MAVROMATIC for the DIYers, Makers and Electronics People

Great Escapes

Home Theater
March 18, 2004 No Comments

Exactly what the title of the book says... if you are thinking about building a custom home theater, this is a must have. The work by a fellow Greek, Theo Kalomirakis, some of the designs are very gaudy, but you can be inspired and see what is possible. Click here to check it out at Amazon.com.

Make your TiVo Series 1 faster!

Hacks & Mods
March 18, 2004 No Comments

The guys over at 9th Tee enterprises, Inc, have released a new version of their TiVo CacheCARD. Now it comes with a built in Network Interface and just by installing this card you increase UI speeds up to 50%. The best part, if already have a TurboNET card occupying that space, they are offering a rebate to upgrade.

Except from their site:
"Caching - The Tivo database is large (512MB) and every user-interface operation goes back to hard drive to read from the database - the same hard drive that is already busy reading and writing multiple high bit-rate video streams. The CacheCARDTM caches the entire database in high speed SDRAM so all database reads can be fulfilled instantly, rather than joining the queue for access to the hard drive. Database writes go directly to the hard drive so the Tivo database is always protected and is up-to-date on the hard drive."

Give em The Finger

DIY
March 18, 2004 No Comments

Do you have a repetitive one button task you want automated? Well, Michael Simpson over at Kronos Robotics shows you how to build a keyboard button pushing robot. I've used their DIOS line of microprocessors and if you want to build anything from a remote control transmitter to an automated cat feeder for a low cost... Kronos Robotics is the place to check out.

Multi-Room XM tuner

Electronics
March 17, 2004 No Comments

Russound has announced an affordable XM Satellite Radio option for their high performance modular tuner. When used in a Multi-Room system, the convenience, extensive choice of programming and near cd quality sound can be available from anywhere in the home, at the touch of a button.

The folks over at Russound have also announced an innovative server that stores and manages music and digital images providing easy retrieval from virtually anywhere in the home via their CAV6.6 Audio/Video Controller/Amplifier.

Shake, Rattle, and Roll!

Home Theater
March 17, 2004 No Comments

WOW! I got a chance to demo the most amazing home theater enhancement since 5.1 surround sound. It's called the Odyssee by D-BOX.

Simply amazing... here's a quote from their website, "By lifting your seating and occupants on a four-point suspension, in perfect synchronization with the onscreen action and sound, Odyssee creates a virtual reality experience in your living room or home theater. You’re drawn into the action as never before as you experience the same motional forces as the actors and players you’re watching. The emotional effects and spine-tingling excitement created by Odyssee are breathtaking, exhilirating and just plain fun!"

The system adds a tactile experience like no other, because this uses acuators that travel 1" at 2 G's you actually feel like you are part of the movie. Be sure to read up on this company and technology... and if your budget allows, definately drop the $23k on the full system.

Affordable Theater Seating

Home Theater
March 17, 2004 No Comments

Who says you need to be a studio excutive to afford reclining home theater seating? Acoustic Innovations has released affordable entry level theater seating that actually looks good. You won't get cheap over stuffed looking designs here. Instead, the BridgePointe is a "club chair" design that can fit more seating in a smaller space. It has been designed from the ground up for theater viewing, unlike other reclining cinema seating which are just repurposed recliners with cup holders.

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