise, I was very interested to see the Cisco Cius recently. The tablet space is obviously exploding at present, and the way that these primarily consumer devices adapt and change for the enterprise is going to be one of defining trends of the year. The Cius showed one intriguing way of doing that by integrating software like virtual desktops and unified communications alongside the more personal, consumer applications."

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"I really see the world of devices changing. Smartphones like my BlackBerry and others' iPhones I really see for information 'snacking', browsing an email here and reviewing a document there. Laptops on the other hand are for full 'dining', to really get to grips with creating a spreadsheet or a presentation. My iPad is somewhere in the middle - 'grazing' - to be able to browse simply while also having the ability to edit documents where I need to."

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Google Reader (1000+)

"What tech do you travel with and why?

Peter Brockhoff: I keep tech to a minimum as I like to travel very lightly. That said, if I travel for a day or two, I will take my BlackBerry for easy access to my emails and iPad for everything else I need to do in a short period of time. Any longer and my laptop comes too. If I travel less than two days, I can get away with reading and reviewing things: the real estate on the iPad is enough for me. For longer business trips, I generally need to do some more intense work and therefore need the power and input convenience of a laptop."

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Google Reader (1000+)

"Travel Tech Q Citrix's Peter Brockhoff
by edit@cnet.com.au (Suzanne Tindal)
Vice president of Citrix Australia and New Zealand, Peter Brockhoff, has been with his company since 2001. But while he's stayed at one firm for a decade, he's not had the luxury of staying in one place, travelling often for business. He talks to us about his time on the road.


Peter Brockhoff
(Credit: Citrix)"

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