Recent AV Gadget Reviews

Krell Industries showed off its new Connect high-resolution audio streaming technology. The Connect plays back FLAC to WAV, MP3 and WMA at up to 192kHz/24-bit audio, plus it does Internet radio.

Sling Media updated its Slingbox platform for those using its Slingbox 500 and Slingbox 350 placeshifting devices. The two technologies are dubbed "My Media" and "Slingbox Companion".

DISH introduced their latest whole-home DVR, the Hopper with Sling. This is the second generation of its brand new HD DVR system released, in our opinion, even before that new car smell, has worn off

DISH introduced something new to complement its new Hopper and Joey whole home DVR system—the DISH Explorer app for iPad. This is an intuitive "second-screen" app that lets you do a lot more.

The new Sony XAV-701HD in-dash A/V receiver has a lot to offer today's tech-savvy customer. With all kinds of smartphone connectivity, it makes this unit an easy choice for those looking to upgrade.

I needed a drive (or drives) that didn't compromise speed. Basically, I wanted a Thunderbolt drive. G-Technology's G|RAID solution intrigued me, so I decided to try it out for myself.

We're here at the 2012 Audioholics Get Together Event in Tarpon Springs, Florida and, you know what? We just can't wait for the event to get started.

The Iogear GW3DHDKIT is called the iogear gw-THREEDEE-hdkit. It is the only product on the market we are aware of that supports wireless 1080p 3D video as well as 5.1 audio.

We're guessing custom installers are going to be flocking to the new Vidabox LiivNAS with its Control4 and SONOS compatibility, unlimited storage expansion ability, and reasonable price.

Earlier this year we reviewed the DISH Hopper & Joey System. Then, you could connect up to three Joeys to a single Hopper system for a total of 4 rooms of entertainment. Now you can do 12 devices.

DVDO's new Quick6 HDMI switch is a high-performance HDMI switch that features InstaPrevue technology, which enables a live picture-in-picture preview of each connected HDMI device.

If you are dying to have Skype on your big screen or if you don't have access any other way, the Logitech TV Cam HD makes sense. For the rest of the world just open your laptop or power up your phone.

The V-MODA Faders Tuned Earplugs are designed to protect both your hearing and your listening experience. At $20 a pair, anyone serious about protecting their hearing should have a pair of Faders.

I'm a fan of the Bubble Case for Kindle Fire by HardCandy. At just over two ounces, it doesn't add much to the weight of your device while offering a lot of protection. Overall - recommended.

At just under $200, the IOGEAR 3D Complete+ looks to be quite the deal - if it works well. The ability to use 3D all the time rather than just occasionally means that upgrading actually makes sense.

It's been (semi)widely known that Google was getting into the media streaming box business. This week they leaked a page on their Google Play website for the Google Nexus Q streaming media device.

The VIZIO Co-Star Stream Player goes between your cable/satellite box and display for picture-in-picture viewing while you access your favorite streaming service, web, Google TV, or play games.

We've reviewed lots of DISH DVRs in the past, from the well-regarded ViP 722, to the Sling-integrated ViP 922. But the Hopper & Joey is a complete redesign of the way you'll record video and watch TV.

The new Armor Series case from Otterbox is a monster. It is much more streamlined than the former 3G Armor Series case and offers dust, fall, drop, and waterproof protection.

The iHome iP4 iPod/iPhone Speaker Dock system - straightforward functionality and great sound for a reasonable price. Prepare yourself, though... It's retro. And when we say "retro" we mean it.

DISH has completely reengineered the iOS app to take advantage of the iPad's larger screen - and also to address multi-tasking and ease-of-use. The new (and still free) app is amazingly better.

Newer Technology's Power2U is an innovative device that combines 2 USB charging ports with a standard Decora-style electrical receptacle. That means you eliminate the need to use bulky power adapters.

Not much has happened to the electrical outlet in the past 85 years, until FastMac invented the U-Socket as a way to wed the standard wall receptacle with a pair of 2A (2000mA) USB outlets.

The new OtterBox Defender Series case for the iPad 2 and 3 has improved stand functionality, an included screen protector, and the ability to use full-sized headphones without removing the case.

The GW3DHDKIT Wireless 3D Digital Kit from IOGEAR is really meant for a second display. Supporting full 1080p and 3D, it makes it very easy to send your high definition content to a second room.

Parasound may have designed the Zcd with industry professionals in mind but, with its feature set, we wouldn't be surprised to see this one jump across the line into budding audiophile.

Thanks to the iHome iA91 App-enhanced Dual Alarm Stereo Clock Radio for iPod I woke up at 5am this morning. I woke up at 5am because the iA91 has dual alarms - and that's really practical.

With uncompressed 1080p and 3D plus 7.1 surround sound transmitting over 60GHz, the DVDO AIR Wireless HDMI Kit looks to be a good, interference-free, solution for those that can't run a wire.